“The Music business has changed significantly through the digital recording, social media, download ability, pay structure & marketing. It is much easier to distribute to many potential fans but the cost to record, maintain websites and renew itunes that pay minimal , makes it a not for profit industry. ” – @darrbarr57

Episode #276 : A.V.A Live Radio Behind The Music with Jacqueline Jax
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/avaliveradio/2015/11/19/episode-276-ava-live-radio-behind-the-music-with-jacqueline-jax

GETTING TO KNOW DARRELL BARR
by Jacqueline Jax host of A.V.A Live Radio

Music business…
It has changed significantly through the digital recording, social media, download ability, pay structure & marketing. It is much easier to distribute to many potential fans but the cost to record, maintain websites and renew itunes that pay minimal , makes it a not for profit industry. Unless you get the support from a label and corporate owned radio stations, it will be very difficult for you to make a living in the music business.

Pros- itunes, social media, instant access to fan’s around the globe, that can buy your music. Advertising local shows is easy through facebook, website, twitter, reverbnation…etc.
Video’s can be easily loaded in youtube for a mass audience. EPK’s easily sent.|

Cons- The cost to produce/record. At $1000 per song to record, you need to sell 2850 songs on itunes to just break even. That doesn’t include costs for other musicians and expenses associated with the recording. There is a lack of support from Canadian radio stations to play local talent, cost to radio track is prohibitive.

Social media…
Immediate access to global audience. Several different channels of access. Can use all!! Marketing options through facebook & Reverbnation options. 
 Everyday you learn something new! Just try to learn how more and connect with people who may be able to help.( like Jacqueline Jax!!)

Singles vs an album..
It is much more cost effective to release an album vs a single. The cost to record one song may be the same for each song on the album but to pay different musicians to come in and play, you can have them do many songs in one sitting. To load a single on itunes will cost $9.99 where an album with 12+songs, $29.99 initial cost and $49.99 renewal. If you want to sell the product as a CD, it needs to be an album.
I played the trumpet…
in Junior High and enjoyed the drums. My father purchased a drum set for me, after many pleads to him. It was what the instrument I was most interested in playing. But as my interest in music grew, my brother taught me some chords on the guitar and I started to sing and play. My inspirations were listening to Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves, Engelbert Humperdinck ,John Denver and other rock groups.

Shanghaied…
I wanted to write an up-tempo song. I had this vision of a guy picking up a good looking girl that was hitch-hiking and they started a relationship. I was stuck in the third verse, when a friend came by and suggested to me some lyrics that might work, so with the collaboration from Rob Hewes my producer and Lori Hayes, we brought the song from a romance to a robbery. Wanted it to be a boogie woogie tune, so added some trumpets and saxophone to make it jump

The album “Here I Am” (includes Shanghaied) was long overdue…
With producer Rob Hewes, I had come to him with many songs; some completed and some needing an added touch. The significance of this CD is that gave me the opportunity to share my message. I create and express myself in songs. There are tunes on this CD that I’ve written while broken hearted, happy and moved spiritually. The Song “Here I Am” had moved me while praying. I am a believer in God. This tune arrived while feeling grateful and for the hard times I have overcome. I did an album that most people enjoy. Toe tapping, thought provoking, heartfelt moments they can relate too and sing along with.

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada…
The venues supporting live music are limited but there are many talented artists that live here. Very few record labels or publicist’s to work with. I personally love to Golf! Golf! Golf!

I would love to have 5 minutes alone with…
Elvis, to share his artistic insights. His wisdom and coaching. He experienced so much( what to do and what not to do) He was cool, calm, had ladies by the score, good looking, charming, could sing like a bird. So many great people to choose from, but Elvis was one of a kind.

Do you find that there is too much emphasis on being current and trendy…
Yes, your music needs to align to what is selling in the market at that time but thankfully trends come and go. I believe a SONG is a SONG is a SONG. I like melodies, great lyrics and songs that move my heart. I don’t write to match a current trend.

I am most afraid of… Nothing really

My personal definition of success is..
Back in the year 1990, there was a singing contest Canada wide. I was representing my home town of Edmonton. There were 10 other provinces that entered this contest. There were other musicians that entered from my hometown, one in particular was friends with the backup band. We had to bring two songs for the band to learn, I had brought my songs to the musical director and the night of our regional finals HE tells me…Gee I’m sorry we didn’t learn your songs for tonight. WHAT?!! Of course I had found out later that this one guy who knew the band, had been rehearsing with the whole band the night before!

Well, I was ticked off needless to say, I didn’t know what to do…! I went outside, out the back way of the club, I sat down on the curb, and put my head in my hands took a deep breath and asked God, “What am I supposed to do now ?”

What came to me was…. do what you do best, and sing an original song. When I was called to sing….I firstly said, “Apparently the band didn’t learn MY songs.” So I said I’d dismiss the band, and I proceeded to introduce the songs I was about to sing. One song had me playing a harmonica solo in it, but I couldn’t because I had to play my guitar.

I did mention where the solo was to be. The last song for me to sing was a song I wrote for my Grandmothers birthday. I asked for a stool to sit down on, and proceeded to tell the audience and judges what this song was about and whom it was for.

Well, after the group of singers from around our region had all sang. The winner was to be announced. The winner of the Budweiser Country Award goes to : Darrell Barr !!! I had prayed and persevered and came out on top!

My over all goal for my life & career is…
– To have songs that will be somehow forever remembered.
– A house hold name in the business of music.

3 Ways that I challenge myself and how each one moves me forward towards my goal.
1) I try to write what’s in my heart, which is being vulnerable. I think it makes me stronger.

2) I am on my second Christmas show, which challenges me to have a crisp new show each year.

3) I just try each day to be a better person than I was yesterday.

Social Media:
Webpage: http://darrellbarr.ca/
Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/darrellbarr
Twitter: darrellbarr @darrbarr57
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/page/1510181035896651