Barbria DeĆnne
Kicking Butt and Taking Names.
Barbria keeps going and going and is seriously kicking butt. When last we spoke Barbria had finally finished the long awaited CD "Love Always" which took years to make. Well, months later Barbria continues to perform and promote her CD. Her plan was to take this CD as far as it could possibly go and my diligent little friend is making headway. Yet, as always Barbria still wants more. She is finding that being an independent label owner and the artist is no easy task. But she continues to press on through it all. I recently spoke with Barbria during a short stint in Chicago where she had to come back due to a death in her family. This being no joyous occasion, Barbria still took the optimistic view. When I asked how she was feeling she replied, "a little down". She knew that her uncle was in a better place. Although, she would miss him, She explained this life was no longer a life of happiness for him. Now he can walk around heaven without the pain. Still somewhat upbeat, Barbria, also known as the energizer bunny to close friends, brought me up to date on this ongoing project.
TD: I must start by saying how sorry I am to hear that your uncle passed, he will be missed. However, its good to see you're in good spirits.
BD: Well, its easy to be in good spirits having known him and how happy he was. He was 80 years old, if he was in his 40's it would be a sad occasion, but he lived a very full and happy life and its time and reason to rejoice.
TD: I'm with you on that. So how's everything going with you. What's up with the career?
BD: Well, its been busy, slow and moderate, but it's still the next level.
TD: Okay, what exactly does that mean? You're beginning to sound a little bit like a company President.
BD: Okay, exactly what does that mean?
TD: It means you are being mealy mouthed. In case you've forgotten we are life long friends, I know you.
BD: Well, it means that my career has been both happy moments and sad moments and at times very hard to get back on track. I'm working like crazy to maintain. However, its really all good. I realize you have to have the bad moments to help you recognize how good the good moments are, and believe me my Highs are really high and my lows are still high lows. I'm still going. I've created a position in life for myself where I can't stop. If I stop the world passes me by and all the hard work and determination that I have put into my career would be in vain. So knowing that I have a goal and a passion for that goal I continue to stay diligent. I'm shooting for the stars and if I don't make it all the way to the stars at least I won't fall to far from the clouds. I am enjoying my journey. It's really all a blast.
TD: That's better. So what are some of the bad moments that you've gone through over the last few months.
BD: Damn Tammy! Why you got to start with the bad moments?
TD: Because this is going in your next newsletter and we have to peek interest. We'll get to the good moments later. You have to know the bad to recognize the good. Remember?
BD: Ha, I got cha. Well, the first bad moment would have been having a radio programmer tell me she didn't like the CD or my voice and that I could not sing.
TD: Bullsh*t! You're kidding me.
BD: No, I wish I were. This was quite devastating. However, this is someone who programmed "that just my baby's daddy" so I realized her opinion was just that, an opinion.
TD: That B*tch is crazy. Your CD is the absolute bomb and your voice and spirit completely come through on every single track.
BD: Thanks Tammy, but that is after all your opinion. I have had very positive feedback on the CD and pretty much everyone who has heard it has loved it. She was the very first that had ever said anything like that. So, after a slight reevaluation, I had to just dismiss it as her opinion. The truth of the matter is, she more than likely had to go through corporate to have songs approved. Its not easy to get airplay when you are an independent. This was her way of getting me out of her hair. It was just another game some programmers play to keep you from asking.
TD: She still could have been a little more tactful.
BD: Oh, I agree with you, but you can't teach an old female dog new tricks.
TD: Oh, you have definitely changed because you and I know we both would have gone off.
BD: Yea, but when you own your own company you have to pick your fights. This wasn't important enough to fight over but it did hurt the artist in me.
TD: So, what else happened?
BD: Well, then I had a string of other things happen which actually helped me realize who my friends are. This was difficult because one in particular caught me by surprise. However, that has all been nipped in the bud, and I'm moving on.
TD: So You and Tony are cool?
BD: Oh yeah. Tony and I are good friends . This had nothing to do with Tony however, he did warn me. I didn't listen, and bought the lesson for myself.
TD: Okay, those are definitely bad points and pretty much everything after that could be considered good.
BD: Yeah, I've had very high highs, and believe me everything that has happened has been both amazing and scary. However, its all been great, on a smaller scale of course. The thing about being totally independent is that you have to basically work your behind off and I have found that out the hard way. I am down to a size 4 now from a size 14 two years ago. But I feel great and more confident that God continues to have a plan for me. Four years ago I never would have thought that I would be in this position. I believed of course that I would have a major deal, however, my course changed and I've learned what really goes on and Its all good. Everything is falling into place and I know that with diligence it will continue to get even better. I have gotten rave reviews from the CD and it is currently being reviewed by the Majors. I'm picking out my dress for the Grammy's and hopefully, sometime soon I'll get that nomination that I've dreamed of for so long.
TD: Go Girl. Now give me examples, give me the stats.
BD: Well, here goes.
6/99 CD Release Party -
( a success)
Receiving airplay on Take a Chance on Love on 23 commercial stations in the US.
One College station in the US.
charting 28 out of the top 40 in Brazil.
Airplay in Canada and The Netherlands.
Selling out of CD's over the Internet three times.
Having the CD in stores at Tower Records, Warehouse music, Sam Goody and Musicland.
the project is currently being reviewed by Columbia Records, Sony and A&M Records.
Several new web sites.
and several new fans and friends who love the project and continue to encourage and support me in my endeavors.
When I get into thinking about all of the good things that are going on all of the bad stuff seems so trivial and meaningless. The bottom line is its negativity which I can't even begin to find the time to deal with. It hurts and brings me down for a minute but God continues to truly bless me and I recognize that. So, I continue to pursue my goals and dreams. People are recognizing me and my heart which shows through in the music that Tony and I have worked on for four years, and believe me that makes me feel better than you will ever know. It's like having a child and watching it become a success. You do all you can to assure this baby will have a great life but when you get that report on how well your child does without your supervision it just makes you feel like "whew, job well done."
TD: Well, I know that feeling. You know Brian got all A's.
BD: So, you've told me. Give him a big kiss from his Auntie Barbria.
TD: Already done. You know we all miss you and hope that you're doing well. It seems you definitely have your work cut out for you. You're taking the bull by the horns. So tell me this, is there any time at all for a relationship in your life right now or are you still flying solo.
BD: In that arena I am flying so low you couldn't even begin to imagine. I get hit on an awful lot, but I think its because of the weight loss and Tony says, I have a certain air of distinction about me now. He calls it "star quality." But there is no one serious in my life right now. I just can't seem to find the time or the kind of man that is willing to deal with my schedule. I work constantly. Although, I don't miss it and I'm not actively looking. I get offers, some of them are pretty good too. But you know my type and that type of guy just doesn't keep my type of hours. So it will be pretty hard to find that particular man.
TD: How boring, no dates? What the hell????
BD: I've had a couple of dates, however in hind sight I could have been creating more music or watching paint dry.
TD: DAAAMMMNNN, I see.
BD: I know what I want and where I'm going and I don't need any diversions right now. I try not to build a wall or become a cynic or anything. But I just don't have the time to be distracted by anything or anyone, especially if that's not what I'm looking for. I hope this doesn't mean I'm going to be old, successful and lonely.
TD: Aren't you that now.
BD: No, I'm just successful and lonely. You're old.
TD: Ha, Ha, well I can tell you for sure your CD is helping an awful lot of others get some action.
BD: So I've heard. And for the record: I don't really need to hear the details I just want you to enjoy the music and yourselves.
TD: So I take it you've heard that this CD should have some sort of Adult label on it.
BD: Well, many have told me they love me and recently some guy said he and his wife got back together on the CD, which I thought was real cool. But the message is all about Love not just about sex. The sexual undertones are pretty subliminal. I wasn't trying to create a CD that one can make love to, but, whether a CD which would make people think about or realize the love. It's all about the Love, always, without it we are lost.
TD: Well, you have definitely out done yourself and again I'm proud of you.
Well folks there you have it, yet another issue of the Barbi-Tone Newsletter. Barbria seems to be kicking pure butt and taking names. And a note to the haters, you're not gonna stop her, so you might as well get on the band wagon. My girl is on her way straight to the top. In an addendum make sure you keep your ears out for the April release of the single "Nobody Has To Know" from the CD 'Love Always.' If you haven't heard it listen to it , if you've heard it keep loving it, and if you haven't purchased it get to a record store nearest you today and order it. This is Tammy Downes signing off and hoping everyone remains safe, until next time.

-TAD