READY FOR THE WORLD.
With irons in the fire Barbria is ready to blow up.
Congratulations are in order for Barbria DeĆnne, for within the last year and a half Barbria has graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta with a 3.8 G.P.A. in Music Entertainment Management and has completed two CD projects on her own label, Barbi-Tone Entertainment. During the last year and a half Barbria has been very busy studying, working, interning, promoting, shopping, writing and now celebrating. For after 25 months of sleepless nights, headaches, left over meals and a mound of disheartening decisions Barbria has finally accomplished the two major goals which brought her to Atlanta. Barbria DeĆnne moved to Atlanta on July 1, 1995 and set out to learn more about the music industry. This decision didn't come easy because Barbria gave up an awful lot to be there. However if you knew Barbria Like I know her, you'd know she always wants more. She maintains that if Better is possible then good just isn't enough. Although sad about leaving her family and friends behind in Chicago, Barbria went on to start over in Atlanta. However, now that her goals of receiving her degree and completing her CD project have been accomplished, the question now is can we expect a move back to her hometown? Barbria and I have been friends for an awful long time. We grew up together and even went on our first double-date together. Although, the blind date episode is not something I can readily forgive her for. The guy was just flat out UGLY. However, now that its not so easy to run down the street to her house or hide in a closet and talk on the phone with her for hours, I must admit I really miss having her around. My best friend has gone miles away from me. I spoke with Barbria briefly during the Christmas holiday when she was in town for a few days. At that point I realized Barbria loved Chicago but had no desire to come home right away. Although I didn't get the impression that she had any qualms of moving from Atlanta either. Her mind was on having more and achieving more, as per usual. Barbria is a 26 year old young woman, not married, has no kids and is ready to go wherever her talents lead her. In a brief interview with Barbria on a Sunday in March, I ask her right out:
TD: When are you coming home?
BD: I don't know. I'll come back to Chicago when I'm out of options or out of a job.
TD: What are you working on now?
BD: Well, I just finished working on my web site before you called , I've completed the specs for the CD layout and design. I'm still singing with my band, overseeing my Grandfathers real-estate property and I'm still working at MCI.
TD: When do you sleep?
BD: Sleep, now there's a novel idea. I usually take cat naps.
TD: Have you been singing in any Clubs in Atlanta ?
BD: No, I've been really busy lately, with everything else that's going on, so unless I get a chance to sit in at a club around town, no one really sees me. I think they all assume that I've moved back to Chi-Town.
TD: With So many irons in the fire, how do you manage your time?. Your day's have got to be running together.
BD: Yea , sometimes I wake up wondering what day it is.
TD: That has got to be so hard, I can't help admiring your persistence. It's like you set your goals and no matter what happens you're going for it. Lets talk about the CD Project. This must have been a whirlwind year for you. I know it's got to be overwhelming for you working on your own project from beginning to end. Tell me the most disheartening thing that happened over the last year and how did you bounce back to complete it all?
BD: Well, the most disheartening thing that happened was I received a letter from Sony Records telling me that Sade didn't want me using her guitar lick that I paid for a full year prior. This would not have been a problem however it was a year after I purchased a license to use the sample and was receiving airplay on the song. Not to mention this particular song was the title cut from the full length CD. So we had to go back and do the whole song over.
TD: Haven't you heard the stories why didn't you just do something original to begin with.
BD: The song was original. The guitar lick was added as an after thought to generate awareness. I wasn't trying to rip off Sade or ride on her coattails however it fit and I thought it would be a nice tribute to Sade. However, she apparently didn't think so. Yes I'd heard the stories and I was very meticulous in applying for the license, I consulted with my attorneys and even called Sony for approval. Legally I did everything as it should have been done. Once a song has been commercially released anyone can redo that song in part or in its entirety after purchasing a license to do so. Sade's reason was she just didn't want me to use it. So rather than going through the trouble. We just did the music over and basically said to Sade thanks for being the true you, because the song in my opinion sounds better now than it did before.
TD: So what's gonna be on this CD any remakes? (ha, ha)
BD: Hell no, This CD will consists of 13 songs and after the Sade incident there will be no remakes or samples used at all. I was going to redo "I'm gonna love you a little more, babe" by Barry White. However I scrapped it for another song which I wrote called Spend some time. I didn't want to go through any more headaches. The songs are all original songs written by myself and Tony with the exception of I Do which was written by Myself and Neil Russell
Intro-Lude
I Do
Take a chance on love
Love Always
Douse my Fire
Secret Fantasy
Inside my love
Nobody has to know
No Matter how hard we try
Without You
Spend Some Time
Secret Fantasy (Remix)
Out-Tro
TD: Have you gotten a distribution deal, or will you be handling that yourself?
BD: I do have national distribution through Valley which distributes to stores like Sam Goody and Musicland. However, it is a non-exclusive agreement so I am still looking for that right P&D deal (pressing and distribution). Although it will be for sell over the Internet at Amazon.COM and CD Now.COM. However, for now it will be totally independent and released on Barbi-Tone Entertainment.
TD: Aren't you wearing yourself thin?
BD: Yes, but I do some of my best work when I'm pressed and busy.
TD: That may be but Barbria you are an artist. Isn't there someone who can do that work for you.
BD: I know I'm an artist, I'm also a business woman and it hurts a little when people refer to me as just an artist. I've become a jack of all trades and I don't stop until I've mastered them. It's unfortunate but a lot of people think artists aren't smart, artists can't know anything about business or artists should just create and let others handle they're books. The music industry is full of artists who didn't take the time to know more about their business. Dreams don't come true by letting others do the work for you, they come true when you work hard and remain persistent and do all you can against all odds. It's not over until you win and I'm in it to win it. This is a very hard business and I've set some major goals for myself. I've given up a lot to do this and I'd be crazy to wait for the dream fairy to come and make my dreams come true. So until that fairy bus rolls in, I'll continue to work hard on my dreams and work hard on accomplishing my goals.
TD: Damn, I get it. You go girl. So, will we be able to purchase the CD here in Chicago and will you be coming home to perform maybe at your old stomping ground the Cotton Club?
BD: Yes and hopefully yes. You will be able to purchase it if airplay dictates a buzz. The stores will only order the CD if people are requesting it. So make sure you tell everyone there to call the radio stations and request one of the songs. Currently I am working to set up dates for a listening party there in Chicago. But those details aren't in yet, although, I will let you know.
TD: Well, what's going on with your press release in Atlanta?
BD: I've scheduled it for June 6th which is the first Sunday in June at Cafe 290. I still have a lot of work to do on it.
TD: Why so far away?
BD: Well, I wanted to make sure I had enough time to make everything right.
TD: Well, I know I can just expect an autograph copy but what about the rest of your exclusive fan club?
BD: When we're done I plan to mail out order forms to those who want to purchase an advanced copy of the CD along with an autographed poster.
TD: Sounds like you have a solid plan.
BD: Every business person has a plan. Now its time to put that plan in motion. Which is harder than coming up with the plan.
TD: Well good luck. I'm praying for you and I hope you do make your dreams come true. By the way, we are all so very proud of you.
BD: Thanks Tammy.
Well folks there you have it Barbria is on a mission. Although, I can't help but see a change in this young lady. Over the past few years since her move, Barbria somehow has grown up from that spoiled little Daddy's girl I used to know. Although, she still wants everything, at least now she's working very hard for what she wants.

-TAD