Terry Barrett began playing music in the church at the age of 13. He performed for various youth groups, and opened for national touring acts like Peter Frampton, Todd Rundgren, King Crimson, Gentle Giant, Slade, and Cheech and Chong. He formed different bands throughout his career, including one called The Bangorillas, that charted on college radio and touring in the U.S. The band played shows with UB40, The Ramones, Bon Jovi, Lords of the New Church, and The Romantics among others. After the band disbanded, he joined The Ramones sound crew as a traveling crew member. He faced an alcohol problem that lead to a near-death experience but he overcame it, and formed the Terry Barrett Band. He released a couple of albums, one of which had a song “Time Machine” that was played in places like Africa and Europe. is After his next album was finished but not manufactured, he reworked some of the songs and included them in his latest album, “Groove Rock and Dinner Talk with Terry Barrett.” Check out he album and the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
TERRY BARRETT: My mother used to take me to rock shows in NE Ohio USA when I was around ten years old. I was fascinated with guitar sounds. Jimi Hendrix just stunned me.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
TERRY BARRETT: I have had little training. I understand music theory but can’t read for shit. Can I say that on the air? But I would recommend getting formal training. I did lose some studio recording jobs because of my lack of reading.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘TERRY BARRETT’?
TERRY BARRETT: I still find guitar heroes; Jimi Hendrix, Richard Thompson, Larry LaLonde, Diblo Dibala, Habib Koite, you know the usual. My real name is a big clunky thing. My name is Terry and Barrett is a maternal family name from Co. Mayo. It really doesn’t matter because people still get it wrong. Its funny to drive to a city to play and your name is on the marquee outside spelled Bennett or Barnett.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
TERRY BARRETT: I definitely am different and encouraged myself to be different. So what I play has a hard time finding a niche or a genre. I do love world-beat music, but I mean rhythmic music. Sometimes I might like to write a rhumba, or some reggae or African style song. The Albanians have some rocking music. I am usually about serious issues but sometimes I have to lighten up and throw some lighter or happier tunes in.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as ROCK?
TERRY BARRETT:
Yes I went through the phases of sounding like my influences. I really got sick of audience members pointing that out. Everyone usually levels out to do things their own way. I’m comfortable doing things my way until I learn better.
6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
TERRY BARRETT:
Damn I have to do all three of those things. Songs can be important in people’s lives but I guess in the end it still is just entertainment.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
TERRY BARRETT:
No, yes, no. I gave up a lot of things to play music. I didn’t have to be stupid.
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
TERRY BARRETT:
When I put together a song I have done all those things you have in your question. Sometimes it’s a catchy phrase in your head. Sometimes it’s a particular sound or something that makes you emotive. If you’re needing advice I would say to just pick up your instrument and play, play, play to inspire a tune. I rarely have collaborated with others. Two alpha males in that situation bug me.
9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
TERRY BARRETT: the poverty at different times
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
TERRY BARRETT: I’ve had times in front of thousands of people and hundreds of them would be singing along with me to my lyrics that’s a trip. When someone tells you that your song meant something to them is even better. I have thousands of road stories. Wouldn’t it be nice if those times paid royalties? They don’t. So go home now half assess. We have had to make some room here.
11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
TERRY BARRETT: It’s wonderful when someone writes something nice about you or your song. You just have to remember there is always someone else who doesn’t like you at all. Sometimes though I have learned from critics.
12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
TERRY BARRETT: Well I love to produce music, record it, and all the engineering involved has me forever learning. Doing live sound can get your heart pumping and playing live makes everything come alive. My answer is yes to all of it.
13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
TERRY BARRETT: People will always interpret songs. It’s just great enough that they try.
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