Brian Barnhouse is currently promoting his new album clarified. Since we had the chance to interview him, we decided to dive into his history and discuss changes in the music industry from the ’80s until now as well as life touring as as a cover band.
And of course we talk about the new album.
Let’s break the ice. Let readers know who you are, where you are from, and what style of music you create.
My name is Brian Barnhouse. I’m based out of Beatrice, Nebraska, and I write old school rock and power pop songs…A cross between Rick Springfield and Thin Lizzy.
You’ve lived through quite a bit during your time in the music industry. What’s the best thing about all those years on the road?
I literally got to travel and see the entire country by playing music, and get paid for doing it. Back when I was playing in cover clubs, there were tons of places to play, and most of the clubs hired you to play from 4 to 6 nights a week…So, you had your days available to check out the city or local area. I was able to see a LOT of country that most people will never get the chance to do, so I’m very grateful for that experience.
How has the music business changed from the 80s until now? What’s the biggest challenge you have faced trying to adapt?
In the 80’s you had Madonna, today you have Miley…so, the BIG BUSINESS machine is still youth & image driven. However, I think the independent musician has SO MANY more avenues for exposure now, and a “Record Deal” really isn’t necessary anymore…It can be an option, instead of something to endlessly chase after.
I remember in ’94, I finally saved up the money to record a three song demo at a good studio…found a reputable source to solicit it to record companies, and out of the 14 record labels it was sent to, only three ever wrote back, and all three basically said the same thing: “Good voice, but we’re looking for grunge.” 🙂 I remember thinking, this business is TOUGH…and Expensive. A good demo, and mailing 14 promo packs was like a Small Fortune to me in those days. Now, you don’t have to rely on a record label, there’s an audience for every style, and you have total control to go find that audience.
I think today’s music business is just as competitive, but the playing field for success has leveled out. I think the biggest challenge these days is Discovering where and how to reach your audience, and then disciplining yourself to make a daily effort to go expose your music to them…that’s my biggest challenge; consistent marketing.
Brian playing in Rayze circa 1990
Before I was born, my father spent many years on the Top 40 Covers circuit… What’s the best thing about playing and traveling in a cover band? What’s the worst?
The best thing about the cover circuit (from the late 80’s and early 90’s circuit), was that it helped me to learn my craft better. When you’re sitting around in a band house or hotel, you have nothing better to do than to Practice…So, I think my level of musicianship definitely increased during that time. I was a guitarist, and that era of music had some incredible guitar players, so to ‘cover’ them well, you had to practice regularly.
The worst thing is it was very easy to lose focus on the end goal. For the bands I was in, we were striving for the ever coveted “record deal”…But, Partying, hangovers, learning new cover songs, equipment or vehicle problems, and general laziness seemed to take center stage a lot.
Would you say it’s easier to get paid and make money touring as a cover band as opposed to a band that only plays original music?
Well, I’m not aware of a full-time cover circuit anymore…maybe in the casino’s, or down on Bourbon Street and places like that… but, as a whole, cover bands have been regulated down to weekends or maybe three days a week gigs. I believe the Original Music club circuit is the same way, and even harder to stand out in, and WAY less money. BUT, you will never become a rock star playing Maroon 5 songs. So, I guess it depends on what your goals are…for “writers” I’d say focus on writing, and marketing, and building that fan list. If you’re just wanting to make money, and don’t care about exposing your original music, than play covers. I know many guys like that, who just enjoy playing live, and don’t really write. They play, and teach on the side, and make a living that way. There’s something glamorous to say your a full-time musician. I haven’t been full-time in years, but I do respect those who pull it off, because it’s TOUGH.
For all the young ones who are aspiring to live a life in the music business…what one piece of advice can you share? Is there any one thing you wish you had known in the beginning that you know now?
Know All Aspects of your business. Good Songs, Good Marketing, and Good Touring. The best thing about today is ALL the great information that’s readily available, telling you exactly how someone is doing it. For less than $20 bucks, there’s guys out there that have written down, exactly how they sold 10,000 CDs…WOW, what a deal. Of course, learning and applying the knowledge is a whole different subject, but at least the information is there these days.
I wish I would have networked better, and built fan lists from the beginning. Today, you can build fans online, but the fans you meet while touring I think are ones who will more easily become “life long fans”…Getting their contact info, and then following up with them, is what I wish I would have did from the beginning.
What can we expect when pressing play on the new album clarified? What was the motivation behind putting this project together?
I believe “clarified” is a genuine album, in the sense that I’m not trying to copy a modern sound, or be something I’m not. My songwriting influences are somewhere between Rick Springfield and Thin Lizzy, and that’s what you’re going to hear when you press play….Solid songwriting with solid playing (I hope). 🙂
This album is 20 years in the making, and yet came together very quickly…In ’93 & ’94 my band Mother Tung was managed by Barth/Turner Management. “Barth” being Bobby Barth (lead singer, lead guitar for the bands AXE, Blackfoot, others). The management deal went south, but Bobby and I always got along very well.
A good buddy of mine, texts me one day and says he just heard “Rock-n-Roll Party In The Streets” on the radio…LIGHT BULB went off. I tracked Bobby down, talked him out of retirement to produce one more album, and 6 months later, here’s “clarified”.
Is the Internet and technology helping you network and find your audience? Are there any challenges you have had to overcome?
Yes, having your own website, Facebook, and YouTube are wonderful tools for the independent musician, and there’s SO MUCH available “How-To” information on marketing. It’s really a great time to be in the music business.
I think the biggest challenge is the “Information Overload”…Personally, my biggest challenge is to stop reading “how” and just go DO IT…especially with the marketing aspect of it. I kind of compare it to an exercise program…where if you exercise for a week, you’re sore and don’t see any results…Which can be kind of frustrating…Just have to keep going, and the results will come eventually.
Where can we connect with you online? Listen to your music?
You can find me at:
- BrianBarnhouse.com
- Facebook.com/BrianBarnhouseMusic
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeySBogy2-xOUSkf3kuz5fg
Any last thoughts? Shout outs?
I’d like to give two shout outs.
First, I want to thank ALL the people who actually buy my CD. There’s so MUCH free music and so many different music options out there these days, that it really means a lot when people actually spend their money to support an artist they like.
Second, I’d like to thank you, Joshua. You have a great service here, and should be applauded for helping independent artists get their music out to the masses. Thank you!
