Exposed Vocals Interviews GINA BARKEY
GINA BARKEY was born in Enschede, The Netherlands! Raised in America in sunny southern California since the age of 4! GINA BARKEY became a musician at 7 playing the Organ! Influenced by watching THE BEATLES on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964 (GINA’s 6th birthday) to become a Rock and Roll Musician!! GINA learned to play the Tonette (recorder) at elementary school and learned to read notes. GINA BARKEY learned to play the Guitar & Drums at 12. Wrote her first song ever at 15 entitled, ‘I GOTTA BE FREE, FREE AS A BIRD’. GINA has Performed LIVE at School, Church, Coffeehouses, Festivals, Private Parties, Vintage Shops, Night Clubs, College, Pubs, Art Galleries, Department Stores, etc. GINA BARKEY Released her first Original Song, ‘COAST HIGHWAY’ on The INTERNET. Second Original Song released is ‘THE WHISPERING WIND’. Third Original Song released is ‘I GOTTA BE FREE, FREE AS A BIRD’. Fourth Original Song released is ‘BORN TO ROCK’. GINA BARKEY is releasing Original Songs – Online, one song at a time! She has Released her entire Album Online and has Released a DVD. GINA BARKEY loves Music! It is not about being Rich or Famous, it’s All about the MUSIC!!!
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
GINA BARKEY: I followed you on Twitter. I thought it would be interesting to do an interview with you guys.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
GINA BARKEY: I was born in Holland (The Netherlands) but my family moved to California when I was 4. I grew up in Los Angeles County. I learned to play the organ at 7 and was always involved with music! I learned the tonette at school and at 12 I joined the school choir and learned to play guitar & drums. My parents loved music and we had awesome house parties with good food, good people and LIVE music. The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show on my 6th birthday and I was in awe. I remember thinking, “That’s what I want to do someday!” It looked exciting and fun!
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
GINA BARKEY: It is the name I grew up with.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
GINA BARKEY: It’s great for the fans and artist gain exposure but we don’t always make much money off of our music that way unless it is purchased. Yes, it is to get my music out there!
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
GINA BARKEY: Play anywhere you can at first to gain experience performing Live at private parties, coffee shops, cafes, festivals, night clubs, etc. Try to sign up with an independent label first if you can’t get signed to a major label.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
GINA BARKEY: Sometimes, just keep going! The show must go on….you only have so many minutes during your time slot on stage!
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
GINA BARKEY: I have toured around California a little bit! You travel more than anything. When people see me carrying a guitar, they ask me if I am somebody famous. Or they will ask for my autograph and say, “I can say I knew you when”.
If I am walking down the sidewalk, someone will yell out “Hi Gina!!” And I will look at them wondering who it is…then they will yell out, “the Concert!”
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
GINA BARKEY: Sometimes I write the words first and sometimes the music. Or other times I play an acoustic guitar and play it while singing to the music! It usually flows naturally and just comes to me. I keep a pen and paper with me at all times in case I feel inspired to write something down. I usually write my songs with an acoustic guitar!
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
GINA BARKEY: I have two ReverbNation websites (Pop & Rock sites), Twitter page, YouTube channel, SoundCloud page, etc. www.soundcloud.com/gina-barkey . That’s where people can find me or my music! I updated them frequently.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
GINA BARKEY: Wow, do I really have to tell you that? Music from the Partridge Family (David Cassidy). I happen to like his voice and had a major crush on him as a teenager.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
GINA BARKEY: Pay my taxes first then buy a Conversion Van and go on road trips, touring along the coast and perform Live! Also go into the recording studio to record some good quality music so I can release them to my independent record label, RAMCO GLOBAL.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
GINA BARKEY: I am working with a MICRO BR and TASCAM 4-track when I record my demos. I’d like to work with my own Pro Tools recording equipment. Most recording studios nowadays use Pro Tools. I would buy new music equipment like a Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster, also a Takamine acoustic guitar.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
GINA BARKEY: I promote my music online and on CDs. Sometimes I paint my own t-shirts and paint my autograph on them. Performing LIVE is a great way for people to get to know you and your music. My independent record label, RAMCO GLOBAL promotes me worldwide online, on radio & in magazines.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
GINA BARKEY: The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl. I think it would be an exciting place to perform with The Beatles!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
GINA BARKEY: I released a demo of my debut album, GINA BARKEY which includes 14 original songs I wrote and recorded on my acoustic guitar. It’s just my guitar & vocals. My independent record label, RAMCO GLOBAL released the demo. But I want to go and rerecord the album with a full band sound on electric guitar adding drums, keyboards, bass guitar, tambourine, maracas, etc. I am also recording new songs for a second album that I am working on.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
GINA BARKEY: I wanted to study Law or continue working as a Visual Artist/Painter. I did Art Exhibitions years ago.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
GINA BARKEY: It was Glen Campbell with the song, “Honey, Come Back”…I just loved that song and the way he sang it!
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
GINA BARKEY: You just keep busy day and night! In order to succeed in life, you really have to work hard at progressing everyday to improve your life. I take care of my priorities first nowadays.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
GINA BARKEY: New Recordings and New Music! I am writing and recording an album of New Songs!