Exposed Vocals Just caught an exclusive interview with Bar Code Born

Originally, Bar Code Born started off in 2001 as Barbie’s Gun as a 3 piece band. Due to Lawsuit threats by Mattel Inc. the band name changed since they could not afford an appropriate lawyer to tackle Mattel Inc. The band then changed to “Bar Code Born” and added an additional member and started doing shows in outlying cities in Buffalo , southern tier and of course well known places in Rochester NY. Along the way the band opened up for Lava Atlantic Band, Grade 8, received a recording contract offer from Jet Speed Records and a songwriting award from the Unisong International Songwriting Competition. Currently, the band is a one man band project (the vocalist/guitarist & sole songwriter) focusing on songwriting, artistic liberty and potential label, radio or management interest exploration.

Exclusive Interview

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

I grew up in Fairport NY , during the grunge area of music. Can you tell? Any who,  it was kind of a preppy town and very sports oriented…. Not the best for a gay kid, who was targeted. After not finding solace at home (with parents’ divorce and other turmoils) or at school, I turned inward to music  as my escape….the grunge scene spoke to me, and ironically gave me something to live for,…. and also  that there were others like me…so I wrote and wrote….. rest is history

On a side note, the band used to be called , “Barbie’s Gun”. But, after Mattel Inc. felt threatened by we changed it to Bar Code  Born.  I’ve always liked music with a message from the grunge scene…

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?

Don’t let anyone extinguish your dream’s and passions…..follow your bliss, work hard and doors will open for you , where you thought there were none…..

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

In my style of music….like Bob Ross the painter would say…we don’t make mistakes, we make happy accidents,…

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Currently I am a one man band project….I play and do all the music. Except for some drums, female backing vox….

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

I am currently exploring use of the akai professional MPC. Neat way to layer some beats…

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Good question….I didn’t go to school for promoting…but also didn’t for music. Well besides some lessons or the boring music theory class lol.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

Probably David Bowie, Nirvana, Soundgarden….New Order, The Pixies, Psychedelic Furs….Grew up on their music….and all have great songwork….

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Gee…I have tons of songs,…all of which I will never be able to finish before I die. I just hope I choose a few really good ones out of the many boxes, recordings, samples etc…to finish and complete. Currently I am working with John Mayer’s bassist, an LA female backing vocalist and a cello/strings arranger from the UK, for my new song. It’s about pro-diversity/inclusion . Kind of an upgraded , John Lennon, ‘Imagine” type of song. Great way to honor Martin Luther King.  SOOOO needed for our time and day and age, as well.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

I would be probably helping people…..or playing video games or doing yoga or playing with the cats…lol.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?

Some catchy tunes and powerful arrangements and lyrics. Music with a message….

Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?

Thank you , and Tat Tuam Asi and Namaste and all that good stuff….check out the youtube video’s if you like the tunes and pass em on J