SCOTT BARNES has always been pretty happy with his life - but certainly never satisfied. That explains why the 22 year-old has always pushed his schedule to the limit; he juggled his schedule as a full-time student in both high school and college while performing throughout the midwest, while finding time to record regularly and earn money through a "real" job. He now lives outside Washington, DC, and will soon resume his balancing act. He'll create time and space where it's limited, followin...
SCOTT BARNES has always been pretty happy with his life - but certainly never satisfied. That explains why the 22 year-old has always pushed his schedule to the limit; he juggled his schedule as a full-time student in both high school and college while performing throughout the midwest, while finding time to record regularly and earn money through a "real" job. He now lives outside Washington, DC, and will soon resume his balancing act. He'll create time and space where it's limited, following a dream, taking life in. "You can't limit yourself in life, it's just too short. I want to experience everything, I don't want to say, 'No.' I try to convey a love for life in my music." Scott smiles wryly and continues, "I'm a pretty happy kid, but I'm always looking for more."
When asked to describe himself in one word, he quickly responds with, "Dreamer." He is a mirror of his surroundings, flavored with optimism; the topics of his songs range from love to revenge, but they all seem to assert that there is more to life than the here and now. Most importantly, he wants people to realize one thing: dreams are to be held onto and nothing shuld get in the way.
Scott first performed at the age of 15 at his high school's 'Battle Of The Bands'. Winning over the crowd from the very first note of an original tune, he was immediately hooked to being on stage. Soon after, Scott went to Lansing, Michigan's Studio One to make his first 'real' recording. "The thing I remember most about working with Scott was his willingness to learn...he had a real drive to get better," recalls engineer Mitch Wells. "He was then, and is now, a real joy to work with".
Now Scott performs all over Michigan and upper Midwest, and has headlined shows in Chicago, Indianapolis, Lansing, East Lansing, and Detroit. Venues he's performed at or headlined include the Heartland Cafe (Chicago), The Abbey (Indianapolis), The Wired Frog (Detroit), The Temple Club (Lansing), Mac's Bar (Lansing), P.T. O'Malley's (East Lansing), Rick's American Cafe (East Lansing), and he's a regular with Michigan State University sponsored on-campus events, to name a few. He has had the fortune of sharing the stage with Teddy Geiger (Columbia Records), Tally Hall (Atlantic Records), and Kate Voegele (MySpace Records). Equipped with a guitar, an array of foot pedals, a brave voice, and a captivating on-stage presence, Scott is an engaging entertainer who sees his mission while on stage as creating a bond with his audience. "The live show is what it's all about to me. You have one opportunity to win over an audience, one chance to make a first impression. I think I thrive on that. I want everyone to feel involved. They're just as much a part of the show as I am." Scott pauses then quickly corrects himself. "They're a bigger part of the show."
The music of Scott Barnes has been compared to The Wallflowers, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Counting Crows, and O.A.R.; his voice has been described as Dave Matthews meets Peter Gabriel. Taking inspiration from his Mid-Michigan roots, Scott creates a simple yet moving musical landscape from which the listener takes a sense that they too can live the lives that they want for themselves. "If one person can hear a song and feel differently about an aspect of their life than they did before hearing it, if one person can listen to my lyrics and feel motivated or empowered, if just one person can connect with a message in my songs, then I have succeeded," he says. "That is why I write these songs."
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