BILLBOARD: "BARBARIAN READY FOR STRONG DEBUT"






New "ID" promo pic

Billboard: Thank you for stopping by today Barbarian!

Barbarian: Thank you for having me here, it really is an honor.

Billboard: For the past few months, you seemed to be on the low key. I could imagine how busy you must be the whole new record deal going on.

Barbarian: Well there's been a lot of things going on the past few months, both in my personal life an in my professional career. I've been extremely busy recording my first album. I've literally been in the studio non stop. I think that it is important that you receive that true timeless satisfaction when recording an album and that's why its been taking me a while, but I never rush anything. It feels good and it's all finally coming together.

Billboard: We remember you blew everyone away with your performance on Ellen. What was it like, getting to perform Live on national TV for the first time?

Barbarian: Well you know I was fortunate to start some promo work, so that was definitely fun. I was a nervous wreck but I honestly felt so surprised by the reaction, I genuinely did not expect it. It felt so good in the end, because I was able to accomplish something big like that. I'm really new to the music world so I'm still learning a lot of things. I'm honestly just humble, that I get to do something for fun and people really enjoy it.

Billboard: How was it like growing up? Did you ever think that you were going to be famous one day?

Barbarian: Growing up, everyone wants to paint this horrible picture of their childhood and honestly I feel like almost everyone has a troubling childhood in their own way. Some are more fortunate than others. Me personally I went through a lot of challenges with my mother, but I also remember the good moments I had. How I evolved into the fashion industry and eventually coming into music. Of course there are the really bad moments I've experienced. I'm the type of person that I like to keep the bad stuff inside and embrace the good. That can be a bad thing because I hold a lot in, but that's just the way I am. I think it takes time for me to open up to people about certain things that happened in my life.

I never though about it to be honest with you. I never thought I would be famous. Things just started happening day by day and next thing you know I signed my first major modeling deal. It's all so surreal.

Billboard: How would things be different for you if you weren't famous?
Barbarian: Well, I think that honestly, I would still be doing what I'm doing now, just now in such a upscale format. No matter what fashion and music both go hand in hand with me and I could honestly care less about the fame, but I know I'm destined to become a legend. I believe so, at least.

Billboard: What about reality TV? This year Reality TV is in and there have been shows like Star Factory and of course, the one and the only Big Brother. What made you want to go into Celebrity Big Borther 3?

Barbarian: Big Brother? I honestly love the show! It is one of the best on TV and It's always fun to see the egotistic side of people. We all have it and while some of us hate to admit it, it is only fun and I think in the end the show is just pure entertainment. Some people take themselves too seriously and it just makes them look really.....just (laughs) stupid. I mean it's just reality television, get over yourself.

I never really watched a full episode of Star Factory but I know some of the contestants. I honestly hate talent shows like that, only because I feel like that kind of vast majority of talent shouldn't be classified or be put in first, second third place ect. It's always horrible to see the really talented people being let go. But In the end, like I said, it is all entertainment and it is the people that vote who choose who's going. I personally feel that being versatile is what makes you a star and most of the people on that show all are. Most....not all (laughs)

Bilboard: How do feel about the Season 1 winner of Star Factory?

Barbarian: I absolutely lOVE her. She has what it takes to be next Stephanie Fierce. It is amazing her Diva attitude and stuff. I don't really like her voice cause it gives me a headache, but I know she has the attitude to be on top. I wish her all the best!

Billboard: Latetly, you've been compared to the Iconic legendary superstar Stephanie Fierce, who was here not long ago. Now obviously, she is your boss, so we won't see you talking smack about her, but genuinely how do you feel about those comparisons.

Barbarian: Her being my boss has nothing to do with it. If I had something to say, I would say it, but it's all in the matter of respect and who I say it to. You know I'd love to have her power! Every time the word legend or icon is mentioned, whether it's meant in a good way or not, her name seems to be right next to it. I'd love to have that power one day (laughs) But honestly I don't think my music and hers are any similar, but I look up to her and respect her hustle. She's been put through so much in this industry and she's still here today making music and slaying wigs left and right, and honestly that's inspiring. I always find it disrespectful when people try to offend the legends in the biz. Obviously, there is something about me that reminds people about her, otherwise they wouldn't say it in the first place. In the end, people are entitled to their opinions and being compared to her is honestly an honor.

Billboard: How do you feel about signing with Hot Eye Records?

Barbarian: It was honestly a huge accomplishment for me! It's really hard to sign with Hot Eye Records, and to get that opportunity was only an honor. I really like the spirit there. I'm really blessed to be around talented people like Mercedes Payne and pretty much everyone else signed.


Barbarian at the 5th Chaos Awards

Billboard: People already classify you as an R&B singer. Would you claim yourself to be an all around R&B singer? How does that effect the way you record music or even more specifically, your debut album "ID"?

Barbarinan: Well, yes. I'm R&B but not limited to it. However, I do want to make an all around R&B album because unfortunately R&B music is not as popular as it was just recently. I honestly respect a lot of artists like Dominic Brown and Alicia Lena because they have constantly kept R&B music alive. Thanks to them, R&B music still has a title and I want to be a part of that movement. There are plenty of newcomers like me and Mercedes Payne that are continuing that legacy and I think it's important to stay true to yourself in the end. I'm not just focused on this whole R&B movement. I'm focused on making sure I make something that is memorable for everyone, not just R&B listeners.

My first album is an all around R&B/Soul/rap/hip-hop album but there also other generes being implemented. There is electronic sounds and even rock, reggae ifluenced composition being thrown in here and there. In the end I want to make something that is enjoyable to listen to ALL sort of people and something that truly represents me. I will never do something because it is a trend.

Billboard: What are some of your favorite tracks that you've recorded so far?

Barbarian: I honestly love "Love on Fire", "Bad Hollywood Star" and a couple of other tracks. I don't want to reveal too much because there's been a lot o changes, but I'm so confident about the material I've recorded. I can't wait for people to see what I have in store, in terms of Live music performances and music videos.

Billboard: How would you describe the creative direction of this album? Is there a certain image you want showcase with this record as well?

Barbarian: My goal is to create an Identification of myself through music. I think it's hard to do that, especially if your live revolves around a lot of business meetings and people. Aside from all that, I am in touch with who I am as a normal person. There are times when I'm so focused on my work, that I sort of lose touch and even interest on normal things like enjoying a slice of pizza or going out with my friends. Howerver, sonically, the creative direction is to simply create music that is uique and great to listen to, but something that truly represents me.

I don't like to have an "image". Since I was always in to sports and my father was in the military, I was always classified as the tough chick in class or the tomboy. I think that's kind of how I developed my name "Barbarian", but my real name is Barbara, I consider myself to be very feminine but strong. I'm into very high levels of fashion, so there is no possible I could limit myself to one "image", but in terms of this record, I just want people to get the real me and the real me is many different things.


Billboard: You have a very strong, yet breathy voice. This obviously makes your voice very unique. how did you discover you were meant to be a singer?


Barbarian: Honestly recording this album, I've discover so much about myself. That sounds really crazy but I was never confident about my voice before, until I started recording. I think that's what makes this journey for me so special, because it is something I just discovered and it feels so good!

Billboard: You also paid a visit to late night Chelsea Lately. You seemed to be sweet and humble. Do you think that you will eventually develop a diva side to you?

Barbarian: I really hope not, but I know it will happen. I was talking to Stephanie Fierce about that and what she basically told me is correct. In this industry, you sometimes have to be a diva, because people have really bad intentions towards you. Understanding that hidden language industry experts have is the best and worst thing, because people from the outside world wont see it but you have to defend yourself no matter what.

Billboard: Will you be going tour any time soon?

Barbarian: Yes, I will be doing a promo tour for my first album, which is very exciting. I can't really say much more, but all I can say is get ready, cause I may be coming to a city near you! (laughs) That sounds so cheesy but I always wanted to say that!

Billboard: Last but not least, we want to know the secret to having that amazing figure of yours? I mean I could honestly say you're the most fit girl I've seen in the industry!

Barbaian: Oh god! Stop it! Well first of all, I'm just naturally a slim girl.