OOC: Please let me know what you think, how I did ect. I appreciate anyone who takes the time out to read this and give me feedback! I had fun writing it :)



Barbarian's Official Billboard Magazine Cover


Cover Story: Barbarian; How will she make it to the Top?

Discovered by Daniel and now being managed by Stephanie Fierce, it is safe to say that Barbarian has wrapped herself in the safest arms of the industry. Like many others who've made it to the crazy world that is pop music culture, the star admitted that many record labels had refused to sign her because her brand was only carried by her modeling efforts. In other words, her music career resume wasn't as fluid enough to show signs of potential. However, not being a trained vocalist herself, Barbarian learned to sing on her own and she never thought she would one day consider a career as singer. It wasn't until a showcase where Barbarian had improvised in front of the eyes of highly credited industry experts such as Daniel, where she would then discover there was more to her than just modeling for prissy fashion geeks in Paris. Singing Sade's classic "Your Love is King", Barbarian caught the attention of Daniel who was attending the showcase out of his own personal interest. Daniel is known for his taste in classic R&B and soul music and Barbarian couldn't pick the more perfect song to impress him. Immediately Daniel approached Barbarian and introduced her to Stephanie Fierce, CEO of Hot Eye Records going on 4 years now. Stephanie Fierce was blown away as well and without a doubt, she was eventually signed. After a successful kick-start in an intense studio session, Barbarian seemed to be on track on fishing her debut album within the first month of her singing. She even made a couple of TV appearances. She appeared on Ellen to do her first television debut performance and she also appeared on the comedic late night show Chelsea Lately. Everything seemed to be going on a positive pedestal, but Barbarian faced an underwhelming response from the general public and didn't have to confidence to make her proper debut.

First, the album was going to be titled "ID", and a few songs had been leaked but some how didn't give the seal of approval to the highly perfectionist singer. So after a couple of let downs, it seemed like the singer had faded from her exciting debut, to a has been who didn't make it, just in the matter of months. In reality the singer was hard at work in the studio penning song after song trying to craft and capture a solid body of work that could hopefully take her to super stardom that she deserved. Overall, Barbarian had been working on the songs that comprise this new record for over a year and some change. Just a couple of day ago, her debut single "Cheat" hit the airwaves and already Barbarian picked up her buzz once again. The song features an up and coming rapper that goes by the name of "Kidd Amaze" and the song received rave reviews from both fans and music critics. However, is the song really going to take Barbarian to the top or will Ms. Harris have to go the extra mile to push herself there? Thus far, she seems to be going in the right direction. Dodging possible feuds with jealous bitter contemporaries, Barbarian doesn't just seem focused on her journey to Easy street but to enjoy the process that is making music, simple as that.

It's until then that you realize that Barbarian isn't necessarily struggling to craft a hit, she is really just trying to find a sound that not only works for her but will define her sound to be something that only she can carry and no one else. However, with fame comes jealousy from bitter rivals who feel like their spot is being taken. However, Barbarian isn't out to get anyone apparently, Ms Harris feels like there is a spot for everyone and that she's simply doing what she loves and she only wants to reach as many people as she possibly can. A life she is destined to live, a life that not many are given the opportunity to live but many wish for. People don't realize what they are getting to when they ask for fame. With everything a price must be paid and Barbarian has already made many sacrifices to be where she's at. Giving up a prestigious modeling career with the contracts that could come along with it, for something more risky like the music industry.




There's always this melodramatic feeling you get when you're about to analyze someone's life for the first time but let me tell you this tall chocolate glass of milk was a refreshing exception! Instead of her visiting our fancy headquarters, the ATL songstress decided to invite us into a space where she felt the most comfortable but proud to share with anyone. An unusual industrial dance rehearsal studio that had been housed to a local community of low income residents and aspiring underground dancers. I guess you can say it was very tasteful, since that's where she had originally spent most of her days rehearsing many of her talents that earned her a record deal with Hot Eye Records.

As I entered the building, I was immediately greeted and blown away by Barbara Harris who's preferably known by her stage name Barbarian. Her cheerful, yet warm tone of voice allowed me to feel relax and converse without feeling awkward and invasive. She was wearing a comfortable yet fashionable sweatshirt with the word "Disobey" slapped across on the design. At first I chuckled and then I realized it was just a harmless word that had nothing to do with our interview. The now proclaimed singer/songwriter was formally known as a high end fashion model and achieved some heavy endorsements with Adidas and Givenchy, so I expected her to be wearing something over the top, but she was humbly tame with everything she was wore and I also noticed that her style surprisingly seemed to be tomb boy-chic. I still however was unsure as to why she chose this rundown place for a fancy photo shoot. In all honesty it turned out to be who's expectations were too high, but I was humbled by her approach and her back story. It wasn't until I had seen her sweaty background dancers that I realized she had been rehearsing, but it all finally made sense. Maybe Barbarian wanted the photographer to capture this historical place, even though I wasn't exactly sure what was going on but apparently she wanted me to witness something.

She continued showing me around almost acting like a tour guide person, but it was very sweet and humble of her to show me around her sanctuary. She then took me to this room where floor to sealing windows allowed much needed sunlight to rudely burst in. In this space she would go on to conduct her interview and a very experimental photo shoot. "I would love to do my photo shoot here, this room is pretty big and I'm sure all the equipment can fit in this area". I nodded and smiled waiting for her to take me to the next destination on her glorifying tour. She took me back to the area where her background dancers were resting. All conversations went to silent dead end. "May I Have everyone's attention please" she demanded in her sweet low talking voice.

Barbarian began practicing being spontaneous. “Hello everyone, we all know why we are here today! I am going to be doing my shoot for the Billboard Magazine cover, making it my very first cover shoot for a major magazine EVER!" everyone begins to clap embracing and honoring Barbarian, I couldn't help but join as well. "I want to thank you all for supporting me throughout the years, and in appreciation of all your hard work, I would like to ask you all to join me on a 30 date tour!" Everyone in the room begins to cheer very loudly, some jumping in the air, some hugging and kissing each other. Not knowing what to expect with the announcement, It was so refreshing to see the passion in everyone's face as they cheered with joy and appreciation but Barbarian continued trying to hold back tears herself. My job was take notes of everything, but I almost felt rude looking at my notes every five seconds, making sure I was catching everything but Ms. Harris continued without losing her breath, "You are all like family to me and with that being said, I also want you all to be a part of my shoot today. Obviously this is not obligatory but if you tag along whatever financial problems you are dealing with at the moment, they will be resolved today. You will no longer need to worry about your family members because they will be taken care of as well. This is not a way to bribe you, this is my way to thank you all! I know you all are very talented and It is you guys who I want to join me on this tour. I love you all very much and I hope you all can join me". As everyone finished cheering, Barbarian dismissed everyone into a room where they would sign release papers and contracts, as well as learn more about their upcoming tour. As soon as the room cleared Barbarian kindly invited me back to the sunny room. Once we entered the room, I couldn't help but start the interview with her. I had so many questions to ask.








Up close and Personal with Barbarian

Billboard: How does it feel to cover Billboard Magazine so early in your career?

Barbarian: It's an absolute pleasure and honor, and there's no word that can describe how excited I am about this whole experience. Let me tell you something, I almost feel like I don't deserve it to be honest, but then I realize I am working really hard for something and this is just a testimony of what's to come. I just want to take it all in and enjoy my first magazine cover.


Billboard: People have been buzzing about you on social media, and many blog sites as well just on your arrival to the music scene. Do you already feel the pressure of being a new artists on the scene?

Barbarian: You are gonna feel some sort of pressure as it is only human to do so, so yes I do feel some pressure but it's not bad pressure. I am aware that it is a very crucial time when an artist debut, but I kind of have a different outlook and approach on things. As corny as this sounds, I want to have fun and actually enjoy myself. People really lose it in this industry. They start doing things for the wrong reasons and I know that people are gonna wanna start attaching my name to other people's legacy, they're gonna wanna categorize me, put me in a box, but I'm not gonna allow that to happen. This is my time. My turn and I'm not gonna allow no one to take that away from me. The only person is God, if I ever get big headed, but I fear no man.

Billboard: You seem very wise about the industry, how did you gain all your wisdom so early?

Barbarian: Don't get me wrong, I obviously have a lot more to learn and to experience but I have really good mentors. Through the recording of this album, I worked very closely with Daniel and Stephanie Fierce and they are the ones guiding me through this whole process. The other day I was about to go off on someone on twitter, but Stephanie Fierce made sure to call me and remind me to not even lay a thought on that person. I wasn't sure if doing that was gonna help the situation, but it actually did. Being the bigger person in certain situations is the best idea, however I will never let no one step all over me. I mean, you have people that are going to come at you from all corners but you gotta have your shield ready. I know what I'm doing and I know when to step in and say something.


Billboard: We approach you with this question in the most sincere and vulnerable form, what do you think is going to take you to the top in this music industry?

Barbarian: I feel like I'm already there. I'm not looking at the numbers, I'm looking at my overall experience. I am blessed to be with a label that isn't so concerned about sales and chart positions. As an artist your goal is to reach a many people with your art. That be 10 or 10 million. I know for a fact that I wanted fame, I'm not trying to sugar coat that or come off as a delusional prick. I want to grow and strive for more. But overall, it's about the music. I love music.

Billboard: How did growing up as a military brat effect your outlook in life and how that does that reflect the person you are today?

Barbarian: Well growing up, it was very interesting but confusing for me. I never felt like I had a stable life. I was always moving from state to state and I even moved out of the country and lived in Germany for a few years on the army base. That's where I discovered that I wanted to do modeling and my parents enrolled me into a modeling academy school. Despite my father being a strict army brat, he always supported me with the arts. However, when my mother divorced my father, that's when a lot of things changed! We moved back to the states and there was no modeling opportunity for me because my mother didn't have the financial support. Eventually, we had to live in the hood for a while with some other family members and the school I went to, had a modeling club and I was able to continue my modeling career. The military life allowed me to see the good and the bad, it also allowed me to see many other cultures. That's why I'm very open minded and I'm open arms with many groups of people. It jas made me appreciate what I have today even more.



Billboard: How was it to work with freshman rapper Kidd Amaze? How close are you two in terms of friendship?

Barbarian: Well, in all honesty. I didn't exactly work with him in the same room. It was more of a business collaboration, but I personally wanted him to be on the song. He's a dope rapper. We're both kind of in the same boat, and I felt like it would be tasteful to have him do a verse to my song, and he agreed to do it and within hours, It was all laid out perfectly. But I would be lying to you if I said that I knew him personally, because I don't.

Billboard: Do you think the fame will get to you eventually?

Barbarian: I do believe that I am gonna get big headed one day. It happens to every artist. That's just the process of fame. But I want to keep reminding myself why I'm doing this. That's solely for the music and for the fans. Nothing more and nothing less. It's a life I am destined to live and some artist do lose track of that. I don't want to. 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. It's all about balancing the important things in your life.


Billboard: Who would you say is your music inspiration? Who is your dream collaboration?

Barbarian: I'd have to say that Sade. Sade is the definition of timeless vocalist. She doesn't even try hard, she just effortlessly slays and she doesn't seem to age one bit. A lot of people say that I have somewhat of resemblance when I wear my red lipstick and I always take that as a fucking huge compliment (laughs). Gwen Stefani, is another powerful woman who I really admire. She has this natural swagger to her that just grabs my attention. Her music is fun and edgy. I also really enjoy listening to Alicia Lena. She's very inspirational to me, a very strong and classy woman and very humble. I'm not trying to name drop too much but I also have to mention that Ryan Ross Hernandez is one of my inspirations. I listen to him when I write some of my songs. Something about his music gives me courage to write and maybe even pick up a guitar. There are many other people and of course I would love to work with any of the people I've mention. Most definitely.

Billboard: Do you plan on ever doing films?

Barbarian: I actually do plan on doing movies, but it is not a priority right now. Right now, it's all about the album and hopefully the small tour within the coming months. I am reading a cool script for something that would be pretty interesting for me to take on, but obviously I can't talk about that sort of business if isn't set in stone yet.

Billboard: Are you by any chance working on your second album?

Barbarian: You know that's almost true. The only reason I say that is because I'm kind of mapping out my career and I have many ideas floating around. I just have to see where this first album takes me first, because it is a journey and I don't want to lose my direction with the first one. However, it won't be long before I announce my second album for sometime late of next year.



Billboard: What do you classify yourself as, an R&B singer or a pop singer?

Barbarinan:Well, yes. I'm R&B but not limited to it. I like to consider myself to be a R&B/pop singer and that's what I'm catering to on this album. "Love.Sex.Magic." is an all around R&B/Pop/Soul/rap/hip-hop album but there also other genres being implemented. There is electronic sounds and there's even this thing me and Daniel like to call industrial R&B. It's a more experimental approach towards R&B, I really can't wait for people to hear that. In the end I want to make something that is enjoyable to listen to all sorts 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 made the album track-list?

Barbarian: I don't want to reveal too much because there's been a lot of changes, but I'm so confident about the material I've recorded. I would not make an album with fillers, that's just disgusting and waste of money for the fans purchasing the music. I love all of the songs but I do have a couple of records that I am favoring at the moment and those records are "Fuck My Brains Out", that one is a fucking monster, "Dirty Money" is sexy and "Enough" is a very personal and emotional record. I can't wait for people to see what I have in store, in terms of Live music performances and music videos. Also "Forget Her" is very R&B experimental and different I have to mention. People will be surprised when they hear that record for sure.


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: The reason the album is titled "Love.Sex.Magic." is because I feel like this record is has an overall connection of those three words.I wanted to create something that was a solid pop record, but at the same time something that will introduce a new style of R&B pop music and that's where the magic part comes in. It's clear, I want to separate myself from all R&B artists out at the moment. I think it's hard to do that, especially if your a black female. However, sonically, the creative direction is to simply create music that is so unique 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? Are there any records on the album where you surprised yourself as 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! I am definitely belting my freaking little voice out (laughs) I have to mention the fact that people had to push me to bring out that confidence as a singer. Finding your voice is the most special thing because it allows you to sing freely. There's something very liberating about that.


Billboard: Thank you so much for doing this interview, is there any notes I should add?

Barbaian: No, thank you for giving me this opportunity. This is more than an honor and I'm so blessed. My album "Love.Sex.Magic" comes out on November 3rd of 2013, so make sure you check it out. I can't wait for people to hear it. Thank you to anyone who ever took time to ever listen to my music or support me in anything I've done. Without you guys I'm absolutely nothing. I look forward to my journey as an artist. Remember love more and hate less. That's what I'm about.