Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Barnett.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in Garland, Texas and for as long as I can recall I was always around some type of music, putting on a performance for my family or friends and attempting to write songs even though at six years old, I wasn’t very good at it, yet. When I was about 8, I transferred to Vial Elementary in Garland which was the magnet school in our district and that’s where I got started on playing the piano. I was way behind the other students and constantly had to battle to catch up. The very next year, I joined the choir program and continued it up until I graduated high school. When I was about 12 or 13, I picked up a guitar for the very first time. It was a rinky-dink acoustic that my dad had found. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing playing that thing so I just plucked random strings until I figured something out.
Eventually, my mom and dad saw I was serious about learning the guitar when they saw how hard I was working to teach myself so for Christmas, they got me a First Act guitar complete with a book of chords and charts that I could use to take my guitar playing to a new level. I got made fun of a lot and bullied quite a bit for starting to learn so late, but I stayed persistent and eventually got good enough to play on my own. I attended South Garland High School and had the privilege of being in the Showboater program which was like a show choir or Glee club. I was a keyboardist for two years and a vocalist for one. I owe a lot to the Showboater program because that’s where I really learned how to be on a stage and perform. I was lucky to learn a lot of things that go on behind the scenes which was a plus and definitely came in handy in the future. I’d like to give a huge thanks to my choir teachers throughout my time in Showboaters and all the people who helped along the way.
Fast forward a couple of years, some time between 2014 and 2015 I started singing country music out in East Texas. I sang with my boyfriend at the time and we performed a bunch of live shows in the area. Shows that included, The Wesley Pruitt Band, Uncle Lucius, and many more. I had the opportunity to be a part of the Van Tornado relief concert and worked with Christian Deibert of Good Shed Studios. I’m really thankful for all those experiences. However, I turned in my cowgirl boots for a much more fitting aesthetic.
In 2019, I helped form a little band called Slow Vine with my good friend Cadence Winstead. Our good friend Lauren Berlin was our band manager, we owe a lot to her. We were joined by four other amazingly talented musicians; Daniel Green (Bass), Canan Jones (Lead guitar), Isaiah Harrell (drums) and later on, Taylor Beedle (Drums). We played all over Dallas and Ft. Worth at places like The Prophet Bar, The Curtain Club, The House Of Blues Foundation Room, Deep Ellum Art Co, The Ridglea and Intrinsic Smokehouse and Brewery. We also had the opporitunity to perform live on The Texas Newsroom. These were all amazing experiences and I’m so incredibly grateful for what they taught me. Things fell through unfortunately due to our day jobs not aligning with practice so I started to pursue a solo career with Lauren’s help. She helped me book my first solo performance at Zip Code Media Cafe in Plano, Texas. That led me to attend Open Mic at Deep Ellum Art Company where I booked my next solo performance there.
That performance was the hardest thing I ever had to do because my older sister, Suzanne, who honestly was my biggest fan, inspiration and competition passed away December 28th, 2019. I stood there on stage and cried in front of the entire bar. But I pulled through and dedicated everything to her. Without my older sister, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t have started singing had I not seen her do it first, I would have never met Cade or Lauren who I mentioned previously, or had the courage to get up in front of a crowd and sing my heart out. I owe a lot of that to her. Since then, I have had to take some time away to focus on healing from her passing. I cannot reiterate how thankful I am for everyone’s support.
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh goodness, no. It has definitely not been a smooth road at all. If it were, then I would never learn or grow! I mentioned my older sisters passing, that really put my life on hold. There’s also this crazy pandemic going on so that’s made it pretty difficult to get out there but I’d rather everyone be healthy and safe.
I’m also diagnosed with major depression and anxiety. It’s a constant battle inside my head of “you’re not good enough” “no one’s going to like your voice” or “you suck” and that is definitely my biggest struggle. I just have to remember the positive things and know that I am pursuing what makes ME happy. I try to put all that emotion into whatever music I create and make it constructive.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
Well, I play guitar, piano and I sing too. I’m known for my purple hair and being exceptionally clumsy or goofy onstage. I draw inspiration from other artists such as Taylor Swift, Aerosmith, Grandson, The Weekend, Post Malone, Billie Eilish, and so manyh more. Everyone knows my favorite song to cover is House Of The Rising Sun by The Animals. Wherever I go, I get asked to sing it. It’s my own special little song to sing.
I’m most proud of breaking free from my shell that kept me from getting back out there to perform. It’s been tough but if anything, I’m proud of myself for that. It’s not an easy feat. Its insane how much I’ve grown as a musician in little over a year. I suppose what sets me apart from others is that I’m unapologetically me. I’m Vanessa, Nessa, Ness, Nessie, V, and there’s no changing that. I’m clumsy onstage, I make mistakes but I learn to laugh at myself and brush it off. I try to be down to earth and not let the world get to me.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
100% yes. I love Dallas, it’s my home. Always has been. I got my start here and I am lucky to live so close to a city full of such a wide variety of cultures that helps inspire me and other artists. I would definitely recommend someone starting out here. I tell all my musician friends to get out there, go to open mics because Dallas has plenty of them. Do your thing and don’t let anyone stop you! Have fun with it and follow the music!
Contact Info:
- Email: vanessabarnettmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: thelochnessmonster88
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VanessaBarnettMusic/
Image Credit:
Lauren Berlin @lr_captures on Instagram; Jordan Palmer @ourimagery on Instagram
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