Barrie Dempsey

You can usually tell when an artist has extensive stage experience. It shows up in timing and tonal certainties, and there's a sense of effortlessness that younger musicians just can't simulate. Barrie Dempsey's catchy new track 'Chase Me Down' has the audible credibility of a song developed from hard-working roots, but its melodic innovations - and Dempsey's unique vocal aesthetic - fulfill the other half of the equation that determines who gets radio glory and who goes home unheard. Expertly produced and fluidly ornamented with shapely guitar licks, the song benefits from his fluency with many instruments - and the confidence and dexterity to command them all in a session environment. It also doesn't hurt that the themes of the track are things we can all identify with; the fearful, stultifying threat of authority, and the paradoxical collective wisdom that installs such moderating influences in our lives as social institutions. We all need a cop to save us from ourselves at least once, it would seem. Independent reporter Lauren Thompson recently caught up with Dempsey to talk about his new single and the recent passion for songwriting that gave rise to it.

LAUREN: When did you first discover your love of music?
BARRIE: As a young teen before high school.

LAUREN: Your song ‘Chase Me Down’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
BARRIE: Well, I have not heard 'Chase Me Down' as of yet on the radio but hearing some of my other songs is exciting and encouraging. I am writing more than ever and really enjoying it.

LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
BARRIE: Chase Me Down' just came out of nowhere. There was no specific inspiration. Its rock/Americana feel may remind people of Southern rock bands like the Allman Brothers or Lynyrd Skynyrd

LAUREN: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as ‘Chase Me Down’?
BARRIE:No, not at all. I write a lot of love songs and morality type ballads.

LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving...)
BARRIE: Serious but down to earth. A dreamer. I spend most of my days in my studio working on music. I play multiple instruments and like to see what I can get out them. I think its a dedication.

LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
BARRIE: I actually sought out people who played music. I spent a lot of time at the Fillmore East in NY going to concerts. My friends and I were all into playing. I also spent my days in basements. Sounds weird, but that was the only place we had to rehearse. My mom played piano and my brother played trumpet but it was nothing they did all the time. Rarely, in fact.

LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
BARRIE: Taking something that starts out as a few words or a little melody, and turning it into a story that's a song. The challenging thing for me is the lyrics. I get a little anxious about what is going to happen with them. I have always been a musician but not a songwriter. The songwriting part has come about in the last ten years.

LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
BARRIE: From early on I think Paul Rodgers (Free), John Mayall, The Yardbirds, Allman Brothers and I always have to include John Lee Hooker.

LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
BARRIE: I think my most memorable was with the Amber Band. We did a 30 minute PBS special for television at San Diego State University.

LAUREN: Do you have a music video for your hit single? If so, what can you tell us about it?
BARRIE: I have not done a video for any of my songs on my EP as of yet.

LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
BARRIE: Follow your passion and write you own songs. For a long time I did not write songs. I think it's important. It speaks about who you are and how you see the world.

LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
BARRIE: I plan to start a new CD in the next year. One of the songs is called 'Open Mic'. I wrote this one night when we were supposed to go to an open mic to play and found the place was closed when we got there. It's about musicians running around a city to play a song. I also have a couple of projects I want to put together. One being a blues thing.

LAUREN: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us, Barrie. We wish you all the best and hope that 'Chase Me Down' goes as far as we expect!

http://www.barriedempsey.com