Barry Eastmond Jr. has been writing and producing songs since the age of 14. He started out in high school as a drummer for a hard rock band (testament to his diverse musical interests). Barry would rehearse almost every day after school and quickly fell in love with the art of making music. Now, he's 24 years old and already making his mark as a singer-songwriter producer. His debut rap single 'Run It Back', an infectious rhythmic club shaker, is climbing the charts and vaulting this young man into the limelight. Even considering his pedigree (he's the son of legendary songwriter producer Barry Eastmond) that's an impressive feat. But Barry takes it all in stride, insisting that music represents something more fundamental to him than just the prospect of commercial success. Simply put, it's a big part of his personal happiness. That's good news for fans out there wondering what's next for this rising star. Alexis Adams recently caught up with this exciting new artist to learn more about his story and plans for the future.

ALEXIS: When When did you first discover your love of music?
BARRY: I discovered it a very young age. I was always very much into rhythms and beats. My mom often tells stories of how, even before I could talk, I would bang on the table at dinner time like a percussionist. My dad wanted me to take after him and play the piano but he quickly realized that I preferred drums.

ALEXIS: Your song is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
BARRY: It was pretty amazing. At first I didn’t even believe that it was on the radio. I had to check my phone a couple times to make sure that it wasn’t just playing from my iTunes library. Overall it just felt really good. It put me in a great place because it meant that people like the song and are requesting it. I’m not used to that feeling just yet. LOL.

ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
BARRY: I was inspired by artists like Sean Paul and Elephant Man. But I was also inspired by artists like Justin Timberlake and Timbaland. I just really wanted to make a song that was catchy and very danceable but with a Caribbean feel. This is the type of music that I like to listen to- music that makes you want to move.

ALEXIS: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as your debut radio single?
BARRY: Not all of my music sounds the same. It just really depends on the type of mood I’m in that day. Sometimes I feel like making something fun and upbeat. Other days I feel like making something a little more touching and from the heart. But I will say that all of my music comes from the same place. They all just sort of highlight and express different parts of who I am.

ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourself as a musician? (ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving...)
BARRY: I’m definitely fun and down-to-earth. I really try hard not to take myself too seriously. Though I am serious about my craft and about what I do, I’d consider myself very chill and relatable when it comes to music. I do my best to always remember that I’m extremely blessed and lucky to have the means to create music. I find creating music (either by myself or with other people) so therapeutic and healthy.

ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
BARRY: I come from a musical background. I’ve been around it for as long as I can remember. My dad is a Grammy Award-Winning producer and songwriter. He’s worked with artists like Anita Baker, Brandy, Britney Spears, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Gladys Knight. We have a studio in our house so I would often see him working with a lot of these artists when I came home from school. I always considered myself very lucky and fortunate to be able to witness this recording process. Seeing it and even having my dad sometimes include me on the various projects that he was working on had a huge and lasting effect on me.

ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being a musician? What do you find most challenging?
BARRY: I think what’s most rewarding is the fact that (through music) I’m able to touch people and connect with people all across the globe. I just found out through The Akademia that my song is currently being requested on radio stations in four different countries. How cool is that? I just think that being able to have that kind of impact is awesome. What’s most challenging for me is keeping the bar high. I always want my next song to be as good as or better than my last. I never want listeners to get the impression that the quality of my music has declined. So keeping the music bar high is a challenge but I think it’s one that I thrive on.

ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
BARRY: Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Eminem, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland and probably Jay-Z…just to name a few. My favorite artists are those whose music reached and touched a great number of people. Those artists whose music changed the world.

ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
BARRY: I’m honestly not sure I have one. I feel like all of my performances are memorable and also so much fun.

ALEXIS: Do you have a music video for your single? If so, what can you tell us about it?
BARRY: Not just yet. But it is definitely in the works! Stay tuned for it!

ALEXIS: Excellent! I look forward to hearing it. Thanks for taking time out to share your story with me. I wish you good luck and continued success!

http://www.reverbnation.com/musician/barryeastmondjr

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