With Robin Barnes, music is ingrained into the very fabric of her being; it’s in her blood… literally. The songstress from New Orleans, LA grew up in a household of musicians with her family’s jazz band the Soul Heirs and her cousin Dave Bartholomew who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his role in producing early rhythm and blues songs. Although music was constantly around her, it wasn’t until her first solo in the church choir that she knew she was meant to be a singer.
“Growing up, all the children at my church were encouraged to join choir,” says Robin. “The first mass after my mom made me join (yes, she made me), I was given a solo in the ‘ave maria.’ I closed my eyes and sung my heart out and when I opened my eyes I only looked at my mother. She cried along with the rest of the congregation. That’s when I realized how moving music was and how I want to sing for the rest of my life.”
Robin continued to participate in the church choir and moved onto weekly gigs with the Soul Heirs where she explored many avenues and facets of modern and classical jazz music at an early age in her career.
As she got older and mainstream music began to take a hold, Robin was able to marry the two furthering her musical self discovery. She was able to take on inspiration that encompassed the soulful and insightful musings of Etta James, the fierce stage presence of Bruno Mars and the earnest heartbreak of Adele. By captivating audiences with her unique renditions of songs and a powerful voice that ranges with each verse, she makes each song uniquely her own.
Robin is currently a featured performer at New Orleans Saints games, Windsor Court – Polo Lounge, Hotel Monteleone Carousel Lounge and was nominated for Best Female Vocalist at OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Awards. The singer-songwriter released her debut EP, titled Me, on July 10, 2013 that features six soulful-pop songs that include: Rescue Me; Running; What I Gotta Do feat. Jake Smith; In Your Arms; and Pieces.
“Growing up, all the children at my church were encouraged to join choir,” says Robin. “The first mass after my mom made me join (yes, she made me), I was given a solo in the ‘ave maria.’ I closed my eyes and sung my heart out and when I opened my eyes I only looked at my mother. She cried along with the rest of the congregation. That’s when I realized how moving music was and how I want to sing for the rest of my life.”
Robin continued to participate in the church choir and moved onto weekly gigs with the Soul Heirs where she explored many avenues and facets of modern and classical jazz music at an early age in her career.
As she got older and mainstream music began to take a hold, Robin was able to marry the two furthering her musical self discovery. She was able to take on inspiration that encompassed the soulful and insightful musings of Etta James, the fierce stage presence of Bruno Mars and the earnest heartbreak of Adele. By captivating audiences with her unique renditions of songs and a powerful voice that ranges with each verse, she makes each song uniquely her own.
Robin is currently a featured performer at New Orleans Saints games, Windsor Court – Polo Lounge, Hotel Monteleone Carousel Lounge and was nominated for Best Female Vocalist at OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Awards. The singer-songwriter released her debut EP, titled Me, on July 10, 2013 that features six soulful-pop songs that include: Rescue Me; Running; What I Gotta Do feat. Jake Smith; In Your Arms; and Pieces.
