Joey Barnes Releases New EP “Change”
December 23, 2009 · Print This Article
Joey Barnes’ brand new five song EP, “Change,” is aptly titled; and is a direct musical reflection of the charitable, philanthropic views of an artist that is not willing to just accept things the way they are. Barnes (solo artist and drummer for Daughtry) has been involved with many different worthwhile organizations and projects this year, and is truly one musician that puts his money where his mouth is. He is a ceaseless champion for charities in the United States and around the world.
The usually comical, upbeat JB was in a very reflective and almost somber mood during our lengthy interview. The discussion started with talking about why he chooses to be as giving as he is, as so many have so much, yet turn a blind eye to the suffering in the world. Joey answered, “I am so fortunate. I play the friggin drums for a living, and get paid a lot of money to do it. It seems so ridiculous to me, that most days I wake up and I feel like a total jackass. I wrestle with the fact that I can just pick up the hotel phone and order a feast, and there are undoubtedly children within one mile of me that are hungry; or dying over in Africa. It literally makes me sick sometimes.”
Sometimes things happen to a person that are life changing. For Barnes, it was a trip to Africa two years ago on the “Idol Gives Back Tour” with Chris Daughtry. “It was heartbreaking and totally overwhelming to me. The amount of suffering that I witnessed was beyond imagination. Yet, I was so inspired by the people who still had such a fighting spirit. They were so grateful and displayed hope; even as their children were dying in front of them. It was incredibly humbling.”
Joey shared some insight and the basis for the EP. “The five songs on “Change” started in my head while on that trip to Africa, which evolved into bodies of music; with the lyrics being the last to be added. I had to write these songs. It was my way of dealing with the experience and getting it all out. Therapy, if you will. I donated two of the songs (“These Voices” and “Mercy”) earlier this year to an organization that put out an EP for Africa. Since that campaign has ended, my record label (Nascent Republic Records http://www.nascentrepublic.com) and manager Josh Seawell, decided that a portion from “Change” will go directly to various charities. Those songs were written for a purpose, and I truly believe that the inspiration should be the beneficiary.”
“These Voices” is 100% of what I saw and felt while in Africa. Talking with the families, seeing their desperation for any kind of help…a little food, water, some rain; it was so simplistic, but over there it’s nothing short of a miracle. It’s a sad song in one sense, but the chorus is all about the unity and hope that I witnessed. Whole villages worked together ceaselessly for basic survival. Each day that they had food, water, and someone didn’t die was a success. There was praise, thanks and optimism in the face of what most would believe to be insurmountable odds.”
“Mercy” is a direct correlation of what is happening over in Africa and right here in the United States. Believe me, I do watch the news and am well aware that there is a tremendous amount of suffering in our own country. People are losing their homes, the economy has gone to shit, kids go to bed hungry every night, and the elderly can’t afford their medicine. The fact that it always seems comes down to politics is very frustrating. It seems that Government is always getting in the way, and in the meantime, the people suffer.”
“Change” was inspired during the Obama campaign. I am not really a political person, but I just opened my mind to the possibility of true change. It is not based on the Obama Presidency and what he can or cannot accomplish, but more of a hope that with a change of such magnitude, that perhaps some different perspectives will bring relief to the people in our Country.”
“Down” is actually a song about where we could be as human beings if we all just took a stance in what we believe in and help in some way. “1961 Diamond” is my little homage to Princess Diana. She was a loving, giving, beautiful person. She chose to make a difference while on this earth and I truly admire her for that.”
I asked Joey where he came by such empathy and philosophies. Without hesitation he said, “My mom and dad 
have always been servants of society. My parents were foster parents to hundreds of kids during my entire childhood. There were always five extra “brothers and sisters” in our house at any given time. Me and my brothers called our gang “The Group Home Boyz”! I seriously learned by the example that my parents have always set. I was truly blessed to have been raised in such a loving, giving environment.” Joseph (Big Joey) and Barbara Barnes, who just celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary, still work with various charitable organizations in their hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina.
Joey Barnes will continue into 2010 with his affiliation with the One Organization (http://www.one.org) along 
with Chris Daughtry and bandmates. He is also involved with NextAid (http://www.nextaid.org), which is a global AIDS organization. Locally, Barnes is working with the City Council and Board of Education in Greensboro to establish an after school music program for kids.
You can purchase the “Change” EP on itunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/change/id346118509
For more information/news on Joey Barnes:
Val King, Assistant Editor/Senior Contributor
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He is a really good example of what a person can make for the others when you have access to a lot of help…