Joey Barnes: Not Just Another Pretty Rocker

It would be so easy to just be a rock star. The money, groupies and adoration of millions of fans are just some of the job benefits. But as in all things in life, fame can be a double edged sword that can lead to vanity, egocentric thinking and living life in a glass bubble. Our friend, Joey Barnes (solo artist and drummer for Daughtry) is determined to not let that happen by remaining close to his fans, staying real, and giving back to this world in various charitable ways.I have interviewed Joey at length before, but we never touched on his generosity to many organizations and projects. To be honest with you, I had no idea. You see, as opposed to some famous people that get involved with charities for the notoriety, Joey Barnes doesn’t promote his involvement at all. I am about to change that and give props where props are due.

I first noticed a post by Joey last week on Facebook asking friends/fans to make a donation via planetwize.com instead of sending him a birthday card or gift. That in and of itself is a pretty cool thing, but then I learned that Barnes has donated a song off his new EP “Always” to TST’s upcoming compilation CD to benefit the Emory University Autism Center.

The song is entitled “The Wire (Act I)” and is about Barnes’ literal overnight indoctrination to fame when he got the gig with Chris Daughtry. According to Josh Seawell, of Nascent Republic Records (Joey’s label), “It’s about a fictional character in a circus, walking the tightrope wire with people watching, and the fear of falling or failure. And yes, there is an Act II.” Quite a poignant song to donate to a cause as worthy as Atlanta’s own Emory Autism Center. We are very honored and grateful to Joey and Nascent Republic for their contribution to the project.

Joey was first introduced to charitable causes in a big time way. A trip to Africa two years ago with Daughtry on the “Idol Gives Back Tour”, literally changed his life…and he’s been giving ever since. He has teamed up with planetwize.com for his “Birthday Wish Campaign” as well as a future project which will feature two songs written specifically about his trip to Africa. Dan Porras, Founder of Planetwize said, “We are very excited about the collaboration with Joey on his “Birthday Wish Campaign” as well as the upcoming album. We have had hundreds of Joey’s fans/friends/family donate to his cause.” 100% of the proceeds will go to charities, including nextaid.org; an organization that Joey has worked closely with in the past. If you would like to donate, please go to planetwize.com/joeybarnes.

The TST Compilation CD will be available on iTunes and in select stores on October 21st. Don’t worry…we’ll let you know ALL about it! Thanks to everyone!

Val King

Related posts:

1. Joey Barnes Releases New EP “Change”
2. Out of the Shadows… Joey Barnes releases new EP entitled “Always”
3. Video: Joey Barnes Live Performance, “The Wire (Act 1)”