Shelley Barratt: Their Say

Here are some of the more positive comments from Fame Games:
5 Revolving Doors--

• It`s a pleasant overall vibe and I think this artist should definately keep working on her sound and prodution. Expect great advances from Shelly.


• Nice guitar sound. Nice vocal. Actually VERY nice voice although one or two notes could possibly have benefitted with a slight revisit. Nice song. Arrangement wise, it feels slightly confused and confusing, which distracts a bit from what I want to hear. But the song and voice forgives all for me. Nice one.


• I like this song. It reminds me of some Alanis Morrisette, which I am a big fan of. Her lyrics seem personal, and that is always bank with me. The production of the song seemed a bit over the top, but at least there was some obvious hard work into getting this song exactly how she wanted it. I rather enjoy this. I hope to see her make it far in the games.

Muriel Sweetsong--

• Many good elements here, and my impression is generally very positive.


• I wasn´t getting this track at first, and then I googled ´´Muriel Sweetsong´´ and found the lyrics from your site. Amazing lyric writing! I still don´t quite get it - and that´s cool cuz it´s my favorite kind of song - where each time you listen, the message is revealed more and more -- like a puzzle that you need to keep pondering how to put together. A track like this means something different each time you listen - depending on your circumstances. Very catchy. Will be in my head all night long now!


• Very, very nice pop rock. Nothing really innovative, but solid and nice. It really works, performance is straight, vocals are good, song is catchy. It´s a potential radio it, I like it!

Out Here--

• I like it. It´s sweet and nice. But it´s also just a little bit too polite for my temper. But I can´t deny it´s a good song.


• Now this one reminds of something out of my Mom´s record collection. Judy Collins singing Chelsea Morning?


• Here and there I´m hearing Buffy Saint-Marie, remember her? And that´s actually a good thing because you have a ready-made reference if ever you need one. I like this a lot, it has heart and soul and isn´t unneccessarily pretentious. Good!


• Great voice. Really soars above the music. Very well perfomed on that front.


• Good song Shelly! Everything a good folk song oughta be! Your voice reminds me of Judy Collins back in the day.

Roots--

• nice word and phasen´ of the how the roots hold and anchor the being to survive a bit to long I like it . Shelley you have nice voice...


• I like this much better than previous submission. The flow and feeling of the song is better! I can see you being a festival performer and being a smash.


• Nice guitar groove gets me right from the start. Nice voice, suits the song well. The part after the first verse - is that a bridge? Chorus? Something like that... This could have had more power. Generally I like it all however, but I would nitpick this some more.

There has also been much constructive criticism, which I expected- some of which I took to heart and straight to the studio. Others, like the fiery comments that flew through 5 Revolving Doors tells me this song continues to make people turn their heads, as a dog hearing a curious sound...

Read Journal entry from 3/15/08 for more personal comments.

Local Songwriters Working Together at Monthly Showcases to Make Each Other Better
It's easy to say, and a lot of people might agree: popular music is trash. What happened to greats in the tradition of Roy Orbison or Parliament/Funkadelic? What happened to performers like Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Patti Smith or Elvis Costello who record songs they write?
So, when it comes to, say, any "American Idol" winner, where's the creativity? Well, "American Idol" stars don't write their own music.
Most pop stars don't.
It seems like common sense, right? Well, not to everyone.
Though you can make an embarrassing fortune by being a performing musician, "songwriting is potentially the most lucrative part of the music business," said Tom Frouge, the city of Albuquerque's music liaison in the Office of Economic Development.
"You can make living at songwriting," he said.
Guys like Bernie Taupin, Townes Van Zandt and even John Rich of Big & Rich do it— and very well.
Publishing a song and having others record or perform it is a major source of income for many musicians. Every time a song is played on the radio, used for a commercial, a movie, performed live, covered by another performer, sampled or bought, the songwriter is supposed to see a portion of the royalties. Though the checks from publishing organizations may be small, just pennies sometimes, those pennies add up.
Though Frouge has been in the music business for decades, he does work for the city's Economic Development Department and he's looking to make a case to local songwriters that they can make a living at this. He's looking for ways to establish a community of songwriters in the city by getting them together monthly.
His Songwriters' Series will have its next session on Thursday, April 5, with songwriters Jimmy Abraham, Jasper Brown and human beatbox Zach Freeman.
It's not a jam session. The songwriters play their music and accompany each other, but they're there to talk about their songs and how they do it.
Many in the small audience come because they're friends of the musicians, still others come because they said they were aspiring songwriters themselves and wanted to get pointers.
And they got several at last month's event at Seasons in Old Town. The songwriters were charged with talking about lyrics and how they come up with them.
"I have a way of taking a bad situation and making it worse," said Keith Drummond, who played several Americana songs. He was joined by monthly host Rob Martinez, Shelley Barratt and Rex Warren on the patio.
"Songwriting is about sitting in your room and doing something," Drummond said. "It's so great to get it out."
And they did get songs out.
Each showed their different styles and explained how they write.
Each songwriter has his or her own way of approaching a song, from Warren's country and Dylan-inspired tunes to Drummond's Americana songs and Barratt's nouveau folk.
By the end of the night, however, the group had found its groove and it devolved into a jam session with each songwriter strumming along on an acoustic guitar.
But that was only after they had chatted for a while on the patio at Seasons.
"You have to have something to say," Martinez said. "But something other people want to hear and they can relate to."
Where Warren said he likes to take emotions and form them into songs and Barratt said she prefers to find stories, Drummond said: "I come from a family of butchers. We learned to trim the fat early. Sometimes I just say 'The, a, at and I.'''
Songwriters' Series
WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5
WHERE: Ben Michael's Café, 2404 Pueblo Bonito Court NW
HOW MUCH: Free. Call 311 or visit www.cabq.gov

You sing with your heart. Nothing under the heavens can stop that.

Shelley Barratt’s music has been described as “MUSIC from the contemporary heart: clear vocals, melodies, and rhythms of Acoustic, Rock, Folk, Pop, Jazz, Blues, Celtic, Latin, and an alternative flair. Original music is accompanied by guitar, piano, random percussion or a cappella.” I have to agree whole-heartedly! The powerful combination musically and lyrically creates a sound that is truly unique and refreshing. Barratt’s music provides a breath of fresh air to the acoustic genre.

"5 Revolving Doors" is an interesting song with a unique lyric.

13th Annual Billboard World Songwriting Contest Honorable Mention for "5 Revolving Doors" - Good groove. Cool imagery, theme.
"Sea of Cortez" - Good lyrical imagery.

Shelley's music has merit overall but what makes her distinct is her songwriting. This is most evident on her catchy rock-pop-folk tunes such as the blissful 'Muriel Sweetsong', the rhythmic 'Out Here' and the curious '5 Revolving Doors'. Also noteworthy was Shelley's unique interpretation of the feel good cover of U2's 'Desire'.

Great band & great sound on the record.

I really miss my godess of song(you). Do you know ever time someone tells me about or I hear a new girl singer I say yes she really good but not as
good as Shelley. When we play "Greenwitch" (about Shelley) I tell people to check out your website. I could go on forever on this you are really that good. I'll just leave it at if there was a draft like the football draft for people you want to play music with you'd be my number one pick.

ORIGIN OF FLIGHT
I like your vibe, I like 'em all but that 5 revolving doors song, nice, nice, nice... You've got a very silky voice that really conveys the emotion quite well. - Nick, White Sands, NM

It was cloudy on the Bay today, not just regular cloudy but that low scud layer that moves rapidly only a few hundred feet about the ocean, the rain had stopped and the breeze and the waves from the Atlantic were perfect for my run. And filling my earphones were several of your terrific songs that I carefully handpicked for my MP3, Fantastic! - Tim, MA

I am enjoying the CD and hope to see more of your work on the market soon. All the best. –Terry Brooks, Author

I really like 5 revolving doors. –Mark Wilson, President/CEO Zonatainment.com

I LOVE your CD I had a chance to listen to it yesterday and it's awesome! –Mary, Phoenix, AZ

I was stuck on for a long time. Today at lunch I went for a drive and listened to repeatedly. It has such a melancholy touch to it… The flute and the harmony blended perfectly. Both these songs are very powerful and deeply emotional for me. –Riz, San Jose, CA

I LOVE IT! I've been playing it non-stop in my car…! It's awesome, Shelley, and I'm already spreading the word. –DeeDee, Chandler, AZ

I like the arrangements, good quality recording. Most of all, the tunes are very stick-in-your-head-ish. In other words, catchy. Good job. –Robert Lang, Phoenix AZ Musician

That abundant talent of yours needs to be expressed! You can count on me in your fan club! We look forward to following your music career, –Ramon, Miami, FL

You are one special person. I cherish your uniqueness. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all the best in your music career. –Elle, Singapore

Just wanted to let you know how much my wife and I enjoyed your CD... -David, Phoenix, AZ

You have a really sweet voice with some cool original songs. -Kevin, Albuquerque Musician

Phenomenal! I absolutely love it! So insightful and sensual... Your song writing is beautiful and the production is outstanding. Congratulations, you've really created a fantastic piece! "5 revolving doors" and "out here" are my favorite so far, but "desert" is also so moving. And your version of "desire" gave me chills. You did U2 such justice, and that's probably the highest compliment I could ever give anyone! -Jason, N Wales, PA


AND FROM THE WEBSITE
I just checked out your stuff and I love it. You have a beautiful voice, and I love the acoustics. – Phoenix

Very nice. The complement between the tones of the guitar and your (appreciable) range were very enjoyable. Well done. –Paul

I just listened to your song on the web site... Excellent!! I absolutely loved it and listened to it three times in a row. –Becca

Your site and your music are wonderful. -Rees

I love your music!! -Steven

I first downloaded 5 Revolving Doors, and immediately liked it. Later I found Muriel Sweetsong, which has become one of my top 10 most played songs on my computer... I also found Desert, Mr. Brooks, and Sea of Cortez. But even though I could just use Bearshare to find the rest of the album, I always believe in supporting your favorite artists, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to buy your CD on sale. -Alex

I just went on your web-site, and listened to "5 revolving doors",- VERY, VERY cool! I LOVE it! -AB

I love this single!!! (5 Revolving Doors) -Michael


OTHER
I saw you perform a few months ago, I was impressed… Great Music. –Eddie Benitez, Musician

Ya done blew me away - hard to find the words - this songs (music & verse) is absolutely fantastic - WOW How do you get something this great out to the public? -Rooshk
Love ole proud Rooshk