Interview: Mahalia Barnes

Media Man Australia continues to interview some of the most interesting people in Australia's entertainment industry. We recently had the pleasure to meet and speak to Mahalia at the Ruby Rabbit, just before her fantastic performance. This was the very same night of the Young Garvan event, Viva Las Vegas, as part of The Garvan Institute party.

Profile

I have had music around me for my whole life, so it was only natural for me to follow that path...I love music. It IS my whole life. I have been lucky enough to work with lots of great musicians along the way so far, from my dad (Jimmy Barnes for those who haven't figured it out already) and my uncle Diesel to good friends like Gary Pinto, Jade MacRae, Tina Harrod, Jeremy Gregory, The Hands and Juanita Tippins...all super talented! I experienced my first concerts as a small baby...I used to sleep on the side of stage in roadcases. At age 8 Dad had all the kids sing on one of his songs "when your love is gone" and from that point on I used to get up and sing with him on stage. Yes... then I was a Tin Lid...for those not from Australia, I was in a band when I was 9 years old with my brother and two sisters...we released an album of christmas songs in 1991 called "Hey Rudolph" (which sold over 100,000 copies!!) and then followed up with 2 more albums. I have been singing with Dad for over 7 years now, which has taught me so much! I've also had the pleasure of working with The Hands doing shows and recording for their debut album "Live and Breathe". Myself, Juanita Tippins and Jade Macrae are 'the claytones' we sing all of the backing vocals.Last year I was lucky enough to record one of my songs ("Gonna take some time" co-written by Jade MacRae) with Dad for his Double happiness album which ended up being released as the 2nd single! Currently, I am getting songs together and writing for my album which I hope to have done by the end of the year...it's been a long time coming, but I am happy to take my time and enjoy the process, otherwise whats the point? I want my album to feel natural and honest...that's something you can't hurry or force. In the mean time, I am out there doing gigs whenever I can, I still do some of Dad's shows too, I am often singing at other peoples gigs too (like the Hands and Jade MacRae), I love doing backing vocals! I have also now finished mixing a little live EP that I recorded last year at the basement...It should be ready very soon! (Credit: Mahalia Barnes MySpace.com)

Profile

Mahalia Barnes

Websites

Mahalia Barnes MySpace.com

Ruby Rabbit

Media Man Australia is excited about the prospect of collaborating closely with Mahalia Barnes