Nate Barnes Saddles Up For Country Radio Debut With ‘You Ain’t Pretty’
Barnes tells us about his debut single, "You Ain't Pretty," and teases his forthcoming EP!
Country music is often defined as “three chords and the truth.” It’s also affectionately associated as the genre for the working class Americans. Well, country newcomer Nate Barnes just happens to encapsulate both descriptions.
Barnes comes from a humble background where the virtue of assiduousness was a common thread throughout his life. From assisting at a youth camp at 13, to working on rooftops and houses the next year, to eventually, at 18, landing an entry level job at a power plant as a toilet cleaner and bus driver.
Even through the blue-collared hustle, Barnes has always been surrounded by music. From old-school hymns, to blues, to country, that glowing love for songs has been a mainstay throughout his life. At 21, this passion and reverence for country music started growing deeper thanks to a close friend and mentor, who introduced him to the (great) likes of George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Keith Whitley and Alabama. Unsurprisingly, a real-life hard worker related to these storytelling songs that narrated exactly what he was going through.
Fast-forward to 2020: the year Barnes’ dreams became a reality. While the world was thrusted into a global pandemic, Barnes did not let the unexpected curveball stop him from hitting the ground running and launching his career as a country artist.
After umpteen gigs in churches, bars, coffee shops, small venues and festivals, it was announced in October that the South Haven, Michigan native was signed as the flagship artist of Quartz Hill Records. The newly-created label was instituted by Benny Brown (who founded Broken Bow Records in 1999 and broke Jason Aldean’s career), Paul Brown and hit songwriter Jason Sellers.
“I knew there was something special about Nate the moment I met him,” Brown shared in an earlier industry press release. “His music is honest and about real, hard working people. He hasn’t been through the music industry machine – he IS who he sings about and for.”
Perhaps, Barnes’ artistry is best encapsulated by a line from the traditional hymn “Blessed Assurance”— “This is my story, this is my song.”
Though the newcomer has not necessarily slugged it out in the Music Row ringer, his “dues” have been paid in another form—primarily through the odd and blue-collar jobs he took on for years before setting his artist career in motion. In fact, it is this distinctive experience and life lessons learnt that the singer leans on to pen and deliver his country songs. This is clearly evident in “You Ain’t Pretty,” Barnes’ debut single and first ever release as an artist.
Penned by Barnes, Sellers and Jimmy Yeary, the mid-tempo love tune spotlights the beauty of women (both inside and out) and showcases the grit and sincerity inherent in Barnes’ delivery. To date, the track has amassed over 600k streams on Spotify alone and was the 2nd most added song on country radio during its add week. This genre’s new kid on the block is undeniably country, and he’s truly lived what he sings.
Barnes spoke with Sounds Like Nashville recently about his blue-collared journey to country music, how launching his career in a pandemic has been and more. Check out the exclusive Q&A below!
SLN: What made you take the leap of faith to pursue being a country singer? Was there one particular moment that illuminated this decision?
NB: Well, there were many times and affirmations in my life drawing me to pursue country music. The first time I really knew it was what I wanted to do for a living was when my mentor Dennis came into my life. He re-introduced me to country music in a way I had never heard it before. It just felt like home and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. I was 21 at the time.
How has it been like launching as a brand new artist during the pandemic?
It’s been pretty interesting, but I really wouldn’t know the difference seeing that this is the first time I’ve ever gone through it. Honestly, it’s been great.
How have your past blue-collar jobs and lifestyle prepared you for this journey?
They were a vital part for me. I’ve learned so much and had so many great men and women that brought me to the next level in my life, in all areas. I learned what teamwork is and how to truly be accountable and to not give up. I learned how to have a good attitude and still perform at my best, even when all is falling apart. It was such an honor working with all those men and women all those years. My good buddy Dennis would always tell me “it’s better to be prepared and have nothing happen than to not be prepared and have it all happen.”
I can remember being in a 24-inch pipe, 30 feet underground and 400 feet in. The pipe was ¼ inch full of water and me lying there working in the water and feeling sorry for myself, thinking this can’t be all I ever do. I always felt I was meant for more but I also knew that if I couldn’t succeed with what I had, there’s no way I was going to succeed in the music industry. Even though I would gig and play anywhere and everywhere I could throughout the years, it was moments like these that kept me digging and grinding and working harder for a better future. So, long story short, those jobs truly got me ready for this. They made me tough and thick-skinned.
What’s been one silver lining for you over the past year?
I’ve been able to pursue my dream over the past year. I signed my first-ever record deal, I’ve written and recorded with some of the best in the business and I’ve gotten to make music that I truly believe in. And I’ve connected with and made so many new friends in radio, media, fans and beyond. I feel very blessed.
What made you go with “You Ain’t Pretty” as your first ever radio single and release as a country artist?
It just felt like the right message at the right time. All the credit goes to [Quartz Hill Records managing partner] Benny Brown. He is the mastermind of picking the right song. As you know his track record says it all.
What can you tease about your upcoming debut EP?
It will be out this Summer and there will be some rockin’ tempos and more good ole country music. I hope everyone likes it. I sure am proud of it and I have to give a shout out to Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George, my producers, who killed it on these tracks. They just sound so amazing. I cannot wait for you guys to hear them.
To keep up with Barnes, follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram via @NateBarnesMusic. Fans can also check out “You Ain’t Pretty” and other singles on our Today’s Country playlist below.
