Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Barger.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jennifer. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
So, my journey with music began when I was very young. Music has always been a part of my life. Since I was a toddler, my siblings and I would lip-sync and dance to music from the Beach Boys, Andrew Sisters, Billy Joel, Jim Croce, John Mayer, Disney soundtracks, and MANY others (my personal favorite, Shania Twain)! We would dance and sing almost daily, and thanks to the wonderful and diverse musical influence of both my parents, I became very well versed in some of the best music ever written.
When I was about 8-years-old, my oldest sister started teaching piano lessons. Around that same time, I had begun singing more and really paying attention to vocal harmonies; something came alive in me after hearing my oldest sisters sing duets, and that flame continues to burn. From there, I started guitar lessons at a local music store (Donley’s Music in Hickory Flat/off hwy 140! The best music store in Cherokee County), and then picked up the ukulele just for fun. When I was about 16, I began taking voice lessons with Mrs. Raquel Rae to learn more about my vocal abilities. Once I truly knew what I was capable of and how to use my voice, there was no turning back…I cannot imagine my life without music!
I never thought of performing though, until in 2016 my sister, Skylar, signed us up to compete in a local competition. I was TERRIFIED!!! But, we did it and made it to the finale of the competition! That was a huge confidence booster and learning experience, and from there, Skylar and I performed as the sister duo “Jenny & Sky” and sang at local venues, coffee shops, church events, private events, and recorded an EP in the summer of 2018 with Ian Pendlington (you can find our EP “Nonsense” on just about every music streaming source).
The days of Jenny & Sky ended May 2019 after Sky’s wedding and her moved across the ocean, but I knew I couldn’t just stop; I was bit by the music bug and no turning back! Now, I am writing my own songs, performing around the North GA areas, and have had the opportunities, both with Sky and solo, to work with some amazing local artists including Kate Coleman, Highbeams, Jonathan Peyton, Besides Daniel, and open for Irish singer-songwriter Keith Harkin!!
I was simply terrified to share my heart through music, and it still can be scary, but God has put music in me for a reason and I am so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to learn and grow as a musician and cannot wait to see what the future holds! There are many exciting things on the horizon!
Has it been a smooth road?
Life is never a complete smooth road, but it would be boring if it was! One of the biggest struggles has been doubting my ability. My style and sound is unique, and it’s so easy to feel like you don’t fit in in the big world of music, especially if you’re not within the genres of the most popular music! But I think all musicians feel like that at some point; all people feel like that at some point! But through that, I have realized that my uniqueness is what makes it exciting, new and special, and if I love it and enjoy doing it, really that’s what matters more than anything!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your story. Tell us more about your music.
I am a local singer-songwriter in North GA, and I am currently building my catalogue of original music. While I add to that, you can find me at local music events singing original songs and my take on cover songs (you can find show dates and videos on my website)!
You can also contact me for rates for private events such as luncheons, fundraisers, anniversaries, retreats, etc, where I can provide some easy-going, peaceful, jazzy and fun music for you and your guests!
In September 2019, I started a video series called “The Tiny House Sessions”, where I am joined by musical guests in collaboration on original songs and covers that have been meaningful in their music journey. I adore collaborating with local musicians, so this project has been so fun!
Also in fall 2019, I will be in the studio recording an album of lullabies. This is a project near and dear to my heart that I cannot wait to share with the world!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I’m not sure how the industry might change, but over the next 5-10 years, I hope to have more music recorded to share with the world and many more collaborations done with fellow artists! I will most likely stay local (I’m a GA peach!), but you never know what life may hold or what will cross my path!! There’s a lot going on and many exciting things to come and I’m just grateful to be along for the ride.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.jenniferbargermusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbargermusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbargermusic/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/tinyhousesessions/
Image Credit:
Abigail Peyton Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
