LMF: Why don't we start off with you introducing yourself.
Hi, I'm Adam Barta, I'm a pop singer from NYC; I released my first single on the VC2America Records label this year called "I Told Her". It's done amazingly well here and even in Europe! I love to sing, dance and act, have been doing it since I was a little kid. Performing is my passion and I have been very lucky over the past year with my successes. My official website is www.adambarta.com. My music video featuring a cameo from MTV Hit's Dorian Davis is on there too. Look for a full album very soon!
LMF: When did you know you wanted to become a singer?
Oh - since I was verrrry little. My earliest memories are of popping a tape in the player and singing along to Michael Jackson or Olivia Newton John. When I was 5 I would put on shows for my friends and family in my apartment, and when I was in 8th grade, I performed at my graudation and also in some school concerts as a soloist.
LMF: Describe your music to someone who has never heard it before.
It's a pop hybrid sound - I like so many different styles I incorporate that into my music. For example "Dirty Girls" is very electro-pop, sort of in the style of Britney's Toxic. "Everything" is a beautiful romantic ballad, and "12 Hours" has more of an adult contemporary feel. There are also some jazz elements with the riffs and such that are thrown in there that might not be too discernable but are there if you really listen. Overall though, I think it could fall into the genre of pop/rock, as broad as that is.
LMF: Who are your biggest musical influences?
Well I am in love with Britney Spears (I was very disappointed when she announced her engagement!). I think as an artist, she performs her heart out, and though people criticize her sound, having the passion is what really counts. I think Christina Aguilera's voice and sound is amazing and I love her music, especially the "Stripped" album. Jessica Simpson, Clay Aiken, and Kelly Clarkson are also artists that I really admire musically. Missy Elliot also has a really funky and lovable sound to me.
LMF: If you could sing with any artist out there right now, who would it be and why?
Britney Spears, just because as much as people dislike her sound, I love it, and I think her voice is so unique it's amazing. Singing a duet with her would be a high for me because I listen to her music daily and it really affects my mood and my life.
LMF: If you could plan your own tour, which artists would you take out on the road with you?
I think a Britney/X-tina tour is LONG overdue. Battle of the divas! No, I think that would be so hot to go on tour with both of them plus maybe Justin. They are like pop royalty, so to be performing in their presence would raise me up to a level that I would love to be at as an artist.
LMF: There are a lot of male artists out right now, what sets you apart from the rest?
I think alot of them are being pumped out in the same style; my voice, shows, music, all have that flare to them that I think is missing from the male pop genre. Most male pop artists like Justin and J.C. are moving over towards the hip-hop end, but there are no really powerful pop artists like Britney or Christina on the male end, incorporating that bubble gum aspect with avante garde music and shows that keep you on your toes. I really want people to listen to my music and feel shocked, loved, hot, emotional - really relate to their mood, which is what I think pop (thus, popular) music is about.
LMF: What was your first on stage experience like?
It's hard to remember but I can tell you last year when I got up and performed my single for the first time at my record release party at the Hard Rock Cafe in NYC - it was very intimidating! THere were people from MTV there, and Hard Rock is a legendary spot in NYC. I kept my cool and the rush I got was like a high - it kept me going through it. It truly is the best feeling in the world for me.
LMF: Do you ever get nervous or stage fright?
Definitely, I think all artists do, but it's a matter of taking the nervous energy and using it to your advantage. It's sink or swim.
LMF: Do you have any pre-show rituals that you do before a performance?
I like to pray, as alot of artists do. Mostly my pre-show rituals are just warming up my voice, making funny noises with it to warm up my chords, and drinking tons of water.
LMF: For a fan that is going to see you in concert, what can they expect from your show.
Energy! I really want them to be moving to the music. If it's an intimate venue, then I can really address my audience, which I love. I like talking and seeing what their feeling, if something's working or not. My dancers are amazing too, so hopefully the fan would be grooving in their seat!
LMF: Do you have a favorite city that you've performed in?
I'm gonna have to say NYC of course, but I also love Miami and SoBe. The tropical vibe down there is totally my scene!
LMF: Do you have any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
Hah.. I hate this question! Well one time I was doing an in-store signing and I started singing and the microphone made an awful screetching noise! The store went deaf - but the sound tech fixed it pretty quick so it wasn't that much of a big deal. Thankfully, none of my fans suffered any permanent hearing loss or they wouldn't be able to buy my CD!
LMF: What is the best part about being a performer?
Definitely being on stage and vibing with the audience. The rush you get from cheering fans is like no other - the fact of knowing that they want to hear YOU!
LMF: What do you like better, recording in the studio or performing live?
Well they are two different creatures completely. Studio recording can be very monotonous, as you have to record the same piece over and over to perfect it, but the end result can be amazing. Live performing, you can have an amazing performance or an off night and just have to shrug it off and rehearse harder. So it would depend on the individual session or performance, to be able to say.
LMF: What has been the most memorable moment in your career this far?
Probably when my mom came home crying one day from the store. I thought she was in a car accident, or got mugged or something awful, but managed to mutter out "I was in the store and your song was on the radio!". That meant more to me than anything else, to see the tears of joy in her eyes.
LMF: What CD would we find in your CD player right now?
Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson (the only one left for me is X-Tina so I better move quick before she gets engaged too!) and The Buffy The Vampire Slayer Soundtrack.
LMF: What is the one food you could eat 24/7?
mmm. Nathan's hot dogs.
LMF: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
2 Grammys + an MTV music video award!
LMF: Do you have any advice for someone starting out in the music business?
Don't quit or get discouraged early on. Make sure you find a good mentor or coach who will lead you in the right direction, otherwise things can get very overwhelming.
LMF: If you had a fortune cookie, what would your ideal fortune cookie say?
You will win the lotto if you play the following numbers...
LMF: If you weren't singing, is there something else you could see yourself doing for a career?
Maybe teaching or helping the poor/sick in some sort of social work. That, or being a professional roller coaster tester!
LMF: Is there anything you would like to say to the fans?
As always I love to hear from you. You can email me at adam@adambarta.com. YOU are the ones who make my music a reality. Thank you so much and I promise big things for you soon...
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