Tag: Barry Southgate

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barry Conrad Shows There’s Life After X Factor

X Factor fans might know him as Barry Southgate, but Barry Conrad is quick to let music lovers know that chapter of his life is firmly behind him. As if to prove the point he’s emerged with a brand new name (dropping his surname in favour of his middle name) and a brand new single “Anywhere We Go.”

I listened to the single version first, and honestly I wasn’t that impressed. It was a bit overproduced and too polished for my taste. But I’ve always loved Barry, so I decided to give the song one more try and listen to the version he did on The Morning Show.

This is where it’s at. Without the bells and whistles of a studio, the song’s laid bare and it’s better for it. Changing his name late in the game means Barry really has to start again in terms of building his brand, but he’s got the talent to do just that.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merry Christmas!

I hope you’re all enjoying your Christmas Day! Wherever you are in Australia, and whoever you’re spending the festive season with, I hope it’s merry, jolly, and all of those other positive adjectives that we only trot out at this time of year.

Personally, I’ll just hope my mother doesn’t find her Peppermint Candy Kids CDs. I’d much rather listen to something like this smooth version of “O Holy Night” by Barry Southgate. Who needs a band when you can do your own backing vocals like this?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barry Southgate’s Dreamy Mash-Up

Prepare to melt over this clever mashup from Barry Southgate.

The soul singer who generated plenty of buzz with support slots for American music heavyweights Brian McKnight, Eric Benet, and KCi & JoJo has laid down a clever cover of Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” and his own track “You.”

I’ll take this stripped back, guitar driven take over Katy’s overly produced piece of pop any day!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barry Southgate Releases New EP Cut

Barry Southgate is back with “You,” the latest release from his Epitome EP. This is another sweet slice of soul music from this exciting Aussie talent, and I’m sure girls who love Chris Brown and Jason Derulo are going to lap it up.

The single comes off the back of a bumper twelve months for Barry. He took out Radar Radio’s Unsigned Find competition, and was also named a NA2R finalist. He also scored support slots for some of his favorite soul acts including Brian McKnight, Joe, Eric Benet, and K-Ci & JoJo.

2012 doesn’t sound like it’ll slow down either. Barry will appear alongside Deb Mailman and Jessica Mauboy in The Sapphires movie, and a song he co-penned will feature on Stan Walker’s new album Let the Music Play. Hopefully his own full-length record won’t be too far away!

Barry Southgate first came onto my radar when he was an Australia Idol semi-finalist a few years ago, and I’m thrilled to see him continuing to make his mark on the local scene.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barry Southgate Charms with “Summer Night”

Fresh from his Australian tour supporting Brian McKnight, Barry Southgate has revealed another track from his forthcoming EP Epitome. “Summer Night” shows a more romantic side of Barry than his playful first single “Don’t You Think,” and I’m predicting the ladies are going to lap it up. And as a bonus, this video has accompanying lyrics so you can sing along, karaoke style!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brian McKnight Finally Returns to Australia

Modern soul music legend Brian McKnight is winging his way Down Under for a string of intimate shows this June.

The patience of fans has been rewarded, as this is the Grammy Award winner’s first local tour in more than a decade. We should get a sneak peek of his brand new album Just Me, which is scheduled to hit stores in July, as well as hear the big hits “Back at One,” “Anytime” and “Love Is.”

Brian will be joined on this tour by American soul singer Dwele and local talent and Sounds of Oz favourite Barry Southgate. So make sure you turn up early to catch their sets!

Tickets for the following shows go on sale on Friday May 6.

23 June 2011 – Astor Theatre, Perth
24 June 2011 – Trak Lounge Bar, Melbourne
25 June 2011 – The Metro, Sydney
26 June 2011 – The Arena, Brisbane

Image source: Andrew Bardwell @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barry Southgate Generates Major Buzz Ahead of “Epitome” EP Release

I had a massive response when I featured Barry Southgate’s debut single “Don’t You Think” here a few months ago. So I figured it was about time that I updated you on what Barry’s been up to.

It’s been a big couple of months for the former Australian Idol finalist. He recently took the stage in Sydney with Diafrix to support British rapper Tinie Tempah, and got the attention of music critics in Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and even Morocco!

The timing of all this attention couldn’t be more perfect, with Barry preparing to release his debut EP Epitome later this month. After being blown away with “Don’t You Think,” I can’t wait to hear the rest!

Image used with permission from Barry Southgate

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Go Behind the Scenes with Barry Southgate on EP Artwork Shoot

When I posted Barry Southgate’s new song “Don’t You Think?” you all made it very clear that you liked what you heard. So I figured it was only fair that I gave you a little more of the man himself as we head towards the release of his debut EP Epitome.

This video takes you behind the scenes of the EP’s artwork shoot. The man behind the camera is Steven Taylor, who’s also worked with Bruno Mars, Ne-Yo, and John Mayer. Clearly he knows his stuff.

Make sure you watch it right through to the end to hear a little snippet of the EP!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barry Southgate Impresses with “Don’t You Think?”

Longtime readers will know that I’m always interested to see where our former Australian Idol contestants pop up. After making the top 30 in the second season of the reality TV contest, Barry Southgate seemed to disappear. But little did I know he’s been quietly working away, writing songs for South African Idol winner Sasha-Lee and German girl band Monrose to name a few, and performing with Christian acts Darlene Zschech and Israel & New Breed.

With his forthcoming seven-track Epitome, Barry is stepping back into the spotlight. The first taste is “Don’t You Think?” a tune which combines sweet vocals with a summery island vibe. It reminds me a lot of Bruno Mars, and we all know how he’s exploding on the charts right now. If everything is to this standard, something tells me Barry’s going to do the same.