Joanna Barbera

about

A distinctive voice can do so much. Whether it’s an alien wail from Bjork or a sneering barb from Bob Dylan, the vibration of the artist’s vocal chords is as important as the words they’re forming. Joanna Barbera has one of those voices – a warm, reassuring tenor that always seems ready to tuck you in, no matter how bittersweet her lyrics may be. Barbera’s debut album, Carnival Beginning, is a richly textured rumination on love, death and religion – and a reality show staple. Since its release in January 2009, six of its 11 songs have been placed on MTV productions like “16 and Pregnant” and “College Life.” Hers is a universal voice, indeed. “I’m going to hell/It’s just as well,” Barbera signs on the record’s opening track. It’s a statement that’s indicative of the artist’s all-inclusive songwriting approach, meant to elicit different reactions depending on what the listener brings to the table. To some, it’s an expression of strength and defiance. To others, an admission of hopelessness in a bleak existence. To any fan of reflective folk-rock, a line delivered in a voice that stays with you. Raised just outside of New York City in the Hudson Valley, Joanna began playing music at a young age, saddled beside her grandmother on the piano bench while she reeled out old standards. While her traditional Roman Catholic family pushed her into classical lessons, she found she was able to play melodies by ear, and was inspired by the fiery elegance of Tori Amos records. Carnival Be

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