A chance encounter at Cook Children’s Medical Center is all it took to set Todd Barrow on his mission to revamp classic country with his signature modern twist. One day, an American Idol contestant was slated to perform for the patients at Todd’s place of employment, but the audio tech was nowhere to be found. When he heard the call, “Can anybody here run sound?” Todd answered. In walked Texas Music Hall of Fame Honoree Sonny Burgess just as Todd was setting up the live rig, and the two musicians struck up a conversation. Sonny told Todd about his work with Charlie Pride and Randy Travis, and asked Todd if he might lend his technical skills to help build the recording studio sponsored by Garth Brooks and Troy Aikmanhe that had in the works. This serendipitous encounter yielded a coffee meeting to review the blueprints for the project, and before long, Sonny was meeting Todd for coffee weekly to discuss music. Eventually, he became Todd’s mentor, forever changing the course of Todd’s career.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Todd about this music, technology, challenges and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I was born and raise in the Lone Star State of Texas. Dallas to be exact. The style of music I create is better known as Outlaw country music. Really it is the sound of traditional/real country music!

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

Started at a young age singing in talent competitions. Grew up in a musical family so music was 24/7. What keeps me going is to lead country fans, bloggers, journalist back to the days of Hank Williams, Waylon  Jennings, George Jones, etc. The thrill of creating a song and hearing it on the radio!   

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

My new release is taking a stand for country music the way I remember it in my early years. “Country’s Just Cooler” is a statement to motivate listeners to break away from pop country.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

One of the challenges I face is stating the obvious. A over saturated market! Everybody thinks their qualified without considering the journey. What I mean by that is paying your do’s.

Standing out among the millions of bands & artists. Second challenge is competing with the major labels with all the resources & money to back a artist. Need for capital is a challenge.

However in the modern age technology can give a indie artist leverage with social media. I love social media and the tools available to get heard!!!

What was the last song you listened to?

Last song I listened too was “Country Roads” by John Denver.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I prefer MP3’s but like to carry CDs with me to shows and events. Radio stations vary in what they prefer as well.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I would have to say Spotify has become a major player in the music industry. I still like Apple when it comes to selling downloads.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

If you have time stop by my website: http://www.ToddBarrowMusic.com 

Social Media- Todd Barrow (@ToddBarrowMusic) | Twitter

Anything else before we sign off?

All my music is available on I-Tunes, Amazon, Spotify, Pandora,etc.