James Barre grows as an artist, entertainer

Many people wish they could perform in front of large crowds. Only few will be able to go past the first steps to becoming a performer and entertainer. Campus student Colton Allen, ‘20, performs all around the country and desires to become a professional singer.

Allen, known as James Barre, began entertaining and singing when he was young. Barre started his journey with the guitar.

“I think the best place to begin is to learn an instrument,” Barre said. “If you’re interested in being a singer-songwriter, go with a guitar or a piano. Learn as much as you can and absorb as much knowledge possible.I play the guitar and right now I’m learning to play piano, but I consider myself a guitarist. Every instrument has a certain style. Go for whatever style you are passionate for.”

Barre has performed all over the country. One of his biggest accomplishments was singing for the Chicago Bulls at a halftime show.

“Now I have no reason to be nervous with smaller crowds,” Barre said. “I performed in front of over 22,000 people in the Bulls United Center. The larger the crowds you perform in front of, the easier it gets.”

Barre elaborates on musical influences in his life. He explains how he gets inspiration for his own music from famous artists. 

“My favorite artist is Brendon Urie,” Barre said. “I love Panic at the Disco, it might not be the most appropriate but it’s real. Another artist I love is Ed Sheeran. I love the way he uses his music loops and just the way his music sounds in general. I often get my inspiration from Ed Sheeran when I make my music.”

Barre has already toured the nation on several tours including the Grow Wild Tour, the Boys of Summer Tour, and the Arctic Lights Tour. Additionally, he has his own station on Spotify and several of his songs are available on iTunes. Several of his videos on YouTube have over 200 thousand views.

A lot of kids are pressured by their parents and society to conform and go a certain direction. I feel I am giving my son the opportunity to do what he loves. I just want him to be happy and healthy and have a fulfilled life that he can be proud of. — Jeff Allen

While he grew up playing sports, Barre decided from a young age to become involved in music. Barre’s father, Jeff Allen, supports his son’s music career and hopes he accomplishes his dream. 

“James got into music in the sixth grade,” Allen said. “He had been participating in youth football for approximately three years. He decided that summer he didn’t want to play anymore. I encouraged him to do something different and out of the norm. We dusted off an old guitar and signed him up for lessons twice a week for the entire summer. He eventually began to learn how to play songs and sing on his own.”

After learning the basics of guitar, Barre began to improve his skills to the point where he could perform in front of public audiences. 

“From there we started going to open mics around Fresno and Clovis,” Allen said. “There were many accomplished musicians that took interest in James and invited him to come to their events and open for them. Soon after that, the venues had James come and play on his own. It wasn’t long before James was playing out three or four nights a week at coffee houses and restaurants events.”

While Barre now performs often at a variety of venues, it took hard work and dedication for him to get his name out in the music industry. Barre’s father helped him get the contacts needed to have the opportunities to perform.

“I begin looking for representation in Los Angeles and made some connections for auditions,” Allen said. “We traveled quite a bit and met some really great people. I organize and help facilitate all events activities and opportunities that he and I feel are good for his music career. As a father, I couldn’t ask for a better son. I am so proud to be his dad and I love watching him grow and become the man he has to be.”

“A lot of kids are pressured by their parents and society to conform and go a certain direction,” Allen continued. “I feel I am giving my son the opportunity to do what he loves. I just want him to be happy and healthy and have a fulfilled life that he can be proud of. Every one is different and unique and created in God’s likeness. The world would be so boring if we were all the same. I love what James has chosen for his career path and will chew through concrete to help him accomplish his dream.”

Barre plans to major in psychology as a backup plan in case music does not work out. For more information on James Barre, check out his Facebook page. His music is found on Spotify and YouTube. 

For more music articles, read Musical excellence leads junior high student to success in competition. For another article, check out Time Traveler’s days at Civil War Revisited site engages students.

The slideshow below contains images of Allen preforming

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This author can be reached via twitter @timothychavezTF and via email: Timothy Chavez.