TODD BARROW is making a name for himself as a country artist to watch. The Texas singer-songwriter has racked up more than a few accolades, from a PRSA Award of Excellence, to an Akademia Award for Best Country Album, and an artist spotlight in Alternative Roots Magazine, American Pride Magazine and AVA Radio. He has appeared on television shows including Good Morning Texas with Jerry Matheny and Texas Music Café on PBS.
He’s even shared the stage and studio with some of country music’s heaviest hitters, from CMA musicians in Miranda Lambert’s band to Fort Worth Producer of the Year Bart Rose. But it’s more than just Todd’s success to date that makes him such a compelling country artist. What’s most readily apparent in Todd Barrow’s music is his heart. “
Todd’s music is no country for old men. While he undoubtedly draws his sonic influence from titans like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, his melodies skew modern. He plays almost every instrument, from piano to guitar, mandolin, harmonica, and drums, and the multi-instrumentalist doubles as a songwriter for himself as well as for other artists.
“If I can put a smile on someone’s face through song, well that just means the world to me,” he says. “I try to get to the real heart and soul of a song. To me, it’s not just words but a story, and I do my best to portray that with every line. That’s my main draw to country music; the stories, the people, and the sincerity that comes from the heart.”
It’s precisely that heart that has won over audiences around the world. Todd Barrow’s recent single, “The House That Love Built”, co-written with Sonny Burgess, was featured on RightNow TV and was honored by PRSA Fort Worth for its fundraising efforts on behalf of the Ronald McDonald house.
Todd was featured in the lineup for Bo’s Extravaganza festival at John Schneider’s Studio, alongside such artists as Kid Rock and Tom Wopat from Dukes of Hazzard. He has received radio airplay from Italy Radio 6.75 for his single “Hot Southern Night”.
In early 2020, Todd released the single “Country’s Just Cooler”. Todd says, “I wrote this song with the intention of getting country fans back to real country – the more traditional, classic artists such as Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, George Jones and Waylon Jennings. I was tired of hearing the same blah pop country tunes on top 40 radio. This is my favorite song that I’ve written in quite a while’. The song was recorded at a popular recording studio called Ft. Worth Sound in Texas.
During the coronavirus pandemic in the summer of 2020, Todd released the single “Girl Like You”. Todd says, “I’m sure everyone has had a little cabin fever from staying at home and I felt that during these challenging time, I wanted to write a song.
“One morning I woke up with the sun in my eyes and the smell of coffee. The song came very quickly into my head as the lyrics just poured out. I picked up my guitar, strumming various chord structures which in turn led to a feeling that I had created the perfect sequence. The idea was to relate to the idea of keeping love alive and focusing on better days.”
Todd released the single “Just Like Whiskey” in September 2020 followed shortly afterwards by “Fun In Mexico”. The song was written with the idea of escape and is inspired by songs like “It’s Five O’Clock” somewhere and “Margaritaville”.
The song will take you to a place where you can relax, chill and enjoy life for a few minutes. Maybe take it with you in your busy day!
Todd’s first release of 2021 “Point Of No Return” was inspired by his brother who left Texas about 20 years ago to live in California.
Todd says, “Texas is more of a conservative state as California is a liberal state. There were more opportunities for him to expand in business and eventually own his own company. The song paints a picture of how he started with basically nothing to be very successful where things really took off for him.
“One day I was thinking about all the stories he told me after leaving the lone star state and begin a new life on the west coast. California is a beautiful landscape of oceans and mountains with plenty of palm trees. Not to mention all the buzz around Hollywood with so many celebrities, professionals working in the motion picture industry.
” It’s a song about going through the rough times and coming out on the other side of something amazing!!! Go after your dream it’s bigger than you can imagine. Now it’s your turn to find your point of no return.”
May 2021 brought the release of “Gonna Drive”. Todd wrote the song to inspire all artists, bands and musicians to get ready to play live again after the series of coronavirus lockdowns.
The next release from Todd, in June 2021 was “Prisoner of Love”.
Todd’s single “Good Luck” was released in the summer of 2021…
“We all face challenges in the world we live in today. This song was inspired after a MTV interview when they were asking for advice for artists/bands who want to succeed in the modern music industry. I made the comment, ‘Well, Good luck’ and they responded with much enthusiasm. After the interview I started jotting down some thoughts and ideas for my next release! This was not an easy process because there are thousands of stories to tell in a country song. I decided to talk about the struggles in the model business and country music scene.”
In October 2021, Todd released the single “Parrot Bay”.
“Everyone has gone through so much the past year. I’ve always wanted to write a song in a similar style to Jimmy Buffett, Alan Jackson and Blake Shelton. Who doesn’t want to get away to a tropical place and enjoy life? After listening to some tunes the idea came to me about an island called Parrot Bay where tourists soak up the sun on a beach with palm trees blowing in the wind.
Imagine escaping far from all the troubles you face each and every day. It’s time to unwind, relax, take a swim in the ocean in a beautiful environment. The only goal here is to have a good time with others who have taken the trip. I’ve been to many spots in Jamaica, Bahamas and so on. After visiting these places I kept mental pictures in my mind that are portrayed in my new single.
Pack your bags and plan a trip to head to paradise. Enjoy your favorite beverage getting a tan while listening to some island music. Rum is very popular in the caribbean region. A brand that is know around the world is called, “Parrot Bay!” Needless to say it was inspirational in the song writing process. I also want to give credit to the guys in the recording studio. Tanner Landry my producer/engineer, Aden Bubeck on bass, Joshua Rogers on drums and Larry Ronaldo on guitars! Fantastic musicians and good friends. Now get ready for a chillin vibe in a country kind of way.
In May 2022, Todd released the single “West Texas Wind”.
“This song is very special to me because I dedicated it to my dad. He passed away a few months ago so I thought I’d write a story about his life.
My family comes from the panhandle in West Texas. I remember making trips for the holidays or on vacation. There is a lot of history surrounding these parts of the United States. You must understand Texas is a big state. Commonly called the Lone Star State with a modest lifestyle we pride ourselves in the cowboy culture still today. When you visit Texas you’ll see coyotes, cattle, horses and longhorn steer. One of the most fascinating things is when the sun goes down and the moon comes out. The sky is filled with stars twinkling like diamonds. I imagine in the wild wild west era campfires and cowboys with guitars singing poetry about their experiences. Many tourists travel every year to discover the magic of the desert plains, hills and caves. It really is another world just off the interstate sight-seeing and getting away from the hustle and bustle of life.
“While planning the project I decided to bring Nashville into the picture along with Texas. My good friend in Nashville directs the Grand Ole Opry band. He also has his own studio in his house up in the hills. We first produced the tracks in
Nashville then brought them to Texas to record vocals in my hometown. You probably guessed by now it can get pretty windy out West. At certain times you can taste the dust in your mouth but it won’t hurt you. I hope you enjoy the vibe behind the song maybe consider coming to Texas with our wonderful food, beer and hospitality!!!
If you’ve ever had that first love feeling then you’ll love Todd’s song “My Girl Crush”.
“I was listening to an old Taylor Swift song that struck me as a theme to go after. It speaks about two girls trying to win the heart of a guy. One is more nerdy and the other a cheerleader type. I was inspired to put words on paper and begin putting together my own version from a country boy perspective.
The music was recorded with top musicians in the industry and nailed it from the intro to the outro. My good friend Greg White at SG studios helped with dynamics and taking it to a whole new level. He has amazing production skills and studio. We spent three days in the studio recording and mixing to create an intense, emotional vibe. I’m hopeful that this will reach high in the charts from Texas to around the world.
Let it take you on the ride of your life with a unforgettable experience. Many radio stations and promoters are hot on my heels to get this released. I hopeyou enjoy it every time you hear it. Get ready to turn up the volume and go find your girl crush!!!”
In May 2023, Todd released the single “Best Of Me”.
Todd says the song is inspired by true events. “In a society full of uncertainty and chaos there is a safe place. Learning that life is a journey with many roads to take. Find out who you are and share it with the world. The best version of you is all we really need. Stop trying to duplicate someone else’s view point and give yours! Country music is the perfect platform to give that golden nugget to struggling people. Smile and play music with a purpose. Every line in this country song comes from the deepest part of my soul. This is a song about me. Much love to all of you out there!”
In November 2023, Todd released the single “Jungle Out There”.
The message is that we all have to face uncertain times in our lifetime and find the meaning behind the struggle,” Todd explained. “The story is about making life work for humans in everyday situations. It is important to keep love in the picture for couples and families. Tarzan and Jane have influenced many generations so why not bring it in focus with modern society. Extremely upbeat, fun and lots of energy. Get ready to crank your radio, iPhone or any device.”
Todd is supported by the team at Country Music Social Media and his song “Guadalupe River” appears on their compilation CD “Country Music Social Media Vol 2” with “Real Country’s Just Cooler” included on Vol 4 and “Christmas Party” on The Christmas Edition.
