Drew Barrett
Band Story
Drew Barrett: From Hard Rock Frontman to Acoustic Storyteller
Hailing from New York, Drew Barrett is a singer-songwriter and producer/engineer with a decade-spanning passion for crafting songs that connect. With over ten years of writing, recording, and performing under his belt, Drew’s journey through the music world has been one of evolution, resilience, and raw creativity.
Drew first broke onto the scene as the charismatic frontman of Barakade, a hard-hitting rock outfit that earned a loyal following throughout the mid-90s. Their 1995 debut full-length, Volume 1, featured 12 original tracks, all co-written by Drew, and served as a sonic snapshot of a band pushing the boundaries of indie rock grit and melodic urgency. The album sold several thousand copies and enjoyed rotation on both college and commercial radio stations—proof of its underground appeal and staying power.
After Barakade’s disbandment in 1997, Drew didn’t hit pause—he hit record. Driven by a need to express deeper, more personal stories, he began work on his solo debut, The Strolling Minstrel. Released in July 1999, the album marked a significant stylistic shift. Trading the crunch of distortion for acoustic melodies and introspective lyrics, Drew carved out a new musical identity—one rooted in storytelling, honesty, and folk-rock charm.
The debut singles “City of Sin” and “Billy-Bob” introduced listeners to a different side of Barrett: a troubadour with an edge, a songwriter with something to say. Self-produced and engineered, The Strolling Minstrel stands as a testament to his multifaceted talents—not just as a performer, but as a complete creative force.
Drew Barrett’s music career is a study in growth—how a hard rock singer evolved into an independent artist with a voice all his own. And if his past is any indication, his story is still far from over.
Hailing from New York, Drew Barrett is a singer-songwriter and producer/engineer with a decade-spanning passion for crafting songs that connect. With over ten years of writing, recording, and performing under his belt, Drew’s journey through the music world has been one of evolution, resilience, and raw creativity.
Drew first broke onto the scene as the charismatic frontman of Barakade, a hard-hitting rock outfit that earned a loyal following throughout the mid-90s. Their 1995 debut full-length, Volume 1, featured 12 original tracks, all co-written by Drew, and served as a sonic snapshot of a band pushing the boundaries of indie rock grit and melodic urgency. The album sold several thousand copies and enjoyed rotation on both college and commercial radio stations—proof of its underground appeal and staying power.
After Barakade’s disbandment in 1997, Drew didn’t hit pause—he hit record. Driven by a need to express deeper, more personal stories, he began work on his solo debut, The Strolling Minstrel. Released in July 1999, the album marked a significant stylistic shift. Trading the crunch of distortion for acoustic melodies and introspective lyrics, Drew carved out a new musical identity—one rooted in storytelling, honesty, and folk-rock charm.
The debut singles “City of Sin” and “Billy-Bob” introduced listeners to a different side of Barrett: a troubadour with an edge, a songwriter with something to say. Self-produced and engineered, The Strolling Minstrel stands as a testament to his multifaceted talents—not just as a performer, but as a complete creative force.
Drew Barrett’s music career is a study in growth—how a hard rock singer evolved into an independent artist with a voice all his own. And if his past is any indication, his story is still far from over.
Band Members
Drew Barrett
Drew Barrett
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: New York (NY)
Genre: Folk-Rock