Interview
Exclusive interview with Aussie singer/songwriter and actor, Barry Conrad


Photography by Johnny Diaz Nicolaidis
Barry Conrad has had more than a decade of success across the Tasman with musicals, featuring in the movie Sapphires, making the final 12 on X Factor Australia in 2013, and has released numerous singles.
According to Nzherald, Conrad also had a brush with death in 2017. He almost lost his life when he suffered a pulmonary embolism and lost half a lung, and now looks at life through a very different lens. “The doctor told me that if I wasn’t in such good shape, I wouldn’t have survived,” he said.
We had the chance to interview with Aussie singer/songwriter and actor, Barry Conrad, about his background and career. If you aren’t familiar with Barry Conrad.
- Can you tell us what brought you to this specific career path?
As a kid, I was always singing, writing, and doing school plays. It just felt right. Deciding to really go for it as a career came later though. It took a second for my self-belief to catch up to my love of it.
- Can you share something fun or memorable that happened to you since you started this career?
I almost got taken out by a helicopter Dwayne Johnson was flying in the film, San Andreas. That’s pretty fun and memorable!
- Can you share an experience when you were first starting that you learned a lesson from?
When I was still living in New Zealand, my friend Elly and I started a production company to put a live music event together. We basically didn’t have any work, so thought we’d create some.
We were total rookies, didn’t have much money, and were winging it every step of the way: meeting with sponsors, trying to get artists on board, the whole situation. We’d pack in sandwiches for lunch and drive around Auckland to meetings in Elly’s car, fondly named ‘The Chicken’, which would break down (haha).
We did it though and the event went great. The experience taught me the value of hard work and really backing yourself, even when it looks like nothing’s happening. That you don’t need to have everything laid out to achieve something, you just need to start.
- What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you’ve been working on?
Most recently a TV show out here in Australia called Neighbours, where I play the character, Kane Jones. And writing and recording new music. You can find my single, Ocean Road, on any of your favorite music streaming platforms.
- What tips would you recommend to your industry colleagues to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
I think it can be tricky because a lot of times with opportunities in showbiz, when it rains it pours and you’ve got to take the work. But it’s important to intentionally make time for breaks and for the things that leave you feeling refreshed. For me, that’s working out, the ocean, going on road trips, and spending time with the people I love. Life can’t just be about work, it’s not healthy. I think you’ve got to fill it with other things that make you happy too.
- You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?
I’m constantly reminded that success and life, in general, isn’t linear. It’s not just a straight, steady lineup. It’s up, down, all around, and unpredictable. You’re right, it’s extremely challenging, filled with rejection, and isn’t for everyone. But if you know it’s what you’re meant to do, you have to go all-in, invest in yourself and just keep going. Don’t give up.
- Can you share with our readers any self-care routines, practices, or treatments that you do to help your body, mind, or heart to thrive?
I love to exercise and practice intermittent fasting. Listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks by the ocean. Taking on new recipes in the kitchen. Turning off my phone and getting lost in a great book or film. These are just some of the things I do for self-care that I find really helpful.
- What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”?
Be yourself.
You don’t need all the answers.
Invest in people who add to your life and want what’s best for you.
Done is better than perfect.
Just relax and have more fun.
- Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that has been relevant in your life?
Be the best version of yourself, for you. That’s not necessarily some pioneering new thought, but it’s something I started saying, especially after almost losing my life a few years back. You owe it to yourself to be the best version of yourself. We only get one shot at life, so why settle for anything less?
- None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are?
There are a lot of people I could list, but I’d have to say my beautiful mother and my high school music teacher, Miss Rabin.
- You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I think just bring positive change, wherever you are and whatever that looks like for you. It really costs nothing to be kind and helping someone is the best way to get your mind off yourself while making a positive impact.
- We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂
Ah, that question’s not fair! We’d be here all day if I listed everyone I’d love to eat with. But one person would be Sir Richard Branson. Have always admired him and what he’s been able to build over the years. A big lunch with him would be pretty awesome!
13 How can our readers follow you online?
You can find me on Instagram and Twitter at @barry_conrad, on Facebook at facebook.com/
Featured
Swizz Beatz Thinks DMX Sent Scar Lip To Him
The producer thinks the late rapper had something to do with him taking the NY based rapper under his wing.

Swizz Beatz is having some interesting encounters with the spirit of DMX recently. During an interview with The Breakfast Club last month, Swizz recounted a powerful dream he had. In it, he felt the presence of his late friend and iconic rapper. Prior to sharing this extraordinary experience, Swizz expressed that it didn’t feel like DMX was truly gone, but rather just temporarily absent. He described feeling a sense that the rapper was somewhere relaxed and at ease. However, when significant anniversaries related to the DMX approach, Swizz is struck with a profound realization of his friend’s physical absence.
Swizz went on to describe his dream about the late rapper. “But the thing that make me feel easy about it is he came to me,” he continued. “I seen him in my dream. He came to me. And this was, like, super quick too. And he let me know he was good. I’m the person that be like, ‘He ain’t come to see you, what you talkin’ about?’ I seen him. I felt him.” However, that isn’t the only thing that DMX is doing for Swizz Beatz. In fact, he says he feels like the late icon sent up-and-coming rapper Scar Lip to him.
Swizz Thinks Scar Lip Has The Same Great Heart As DMX
According to Swizz Beatz, he believes that DMX played a spiritual role in connecting him with Scar Lip. The rapper is an emerging star out of New York. Recently, Swizz has taken on the role of mentor for the young artist. During an interview with Audacy’s Hip-Hop Made, the renowned “Ruff Ryders Anthem” producer shared that the connection to Scar Lip was initiated by the spirit of DMX. Apparently, DMX’s fiancée Desiree Lindstrom urged him to collaborate with the new, talented artist from the Bronx.
“I honestly feel like DMX sent Scar Lip my way because she’s too much of his energy,” Swizz said. “Like I’ve never seen an artist that just naturally have what I know DMX have. And they two different artists, two different levels, yes. But I’m not talking about that. You know, like, that sister’s been through a lot, like Dog been through a lot. That sister, you know, is when you sit with her, she’s amazing and have a great heart the same way X had a great heart.” What do you think about Swizz’s words on Scar Lip and DMX sending her to him? Let us know in the comments!
Artist Spotlight
Emika Love: Rising Music Artist Spreading Positivity

Meet Emika Love, a 19-year-old rising music artist from Sacramento, California. Emika’s unique sound and style are heavily influenced by her love for visuals and storytelling. In this interview, Emika shares how she tackles challenges in the music industry, her creative process, and her focus on making a positive impact on others through her music and interactions. With a big release coming up on May 19th, Emika is all geared up to bring her best self and leave a lasting impression on her listeners.
Honk: Let’s kick things off by getting to know each other a bit better. Tell us your name, age, and where you’re from—as much or as little as you’re comfortable sharing.
Emika: My name is Emika Love, and I am 19 years old. I am from Sacramento, California.
Honk: We all need good advice from time to time. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about music?
Emika: The best advice I got from someone about music was to never stop and to keep pushing my music. One song might not be your favorite, but to someone else, it will be. It’s all about preference. The advice I would give someone is to be unapologetically yourself. It is essential to reach your highest potential!
Honk: If you could go back in time, what would you do differently based on what you know now?
Emika: If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change anything. Everything I do, I stand by. I never have regrets, nor do I ever feel guilty. This is me, and every step and era I had and made was to make me have all the knowledge I have now. I am very blessed, honored, and thankful for everything and everyone.
Honk: We all face challenges, but what’s your biggest one yet?
Emika: My biggest challenge is that I love challenges.
Honk: What keeps you motivated and moving forward when things get tough in the music industry?
Emika: The thing that keeps me motivated is that I know where there’s good, there’s bad, and where there is bad, there’s good. Life only gets more complex, but you get stronger. Being able to do what I love is always the solution. So no matter how tough they are, diamonds need pressure. Nothing can take away from my music and motivation because, in the end, I’m doing it for myself and my people. There are going to be challenges, but bring them on.
Honk: If you had the chance to open a show for any artist, who would it be and why?
Emika: If I had the chance to open a show for any artist, it would be Taylor Swift. She brings such a warm, genuine atmosphere to the stage. Very feminine and whimsical energy, and just an all-around powerful, groovy tone. I believe we would bring an undeniable vibration to the stage.
Honk: Take us through your creative process. How do you come up with your excellent work?
Emika: My creative process is definitely all over the place and comes in so many forms. I usually start off with the visual side of things. So I will create a story visual in my head and say, “Now let’s tell the story. The visual part comes with me being a director, so it really sparks my creative process. Once I come up with the story, it’s time to tell it. I like to sit in the sink in my bathroom, look in the mirror, and sing melodies until I come up with the words. There will also be times where I will have a conversation with someone or read or hear about something that sparks it up as well. Once I come up with all of that, then the wardrobe and makeup come in to finish off the story.
Honk: We all struggle with productivity and scheduling at times. How do you tackle these issues and stay on top of things?
Emika: Productivity I don’t struggle with productivity, but there are times when I get scheduled for something, and the dates and times collide. I tackle this based on the cause. What is the job for? Is it for a good cause? Am I making an impact in others lives? It all depends on what is more effective for not just me but for others.
Honk: What are you currently focusing your time and energy on?
Emika: I am currently focusing on how to help others and have a positive impact on them. It is imperative to me that I leave a mark, add to people’s lives, and help them overcome some obstacles. I do that, whether it is to talk to them in person or through my music. I am also focusing on my music. I have a big release coming out on May 19th that has a message that people need to hear. That being the case, it is a project that holds a lot of weight in my heart. So I’m super focused on that and, all around, being the best Emika Amber Love.
Honk: Lastly, how can our readers follow you online?
Emika: To follow me online, you can find my music on all platforms as Emika Love, and my social media accounts are as follows: Instagram: eemikalove; Twitter: eemikalove; TikTok: emikalovee; YouTube: Emika Love; and Facebook: Emika Love.
Emika Love is a force to be reckoned with. Her unapologetic attitude towards being herself, pushing boundaries, and taking on challenges is inspiring. She creates from a place of authenticity, and her creative process is as unique as her music. With a big release on the horizon, Emika is focused on making a positive impact through her music and helping others overcome obstacles. Follow her journey on social media and join her mission to leave a lasting mark on the world.
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