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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.

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  1. 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.

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  1. 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!

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  1. 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.

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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).

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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.

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  1. 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.

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  1. 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.

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  1. 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.

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  1. 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.

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  1. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”? 

 

Be yourself.

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You don’t need all the answers.

Invest in people who add to your life and want what’s best for you.

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Done is better than perfect.

Just relax and have more fun.

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  1. 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?

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  1. 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.

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  1. 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.

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  1. 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!

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13 How can our readers follow you online?

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You can find me on Instagram and Twitter at @barry_conrad, on Facebook at facebook.com/barryconradofficial, and on Spotify under my name. Thanks so much for having me.

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Natalie is a journalism major with a focus on Entertainment and Music who aspires to become a Content Creator For Honk Magazine. Eventually, she wants to be the Publisher or Editor-in-Chief of a major Publishing House. She loves helping people find their voice and passion for writing and journalism, and she can always be found with coffee in hand, editing another article.

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Interview

Tarantino’s Cinematic Empire, Unveiling the $120 Million Maestro of Hollywood in 2024

Quentin Tarantino

Tarantino’s Cinematic Empire, Unveiling the $120 Million Maestro of Hollywood in 2024

 

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Renowned for his bold narratives and unique storytelling, Quentin Tarantino has become a cinematic legend, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry. As we step into 2024, the maestro’s net worth is a staggering $120 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Join us on a thrilling journey through Tarantino’s career, from his humble beginnings to the zenith of success, uncovering the milestones that have paved the way for his substantial wealth.

Tarantino’s love affair with cinema began in Los Angeles, where he nurtured his passion for storytelling while working at a video rental store. This early exposure laid the groundwork for his distinctive cinematic style, blending pop culture, dialogue-driven narratives, and a penchant for non-linear storytelling.

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The turning point arrived with his debut film, “Reservoir Dogs” (1992). Despite controversies surrounding its violence, the crime thriller catapulted Tarantino into the spotlight, establishing him as a visionary director in Hollywood.

Post-“Reservoir Dogs,” Tarantino continued to make waves with critically acclaimed and commercially successful films like “Pulp Fiction” (1994), “Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2” (2003-2004), “Inglourious Basterds” (2009), and “Django Unchained” (2012). Each release not only garnered critical acclaim but also contributed significantly to Tarantino’s ever-growing net worth.

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Venturing beyond filmmaking, Tarantino explored novels based on his films, directed theater adaptations, and made a mark in television by directing episodes of hit series like CSI and ER. Collaborations with major brands and merchandise associated with his films further boosted his income, creating a consistent stream of revenue.

Quentin Tarantino’s net worth is a testament to his enduring impact on the film industry. From humble beginnings fueled by a passion for cinema to groundbreaking directorial work, Tarantino has carved out a niche uniquely his own. As we witness the maestro’s influence in various mediums, one thing is certain – Quentin Tarantino’s legacy is not just in Hollywood history but also reflected in his substantial net worth. Join us in celebrating the $120 million maestro who continues to redefine cinematic brilliance!

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Artist Spotlight

HeIsTheArtist Opens Up about New EP, Faith and more!

Can you tell us a little about your musical background and how you got started in the industry?

Growing up, I was always in some type of choir and band. I didn’t take music seriously, however, until I was an adult, when a music producer from my hometown discovered me online singing covers for fun on my Instagram page. He loved what he heard and invited me to his studio to record a single (now titled “Honey”). The rest is history.

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Your new EP, “Dreaming In Emerald City (Wicked Deluxe Edition),” is a tribute to two iconic films. What inspired you to create this project?

In recent years, musical movies have grown in popularity. That alone inspired me to create this project, which mixed the essence of my favorite two musical movies with R&B.

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How do you infuse elements of Broadway and neo-soul into your music? 

I was deliberate with the nostalgic instrumentation to give an old-school Broadway sound. I mixed in the Neo-Soul element with my soulful vocal delivery.

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The theme of empathy and self-love is prominent in this EP. Can you speak more on the messages you hope to convey through your music?

This EP is about self-discovery (which is the theme of “The Wizard of Oz” as well). The EP takes you on a journey, from love of others to self-love. By the end of the EP, I hope listeners have a little more love to give in their hearts.

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Your cover of Minnie Riperton’s “Lovin’ You” has gained a lot of attention. What made you choose this song and how did you put your own spin on it?

I chose “Lovin’ You” because it’s the epitome of earthy love songs. I put a spin on it by just being myself while still honoring the original.

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The EP also includes a remix of your original song “Mi Amor.” Can you talk about the inspiration behind this song and its remixes?

The song itself was inspired by “The West Side Story” (which is why the lyrics are mostly in Spanish). The song is about falling in love in a world that often times breaks lovers apart.

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The retro remixes were inspired by the 1989 musical movie “Teen Witch” where the main character had trouble finding love until she realized she always had the power to find love, she just had to find love within herself.

Your music has reached international success, particularly in the UK. How does it feel to have such a wide audience for your music?

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It feels great that my music is reaching larger audiences. It shows that my God-fearing music is being embraced in a world that can be so heartless at times.

You have been described as a Christian R&B artist. Can you tell us about the role of faith in your music?

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God is everything in my music. God is love, which is why every song I sing is about love.

Can fans expect any live performances or tours in support of this EP?

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Yes, towards the summer, I will be doing various live performances. Stay posted to my social media for performance dates!

What can we expect from HeIsTheArtist in the future? Any upcoming projects or collaborations to look out for?

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On May 10th I will be releasing a cover of “(At Your Best) You Are Love” by The Isley Brothers paired with a cinematic music video. I call this project “Dreaming In Emerald City 1.5” because it expands on the concepts that my EP “Dreaming In Emerald City” touched on.

www.artistecard.com/heistheartist

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