Barry Fleming - FAQs

Q: Do you ever get nervous and how do you overcome it? (L. Downey).

A: I was in a band for 7 years as a keyboard player before I started singing in public - I couldn't even hold a microphone because of my fear! I knew inside that I wanted to do it but I literally couldn't, either through nerves or the fear of someone telling me I was no good. Nerves can work in two ways - they can work to your advantage and make you more alert, or they can completely ruin and destroy you if you dwell on them. Have faith in yourself and what you do; talk to people who sing or perform, and get an honest opinion. A good friend will never give you bad advice whereas sometimes family will try and just make you feel better. If something is meant for you it will seldom pass you by.

Q: What has been your best moment / memory / feeling as a songwriter Barry? (S.Lowden, T Patterson, L Weir).

A: Great Question guys, and there are so so many answers. I was lucky enough to play some of my songs to Charlie Landsborough during one of his visits to Northern Ireland. I met his son who had a guitar, and in the wee small hours we all ended up around a table - singing to Charlie would be up there with some of my greatest moments since people 'found' my music - and indeed in my life. Having my songs first played on the radio and people emailing me or phoning the stations saying they like what I do. Probably being seen as a songwriter is just something I've never gotten over yet something I always just used to dream about. I'll always go for the underdog and believe everyone will have their time to shine... I have many many great memories of many things - maybe that's just the nature of the business.

Q: Where do your songs come from Barry? (S. McIntyre).

A: The simple answer to this is anywhere and everywhere. I'll sometimes (if ever) know when I'm about to write a song. Some songwriters like to take 'time out' or put time aside for their song writing - I usually find my ideas come when I'm least expecting them to, and I don't have a piece of paper and a pen handy! I always keep my guitar or keyboards near my computer, so if inspiration decides to strike I can switch to typing up and playing whatever comes into my mind. I find when my mind is relaxed I get my best lyrical ideas - I've even been known to ask myself - 'where on earth did that line come from - it's so not me' - must be a spiritual thing.

Q: Barry, I've just heard you've a new album is out. Where can I buy it and does it have Guiding Light on it? - many thanks. (E. Howard).

A: Yes it Is - and yes it does! Rainbow Run is now widely available, both as a digital download and from some independent stockists. In order to keep costs as low as possible I work closely with a selected number of independent music shops who stock my cds. You can check out my 'Contact Page' for more details. Always willing to add and work with more.

Q: You come across as a very down to earth person Barry. Is that really you? (N. Williams).

A: I'm not sure how to answer this one... maybe I'm just a thinker. Yes - I would think alot about things, and I suppose this evidently includes my songs. I'm not sure what 'down to earth' means these days I'm afraid. I like people to know me through my songwriting - or maybe even themselves in many ways if that makes sense? I wanted a website to reflect me as much as possible as well as offer visitors a portal to my music - a little something about the person behind the music if you like. However, if I come across as being 'down to earth' from what you see then so-be-it... after all, what you see is what you get - 'or hear' should I say..

Q: Hi Barry. I just write lyrics and don't play an instrument. I've been told my lyrics are good but don't know what I can do as I have no way of putting music to them... please help! (D. Neil)

A: I get many people asking me this question, and in many ways it comes down to one thing - collaboration & a great great deal of luck. It's good to remember that there will be musicians out there in your predicament who can't write lyrics but can supply the music. There are lots of websites out there - some good and some bad, which can get you in touch with musicians to put a melody to your words, and vice-versa. Always remember though - if you're asked to put money up front 'think twice', and always know who you're dealing with. Good websites will actually invite you to 'check them out'. Just because you don't play an instrument or write lyrics doesn't mean you have no future in music - and never forget a contract of some kind. best of luck with your lyrics.

Q: Are you on UTube or even Facebook? (Numerous).

A: Yes!!! At long last I finally got on uTube. If you search for 'Barry Fleming - Household Honey', you'll find me working with an excellent 6-piece band for a BBC 2 recording last year, which includes my songwriting guitarist buddy Michael who I met during Rainbow Run, as well as some of their finest musicians in the country. Enjoy! I'm also on Facebook... just look for Barry Fleming and the sketch of the singer.... you'll find me there.

Q: Have you any other jobs apart from music Barry? (T. Jackson)

A: Apart from being a singer / songwriter and producer, I'm also a Youth Support Worker. I also graduated as a therapeutic counsellor a few years ago... so I'm kept busy.

Q: What's your opinion of the music scene at the moment Barry? (L. Rogers)

A: To be honest I'm not sure. I think with things going very much digital (downloads etc..) it has taken away a lot of the excitement of rushing down to the local record store to buy and actually 'hold' a cd or record in your hand. I know there has been a huge drop in cd sales, and with this, independent music and record shops are suffering. I am very aware as a singer / songwriter that some people don't have the access to acquire downloadable music and in many ways we rely on the small outlets to deliver our music to people on a personal level. Personally I used to love reading the inlay of a cd, and thus find out more about the artist or band. The times they are a changing I guess - but my hat off to the independent record stores who believe in what they do - they certainly have my support, and you can find the ones I am proud to personally deal with on my contact page, and who stock my music.

Q: Do you know Gerry Anderson personally? (T. McIlroy)

A: I have met Gerry on two ocasions - once when I was invited into BBC Ulster's studios, and the second at a Charlie Landsborough charity even in aid of Action Cancer. Both times - a perfect gentleman. I feel I must add that I have also met Sean Coyle, who has also done great things for my music in geting it out there. Both excellent presenters in their own right.

Q: I'm currently enjoying your album Rainbow Run, but I find it hard to believe you did virtually everything regarding production etc... Sorry... but surely one man couldn't do that? (G. Carlisle).

A: I really wanted to thank you for your email and your question - which as you can see I've used. I'm afraid what you see and hear was done from my own studio with my own hands. I take great pride in what I do and won't put anything out there that I wouldn't want to buy (or hear) myself. I always learn from my fellow songwriters, family, listeners and anyone who takes the time to write to me. Rainbow Run was very much a labour of love, and with the many things which cropped up whilst making it, I knew it had to be right. My main goal was not to let the people who had supported and been there for me throughout it all down. With this in mind, I hope I've done everyone proud, and as you'll see in the inlay, I thank you all. Thanks again for the email Gillian - yep, I do use real emails. :o)

If you have any questions you’d like me to post - please send them to info@barryfleming.co.uk, and I’ll add them to the site. Many thanks for those you have written... hope you found the answers to what you were looking for.