“A musician must make music, an artist must paint,
a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself.
What a man can be, he must be." - Abraham Maslow
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Described as a captivating singer, Barb Elyett is a recording artist, four time Maja Award nominee, award-winning songwriter, speaker and published author.
Following the lead of artists like Loreena McKennitt and Allison Crowe, Barb established her own record label, Aleta Records, on which she recently released her debut CD, The Simple Side.
Working with award-winning producer and engineer, Bill Buckingham (Carolyn Arends, Rita MacNeil), at The Palace Studios in Vancouver, BC, the "2 peas in a pod" creative team put out an album that has already garnered airplay and accolades from around the world.
"2 peas in a pod" - Bill Buckingham and Barb Elyett
The Palace Studios, Vancouver, BC
10 out of the 11 songs on the album were written by Barb and the 11th song is a most unique, chilling, self-arranged rendition of The Lord's Prayer.
"Come To Me," based on Matt 11:28, is a touching performance of Jesus' call to "come" that recently was awarded an Honorable Mention at the Billboard World Song Contest.
"Only You Know," a touching song written for a family friend battling cancer, was a finalist in the Song Door International songwriting competition. "Abandoned Nets," "Thorns and Fragrant Roses," "Home," and the title track of the album, "The Simple Side" were also recognized with awards in the competition.
Combining Barb's unique ability for introspective, thought provoking lyrics, transcendent piano-based melodies and stirring vocals, Barb's album, The Simple Side, is sure to be timeless.
Throughout Barb's musical journey, she performed on numerous occasions by invitation at Christian conferences and events and was a soloist for the Vancouver Outreach Community Soul Gospel Choir in which she performed at the historic Orpheum Theatre and Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver, BC as well as many churches in and around the Vancouver area.
After serving as musical director at her church for four years, she was invited to be a lead vocalist for the Ninth Hour Band. She continued to make regular appearances with them for two years. Barb also had the privilege of sharing the stage with Celine Dion at GM Place on her North American tour, as well as gracing the independent movie scene with a riveting performance of Sweet Heart of Jesus in the movie Bad Money. She has also shared the stage with Michael Bublé and her vocal talent has been used extensively by the Nashville Songwriters Association and the Vancouver Jingle Industry.
"In every adversity there is a seed of equal or greater benefit." For me, the benefit of going through my own personal set of challenges was that it has put a desire in me to communicate hope and a better way to live to others that may have had a rough start in life. It is a joy to see how what I have learned from my experience is impacting others in a positive way."
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Fun Facts!
Birthday: August 11
Birthplace: Campbell River, BC
Siblings and Family: 2 older sisters, 3 nephews, 3 nieces
Favorite Cuisine: East Indian; Japanese, any ethnic with LOTS of sauce
Favorite Naughty Snack: Cheesy Popcorn, Honey Dijon chips
Favorite Movie(s): Jerry MacGuire, Dave, Martian Child
Favorite Season: Summer
Favorite Place on Earth: Disney World, Florida, Sea of Galilee, Israel;
Favorite Quiet Spot: The Forest
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Sport: Mini-Golf
Favorite Color: Dark Purple
Second Favorite Color: Orange
Other Artistic Passion: Drawing
Crazy for: Rollercoasters, Theme Parks
Pet Peeves: Bad drivers
