Nate Barnes just released “Right About Me,” an updated version of his previously-released song, with an announcement that it will impact radio in June. Additionally, he dropped a new B-side track called “Girl Like You.” I got the details on his music and a deep-dive into what performing means to him.
“Right About Me”
“Right About Me,” written by Michael Delaney, Neil Thrasher, and Jason Sellers is a fun song that you’ll want to sing along to. “When I first heard the song, it really just hit home with me,” Barnes said.
Even seemingly-lighthearted songs can have a deeper message. “Right About Me” conveys the old adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” with the song’s main character receiving criticism for being with a girl that people think is too good for him. Ultimately, she’s able to bring out the best in him and they’re a match for each other, despite what others think. Love can break through stereotypes. Barnes said, “Love has no bounds. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you look like. Love is love. If you love somebody, that’s all that matters. “
“I’m that guy in that song,” Barnes admitted, noting his rough-around-the-edges vibe, and ending up in similar scenarios.
Hard to Love
There’s a lyric in “Right About Me” describing the main character as “hard to love.” When I asked Barnes about his thoughts on the subject he had some really insightful responses. He talked about self-love and if a person is comfortable in their own skin and loves themselves, they’re easier for other people to love. On the contrary, if they don’t, it can make them difficult to love.
“The first time that I ever truly loved someone and allowed them to actually love me, it was at a time where I truly started to love myself,” Barnes shared. He stated that he started to know his worth and needed to be okay with that.
Many characteristics can make a person hard to love, like being stubborn, having too much pride, not being able to let go or having a difficult time growing up. The trick is learning to grow and be willing to take those steps.
At one point he was dating an amazing woman and his friend sat him down and told him that if he was going to love someone he needed to be bold enough to love like he’s never been hurt.
“I never heard that before and I was willing to hear it,” he began. “It really affected me in a good way. I’m so glad he said that cause that’s exactly what happened.”
Overall, he really relates to the song and added, “It’s just such a fun song to sing.” Barnes is looking forward to “Right About Me” impacting radio in June. Additionally, “Girl Like You,” co-written by Marv Green, Lance Miller, and Jimmy Yeary, illustrates the only right way to love someone with its honest and humble lyrics.
Performing Live Means More Than Being on Stage
Barnes has a few festivals on his docket for 2022. When I asked him about what he’s looking forward to most, he said, “Just being able to perform and be out there doing country music.”
He went on to say that as much as he loves performing, it means a lot more to him than just being up on stage, looking cool and singing. The artist talked about his support system, his mentors, and the people who made him who he is today. “There are so many people where I’m from that really poured their heart and soul into me my whole life and believed in me. This is for all of us,” he said.
Barnes’ family members are some of his biggest adherents. His grandad was one of the best storytellers and in turn, inspired him to tell stories and touch lives with songs. “To be able to do that, that’s the most humbling experience.”
While many people grow up with a couple people on their side, Barnes has his entire hometown, and then some. “I would not be here if it wasn’t for them,” he said. “The thing that fulfills my heart the most is tellin’ people about the people that made me, the people back in my hometown.”
In addition to the two new songs released today, Nate Barnes plans to drop an album later this year. For more information on music or tour dates, visit https://www.natebarnesmusic.com/.