Interview: Bishop Frederick and Dr. Erica Barr
Bishop Frederick and Dr. Erica Barr have released their Christmas collection of music, 'CHRISTMAS WITH THE BARRS'. Louder Than The Music had the opportunity to chat with this talented couple to find out more about this exciting Christmas album full of holiday favorites and classic Christmas songs, plus their thoughts on making music.
For those who haven't heard of the The Barrs before, who are they and how did they get involved in making music?
Bishop Frederick and Dr. Erica Barr are pastors of the Life Church International in Nashville, TN, and owners of The Barr's Music City Soul Food Restaurant. They are a powerhouse couple known throughout Nashville for their selflessness and unstoppable approach to life and business.
The Barr’s have always been rooted in music from praise & worship leaders in their local church, to cast members of the Grammy nominated Nashville Super Choir, to recording artists, record & video producers and musical creatives.
Tell us about your album 'Christmas With The Barrs' and what the inspiration behind it was?
"We wanted CHRISTMAS WITH THE BARRS to be a beautifully crafted song affair that would immerse the audience into the spirit of Christmas," says Dr. Erica Barr. "We delighted in creating music that will take the listener on a journey that unfolds like scenes from a theatrical play.”
CHRISTMAS WITH THE BARRS is produced by Bishop and Dr. Barr, and Lance Lucas (Jekalyn Carr, Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers, Kevin Davidson). The album is released on The Barr's Tiger Records and is available now on all digital outlets.
They've also just released a fantastic animated video for the song 'Jesus What A Wonderful Child' - how did that come about?
On this album, Bishop Frederick and Dr. Erica Barr have an iconic collaboration with Gospel music legend Dr. Bobby Jones and Kyla Jade (of The Voice) on the high-spirited song "Jesus What A Wonderful Child". They have created a one-of-a-kind official music video encapsulating them all in holiday animated characters. Bishop And Dr. Erica Barr performed at the Juneteenth Celebration in Nashville. After their performance they met Xavier Payne (Artist/Animator) at his booth. Being impressed with his craft Bishop hired him to bring to life his vision resembling a “Proud Family Christmas”. Which he nailed it!
What message would you like people to take from your music?
A message of love, hope, Grace and salvation is the message of our ministry
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
Music speaks to us, moves us and flows to us than through us. So I would say that our style is Eclectic. We sing traditional style, Soul, R&B, Jazz, Hip Hop. What ever we feel the spirit rest upon us we do. Everyone from Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin to Luciano Pavarotti are my musical influences.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
For Bishop Frederick Barr It Would be Kanya West because he’s a musical genius.
For Erica it would have to be Adelle. Vocally she is a masters at commanding the stage with elegance and Grace and literally enchanting the listener.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Our Marriage, Ministry, business & Music are all balanced and intacked.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Aretha Franklin “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” and “I Promised” by Frederick & Erica Barr
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone.
For Bishop it’s Hekiziah Walker “Lord Do It”
For Erica Barr It’s on our first album I Promised, entitled I’m Sorry by Frederick & Erica Barr
What does the next year hold for you?
Releasing a new all gospel project in the Spring 2023
- Producing Television Programs on major networks
- Producing Movies to air all over the world
