Meet Natasha Barrow | Tasha of Vybz Evolution Band

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natasha Barrow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natasha, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
I am from the Soca industry most people are unaware of what Soca is and what is sounds like. Some may have heard Soca songs and called it reggae. Soca was birthed from Calypso with infusions of reggae, chutney and sometimes jazz. It’s a vibrant, energetic and happy music. It’s hard to attend a Soca event and just stand there. You will have to move some part of your body.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an upcoming Soca artist. I’m originally from Trinidad and Tobago but I’m currently based in Atlanta. One of the things that sets me apart from others is that I always do me. I don’t follow the lastest trends. I have my lane and I stick to it. I started singing calypso at a very young age during my school years and eventually got into Soca after I migrated to the US. Being a female in a male dominated industry it’s never easy to be heard but my focus has always been on standing firm and not conforming to what others think I should look and sound like. As women we have to have very thick skin when it comes to the entertainment business and that’s how I always look at it. As a business. I have definitely had challenges along the way and I’m still having them. Even though I have born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago being based in the US makes it hard to break into the Soca market in Trinidad and Tobago. It’s a task just been able to have your music played there when you live overseas. Most people ask why do you need your music to be played there, but what most don’t understand is Trinidad and Tobago is the Mecca of Soca music, calypso, steelpan (steel drums) and carnival and in order for your music ( Soca music) to be heard and fully accepted you must go through the correct channels. What I’ve learned along the way is to continue being true to myself and to not worry about what others are doing. To focus on myself, my band and our brand. What I would like others to know it that I a the lead female vocalist for a Soca band based right her in Atlanta. We are the Vybz Evolution Band and we are a force of nature. We are not just a band a musicians and artists, we are also songwriters, producers, directors and videographers. On stage we are energetic we fuse live our music with gospel, jazz, rock, RnB and reggae. Even though we are a Soca band we play all genres of caribbean music.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since I’ve been living in Atlanta I’ve found for nice spots, still learning though lol but I like Negril, Rum Punch Brunch, the Battery, the tree cabins in Stone Mountain, the waterfall hikes, the aquarium and the wild animal Safari in Pine mountains.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to my band members, we’ve work so hard individually and as a team, all promoters who gave us a chance to perform of stages (too many to name) all across the US, all the producers, song writers I’ve worked with over the years, Dj’s who have taken the time to truly listen and play my music and mostly importantly my supporters who have been there since day one and the ones I’ll make in the future. Thank you all so much the support it’s truly appreciated.