Connect
To Top

Meet Michael Barnum

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Barnum.

Michael, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a singer-songwriter born and raised in Southern California. Since I was four years old, I knew that music would be my life. My mom is my BIGGEST supporter. She studied voice and piano growing up, so I got the music genes from her. (Thanks Mom!). From a very young age, I knew I wanted to perform and sing. I was the kid at the family party that was super quiet and shy but if you gave me a microphone, I was unstoppable. I am a livestreamer. I livestream weekly concerts right from my living room with thousands of people tuning in from all over the world. I am super grateful to have a platform that gives me the power to share my music with the rest of the world. I hope that one day I get to play bigger venues and tour the world playing my music.

Currently, I am in the process of recording my next EP, which will be released later this year. Without a doubt, it’s the most vulnerable and authentic piece of music I have ever written and composed.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every day is a struggle for me. The fight to keep going, even in the moments where it feels like nothing is happening is what is most hard. Probably one of the hardest struggles I had to overcome in my life was when I was hospitalized at five years old. Though I don’t remember every detail. I know that it was one of the scariest moments of my life. On a plane ride home from a vacation in the Philippines, I was immediately hospitalized and diagnosed with Steven Johnsons Syndrome. I couldn’t open my eyes or mouth for a few days. Every time the nurses would try to feed me, my lips would bleed. I could remember when people came to visit because I could hear them, I just couldn’t see them. Miraculously, a few days later, I opened my eyes and mouth. Doctors said it could have been fatal. Now, I look at that moment as a reminder that my purpose in this world is much greater than I could ever imagine and that God has something even more amazing in store for me. I just know it.

Recently, I had to make one of the most difficult decisions in my life. After four long years, I decided to quit my job to pursue music full time. That’s probably the most terrifying thing I had to do in my life. It was the only official job I ever had. That job and whatever I made in music helped pay the bills. But, here’s the kicker, when I left, I had nothing in line for me. Nothing. And though I may have no other job, I know making the decision to leave is what’s best for me. I just couldn’t stand another day in that office. It was emotionally draining and it lacked the creative challenges I needed in order to grow. I’d like to pursue music completely. I still have a lot to learn about music, but I’m excited for the journey ahead. I still live with my parents and though I know some people will judge me for that because I’m 27, but I’m not ashamed at all. Times are really hard, especially now. Many of my friends who chose to live on their own are now moving back with their parents because it’s really difficult to make a living today. I know it’s not an easy thing to accomplish.

Moreover, as a Filipino-American, I feel there is not enough representation of people like me in the music industry today. The world is filled with millions of colors and beautiful stories just waiting to be heard. Shouldn’t that be represented in the music we listen to? I’m determined to break those boundaries and walls of being a person of color representing my upbringing on the Billboard Hot 100. I want to show people that all of our stories are valid and worthy of being heard and that we all have a story worth telling. ALL of us. It doesn’t matter if it’s singing or not, there’s something we are called to share with the world. Some may have not figured out what that is for them, but I know mine and I KNOW that it is music.

Michael Barnum Music – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Life is too short to now do what you love. That is a statement I live by. Music is my passion and my life. Every day I live and breathe music. My music is made up of the musical inspirations I grew up listening to. When people hear my music, I want them to understand and know that their purpose is much greater than they dare imagine. They have a story worth telling.

This next chapter of music for me is, without a doubt, the most honest and vulnerable piece of music I’ve ever written and composed. And to be honest, I am terrified for the world to hear it. These are songs that I’ve been sitting on for a few years that I have kept sacred. I can’t wait to see how people receive these songs and how they connect to them.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Right now, I would say that my proudest moment is quitting my job after four years to pursue music fulltime. It’s funny to say that quitting something is my proudest moment. Doing that was not an easy thing to do; to walk away from a job that offered some financial stability to pursue something that has no guarantee. I’m especially proud of that moment and taking that leap because that was literally me taking charge of my life and boldly following what my heart has been saying for all this time. I was willing to step into the unknown and follow my dream. And for that, I am immensely proud of. #Adulting

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Select images by: Boston Lynn Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in