Tim Lee of Bark

1. “What’s a common myth about Independent Artists and can you debunk it?”

I guess there seems to be some kinda notion out there that “independent artist” means someone who never leaves their room, but just hunkers down and creates all the time. I enjoy happy hour too much for that.

2. “What advice would you give to someone wanting to enter the music industry?”

Forget the “industry” part and focus on the “music” part. You can control your artistic output, but the business side will always have a mind of its own. Personally, I prefer to stay in the “outdustry.”

3. “Are there any resources or even advice that have really helped you on your journey?”

Sure. When I started in the early ‘80s, there were a bunch of small labels that were willing to work with up-and-coming artists. Since there was a limited number of folks going down that path at the time, it was possible to align yourself with cool labels, booking agents, and such. Unfortunately, it’s a lot harder for upstarts today. More artists, fewer resources, and Taylor Swift keeps the pressing plants bogged down.

4. “What has been your biggest accomplishment in your career thus far?”

Continuing to do this some 40 years after I started and still loving it.

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5. “What do you wish you had known when you started out?”

I dunno. I think I’m the kind of person who had to learn everything the hard way, so I don’t think that having the knowledge ahead of time would have saved me any trouble.

6. “What led you to becoming a singer-songwriter?”

Like most folks my age, I saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show as a kid. I also had older siblings who brought home records during my childhood that I would listen to whenever they weren’t around. Then, when I was 13, this kid moved to my neighborhood who had a cheap electric guitar and an amp. That pretty much sealed the deal. I had no choice after that. Oh, and seeing Mott the Hoople on Midnight Special didn’t help.

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7. “What do you think is your unique skill(s) that has helped you become successful?”

Hardheadedness. I wanted to do cool stuff and I figured out that nobody was gonna do the work for me, so I just took it on myself.

8. “How was your journey to what you do

Now?”

Pretty much a steady voyage to nowhere.

9. “How did this project begin?”

Susan learned how to play drums after playing bass for several years. She’d be practicing down in the basement, playing along with Creedence records. I could hear how good she was getting, so I eventually went downstairs and started playing with her and we started making up songs.

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10. “What makes this project different from “past projects?”

Mainly that it’s just the two of us playing as a duo. We use just as much gear as a 3-piece band and are just as loud, but it’s only two of us.

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11. “What’s the inspiration behind this project?”

See question 9.

12. “What word or phrase would you use to describe this project?”

Joyful.

13. “How can listeners get in touch with or support you?”

You can access our stuff at our website bark-loud.com or through Bandcamp (https://bark-bark-loud.bandcamp.com/album/loud).

14. “What is coming up for you in the near future?”

We’re doing an East Coast tour before the end of the year and we’re presently working on new songs, so there may be more recording coming up. As for pressing matters, I’m considering a nap this afternoon.

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15. “Many people believe that becoming a musical artist is challenging to the point it

becomes overwhelming and too much to handle. Why do you think people believe that?”

Usually because their man concern is some kinda success. The only reason to do any of this is because you love it. Art should created for its own sake, undiluted by expectation. Then, one day, you can be a grizzled veteran such as myself and spout platitudes about art and stuff.

16. “What’s the most common reason for people failing or giving up?”

Because it’s not easy.

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17. “What is your favorite word?”

Cool.

18. “What are you not very good at?”

I don’t feel like I’m particularly good at much, but like I said, I’m pretty hard-headed so I keep at it until I figure it out.

19. “If you could have one superpower, what would it be?”

Normal sleep patterns.

20. “If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be?”

Probably something so weird that few people would try it, but if they did they’d find they liked it.

21. “If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would you choose?”

Maybe Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top). He seems to truly enjoy everything he does.