How Ben Barbic Followed his Dreams and is Becoming a Rock Star

Meet Ben Barbic – realtor by day, music star by night.

Ben is one of those amazing people who took a chance, left his comfort zone and followed his dream.

But, how does he balance family life and traditional responsibilities with this noble goal of living his passion?

Let’s find out in this exclusive interview…

Q: How did you find your passion?

A: I recorded my first song at 5 years old and haven’t stopped since then.

I love all aspects of music, performing, writing lyrics and studio work. They all have a place and are the perfect outlet for me to communicate with the world.

Over the years writing lyrics became my outlet for working through my emotions, whether they are fear, rejection, happiness, etc.

Stage performance is my way to get direct communication of my songs to crowds and tailor the vibe of the songs to the current situation.

Studio work became my alone time where it’s just me and the musical blank canvas. Even if I eventually include other people, the music almost always begins as a very personal experience.

Click below to listen to Ben’s latest songs

Your music is a unique blend of reggae, hip-hop and acoustic. How did you develop and come to this unique sound style?

Hip Hop

I love the raw honest emotion of hip hop. I’ve always listened to it. I’d memorize lyrics and recite them back A cappella just because I love the flow of it.

Hip hop is the vocal equivalent to drumming. Also, it’s one genre that you can really be honest and gives the space to be very specific about what you are dealing with emotionally or otherwise.

Reggae

Reggae is so melodic. It reminds me of a rap delivery with musical notes being hit to give it that extra dimension.

Also, reggae shows have such a positive community vibe. There is no better vibe I have gone to or performed in than a reggae show.

Acoustic

Acoustic music song is the purity of music – just a singer and a guitar.

You have to love acoustic; it is just so organic and simple. I like how acoustic music can leave plenty of room for complex stories because of the space it contains.

I actually like to take a hip hop song and sing it with just an acoustic guitar playing a reggae type of groove. The emotion of the lyrics comes out so much more. So to combine these elements just feels like me.

Realtor by day and recording artist by night – it’s an amazing story. Can you speak a bit to the duality of these lives?

It’s crazy – for a while I was completely hidden in my different worlds.

I had an alias for my music and never mentioned my musical side to clients in real estate at work. Then, about 2 years ago, I decided that basically I am who I am.

The more I put myself out there, the more I will attract the type of people who respect both the hats I wear. I’m just me.

I give it all I have

So whether it’s making a song, performing or anything else I do, I give it all I have. There is pure authenticity in my music: and when I work on anything else too. I bring the same energy.

Sometimes it’s actually funny; because I can see people’s prejudgment when I meet them in a work setting. They have this image of me and I feel the energy and really think to myself, “I can’t wait to expose more of myself to this person.”

How do you find a balance in your life: between job, dream, family and responsibilities?

That’s a tricky one. Sometimes, I’m literally wearing all hats at once.

Like today – I’m writing this in my business clothes. I’m waiting for an offer on a listing; and my kids are home with me.

But, this is the life! I thrive in this. I love being able to push myself as much as possible.

At the end of this journey, family and music are what this life is about. I know I will be satisfied with doing both of these well.

At what point does the balance shift?

The shift is always happening. Every day I am seeing more and more doors open and opportunities expand.

It’s crazy – but the closer I get to my musical goals, the easier everything else is in life.

It feels as though I am becoming closer to the person who I really am; getting closer to my potential, in a way.

Why do you believe so strongly that this is the path for you?

First, I just felt it in my soul… this belief that one day my music would take off.

Even before becoming serious about music at age 12 or 13, I had the intuition that music was destined to be a huge part of who I am.

As I progressed, it was other people fully supporting and believing in me that motivated me to take it further and to grow.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

Positive reinforcement is such a powerful tool – even if you just believe in yourself.

There was a point when I thought I would never make it in music. I thought that ship sailed and I missed my boat.

But, I was able to flip it and channeled that energy into my songs and it made some of the most honest and passionate music I have ever made.

From those songs the doors opened – and I tried to walk through every one.

What keeps you going and motivated?

We only have a certain amount of days on this earth.

When we are gone, what did we give?

Were we able to share our gifts with as many people as possible?

It’s about never stopping

I always look to these people in their 70’s and 80’s – or older – who are still going big in life.

I had a great uncle who painted every day; and, he lived to 103. Now to me that is motivation!

To be able to keep doing what you love every day is really living.

Also, the thought that my next song might be the best I ever wrote is a very motivating and exciting concept to me.

I do believe my best work is right around the corner. It keeps me alive and thriving.

What advice would you give to someone who dreams of following their passions – but has yet to take that scary leap?

When you make the decision to follow your dreams, if you truly believe, it will happen.

It might change from your original plan; but, with consistent effort it will happen.

Give yourself permission to try, because not trying is much worse.

Can it really be possible to regret going for your dreams?

At any age – young or old – you have no excuses for not trying.

A lot of people tell me they want to make a song or perform live. My advice is to do it now.

Don’t wait to get just a little bit better, do it now! You will improve much faster this way.

I also often hear people say, “I’m too busy.” But, I have yet to find a person who truly can’t fit in time for something they are passionate about.

Now, I don’t mean you should neglect responsibilities. But, don’t hide behind them either.

Our passions help fill us with energy and make everything else in life easier.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I just want to thank all of the people who are sharing in this journey with me. I never take this for granted.

To look at peoples work and be amazed and then find them equally interested in mine is wonderful. I include you in this Greg; and, I’m really honored that you are helping me share my music and message in this very exciting time.

I genuinely believe the best is yet to come! On we go…

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All photos were created during an inspirational photo session with Ben in San Francisco on March 4, 2015.