We may have a star on our hands. Yes, Jon Minners has come across a talent that could end up being played on all your radios in the near future. It could be the return of the boy band type of craze, but I will forgive that, because The Next big thing could be Adam Barta, from my home turf of Morris Park in the Boogie Down Bronx.
Barta has been singing since he was a child. The continued practice has paid off as the newest recording artist for VC2America recorded and released a pop ballad called I Told Her, which received a launch party hosted by MTV’s Dorian Davis at the Hard Rock Café. Seeing that so many have backed Barta I decided to take a listen to what some are saying could be the next big breakup song.
Barta describes his latest work as bringing an R&B and Hip Hop edge to pop music, with influences from Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera to Cyndi Lauper, Missy Elliot and Leeann Rhymes. The result is a song, a power ballad, about getting over a bad breakup, something the young star feels everyone can relate to. “The song is about realizing that someone you want to be with more than nothing else in the world doesn’t return your feelings,” he said. “That is one of the most painful things you can experience. This song is about empowering yourself after a bad breakup, discovering that you deserve more even though you may have thought she was the best thing in your life.”
The song is doing remarkably well, getting the attention from local radio stations. A CD has been released and can be found at various record stores, featuring several remixes, a bonus song and an interview with the up-and-comer. A dance mix is currently in the works and in two weeks, a music video will be shot.
So I gave it a little listen, and I have to say the song is not my cup of tea. Yeah, I am not really into the boy band scene, even though I admit to liking a lot of NSync and the Backstreet Boys’ stuff. However, I don’t rate songs on my tastes, because then a lot more singers would cry. From what I heard of the single, I have to say that I like the kind of arrangement it has. We get a slight hip hop, R&B beat combined with the boy band sound that could give the dying genre a shot in the arm. The message is also nice, because I don’t really hear many songs making us feel better about breakup. Go Adam. Stick up for the guys. Men have feelings too!
Anyway, Morris Park’s own has a lot going for him. He first caught the thirst for stardom when he appeared on the local children’s television show, Steampipe Alley with Mario Cantone at the young age of 11. While attending Mount Saint Michael Academy, Barta was introduced to his first mentor, screen actress Sandra Rose, who helped him get started in the entertainment business, eventually leading to a role on the FX television show Family Business and as a guest host on Newstalk TV’s teen segment. He has been in several off-Broadway shows, including Mad About the Boy. Barta has also received several more television opportunities including appearing on Strangers With Candy and the Uptight Citizen’s Brigade on Comedy Central.
A music opportunity arose when VC2America, a Jazz label, signed Barta as their first pop act. A member of a boy band Meant to Be, the young Morris Park resident decided to pursue his passion on his own. Barta is planning an album in the future and will give the boy band business another chance with a new group 24Seven, that is expected to sign to a major label and releasing their first album in 2004. At the same time, he is finishing his degree in liberal studies with a concentration in theatre at SUNY Purchase College. “In the future, if I could still be performing and be happy as I perform, whether I’m singing, acting or standing on my head, I will be extremely happy,” he said. “My mom and dad have given me all the tools I need to be a successful and great human being. I have had so many disappointments in my life. I am still sort of humble thinking about what is going on. I am still a kid from the Bronx and I still live with my mom. It is an amazing feeling to just stand back and realize what I have accomplished.”
Send your comments and or questions about this article to JMinners@ybfree.com.