Meet Troy Barnett | Music Composer, Producer, Vocalist, & Instrumental Musician

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

Hi Troy, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I love telling this story, Lol! Back in the 90s, one of my oldest friends, Joe DZ Wiltz and I were fortunate enough to be involved in making music for and with some of the greatest talents to come out of the southern region of the United States. He suggested that we meet and lay the groundwork for doing our own thing, since we had so much experience creating music for others. We had no idea what we would name it, so we sat down to brainstorm on some of the groups that had influenced us in our youth. Throughout high school, we were mostly big guys so we enjoyed seeing groups who looked familiar to us find success in the music business. Acts like Gerald Levert, The Fat Boys, Men at Large, and Heavy D & the Boyz had always been an inspiration to us as we chased our goals in our music careers. It was in that conversation that we looked at each other, laughed and said, “Yeah! Phat Barz!!” We used a homophonic play on words inspired by ‘The Fat Boys’ and substituted the word Bars to represent measures of musical notation. Lastly, we used the letter ‘Z’ as a shout-out to Heavy D and the Boyz. That’s how Phat Barz Records and Multimedia was born!!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Music is more than a passion; it’s my life! Music has, and always will be my inspiration…
Although this journey has not always been easy, it HAS ALWAYS been worthwhile!
My ears were shaped by a childhood full of musical diversity. At any given time, the house would be filled with anything and EVERYTHING on the musical spectrum! Earth Wind and Fire, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, James Cleveland, Sting and the Police, Walter Hawkins, James Moore, John Coltrane, and countless others were a portion of the diverse influences that formed my sense of musical harmony and interpretation…
Furthermore, Being blessed to study under some of the most musically and technologically gifted Teachers on the planet definitely gave me additional motivation to steer clear of the temptations and pitfalls that many of my peers fell subject to during my adolescent years…
My goal is to bring forth music that is both powerful and authentic so the experience of music is always enjoyable and meaningful. As founder of Phat Barz Records & Multimedia, I strive to create music that engages listeners while telling a story, like my latest single “Old Dusty Road”…
It’s inspired by fond family memories and the peaceful happiness of my earliest childhood years in rural Texas. It’s a tribute to the people and experiences that have influenced my life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Monday – Christian’s Tailgate Grill for Football Night
Tuesday – Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar for a FUN blues jam session hosted and produced by the Great, Shawn Allen!!
Wednesday – Late Dinner at Honey’s Lounge for Surf & Turf steak night, featuring THE BEST LAMB CHOPS EVER!!!
Thursday – Green Oaks Tavern for Shawn Allen’s SLAMMIN’ Soul, Funk, and Rhythm & Blues Cigar Jam!! Featuring MeMe’s Hand Rolled Cigars!!!!
Friday – Sharky’s Grill for an early lunch overlooking Lake Houston
Saturday – Breakfast at Frank’s Grill
Sunday – Cadillac Bar for brunch, (AFTER CHURCH, of course!)

Honorable Mention – Best Burger in the city: Craft Burger in Katy!!!!

Best Salad: Romaine Lettuce Wedge Salad – Jake’s Philly Steaks

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would NEVER have reached the levels of success that I have found without those who FIRST gave me a chance to share my gifts with the world! Tamar Entertainment INC, spearheaded by Mary Terry Wiley and Sheryl Holland helped me to become what I am today by contracting me to score and compose the soundtrack for the hit stage play: “For Your Soul’s Sake – A Soul Opera”!! That labor of love opened SO MANY DOORS!!! I am forever grateful for the lessons learned and the opportunities given, AND as an added bonus, I got two new Mamas out of that deal!!!

Website: https://www.phatbarz.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phatbarz/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Phat-Barz-Records-and-Multimedia-LLC-664325836964859/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PhatBarzRecords

Image Credits
Julian Mimms, Erica Barnett, Brad Burkons