(March 26, 2021) TORONTO, ON - Following up on the success of his sophomore EP, breakout singer/songwriter Owen Barney is back with the release of a new collection of songs. Aptly titled Tough Times, the 3-track EP includes his new single “You Make Me Wanna (Brown Eyed Girl),” out today. A classic love song with Barney’s signature modern twist, “You Make Me Wanna (Brown Eyed Girl)” transports listeners to an idyllic fairytale, reminding us all that happy endings do exist and brighter times are ahead.
“Although it’s been a tough year for all of us, I’ve realized that this down-time can be really good for the soul,” Barney said of today’s release. “Moving at a slower pace has given me a chance to hear myself think and that meant being able to write more music than ever before. I’m so proud of these songs and hope that they can bring some joy to people in this crazy time. This moment isn’t forever, and music helps remind us that we’re all in this together."
Finding the silver lining in what has been a challenging year for so many, Barney spent a large part of the last 365 days writing music, adding to his collection of songs and honing his craft. Narrowing down to three favourites, the resulting EP includes a triple-threat of heartfelt and insightful tracks that showcase Barney’s continued growth as a songwriter. In addition to Barney’s new single “You Make Me Wanna (Brown Eyed Girl),” the collection consists of “Let the Wheels Roll On,” a song about a desire to get out of where you are and see the world and the EP’s title track “Tough Times,” a heart-wrenching tale of someone struggling to make ends meet. Listening to all three songs, fans are sure to resonate with the underscoring theme of “Tough Times,” getting an up-close-and-personal look into the longing artists like Barney have to play shows and connect with their fans outside of screens.
In addition to songwriting, Barney kept himself busy this past year with a number of charity initiatives, finding strength in connecting with others through a common goal of giving back. For the second year in a row, he performed at the motionball Gala, in support of Special Olympics Canada presented by AirMiles. Alongside iconic performers such as Moon vs. Sun (Chantel Kreviazuk & Raine Maida), Amaal, Karl Wolfe, and Skratch Bastid, as well guests Gerry Dee and Olympian Tessa Virtue, Barney was part of raising $125,000 for this very worthy cause. He also performed at the digital Mo30 Event in November in support of Movember, a cause that has been close to his heart for a number of years.
2020 was a landmark year of growth for Barney, with over 10.7 Million global streams and a chart-topping summer smash “Thank Her For That.” His follow-up single “Pour Me,” has already reached Top 40 on the charts with 1M+ streams and counting. Barney was also named the Amazon Breakthrough Artist of the Month (September), garnered over 330K views on his most recent video (“Thank Her For That”), topped the Shazam charts and landed a partnership with iconic Canadian brand Roots performing at the first-ever Roots Muskoka Cottage Country Concert (socially distanced).
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ABOUT OWEN BARNEY
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario country artist Owen Barney has been strumming the guitar since he was just 7 years old, influenced by country heavy-hitters Eric Church, Dean Brody, and Jason Aldean. Having played shows since the age of 14, Owen has a natural ability to captivate an audience with his poignant songs, powerful vocals and charming stage presence. “Barney’s maturity and natural talent as a performer allows him to be a storyteller so young in his career,” says Canadian tastemakers Front Porch Music, while Canadian Beats commends Owen’s ability to “fuse soulful songwriting and easy-breezy vocals.” Owen Barney's debut single “Letting Go” was an extraordinary first foot forward that garnered the attention of fans from around the globe. Now with over 10.7 Million streams worldwide, Owen is making his mark on the country community and is poised to become one of Canada’s next big country exports. With the success of his summer smash “Thank Her For That”, landing in the Top 20 at Canadian country radio, and his follow up track “Pour Me” still climbing the charts, it’s been a landmark year for this rising star - proving this is just the beginning for Owen Barney.
ABOUT WAX RECORDS
Wax Records is one of Canada’s largest and best known independent record labels. Founded in 2009 the company has built a reputation on its track record of discovering, developing and promoting young exciting Canadian talent. Home to multi-platinum artists Alyssa Reid and Virginia to Vegas, award winning instrumentalists Blitz//Berlin as well as up and coming acts ASHS, Owen Barney, noelle, Conor Gains, Reph and Nue, Wax continues to maintain its focus on building career artists. With strategic partnerships in place with Universal Music Group and Sony ATV, Wax has solidified its position as a player on the global stage, bringing great Canadian talent to the world.
