“​Emily Barnes is more than just a musician; she’s a storyteller that sets the lives of her characters to music." ” - Divide and Conquer

Emily Barnes

Progressive folk music for the open hearted

Biography 

Emily Barnes is a contemporary folk singer-songwriter whose music breathes life into the characters and stories of everyday people. With a voice that cuts straight to the bone and lyrics that linger long after the last note, she crafts songs that feel both intimately personal and universally human.

Born and raised in Johnsonburg, New Jersey—a town so small it doesn’t appear on most maps—Barnes began writing songs on the steps of her 200-year-old house. From those quiet beginnings, she’s built a grassroots following the old-fashioned way: one room, one story, and one listener at a time. 

Armed with her acoustic guitar and a raw, haunting voice, Barnes has crisscrossed cities and small towns alike, captivating audiences across the country. Her latest album, Mint Condition, took her on a sold-out tour throughout the Northeast and marked her most accomplished work to date.

A recognized talent in the songwriting community, Emily has been a finalist in several major festivals, including the Kerrville Folk Festival, Red Lodge Songwriters Festival, Blast on the Bay, and The Acorn Songwriting Contest.

With four albums under her belt and a growing reputation as a storyteller of uncommon depth, Emily Barnes continues to carve out a space that is wholly her own in the modern folk landscape.

Short Bio 

Emily Barnes is a contemporary folk singer-songwriter known for her haunting voice and vividly drawn characters. Hailing from the tiny town of Johnsonburg, NJ, she’s built a grassroots following through heartfelt performances and honest storytelling. With four albums to her name—including her latest, Mint Condition, which led to a sold-out Northeast tour—Barnes has also been a finalist in prestigious songwriting contests like the Kerrville Folk Festival, Red Lodge Songwriters Festival, and Acorn Song Contest. Her music invites listeners into a world where every lyric tells a story.

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