About Eli Barsi
Why country music ?
~ I was raised on a mixed farm in southeastern saskatchewan. Rural sensibility and the western lifestyle was instilled in me from day one. I am proud to carry on our heritage with Country / Western / Roots / Blegrass & Gospel music !!!
If everything would be possible (waking the dead included) , which two people should sing the ultimate country duet?
~ 1. Dolly Parton 2. The Carter Family
What song you ever recorded means the most to you and why?
~ There’s a couple songs on my latest album that I am most proud of and are the closest to my heart….. that’s the 2 songs about my parents. ‘ Portrait of a Cowgirl ‘ about my Mom who is still with us at 87 years old. She has been a true inspiration my entire life and still my best friend. and ‘ I See You Everywhere ‘, about my Dad, who passed away in 2009 at 90 years old. He was still farming till the day we lost him. I found writing this sound was very comforting and brougt me joy to think of him and all our good memories m instead of being sad that he’s gone…. We were very much alike and loved the same kind of things…. as I travel with my music I am constatnly reminded of the things that he enjoyed and loved seeing, I feel like I see him everywhere I go.
Who would you like to write a song for you?
~ Dolly Parton, I’ve always loved her writing, she keeps it real !!!
What is the one thing that readers/fans would be surprised to know about you?
~ I am an artist on the side :), painting lanscape pictures as wel, I have a side business called ‘ Prairie Girl Gifts ‘ I love re-cycling, and upcycling junk….. making something old, beautfiul and useful again.
Give us one country song you never want to hear on radio anymore and tell us why.
~ Well I can’t narrow it down to just one…. I don’t like songs that knock people down and have a negative undertone. I think as a recording artist it’s our job to lift people up, bring joy, entertain, staying positive !!
What is the question interviewers never seem to ask you and…you wish they would? (Please provide your answer as well.)
~ What’s the hardest part of your job ? This would be the day in and day out of the business side of things. As an Independent Artist my husband / Bass player [ John Cunningham ] and I do everything to make sure we are on the road working. From booking the shows, to promoting, marketing, logisitc arrangements, flights, rental cars, hiring musicians, writing the songs, recording, producing the shows etc….. The majority of the world only sees the glamor…. on stage singing, playing, enetertaining, visiting with folks & signing atuograghs…… I feel extremely blessed to have these opportunitties to perfrom music for a living full time for over 3 decades. Inspite of the extra behind the scenes work it certainly is worth it all and I feel very blessed !!
Describe the ultimate recording studio (not the technique but the facilities)
~ Bart McKay Studio in Saskatoon Saskatchewan !! One of the best studios and producers in Canada !!
Johnny or June ?
~ June, LOVE the Carter Family
Are you still nervous before going on stage and if so, do you use any “rituals” to calm you nerves.
~ Yes, always a little nervous. A wise Country Music singer once said, ” it’s always good to be a little nervous, that means you care “. It’s important to me to be very warmed up vocally and to have nimble fingers before the show, jamming back stage and running a few tunes with the band gets me pumped and ready. I love to have a hot water with lemon while i’m getting ready, it’s just the thing to give me extra energy and make my throat happy.
What was the most memorable day in your musical career and tell us why.
~ Performing at the Calgary Stampede !!! A wonderful HUGE audience, and folks that really wnated to hear what I had to offer…. Western Roots music !!!
