Spotlight: Barny Fletcher Finds the Power of Adventure on ‘Lonestar’
THERE’S A CERTAIN MYSTIQUE TO ROAD TRIPS — as you curiously gaze out the window, watching an endless image of land that stretches across the glass. For singer-songwriter Barny Fletcher, that nomadic magic turned into the inception of his new album, Lonestar.
“When you dive into Lonestar, I want you to feel like you’re on the road trip with us,” Fletcher says. “Minus the dead leg from being cramped in the back of a minivan.”
The LP follows the release of three mixtapes, including JETPACK, the critically acclaimed project that labeled Fletcher as an artist to watch.
“With each tape, I learned something new about my style,” he shares, acknowledging those releases act as stepping stones. Those necessary stages have allowed Lonestar to come across as a fully-fledged expression that expands on an exploration of his growth.
In it, Fletcher takes self-discovery to a new level, placing himself in a new environment. “I jumped off the plane in Louisiana, got dropped off in swamp territory on the outskirts of New Orleans, and with just 12 days to make it to Los Angeles,” he recounts.
The singer was packed in a minivan with six friends as they drove 2,000 miles. “I had no idea of which adventures lay ahead; each song takes inspiration from those unexpected moments I encountered.”
As he recalls the memory, he mentions the vast landscape, the small towns, and the unique people that make up the communities. But that final stop in California is what made the biggest impact. “The energy, the weather, and the intense aura of creativity all seeped into the music,” he says.
Lonestar feels like that warm sunray that hits your face at the right angle. Opening the nine-track record, “Californication” describes the well-known allure of the Golden State. Fletcher sings, “Californication lust / Feel like you’re stuck in a dream.” Cheeky references to In-N-Out and crazy traffic make an appearance. His quick-witted candor ricochets off the quick, stylish drum taps.
“This track encapsulates so much of what the road trip meant to me,” he says. “The energy, the anticipation of reaching Cali, the freeness of it.”
Produced alongside PBnJ, the track’s sauve, feet-moving R&B sound is introduced. Through it, Fletcher captures what you can only feel in California.
“It was about reinventing my sound whilst also staying true to me,” he says.
While his well-loved stylistic cadence is still present, there is a constant evolution taking place. Songs such as “Masterpiece” bring in funky elements: luscious bass chords and added claps that reinforce the dance-worthy essence. “In The Morning” bursts into its dazzling chorus, making you want to do as Fletcher says: “Shimmy ya/ Shimmy Yam / Shimmy yay.”
“Infusing the R&B with the disco elements felt like a perfect way to capture the highs and lows of the trip,” he explains about the project.
He turns it down with “Cry,” as that smooth, slow-dancing beat would have you swaying under a mirror ball. “Do This Everyday” brings the energy with a jolt of trumpets and Fletcher's catchy, sing-along words.
Listeners sit in the passenger seat, enjoying the ride as Fletcher takes us on a vivid journey. It’s not only that sonic interpretation of California’s mystique — it’s a trip through his growing musicality. “Evolution is the heartbeat of this shit,” Fletcher states. “It keeps things interesting and keeps people interested. It’s important to challenge your creative boundaries too.”
You could say he’s found purpose in adventure. Fletcher has stepped outside of his familiar environment through impromptu travel.
“I want the album to remind you of the power of exploration — both within yourself (yeah, cheesy, get over it), but also the world around us,” he says.
Lonestar is just that — a beaming set of nine tracks that have you grinning from cheek to cheek. It perfectly imitates that feeling of discovery, those specific moments you will always cherish.
Fletcher leaves us with one reminder: “Life is about having adventures and coming home with some great fucking stories. Get out there and make 'em happen.”
