Stronger Than The Struggle: Local musician inspiring others by sharing struggles, giving back

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – She’s faced jail, addiction, and the fight to get her kids back.

Bree Barnes turned her struggles into music.

Her voice raps and sings the story of her life, inspiring anyone who’s ever had to fight to keep going.

About a year ago, music became more than a hobby. It became therapy.

Bree pours her emotions into every verse, booking studio sessions and collaborating with other artists to push through the toughest days.

“I love collaborating; we all have different ideas and different intakes on a beat. We all actually look out for each other. Every artist you see me work with or you see me do a video with, we actually do communicate when we’re going through something in real life. We do stick together and uplift each other,” said Barnes.

Bree is also mentoring a nine-year-old named Holly, teaching her skills Bree didn’t learn until later in life. Bree says guiding Holly gives her a second chance — helping someone she wishes had guided her growing up.

“I want to do something positive with what I’m doing—with my time, with my priorities, so instead of going out every weekend, I would rather sit there and write a song,” said Barnes.

Bree measures success by the lives she touches.

Her new album, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, produced by E.O. Scott, releases Apr. 15.

She’s also releasing Can’t Make This Stuff Up with GB two Good and LaFamilia Jay.

For Bree, the message is clear.

Through music and perseverance, anything is possible.