Singer-songwriter Sharine Barnard, known for carving out a niche with her philosophical outlook and unique approach to analysing love in her music, has just released her debut album.
The album, titled WORDS FAIL ME PART 1, features ten songs that Barnard says encapsulate the past 18 months of her life and experiences. “Sometimes you go through things so intensely that it feels like there are no words to describe them, as if you have nothing to say. But the content of the album actually represents the opposite. Each song speaks volumes,” she explains.
Eight of the tracks on the album, produced by 2 Tone Records, were written by the artist herself.
“Originally, the album was going to consist of ten original songs, but certain events during the writing process had a significant impact on my life. One of those was the passing of my music teacher, which left a huge void. I recorded ‘Sonvanger’ in her memory and as a way to process that loss. ‘Wicked Game’ was another song that was close to my heart during the making of the album. I decided to include these two songs as they are part of my story.”
To celebrate the album, she has decided to simultaneously release another single. Jy is my Babes follows closely on the heels of You’re the Liar and While You Love Somebody Else – the latter featuring rapper Joel Parker – both of which were well received by radio stations and listeners.
Jy is my Babes is about how, as we grow older and take on more responsibilities, we often forget to stay playfully in love with our partner. The song is a reminder to occasionally let each other know that you still care, even amidst the busy pace of life, and to do fun things together. “So many factors contribute to poor communication and limited time, and it’s easy to forget how important it is to stay in love and make time for one another,” she shares.
“This song captures the feeling of being in love. It takes you back to that ‘first love’ and the silly things you do and say when you’re in love – cute nicknames and teasing each other over little things become integral to how we make each other feel. But as we grow older and take on more responsibilities, we easily forget to be playful in love, to focus on the things we initially fell for, and sometimes just to be silly and make jokes.”
According to Sharine, this song – written on a flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town – is one of her favourites on WORDS FAIL ME PART 1. “It’s truly a feel-good song that makes you smile when you listen to it. We all know the feeling of being young and in love, being carefree, and just enjoying life.”
She is also currently working with Gerduan Kemp on a music video for this single. The video, much like the song, highlights the essence of being young and in love, depicting a young couple in school.
“There’s something special about how young couples prioritize time together, even if it’s just a quick chat between academics and sports practice – giving each other a quick hug, shy smiles, or simply laughing together. The video captures this perfectly,” explains the singer. “I hope it reminds people that it’s important, no matter how old we are or how long we’ve been in a relationship, to live carefree, make time for each other, and simply fall in love again.”
Jy is my Babes is the final track on her debut album, which took 18 months to complete. “I truly enjoyed working on my album – the journey from beginning to end. It was a process, and things changed in an instant at times. For the better, of course! Because with music, there are no limits. That’s the beauty of it. The experience also taught me patience and reminded me that nothing is impossible.”
Given the diversity of her music and the songs on her album, which cover all the different phases of loving someone and being in love, Barnard feels that a wide variety of listeners will enjoy and connect with the album.
This versatile woman, who grew up in Jan Kempdorp, has always been passionate about music but only decided to pursue her musical dream during lockdown. Her other great loves are animals and health – she owns Bagamoya Wildlife Estate, a sanctuary for lions, monkeys, and even a tiger, as well as Ozone Clinic, an ozone therapy clinic that helps clients with health, sports performance, and sports recovery. She is also an avid athlete, having competed in several triathlon and duathlon championships.
She has already begun planning her next album, aiming to release Words Fail Me Part 2 next year.
Other plans for 2025 include performances across South Africa and “just enjoying life and cherishing every moment. We don’t always realize how quickly time passes and how short life truly is,” she concludes.
The album and single are now available online. Get it here: https://lnk.to/JyIsMyBabes
TRACK LIST:
My Read-between-the-lines
While you love somebody else
Poison (acoustic version)
I cry your name
You’re the liar
Whatever
When you look at me
Poison (complete version)
Wicked Game (slowed version)
Sonvanger
Jy is my Babes
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharine.barnard/
Instagram: @sharinebarnard
X: @SharineBarnard
TikTok: @sharine88
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Zcv-9dred5cHreBul9ZZg
