From Open Mic to Original Music: Elena Barrett on Finding Her Voice in the Annapolis Music Scene
Finding Her Voice: How Elena Barrett Stepped Into the Spotlight
Annapolis has such a vibrant local music scene, and it’s full of talented people doing incredible things. One of those people is Elena Barrett—a woman whose journey into music is raw, real, and honestly, pretty unexpected. I sat down with her recently for an episode of Anchored Annapolis, and her story? Let’s just say it’s one that sticks with you.
From Private Passion to Public Stage
Elena had been singing privately for years—so privately, in fact, that not even her husband, Scotty, knew just how gifted she was. That all changed thanks to a casual recording where her voice could be heard in the background. A friend caught wind of it and basically told her, “You have to perform.”
So off she went—straight from a facial, in sweatpants—to her first open mic night. Reluctant? Yes. Nervous? Absolutely. But the crowd loved her. And that moment opened the door to something bigger than she ever expected.
One Gig Leads to Another
That first performance led to another... and another. Friends encouraged her to post videos online, and the responses poured in. Before she knew it, Elena had become a familiar name on the local music circuit.
It wasn’t always easy—she talks candidly about wanting to “walk around with a bag over [her] head” from the nerves—but she kept showing up. And that bravery turned into opportunity after opportunity. She found herself booked for gigs, collaborating with other artists, and really stepping into the role of performer.
Writing Her Own Story
At first, Elena stuck to covers. But soon, the urge to write her own music took over. Her first songs were raw and emotional—a reflection of things she’d been carrying for a long time. But as she settled into her own voice, her music started to evolve. Influenced by artists like Bonnie Raitt, Chris Stapleton, and Amy Winehouse, her style blends country, blues, and jazz in a way that’s totally her own.
The Challenges of Being Real
Balancing original music with crowd-favorite covers hasn’t always been easy. But Elena’s first solo show was a turning point. She got to share her own songs, alongside covers that meant something personal to her. It was the kind of night that makes you remember why you show up and share your art—even when it’s scary.
She’s now looking beyond Annapolis, hoping to collaborate with artists outside the area and maybe even perform at the Annapolis Songwriters Festival, where the mix of local and national talent offers a chance to grow and connect.
Her Advice? Just Start.
Elena's advice to other aspiring artists is simple and honest: Just do it—even if you’re terrified. You don’t have to win everyone over. You just have to love what you do. And for her, once the music starts, the nerves disappear and she’s right where she belongs.
The Takeaway
Elena’s story is a reminder that sometimes the best things in life come from saying “yes” before you feel ready. From singing in private to headlining local shows, she’s showing all of us what can happen when you follow your passion—even if you have to do it scared.
So if you ever get the chance to catch her live, don’t miss it. And if you’ve got a dream of your own that’s been waiting in the wings—maybe it’s time to take your own open mic moment.
See the full interview: https://youtu.be/ir9wJixta2c
