Music Saves Emerging Artist From Homelessness and Depression
November 29, 2012
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Music Saves Emerging Artist From Homelessness and Depression — Belle Vex Now Gives Back to Others in Need
(Bridgeport, CT) – Emerging singer songwriter Belle Vex (aka Barry C. Fernandes) survived his darkest moments reaching a new found purpose and awakening through his love and passion for music and wanting to help others suffering with homelessness and depression. Belle Vex is quickly making his stamp in New England and the tri-state area with his “alternative electronic pop” music that is poetic, theatrical and some say “dark and ironic.” In an effort to giv e back to other kids and young adults suffering with homelessness, depression and thoughts of suicide, Belle Vex has pledged to donate 10% of 2012 sales from his recently released album “Urban Legend EP” to the Foundation for the Homeless and to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
“I know what it’s like to reach rock bottom and lose all hope so in a sense, I’ve been to hell. Turning to music was how I found my way out. I’m done helping me, it’s time to lead by example and show others they can help themselves. If my story inspires at least one person to keep going, it would have all been worth it. I’ll be the person that I needed, but didn’t have.”
Belle Vex has a unique alternative electronic pop music style with a huge alternative rock influenced sound shaped to be catchy and appreciated by all, but reflect that angst and rebellion feeling. It uses a lot of electronic instruments to get the dance feeling. Whereas the sound is upbeat, the context is more poetic and reminiscent of E. Allen Poe in a sense. Dark and ironic some might say. It pushes the lines of controversy a bit, but just enough to let others form their own answers. It’s also very theatrical, almost like a movie sometimes. Very dramatic, edgy and original.
Barry was recently asked what his music means to him: “Everything. It comes first.”
Belle Vex released his first song “Gurney” on March 5, 2012. This song is about revealing the lies of the people you cared about most only to be left wondering if they cared about you at all.
Link to video is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wwxoshzZFE
Next came his CD release of “Urban Legend EP” featuring four songs: “Lipstick & Lightning”, “Tonight”, “Gurney”, & “Forever Plus.”
An intro video to showcase the EP release is here:
Link to video showcase of album:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnnIx3WYs20
Belle Vex comments on his EP release: “To me, this album is about throwing my old self away and becoming something more than an idea. I’ve beaten cruel disorders such as depression and was the catalyst for my own self growth. I had no hero. It’s also the first step in making an enemy out of the love for that’s one way too easy to lose ourselves, especially when the ones we love don’t love us back.” The album is unfinished and there are just a few more songs to release before the collective is complete. Those are on the way.
To support Belle Vex in his mission to help those suffering with homelessness, depression and/or thoughts of suicide, click to download his songs from Urban Legend EP — 5% of proceeds this year will go to Foundation for the Homeless as well as 5% to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
URL to download: http://itun.es/i6DK7RZ
For interviews or to book Belle Vex, contact Tasha Mayberry, Director Public Relations, at pr@bellevex.com or call 207.317.6099.
ABOUT BELLE VEX – STORY OF HEALING AND SURVIVAL
Born in New Bedford, MA, Barry C. Fernandes began his music career at a very early age playing cello from third to tenth grade while heavily being tuned into MTV and BET. Music was his clear passion. From creating beats electronically, playing in two live bands, mentoring numerous artists, and even acting in two short films, Fernandes’ creativity has always guided him.
Life wasn’t so easy for the young musician, however. Fernandes escaped from a broken, abusive household and dead-end relationship to attend college for a double major in audio and film while studying acting at Boston Casting all throughout college. He earned his BS in Audio but after running out of money, he dropped out falling 17 credits short for his BS in film. After a brief stent in California and even releasing a music album under an old name, Fernandes suffered major injuries in two car accidents.
Heavily medicated, he remained bed ridden and was both physically and mentally damaged — Fernandes had lost all hope of being an actor. He was disinterested and overcome by pain he began a vicious downward spiral.
A glimmer of hope came when the music he had put out in April picked up with some of the anime/comic book fans and he was invited to perform at conventions. Fernandes enjoyed this, but was still on the plunge into depression.
After being put on even more medication, this shut him down. He had SEVERE DEPRESSION. Fernandes eventually became homeless and had to live with people who could take care of him. Unwilling to accept everything that was happening, he started attempting suicide.
In April of this year (2012), Fernandes had finally lost it completely and tried to throw his life away one last time. He made a deal with himself that if it didn’t work, that was it; if he survived, he had to do something other than just give up because there was nothing else to give.
THE AWAKENING OF BELLE VEX
Having survived his last attempt (and gratefully so), Fernandes re-dedicated his life to music. It was the only thing he felt comfortable with and the only thing that made sense. He promised himself that his new life would not be for me, but rather a symbol for everyone who has ever experienced what he went through. He would make something out of himself and turn it all around to show how possible it is without having to “sell out.” He made a decision to take it serious with all cards on the table - and not hide who he is.
Fernandes locked himself into a small room big enough for him and just wrote music nonstop for two weeks. When finished, he had something for others. He couldn’t save himself and no one came to save him so it had to be for others. That’s why giving back is so important to Belle Vex.
Still homeless and practically disowned by his hometown family, but with a deep awakening for purpose and a rekindling of his passion, Fernandes took his laptop and the clothes on his back to Bridgeport, Connecticut where he’s been ever since. He has made some friends and has managed to survive by picking up a part time job as a studio manager in exchange for room and board. Plus now he is being booked up and down the eastern seaboard at various venues. Any money he earns goes into this music career. He is all in.
Contact Information:
Tasha Mayberry
Public Relations
pr@bellevex.com
207.317.6099
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