Evan Barnett, known by the world as the soulful Romeo B, is not just a singer and songwriter; he’s a maestro weaving together the threads of his personal history and musical heritage. Born on August 13th, 1996, in the vibrant borough of Queens, New York, Romeo B has embarked on a musical journey that transcends genres, resonating with the heartbeat of the city that never sleeps.
Unveiling the Maestro Behind the Stage Name
What’s in a name? For Romeo B, it’s a resonant melody echoing through generations. His stage name is not just a moniker; it’s a tribute and a legacy. ‘Romeo’ is not merely a performance persona; it’s a connection to the past, a familial link to his grandfather, a figure of great importance in the annals of his family’s history.
Choosing ‘Romeo’ as his stage name was a conscious act of honoring his family’s musical lineage. It’s a journey into the depths of his roots, a legacy that harmonizes with every note of his music. With each performance, Romeo B doesn’t just stand on a stage; he becomes a storyteller, a curator of family history, and a guardian of musical heritage.
The Symphony of Queens in Every Note
Romeo B’s music is a vibrant tapestry reflecting the energy and diversity of the iconic New York City. His chosen genre, R&B, serves as a meeting point where the classic and contemporary converge, creating a melody that resounds with the rhythm of the streets he calls home.
Describing his music as a narrative, each song becomes a story yearning to be told. It’s about intertwining the threads of classic R&B with the evolving patterns of the modern era. Romeo B’s lyrics are not mere words set to music; they are chapters of his life, melodies of his experiences. His music isn’t merely an assortment of songs; it’s an open diary, inviting fans to comprehend and be part of his extraordinary journey.
Creative Alchemy in the City’s Pulse
Romeo B’s creative process is as diverse and dynamic as the city that inspires him. His inspiration strikes in unexpected moments, often finding him in the most unlikely of places – the NYC subway. Surrounded by the rhythm of the city, he seizes these moments, jotting down lyrics, beats, and fragments of melodies.
For Romeo B, creating music is about capturing a moment and crafting a melody that rides the rhythm of the city. His process is an exploration, a translation of the language of his soul into music. Each song becomes a journey, from a fleeting thought to a melody that eventually finds its way to the heart of anyone who listens.
The Evolution: From the Streets of Queens to the Global Stage
Romeo B’s come-up story is a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft. Growing up in the diverse streets of Queens, he absorbed the rhythms of different cultures, shaping him into someone who thrives on new perspectives. From high school in Long Island to an Ivy League education at Cornell University, music remained his loyal companion.
Post-college, he found himself in the corporate world, but the dissonance within him persisted. At 26, he decided to start writing his own music, opening a floodgate of thoughts, experiences, and dreams. Now a staple in the NYC music scene, performing at iconic venues, Romeo B is ready for the next leap, a reggaeton track that pays tribute to the rhythms that first taught him to love sound.
Music as a Lifelong Companion
For Romeo B, music has been more than just a melody; it’s been the rhythm of his life and the language of his soul. Growing up surrounded by the harmonies sung by his mother and nana, he learned to harmonize and found that music became as essential as breathing.
In 2021, he faced a turning point with the loss of his nana, the matriarch of his musical family. Music became his refuge, a way to keep her spirit alive. Adopting the name Romeo was not just a tribute; it was a way to carry forward the legacy of love and music instilled in him by his nana and late grandfather. From being an all-state musician in high school to touring the world with an acapella group in college, Romeo B’s journey with music has been a constant evolution.
What’s Next: Roots and Horizons
Romeo B’s next chapter is about embracing his roots and exploring new horizons. Bringing a reggaeton flavor to his music is more than just a genre shift; it’s a full-circle journey back to the eclectic rhythms of his childhood in Queens. Simultaneously, he continues to evolve his sound with his band, promising a fresh single next month and an album post-holiday season.
As fans gear up for this musical adventure, Romeo B invites them to join him on a journey that transcends boundaries, mirroring the diverse tapestry of Queens and beyond. With soulful melodies and bold new beats, Romeo B is ready to make his mark in the world of R&B, leaving a legacy that echoes the streets of his hometown and resonates worldwide.
