Jennifer Jackson
Arts & Entertainment Editor

   Texas has given birth to some of the world’s most talented musicians: Janis Joplin, Scott Joplin, Willie Nelson and the new up-and-coming band Barefoot.

Photo by MySpace.com/Barefoot

Barefoot - Chris Munselle, Clay Jones, Chris Pearson, Jason Dering and Matt Fellenbaum.  Check out more at barefoot-band.com.

   Barefoot has experienced it all, from being heralded as the next big thing by “Teen People” magazine, to not knowing if their album would ever be released.

   A five piece band, Barefoot consists of Chris Pearson (acoustic guitar, piano, lead vocals), Chris Munselle (electric rhythm guitar, vocals), Clay Jones (lead guitar, vocals), Jason Dering (drums, vocals) and Matt Fellenbaum (bass, vocals).

   Hailing from the suburbs of Dallas, Texas, Barefoot is well on their way to superstar status. Unlike all of these emo (emotional) bands that make you want to throw a sledge hammer at them because they wallow around crying about their girlfriends leaving them or their dog dying, Barefoot makes self-pity sound sexy.

   Barefoot received their big break in the form of an old family friend. Pearson’s father and Joe Simpson, the father of Ashlee and Jessica Simpson, were old college friends. Immediately after hearing the guys play, Simpson signed them to his label “Papa Joe Records.”

   After spending the better part of a year as the opening act for Ashlee Simpson, the guys are ready to branch out and make a name for themselves with their upcoming self-titled debut album due Feb. 28.

   Disparate from their counterparts, all five members contribute vocally. In an industry so riddled with comparisons, Barefoot’s carving a niche all of their own. With their infectious harmonies and thought provoking lyrics, a new dawn in music is breaking.

   Their lead single, the emotionally fraught “Rain,” tells the tale of a love gone bad and wishing forgiveness could be found. It is only a matter of time before “Rain” receives hourly-rotation on MTV.

   This band is definitely worth your time and buck; their only downfall is being associated with Ashlee Simpson. Yuck!

   To hear the music of Barefoot visit:  http://www.myspace.com/barefoot or http://www.barefoot-band.com.

   To pre-order their upcoming debut album visit: http://www.awarestore.com/artist6365.