Meet Fernando Barrios | Writer, Musician, Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Fernando Barrios and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fernando, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Artistry and creativity has always been in my family, from clothing designers, dancers, and musicians, to owners of self-made businesses. The pursuit of a creative and artistic career has always made sense to me. My parents have told me many stories of me using an “outside of the box” thought process as a tool for everything. It’s basically the way I function, I’ve always had the urge to express myself creatively, especially when it comes to my music. I can’t say it’s an actual career per say, since I am barely starting and primarily use it as a hobby, but I do take it seriously. It helps me breakout of the norm of life, it’s a great mental escape. Creating new music and taking the path to try and learn how to do it all myself as if it was a unique painting, with my own colors, own paint strokes, and endless possibilities is a challenge but is definitely fun and fulfilling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art has many platforms, too many sometimes lol. I start a project and never finish because a new one comes along, but the one that has been consistent is my music. It’s an alternative style project that portrays to specific tastes under the name “Compelled to Despair.” It’s an extreme solo/colab metal project. I had started out as a guitarist who just wanted to record songs but in the process of learning how to record I found out how to compute drums and then finally decided to try out vocals. Once it all came together I figured I’d learn to do the producing, and from there I just started releasing music, as well as featuring in different bands and other music projects.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

There are many hidden gems within Tucson, AZ, many that I haven’t discovered yet, but there are some locations I did find and enjoy. Depending on what your day will look like; if you want to be outside and enjoy the breeze and sun, you can head to “Westbound”, it’s a beautiful outdoor area made out of storage containers that were converted into different restaurants, shops, and a bar.

Downtown Tucson also has many hidden gems, but if you are into ramen, I would highly recommend Obon. Their Tonkotsu ramen is divine, I have tried many other places in Tucson and phoenix but I have yet to try one that compares to Obon in my opinion.

Right next to downtown Tucson you can find University. It’s a small strip of bars next to the UofA where you can find my favorite pizza located in “No Anchovies.” My favorite slice to get is the Buffalo chicken but the trick is to ask for extra buffalo sauce and some parmesan cheese on top. That’s the cherry on top to the already delicious pie.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my voyage I have come across many different people who have pushed me to continue my pursuit in art; from teachers to random strangers, but my family and friends definitely deserve my praise and shout-out. They have helped mold me into the artist I am today. Many with an even more successful story when it came to an artistic career and entrepreneurship. However, the one name I can mention who has been a prime example of success, is my uncle, Richard Main. He started with nothing and has always aimed to the top, and with his relentless drive he has become the owner of a very successful Arizona glass company “Vista Glass”. As an example of the comparison of his work, he started out with one to two auto glass replacements to now providing glass for universities and many other notable businesses. His achievements speak for themselves but it’s the beautiful mind behind it all that matters. He’s the definition of a true entrepreneur. 

Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/compelledtodespair