Robin Barnes, the New Orleans songbird, is releasing a personal reflection of family and local culture with her album, “Louisiana Love.” Avenue spoke with her about the creative process behind these new songs, as well as her influential work with the fitness group Move Ya Brass.
Louisiana Love
Reflections on family shape Barnes’ newest album. She recalls a Sunday tradition of cooking with her grandmother as a child. On her mother’s side, stories pass from eldest daughter to eldest daughter — but just as Barnes was about to learn them at 17, Hurricane Katrina displaced her family. “And there went a lot of the lineage, the stories, and our family history,” she said, as her grandmother also passed away during that time.
After having a tumor removed last May, Barnes wanted her two daughters to know their family history. She set out to create something beautiful for them, an expression and celebration of her life as a New Orleanian.
That vision became “Louisiana Love.” Continuing the family thread, Barnes recently discovered she has both Creole and Cajun roots, with ancestors from France and Nova Scotia. Fittingly, the album opens with “The Water Remembers,” which features The North Side Skull and Bone Gang invoking ancestors, history, and lineage. “We might come from different walks of life, but we all know and love home,” she said.
Next, in what she calls a move that will “shock every fan I’ve ever had in my life,” the album includes zydeco with “Eh Ma Belle” featuring Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and Dwayne Dopsie. Following this thorough exploration of her roots, Barnes welcomes the inclusion of these blazing zydeco performances.
In “Dey Say Run,” featuring her daughters, Barnes layers the lyrics with multiple meanings. The song recalls her grandmother calling her in from play, then shifts to Barnes calling her own daughters inside at dusk. “It is twofold,” she said. “This album is also a call to those who have had to leave New Orleans and Louisiana. But everybody wants to be home.”
The album closes with brass band energy from the Soul Rebels in “Saw My Baby,” then blends a New Orleans classic with bounce to capture the city’s current sound in “Hey Na (Iko Iko)” featuring Big Freedia and Ha Sizzle.
With additional performances from Ivan Neville, Louis Michot, and many more of the city’s finest artists, the album underscores Barnes’s commitment to elevating local culture and talent. “The album is called Louisiana Love because it is my love letter to our state and our people,” she said. Shaped by the loss of her grandmother, the devastation of Katrina, and the disappearance of irreplaceable family photos, the album is a lasting tribute for her daughters.
Move Ya Brass
Beyond her musical ties to the city, Barnes has also helped reshape its fitness scene. After her first international tour, what seemed like jet lag turned out to be a rare kidney infection. Despite reaching the hospital in time, Barnes endured misdiagnoses and pain from simply walking, leaving her depressed at 23.
One day, her mother threw open the curtains and said, “Girl, you better get off your ass and move ya brass.” Barnes embraced the phrase as a fitness mantra. Seeking community, she invited fans on Facebook to join her for a walk or run in City Park, and ten people showed up to the first event.
The Monday run/walk group soon expanded into classes like Bounce Ya Brass, Stretch Ya Brass, Sculpt Ya Brass, and Twerk Ya Brass, along with private and corporate fitness programs. Despite pandemic challenges, community support kept it alive, and its nonprofit arm, the Make Your Move Foundation, continues to support free fitness classes for youth and the community. For thirteen years, Move Ya Brass has served New Orleans.
Barnes’ commitment to community shines through her music and fitness work. “I have grown up in a beautiful place where we are just so proactive in enjoying life to the fullest,” said Barnes. “Life is literally a gift. I don’t want to take it for granted, so I will give my all every day.”
Get Involved
Donate to Move Ya Brass (makeyourmovenola.org/donate) to keep free fitness going in the city. In addition, check out the race and fitness event calendar to keep up with boot camps, yoga classes, and dance cardio events throughout New Orleans.
Contact
Follow Robin Barnes on Instagram: @neworleanssongbird
Visit her website and subscribe to Barnes’ newsletter: robinbarnesmusic.com
Move Ya Brass
Website: moveyabrass.com
Instagram: @moveyabrass
