Meet Carlos Barata | Board-Certified Music Therapist & Performing Artist

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

Hi Carlos, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I currently reside in Fort Collins, but am originally from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, an hour or so north of Philadelphia, and south of New York City. I credit much of who and where I am today to my background and upbringing in a family of Portuguese immigrants. If it weren’t for that example of risk-taking, taking a leap, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. Starting a business mid-COVID? Performing week after week, vulnerable, pouring your heart and soul out in front of an audience that’s both ready to love you and/or judge you? Huge risk. That said, I recommend never looking back nor regretting risk-taking, because the very act and result affirms our imperfect humanity and resiliency, it challenges us emotionally, spiritually, etc. and when things pan out, it’s one hell of a reward. And when things don’t pan out, it opens us up to failure – and that learning experience can be just as rewarding. As Robert Kennedy put so perfectly, “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” I credit my Portuguese culture, the United States of America, and for the everyday freedoms and privileges I have to choose those aspects of culture I wish to identify with. As far as I can remember, music, people, culture and their interconnectedness, have defined me, but have also opened up so many doors that have helped me define myself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a first-generation Portuguese-American, I’ve always been a go-getter when it comes to opportunities that my parent’s didn’t have, pursuing what I’m passionate about and, hopefully, inspiring change. Music and the arts have always been central to my identity. Thoughts of starting my own business began back in Pennsylvania, my home state, and strongly inspired by my deep connection with music and the changes our world has faced over the last few years.

I started playing music at a very young age, with my earliest memories being surrounded by very musical family members. My family members never had the opportunity to make a career out of music. That said, I credit much of my success to those that recognized and nurtured this gift in me at very young age, especially my Dad, who I sadly lost to suicide very unexpectedly in 2017. Those first few years were the darkest of my life, the darkest, but out of it came a newfound energy and sentiment that life can and often is way too short to not spend it doing what we love. After a couple of years focusing on myself, my relationships, music and Music Therapy, I ironically spent most of my clinical training in hospice. And I loved and still love every moment. I’m grateful for what these strange and divine experiences have taught me. Currently, I’m blessed to say that I can balance all of my diverse interests, experiences and passions as a singer-songwriter and performer, Music Therapist, and events professional at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.

Thankfully, I met and married my wife and business partner (Christa Barata, M.S., CCC-SLP), who shares a similar level of dedication and drive for life, people, and work – and unwavering support for my various pursuits in music and more. Our creative and business pursuits resulted from gaining years of experience in our respective disciplines and passions, and frankly, never shying away from taking a chance.

Was this all easy? I don’t know if anything in life is easy. Ultimately, I think history and society tell us from a very young age that any career in the arts is not for the faint of heart, its a struggle (most times), but its so meaningful, and a deep way of preserving, re-creating and communicating who we are. And despite what some may say, your goal doesn’t have to be fame and riches. Dare I say, I’ve also found meaning in the artists struggle. I think the most important factor behind my personal, artistic and professional success is unwavering persistence, and ultimately, the lifelong connections that continue to lift me up, while encouraging and challenging me to get out of my comfort zones. That said, my persistence would be nothing without faith and trust in something or someone bigger than myself. So, thank you, God!

I have my upcoming show at The Aggie. I’m opening for Langhorne Slim and Jeremie Albino November 11 https://bit.ly/3MDU6Si. Folks can save most of the processing fees with code STUBBORNLOVE.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Thankfully, I’ve already had a few opportunities to welcome and introduce my friends to the breathtaking beauty and experiences of Colorado. Sunrises at Horsetooth Reservoir or Duncan’s Ridge, and sunsets from the Observation Deck at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Sprinkle in some coffee at Wolverine Farm Publick House, a tasting at Mobb Mountain Distillers, a stop at Vindeket Foods to rescue some snacks, a rock or reggae show at the Aggie Theatre, and a daily stop at The Exchange in Fort Collins alone would give us plenty to eat and drink for a week with repeat stops at Vatos for their pork belly tacos and the vegan chocolate salted oreo from Churn. In my opinion, if I wanted them to meet the most fun, interesting and exciting people all in one place, I’d take them to The Lyric’s open mics and open jams.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this shoutout to my parents, João and Maria Barata, for their endless sacrifices, my wife, Christa, as well as all of the academic, professional and life teachers and mentors that have always supported and encouraged me in my pursuits of self-discovery and becoming. To all of my patients, friends and fans – thank you for inspiring me. To all musicians and artists, for being faithful and relentless in your grind.

Website: www.aspirehighertherapy.com

Instagram: @imwithcarlos

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosmbarata

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imwithcarlos

Image Credits
Kevin Stiffler Roman Merino Franco