Emily Barnes

Emily Barnes is a contemporary folk singer/songwriter whose music breathes life into the characters and stories of everyday people. With a voice that cuts to the bone and lyrics that linger long after the last note, she crafts songs that feel both intimately personal and universally human.

Born and raised in Johnsonburg, New Jersey (a town so small it doesn’t appear on most maps) Barnes began writing songs on the stone steps of her 200 year old house. From those quiet beginnings, she’s built a grassroots following the old-fashioned way: one room, one story, and one listener at a time.

Armed with her acoustic guitar a raw, haunting voice, and an array of imaginative tattoos, Barnes has performed in cities and small towns across the county, captivating audiences with her uncanny ability to turn any room into a listening room. Her latest album, Mint Condition, took her on a sold out tour throughout the Northeast and marked her most accomplished work to date.

A recognized talent in the songwriting community, Emily has been a finalist in several major festivals, including the Kerrville Folk Festival, Red Lodge Songwriters Festival, Blast on the Bay, The Acorn Songwriting Contest, and was named the winner of the 2026 Hey Nonny Songwriting Contest. 

With four albums under her belt and a growing reputation as a storyteller of uncommon depth, Emily Barnes continues to carve out a space that is wholly her own in the modern folk landscape.