Member Focus: Robin Barnes
We recently caught up with Robin Barnes, a proud New Orleans native, Billboard-charting artist, founder of the fitness movement Move Ya Brass, and a Common House member.
What was it like growing up here?
Honestly, I think I’m very fortunate because here there’s a strong theme of celebrating life. We celebrate through food, music, and art. Growing up in a family of musicians, music was always present for me. It started in church and with my family's jazz band, until I eventually formed my own band. I sing because I’m the seventh child, and by the time I came along, all the other instruments were already taken. My dad insisted that I learn the violin, so I’m also a violinist. However, I was frustrated because there's no violin in a brass band or a jazz band! I also learned how to whistle. We do a lot of Mardi Gras chanting, and whistling is often a part of that too. So my musical expression includes vocals, a bit of violin, and whistling!
What can you tell us about your music career, and Move Ya brass?
Move Ya Brass started after I came back from a tour in Greece—my first international tour—when I was 23. I thought I had jet lag, but it turned out to be a kidney infection that left my right kidney permanently damaged. I was on a lot of medications and had to use a cane at just 23.
I needed to find a more active lifestyle, but at the time, there were no affordable fitness classes. My life savings were going toward medical bills, and I couldn’t find a safe or diverse space. So, I made a Facebook post to my fans, inviting anyone who wanted to move with me to join for walking or running. Ten people I had never met in my life showed up, and now, we’ve been successfully running Move Ya Brass for 11 years! All free fitness for the community.
We’ve expanded from walking and running groups to dance cardio, which we call Bounce Ya Brass or Twerk Ya Brass. After the pandemic, we realized the importance of mental health, so we implemented a yoga and breathwork series in parks throughout the city—Lafitte Greenway, City Park, and Crescent Park. I vowed to create something affordable so no one would face the same obstacle I encountered of wanting to get healthy but not being able to afford it—and also to make it fun!
It’s great having a fitness movement as a musician because music is just as important. We focus on curating amazing playlists or live music for the classes. It’s all about celebrating life. We say, “We take people off the sidelines and into the second line.” Every time we start a class, we say, “You come as a stranger, but you leave as family. Welcome to our family.”
One thing I love about our programming is that whenever people attend these classes, they often say, “That was one of the most moving experiences of my life—I can’t believe it was free!”
Tell us about your music Career!
I am a Billboard-charting artist, a full-time musician, and singing is my passion. I’m working on releasing new music in 2025. I am also a state ambassador and even travel internationally promoting the music of our region. . I love what I do and enjoy sharing my culture with the world. It’s one thing to be an ambassador, but it’s another to be truly excited about it.
As a Cultural Ambassador, I get to travel the world to perform and talk about music, especially New Orleans music and culture. Experiencing it is one thing, but having someone who is passionate about it speak about it in person is another. People can feel the excitement and love I have for the city.
How did you like Common House?
When I realized its workspace that's also a hub for creatives and entrepreneurs where we can be in a calm, harmonious, and inclusive environment, I was intrigued. I love that I can come here and run into three people I’m excited to see it’s just one of those places.
I’ve done better networking here than at any other coffee shop or place in the city. Both myself and the other members feel like Common House is a piece of our home, and we feel so comfortable here.
Next time you're at the House, be sure to attend the upcoming Move Ya Brass event on October 26: "Shake It Off with Move Ya Brass." Get your heart rate up while listening to Taylor Swift's greatest hits. Interested in hearing Robin’s music? Give it a listen here. —and be sure to s