Michelle Barone says 'It Was Love' for music, video release

Along with painting, sculpture, drawing, pottery, composing music and dance, I would consider the music video to be an exalted art form.

I was just coming into my teenage rock music years when MTV launched its barrage of music videos in 1981. And I enjoyed the way in which many acts harnessed this creative expression to illustrate a song with a story or simply serve up visual images that complemented the seismic sonic roar.

The decline of the music video in popular culture was, quite honestly, a real kick in the gut.

So you can imagine how interested I was as I watched a new offering from Town of Poughkeepsie singer-songwriter Michelle Barone. 

I really like the song, “It Was Love,” which Barone co-wrote with Randy Pasquarella of Wappingers Falls I am absolutely head-over-heels for the accompanying music video, whose story line is triggered by a dropped wallet and two strangers who bump into each other.

In short order, the stage is set for chemistry, a spark and a story of love and near-misses that unfolds over roughly three-and-a-half minutes. The chorus, “It was love, love, love at first sight/It was a feeling I can’t describe,” hooked me hard. Yes, I was singing it silently for hours after watching this well-crafted video. 

Adding meaning to this entire experience is the fact that the City of Poughkeepsie takes center stage.

The Metro-North train station and 40 Cannon Street are both showcased. And it all shows how Barone, who grew up in the Town of Poughkeepsie and graduated from Spackenkill High School and Marist College, both in the town, has a real soft spot for her Dutchess County neighbors in the city. 

“This city is the greatest city,” said the 35-year-old mother-of-two boys, ages 3 and 2. 

Heritage Food and Drink in Wappingers Falls is also featured in the video.

But the finely tuned songwriting and compelling music video aside, “It Was Love” is the first volley in an ambitious schedule for new music releases that Barone has set for the coming months. When all is said and done, she expects to have eight singles out for public consumption, with a new one released about every six weeks. 

Barone’s goal is to build her online audience by generating interest on Spotify, the music streaming service that is the focus of her efforts as she works to drum up interest in her singles, as opposed to an album. 

“The strategy is to build an online presence and get fans that way and really show the world my talent through building my own brand,” said Barone, who has been singing since age 5. 

She continued, “Music has always been a passion of mine but now, with online and digital platforms, you can do so much to make some real momentum. You don’t need a record company. You need to build your online fanbase.”

Also: Visit www.poughkeepsiejournal.com to watch the music video for “It Was Love.” Visit www.facebook.com/Michellebaronesmusic to connect with Barone online. In addition to Spotify, you can check out her music on iTunes. 

And: Michelle Barone at 6 p.m. on April 12 will perform at iHeartMedia of the Hudson Valley in Poughkeepsie. A limited number of free tickets are available if you’d like to attend. Send Barone a message on Facebook for information. You can also tune in and listen on WPKF (96.1 FM), which is known as KISS FM.

John W. Barry’s column appears every Friday: jobarry@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4822, Twitter: @JohnBarryPoJo

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