Barona

Barona: The Dynamic Force in Modern Alt-Rock
Barona is an American alternative rock artist known for her powerful vocals and genre-blending soundscapes. Hailing from Chicago, she achieved mainstream recognition with her 2018 debut album 'Circuitry,' which charted on the Billboard 200 and spawned a certified gold single.
Early career
Born in 1992, Barona began her musical journey in the vibrant DIY scene of Chicago. Her first official release was the self-produced EP 'Static Lines' in 2015, which caught the attention of independent label Velvet Hammer Records.
Signing with Velvet Hammer in 2016, she spent the next year refining her studio craft. This period culminated in her first major-label collaboration, contributing vocals to a track for The Glitch Mob.
Breakthrough
Barona's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of her debut album, 'Circuitry,' on Velvet Hammer. The lead single, 'Neon Pulse,' became a staple on alternative radio and was certified gold by the RIAA, propelling the album to number 42 on the Billboard 200.
The album's success was bolstered by a relentless touring schedule, including slots on major summer festivals. This established her as a formidable live act with a dedicated fanbase.
Key tracks
Neon Pulse — This gold-certified single broke Barona onto alternative radio and defined her signature blend of rock and electronic elements.
Circuitry — The title track from her debut album showcases her thematic depth and complex songwriting structure.
Blackout Curtains — A fan-favorite deep cut known for its raw lyrical content and dynamic vocal performance.
Echo Chamber — This collaboration with producer Illenium expanded her reach into the electronic rock crossover audience.
Reverb Heart — The lead single from her sophomore album highlighted a heavier, more guitar-driven evolution in her sound.
Her follow-up, 2021's 'Ampersand,' debuted even higher on the charts, landing at number 31. This album featured a notable collaboration with veteran rock guitarist Tom Morello, adding a new layer of grit to her production.
Barona has consistently evolved her modern alt-rock sound, exploring themes of technology and human connection. She maintains a strong presence on the festival circuit while working on her anticipated third studio album.
Fans of Barona's energetic and textured modern alt-rock often appreciate the work of similar artists. The Pretty Reckless shares a command of powerful, blues-infused rock vocals. Halestorm parallels Barona's intense live energy and genre versatility. PVRIS explores a similar atmospheric blend of rock and electronic production. YONAKA mirrors the dark, anthemic quality found in much of Barona's catalog.
Barona's music maintains strong rotation across a network of alternative rock radio stations and online rock radio streams featured on this website. Her hits and deeper album cuts are regularly featured on playlists catering to fans of modern, guitar-driven music with an electronic edge.
Listeners can discover the dynamic music of Barona through the radio stations available on onairium.com. Her catalog, from the breakthrough 'Neon Pulse' to her latest releases, is frequently played across our curated selection of alternative and rock stations.