Three and a half years ago, following in her mother’s footsteps, Sammy Barrett, 20, began playing guitar. “My mom was a singer/songwriter,” says Barrett, “so music has always been a part of my life.”



Barrett found that playing the guitar was therapeutic for her. 



“I was going through a very difficult time in my life. I just wasn’t living right,” she says. She noticed that she felt better while playing the guitar and that while playing she could concentrate and write songs. “It felt really good, and it’s been somewhat of a lifesaver,” she adds. The result was contemporary pop/rock with sweet, confident vocals and Seattle centered lyrics. Her influences are Neko Case and Fiona Apple.



The band is Sammy Barrett on guitar and lead vocals; her sister, Rachel Barrett on bass; and Zak Dewey on drums.



“I am so lucky to have that,” says Barrett, “Rachel is my best friend as well as my sister and is the best bass player for me. We have been playing together as a band for a couple months. I am so excited that I get to have my family, friends and music in my life. I feel that music saved my life by giving me purpose.”



Next month Barrett’s debut album, On the Corner, is set to be released. Friday, Barrett will perform at the Firehouse.



[Firehouse Coffee Company, Friday, March 9, 7 p.m., all ages, no cover, 3518 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.756.8551]