About this episode
🎹 Count It Off Ep 28: Funk, Faith & Purple Keys with Tommy Barbarella This week we’re hanging out with the one and only Tommy Barbarella — keyboardist, composer, and longtime member of Prince’s legendary New Power Generation. We dig into what it was like holding down the keys for one of the greatest artists of all time, the magic (and madness) of life on tour, and how Tommy found his own sound outside the Purple universe. We’ll hear how Tommy has expanded to composing and scoring everything from orchestral works, commercial videos and even an epic Super Bowl ad. From Twin Cities beginnings to the biggest stages in the world, Tommy shares stories that are equal parts funny, wild, and inspiring. We talk about the pressure of keeping up with Prince’s genius, what it takes to survive in the music industry, and how collaboration fuels his creativity to this day. If you love Prince, music history, or just want to hear some behind-the-scenes stories from the guy who helped shape the soundtrack of a generation, this one’s for you.