Life & Work with The Blindsiders

Today we’d like to introduce you to The Blindsiders.

Hi The, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Blindsiders got started as a passion project fueled by resilience, love for music, and a desire to bring something fresh to the live music scene. After a five-year hiatus from performing, I felt that getting back on stage and into music was a way to reconnect with my roots and honor the legacy of my son, Dalton, whose musical talent and encouragement inspired me to keep going.

We’re a high-energy band that blends classic rock, country, and Southern rock with our own originals, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and unique. What sets us apart is the chemistry between our members—each musician brings something special to the table. With Saultin Barrett on lead guitar, Chris Smith on rhythm guitar, CAMERAn SHY on bass, and Dave Barnard on drums, we create an electrifying experience for every audience.

At our core, The Blindsiders are about connection—bringing people together through music, storytelling, and raw emotion. Whether it’s an intimate acoustic set or a full-band show, we leave it all on the stage, making every performance a moment to remember.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building The Blindsiders has been a journey of passion, persistence, and overcoming challenges. After a five-year hiatus from music following my son Dalton’s passing, stepping back into performing wasn’t easy for me because music was something I shared with my son. The biggest challenge was finding the right musicians—not just talented players, but people who shared the same vision, energy, and dedication. Fortunately, I found that in Saultin Barrett (lead guitar), Chris Smith (rhythm guitar), CAMERAn SHY (bass), and Dave Barnard (drums). Together, we created something special.

Balancing music with life’s responsibilities has been another challenge for all of us. Rehearsals, bookings, and refining our sound while managing everything else hasn’t always been smooth. There were also growing pains—navigating different personalities, strengthening our chemistry, and carving out our own identity in a competitive live music scene. But every struggle has made us a stronger band.

At our core, The Blindsiders are about connection— The road hasn’t been easy, but the love for music and the people we play for makes every step worth it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Jamirae – Band Leader/Lead singer/Creative Director
What I’m most proud of is my resilience—my ability to keep going, even when life threw challenges that could have stopped me completely. Music has been a part of me for as long as I can remember, and no matter what, I’ve always found my way back to it. Losing my son Dalton was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced, and for a while, I thought I might never sing again. But he believed in me, and that belief gave me the strength to pick up the mic and step back into what I was meant to do.

What sets me apart is that music isn’t just something I do—it’s who I am. I’ve never chased trends or tried to fit into a mold. I grew up singing everything from show tunes, classic rock to country, and those influences shaped my style into something raw, soulful, and real. I don’t just perform songs—I live them. Every lyric, every note, every show is personal to me, and I bring that emotion into every performance.

As front-woman and alongside Saultin Barrett I help shape the band’s sound, blending melody and emotion to create something powerful. Whether it’s crafting harmonies, building setlists, or driving the overall vibe, we work together to make sure every performance leaves a lasting impact.

I’m proud that I’ve stayed true to myself as a musician, that I’ve built a band with heart and integrity, and that I get to create moments that connect with people. Music is more than entertainment—it’s storytelling, it’s healing, and it’s a way to bring people together. That’s what I strive for every time I step on stage. ~ Jamirae

Saultin Barrett – Lead Guitar/Band Leader
I fill several roles as a member of The Blindsiders – rhythm and lead guitars, backing vocals, song writing, and serve as band leader. Jamirae and I share leadership responsibilities. Jamirae is our public spokesperson, manages our social media presence, and is the primary liaison between the band and venues. My role is to create a vision for the musicians, how that vision translates musically, and work to establish a plan for reaching those goals.

When performing, my goal is to create a performance that combines the perfect balance between well-rehearsed and unhinged. The intention is to provide the audience with a show that is fun to watch and well-executed, while leaving enough room for unexpected improvisation and musical surprises that can only exist within a live show. I want our shows to look, feel, and sound “live-ly.” As a guitar player, there are some parts that I play exactly the same every night, however many lead guitar parts I make up on-the-spot – that is where magic can happen. It’s also where a musical trainwreck can happen, but it is within that unscripted risk where we, as musicians, feel the most excitement and I think that sense of excitement translates to a more interesting show to watch.~ Saultin Barrett

Dave Barnard -Drummer
Currently, I spend my days behind the wheel of a truck for a grading company—a job I enjoy and one that keeps the bills paid. But when I’m not on the road, I’m behind the drum kit, fueling my passion for music. If you ask my wife, though, I’m best known for leaving every light in the house on.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just my music, but my wife and kids, who have stuck with me through every beat, every late-night rehearsal, and every gig. Being in a band isn’t just about playing—it’s about blending my sound with others to create something bigger than myself. That’s why I do it. That’s why I love it. ~ Dave

CAMERAn SHY- Bass
I lay down the bass for The Blindsiders. My job is to bring depth and groove to every song, making sure the rhythm feels just right. I’ve been playing for years, and there’s nothing better than locking in with the band and feeling the music come alive. Offstage, I keep things laid-back—but once the music starts, it’s all energy and soul
. ~ CAMERAn SHY

Chris Smith Rhythm Guitar
I play rhythm guitar for The Blindsiders. I keep the groove steady and the energy high, making sure every song has a solid backbone. Playing music is my passion, and there’s nothing better than playing music people can enjoy and dance to. ~ Chris

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck—both good and bad—has played a huge role in my life and music career, but I’ve always believed that what you do with it matters more than the luck itself.

Bad luck hit hardest when I lost my son, Dalton. That kind of loss can take everything from you—your passion, your purpose, your will to keep going. For a while, I wasn’t sure if I would ever sing again. But in the middle of that heartbreak, I also found something deeper—Dalton’s belief in me, the love and support of my family, and the realization that I still had a story to tell.

On the flip side, I’ve had moments of incredible good luck. I’ve met musicians who became not just bandmates, but family. I’ve been given opportunities to perform, connect with people, and share my music in ways I never imagined. Some of the best things in my career happened because I was in the right place at the right time, but they only mattered because I was ready to seize them.

At the end of the day, luck can open doors, but it’s what you do with it that defines you. I’ve faced hard times, but I’ve also had the luck of resilience, the luck of finding the right people, and the luck of having a voice that still has something to say. And as long as I have that, I’ll keep going. – Jamirae

Pricing:

• Full Band 3-4hours $500
• Acoustic Band 2-3hours $450
• Acoustic Trio 2-3hours $300
• Acoustic Duo 2-3hours $300

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblindsiders?igsh=MTJyeG9vOGpwMWxq&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1814HzxpoV/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlindsiders

Image Credits
Mark Boelter