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Dennis J. Barela, RpDJ  has worked in the professional entertainment industry for over 30 years. 

 

His professional experience includes  (past and present):

  • Mobile D.J. (Disc Jockey)  (see "Testimonials" page)

  • Producer  (Hoopertunes, Onstage Music Studios, Dennis J., Terminal Romance, Equinox, Anna Falaxis, The Drysdales, Maybe Later, Keep On Keepin' On and others)

  • Graduate: StageWest School of Audio Engineering and Production  (a 500-hour course focusing upon Music Production, Digital Recording, Engineering, Editing, & Live Sound Reinforcement.  Additional areas of focus include Concepts, Creativity and Philosophies of Production, Engineering, Song and Score Editing, Mastering and Audio Post-Production for Film, Television & Radio)

  • Recording Engineer (Hoopertunes, Onstage Music Studios, Dennis J., Terminal Romance, Equinox, Liberty Entertainment, Meredith Day Entertainment and many others)

  • Composer  (see work samples below)

  • Pro-Audio Consultant  (Temecula Valley Unified School District, Onstage Music Studios, Calvary Chapel, Dennis MacKay Productions, Meredith Day Entertainment)

  • Performer  (Dennis J., Terminal Romance, Equinox, Hudson Bay Co.)

  • Music Educator  (independent)

  • Stage Manager/(live) Sound Engineer   (Keith Goodman Productions, International Entertainment, Hoopertunes, Liberty Entertainment, Rob Parker Productions, independent)

  • Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist/Bassist/Percussionist  (see work samples below)

  • Computer Sequencer Programmer  (see work samples below)

  • Concert Promoter  (Keith Goodman Productions, Liberty Entertainment)

  • Band Leader  (Dennis J., Terminal Romance, Equinox)

  • Voice-Over Artist  (Keith Goodman Productions, Liberty Entertainment, One Box Listings, 101.3 The Mix, Q103.3, KMYT)

  • Benefit Organizer  (Founding organizer of "Unite2Nite" Hurricane Katrina benefit held in Temecula, California raising over $100,000 for hurricane Katrina victims) 

  • Charitable Educational Pro Audio Services (Charitable Recording, On-Site Recording, Production & Engineering to Temecula Valley Unified School District of California, Easter Seals)

  • Member: BMI - (Broadcast Music Incorporated)  [Entity that oversees the payments to professional songwriters for the world-wide use of their copyrighted music works] 

  • Member: AADJA - All American Disc Jockey Alliance ("RpDJ" professional designation: "Registered, Professional DJ") 

  • Member: GMEA Global Mobile Entertainers Association 

  • Past Member: ADJA (American Disc Jockey Association) 

  • Past Member:  SCADJA (Southern California Chapter ADJA) 

  • Past Member: SDADJA (San Diego chapter ADJA) 

  • Member:  NAME (NationalAssociation of Mobile Entertainers)
     

  • Member: MP3.com (Music and music works licensing and distribution service) 

  • Member: Trusonic (Music and music works licensing and distribution service) 

All original music © 2012 BMI by Dennis J. Barela 

 

 

Magazine articles...

     

 

                                                                                                                                        

 

 

 

         Dennis J.  (the CD) 

 

 

 

"Marty Peters" of  "RECORDING MAGAZINE" said this about us:

Music: "Cross My Heart" is a male vocal pop/country song.  Dennis did it all - writing, recording and mixing.   Recording:  This is a heck of a good job for a one-man band.  Dennis has written an absolutely radio-friendly song!  Summary:  Hopefully, Dennis' song has found the ears of an A&R person, it's that good.  

 

*** Read the entire article in "RECORDING" magazine ***

http://www.recordingmag.com

 

Listen to:  

Cross My Heart .mp3 

 

 

Original music tracks & recordings

Written, performed & produced by Dennis J. Barela:

 The recently released album "Dennis J." features tracks that our founder has completed in recent years.  Here you can sample some of his experience as a singer/composer/guitarist, engineer and producer.   Click the links below to play these tracks.
=Tracks featuring Terminal Romance      = Tracks recorded with Grammy Award winning music producer and recording engineer Dennis MacKay.      ♥ = Tracks recorded "live" at BandWest Studios (rehearsal studio facility; "Studio 3") in Anaheim CA.      All songs, music & lyrics © 2012 BMI by Dennis J. Barela

  1. Cross My Heart (mp3   Lyrics: Cross My Heart

  2. Let Me In.mp3   Lyrics: Let Me In

  3. Closer To the Bullet (live at The Whisky) (mp3)† Lyrics: Closer To The Bullet

  4. Big Boys Don't Cry.mp3  Lyrics: Big Boys Don't Cry

  5. Losing The Faith (mp3)    Lyrics: Losing the Faith

  6. She Smiles With Her Heart.mp3  Lyrics: She Smiles With Her Heart

  7. In The Nick of Time.mp3    Lyrics: In The Nick of Time

  8. Realize (mp3)†       © Avants/Barela 

  9. (Kelly...) Help Me Understand (mp3)†    Lyrics: (Kelly) Help Me Understand

  10. Victim of Circumstance (live) (mp3)    Lyrics: Victim of Circumstance

  11. Dear Alyssa (live) (mp3)   Lyrics: Dear Alyssa

  12. Checkout Girl.mp3†   Lyrics: Checkout Girl

  13. Gotta Find Jeffrey a Girl (mp3)†    Lyrics: Gotta Find Jeffrey a Girl

  14. Oblivious (mp3)†    Lyrics: Oblivious

  15. The Love Has Hit The Fan (live) (mp3)    Lyrics: The Love Has Hit The Fan

  16. Vicariously Yours (mp3)†    Lyrics: Vicariously Yours

  17. Black & White World (mp3)†    Lyrics: Black and White World

  18. Marie.mp3†    Lyrics: Marie

  19. Wait (mp3)     Lyrics: Wait

  20. Airtight Alibi (live studio).mp3    Lyrics: Airtight Alibi

  21. All Because of You (live studio).mp3    Lyrics: All Because of You

 

All songs, music & lyrics © 2012 BMI by Dennis J. Barela

 

Dennis and Terminal Romance in one of their promotional pictures

 

"Cross My Heart" is a cross-over alternative-country ballad.  Although Dennis has been educated in many genre of music he tends to specialize in pop-rock ballads.  This track, however, is an example of the heavy influence that country music has cast upon the pop music industry. 

 

Cross My Heart .mp3

 

"Let Me In" is also one of the more recent Dennis J. songs and shows more of what the industry refers to as AOR (adult oriented rock) music.  Click the link below to give it a listen! 

 

Let Me In .mp3

 

Here's a rare "live" track of the founder and Terminal Romance from a song with definite jazz, funk and rock influences.  "Closer To The Bullet" was written in a barroom on a bar napkin during a dark period in time for our humble writer. 

 

Closer To the Bullet (live at The Whisky) .mp3

 

Waiting to go on stage at a famous Hollywood night club

 

O.K., you knew it was coming: here’s where our founder gets a little political.  But before you jump to conclusions about the lyrics to “Losing The Faith,” please understand that the lyrics reflect the author's losing the faith in society and humanity.

 

Losing The Faith .mp3

 

The track "Gotta Find Jeffrey a Girl" was influenced by one of our founder's childhood friends.  This song was produced in conjunction with Grammy winning veteran producer Dennis MacKay. 

 

Gotta Find Jeffrey a Girl .mp3

 

Here's a song that was a favorite of the band (Terminal Romance) just prior to breaking up.  It's about a girl in the neighborhood where Dennis grew up (thx Missy!).  Enjoy!

 

She Smiles With Her Heart .mp3

 

At work in my Studio/Office

(Original album art: pencil sketch by Tim Barela)

 

"Vicariously Yours"  was chosen for the movie soundtrack "Dirty Pool."  The lyrics are that of a modern-day "Cyrano DeBergerac" style love story.  This song was produced by Grammy award winning Producer/Engineer Dennis MacKay who has worked with acts such as David Bowie, Stanley Clarke, Al Dimeola, The Jacksons, Jeff Beck, The Commodores, Judas Priest, Whitney Houston, Mick Ronson, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Sir George Martin, Elton John and Barbra Streisand (just to name a few).

 

Vicariously Yours .mp3

 

 

One of the great things about working with Terminal Romance was that Dennis was encouraged by the band to strive to write, perform, arrange, record and think about music from more diverse, exciting, abstract and contemporary perspectives.  “Big Boys Don’t Cry” is an example of a slower rock-ballad that is very “slow-danceable” and was at times a challenge to record and perform.

 

Big Boys Don't Cry .mp3

 

At work with Grammy Award winning producer Dennis MacKay  

(Never without his baseball cap & NS10's. Cheers, mate!)

 

 

"Wait" is a very hyperactive pop-rock tune that was a favorite at the clubs and is still a big player through "Muzak" type music services at a department store near you.  Click below to listen!

 

Wait .mp3

 

 

If you are still here at the end of this list, we’re sure you’ll agree that we will end it “In The Nick of Time.”  …another slow rock ballad for your listening pleasure.

 

In The Nick of Time .mp3

 

 

…throw enough against a wall and…

 

Here's a track that was recorded at BandWest Studios recording facility under the supervision of Recording Engineer John Torres, III that tells the story of a troubled woman as viewed from the perspective of her dog "Mr. Hooper."

 

Black & White World .mp3

 

 

This is a track that was also produced by "industry veteran" Dennis MacKay.  It was selected for the movie soundtrack "Dirty Pool."

 

Checkout Girl .mp3

 

 

 

Promotional and miscellaneous pictures of Terminal Romance:

 

      

BAND1.JPG (17022 bytes)  

 

Miscellaneous on-site mobile recording pictures:

 

 

Working with Grammy Award winning producer and recording engineer Dennis MacKay:

 

 

 

Where have I performed?

Remember, I have literally and personally (not associates or employees) performed uncountable thousands of performances over the years.  This list is just an example of some job sites:

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, UC Irvine Crawford Hall, Thornton Winery, Falkner Winery - Temecula, South Coast Winery - Temecula, Ponte Winery - Temecula, Churon Winery - Temecula, Embassy Suites - Temecula, Pechanga Casino, Temecula Creek Inn, Eagle Glen Golf Club, Wiens Family Cellars (winery) - Temecula, Bear Creek Country Club, Hilton Hotel - La Jolla, Leonesse Cellars - Temecula, Sharky’s Officer’s Club MCAS Camp Pendelton, Hotel Del Coronado, Pala Casino, Stuart Cellars Winery - Temecula, Shilo Inn, South Mesa NCO Club MCAS Camp Pendelton, The Mission Inn Riverside, Villa De Amore - Temecula, KCET Channel 28 - Los Angeles, Temecula Valley Unified School District, Callaway Winery - Temecula, Hart Winery - Temecula, Wilson Creek Winery - Temecula, Longshadow Ranch Winery - Temecula, Orange Show Fairgrounds, Sony Studios - Hollywood, Schwarzkopf & Henkel, Onstage Studios, The Troubadour, The Whisky A-Go-Go, The Starwood, Gazzarri's, Menifee Lakes Country Club, Carlton Oaks Country Club, Black Gold Golf Club, Pala Mesa Resort, Grand Tradition, Los Willows, Irvine Regional Park, Surf and Sand - Laguna Beach, Hidden Valley Golf Club, Assistencia Mission Redlands, Kellogg House Pomona, Foxfire Inn, Heritage Park Irvine, Tortilla Flats, The Castle - Temecula, Sherman Library & Gardens, Newport Beach Marriot, Heritage Palms Country Club, The Forge - Temecula, Sierra Lakes Golf Club, San Clemente State Park, Palm Desert Marriot, Island Club NAS North Station, Idyllwild Nature Center, Dave & Buster’s, Singing Hills Country Club, Barona Casino, The Hacienda, The Orchard, Monteleone Meadows, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Moreno Valley Ranch CC, Big Bear Lake Visitor’s Bureau, Horton Grand Hotel - San Diego, Bahia Resort, Coronado, Castaways Restaurant - San Bernardino, Cree Estate - Palm Springs, Vintage Hills PCA, Mission Valley Radisson, International Club, The Fleetwood, The Cuckoo’s Nest,  El Prado Country Club, Gecko's,  Pacific Edge, Sunnymead Ranch Lake Club, Canyon Lake Country Club, The Grapevine Arbor, The Thursday Club, Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club, Walnut Grove Park & Barn, The Queen Mary, Oak Meadows - Temecula, Lake Oak Meadows, Gershon Bachus Vintners, Ontario Doubletree Inn, Temecula CRC, Canyon Lake Lodge, Keyways Winery, Monte De Oro Winery, Miramonte Winery, Abbott Manor, Thompson Ranch, Firey Estate plus many, MANY more!  (Too many to waste space over)

 

Here's some industry reviews of some work by

TERMINAL ROMANCE:

 

Terminal Romance- Dirty Pool (motion picture soundtrack)                                                                 10/10 

By Nick Baldrian

Terminal Romance are from California and play gorgeous aor/pop a'la King Of Hearts, Southern Sons, Innuendo, The Beatles, REM, Rick Springfield, Mark Spiro.  "Vicariously Yours" is a jaw dropping song full of lush melodies and very sincere vocals from Dennis J Barela, this song features some very nice violin playing, then things get a bit more up-tempo for the Nelson/ The Rembrandts influenced "Checkout Girl" which is so damn catchy I'm surprised that the radio stations haven't picked up on this song, it's filled with great hooklines, this band can write aor songs with the best of them, in fact it would be fair to say that I personally think that we are going to hear a lot from this band.

The last track "Gotta Find Jeffrey a Girl" is a lush aor/pop song with huge inspiring vocals. I can't wait to hear these songs in the context of the film the "Dirty Pool," I can imagine them working really well.  Overall this band are VERY VERY talented, and I would say that it's probably one my favorite finds of the year.  AWESOME every home should have one!!!! 

 

Angelfire Review:

I got this demotape consisting of 3 songs from a friend of mine who really liked it...  TERMINAL ROMANCE has qualities to become very popular. Their music is poppy poprock that is only a mile away from THE REMBRANDTS. I call this kind of rock 90s oriented Radiorock.

"Checkout girl", a nice early 80s typed melodic poprocker that reminds me of TOMMY TUTONE, EDDIE MONEY and DANNY WILDE.

 

 

Dennis would also like to thank his good friends and associates Sean Michael Davis and Jason Atenza of Terminal Romance and Grammy Award winning producer Dennis MacKay. 

 

Nods also go out to former co-songwriters John C. Avants and Rick Dalton for their inspiration, conspiracy & cellular surrender so many years ago.

 

(Feel free to email copies of past performances as we'd be happy to post them on this site in the future)

 

Call: (951) 699-9717

Click to call by smartphone!     Click to call by iPhone!     Email: dennis@aperfectdj.com

 

take me back ...   Home

 

Contact UsFAQsTestimonialsMost PlayedWedding MusicPicturesEquipment

This site, its contents and performances pertaining to it © 2012 A Perfect DJ.   All original music © 2012 BMI by Dennis J. Barela