Deseret News | BarlowGirl spreads love, peace

BarlowGirl spreads love, peace

By Scott Iwasaki
Deseret News

Published: Friday, Oct. 3, 2008 12:19 a.m. MDT

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Back when the Barlow sisters — Alyssa, Becca and Lauren — were in elementary school, they always talked about forming a singing group.

"It was one of our fantasies," said Alyssa Barlow during a phone call from the road "somewhere in California."

"We always said we would go out and make music for people."

Well, that is exactly what the Barlows are doing as the trio BarlowGirl. The siblings, who hail from Elgin, Ill., are an award-winning Christian rock trio who will be in Salt Lake City spreading their message of love, peace and unity.

"We know the world needs some positive influences these days," said Barlow. "And it doesn't matter what we believe, whether you're Christian or not, we are all humans, and we share the same emotions and trials. So, our music is our way of helping everyone."

The Barlows grew up in a musical household, she said. "Our family reunions always involved everyone bringing a musical instrument and singing songs. And our dad (Vince) made CDs for our church. We sang for church, and that's blossomed into what we're doing now."

BarlowGirl has released three CDs and a Christmas CD . The group's eponymous debut was released in 2004. Its follow-up, "Another Journal Entry," was released in 2005. The latest, "How Can We Be Silent," hit the racks in 2007. "Home for Christmas" was released last month.

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"We have always told each other when were fantasizing about forming a group that we should do a Christmas album," said Barlow. "And earlier this year, we looked around us and realized that we could make that dream come true."

Since being formed, BarlowGirl has touched many lives, said Barlow. "Our message is one of hope. And that is universal."

A few weeks ago, the group was approached by a fan after a show.

"She came up and told us that she was ready to commit suicide," said Barlow, her voice cracking with emotion. "She said she had it all ready and then she heard one of our songs, and the words pierced her to the soul. She stopped and thought about what she was doing and caused her to reflect on her life and stop her from killing herself.

"To think that one of our songs helped her in some way is amazing to me. And that's what makes what we're doing worthwhile."

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