Barbara Helen’s activism comes in the form of a guitar, a voice, and a deep emotional connection to the nonhuman animals for whom she advocates. In our Performing Animal Rights podcast episode, Barbara shared her journey from a singer-songwriter focused on personal themes to an artist creating songs that speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Her journey, like her music, is a story of evolution, discovery, and a commitment to use her art as a tool for change.
From Personal Expression to Animal Rights
For Barbara, songwriting began as a personal outlet—a way to process the emotional rollercoaster of life, love, and loss. It was a practice of self-expression, one that, over time, shifted towards a more urgent message: the fight for animal rights. As she describes it, the shift happened naturally after she became vegan. “It was like a lightbulb moment,” she says, and from that point on, her music began to reflect her newfound awareness of animal suffering and her desire to make a difference.
Barbara’s songs, like Witness, were born out of the profound feelings she experienced while bearing witness at slaughterhouse vigils. Inspired by activists and artists like Holly Merry and movements such as Animal Save, she began to channel her emotions into her songwriting, creating pieces that not only reflected her personal pain but also resonated with the wider community of activists. Her music became a means of reaching out to others, of planting seeds of empathy and understanding in the hearts of those who might not yet be aware of the horrors of factory farming.
Bearing Witness Through Music
Barbara’s experiences at slaughterhouse vigils have profoundly shaped her activism and songwriting. Bearing witness, for her, is about “drawing closer to the pain” of nonhuman animals, offering comfort, and making sure they do not go unnoticed as they are led to slaughter. In our conversation, she spoke with raw emotion about the sensory experience of being there: hearing the animals’ breaths, smelling them, and looking into their eyes.
These moments of connection, though heartbreaking, are the fuel for Barbara’s creative fire. She captures the essence of bearing witness in her music, offering listeners a glimpse into the depth of emotion that these experiences evoke. In her song I Saw You, written immediately after attending a vigil, Barbara’s lyrics convey the emotional weight of seeing animals for the last time before their deaths. Her music, much like the act of bearing witness itself, serves as a way to confront the reality of animal suffering head-on.
Music as a Tool for Change
Barbara’s songwriting doesn’t just speak to fellow activists; it has the power to reach beyond the movement. One of the most striking stories she shared during the interview was from a performance at a festival. After singing her song Just Like Us—inspired by the chant "Animals feel just like us"—a woman approached her, saying that the song had made everything click into place. Despite spending the weekend surrounded by animal rights stalls, it wasn’t until she heard Barbara’s song that she truly understood the message.
This moment captures the unique power of music in activism. While facts and images are crucial in raising awareness, music has a way of reaching people on a deeper, emotional level. It’s through this emotional resonance that Barbara’s songs are able to plant seeds of empathy, allowing people to connect with the plight of animals in a way that facts and figures alone might not achieve.
Keeping Hope Alive
Though the subject matter of Barbara’s songs can be heavy, she strives to include a message of hope. As she explained, while it would be easy to focus solely on the bleakness of animal suffering, it’s important to offer a sense of possibility—of change. Her songs often carry a message of empowerment, reminding listeners that they have the power to make a difference, whether it’s by choosing a vegan lifestyle or advocating for animals in other ways.
This message of hope is vital not just for audiences but also for fellow activists. Barbara acknowledges that being involved in animal rights can often feel like living in a constant state of grief. Her music, then, serves a dual purpose: it not only raises awareness but also helps keep activists motivated and emotionally grounded. In a movement where burnout is common, Barbara’s songs offer a much-needed reminder that change is possible and that each small action contributes to a larger, more compassionate world.
Artivism: The Power of Creativity in Activism
Barbara’s story is a testament to the power of artivism—the blending of art and activism. Her music provides an emotional outlet for both herself and others, while also serving as a means of advocating for animals. For Barbara, songwriting is more than just a way to express her feelings—it’s a form of activism, a way of using her talent to inspire change and raise awareness.
Her songs, filled with emotion, hope, and a deep sense of responsibility, remind us that activism takes many forms. Whether it’s standing outside a slaughterhouse or strumming a guitar, every act of advocacy matters. As Barbara says, “Any activism is good activism.” Finding your niche—whether in music, art, or another form of creative expression—allows you to contribute in a way that feels meaningful and sustainable.
Barbara Helen’s work exemplifies the deep emotional connection between creativity and activism. Her songs offer a unique perspective on animal rights, reaching beyond the boundaries of traditional advocacy to touch the hearts of those who listen. By sharing her journey and her music, Barbara continues to inspire others to join the fight for a more compassionate world.
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