At Talent Is Timeless, each month we shine a spotlight on some of our incredible songwriters — from those who’ve placed in our Monthly Challenges to past winners of our Annual Contest — inviting them to share more about their lives, creative journeys, and the stories behind their songs.

This month, we’re featuring 54-year-old songwriter Barbara Markay, based in Los Angeles, California. Barbara joined Talent Is Timeless in March 2025 and placed in the USA Pop category with her heartfelt track You Only Say You Love Me in My Dreams. The song was born from a deeply personal place.

“I wrote it for a boyfriend I had who I really loved,” she explains.

That honesty and vulnerability carried into the recording, which later took on a life of its own when other singers performed it live in a New York club.

“Seeing and hearing some really great singers perform my song gave me a totally new perspective on what my song could turn into when performed live. I wish I could get more of my songs to really great singers.”

Barbara’s songwriting journey began in New York City, where she studied piano and composition at Juilliard.

“Slowly over the next few years I became more interested in pop, rock, R&B,” she recalls.

By her final year, she was writing pop songs alongside her classical work — a turning point that set her on the path she still follows today. Like many artists, she has faced her share of obstacles.

“Too numerous to mention here,” she says wryly. “Being a singer/songwriter is already hard enough! That is the major obstacle.”

Still, moments of encouragement — like uploading songs to Spotify and receiving a positive response — kept her moving forward. Her proudest achievement remains recording You Only Say You Love Me in My Dreams and watching others embrace it. That moment of connection confirmed what she already knew: the power of a song extends far beyond its writer.

For Barbara, joining Talent Is Timeless has provided a valuable confidence boost. She appreciates the sense of recognition and encouragement that comes with being part of the community.

“It gave me a sense of accomplishment and recognition for my hard work and creativity,” she says of learning she had placed in the challenge.

One thing people might not expect about Barbara’s journey is just how much joy she has found in it — even without financial rewards.

“I really enjoyed the whole journey. I found it extremely satisfying to write and record the songs, play them for friends, and many times it was what kept me sane!”

Her advice to other songwriters over 50 is both tender and empowering:

“The joy of expressing yourself by writing a song is priceless. Don’t be discouraged because you may not make any money on it. It’s the experience that counts. Know that whoever gets to hear your song will be enriched by connecting to your energy, your heart, your higher self and the universe. Music is uplifting and healing. You heal yourself and others through music.”

Barbara’s story is a reminder that the act of songwriting itself — the expression, the sharing, the healing — is its own reward, and that joy can be found in every step of the journey.

You can listen to Barbara’s winning song here: https://open.spotify.com/track/1S9GvNwFM0A6IZ2eIJo6yZ

And Connect with Barbara on Talent Is Timeless here: https://www.talentistimeless.com/members/barbaramarkay/