This morning, I BLASTED the new album from Karen Clark Sheard and Ted Winn’sBalance CD. Such great projects! And I was about to go to Kierra’s This Is Me project (an all-time fave), until I realized that I actually didn’t feel like hearing gospel music at that moment.
We’re being real, right? A big part of my job focuses on listening to, and making commentary on, gospel music. And I love it. But uhh… I take breaks. Often.
It’s not that I don’t wanna hear about God or anything. I just don’t want to hear the music sometimes– the progressions, the syntax. Want to experience Him a bit more… implicitly.
Now, I know some of you still are not “allowed” to listen to anything else, but for those of you who have a varied music collection and don’t cover your ears to avoid the radio when you go shopping (hehehehee), do you ever have those moments?
Today, I listened to Radiohead and Maroon 5. And, other times, I find myself jammin’ to Brandy, Luther Vandross, Faith Evans or Anita Baker.
Just curious– in those moments, who do you listen to?
On Monday, some of the biggest names in the music industry were invited to re-record the global hit song “We Are The World,” to assist with relief efforts in Haiti and to commemorate the tune’s 25th anniversary.
An 81-member choir– comprised of The Jonas Brothers, Brandy, Jennifer Hudson, Kanye West, Celine Dion, Wyclef, Usher, Nancy Wilson, Jamie Foxx, Barbra Streisand, Gladys Knight, Faith Evans, Pink and many others– gathered to record at Henson Studios in Los Angeles. Included among them– gospel’s favorite sister duo, Mary Mary.
Lemme tell you… I half-way expected for them to get an Oscar nomination yesterday because Erica & Tina Campbell are, by God’s grace, UNSTOPPABLE. Proud of you, ladies! Thanks for representing Christ and the gospel community.
NBC is expected to premiere the video for the song, “We Are The World – 25 For Haiti” in 3D on Friday, February 12th, during its coverage of the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. It should be available for purchase after that and, of course, all proceeds will go to benefit Haiti.
Take the smoky tone and intricate musical choices of Brandy, combine them with the vocal agility of Kim Burrell, make a MALE voice out of it… and meet Kevin Gray. THIS DUDE…
I’m gonna try to do a full review on him when his new album, The Comeback, hits stores on August 4th. In the meantime, he’s someone that I want y’all to check out NOW. You can learn more about him and listen to some of his music at his MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/kevingray.
Aaaaand, this just in from Kevin…
He’s leaking a track from his upcoming album TODAY. The song can be heard on his MySpace page (see link above) and at the new website I’mAGospelSinger.com.
Remember when mainstream artists (especially in R&B) used to end their albums with a gospel track? Sometimes, it was like “awww… bless you.” But SOMETIMES, it was like “that’s IT!”
Fewer artists are doing it these days, but I had a HIGH TIME today listening to some older projects with gospel tracks on ‘em. I realized “I used to LOVE these songs!!!”
So, here’s a short list of some of my faves…
1. Kelly Price – “Lord Of All” on her debut project, Soul Of A Woman
2. Blackstreet – “The Lord Is Real (Time Will Reveal)” on their Another Level project
3. Brandy - ”Give Me You” on her debut album, Brandy
4. Faith Evans – “Keep The Faith” on her Keep The Faith album
I could go on and on… but y’all weigh-in and lemme know some of your favorite gospel tracks from mainstream artists. You can go as far back as you’d like! Talk to me!
Oh yeah, just cuz… here’s Kelly Price’s “Lord Of All”… still classic.
I got a chance to chat with Camille Betton from BET’s Sunday Best yesterday. She was one of the Top 20 Finalists and, though she didn’t make it to the Top 10 this past week, she’s got lots to say and I think the industry will be seeing more of her!
In this interview, we get a behind-the-scenes perspective of Sunday Best , as well as chat about her music ministry and where you can find out more about her.
Folks, here’s Camille Betton.
* * *
EJ: Hi Camille! How’s it goin’?
CB: It’s going okay, how about for you?
EJ: I’m good! I wanna start by talking about BET’s Sunday Best. You were one of the Top 20 finalists, which is an incredible accomplishment. So, congrats on that first!
CB: Thank you!
EJ: You’re welcome. We saw, this past Sunday, that you unfortunately didn’t move forward in the competition to a Top 10 slot. Still, the folks who watched now know your name and you’ve gained a bunch of followers in a very short time.
CB: Absolutely.
EJ: What was your Sunday Best experience like?
CB: EJ, it was awesome. To connect with, number one, Donald Lawrence, who’s just a phenomenal writer and producer, to have face-to-face, hands-on mentoring from him, that was invaluable.
The people that I met– the other contestants– just the relationships that I’m sure I’ll have from here on out. And just to be a part of the show, to have that level of exposure, to get the opportunity to promote myself AND JESUS. *laughs*
EJ: *laughs* Absolutely. You mentioned the relationships with the other contestants and, you know, we always see folks on talent competitions, like American Idol, becoming super close friends with the other contestants — what are the relationships like among the contestants of Sunday Best?
CB: Honestly, when you hear people saying that it didn’t feel like a competition, I’ll say that, early on, it really didn’t. It did not feel like that. Now, practically, it is a competition, so you had to still be aware of that. But even now, talking to people and texting them… it’s just been cool. Jessica Reedy just hit me up a few minutes ago, so it’s just been cool. It’s like an extension of your family.
EJ: Yeah. And that makes sense cuz, at the end of the day, it’s a Christian competition, so it SHOULD NOT be as cut-throat as some of the other competitions.
CB: Absolutely.
EJ: What’s a typical week like for the contestants?
CB: It was rehearsing and getting wardrobe done, and making sure that your outfits fit what you were singing, and I just enjoy that aspect of it. There’s nothing wrong with gettin’ pampered, to have someone serve you to make sure you are putting your best foot forward.
EJ: *laughing*
CB: Oh, I love that. Somebody saying “oh, lemme just brush your hair” or “oh, here are these blot sheets for you.” I love that whole aspect. That was the bomb.
But, also, being flexible was a big thing, EJ. If there was something that was scheduled and, for whatever reason, things had to be changed around, you had to be flexible for that, and that was a big part of the week. Or, rehearsing with Ray Chew and the group, and the background singers… Or having a roundtable at the end of the day to recap what happened… that was a typical week there.
EJ: Nice! What was the hardest part of being on the show for you?
CB: The hardest part was coming down those STAIRS!
EJ: *laughing*
CB: *laughs*
EJ: Y’know, that’s funny cuz when Kierra Sheard sang with Mary Mary on the first show, she kinda paused at the stairs and looked really focused… like “lemme make sure I can get down these stairs, THEN I’ma give it to ya.”
CB: Right. I think that was a smart approach for her to take because you’re trying to hear your intro, you’re trying to come down with some decorum and calmness, but you have to maneuver those stairs, so I think that was one of the toughest things.
EJ: *laughing* Fair enough. Ummm… who was your favorite of the three judges?
CB: You know, Erica [Campbell] is so well-rounded and I think she seeks to be the “Paula Abdul” of the group, if you will. So, I think I could respect what she had to say. She said what she needed to say. If it was hard sometimes, she would say it, but I think she– not that the others didn’t– but I think she exhibited more compassion out of the group.
EJ: Yeah, and I think that comes across on TV, too. Fill in the blank for me: “The viewing audience would be surprised to learn that, behind the scenes, _____________.”
CB: That we really were REALLY COOL. Behind-the-scenes, we really… just got along, we were helping each other with songs and giving each other advice, helping with arrangements. They would be surprised to learn that.
EJ: Do you think it’s hard to be on a CHRISTIAN talent competition? I mean, are there sticky points in terms of being edifying while still being honest? You mentioned Erica Campbell and her being compassionate and still say what’s tough– is that harder in a Christian competition?
CB: From the judges’ perspective, I think it is tough because they still have a job to do– that’s the practical application. But because they know that it is a gospel competition– I don’t think they’re sugarcoating it– but I think that they do have to walk a tightrope, trying to do that job and still have to maintain their calling as a Christian artist as well.
From a contestant’s perspective, I think competitions (the nature of them) are tough. So, you are going out to compete, but it’s tough when you hear “here’s five other people that are, so to speak, BETTER than you.”
EJ: Yeah.
CB: So, in that regard, it is tough. Regardlesss of whether it’s Christian or secular, any competition, as far as singing is concerned, is tough. This is not my first one, but… I’m hoping it will be my last one. *laughs*
EJ: *laughing* I hear that! I do. Lemme ask you one more question about the show– of the 10 finalists that did NOT move forward, who do you feel like the viewing audience didn’t really get a chance to experience, but REALLY needs to?
CB: And I can include myself in that? *laughing*
EJ: You’d BETTER include yourself in that list! *laughs*
CB: *laughs* And you’d better KNOW it!
EJ: *laughing*
CB: Honestly, I think any person would say that about themselves, but I honestly feel like I didn’t have that opportunity to give that full view– the well-roundedness of me, so I would have to say myself.
I love the hymns, EJ– I grew up singing them– but I did not select that particular one [on the show]. So, it was just hard to have that song and still try to give it… and then put a little spin on it. My fault was that I didn’t want to do TOO much to it because I didn’t want BeBe to eat me up.
EJ: *laughs* Right!
CB: *laughing* Like he did with the guy on the auditions, with “Amazing Grace.” And I thought “I don’t want to lose the authenticity of the song,” but yet I thought “I’ll put a little twist on it at the end.” So, I think that if I had another opportunity, I’d hopefully have another song that would give a different view of my vocal ability.
EJ: Yeah, it’s unfortunate that, with a lot of these shows– and, I said this to Jonathan Johnson too when he emailed me– the reality is that the editing makes it so that we focus more on some people’s stories and testimonies more than others, so the audience got the chance to connect with some, but there are others that we don’t know that much about.
And I think you’re probably a good illustration of that because I don’t feel like the audience got to see enough of you, based on what I’ve heard SINCE you’ve been on the show.
CB: Oh, I appreciate that.
EJ: No doubt. And that’s actually a good segue into us talkin’ about YOUR music. I’ve heard some of your stuff and it’s REALLY GOOD! You’re both a singer and a songwriter, right?
CB: Yessir.
EJ: Talk to me about your music ministry. What have you been called to do through music?
CB: I’ve been called to just impact people and make them want to be closer to God, whether that be an initial relationship or just broadening of the current one. But, that’s what I’ve been called to do– just impact people for a greater relationship with God.
EJ: That’s great. How did you start, what have you been doing before Sunday Best? I mean, people need to realize that MOST of these finalists have been working at it and grinding on “music ministry” for years and years and years– they didn’t just stumble into the auditions.
CB: Absolutely! Absolutely. I was probably about 14 when I started singing with my sister’s group, Melodies of Praise, and we were doing a lot of touring with our local church organization in Ohio. So, I got my feet wet with seeing what it was like to be called, requested and to work and receive payment for that.
Then, that group ended and I started doing things on my own. I released my own single in ’96 and, from then, have just really been writing and grinding. I’ve sung backup for Jonathan Dunn, who’s done some writing for Marvin Sapp. So, I learned a lot with him, then released my own CD in ’07 and, from that, have had the opportunity to just hit different spots and just really start to build a following and a fan base. And then came Sunday Best to kinda expand that and help blow it up a bit more.
EJ: That’s a lot of work. Great stuff. You know, I was listening to one of your tracks, “Prayze Is Awaiting You” and the passion and tone of your voice reminds me sooo much of Maurette Brown-Clark. Have you ever heard that comparison?
CB: A few people have mentioned that.
EJ: Such an authentic and passionate sound, I figured maybe she was one of your influences. But who are some of your musical influences?
CB: Don’t tell nobody, but DONNIE HATHAWAY! *laughs* In the home I was raised in, we were not permitted to listen to it, we snuck and did it. But Donnie Hathaway, to me, is the quintessential essence of music in an artist… I love Oleta Adams because of the control that she exhibits, I love Brandy, I love India.Arie and, of course, at the top of that list has to be Marvin L. Winans.
EJ: Oh, you’re SAYIN’ something now!
CB: Yeah, these are the people who are doing so much, but they do so little to get it done.
EJ: Mmm-hmmm. It’s a “less is more” approach.
CB: Yeah. And there’s nothing wrong with running, I’ve done it on occasion, but I love a person who stands flat-footed and just delivers, just stands up on a lyric, bends a note, and just hits the point home. That, to me, makes the greatest impact.
EJ: I agree. So, how can people find out more about you and your music?
CB: Aww, man. I prolly got about 11 websites. *laughs*
EJ: *laughing* [Editor's Note: BET has perpetually spelled her name wrong (as "Cammille") and, in turn, so has everyone else. Camille KINDLY informed me via email a while ago that her name is spelled with just one 'm'.]
CB: I also have a MySpace page, which is www.myspace.com/camillewillsing. And if they Google “Camille Betton,” aside from some French entries, stuff will just… I thank God that He’s enlarged my territory. So, PLEASE order the CD. Please! Like you were saying, I think it reflects my true artistry.
EJ: Absolutely. Well, that’s great! What’s next for you? Anything come out of the show in a… tangible way or are we still in a holding period?
CB: *laughing* “In a TANGIBLE way.”
EJ: *laughing* I’m just sayin’.
CB: This has been my prayer, EJ. And it’s not a deep prayer. It was tough when people didn’t know the outcome and I already knew, but it hadn’t aired yet. People were saying such great things, like “oh, Camille, I know you’re gonna go all the way.”
And so, like I would tell people, I’m praying that, as a result of this opportunity, unusual doors are gonna open– not only to advance God’s Kingdom, but ultimately my destiny. I’ve had the opportunity to network with Donald Lawrence and I look for other opportunities to work with him.
EJ: That’s awesome.
CB: And then, just some of the singers– maybe doing some writing for them and getting my own material out the door. I know I just have to stay on the grind and I KNOW God’s going to open up unusual opportunities, whether it be through major distribution or, once I’ve completed another CD, a label will be willing to pick me up.
It’s not gonna come like it’s gonna come for others, but I know God’s going to open up doors for me.
EJ: Well, I’ll be praying that as well. And I know you have a bunch of folks who really enjoyed you. Part of the bloggin’ thing is that I’m constantly having to keep my ear to the ground. So, going to other sites and seeing what people are saying, you are one that people kept saying “you all did not hear Camille like you needed to hear her.” But now, I hear what we didn’t hear. I really do wish the best for you.
CB: Wonderful. Thank you so much!
EJ: Well, thanks for taking a minute to chat with me. And definitely keep in touch.
CB: Absolutely. And I will stay in touch cuz I’ll be on that blog!
EJ: *laughing* Very good! Take care.
CB: Alright. Bye.
* * *
So, that’s THAT! Make sure you check out her links above and listen to hear music. I think y’all are really gonna like what she’s offering.
Alright, simmer down people. I’m back with Part 2 of my convo with TON3X™! Here, we wrap up the interview, discussing his “shock” value, where his music really belongs, where urban gospel is headed and LOTS more.
In case you didn’t read Part 1, you’re gonna wanna go ahead and CLICK HERE to catch up before you go any further.
Otherwise, if you’re all set, here we go… Part 2.
* * *
EJ: You know, you’ve been an incredibly controversial artist in the gospel community for several reasons—your style, your lyrics, your approach. How do you respond, or do you even feel the need to respond to critics who chalk up your image to someone who just wants attention and does things for shock value?
TON3X™: Oh, well… they’re right. I want your attention. I wanna shock you.
EJ: *laughs*
TON3X™: *laughing* I want you to be shocked. Because I know that as much as you’re saying you can’t stand it, or it’s out of the will… you know my name. And you secretly have my music. And, deep down, you love it. But you can’t let a lot of people know.
Like, a lot of people love to say how horrible Michael Jackson was during the Thriller era. “He’s this… hyperbolic chamber… he has monkeys… he makes cats and dogs mate…” Ok, you can say whatever you want to about his nose, his face, his ranch and his animals… But 53 million people in 1984 said “yes.” Whether they admitted it out loud or not, gangsters, politicians, church people included… You don’t sell 53 million copies of ANYTHING unless practically EVERYONE in America had it, or knew someone that did.
So, the higher up you go, the more arrows come. And I used to address those naysayers, but now it’s just that I’ll play to the folks that do want it.
EJ: Yep.
TON3X™: You know what I mean? Don’t try to convert anybody over and convince them of your scholastic aptitude, of your spiritual aptitude, or your artistic aptitude. Play to the ones that want it. And for the ones that don’t– shake the dust off your feet, keep it moving and hit the next town.
Play to the ones that do want it. Minister to the ones that need it the way you do it. Cuz if you dilute it, that’s when I will lose my fan base. When they saw that cover and heard this music, they said “THAT’S the TON3X™ I’m talkin’ about.”
EJ: Right. Absolutely. I logged onto MySpace, saw “Advance Listen,” and within 20 minutes, was blogging about it because it was just great music to me. And, like I said earlier, I’m seeing people comment, saying “wow… didn’t know it was gonna be this way.”
TON3X™: I’m so surprised to hear that! I mean, really, just to hear that… THAT makes me feel good. I’m not gon’ lie. Because some people are so clouded by the sensationalism and folklore that surrounds “TON3X™” that it’s really difficult for them to just sit down, listen and be honest. They’ll be so quick to say they hate it. But can you really say you don’t like this record? Some people will just act like they don’t like it. That means you’re trying to hate it.
EJ: Right. Some people want to hate it, though, as it relates to you. For some, it’s just not their cup of tea, but for some… it’s easier to just say “no, we’ve already decided we don’t approve of what he does.”
TON3X™: But it’s so funny because the majority of those that do that, and there’s a certain demographic (which I’ll leave nameless) that love to be very spiritual, but very catty… like, high school… chicks. I see them take different nods to what I’ve tried, fashion-wise, or even musically. They’ll never admit it, but I see it all the time.
I see where TON3X™ got in there somewhere, whether you want to admit it or not, I know you saw a risk I took and you said “lemme flip this, but I like the risk he took.” And that, in itself, is enough to say that I’m doing my job. If you’re not affecting a culture, not just with music, but with your lifestyle– culture, fashion, your walk with God… then, to me, you’re just a little puppet who has a record deal.
EJ: WOW. That’s good for the artists to hear. Step up your game!
TON3X™: For real. You know? Who are the ones we remember– Biggie, Tupac, Hendrix… These are people who took those risks to advance not just their albums, but to raise the musical consciousness of an entire generation. This generation, I believe, needs to be uplifted and, right now, education is not the way it’s happening. Technology is where it’s at. So, I have to make sure I stay in my lane so I can minister to them.
EJ: That’s a new look for gospel music, but I hear you. If I go into a brick and mortar music store, if I can find one these days, your albums are probably stocked in the “Gospel” section. Is that where your music belongs?
TON3X™: This album isn’t. This is the first album where, in all the mainstream stores, I got placed in “R&B/Pop/Rock”… next to Usher, Justin Timberlake… so I’m very excited about the real estate position that the album was given. That was strategized and calculated and it was one of the reasons that I went with Battery Records.
I was like “do NOT put me in the gospel section.” And it’s not that I’m ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, but I am ashamed of where our music ends up in mainstream commerce. You know? It’s in the back, between “world music” and “comedy.”
EJ: *laughing* Right. It’s all around the corner…
TON3X™: Yeah, around the corner and you’ve gotta have a GPS Navigation System to find a gospel album. That’s not where the quality of my music needs to be placed, where the quality of my message needs to be placed. It deserves a fair shot just like the rest cuz it can hang with the rest.
And that’s not just me– there are several artists in gospel that I just believe are placed in the wrong category. Not that they don’t sing gospel, but their visibility is limited.
EJ: Like who?
TON3X™: KiKi [Sheard], 21:03, Trin-I-Tee 5:7, Canton Jones, Mary Mary. I just feel that there are certain ones of us that have the style and the flair to appeal, fashion-wise, statement-wise and production-wise… it should be in the regular R&B/Pop sections. And it’s better than most of the R&B/Pop that’s out.
EJ: Absolutely.
TON3X™: Mary Mary’sThe Sound, the mix of that alone, surpasses all of the other female R&B records I’ve heard this year. Period. And let us not forget… I know everyone is on Bold Right Life, but I think everyone needs to rewind and smell what they slept on with [Kierra Sheard's] This Is Me.
EJ: I knowwww!
TON3X™: And I hope she returns back to that. Because that’s HER. That’s her lane and it was like, literally, the Full Moon of gospel and nobody really caught that.
EJ: And by “Full Moon,” you mean Brandy’s Full Moon?
TON3X™: Yes.
EJ: *laughs* You’re my buddy! That’s awesome.
TON3X™: *laughing* Yep. Mmm-hmm… You know I know!
EJ: Well, you know, some of the saints say we ain’t supposed to be listening to Brandy.
TON3X™: But that’s where most of our licks, within the past four years, have come from. *sings a Brandy-styled riff* Y’know? Come on. Learn it, live it, love it.
EJ: *laughs* Y’all got that from Brandy and you know it, huh?
TON3X™: Yeah, and she took her share from us, you know? We all inspire each other. You can’t tell me Kim Burrell didn’t influence a little of Full Moon.
EJ: Absolutely. Lemme ask you: I hear you were slated to tape 106 & Gospel soon, but I’ve heard that the show has just been cancelled.
TON3X™: Yeah, me too.
EJ: How strong of a blow do you think that is for the gospel industry? Cuz it seemed like it was a viable outlet. You mentioned KiKi and 21:03– artists who bridge the gap in that youth/urban gospel scene– do they still have a place? If they can’t get their product out of the “Gospel” section of the store, where is their outlet gonna be?
TON3X™: Umm… YouTube.
EJ: Hmm.
TON3X™: If people really want their own platform, we don’t have to have those kinds of shows. I was taping it because I wanted to show that I support the effort. However, I don’t think that we have to create our own knock-off versions of mainstream shows. We’re innovative enough to come up with our own format, our own name, our own lane… And I think that’s gonna happen.
And if I can help it, I’m going to be a part of whatever that lane is. Cuz the way that you cross-over with something like that is to include mainstream artists that have songs that fit in that lane. Maybe their whole album doesn’t, but perhaps a couple of songs from that album fit the lane. And that way, you get the notoriety of the mainstream artists and the credibility– that they would even spend time with artists like a KiKi, or a Canton or TON3X™, whatever it may be… it brings validity to the show, versus “this is our knock-off version of 106 & Park.” You know what I mean?
EJ: I can hear that.
TON3X™: I know where they were trying to go, but I think it was important to… Like, gospel music already gets the short end of the stick, so when you have a subgenre (like urban gospel) within a small genre, it’s gonna be difficult– advertisement dollars-wise– to justify the overhead for the spending budget of a show that takes that kind of production quality. If you’re not getting those mainstream companies to see the viability and why they should put their ads on that show– there’s only a small niche of a niche that’s watching.
So you have to bring folks that may not be gospel artists, but that have songs or testimonies that are inspirational– which they were doing for a minute.
EJ: Yeah, they did at first. Like, with Lil’ Mo.
TON3X™: Exactly. Bring them in for performances. AND, don’t just have two gospel hosts. You need to have someone who’s already recognizable either in the BET sector, or the comedic sector, someone who is recognized on BOTH sides of the spectrum that fits their demographic. That’s just my humble observation.
If something like that is going to work, I think somebody from the mainstream– unfortunately, until we get our own– has to bring some kind of commercial credibility to what we’re trying to do.
EJ: Wow. So, right concept, wrong execution?
TON3X™: Correct. And it’s actually TIME for something like that. That’s what’s so funny about it– the timing was good. The timing is perfect, cuz now… if you wanna be honest, the urban inspirational scene is at its prime right now. The quality of music that’s coming out from the people I named before– we’ve never heard records like this. We’re there. Whatever kinks need to be worked out, we’re there.
I’m very proud, really. This is not me alienating my fan base, or me not wanting to be associated with anyone. I’m really proud to be named among them, because I feel proud that we’re finally making the music that we make without apologizing for it. We’re saying “this is what God gave us.”
This is what we do. We’re a part of this Body, too, though we may not do it like you. Now, if you want us to, we’ll take you to church, too. Don’t get it twisted– we’re all PK’s. But don’t knock the ones who need what we do.
EJ: Do you think of yourself as a pioneer of that movement?
TON3X™: *pauses* Hmmm… *laughs*
EJ: *laughs* You can be humble about it, but do you think you have worked and worked to get gospel music this kind of recognition or acceptance?
TON3X™: I believe that, with this record, now is when I feel like I’m a pioneer. Pioneers don’t make moves that benefit them– they trailblaze for the betterment of an entire race or people. Now that my music is in mainstream places, getting mainstream rotation, and people are seeing how I really am– still loving God and representing the Kingdom, now I feel like I’m beginning to be a pioneer. Because now that’s gonna help the betterment of the whole.
Not that before, it wasn’t… But it was really about me trying to be true to myself. This is now about me just being obedient to the call for the overall plan and purpose of where the Kingdom is right now. It’s less self-driven. It’s more about how this is going to affect, consequently, all of the ones coming up behind me. And about how much easier it will be for us to be accepted for who we are and not questioned because of what we believe, but are actually respected for the art that we put out, THEN they find out what we represent.
EJ: That’s a great take on it. Hey, are you still pastoring? How’s the church doing?
TON3X™: YES. Oh, I never stop that. Always. That’s my heart.
EJ: What does your congregation look like? Are they old church mothers are some new breed of folks?
TON3X™: They look like… umm… maybe SoHo?
EJ: *laughing* I live in New York, so that’s very relevant for me.
TON3X™: Yeah, they’re very couture. Very couture, fashion-driven, culturally relevant church, but not hip-hop in style of worship. That’s what’s weird– we’re very “us.” But, the way we worship is very old school. It’s an interesting contrast. It’s a very young church in San Diego.
EJ: Alright, well… if I’m in town… *laughs*
TON3X™: Yeah, man. It’s old school, like… you’re gonna have church. But the church itself looks like an art gallery, like something you’d see in the [Greenwich] Village, or like a loft in Upper East Manhattan somewhere. It’s just a very artistic church in presentation, with technology. You know?
We have Wi-Fi and a lot people come in there with their Starbucks, their laptops… we dissect the Word, read from our laptops. We predominantly teach from The Message Bible Remix, but we always cross-reference with the King James and the NIV. But the way we worship is very “churchy.” Every now and then, on some special occasion, we may do something hip-hop. But honestly, that doesn’t really do it for us.
EJ: What?!
TON3X™: I know that sounds crazy coming from TON3X™, but that really does nothing for our congregation. That’s not the backbone of the worship experience there.
EJ: That’s awesome, man. Really great stuff. Ummm… I think that’s it for me, though I could probably go on talking to you for a few more hours cuz it’s just a cool conversation.
TON3X™: *laughing* Yeah, exactly. Cuz I mean… you “get” it.
EJ: I’ve really enjoyed chattin’ with you.
TON3X™: I appreciate you taking the time to highlight what I’m doing, and even taking the time to share how you felt about it personally– your observations are very objective. I wish you much success with what you’re doing… and keep going.
EJ: I appreciate that, man. For real.
TON3X™: And if I have any exclusives, I know who to call!
EJ: And please DO. I’m glad you’re back and I think a lot of people are as well.
TON3X™: Awww. I feel that, too. Just for the record, and you can put this in there, I haven’t had any funny experiences. Like, everyone’s been very receptive. So, either they’re acting very well or they’re really happy to have me back, and I believe the second.
EJ: Yeah, I don’t think the saints can act that well. *laughs*
TON3X™: Yeah. But the love that I’ve been gettin’, it’s been incredible.
EJ: Well, keep in touch and I’ll be talking to you.
TON3X™: Thank you, sir. Be well.
* * *
So, that was my chat with my new buddy. LOL
Seriously, what did y’all think? I think he said a lot of GREAT stuff and, even if you wanna feel a certain way about him or his music, I love that he challenges the status quo and makes us really assess WHY we believe WHAT we believe… regardless of where you land, the exploration is well worth it.
This is one of those interviews that I simply HAD to do. You’ve prolly seen the name “Candy West” floating around for years. A bunch of my industry buddies are friends with her and, though we’d never met, she’s always been held in such high regard (as a person and as a vocalist). I was sooooo excited when she agreed to do the interview!
She’s a game-changer who has worked with a bit of everybody, yet still remains as humble as can be! In this interview, she talks about her wide range of background work, her work with the record-setting God’s Property and, now, Myron Butler & Levi… and she caps things off by talking about her long-awaited solo album! I even managed to have her clear up some misconceptions about Kirk Franklin for us.
She’s incredibly kind, sweet and hilarious. I give you the the one and only, Miss Candy West.
* * *
EJ: Heyyyy!
CW: Hi!!!
EJ: YAAYYY! We’re doing an interview! [Editor's Note: I was so excited as we were scheduling this interview that I kept ending my emails with "yaayyy"... Candy decided that she was gonna top me by saying "Double Yay"... what kinda mess is that?! LOL]
CW: YAAYYY!!!
EJ: I’m thrilled to be chatting with you cuz I need people to know how significant your contribution to contemporary gospel music has been. You can sit there and I’ll toot your horn for you… I’m gonna run through a very brief list of folks that you’ve worked with and you can confirm it at the end.
CW: Ok. *laughs*
EJ: God’s Property, 1NC, Myron Butler & Levi, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Mary Mary, Donald Lawrence, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Patti LaBelle, Dewayne Woods, Deborah Cox, Tonex, Bishop T.D. Jakes, on and on and on…
CW: Yes!
EJ: And this is not just session work, right? You’ve written for some of their albums, arranged vocals, done lead vocals…
CW: Absolutely.
EJ: How would you characterize your journey in gospel music so far?
CW: Umm… Let’s see. I believe it has been a very balanced journey for me because I’ve had an opportunity to really learn so much. Like a lot of singers that do background work, I just kinda fell into it. Y’know? It kind of presented itself as an opportunity. It was nothing that I chose to pursue, it just kinda happened for me– God’s Property, then with Kirk, and one opportunity begat another.
So, for me, I was really soaking it all in because I knew that the end would probably be me becoming an artist. I was just taking it all in, learning… not just as a singer, but as someone who’s been able to learn from some of the best writers, some of the best producers in the industry.
EJ: That’s awesome. Is there a singer that you wanna work with that you have not yet worked with?
CW: In gospel?
EJ: Either way.
CW: There are actually a few artists that I would love to work with. In gospel, I would love to work with someone like J. Moss, just to kinda see what our vibe is. I love his writing and his approach! I really feel like if I got a song from J. Moss, it wouldn’t sound like a J. Moss song. Or, maybe it would. *laughs*
EJ: *laughing* Right!
CW: Umm… I would love to work with Mary J. [Blige]. I just love her spirit and what she gives. I absolutely admire her– I’m one of her biggest fans.
EJ: Cool. Let’s go back to the beginning. How did you start doing background work?
CW: Just from singing with Kirk and 1NC and opportunities here and there, working with Myron [Butler] when he would do demo, when he was working on the Ted & Sheri project… I would do demos for him and demos for Kirk. And that just kinda led to people asking “do you think Kirk would be okay with you singing behind me?” I’m like “YEAH, I’m not under contract!” *laughs* I was like, “I’ll do it!”
So, one thing kinda led to another. I moved to L.A. for a bit, so that just opened the door for me to be free to kinda spread my wings a bit more and be afforded more opportunities to work with other people.
EJ: Incredible how that happens! Talk to me about the influence of your SINGIN’ mother, Ms. Tommye Young-West on your musical career.
CW: If it had not been for my mother, Tommye Young-West, I probably would not be singing. I actually wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. I wanted to be an FBI agent.
EJ: What?!
CW: I really did! *laughs* My mom had me singing at the age of 3 and, growing up in my grandfather’s church, that led to me being the choir director and a lead vocalist… Then, I worked on my mom’s albums– I did my first recording when I was 12.
EJ: Wow!
CW: So, she was very influential in why I am where I am today.
EJ: That’s wonderful. What other musical influences do you have?
CW: You know, I grab inspiration from so many different people.
EJ: Sure.
CW: I have jazz influences– Ella Fitzgerald– of course, Kirk is a big inspiration to me because I kinda watched him grow from when I was a teenager. He first came on the scene working with DFW Mass and Georgia Mass, and just seeing him grow from being a writer and a choir director to his status now… he’s been a big inspiration to me.
And I love Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder… people who just make good music.
EJ: I hear that. I’ve spoken with several industry people, even lately, who are saying that you changed the game as it relates to background singing.
CW: REALLY?
EJ: Yes! Like, a few weeks ago, Jerard Woods said to me that you were responsible for introducing the whole “vocal cry” thing that Kirk Franklin’s background vocalists are known for now.
CW: *laughs hard*
EJ: *laughing* Do you accept that? And you can be humble about it and I will make it clear for the readers that you did not volunteer that info. But do you accept that, and if so, did you intend to set a trend in that way?
CW: You know what? I know Jerard Woods said that… he’s one of the people who says that! *laughs* I absolutely love him. But I think that I do have to own up to it. I’m one of those people that, you know, I really try to stay humble, but looking back, it’s like “wow, I really did help to establish that sound.” Even when I wasn’t working with him after that, it was like you could still hear me in his work.
EJ: Right! And he still uses that style sometimes.
CW: Yeah, so… I can take credit for that. But, it wasn’t something that I set out to do. You know? I think it’s just a part of me and I was just giving people “Candy West,” just a part of what my vocal style is.
EJ: But why did you think to approach vocal phrasing like that?
CW: You know… *laughs shyly*
EJ: *laughs* It’s just what you had to give, huh?
CW: Yeah, you know… some people can riff and run so sweetly. So many singers have their “thing” and I think that’s just what my “thing” was. When I sing, I have that kind of cry, the passion… and it came out and he was like “I love that! I love that! Everybody do it!”
EJ: *laughing*
CW: When I sing, I really try to live through the lyrics and really embrace what I’m singing about. I don’t like to just sing a song because it’s nice. I really like to embrace the words and I think that’s where that whole “passionate cry” comes from– it’s really taking a song and trying to make it live.
EJ: Wow. That’s awesome. I mean, it’s what I think of when I think of his background vocalists, you know? I mean, even now… they still do it, so that’s tremendous to me.
Let me touch on your time with God’s Property for a minute.
CW: Okay.
EJ: That album is the highest selling album by ANY gospel artist EVER, in the history of gospel music. As of 2001, it was certified triple-platinum… you co-wrote “Sweet Spirit” on that album. Did you all know, at the time that you were making that album, that you would make history?
CW: No. Nobody had any idea what the record was gonna do. For us, we were just kids that were happy to do what we loved to do. A lot of us grew up singing in different community choirs, so for us to be afforded the opportunity… When we started working with Kirk, we sang on his Christmas album, then on Whatcha Lookin’ 4… but we never expected to have our own album.
Y’know, cuz everybody records a record… so we just felt like we had an opportunity to work with an artist that was really starting to blow up, but we didn’t look at it like “oooh, we’re gonna blow up.” It was an opportunity to record and to do something that we loved doing and put it on wax. When it came out, the response was PHENOMENAL, but nobody knew that it was gonna do what it did.
EJ: That’s unbelievable. It’s one of my classic favorites– you can put it on and it’s still as good today as it was back in ’97, y’know?
CW: I know and the thought of that is so awesome!
EJ: After God’s Property, you continued on with Kirk and you were a part of 1NC. Now, let me make it clear: you are not his spokesperson, but I do believe that you have something relevant to say about this next question.
A lot of people judge him as having been unfair to his singers in the past. People will say “oh, well, he’s got a new group again.” But as someone who’s worked with him on several albums, can you clear things up and speak to Kirk Franklin’s character in that regard, as it relates to you?
CW: Absolutely. I believe that– and I will vouch for Kirk on this– he is one of the rarest artists in regards to how he… he really does take care of his people.
EJ: Mmm-hmmm.
CW: And you can’t fault a person… Kirk has always found ways to recreate himself. So, in that recreation and in the evolution of his new sound, you can’t fault him for finding a way to also re-invent the way the vocals are approached. You know what I’m saying? You don’t wear an old pair of shoes with a new suit… it’s like “this may not necessarily work together.”
And a lot of times, it’s hard to let go. I’ve even been on that side of the fence as it relates to him. On the Hero record, I did not record a song on that album. He reached back and got me for The Fight Of My Life. But prior to that, it was a hard transition for me because he felt like he was giving me an opportunity to be free, to express myself and do my thing… I was working with Myron Butler & Levi at that point, y’know? And *interrupts herself* HEY SWEETIE! I’ll talk to you in a minute, okay? *returns to the phone* My nephew.
EJ: Oh. I was about to say “well, helloooo to you, too!”
CW: *laughing* Yeah, but I think it’s just one of those things. And, like I said, it’s hard to let go of a good thing. When you’re in a good situation, you’re being paid well, you’re being treated well, you know… it’s really kinda hard to see yourself NOT doing. It’s hard to be in a place where your services may not be needed for that particular moment in that person’s life. So, I know it’s been a difficult thing for singers to deal with when he’s in transition and he decides to go to another level, and he decides that he wants to change things around him to make this next place more conducive to his dream and his vision.
EJ: I hear that. Thank you for speaking on that. You’ve also worked with artists outside of gospel, right? Like, with Brandy.
CW: Yes.
EJ: What was she like?
CW: Working with Brandy was really cool. We did a particular date with her… she’s one of those artists that’s just flawless. You know? Her whole approach to music is just… she’s one of those artists that will really inspire you to be creative and to be a better vocalist. Absolutely phenomenal.
EJ: I’m not surprised. I should point out that a lot of gospel background vocalists, as well as major gospel artists, have worked with pop, R&B, jazz artists… how do you answer the critics who say “you can’t do that.” You know, “if you’re in gospel, you can’t dabble outside of it in other genres”…
CW: Y’know, I think that everybody has their own convictions about it. You don’t tell a doctor that he can’t work on certain people because they’re not believers. Or, because they live in a certain area or work in a certain job. You don’t stop a doctor from helping those that he needs to help.
EJ: Right. Absolutely.
CW: So, for me… you know, my mom, in the 1970′s, she had an R&B career.
EJ: Right.
CW: So, for us, in our household, it was different. We grew up COGIC, but she didn’t stop us from listening to Stevie Wonder or the Doobie Brothers… my dad introduced me to jazz. They wanted me to be a well-rounded vocalist and I just feel that sometimes, we put God in a box. I’ve met so many R&B artists that, when I sit and talk to them, I say “you’ve got a lot of heart and it’s really unfortunate that ‘church people’ will cast you away because of the type of music that you sing, but you’ve gotta be one of the most sincere, realest people I’ve met.”
So, I think it’s about your own convictions on that, but I don’t have a problem with secular or pop artists. I feel like, as long as it does not cause me to compromise what I believe in MY walk, then I don’t have an issue.
EJ: Hmm… You preachin’, ain’t you?
CW: I’m tryin’. *laughs*
EJ: *laughs* Talk to me for a minute about Myron Butler & Levi. You’re still singing with them, right?
CW: Yessir!
EJ: And it’s practically the same folks from God’s Property?
CW: Absolutely. Practically everybody that’s in the group now… we’ve known each other since we were like, 13 years old. And for some of us, before that.
EJ: How did the idea for this new formation of it arise?
CW: I just believe that it was a part of Myron’s destiny to venture off and do his own thing eventually. Y’know? He always had a vision of doing it and, when he felt like it was time, he wanted to use this core group of people to make it happen because… it’s that SOUND, you know? When we get together, that sound is unmatched… you can’t beat it. It’s just a beautiful, beautiful thing.
EJ: That’s awesome. So you seem busy, but tell me: In reality, do most gospel background singers need a day job?
CW: YES. *laughs* I will not lie to you– when the work is coming and consistent, it’s fantastic, but there are those dry seasons where you’re like “you know…” And I’ve been there so many times. I’ve been at a place where I’ve had an eviction notice put on my apartment door, three or four times, just because I was really having a hard time just trying to make it.
EJ: Wow. That’s real!
CW: Yeah, it’s like… so I’ve had to bite the bullet. I know music is what I’m supposed to do, it’s what I was created for, but sometimes you just have to provide. I have a son, so I not only have to take care of myself, but I have to take care of someone else.
EJ: That’s right. You can’t just be living out your dream at his expense.
CW: *laughs* Exactly!
EJ: I’m not mad at that. That’s cool. To say that someone is a good background vocalist, what does it take? What’s the criteria?
CW: You know, I’m glad you asked. *laughs* I think that, to be a great or incredible background vocalist, you not only have to have the passion for it, but there’s definitely a work ethic that comes along with it.
Like, if I know that I’m gonna work with a particular artist, I usually try to study them, or the songs that I know they’re most likely to do, so I can kinda get a heads-up. Once you get the music, you study. You approach it as if it’s a job– I really have to be up on my game, knowing how this person works, so that when I go into that environment… when I’m in Rome, I will do as the Romans do.
EJ: Yeah.
CW: And I think that’s what makes for an excellent background vocalist. You have to understand the art of singing BEHIND someone.
EJ: Say that!
CW: You know? I mean, I’m an artist. But I also sing with a lot of artists, so when I’m singing with them, I have to get out of “artist mode” and get into “servant mode.” A lot of people don’t want to do the servitude, they just want the glory of being able to perform and have the platform. So, it really does take the heart to know when to kinda bring it in and have the heart of a servant.
EJ: Right. FALL BACK!
CW: Yeah, you definitely have to fall back. Absolutely.
EJ: From a practical standpoint, how do you prepare for a session? What are you eating, how much rest are you getting the night before… all of that?
CW: Well, I really try to rest. Seeing that I don’t have a day job right now, I can kinda sleep in and take my sessions in the afternoon. I try not to have to work too late if I can help it. I try to stay away from sodas, cheeses, ice cream… now, if I’m not recording, I’m eating ALL of those things I just named! *laughing*
EJ: *laughs*
CW: It’s gonna be all about ALL of those.
EJ: Each one!
CW: EACH one. Plenty of it! *laughing* But, you know, drinking tea and lots of water. I really don’t like to eat before I know that I’m going to sing, cuz there’s just something about being full and heavy. So, I really try to monitor my portions when I know that I’m going to be recording.
EJ: Makes sense. Now, every background artist that I’ve spoken to, I’ve asked about this– talk to me about touring in gospel music. What’s it like being on the road?
CW: The road, for me, and I know that everybody has their own experiences, but I absolutely love traveling. A lot of times, you have to… I mean, I know how to tune out the riff raff and the extra stuff that comes along with it.
I love to shake hands and kiss babies, y’know? I love to meet the people after the show is over, and just to be in touch with people. It’s important because when people come out to hear you, they want to be able to reach you in some way. It can wear you down sometimes– the things that come along with it, but I really enjoy traveling. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
EJ: Nice. I also ask every background vocalist to assemble a dream team of background vocalists… Now, Jerard Woods, he kinda assembled a choir.
CW: Yes, he did! I saw that! *laughing*
EJ: But who are some folks you’d have at your session?
CW: That’s sooo hard. Hmmm… Definitely my sister, Peaches. Umm… Deonis Cook, he sings in Levi. Oh, man… Minon Bolton. Daniel Johnson. Umm… there are so many people that I’ve absolutely loved working with.
EJ: We can stop there and I’ll make it clear that you had a reeeallly hard time naming everybody! *laughs*
CW: Right!
EJ: Okay. Now, I’ve been hearing some underground rumblings that you’re working on a long-awaited solo album.
CW: This is true.
EJ: *whispering* Can you tell me about it?
CW: *whispering back* Yes, I can. *laughs*
EJ: *laughing* You mentioned you were in the studio earlier. Is that what you were working on?
CW: Yeah. I’m working on my record. Right now, it’s an independent venture, but we do have some prospects for distribution with a couple of labels and distribution companies. But, I really wanted to work on this record and get a full body of work done so that we can have a bit more leverage and take it where we want to take it.
It’s a very versatile record. I can’t name what it sounds like because I’m a very versatile singer and I really wanted to be able to showcase that I can holler and squall, but I can sing sweetly, I can bring out the rock side of me. So, I think this record will definitely show that, with the different sounds– we’ve got some pop/rock, we’ve got some jook joint-type tunes, some soulful stuff, some reggae… but I think that when it all comes together, it’ll be a nice, heaping helping of gumbo…
EJ: OH! *laughs*
CW: *laughing HARD* Did I just say a “heaping helping”?
EJ: You soooo did. I can play the tape back… “heaping helping of gumbo” is what you said. *laughs*
CW: Yes, I did say that. It will be a heaping helping of gumbo once I’m done. I want people to be able to enjoy it. I’m trying to make it the best first record I can possibly make it, and then the next will be even better.
I think that first records are really hard sometimes because you can really try to outdo yourself and, when you do, you have a hard time doing it on the second record. I want this one to be phenomenal and the next one to be mind-blowing, but I’m really proud of this music that I’m working on.
EJ: Nice. You wrote most of it?
CW: Yeah, I wrote like 90-95% of it. It’s a lot. Plus, I’m also co-producing it and doing most of the vocal arrangements, which is a major task in itself. But it’s definitely all good– it’s nothing that I can’t handle.
EJ: How long have been working on it and when will it be DONE?
CW: Actually, I’ve been attempting to work on this record for the past 2 or 3 years, but I started back working on it in December and I do plan on being done, hopefully, by the end of March. I’ve been going, like… every day to the studio to make sure that I meet my personal deadlines.
Hopefully, we’re looking to do a summer/late-summer release. I’m hoping to have a single by May.
EJ: That’s good. I’d love to promote on the site, if you need anything.
CW: Absolutely! I’ma need all the help I can get!
EJ: Okay. Last question. Suzie and Tommy wanna be background vocalists– how do they get started?
CW: *laughs* That’s funny. I would first say, make sure that Suzie and Tommy can really sing.
EJ: *laughing* CHECK YO’ SELF, Suzie and Tommy!
CW: *laughs* Check yo’ SELF, first. And check with your MAKER to see if it’s what He wants you to do! *laughs* But on a serious note, it’s not for everybody. You have to have a certain heart for it, but the practical things are to network… get with people in your city, find out where the music scene is. Go to those places, network, shake hands with people there… go to musicals, go to concerts, y’know? Pass out cards and put yourself in position to be discovered. No one is going to notice you without being proactive… you definitely have to be proactive.
EJ: Wowwww. Well, alright Suzie… Tommy… get it together!
CW: *laughing* Good luck!
EJ: Right! *laughing* Well, Candy, I really really really appreciate you talking to me. And I can’t wait to post this so the people can know more about you and, hopefully, we’ll create a buzz for your solo project. It’s gonna be insane, I know.
CW: I’m looking forward to it. I really appreciate you for taking the time and having the interest in interviewing me. Thank you, EJ.
EJ: Oh absolutely. Quadruple YAAYYY! I topped you. I was gonna say “infinity yay,” but that would have ended the game.
CW: Right! *laughs*
EJ: I will talk to you soon. Have a great day heading back to the studio.
CW: Ok, have a good one! Bye.
* * *
Soooooooo… what do you think???
For your viewing pleasure, here’s one of my favorite YouTube clips of her. Here, she’s singing “Day By Day,” a cappella, and WOWWW!
And don’t forget to check out her MySpace page for MORE tracks and info by clicking here.
I got a chance to chat with Camille Betton from BET’s Sunday Best yesterday. She was one of the Top 20 Finalists and, though she didn’t make it to the Top 10 this past week, she’s got lots to say and I think the industry will be seeing more of her!
EJ: Talk to me about your music ministry. What have you been called to do through music?
EJ: *laughs*
EJ: Absolutely.
EJ: That’s a great take on it. Hey, are you still pastoring? How’s the church doing?
EJ: God’s Property, 1NC, Myron Butler & Levi, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Mary Mary, Donald Lawrence, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Patti LaBelle, Dewayne Woods, Deborah Cox, Tonex, Bishop T.D. Jakes, on and on and on…
EJ: Mmm-hmmm.
