Hey folks, make sure you check out, Integrity, the new album from Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale, which hit stores yesterday.

The Toronto-based group made a name for itrself in the States back in 1998, with their EMI Gospel release, Life Is.  I must have played “Get To Know Him” from that album at least 4 or 5 times a day when I was in college.

Well, they’re back with their new project, introduced well by the BANGIN’ new single– the title track, “Integrity.” I’ve just added it Pundit Player on the toolbar below.  Take a listen!

The album features guest artists Mali Music, Sean Simmonds and Candy West, too!  You can learn more about Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale at http://faithchorale.com.

And, do yourself a favor– check out the snippets from the full album, and buy it, right here–

Say the name “Nikki Ross,” and most people will get the Jesus-stank face and shake their heads. Their positive, albeit odd-looking response will probably be due to the musical ability– vocal and on keys– that Nikki has displayed as a guest vocalist in countless settings across the nation.

Over the past several years, Nikki Ross has become widely known as one of Kirk Franklin’s singers, but she’s been doing “music” her whole life.  She generally showcases her voice to jaw-dropped audiences who marvel at her musical ear and limitless range.

Our chit-chat has been a long time coming, but we finally connected recently and caught up on all that she’s doing.  In this interview, Nikki shares how she got started, how it’s been going, and what she’s got planned for the future (and yes, it includes the looooong-awaited solo album!).

Without further delay, I give you the incomparable Nikki Ross…

*     *     *

EJ:  Hey there!  How are ya?

NR:  Heyyyy!  I’m great!

EJ:  It’s great to catch up with you.  Thanks for taking a minute to chat with me.

NR:  No problem!

EJ:  I wanna talk, first, about how you got your start in music.  I’m sure you’ve been singing all of your life, but when did it become more than a church thing and more of a music business thing?

NR:  It became a career when I started to sing with Ricky Dillard and his choir, New G.  Ricky came to Houston and did a workshop at my home church, St. Stephens Baptist Church.  My brother was helping me with my business, and helping me to network, and he introduced me to Ricky.

That allowed me to sing a song at the workshop’s concert and from there, it took off.

EJ:  Awesome.

NR:  And I had been going to different conventions, like the COGIC Convocation, and I knew that music is what I wanted to do– that’s where my passion was.  It didn’t matter to me if I was singing lead, doing background or playing.  I just knew that music was my heart.

So, that’s where it all started.  And I had sung in groups before Ricky, like with Gary Mayes’ group.  At the time, we were called Friends In Christ.

EJ:  Whaaaaat?

NR:  *laughing*  Nobody knows that, but that was like way back in the day.  We were like “FIC!”

EJ:  *laughs*

NR:  *laughing*  Yeah, we were hard on it, too.  Everybody in our group could just SING and hold their own.  It reminds me, a little bit, of singing with Kirk [Franklin] now, because everybody who steps to the mic can literally hold their own.  That’s how it was…

Just to name a few of the singers– it was Cheryl Fortune, Nakitta Clegg, my godbrother Bryan Nelson, who’s now the pastor of a church here called Jericho City, Cedric Ballard… everybody could just hold their own.

So when Ricky came and he heard me, he said “okay, I want you to sing with my choir.”

EJ:  Even though you didn’t live in Chicago?

NR:  Yeah!  I would fly there.  It was a little bit of a concern, too, because I wasn’t from Chicago.  Everybody who was a member at the time, before it became nationwide, was from Chicago.

EJ:  Right.

NR:  So, here I am, this Houstonian, flying in to meet up with them so I can sing with them… and it took a little time.  You know how it is when a new baby comes to the family and people try to feel you out.  But once I started participating and being a part of it, the love just started showing.  I really took it as something great.

So, that’s how I got started on a national level.

NR:  Well, Myron Butler and I are really good friends.  We were friends even before God’s Property.  He made mention of me to Kirk– and Kirk trusts his musical opinion a lot.  He told Kirk about me and Kirk mentioned me to Isaac Carree as someone he was considering… Isaac seconded what Myron said… and that kinda sealed the deal.

EJ:  Wow.

NR:  Mmm-hmm… so, it was basically from me doing stuff and being around.  Myron knew what I was capable of, and his recommendation meant a lot.  I thank him to this day!

EJ:  What has it been like with Kirk?  I know I interviewed Candy West a while ago and she said it’s good, but you have to understand that it’s also business, so you don’t catch feelings if he doesn’t call on you.  And Candy vouched for his character in a big way.

NR:  You know… and I’ve been in situations like that.  Sometimes, he’s not able to take everybody and that’s cool.  When he can, he does.  And we know what it is.  There are never any hard feelings about that.

This year makes 5 years of me working with him and I’ve been working really strong with him… it’s been a blessing because this opportunity came at a time in my life when I was almost about to give up on music.

EJ:  Nuh-uh!

NR:  Yeah. *laughing*

EJ:  Really?

NR:  I know it may sound cliche, but as a person who’s in the ministry of music, it happens to the best of us.  We get to a point where we feel like we don’t have anything else to offer.  And I had a couple of other things going on with me, personally, and I was just ready to kinda give up the whole thing.

But when I got that phone call, I felt like it was God, Himself, opening my eyes to see that He had and has a lot more that He wants to do with me.

EJ:  Absolutely, He does.  That’s great.  I want to talk to you about the effect that you have on people.  If anyone goes to YouTube, they can type “Nikki Ross,” and they may see you playing keys, doing riffs–cuz you have a great ear– and a lot of times, you can barely hear Nikki Ross singing over the folks in the audience falling out, like “OH MY GOD!!!” and “OHHHH JESUS!”

NR:  *laughing*

EJ:  And I know that some people judge that, saying “they’re more impressed with her tricks than with her anointing.”

NR:  Yeah.

EJ:  What do you say about that, as a person who is able to do the tricks?  Are you throwing them out there to get a response?  Are you frustrated by people who give that type of response?

NR:  I am.  I am because, you know what, they honestly don’t understand where it came from.

EJ:  Wow.

NR:  Sometimes, I’ll even stop myself.  And not that I have to explain what I’m giving to God, because I know of my relationship with Him… what you see out in the open is what I give Him when I’m at home.

It just frustrates me a little bit because they can’t see PAST the gift.  And that’s not my M.O.  There’s a story behind everything I do, when it comes to me, musically.

EJ:  How so?

NR:  Well, for example, I trained my ear from the time that I was 7, 8 and 9 years old.  Though I was taking lessons, I was too scared to play for myself and I wasn’t really at that level, at that age, anyway.  But local churches would ask me to come to sing a solo for their program and, most of the time, the song that I wanted to sing, the musicians wouldn’t know.  So, I would have to sing the song a cappella and people would notice that I wasn’t changing keys or falling off the pitch at all.

But it seemed like– and I don’t know how crazy this might make me sound, but I don’t care– it seemed like, as I was singing the song, I would hear a piano in my head.  It was like God was playing the song for me while I would sing.

EJ:  I believe that.  Absolutely.  And people who have a musical gift can hear the chords you’re making– you’ll make a different chord with a riff.  And it’s not necessarily to dazzle people, it’s to tell people how you’re feeling that chord– it’s not just a major chord, it’s a major 7th.

NR:  Right!

EJ:  I think people get so excited by what you’re able to do– and we see it with Kim Burrell and Karen Clark Sheard, too– it’s like… you all just feel the music that way, it’s not FOR the audience, necessarily.

NR:  Yeah, it’s just how I feel it.  It’s not to impress anybody or “wow” anybody… it’s just where we came from.  Even when you listen to Ella Fitzgerald– a lot of people didn’t understand what she was doing, but it’s what she felt.

EJ:  Mm-hmm… but uhh… you DO know that “how you feel it” is killin’ the people, right?

NR:  *laughs*

EJ:  I’m just sayin’… you can go ahead and say it.  It doesn’t have to be the primary reason, but you DO know that, soo…

NR:  *laughing* Well, I guess I can produce a little ear candy every now and then.  Y’know. *laughs*

EJ:  *laughing* Alright!

NR:  But it’s nothing that I brag on because just like I can give it today, I can lose it tomorrow.  I wouldn’t want that to happen.  I honor and cherish God for even thinking of me to give me something of this capacity, you know?

To be able to hear like I hear and do the things I’ve been allowed to do– I’m a steward over my gift.  It’s not mine to own, it’s His.

EJ:  Sure.  Listen, everyone wants to know… when are you stepping out as a solo artist?

NR: *exhales* I’m doing it SOON!

EJ:  Everyone wants to know!  I asked my wife to help me with my questions and I said “babe, what do I need to ask Nikki Ross?”  She said “just ask her when she’s doing a SOLO ALBUM!”

NR:  *laughing*

EJ:  Like, I don’t have to ask you NOTHIN’ ELSE.

NR:  I am working on it as we speak.

EJ:  But how?  Like, working HOW… working like it’ll be done by the end of this year, or like “check me in 2011″?

NR:  Yeah, it’s gonna be done this year.  We’re looking at like, late summer/early fall.

EJ:  Oh, for real?!

NR:  Mm-hmm.

EJ:  Who are you working with?

NR: *pauses* I can’t say right now! *laughing*

EJ:  Ok, ok.  I understand.

NR:  I can’t, but I’ll tell you what– as soon as everything is a “go,” I’ll let you know.

EJ:  Please do.  The people need to know.  I’ve just been going to YouTube, typin’ in “Nikki Ross Total Praise” and there’s a clip from a COGIC Convocation that has been holding me until the solo project comes.

NR:  Ohhhh! *laughing*  You won’t have to wait much longer, I promise.  This is the year.

EJ:  This is the year!  Okay.  Well, lemme ask you… You’ve done a lot of guest vocal spots– from James Fortune & FIYA, Gary Mayes, Rodnie Bryant, Ricky Dillard… Do you ever fear, as you get ready to go the solo route, that people won’t receive you as a solo artist?  Like, ”she’s great for a guest spot, but not a whole album”?

NR:  I don’t really think that.  I think that what God has allowed me to do has been nothing but teasers.  People keep asking “where’s your album,” and they’ve been saying that for over 7 years.  What I thought was gonna happen– I thought they would just stop asking. *laughing*  But nobody has!

EJ:  Nope!

NR:  So, I’m excited to know that there are people out there that are waiting on a record from me.  I’ve had people to say “you did spots on everybody else’s record– we want a whole record of just you.”  I’m like “are you SERIOUS?!”

I think, once this record comes out, people will appreciate it.  I’m not going just one way.  I will have, like… maybe a medley with me just sitting at the keyboard, singing and playing.  I am gonna do that because that’s pretty much where I started.  It’s how everyone got to know who I was– this red-head chick on the keys. *laughing*

EJ:  *laughs* Right.  That’s great.

NR:  Yeah, I don’t think people just want guest spots from me.  I don’t think I’ve been dwindled to that.

EJ:  Well, how do you want to be received?  What do you want people to know about Nikki Ross, the solo artist?

NR:  I just want them to know that, first of all, I love God.  And I’m just real.  I don’t try to preach– that’s not my area. *laughing*

EJ:  *laughs*

NR:  If there’s something that God wants me to say, it’ll come out.  But for now, I just believe that God made me a psalmist and that’s what I wanna be– that’s my heart, it’s my passion… to deliver encouragement through music.  I just want to be one of the ones who encourages, who expresses the love of God, and who won’t pinpoint sin.

What I’ve learned is that everyone who’s pinpointing sin, their sin is always the one to come out eventually.  That’s not my story because I have flaws, too.  I’m not gonna judge you for yours.

EJ:  Amen.  Well, I’m excited for what’s comin’!  I’m so glad I got the chance to catch up with you.

NR:  I’m glad, too!  I really am.  And I appreciate it.

EJ:  It’s my pleasure.  I appreciate you, too, and thanks for chatting with me.

NR:  Oh, you’re welcome.

EJ:  We’ll talk soon.

NR:  Okay.  Bye!

EJ:  Bye!

*     *     *

And there you have it!  Will you be buying Nikki’s solo project???

Now, as you know, I always try to embed a lil’ video of the person I just interviewed, just to… y’know… make it official.  LOL

I nearly LOST MY EVERLOVIN’ MIND when I found this video clip and I decided “THAT’S the one.”

It’s from a date that Kirk Franklin did in Sweden, featuring a Swedish vocalist named Samuel Ljungblahd singing “Don’t Cry.”  Kirk has Nikki Ross sing WITH him and the result is simply INCREDIBLE.  Plus, the sentiment of “Don’t Cry” is PERFECT for Easter/Resurrection Weekend!  Thank ya, Holy Ghost! LOL

Check it out–

Whatd’ya think of the interview???  And whatd’ya think of the video?!

One of the most highly publicized events of the Stellar Awards weekend was the Bonnerfide Radio Launch Party, the celebratory event hosted by Gerard Bonner for… well, the entire industry.  The party did not disappoint… it was a virtual who’s-who of folks in the industry and just about everyone rolled through at some point to show their love.

In case you don’t know by now, Bonnerfide Radio is a new internet radio station created and hosted by Gerard Bonner (also of GospelFlava.com).  Within months, the interactive radio show/chat room experience was nominated for a 2010 Stellar Award for Internet Radio Station Of The Year, and garnered the support of MAJOR gospel artists, including Fred Hammond, J Moss, John P. Kee, Sheri Jones-Moffett and countless others.

The night, hosted by popular journalist and personality Jawn Murray, boasted performances and appearances from new and established artists including PJ Morton, Jonathan Nelson, Jason Nelson, George Huff, Melinda Watts, Myron Butler, Candy & Peaches West, Algernon, Tre Thomas, Claude Deuce, Sheri Jones-Moffett, Rae Ellis, CMO, Dominique Side, JJ Hairston, Darnell Davis & Remnant, Lisa Page Brooks… I have to stop there cuz I’m losing myself in the evening again.

But just imagine a relaxed (though packed to the RAFTERS) lounge setting at Nashville’s popular venue, Limelight, featuring food and drink, enhanced by ministry/entertainment from some of the most creative and skilled vocalists in our game.  That’s where I was on Friday night!

Wanna make sure I mention this testimony, too– immediately after THIS event, Gerard Bonner was involved in an automobile accident in which his car was totaled.  From what I understand, he was hit by another car, which sent his car head-on into a truck… an 18-wheeler.  Praise God, Gerard and the passengers with him, walked away with only minor bruises– no internal bleeding or complications whatsoever.  When I spoke with him a few hours later, he was resting up to make sure he had enough energy for the rest of the Stellar weekend!

Now, I’m not big on blaming everything on the devil… I think, sometimes, folks just have auto accidents.  But if you were blessed to watch how God has been dropping miracles for Gerard left and right over the past several months, and if you had seen how that evening was a confirmation of so many of Gerard’s dreams and ambitions (based on his calling), and if you had seen the wreckage and how the accident REALLY could’ve turned out another way… you’d probably be rejoicing that the hand of God remains more powerful than any attempt of the enemy, that His plans can never be ruined, that He’s a God of mercy, grace and love… I’m not thrilled about the accident, but I am thrilled that God is consistent in showing His children “I’m here for you… I’ve got plans for you… I’ve got you– physically, financially, emotionally, spiritually…”  Let’s rest in that.

Anyway… it was kind of a once-in-a-lifetime type of deal, cuz how many launch parties can be thrown?!  But maybe, if we’re nice to him, Gerard Bonner will throw the industry another shindig next year…

In the meantime, you can check out his live radio show EVERY weekday morning, from 9am to 12noon ET, at http://www.getbonnerfide.com/.  You’ll immediately see what everyone is raving about…

If you were at Marvin Sapp’s live recording (or at www.VerityRecords.com) on Friday night, you heard the great music that he plans to put on his new project, tentatively titled Here I Am, expected in the first quarter of 2010.

My wife and I were fortunate enough to make it to Grand Rapids for the event.  Once we got there, we met up with Gerard Bonner (Bonnerfide Radio, GospelFlava.com), Jawn Murray (AOL Black Voices, Tom Joyner Morning Show, etc.) and Sheilah Belle (The Belle Report) before heading to the venue.  Once there, we got settled in the front row along with Neechy (RocSpace) and the folks from Verity before the recording began.  When I tell you we were cutting up from JUMP… let’s just say we were a rowdy group.

Before the recording, Aaron Lindsey’s wife, Adrian, surprised him with an award to recognize him for his commitment to the gospel/Christian industry, and for writing and producing such GREAT music.  It was kinda awesome of her… wanna point it out cuz you wouldn’t know it if you weren’t there.

Next, Marvin Sapp’s brother, Henry Sapp, performed a stand-up routine to get the crowd ready.  I’m not a huge fan of stand-up, but he had the crowd laughing a bit.  Finally, drummer extraordinaire and MC-for-the-night Ray Bady came to the stage to introduce Marvin Sapp.

With lights and energy at level 10, Marvin Sapp took to the stage and performed some reeeeaaally great music.  For me, it got even better as the recording progressed.  Aaron Lindsey served as musical director/producer while Myron Butler worked the vocal production with some of the tightest background vocals you’ll find in the game (shout out to Candy & Peaches West and Deonis Cook).

My favorites of the night: “Fresh Wind,” a song with a churchy/quartet feel to it, the vamp of which we stayed on for a good while; “Comfort Zone,” an encouraging ballad penned by Ted Winn (who was in the house); and, of course, ”He Saw The Best In Me,” written by Sapp and Lindsey, which reminds me of “Never Would Have Made It” in terms of its lyrical simplicity but easy-to-relate-to sentiment.  I also enjoyed “Wait On Him,” “I’m In His Hands,” and “I Came.”  It was just an evening of really good music.

He capped off the night by thanking and acknowledging various people in the audience, which included Commissioned mastermind Michael Brooks (and, of course, his lovely wife Lisa Page Brooks!).  Almost as if unable to help himself, Sapp went into a quick impromptu medley of classic Commissioned songs written by Brooks– “City,” “Will You Be Ready,” “Giving My Problems To You”… it was tons of fun.  I got several tweets that the live feed was cut, probably because of licensing issues for those songs.  Sorry ya missed it!

Other folks of note in the crowd– Deborah Smith Pollard (Detroit radio DJ, author, speaker, professor and gospel historian), Michael Williams (drummer and former member of Commissioned) and Ken Reynolds (Integrity Music worship artist).

Pastor Sapp ended the entire evening by singing a small bit of “Never Would Have Made It,” like I’ve NEVER heard him sing in my life.  His range was limitless and he made me feel like it was the first time I heard the song, which is a very tough task given how much it’s been played.

Special shout-out to Kymberlee Norsworthy, Jazzy Jordan, Jeff Grant and Joseph Burney of Verity Gospel Music Group– you were fantastic hosts and you made the weekend great for us.  Plus, it was just good to see ya!

I’ve got a few photos for you below, but I urge you to check out Gerard Bonner’s website (http://www.GetBonnerfide.com, in the “In Concert” section) for a full collection of great shots.  And I also got a chance to chat with Marvin Sapp, Aaron Lindsey and Myron Butler after the recording.  I’ll tell you what they had to say later this week, so stay tuned.

Who else was in the house in Grand Rapids?  Who heard the recording online?  Which songs were your faves?

TALK TO ME!

She’s one of my favorite singers to EVER walk planet Earth.  And I interviewed her.

Melonie Daniels is revered by many for her incredible range, her unique and distinctive tone, and a precise vocal agility.  She is multi-faceted and has sung with just about everyone– from her long career backing Mariah Carey to BGV’s and guest solo spots with gospel’s greatest artists (if I name them, we’ll be here all day, but for starters: Kim Burrell, Karen Clark-Sheard, Donald Lawrence, Andraé Crouch, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond…).  Most recently, you’ve prolly heard her voice in the background on the theme song for BET’s Sunday Best.  And since she stepped out as a solo artist a coupla years ago, she has been gaining even more attention among consumers.

We talked for so long that I’ma have to split the interview into 3 parts.  People, gather round and read PART ONE of my chat with my buddy, the INCOMPARABLE Melonie Daniels…

*     *     *

EJ:  Hey!

MD:  Hey!  What’s going on?

EJ:  Nothin’, except we’re doing our interview! YAY!!!

MD:  *laughing*

EJ:  I’ve been so excited for this interview.  You’ve been on my list.

MD:  Yeah, I was watching your progress as you interviewed Andrea [Mellini] and Jerard [Woods], and I was like “HEY!  When’s he gonna call me?!” *laughing*

EJ:  Are you kiddin’ me?!  You can ask my wife, ask anyone.  Everyone knows that you’re my fave.  And I kept saying “and ONE day, when I’ve ARRIVED…”

MD:  *laughs*

EJ:  Plus, I had a hard time when I was thinking about you because I wanted you for the “On BGVs” series, but you’re also really pursuing the solo career hard right now, so I didn’t know where to place you.  Same thing with Jerard [Woods] and Candy West.  I thought it would defeat the purpose of what you’re trying to do to feature you on the background vocalist tip.

MD:  Not necessarily.  Being part of a worship team at the church, and as a servant, you’ll always be called back and forth.  A lot of times, a lot of artists forget about the process because they’re busy doing what their goal was.

But one of my ultimate goals WAS to be a background singer.  All the rest is whatever God wants me to do, but I TREASURE that and I love doing it.

EJ:  I’m so excited right now.

MD:  *laughs*

EJ:  Really.  Because I love that we’re gonna get that perspective, and here’s why:  A lot of people– and it’s not a bad thing at all– but a lot of people intended to be solo artists and background work was a stepping stone to that end.  But you’re saying that background singing WAS your goal?

MD:  It was my plan from the time I was 4 years old.

EJ:  Why?!

MD:  Here’s the thing.  I’ve been in the church since conception, went back a month after I got out, and I’ve been in the church ever since.

EJ:  *laughs* I’m mad at “got out.”

MD:  *laughs*  Yeah, when I got out!  Cuz I was there from conception to birth, I waited for about a month, then I went on back to church.

But my mom and dad were both very active in ministry.  They were presidents of different auxiliaries at different times, superintendents of the Sunday School, ushers, pastor’s secretary, trustees, deacons… all that stuff.  So, I was always at church.

And, my parents (around the house) played every kind of music.  I was born and raised Baptist…

EJ:  Are you Baptist??  I thought you were COGIC for some reason.

MD:  What?!  Baptist born, Baptist bred, when I die, I’m goin’ to see Jesus. *laughing*

EJ: *laughs*

MD:  But, my mother tells me that, when I was 3 or 4 months old, she would say “hi,” and I was matching pitch with her.  I’m like “are you crazy?” So, from the time that I could function, cognitively, I was sitting on the bench next to the musicians of the church, listening to them teach parts to the choir.

EJ:  You were BORN to do music.

MD:  I definitely believe I was.

EJ:  Wow.  Ok, so this was the plan.  Talk to me about that, though.  Growing up, if this was the plan, how did you know HOW to do it?  Because there’s no roadmap.  People don’t write books on how to become a background vocalist.

MD:  Right.  And that is one of my desires, to do that, because there is no handbook.  Most of the time, like you said, they fall into it because they have a good voice, they’re teachable and they wanna help.

For me, I grew up listening to cartoon music… The reason I can identify certain pieces of classical music is because of Bugs Bunny.

EJ:  *laughs*  Right.  That’s true.

MD:  Ummm… TV commercials.  I was always intrigued by people who did those things because they weren’t seen.  And it’s like, “who’s DOIN’ that?”  Or TV theme songs.  You never knew who was doing that either.

EJ:  So, you specifically did NOT want the glory of being seen?  Cuz, as a kid… kids often wanna be singers because they think of the spotlight or the solo mic, or the glamour.  At age 4, you didn’t want that?

MD:  Mm-mmm.  My parents are ministers and they’re behind-the-scenes people.  They never exhibited that desire to be in the front– they always wanted to help.  And that was my example growing up.  So, I never wanted to be in the front.  Actually, I was anti-front. *laughs*

EJ:  Why?

MD:  It just didn’t intrigue me.  It didn’t capture my attention.  I was just like “as long as I can be a cog in the wheel, to help it get to the destination, I’m good.”

EJ:  But Mel, you have one of the greatest voices around.  Are you supposed to BE a cog?  Some people would say you’re not a cog-in-the-wheel voice… you’re a spoke-in-the-wheel or something.

MD:  Hmmm… No.

EJ:  You don’t take that?

MD:  No.  Because I think of it as the Body of Christ– everybody’s got a function.  And I don’t think anyone is more important than the other because we all need each part to function, interdependently and independently, in order for the Body of Christ to be effective.

Because if there’s just one person that always wants to be at the top, and they don’t offer anything to the Body, the rest of the Body can become ill.  Or, because of a lack of a function, it can become dormant or cause disruption.  And I don’t want that to be the story.

When I was growing up in my church in Long Island, I was an usher, I taught Sunday School, I worked in the kitchen.  I’ll STILL do it.  When Judy [McAllister] did her recording at [Greater Allen AME Cathedral], I was one of the sopranos.  And one night, we decided we would feed them.  Now, I don’t cook, but I was in the kitchen helping.  Had the hair net on and the plastic apron…

EJ:  Stop it. *laughs*

MD:  *laughing*  You know?!  But I don’t think that’s a take-down… it’s a part of being a servant.  Because, unfortunately, a lot of people reach an area of prominence and… I mean, the word “minister” in Greek, doesn’t that mean “servant”?

EJ:  Right.

MD:  And they forget that.  They think that they are to be served.  No, you are to serve.  That was the whole crux of Christ’s ministry.  So, I find it very very foreign for people to want to be served when they’re in a place in which they’re supposed to be serving.  It’s just strange to me.  And actually, it saddens me and sometimes sickens me when I see people that call themselves Minister, or Elder, or Apostle… Evangelist… and they want to be served instead of serving.

EJ:  This ain’t an interview– this is SERVICE!  *laughs*

MD:  *laughing*

EJ:  Okay, wait… cuz I’m getting sidetracked.  This is about to be my own personal convo.  Can you rattle off a quick list of people you’ve worked with?

MD:  A short list?

EJ:  I dunno how you can, but try. *laughing*

MD:  Okay, I’ll give you three and three.  And I’ll explain why cuz this is another area where people don’t understand why I do what I do.

EJ:  I know what you’re gonna do.  SAY IT!

MD:  Mariah Carey, Kim Burrell, Ricky Martin, Karen Clark-Sheard, Marc Anthony, Donald Lawrence.

EJ:  Perfect set-up for my next question!  Now, you just gave a very diverse list…

MD:  Exactly.  A little Spanish, a little R&B… *laughs*

EJ:  Right!  Respond to those critics, first of all, who say “if you sing gospel, you’re not supposed to be doing R&B.”

MD:  Oh, you’ve not read the comments, huh?  There have been major debates on YouTube– and I don’t even have an account there, other people put that stuff up and I just read the comments.  There’s a video where I’m singing “If Only You Knew,” I’m wearing a Hello Kitty t-shirt.

EJ:  At the Village Underground.  I’ve seen that.

MD:  Yeah.  And this woman was like “it’s amazing… she has a wonderful voice, but I thought she sang gospel.  I hope she did this BEFORE she committed her life to Christ.”

EJ: *laughs*

MD:  And one of my best friends responded and said “obviously, you don’t know who Melonie Daniels is because you would understand that she is very focused, she knows who she belongs to, and that Jesus Christ is her source.  She loves music, and she sings all kinds of music because of that.”

My opinion, and my opinion does not agree with everyone else’s– I believe that God created all music.  What happens is that the deceiver gets in the ear of the gifted, who are supposed to translate that message to glorify God, and perverts it and twists it.  But I believe that the source of every bit of inspiration is from God for music.  So, I love all music.

I have everything in my collection from Yo-Yo Ma to Slum Village.  And everything in between.  Big Band, Rosemary Clooney, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Basie… all the way down to Aerosmith, Def Leppard, to Journey, REO Speedwagon.

I just believe that music is made to give God glory.  The gift comes perfect, but the gifted are not perfect.  And I’ve gotten to a place in my walk with God where I can see Him in stuff.

EJ:  So, He’s there in “If Only You Knew”?

MD:  Yeah.  And people have talked to me, expressing their disdain or disappointment with me for the choices I’ve made, career-wise.  And it’s like, why are you mad at me because of the assignment God gave me, just because He couldn’t trust you with it?  God is able to trust me because he knows how far I will go.

EJ:  And how do you draw the line?

MD:  Ummm… there are certain things, like I’ve had rappers approach me like “Yo, Ma, your ‘bleep’-ing voice is incredible.”  And, first of all, I won’t do the cursing thing.  Your song can’t be profane, and it can’t demean women.  And then, you’ve gotta get into the whole hip-hop culture, too– it’s anti-Christ anyhow.

It’s all about getting money, gettin’ paid… women, trying to get respect and have street credibility.  I’m not with that.  My audience is God and I want HIM to be pleased with me.  I couldn’t care less what other people think.

I’ve grown to that point, but it wasn’t that way always.  I was bound for MANY years by what people thought of what I did.  And I had to come to the realization that GOD is the one I need to be pleasing, and nobody else.  And if He trusts me enough to be in these places, to be a light for Him, I have to (with integrity and a good work ethic) just do what I’m supposed to do.

EJ:  I hear that.

MD:  When I was singing with Mariah, she wasn’t singing all that stuff about “Touch My Body,” and all that.  And she knew there was a line that I wouldn’t cross, so there were songs that she wouldn’t even have me on, because of the subject matter.

And, you know, there’s that story in the Bible where there was a king who didn’t believe in God, but had one of the children of Israel in his court.  And when people tried to challenge him for that, he said “no, no… he worships the God of Israel and I respect him for his God and how he carries himself.”  That’s what God did for me in that season of my life.

EJ:  Amen.

MD:  And it was great.  SHE was covering me and the church people that are supposed to have a relationship with God didn’t do the same thing.  But she covered me.

*     *     *

So, that’s Part One, folks.  What did you think???

I think, for your musical pleasure (and mine), I’ma feature a different musical clip of her at the end of each interview segment.

First up is one that I’ve posted here before, but it REALLY embodies why she’s one of my favorites.  Her range is nuts, she finesses a song cuz she FEELS it, not cuz she’s trying to impress folks.  This clips makes me go wild, thinking about the glory of our God.

This is her singing “Forever” at her church, Greater Allen Cathedral.  It’s a longer clip, but worth EVERY SINGLE MINUTE.  Watch it, PLEASE, and worship the Lord:

If you recall, I posted a YouTube video of Tommye Young-West singing her hit, “Going Home,” a coupla weeks ago.  Click here if you need a refresher.

Then, I interviewed her phenomenal daughter, Candy West, as part of the On BGVs series.  Click here for THAT.

Well, I’ve gotten my eager little paws on her ENTIRE album and I’m telling you… the singin’ on this thing!  Her project, “Created To Worship,” is available now (click here to purchase), and I’ve been jamming to it for weeks!

To me, her album is a great reminder that many of our current industry favorites (gospel and otherwise) stand on the shoulders of underappreciated giants.  Having been a popular R&B singer in the 70′s, Tommye Young-West has that type of naturally soulful voice that takes you straight back to the days when singers just SANG… No premeditation, no over-practiced riffs– just raw (but accurate) vocals that seem effortless, but are really hard to replicate.

She sounds good on her ballads, but I’m an AVID fan of her more churchy tracks.  I listen to her foot-stomping “I Remember Church” EVERY morning to get my day started, and I’m NOT playin’.  I also adore “Going Home,” which was my introduction to her a couple of months ago.  And she works one song, ”Deliverance,” so tough… gather ’round, kids, and learn how it’s done!  Other stand-out tracks are “He’ll Make A Way,” which has a great quartet vibe to it, and a VERY nice, jazzy rendition of “He Touched Me.”

A quick, but honest disclaimer:  This album, genre-wise, may not be everyone’s cup of tea.  If you don’t get down with ol’ skool churchin’, you may not enjoy everything as much as I do.  That said, even if it ISN’T your genre, her vocal ability and power are undeniable and these tracks, I believe, are strong enough to convert ya!

For your listening pleasure, here’s “Deliverance”… listen, especially, to how she builds through the vamp:

Lemme know what y’all think!

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.

Lots of big things coming up.  Some of ‘em, I can’t share just yet… some of ‘em, I can!

1.  We’re doing routine maintenance on the site TONIGHT and TOMORROW, so you may experience some very very short outages.  If that happens, give it a few minutes and check back.  Sorry for any inconvenience it causes– it keeps the site fresh and healthy!

2.  The next GospelPundit.com CD Giveaway will give you the opportunity to receive a FREE COPY of The Power Of One, the upcoming release from Israel Houghton!  Details coming soon.

3.  The next edition of On BGVs (background vocalist interviews) is coming SOON.  I hear that my hints are too easy, which may be true, cuz it’s no longer a secret that I chatted with an industry favorite– Miss CANDY WEST!  Whether you know of her from her game-changing work with Kirk Franklin, or from her most recent work with Myron Butler & Levi, you’re gonna loooooove what she has to say!  I asked her some good questions, if I do say so myself!  Keep it locked here for that.

4.  Y’all NEEEED to get in on our ongoing friendly, but spirited discussion that started yesterday about Mary Mary and the cameo appearances in their upcoming video… good talk and good points from all sides: http://gospelpundit.com/2009/03/04/word-has-it-mary-mary-shot-their-new-video/

5.  Love y’all.  But that’s not really an “update,” now is it?

Thanks and don’t forget to KEEP COMMENTING and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SITE by entering your email addy on the right >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

Holla!