Associate Editor Troy Lilly chats with Micah Stampley, whose new album, One Voice, hit stores on October 18th…

Troy: Thanks for joining me man. How are you?

Micah: I’m well, Troy.

Troy: Great, great. Shall we jump right in?

Micah: Sure.

Troy: What makes the “Micah Stampley sound” different from others in gospel?

Micah: I have many peers who grew up like I did – in the church – and we had other influences outside of the church. I tend to embrace those influences differently than some of my peers. I spend a lot of time in prayer asking God for something different. My heart is always to have music that is not one-time wonder material, but music that will last forever.

When I first heard the song “Take My Life” (which people call “Holiness”), it was originally a Christian rock song, very grungy with distorted guitars screaming. And the lyrics and the notes just hit me in a different way, so I went home and started playing it on my keyboard and what I came out with was more intimate, more worshipful. It sounded like a prayer to me. Then my interpretation hit like crazy. That just let me know that God was honoring my prayer that he would give me a staple sound.

Troy: Awesome. So, if you could only describe your new album, One Voice, in one word, what it would it be?

Micah: Multicultural.

Troy: Ok, now feel free to expound…

Micah: You told me “one word!” (laughter)

Troy: I know, I know … but I knew you’d have a lot more to share. (laughter)

Micah: Well I did one cover song on from a CCM band called Desperation Band. The song is called “Overcome” and it’s a big song in the CCM world. At our church in Houston, the congregation looked like a bag of Skittles, and I just feel that’s what heaven looks like. My sound has really emerged into this oneness.

I grew up in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC)…

Troy: Me too!

Micah: Everything was a sin. I used to ride my school bus in junior high and I would hear all these songs and chord progressions that I never heard before… you know Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors…”

Troy: Yeah.

Micah: I would hear all that stuff– Michael Jackson, and Prince singing “Purple Rain.” I would be like “oh, I like this stuff.” (laughter) I developed a different ear. So, I think that One Voice represents my interpretations of the different sounds I’ve heard since I was a kid.

I have this one pop tune, “Call of Love,” that kind of puts you in the mindset of the Black Eyed Peas joint, “I Got a Feeling.” It has that same vibe to it man. When Matthew Knowles heard it, he said “this sounds like a theme song for some big humanitarian movement.”

We have a few songs on this record like that, like the title cut, “One Voice,” and it’s just that whole global sound. When we sing that song live, people in the audience grab each other’s hand and swing back and forth like it’s “We Are the World.” It’s crazy, but really cool to see it happen.

And you know I gotta have my praise and worship stuff on there…

Troy: Of course!

Micah: …Stuff where I’m at a level 10. I’ve gotta have that “War Cry” and “Holy Visitation,” but that type of song on this record is the one called “Hosanna.” And, man, I promise you that song is probably the next “War Cry.” This may even be stronger!

Troy: Wow, even with the three reprises on “War Cry?” Because I remember you kept coming back each time we thought it was done.

Micah: Yeah, the people wouldn’t let “War Cry” go. This time, we don’t have any reprises, but what’s happening when I sing “Hosanna” live… the audience hijacks my song every time! But that’s a good sign. It’s a strong record.

Troy: Great. So tell me about the lead single, “Heaven on Earth,” since that’s the first thing people are hearing from this new project.

Micah: Not sure if you’re familiar with David and Nicole Binion…

Troy: Yes, I am…

Micah: Well, David wrote that song with some of his colleagues and I heard it when he visited our church in Houston. And I was just done! I was just weeping, and I said, “I have to record this song.” Then, I heard that Israel [Houghton] was going to record it. But when he put out his album, I didn’t see it on there. So I said “Uh, it’s mine!” (laughter)

David and Nicole told me to please record it. And that song has really been a blessing to me. Because if you think about the message of that song – heaven on earth – it’s a declaration, literally giving God permission to duplicate himself in us on the earth, because he created us from the earth.

Troy: You’ve mentioned before that you wife, Heidi, frequently writes with you on your projects…

Micah: My wife and I write most of my projects together. We have a couple songs on each record that we write individually, but the best songs are the ones we write together. God has just given us this ability to merge all these different influences and sounds together, and this is what we present to you guys, which comes from a place of pain, of victory and defeat, ups and downs.

Troy: How much did she contribute to One Voice?

Micah: Oh my God! Heidi wrote her butt off on this record!

Troy: (Laughter)

Micah: On most of the songs that we wrote together, I wrote the music and she penned the lyrics. There are a few songs on there where we switched places. But God really used her lyrically on this album.

There’s one song I did at the AIM Convention this summer, called “Desperate People.” And if you grew in church like me, you’re sick of the ritualistic mumbo-jumbo.

Troy: Yes.

Micah: The song says (singing), “I’ve seen the God of wonders work miracles in me, those with gifts and talents who spoke prophetically. I want the mantles of Elijah, Paul and Timothy; I want to see that power at work inside of me. I’m tired of the status quo, gotta be more than this. Gotta be more, gotta be more, gotta be more than this.”

Troy: Wow.

Micah: The lyrics of this song really pull at people’s heart and people are running to us saying ”this is what I’ve been trying to say forever.” I ministered that song in Nigeria and they literally cried out to God on the floor. It’s really refreshing.

Troy: Do you feel like this new album is your most defining work so far?

Micah: To be honest, Troy, I do think this is my best work to date from a musical and lyrical standpoint.

Troy: So to go back to your early career, you won the Stellar Awards Star Search in 2004. What happened after you won that competition? Was it a positive experience, average or other?

Micah: It was definitely a huge, positive experience for me. It was my introduction to the industry as an artist. After that, I got a call from Marcus Dawson, Bishop T.D. Jakes’s road musician, who had heard me prior to the Stellar event. He had been telling Bishop Jakes about me and Bishop finally told Marcus, “Ok, let’s invite him, but he if he messes up, it’s off with your head!” (laughter)

Troy: (Laughter)

Micah: So they called me in ’04 and I was invited that February to the Potter’s House. The power of God hit that place so hard during the second service that Bishop [Jakes] couldn’t even preach. That’s how heavy it was! And he offered me a recording contract on the spot.

Troy: Just like that?

Micah: Yes. Ever since then it has been nonstop. I’ve traveled with him across the world… to Africa, Australia, you name it. He provided the platform for my ministry and pushed me out there. I’m so grateful to Bishop, and he and I still text and talk. We still have a great relationship.

Troy: Well, the reason I asked you that is because we have more mainstream gospel competitions now. And most singers aren’t fortunate enough to have a “Bishop Jakes” as a friend and mentor – or business partner.

Micah: Right.

Troy: Do you feel authentic artists can be launched through shows or competitions like Sunday Best, where contestants have to sign contracts and agreements often before they sing a single note?

Micah: I don’t! I’m so glad you asked me that because I’ve never had an opportunity to answer a question like that or even speak of it. I don’t think that’s a wise thing to do. Now, I believe in the platform, yes, but I do not believe that artists should be forced to sign agreements when they don’t even have legal representation.

Troy: Ok.

Micah: I’m a minister and I’m a worshipper – people get that from my music – but I know how to handle business. I was negotiating one contract for an entire year before I signed it. I don’t take any of that lightly.

I think they need to understand what they’re signing and not just be gifted, because you can be a household name… and poor, broke and hungry. That’s not God’s will. But artists can easily be taken advantage of because they’re so caught up in the hype that they neglect the business side. My wife and I talk to a lot of artists who ask us for guidance and counsel. They wonder how we’re prospering in spite of vying against the major companies for airplay on the radio, and shelf space in the retail store.

God has blessed us because we made an effort to understand that side of the business. And even beyond that, you have to know where you’re going as an artist whether you are traditional, contemporary, praise or worship and any other style.

Troy: I’m glad you finally got a chance to express that.

Micah: Yes.

Troy: With that being said, tell me about your partnership with Music World Gospel. Frankly, are you in charge or is Matthew Knowles in charge?

Micah: It’s my record company that has entered into a joint venture with Music World. I never signed a deal with Music World as an artist. It’s not necessarily a distribution deal, but we use their channels to distribute. However, we still have the option to go through other channels as we are our own label.

Troy: So basically, you’re in charge? (Laughter)

Micah: (Laughter) I own my work, we own the masters together, but it’s a good thing for us. I want to be that example to show other artists that, ‘hey, you can do this.’ Sit down and read, ask questions and understand before you sign that dotted line.

Troy: Good, good advice. Do you plan to introduce any new artists on your Interface label? Is there anyone we should be looking out for?

Micah: Be on the lookout for Joey Oscar. He’s a drummer and he’s got this global sound. But if I told you it was a drum album, you wouldn’t listen. It’s an instrumental record. But he’s also my drummer and a phenomenal producer. And… he’s married to my wife’s sister, so he is also my brother-in-law.

Troy: Oh! Awesome, keeping it in the family…

Micah: Yeah, but he is incredible.

Troy: I’m excited to hear it. I want to thank you for sharing with me today, from the One Voice record – which I love – to some of the great advice you gave for folks trying to break navigate wisely through the industry. It’s appreciated.

Micah: You’re welcome, and thanks to you as well man.

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Check out our full album review of Micah Stampley’s One Voice right here.

And be sure to listen to snippets/buy it right here–

This week, I wanted to give you a Sunday Best double-recap of sorts… I have a little somethin’ to say about the show, and will do so later, but first, Troy Lilly is back with another great recap of last night’s episode…

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We’re now very close to crowning a winner for season three of BET’s Sunday Best, and last night there was more impressive singing and even a little dancing.  But not without a couple surprises.  More on that later, though.

If you’ve been watching this season you know how the show works– Kirk Franklin introduces the guest musical artist for the week, they perform, and then the contestants hit the stage, right?  Well not when the guest artist is Israel Houghton.  The man behind the success of Israel and New Breed ushered the audience into worship with his version of “Moving Forward.”  For a moment it looked like we wouldn’t be able to move forward but, after a short reprise, we returned to the regularly scheduled programming, for a while.

The two-part show was graced with another great performance by Brian Courtney Wilson, who stopped by to sing “All I Need” from his breakthrough debut album Just Love.  As Kirk said, if you haven’t heard of him you’ll certainly be blessed by his music.

For last night’s episode the theme was “crossover,” blending traditional gospel songs with secular songs that feature inspirational messages.  Each of the three contestants were to sing a “secular” song during the first half and a “gospel” song in the second half.  I was quite curious to see how this week’s theme would play out as I believed it would further distinguish each singer’s versatility – or lack thereof.  But hey, what do I know?

Tina Campbell, Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin held it down as judges once more.  Kirk also mentioned there would be “hard judging.” I’m not so sure that’s what we got. But this is how it went down:

Durward Davis – “Change the World” and “I Need You Now”
Earlier this year, EJ explained in a post on Sunday Best rules that contestants have little say in what songs they sing.  Durward was given an Eric Clapton song from a movie soundtrack to sing first.  I am certain he would have chosen a different song.  That being said, he made the most of an unusual song choice.  For the limited amount of time he had, Durward really brought “Change the World” to a climax and embraced the melody.  He was clearly uneasy after the performance, though he maintained a smile while singing.  For round two, he took on Smokie Norful’s gospel ballad which is no easy task, but he nailed that, too (in my opinion).  Even after his voice was about to give out, he kept giving his all until the very end.

LeAndria Johnson – “Heaven Help Us All” and “I Love the Lord”
I’m guessing a lot of folks are happy the judges don’t kick people off the show when they forget words, because if that were true LeAndria would’ve gone home tonight.  During “Heaven Help Us All – a song made famous by Stevie Wonder – the normally unflappable LeAndria stumbled through the lyrics of both verses.  But her voice remained intact (for the most part), and if I wasn’t such a huge Stevie fan I may not have realized she shuffled and omitted words. It surely never showed on her face.  LeAndria’s second performance was a victory lap – figuratively and literally. This time her words and vocals were in sync. The surprise wasn’t the judges’ reactions but hers.  After her stirring rendition of “I Love the Lord” she dropped her microphone and danced across the stage for about 30 seconds.  Yolanda and Donnie cut a step, too.

Elder Goldwire McLendon – “Falling in Love with Jesus” and “Oh, Happy Day”
Elder knew he had to rise to the competition a bit after a less-than-stellar performance last week.  I’m happy to report that that he didn’t forget the words last night!  However, I’m not sure how his first song qualified as secular since it’s a love song about Jesus.  I still have a big question mark in my mind here– “Change the World” vs. “Falling in Love with Jesus”?  Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t get it.  Aside from my gripes with the song, Elder McLendon certainly conveyed his love for God when he sang.  His tone and approach mirrored what we’ve seen from him every week, and of course, the anointing was on him.  Wrapping up the performance portion of the night, he sang the Edwin Hawkins song that introduced gospel music to the mainstream.  Again, I was amazed at how tight and consistent Elder’s delivery was in relation to other weeks on the show.  He continued to wow judges.  Donnie was reduced to tears.

At the end of the night only LeAndria Johnson and Elder Goldwire McLendon advanced to become the final two.

While I wish both LeAndria and Elder Goldwire the best going into this season’s final round, I strongly disagree with Durward Davis being eliminated.  The best way I can defend my opinion is with the judges’ own words.  From the start of this competition the judges have repeatedly praised Durward’s ability to paint pictures and take people on a journey with his songs.  He especially rose to the challenge last night by tackling a vague secular song.  He might as well have sung “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper…he may have even been better off singing that.  I believe his performances are always complete while other performers give me 1:30 that feels exactly like 1:30 into a song.  I’m sad to see him go, but I’m confident he’ll be successful.  Again, I’m so thrilled for LeAndria and Elder Goldwire.

Furthermore, the judging has lacked tangible content to me. I’d love to hear more advice for improvement that is applicable for the folks who go home as well as the folks who stay.  Everyone is in a position to improve.  We all love gospel music and we want singers to be balanced – trained and anointed so the anointing doesn’t have to do ALL the work.

It’s very exciting to see this season drawing to a close.  So, between LeAndria and Elder McLendon, who’s it gonna be?

I KNOW you guys have a lot to say.  And we want to hear you!

Today, Myron Butler & Levi return to the scene with their third release, Revealed… Live In Dallas.  Like their other albums, it is full of great vocals, songwriting and production, offering listeners intricate melodies, catchy hooks, and all-around good music.

The 12-track project opens with the group’s first single (and title tune) “Revealed,” followed by the band-banging “I Just Can’t Live,” featuring Kirk Franklin.  It’s great to hear him again with the group, comprised mostly of God’s Property alumni, but Myron Butler has done such a great job leading them that the tune feels much more like a guest spot than a reunion of sorts.

The album slows a bit as it eases into “Speak Into The Atmosphere,” a simple chant that will likely be a successful second single for the group.  From there, the project takes listeners on a journey of musical styles, from the rock-infused “Holy God” to the smoother sound of “Moving Closer.”

My favorite song on the project may be “I Am God.”  With its fairy-tale melody set to a 5/4 time signature, the tune is almost as captivating as its declarative scriptural lyrics.  Another strong track is “Covered,” with great instrumentation and powerful vocal delivery from Levi’s seasoned vocalists.

Other stand-out tunes for me include the mellow “Greatest Love,” the well-done gospel cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time,” and the beautiful musical plea of “Run To The Cross,” featuring guest vocals from Smokie Norful.

If Revealed is to face any commercial hurdle, it will be due to some of the album’s musical complexities.  While exciting for musically minded listeners, the concepts may be too intricate for some gospel consumers to grasp.  By that, I mean that you may not hear your church choir rendering many A and B selections from it.  And if they try it, the music will be simplified and the vocals void of the nuances that make Myron Butler & Levi so great.

That said, Myron Butler’s musical gift is undeniable.  Any lover of music– particularly in gospel– will appreciate (maybe love) the songwriting, production and musical delivery that Myron Butler & Levi offer on Revealed… Live In Dallas.  It’s an effort that you’ll want in your music collection.

Click here to buy it digitally for just $8.

Anybody have it?  Anybody gettin’ it?  Talk to me.

I got my advance copy of Myron Butler & Levi’s newest project, Revealed: Live In Dallas, this week and I’ve been listening nonstop.

My favorite tracks so far are the title cut (which is also the single), “I Just Can’t Live” featuring Kirk Franklin, “Greatest Love,” “I Am God,” “Run To The Cross,” featuring Smokie Norful, a jazzy cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” and “Covered.”

The full album isn’t in stores until March 30th, so you’ve got a minute to save up.  But do save up– you’ll wanna make this purchase.