After announcing recently that it had signed Le’AndriaJohnson to an exclusive management deal, Music World Gospel announced plans to release another EP from the powerhouse vocalist. This one– her first holiday project, Christmas Best. Check out the album cover–
The album will receive an exclusive release at Best Buy on November 21, 2011, followed by an unlimited release on December 6th.
The final track listing has not been released yet, but Christmas Best is said to feature a duet with BET Sunday Best Season 4 winner Amber Bullock on “Silent Night,” as well as Le’Andria’s own renditions of “Noel,” “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Oh Holy Night.”
That’s enough tracks for an EP right there, so that may be your track listing.
I’m not mad at a Christmas album from Le’Andria. I will say, however, that I’m ready for a full album. I fear that, once it finally comes around, consumers will feel like they’ve given plenty of money in a short amount of time and they’re not about to shell out more.
But, if the LP is incredible, I guess it won’t matter much, now will it?
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.
* * *
Check out our full album review of Micah Stampley’sOne Voiceright here.
And be sure to listen to snippets/buy it right here–
Le’Andria Johnson, returns to #1 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart this week, with Jessica Reedy’sFrom the Heart following right behind at #2.
Isaac Carree also made a notable jump with his solo debut, Uncommon Me, from #9 last week to #3 this week.
Here’s the full Top 10 on the charts…
1 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
2 | Jessica Reedy – From the Heart
3 | Isaac Carree – Uncommon Me
4 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
5 | Lecrae – Rehab
6 | 116 Clique – Man Up
7 | CoCo Brother – Gospel Mix V
8 | WOW Gospel 2011
9 | Trin-i-tee 5:7 – Angel & Chanelle
10 | Andraé Crouch – The Journey
VaShawn Mitchell’sTriumphant Deluxe Edition and Music World Gospel’sUltimate Gospel Vol. 1 are among this week’s new releases. I’m curious to see if they’ll make an appearance in the Top 10 next week.
Micah Stampley releases his fifth album, One Voice, on October 18, 2011 on Music World Gospel. The 14-track project has been dubbed by Stampley as “a call to every culture, every nation, [and] every race” that would “cater to people from all walks of life.”
Indeed, One Voice provides a bit of something for everyone. In doing so, though, it may fall just short of providing a solid collection of music for a specific audience. By appealing to “many,” it may miss the “one.”
There are awesome songs on here, for sure, like the album’s opener, “Heaven on Earth.” It’s a rousing anthem, written by David Binion, and it builds well as Stampley launches his lead vocal to the top of its signature soaring range. Music ministers, take note– I’ve seen this song powerfully change the course of a church service.
“Overcome” is another great worship cover and it transitions very well into the worshipful “Worthy,” such that the two tracks sound like a unit. ”We Need The Lord” is another solid praise & worship tune that could easily translate well in Sunday morning services. Stampley’s lead on it is both dynamic and passionate.
Outside of these tracks, the lyrics, melodies and themes may not be as “familiar” to the gospel audience. But that’s okay– it seems that Micah Stampley’s call has long been one to the nations, and I think that’s where this album will be most successful.
Though I cringe as I type this (because I wish it weren’t true), songs about a global gospel community do not always resonate with the U.S. gospel community. Take a look at the radio charts and you’ll see that, with few exceptions, we’re rather concerned with how God interacts with us, individually, and vice versa.
One Voice, while admirable, may not yet be the heartbeat of every Believer who would buy this. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not timely and necessary.
In either case, take a listen to some snippets, judge for yourself, and pre-order/buy it right here–
Music World Gospel has prepared its first of a new gospel music compilation series, to be released in digital form only.
Hitting stores tomorrow, October 11th, the Ultimate Gospel Vol. 1 compilation features music from artists on the Music World roster, including Trin-i-tee 5:7, Brian Courtney Wilson, Micah Stampley and Michelle Williams (whose two gospel albums were released under the label).
Check out the track listing–
1. Just Love – Brian Courtney Wilson
2. Listen – Trin-I-Tee 5:7
3. Heard A Word – Michelle Williams
4. I Need You – Trin-I-Tee 5:7
5. All I Need – Brian Courtney Wilson
6. Peace – Pastor Rudy
7. Do You Know – Michelle Williams
8. I Believe – Micah Stampley
9. Soul Cry (Oh, Oh, Oh) – Juanita Bynum
10. The Corinthian Song – Micah Stampley
The votes have been tallied and it has just been announced that AMBER BULLOCK has won this season of Sunday Best on BET!
After a season of great vocal talent, the public has selected Amber Bullock over finalist Andrea Helms to win the title. Along with it, she has won a national recording contract with Music World Gospel, a cash prize and a brand new 2011 Ford Explorer.
Associate Editor Troy Lilly sits down to chat with Le’Andria Johnson, winner of last season’s Sunday Best on BET.
With the release of her debut solo album around the corner (September 6, 2011 on Music World Gospel), Le’Andria talks about the new music and her ministry, as well as things going around about her– some true, some false…
* * *
Troy: Hey Le’Andria! How are you?
Le’Andria: I’m good, how are you?
Troy: I’m doing well. Excited to talk with you! I guess we’ll just jump right into it?
Le’Andria: Sure!
Troy: I want to start by asking this: How has your life changed since the big win on Sunday Best last year?
Le’Andria: Well, um… oh, boy. That’s a good story…
Troy: I’m sure it is.
Le’Andria: Well, it changed in a little, funny kind of good way. For starters, I lost my brother after everything on April 1st of this year. And I began to be on the road more, and more often I’m away from my kids. I’m not in my church home at all but maybe once a month, if that. I can’t complain, really, because I’m doing something that I really wanna do. It’s good.
Troy: Right.
Le’Andria. You can go ‘head and nut that up in a shell.
Troy: I know the orchestrated elements of performing on Sunday Best and being on the road was all kind of new for you. Have you gotten used to it? How’s that going?
Le’Andria: Getting used to it. Like I said earlier, being away from my kids is the craziest part. I’m working throughout the week now, singing like almost every day… then doing interviews and going to sleep early to get up early and do more interviews. It’s different.
I do my best not complain. I mean I’m going to complain, but I try not to let it show or be a part of who I am. That’s basically what it is. Hey, I guess this is what it calls for, you know?
Troy: Speaking of that, a video surfaced earlier this year that showed you asking for prayer and breaking down somewhat at a church. Can you tell me what was going on at that time?
Le’Andria: That was a mistake. What I learned from that was you can’t expect people to pray for you in that manner. Everyone’s gonna have their own thoughts. But, yes, at that time I was dealing with something very heavy and I had started drinking.
Troy: Wow.
Le’Andria: And I shared that with the people [in the church], and nobody asked me to share it, but I shared it because I want people to understand that I’m not perfect. I’m winner of Sunday Best, yes. Because I’m this, that and the other people think you’re so high and mighty; that I don’t make any wrong decisions. I let them know I am imperfect just as you. But God will use imperfect people to make people perfect.
Troy: I see.
Le’Andria: I have to be careful of who I ask to pray for me because a lot of people don’t want to see me make it, you know? There were rumors that I was pregnant, too. I’m not pregnant! The Bible says pick up your brother and your sister… lift them up in prayer. So even if I was, tearing me down isn’t the way to go about it.
That’s the message that I put out. I’m Le’Andria Johnson, yes, but I’m not perfect. When I asked people to pray, I was just doing what I was taught to do.
Troy: That’s understandable.
Le’Andria: Now I just tell my testimony without asking folks to pray for me.
Troy: Did any of these experiences contribute to the material on your new album, The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson, out September 6th?
Le’Andria: Well, we decided to put a couple of medleys from Sunday Best on there to give back to the viewers and voters. I decided to give back to them what they loved and what they were asking for on the road.
On songs like “Cast the First Stone” and “Make Me Like You,” you’ll definitely hear a different sound… I’m not good at putting a label on the music, but you’ll definitely enjoy it! There’s some mid-tempo and upbeat songs… not many, but it’s just the beginning of my story; the awakening. And I hope it’ll be received as such.
Troy: Now, we know you can sing and wipe a room flat out…
Le’Andria: Aww man…
Troy: But I read in the liner notes that you’re also a gifted songwriter and you wrote several songs on the album with your brother, Terrance Johnson.
Le’Andria: Well, that’s what people are saying. I don’t know. My brother is moreso the real writer. I really do believe I’m more a singer than a writer. He can sit down with a pad and paper and write all day. I can’t do that. I get in the studio and sing whatever comes out from my heart and then I cut and paste. That’s all I can say on that one.
Troy: Oh, come on…
Le’Andria: Yeah, like with “Jesus,” I didn’t write that. I just sat in the airport one night and sang it on my phone and saved it. With “Cast the First Stone,” I sang it on my phone, saved it, then put it on record [in the studio]. Melodies come in my dreams, they come when I wake up in the morning…
Troy: Guess what, Le’Andria? Even though you don’t use a pen and paper, that’s still called songwriting. Donna Summers got the melody to “She Works Hard for the Money” in a restroom and she jotted down lyrics on a piece of toilet paper!
Le’Andria: Wow.
Troy: It doesn’t matter how or where you get it. If you are creating the words and the melody, you are a songwriter. So, believe that!
Le’Andria: Oh, ok! Well, thank you. I’ll take that with me now.
Troy: You’re welcome. Did you have a hand in writing “I Shall Leap Into My Destiny,” the song you performed after winning Sunday Best? It sounds like… feels like you!
Le’Andria: We were actually sitting in my living room, in the house that I lost right before I auditioned for Sunday Best. My brother got on the keyboard and we just jammed. He was doing the music but I didn’t have the words. Then my mom called and asked me to write a song for her women’s conference. The theme was “Leap Into Your Destiny.”
I told her the same thing I tell everyone else… “Mom, you know I don’t write.” And she says, “Well, God will give it you.” So the night of the conference she called me up again. I still didn’t have it, but later that night I got with my brother, he started playing the music and it did eventually come to me.
Troy: You speak of your family quite a bit. Is the whole family in music and ministry?
Le’Andria: My father has been my pastor all my life, Bishop Gregory Johnson. My mom is the co-pastor… all of my brothers sing, they all play. I used to play as well but singing has taken over.
Growing up as a PK [preacher’s kid] though, whew, Lord… because of tradition, I felt I was the only person that had it bad. Now I’m glad that God kept me sheltered for so long because he was saving me and I can appreciate what I’ve been through.
Troy: Do you feel there’s a difference between “Le’Andria the singer” and “Le’Andria the minister,” or are those roles interchangeable for you?
Le’Andria: No, I feel that you said it very good. One flows into the other because I could be singing to let you see the talent and gift that I have, then next thing you know I’m ministering. Even if I’m joking on the mic, it’s ministry, reaching out and touching somebody’s heart.
Troy: I see.
Le’Andria: That’s just what it is.
Troy: So… what’s another career interest you had outside of singing? Something that gospel music listeners wouldn’t know?
Le’Andria: Honey! I wanted to be a police officer!
Troy: Really?!
Le’Andria: Yes, Lord! Then I wanted be an RN (registered nurse) until I found out that you had to clean up bodily fluid and blood. I axed that immediately! Immediately!!! ‘Cause I’m not that type of person.
But, yes, I wanted to be a police officer, especially when people ignore signs that say, “Don’t block the intersection”… I’d be right there pullin’ ‘em over. “Just pull on over!”
Troy: Oh my goodness…
Le’Andria: I drive fast, too! I’m trying to tame my foot a little bit, but that would be so fun.
Troy: Certainly sounds like you love to have fun and let loose.
Le’Andria: Yes, that’s me.
Troy: Finally, to wrap it all up, I have one last question.
Le’Andria: Ok.
Troy: Given your newfound visibility and national platform, are there any initiatives you’re trying to push besides music?
Le’Andria: I want to bring people from all over together to celebrate God with the gifts he has given us, through music, poetry, rap, dance. It’s not always about a competition. I believe in going to the men’s and women’s shelters and singing to them, to the homes of adopted children.
I want people to know that a ‘yes’ in me is also a ‘yes’ inside of somebody else. I am a singer, but it goes beyond me being a singer. I want my rags to be filthy when He calls me home.
Troy: That’s awesome Le’Andria. Know that I… we wish you all the best both with the new album and with your other, less glamorous endeavors. Thank you so much for your time today.
Le’Andria: Thank you. I enjoyed this conversation and I hope we have more.
Troy: I hope so as well.
* * *
Check back here soon for our full review of Le’Andria’s debut album, The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson. You can grab the album via pre-order now on Amazon.com.
Also, listen to her single, “Jesus,” on the Pundit Player bar at the bottom of your screen!
James Fortune has signed an exclusive international distribution deal with Music World Gospel in connection with his new label venture, Fiya World, LLC.
Music World will handle distribution of the label’s recordings worldwide, excluding North America.
Earlier this year, James Fortune announced that his imprint would be distributed nationally by eOne Entertainment/Light Records.
The first album on the imprint will be Fortune’s with his group, FIYA, in January of 2012. After that, he plans to sign and release more artists. Good look!
It’s down to Amber Bullock and Andrea Helms as the finalists of this season’s Sunday Best on BET. Public voting opened this past Sunday, and we’ll know the winner this Sunday, September 4th. But, then what?
Sure, the winner will release her debut album on the Music World Gospel label, after Mathew Knowles struck a deal with BET to sign the winners of last season and this season. But after the buzz of winning dies down, and the album runs its cycle… what for the winner?
Big album sales? More performance opportunities? Big money? Maybe not…
The problem, as I see it, is similar across most talent competition shows– interest in the program does not equal interest in the winner’s album or long-term career.
We have cared enough to tune in, cared enough to comment, and we may even care enough to vote. It costs us nothing but our time. But to spend $10 on any one of the finalists’ albums is clearly more of a “vote” than even a fraction of the show’s millions of viewers are willing to make.
See, the audience cares, just not that much. So, the biggest challenge for the winners– and the labels to which they’re signed– is to make more of the viewers into consumers. It’s to make us fall so in love with the product– the artist, that is, not the show itself– that we stillcare even once a new season begins.
This is particularly important for Amber and/or Andrea, by the way, as I’m hearing rumblings that BET will start auditions for its next season sooner than ever, within the next month or two.
Which begs another question– does it even matter who wins? With the exception of Elder Goldwire McLendon last season, both the winner and runner-up have received album contracts. In fact, Crystal Aikin and runner-up Shari Addison released their albums on the same day in 2009.
So, maybe Sunday Best is more of just a fun weekly showcase of this nation’s homegrown gospel talent than a platform to become ‘the next big’ whatever. Maybe it’s just a resume builder, as opposed to the grand career launch pad that many think it is.
Don’t get me wrong– I enjoy the show and plan to tune in each season. Without question, Sunday Best is one of the most entertaining television programs to ever hit the gospel industry.
Micah Stampley recently took some time to chat about his upcoming album, One Voice. The project, his fifth, will be released on Music World Gospel on October 18, 2011.
