Welcome The New Christian Music Storm Trooper!

  It Appears The Force Is Behind Beloved

          On October 2, 2015 Centricity Music introduced the debut release from Jordan Feliz, Beloved. I have to wonder if they knew what the future had in store for this Christian soul/pop artist who has definitely awakened the ears of listeners. 

     Jordan's earned the Storm Trooper nickname from me because The River has taken the Christian music charts by storm. Currently he is dominating the airwaves with this soulfully addicting masterpiece. I believe this will be one of many for this rising talented writer and performer who shares why his debut number one hit is his happy place. 

     “I’m a big melody guy, and musically The River is my own personal happy place. It’s a great driving groove that just feels good to sing. The song itself is an invitation to anyone who hears it whether they’re stuck in pride and legalism or wallowing down in the mess they’ve made of their lives. It’s an invitation to take whatever we have and to run to Jesus. It’s an invitation to go down in amazing grace and to rise up being made new."

      In 2014, Jordan walked away from a worship leader position in California along with his beautiful wife Jamie to start a new chapter of their lives in Nashville Tennessee. After struggling for several months to find work they found out they were expecting a beautiful baby girl. Shortly after receiving that news God began to open up doors and blessings upon their obedience.

      Jordan had always had a love for music which created the eight year friendship between he and his current manager Adam Taylor, who he had met in California while both playing a gig. They pulled together in Nashville and signed a deal with Centricity Music in February of 2015. Shortly after that we begin to see how all of this talent began to unfold to the general public that God had been preparing all along.

     For such a time as this, I am sure is a scripture that truly absorbs into the hearts and spirits of this beautiful family who now have so many reasons to be thankful.  One of the greatest blessings they have is their five month old baby girl who inspired the message behind one of my favorite songs and title track Beloved.  Jordan wrote this song thinking about his daughter before she was born.  It's a sincerely heartfelt ballad encouraging others to realize what their worth is to God and those that love them. "You are essential, not accidental And you should realize You are beloved I wanted you to know You are beloved Let it soak into your soul."

     Dancing Through The Fire, definitely has a resemblance to the secular sounds of Maroon5. It really is just plain and simple great musicianship with vocals and a message that are welcomingly original in this genre.  I believe there are a few artists and bands that are beginning to come out with this funky feel good vibe, while still staying true to their spirit and message they want to share of the gospel and their relationship with Christ.  

     One of the best lyrical messages on the album that has an extremely catchy chorus is Simple.  I believe a big reason why it's so difficult to share the Gospel with others in our society today is because as Christians we have complicated His message. This song draws us back to the Cross, "So I open up my mouth and show your kids what you're about and keep it simple.  Don't want to mix up your words with mine, I want to live to reflect your light.  Give me you, give me truth and the rest will fall in line.  Don't want my pride to get in the way of the love that you give away. Give me you, give me truth that the cross can save us all, it's really that simple."

     Rejoice is perfectly named as a celebration in the life that we receive through the grace and love of Christ.  It falls in line with the rest of the album having a melody that is very persuasive to make your head begin to nod uncontrollably. 

     My personal favorite song on the album, which was extremely difficult to narrow down is Satisfied.  Jordan has incredible vocals so it was nice to here a more stripped down worship melody emoted perfectly with a softer tone. You can also feel he is truly passionate about what he is singing. "I have stumbled through the darkest of the valleys. I have climbed upon the highest of hills. All my traveling has brought me to your fountain, and all I want is to come and drink my fill. My heart. Your throne. This life belongs to you and you alone. Let there be, no divide in only you may my soul be satisfied."

     There are four song sessions included on the album. One of which you can see below (Beloved) and his other number one song taking the waves by storm, The River.  On my favorite songs list by NeedToBreathe, Brother happens to be one of the covers that he includes along with Photograph by Ed Sheeran.    

    
     Produced by Joshua Silverberg and Colby Wedgeworth, Jordan has ignited a fan base and created a promising future for his self following his dreams supported by his lovely wife.  The only question I would venture to ask is, "How in the world is he going to top his debut?"  I'm certain his name will be floating around the Dove Awards as well as the Klove Fan Awards next year, of that there is no doubt in my mind.  

     Jordan states below his reason for creating this album that has volumes of talent and heart felt throughout every single track. I would say five out of five stars in my book, and that is one I rarely distribute.  I personally cannot wait to hear what the future holds for this young artist, and I hope to catch him on tour. 

     “I really just wanted this to be a project that people would smile when they listened to it.

I wanted to write songs that would make people feel loved. I want them to feel good. Whatever the complications of life that we might be going through at any given moment, our relationships with Jesus don’t have to be difficult. We have a tendency to make it so much harder on ourselves than it really is. We think God can’t love us because we’re struggling with something or we messed up somewhere. But it’s not that complicated. God loves us. Our ransom has been paid. The emotional baggage we carry around doesn’t change the truth. We belong to God and He loves us. It really is that simple. We just have to be constantly reminded of that. The work has already been done on the cross. We just have to remind ourselves and each other to believe it.”

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I Am Unashamed

Building 429 Will Not Back Down And Motivates Others To Stay The Course

 

        Building 429 stepped into the music scene back 1999 releasing several independent albums and touring relentlessly.  However, one thing you will learn about lead singer Jason Roy, is he firmly believes when God calls you to move no matter what others say or what things might look like obedience is better than sacrifice.  

     I have personally always been a fan of Building 429 from the day Glory Defined and I crossed paths in 2004. Obviously that song had the same affect on others considering it was their first nationally recognized radio single which rose quickly to number one on numerous charts. It was a powerful anthem that many would say was when God defined His glory in them as a band. 

     In 2005, after six years of endless touring and hard work dedicated to become all that God had called them to do. They received four Dove Award nominations and walked away with Gospel Music Association's  New Artist of The Year award.  

      In a year where we have seen Christian persecution abroad and in our streets their latest album Unashamed could not have been released at a more encouraging time.  Their first single Impossible (video below) released on April 29, 2015 echos lead singer Jason's testimony about running with the dream God placed in his heart.  With a catchy melody and encouraging lyric I'm sure many get their dance on to this one when no one is watching.  "Nothing is impossible, when we trust the God of miracles." 

     Through the years of travelling and growing, many bands spend days and weeks at a time away from those they love. It's a difficult journey that takes strong faith to separate yourselves that long from those you hold dear.  However when you have a calling to try to lead people to a closer relationship with God through music, it's a sacrifice they make.  Hold Them Close is a beautiful testimony how we miss sometimes the biggest blessings we have been given. "I feel the grace of God, when my wife is by my side, a treasure I could never earn no matter how hard I've tried.  I took a look at a path that brought us where we are.  All I see is your faithfulness that has carried us this far."

     Ocean Deep ultimately captures the love that God has for us and how far His mercies extend. Passionately performed, though it's not your typical slow worship presentation, I would recommend ALL worship teams add this to their list if they can pull it off.  Without a doubt one of my favorites. "Would you look at us, we say we know your love.  Still we think if we fail, somehow you won't be enough.  Your mercy is an ocean deep. Your grace is washing over me.  Your grace is a like a wildfire chasing after me."

"Hearing a song can conjure memories as fresh and real as though they happened yesterday. For this reason, music can be an integral part of our personal histories. As believers, it has the power to become part of our journey’s story."- Jason Roy

     Lyrically this album has taken me a bit by surprise if I'm honest, it's personally hit me pretty hard.  The band makes it clear that they write songs that they feel are relevant to things they have experienced and others can relate to.  Hats off to them on that note, at least for me.  

     Questioning things that are happening in the world and feeling like nothing we do seems to make a difference is one thing I struggle with.  Be With Us Now triggered a deep emotional response out of me. "Help us to be faithful while we're waiting, when time goes by and nothing seems to change.  Cause Lord we need your hope, we need your healing."

     Heart's Collide is definitely one that will have you humming the melody later before you even know the words. Calling the church to rise up and collide showing the world what we are made of.  "You and I are like fire in the sky, we gotta show'em what we're made of.  There's nothing we're afraid of. One for all, even up against the wall, we will answer the call."  Very relevant to the persecution many are being faced with in this day and hour.

     Following down the same message lane, Unashamed has brought many believers together to stand and be counted as one who will not be ashamed to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savoir.  "I can't help but speak of the things you've done.  So let my life proclaim, I am unashamed.  I won't hide your name.  So all the world will know, that you are all that I live for." 

      When believers were recently selected and murdered because of their Christian faith in Oregon, Building 429 rallied others to share their testimonies unashamed.  Not only by video but making notations on their hands to create conversation in public.  I have included three links below from people who share a few minutes of some very personal struggles that lead to wonderful testimonies of God's love and grace.   
Kassaundra Wysong's Testimony
Tiah Dean's Testimony
Ethan Harris's Testimony

 

     Stronger comes across as someone who is being bullied or abused singing to the person who is trying to hurt them. What we don't often understand is that those who hurt others are often seriously emotionally wounded and spiritually broken inside. This song is a representation of that and reiterates a personal testimony from lead singer Jason, who was assaulted by someone and instead of pressing charges, he sees the man sitting alone in the court and forgives him and tells him Jesus loves him.  "I'm looking at your hands and I see scars, looking at the remnants of your broken heart when you push me.  You got less than you deserved, so you need someone to hurt. I want you to know that I'm getting stronger with every punch you throw."

     Go is a testament of faith to be obedient to whatever God calls us do to.  Earth Shaker is basically about the call that all of us have on our lives if we have been redeemed through the blood of Christ.  "I want to be a skyscraper, reaching for you. I want to be the game changer that's living for you."  Both of these songs call us to get up and show the world what His love and His life was all about.  If people are going to receive this revelation it's going to be through the life we live and the way we represent Christ to them.  

     It's a tough pick for me what my favorite track is on Unashamed, but Eyes Up is one of those melodies that I can't ever stop singing since reviewing this collection of goodies. Not only are the lyrics encouraging, but the delivery of this song just makes you happy. "You and I will be alright, God is always on our side, on our side. Go on lift your eyes up." This is truly a joyful song that reminds us that no matter what all we have to do it look to hills where our help comes from.  

     Though Building 429 may have not been recognized for their gifts and talents completely until 2005.  One thing is for certain, this release through Provident Label Group  a decade after their breakout moment is all the more proof that they are being used by God to unashamedly proclaim the gospel through their musical gifts and lyrical artistry. 

 

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Gordon Mote Applies His Own Touch of Genius

 Hymns and Songs of Inspiration

     Sometimes we take for granted the simple gifts that God bestows upon the individuals He uses to bless us in the music industry. One of the most genuine psalmists that I have heard use his talent not only in voice but on the keys of the piano is Mr. Gordon Mote.

     A welcoming presence among many well known country artists winning him the Academy of Country Music's top piano/keyboard player award twice over. Also a familiar face on the Gaither Homecoming Tour, Gordon carries a long list of albums and award nominations including winning the instrumentalist award in 2009 and 2011. 

    
     His previous album All Things New, released in 2013 through New Haven Records won him a Dove Award Nomination and the excitement of having artists he's played for join him in the creation process. A few of the artists you will hear featured are Josh Turner, Darius Rucker, Sheryl Crow, Trace Adkins, Matthew West and The Gaither Vocal Band.

     Gordon puts his own touch on the strings of your heart and soul and brings new life into some old and new favorites on his latest release Hymns And Songs of Inspiration.  Gordon shared why he felt compelled to put his musical signature on these wonderful melodies. 
    

     “Growing up in our little town of Gadsden, AL, our whole family would listen as Harry Butler hosted ‘Songs of Inspiration’ every Sunday morning on WGAD Radio. Even though we were just kids, my brother and I couldn’t wait to hear the latest songs from new and familiar groups. Over the decades, ‘Songs of Inspiration’ has blessed—and still blesses--lots of folks. In some small way, I’m hoping to honor and extend that legacy with this new project.”


     Amongst the traditional hymns you will find his own magical spin on some recent worship powerhouse favorites like Holy Spirit (Jesus Culture) and Because He Lives (Chris Tomlin &  Matt Maher). 

     There is one original which is perfectly timed to what we see happening in the world today titled, Only Jesus Can Heal This Hurting World.

     I found myself tearing up when I first heard this song because he seriously sings from his heart what many of us are feeling. "We need to admit we can't fix what's going wrong.  But there's someone that can do what we've needed all along.  Only Jesus can heal this hurting world. No One can love like He does, heart by heart and one by one."

     A few of the hymns that stayed pretty true to the original melodies were Precious Lord Take My Hand, Great Is Thy Faithfulness and O, The Blood.

     I have heard a lot of versions of Just A Closer Walk With Thee, but the jazzy feel Gordon sprinkled on this oldie but goodie made it appear new.  Another favorite of mine was his slight rockabilly rendition of Power In The Blood. 

     You will also hear his interpretation of other familiar favorites in Tis So Sweet, When We All Get To Heaven, I Surrender All and Just As I Am. 

     Since the blood of Jesus is the reason we have freedom to sing, freedom to worship and the purpose behind the promotion of the Gospel I wanted to share the video below of Gordon sharing O' The Blood. 

     For those who are a fan of Gordon's music you don't want to miss out on this gem.  I would also recommend this timeless treasure of classics and new favorites for anyone who enjoys inspirational worship melodies. 

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Jason Crabb Takes You Down a DIfferent Road



     Singer, Songwriter, Actor and Author, Jason Crabb is not one that generally needs to be introduced to anyone.  Not only does he have a street named after him in his hometown of Beaver Dam, Kentucky but he's been linked to over 21 Dove Awards including the amazing Crabb Family recordings.   


     Most people regardless of musical preference have either been a fan or have at least heard of Jason and seen his families presence for almost two decades through the Christian music industry. 


     Stepping out into his first solo recording in 2009, he earned his first Grammy award. This year, he took a leap of faith into a new sound production through Reunion Records, released on September 18, 2015.  Though it is his fifth solo project it is his first with Reunion bringing with him the same passion and spirit behind the performances we've all come to know and love. 

     I remember over a decade ago I happened to be a choir member at Pastor Todd Hoskins Church.  

Jason Crabb, Pastor Hoskins and Aaron Crabb

Pastor Hoskins and the Crabb Family  have always been good friends and they came to perform one weekend and invited the choir to sing the well known anthem Through The Fire  along with them.  During that time of my life I was in the fire and that moment is one that I will always remember and be thankful to be a part of.

     I had the opportunity to meet Jason and his family that weekend and talked to him for awhile and though he probably wouldn't remember me, he was one of the nicest people I had ever met.  Him and his family are about as friendly and down to earth as they come.  They always stay humble and thankful for all that God has done for them both in their lives and in their ministries.  I'm sure Jason does not fall short in his gratitude for the opportunity he was given to bless his listeners with this new sound he has created.

     "Whatever The Road" God has planned for Jason ahead one thing is for sure, this album prepares a platform that opens many new avenues for his music to be heard.  With a more contemporary sound throughout, while not completely losing his country gospel roots he integrates a little old with a little new creating a special unique delivery that no one else is currently providing in the industry. 

     He Knows What He's Doing (video below), is a heartfelt profession of trusting God in the unknown and the heartache. This song demonstrates his natural ability to share a relevant message passionately. "His ways are higher than our own whatever the road."

     The melody on Never Gonna Let Me Go is one that definitely gets you nodding your head.  Often times before we know Christ we walk through troubled times alone and in darkness without hope.  This song expresses the joy found in a worshiper who knows He always has His arms around us no matter what.  "I can't hold back, I can't contain it.  For all He's done, Jesus my Savior"

     As I listen to the album I hear different songs that seem like they should already be on the radio.  Chance For A Miracle in my opinion will be one of the favorites off the album by many people.  Great vocals by Jason and the message is for just about anyone who hears it.  "And then I'm heart heavy, halfway through the midnight hour.  Waiting for the sun to rise.  Still hoping; still praying; There's an answer waiting on the other side.  It might look to difficult, it might look impossible.  But Oh God let it be a chance for a miracle."

     If I Shout will take many of Jason's long time listeners right to a place they want to be.  A perfect combination of gospel/contemporary and vocals that won't stop this truly is a great story of why we can't help but to celebrate what we have found in Christ."For anyone who knows they've got a future and home beyond the grave. Every life's a different story, how He led us out of darkness into light.  There's no way to keep us silent, every breaths another chance to testify."

     

      One of the things Jason has always been is a family man.  It's A Good Life is a representation of staying true to living life to the fullest no matter how busy or hectic things seem to get. Jason and his wife Shellye are a testimony of a union held together tight through the love of Christ.  I think they have found the fountain of youth as well because it seems they don't age a bit! "But it's a good life, it's a real good life and these are the days that we will want back.  It's a good life, it's a real good life.  So hold on tight girl, it's moving fast." 

     Home will be a favorite for those who long to enter into our next destination. "How beautiful Heaven must be, sweet home of the happy and free. Absent from the body with Jesus at last.  Destination Heaven, cares all past." This Life For You testifies the desire to want to please the Lord in all that we do.  "When all is said and all is done.  My time on Earth is through, may all my days say one thing, I lived this life for you."

     We have all experienced things that cannot be explained away by chance.  The intervention that comes by the mighty hand of God don't make sense in the natural state. Mysterious Ways tells a story of a young man and his friend who walk away from an accident without a scratch and end up giving his life to the Lord.  

     One of my personal favorites off the album, You Are Good expresses the gratitude toward our Heavenly Father of the sacrifices He gave to set us free.  "For my life, you felt the pain of every step. My crown of thorns upon your head I won't forget.  You've opened up my eyes to see, you are good."

     For those who have always loved hearing Jason throw his heart out in a vocally passionate encouraging masterpiece, He Won't Leave You There will be your song of the year. Brilliantly written and award worthy,  I almost thought I heard an emotional moment in the recording, where Jason got choked up. Written to touch the heart of someone going through a difficult season in life, he wraps himself in the unfolding of this vocally rich expression of hope.  I would love to be present to see him perform this one live. 
     
     Whatever The Road, will delightfully surprise long time fans and without a doubt gain Jason a new listening audience. He has crossed the lines creating a new sound that is genuine and authentic. There is something special that awaits anyone who decides to see where this road leads.

“I’ve never wanted to be pigeon-holed. I just wanted to make music. I finally found that if you're part of the creative process of the song, then it becomes you. With this record, I feel like it's a little more of who I am than what I’ve been. It’s where I want to be and it's wonderful.”

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Interview with Matt Fuqua From the Afters

The Afters Interview and Live Show 

With Kyle Sherman

     Every so often I find myself intrigued by a song, regardless if I know who the artist is singing it or not. I form connections to certain lyrics and melodies for one reason or another. About five months back when I first heard the song “Every Good Thing”, which has been number one in Christian radio for the last three weeks. I nicknamed it my happy song. The melody was extremely catchy and the lyrics a reminder of all the blessings we have in our lives we often take for granted.


     A few months later after being recommended by friends I decided to watch the movie October Baby. At the end of the movie, a song started playing that I thought was superb. I went to my computer and googled, “Life is Beautiful”. Lo and behold the same band who sang my happy song was also the artist of this fantastically placed melody at the end of October Baby.

     I immediately went to amazon and ordered "The Afters" fourth album “Life is Beautiful” and they quickly became my in car addiction. I spoke with Matt Fuqua, vocalist and guitar player for "The Afters" last week. He was gracious enough to spare a few moments away from his family to speak to me about how the band met, where the heart of the new album came from and future plans on tour and in the studio.

     It’s not unusual for God to bring people together to glorify His kingdom in the most unexpected ways. Being involved in different roles of worship at a young age these Starbucks Barista’s began singing orders out while at work.  It wasn’t long before they started playing together outside of steaming milk and formed a fan base under the name of Bliss. Eventually that named changed to who we now know as The Afters.

     Since I was unfamiliar with previous albums released by The Afters I asked Matt what he felt was different about this album compared to their previous releases.

Matt: “As we have gotten older, we have finally hit a stride that we hadn’t quite arrived at yet. As a song writer, it’s an expression of self and it takes a while for a group of guys to be comfortable sharing experiences with each other. On this album we were able to write with a degree of honesty and vulnerability that we hadn’t quite reached until now.“

Me: “So do you think there are specific areas in your lives that you could pin point that brought you to that place of openness in yourselves enough with each other to allow those emotions to be shared?”

Matt: “I think to a great degree there probably are, but it’s not so much a specific experience. It’s a combination of where our walk with God is and what God is teaching us. You know we got to a point where we realized in our spiritual journey that God is with us in our sufferings, to use those things to the good of His Kingdom. It’s seeing God in all the good and all the bad and the beautiful and the ugly. People often question if God is really working in their lives when they are going through hardships, but when you get to a place where you can see Him even in those moments you can’t be misled by emotions, you have to trust His plan.”

Me: “Have you seen a change in your fan base, reflecting on the difference in content of your music and your spiritual maturity?”

Matt: “Well, yeah I think our fans have gotten older, as we have gotten older (laughs), you know something happens when you have kids. I think that comes through in our songs. I believe when you sing songs about what really matters most like God, family and community and these things that everyone can relate to, people of all ages begin to enjoy that message. I think what we are writing about now is relatable to a broader audience.”

   The Afters may not be known world-wide by name but many like me have been blessed by their music in ways they don’t even know. Winning the Dove Award in 2009 for rock/contemporary album of the year and touring constantly they are no stranger to the stage. Their music has also been featured on several popular television shows and in the recently divinely orchestrated ending of the movie October Baby. 

     Matt explained to me that “Life is Beautiful” was the fastest song they had ever written. What usually takes them six months came to perfection in only a few hours. Their manager played the song for one of the directors of the movie that was already scheduled to release and he loved the song so much they rescheduled the movie release date to incorporate it. If you watch the movie, it appears the song was written for the movie, in actuality God intervened and used the band to create the perfect ending.


     The Afters plan to kick off their Life is Beautiful tour in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio on March 27.

     I was thankful that I had another chance to take part in worship with Kyle Sherman who I had previously enjoyed on the Road Show Tour. I was also looking forward to enjoying worshiping along with Mark and his fellow band mates Josh Havens (lead vocals/musician), bass player Dan Ostebo, and behind the drums Jordan Mohilowski.

Signing autographs Kyle on the left and The Afters huddled around with my concert crew I brought with me.

Matt: “Yeah we just finished up our tour with Steven Curtis Chapman a week ago and now we are getting excited about our next tour. We normally only do one spring tour so we are looking forward to doing two. We will be changing it up a little bit and we will be travelling with our great friend Kyle Sherman who is a Texas boy like myself, so I’m a little partial to him. He is such a likable guy and we are all super excited about that.”

     Personable is a word I would use for all of these young men, including Kyle. I have been to many concerts with many different bands and each time I come home experiencing the presence of God in a different way.  I did not know what to expect from The Afters during their live show.

     I can tell you now that I am home that they are still at heart, worship leaders to the core. These guys love the people of God, and love God even more. 

     They are family men carrying the gift that God has given them around the world and letting their light shine for as many as will come to gather with them to honor Him. They involve the people in praise and incorporate known worship songs into their separate acoustic set and love to meet as many people afterwards as they can.

     For those who hunger and thirst for righteousness praise and worship is not a concert and it is not a show. It’s a broken hallelujah that comes from the heart when love is in the air that flows from breast to breast within’ the body. It’s our hands raised high to the one who makes every good thing. 

     When you breathe in and breathe out no matter what you are facing and find your way to Him in your life, it’s in moments like this that you believe what we are here for. In my eyes, The Afters want people to trust that God is with you always in this life. Life is Beautiful is a must have album for anyone and everyone.  I highly recommend picking up Kyle Sherman’s album as well. 

     It was a pleasure to meet Kyle and The Afters at the end of the event. I look forward to the fall line-up they are working on and seeing them again, as well as anxiously awaiting a new album from them now that they are on my radar in high gear. Blessings to these carriers of the good news as they travel from city to city and safely back to their families.

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Upcoming Tour Dates For The Afters

Interview with Shonlock

2011 Dove Awards Interview with Shonlock

    
     The Christian music industry over the last five years has witnessed the birth of many R&B and hip-hop artists rising to the number one spot on the Christian music charts. Recently slaying this arena is long time choreographer, lyricists and dancer, Mr. Deshon Bullock. Better known in the playing field as Shonlock and his crew Da Monsta.

     You may see his footprints through many platforms, like in the production of Mandisa’s hit song Love Somebody, which he co-wrote. Shonlock has also worked on projects and shows with Aaliyah, Arrested Development, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, and Nicole C. Mullins to name a few. His most talked about involvement has been with Christian music veteran Toby Mac, who hired him to travel with him and be a show choreographer and dancer.

With a fan wearing something in your eyes t-shirt

     This warm spirited and gifted young man has created many wonderful messages for a generation of youth and adults that are geared more toward the message with a bass beat and lyrically challenging groove. Arrow/Universal records knew what they were doing when they signed Shonlock in 2009. His #1 single Something in your eyes has made him a strong contender for a nomination in the 2012 annual Dove Awards. I found out during our interview he will be alongside two of the 2011 Dove Award nominees  on tour this fall, which is a treat you don’t want to miss!

     If you are curious what CD this multi-gifted hip-hop artist chooses to listen to, this interview will be very eye opening for you. You will learn what inspires this young man to stay true to his faith and yet still show the world you can have fun as an artist. A person just trying to stay straight or simply a teenager facing the difficult scenarios surrounding them on a day to day basis.

Me: “So, tell me how you guys came up with the name of your group?

Shonlock: “Oh, yeah, Da Monsta. Our band name kind of signifies what I feel the body of Christ is as a whole. You know that needs to be our mentality. We are a massive army for Christ”

Me: “So, how many members make up Da Monsta team?”

Shonlock: “Let’s see we have Monte, Robert, Shatier and Dakari. Really great guys to work with. We always have a lot of fun.”

Me: “Yeah, I was watching a video you had where you and one of the band members were working on a song, he was playing his guitar part.”

Shonlock: “Yeah, that was Robert.”

Me: “He seemed like he was really laid back is he always like that?”

Shonlock: (Laughing) “Oh Robert, no that was very unusual.”

Me: “Who would you say your musical influences are or anyone that influences you and what CD are you currently listening to?”

Shonlock: “Really, Toby Mac has been a great influence on me both musically and spiritually you know, he is always there for me if I need to talk you know. No matter if it’s about music or not. As far as what CD I am listening to right now, (grinning with hesitation) Taylor Swift.”

Me: “Really? (grinning myself) I really did not expect that for some reason kind of threw me off on that note.”

Shonlock: “Yeah, I know a little strange huh? A Christian hip-hop artist listening to a country girl. But you know I am big on lyrics and I can just relate so much to the stuff she sings about. It’s really a great album.”

Me: "It’s obvious that God gifted you musically in many ways, how long ago was it that you surrendered your gifts to Him for His purposes?”

Shonlock: “Well, let me see, it was about ten years ago. You know I traveled a lot and worked with a bunch of different artists. I moved out and away from those positive influences and stumbled a bit and wasn’t really living it you know?

However, about eight years ago when I moved back to Nashville I started working with the Katinas, and some other great groups. You know God just pierced my heart. Toby Mac just so happened to be at a show where I was working with Nicole C Mullins and he seen me just flipping off the speakers and he said, “I got to get that guy”.

Me: “That is awesome, what would you say your favorite scripture is, if you had to pick one?”

Shonlock: “Wow, there is just so many. I guess I would have to say John 10:10 comes to mind. You know He wants us to live life to the fullest. Loving Him and having fun doing it. You know and share that happiness with others.”

Me: “So how often do you and the band practice and do you all struggle with each other at all?”

Shonlock: “Right now we usually try to have rehearsals at least twice a week. You know we have been together for nine years so you know struggles yeah. But prayer really helps with all that. You know we try to keep each other accountable. Especially when we are out on the road, we will not leave each other alone. Not everyone has the same abilities and weaknesses so we just keep each other’s back. But prayer really is a lot of it.”

Me: “So speaking of struggles. What do you think as a Christian you feel you battle with the most?”

Shonlock: “Funny you should ask that cause it recently happened to me again. You know when God tells you to do something or talk to someone and you feel insecure cause you don’t really feel like they are going to want to hear you?

Then God keeps putting that person in your path and you still keep shying away from it? I would say that is my biggest struggle, cause later I always see that if I am not obedient He will send someone else to do it and I need to just start doing it because it’s a window of opportunity that He is opening.”

Me: “So, what are your plans for touring this year? You got any big plans? You think you will swing through Ohio?”

Shonlock: “Actually yes, we are getting ready to do a fall tour with Group 1 Crew and Rapture Ruckus. I think we are going to be hitting the mid-west too. If not on that tour then we will be coming through I think for the Alive Festival.”

Me: “Music has a huge impact on the youth today that are facing so many different struggles, as a role model, what advice do you have to encourage the future generations?”

Shonlock: “Wow, you know follow the passion God has put in their heart. Whatever passions they may be turn them over to God. He will take them and mold them and use them for good. Just because you give your heart to God it does not make you a square. You can still have fun as a Christian."

Me: “Have you been a part of a ministry in your local church?”

Shonlock: “Actually yes, I saw a lot of young men coming forth quite a bit and they really did not have anyone to talk to them about the real struggles they would face you know as a young man. So I started this group up called NOTASIN. That actually stands for Nobles Out To Achieve Something Incredible Now. It gives them someone to talk to and helps them succeed in life.”

Me: “As an artist, how would you define success?”

Shonlock: “You know I think it is the impact that you leave with people. You might have missed it if all you do is talk about yourself. It comes down to the impression you leave of God with that person.”

Me with Deshon at the end of the interview

     The Father of two boys a six-year old and a 19th month old and married to a Pastors daughter, Deshon comes across as a very fun loving southern young man. I doubt anyone who has the blessing of crossing paths with him will not feel the love of Christ from his spirit. Don’t forget to check out Hello, which was released to radio stations on April 20, 2011 it is bound to be an incredible addition to his already chart topping creations! When this Monsta shows up, the only mashing that is going to be happening is on the face of the devil.  

Shonlocks Words of Wisdom 

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.

Check Out His Website Here

    Watch the Official Video For Hello.