ISAAC CARREE

• Interviews
• August 4th

Isaac Carree is best known as one of the front vocalists for one of the most popular contemporary Gospel quartets, Men of Standard. 5 albums in and a greatest hits CD, MOS decided to take an indefinite hiatus and individually pursue outside endeavors.

As Isaac prepares to release his first debut CD “Uncommon Me,” coming this September, I sat down with him to find out exactly why Men of Standard actually took a break, why he and Lowell released CD’s at the same time and what we can expect from “Uncommon Me.”

How did Men of Standard come together?

Well, after singing with John P. Kee, Lowell and I were just trying to find our way from a musical standpoint. I started doing stage plays with Michael Matthews from ’94-’96. In ’96, Lowell and I decided to start Men of Standard. The crazy part was it was only the two of us, so we had to find two more members. I knew Bryan from one of the plays. I knew he had a dope voice, a great personality and he was a preacher.  So we recruited Bryan and another friend introduced us to Michael, so that’s how the group started.

Why do you think male groups tend to stay together longer than female groups?

Guys don’t hold on to stuff. Guys aren’t emotional like that. We have issues, we talk about it, we fuss, we may fight, but when it’s over with, it’s over. We are able to separate business from everything else. So with that being said, Men of Standard was able to gel and have a chemistry that allowed us to always be honest and trustworthy. We never let anybody divide the group. We knew people were trying to get Lowell to do a solo album and others were trying to get me to do a solo album outside the group. But we didn’t let those things infiltrate the group. We showed loyalty to each other.

Why did Mike leave the group?

Mike wanted to do some other things. Mike is a writer and he really wanted to do some mainstream stuff. He felt like his time with the group was up. It was funny because we had just gotten out of our deal with Malaco Records and we were about to sign with Sony. We were like, “Are you sure you want to walk away now?” He said he was burned out, so we totally understood. But all of us still talk either everyday or at least once a week.

The money was being split four ways. Were you financially ok?

Interestingly enough, we were making money all those years, and that’s all we did. If you think about it, praise and worship gigs weren’t the jumpoff back then. These days everyone has a church gig now. If you were trying to do music, you didn’t have another outlet if you weren’t doing shows or concerts or if you weren’t writing or producing. God stayed with us!  We would record a CD almost every 2 years and after that we would do shows. We would do so many shows in between that money was always coming in. On top of that, back then there was only one of us in the group that was married, which was Bryan. So we didn’t have the large overhead of families. But don’t get it twisted, in the beginning we could take care of our bills, but that was about it!!

How did you guys agree on taking a break from Men of Standard? Was everyone in favor of it?

About two and half years ago we were doing a show in Milwaukee at Bishop Hines’ church. Some things had been tugging on us individually and we hadn’t communicated it to each other because we didn’t want anyone to feel abandoned. Wanting to go in a different direction could take money out of someone else’s mouth. So we all sat down after the conference and laid it all out. Bryan expressed that as a pastor he needed to be at his church on a consistent basis and Lowell and I wanted to do some different things. When you’re doing things collectively God can bless you, but He also has things for you individually. And what happens is you get so comfortable being in a collective situation that you miss out on all of your individual blessings.

So was it your plan to do a solo album?

I never wanted to do a solo album. I was always cool singing background. So we sat down as a group and put together a five to seven year plan. I wanted Low and I to do a duet album, like Dawkins&Dawkins or Mary Mary. But Lowell felt it was our time to do separate projects. So he was really instrumental in pushing me out there!

Why is it that your CD and Lowell’s are being released so close to each other? It could appear to be a little competitive.

The reason we’ve done albums at the same time is because we don’t think it will affect one another. Lowell’s style of singing and music is totally different than mine. He is more of a quartet church dude, who can do contemporary. I am more of a contemporary, urban dude, who can do church. It’s like if J. Moss and Smokie Norful put out an album at the same time, they pretty much wont affect each other in a negative way. So ultimately, if I win, he wins and if he wins, I win, because we’re a team. I know people are going to come out and say well I like Lowell’s better than Ike’s or vice versa, but it’s all to our benefit.

What is your biggest fear as a solo artist?

It’s funny that you asked me that because I know the bible says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind.” But I really struggle with fear in my life: fear of dying, fear of not accomplishing goals, fear of people not liking my music, etc.  I read books about it, I talk to Kirk, talk to different people, different artists and pastors who I trust spiritually to help me through this process. To know it’s me, myself and I when I step on stage puts me in a place where I have to totally lean and depend on God and that’s scary, man. It’s more mental than anything else. The spiritual side of it is that I don’t want to ever walk on stage so confident where I don’t have to lean and depend on God.

When is the album “Uncommon Me” going to be released?

Well, the single, “Redeemed” is on iTunes now. But the full album is coming in September! I worked with some really great producers. I worked with Adonis (Beyoncé, Alicia Keys), Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary), Harold Lilly (Fantasia, Angie Stone) and others! I have a duet with Eric Dawkins from Dawkins and Dawkins that is incredible. And I went back to where I started and did a song with John P. Kee.  I’m just excited about the whole album! This album was designed and originated to show people who Isaac Caree really is because you never really get the true essence of a person as long as they’re behind someone else.

What’s behind the title “Uncommon Me?”

I entitled this project “Uncommon Me” because in this journey I found things about myself that I didn’t realize from a musical and personality stand point.  I had to see my fears, my insecurities and my shortcomings. I had people fooled like I had it all together, but I didn’t.  I grew up in a home without a father, which devastated me. Then I got married at a young age, had two kids and then divorced because I never had a father to show me how to be a good man.  Then I got remarried six years ago and I have a wonderful family, but even still, having to blindly walk this road alone, just God and me, is scary. God said,” I don’t want you to be common. I don’t want you to be regular. I don’t want you to just be ordinary, be extraordinary. Get back to who I made you to be and who I made you is the good, the bad, and the ugly”. What we try to do is cover up the bad with the good and make people think that we got it all together, and God’s like, “No, I want to use your ugly too. Your ugly is going to help somebody else come out.” So I entitled the record “Uncommon Me.”

How do you feel about Gospel artists being called “celebrities?”

How can you be a Gospel artist, but be a celebrity? That is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. I’m not saying you can’t be successful, but success doesn’t equal celebrity. I don’t think the gospel was intended for people to be celebrities and stars. Bill Gates is not a celebrity. He’s successful and rich, but that doesn’t make him a celebrity. Beyoncé is a celebrity. Usher is a celebrity. The genre of music and the lifestyle they’re in can put them in that platform. But we don’t sing about ourselves, we sing about a Higher Power, we sing about Jesus. So they can sing about their cars, their houses, their cribs, their jewelry, their wives, and whatever else. Everything that we sing is about Jesus, so how does that make me a celebrity? I’m glorifying somebody else. So I just don’t get that whole thing. I said that to say, I’m a regular person.

ISAAC’S 10 RANDOM TRUTHS

1. 1. Favorite Kirk Franklin song? “Hosanna.”
2. 2. Least favorite Men of Standard song? “MOS Praise Party.”
3. 3. Smokie Norful or Deitrick Haddon? Deitrick Haddon.
4. 4. Bungee jump or skydive? Skydive.
5. 5. Favorite R&B female singer? Brandy.
6. 6. Most underrated female Gospel singer? Crystal Aikin.
7. 7. 112, Dru Hill, Jagged Edge or Boyz II Men? 112.
8. 8. Favorite ice cream flavor? Breyers butter pecan
9. 9. A song you wish you would have recorded? “Let Go” by DeWayne Woods.
10. Take 6, Commissioned, The Winans or Men Standard? Of course Commissioned.

GOD’S IMAGE

• Interviews
• October 12th

Brandon, Curtis, Lamont and Marlon make up the foursome known as God’s Image! Since the release of their national self-titled debut, these guys have been quietly creeping up on the scene and doing so in a very big way. I dubbed their video “Get Up” as one of the best videos from a new artist that I’ve seen in a long time. They’re a really cool group of guys that I had a really good time talking to. I believe God is going to continue to grow and expand their ministry because you can tell their motives are 100% true to spreading the Gospel!

P.S. Marlon wasn’t available for this interview, so that’s why you don’t see his name anywhere.

How long have the four of you been singing together?

We’ve been singing together for 10 years. We all went to the same high school in Virginia and we used to sing in choir together. We were all friends, so it was just a natural fit for us to be in a group together.

Did you always want to sing Gospel?

Yeah, we always knew we wanted to be a Gospel group. The whole vision behind the ministry is to take the message of Jesus Christ to the world, but our image and music have a more mainstream appeal so those outside the church could receive the message.

The public is just beginning to know who God’s Image is with the release of the new CD. Did you ever just want to give up in the past?

No. We never thought about giving up. Although it’s not always easy, we always knew our mission. The race is not given to the swift but to the strong. We endured until God blessed us.

Did you release any CDs independently before this album?

We released two EPs regionally and sold them at different concerts. This is our first CD with national distribution, so it’s exciting for all of us. Most of the CD was produced by Derek ‘DC’ Clark of Hitland Entertainment. It was great working with Derek. He definitely pushed us harder than we had ever been pushed before. Vocally, he pulled sounds out of us that we didn’t even know were there. The Kirk Franklin remake “Silver and Gold” we recorded at 2am. It was crazy, but it turned out really hot. We also produced a couple of songs on the album ourselves.

How did you guys decide on remaking the Kirk Franklin classic “Silver & Gold?”

Well we knew we wanted to do a cover song and we were throwing around a couple of songs; “Tis So Sweet”was one of them and “Silver and Gold” was the other. Derek was sold on “Silver and Gold,” so that’s why we went with that one.

Do you know if Kirk Franklin has heard your version yet?

We don’t know if he’s heard it or not. But we would love to know what he thinks! Hopefully he will like it.

Are any of you married?

LAMONT: I just got married in December. Everybody else is single. We dated for 8 years before we finally tied the knot.

Does it ever get hard to maintain relationships with such a busy travel schedule?

LAMONT: Well my wife understands because she’s been there from the beginning so she understands the call on my life and the ministry of G.I. Our schedule still fluctuates right now. Some times are busier than others. The dates are really starting to come in though. We did a promo tour that was very successful also, so it’s all been a blessing.

What’s the most difficult part about being in the entertainment business?

The hardest thing about this business is the constant grind. Whether it’s traveling, practicing, speaking somewhere or singing at a concert it’s a sacrifice of your life and time. When you commit to ministry you can’t just sit at home, you have to go out and promote God’s message. You always have to be in your Word and be prayed up at all times.

Do you guys ever get into arguments or disagree about things?

Marlon and Brandon go at it all the time, but it’s all in love. We always stick with each other through the tough times and keep it moving. We know our purpose, so we stay focused with that in mind.

Have you guys started making any money yet?

We’ve made money on the road, but from a label standpoint, not really. We are steadily growing. We have our own label and a distribution deal with “Black Smoke Music.” We are trying to take care of the business, so we can reap the financial benefits. We’ve seen a few royalty checks off of our singles, so we can’t complain. We also run other businesses aside from our label. Marlon and Lamont run a recording studio and Brandon has a music management company.

I know you guys do more than sing. What instruments do you play?

Curtis and Brandon both play keys. Lamont plays drums. And Marlon plays bass guitar. You may see us play for ourselves out on the road, but most of the time we have a band play for us.

What music are you guys listening to these days?

CURTIS: I’m a big fan of Fred Hammond and Kirk Franklin, so I’m always listening to them. LAMONT: I’m really into Tye Tribbett, Mali Music, 21:03 and I’m a HUGE Musiq Soulchild fan!! BRANDON: I like Shirley Ceasar, Canton Spirituals, Mali Music, Kierra Sheard, Mary Mary, Michael Jackson and The Temptations. I get into old school music.

I saw you guys perform on “106 & Gospel”. What was that like?

It was great being on that show. The whole experience was memorable. The show could have done very well if it had been given a chance. A lot of viewers tried to compare it to BET’s “106 & Park,” but that wasn’t a fair comparison when it only aired once a week. It was a big let down when the show was cancelled.

What message do you want to leave with all your fans about G.I.?

We firmly believe in being good artists and just because you do Gospel music doesn’t mean you can’t produce a quality product. We are representing God so we have to be even better. We want to touch the lives of young people and let them know that living for God is ok and He is the only One who can make things better for you. Surround yourself with positive people, try to live right and keep friends around that will hold you accountable for your actions!

GOD’S IMAGE 18 RANDOM TRUTHS: (Please don’t ask me what happened to the other two questions because I have no idea!)

1. Who sleeps the most? Curtis!
2. BRANDON: Favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Waffles, eggs and bacon.
3. LAMONT: Favorite TV show? “House.”
4. CURTIS: Favorite R&B male group? “Boyz II Men.”
5. LAMONT: Favorite R&B female group?“SWV.”
6. BRANDON: Last movie you saw? “The Five Heartbeats.”
7. BRANDON: What age do you see yourself married? 30.
8. CURTIS: How many kids do you want? 3.
9. BRANDON: Who did you want to win “Sunday Best?” Y’Anna Crawley.
10. LAMONT: Take 6, Men of Standard or Commissioned? “Commissioned.”
11. CURTIS:Virtue, Zie’l, Trin-i-tee 5:7 or Mary Mary? “Mary Mary.”
12. BRANDON: Lima beans or Brussels sprouts? Lima beans.
13. CURTIS: Mercedes, Lexus or BMW? “Lexus.”
14. BRANDON: One Producer that you would love to work with? Quincy Jones.
15. ALL: Who takes the longest to learn their part? Marlon.
16. ALL:Who is the mama’s boy of the group? Brandon.
17. ALL: Who is the most shy? Brandon.
18. What do you want to major in, in College? LAMONT: Music Media

DARLENE MCCOY

• Interviews
• September 22nd

One word comes to mind when I think about this interview with newcomer Darlene McCoy and that’s “LAUGH.” I don’t think I’ve laughed with any artist more than I did with Darlene McCoy. I don’t know if this is how she is all the time, but she had me laughing non- stop and to be honest I don’t really know what we were laughing about.  I was so excited to interview the mother of 3 because her debut CD is on my list of favorite CD’s. If you missed my review on her album go back and check it out. But just to reiterate, I LOVE IT!!!

How did you get hooked up with mega producer Dallas Austin?

My husband grew up with Dallas. We have been friends with Dallas for years and never even thought about having him help us with a project because our relationship wasn’t about business. Now Dallas and my husband have a production company together called “Darp Inspiration.” So one day we were just all sitting around and Dallas was like, “So when are we going to work on some music together?” My husband was the driving force getting me to seriously consider it. It was crazy because when we went in the studio and laid down a couple of songs as a little demo, I really wasn’t thinking much of it. I especially wasn’t thinking about a record deal or anything serious at that point. I had been working in corporate America for 12 years and was very successful, so my head wasn’t even in the entertainment business at all. My music career is truly a testament of the Lord working His hand in my life and the direction He had for me.

How did you get signed to EMI?

To make a long story short, I was singing background for Darwin Hobbs and he was signed to EMI at the time and he eventually walked my demo into the label. They liked what they heard and there you have it.

You had one of the most sought after producers in the industry working on your album. How was that?

It was wonderful. I had a blast. But it took a while to record my album because Dallas was so busy. Like you said everyone in the industry wants to work with him, so I had to wait my turn.

What was it like recording your first solo debut?

It was fun, stressful, hard and easy. It was a little bit of everything. It really just depended on what I was working on or who I was working with. The easiest song was probably “Simply Because.” I had a writing session with Antonio Neal and we were sitting around for 2 hours and we couldn’t come up with anything. He stepped out for a minute and came back singing a melody. We ended up doing that song in 15 minutes. The hardest song to record was “Finally. Darwin Hobbs started off singing background vocals on it and then that changed by the time the final mix of the song was done. “Finally” just went through so many phases lyrically and musically before it was eventually completed. I loved working with “Darkchild.” I went and recorded at Rodney Jerkins’ house and that alone is a sight to see. I almost flipped out when the gates opened for me! They worked me in the booth though! They had me singing in the rafters. (lol) The song I did with PAJAM “If There Were No You” was actually supposed to go on J. Moss’ CD “V2,” but it ended up on my album. I would say Tommy Simms was one of the producers that pushed me the hardest. He got things out of me that I didn’t think were possible.

Do you prefer being in the studio or singing live?

I like singing live much better. I hate recording in the studio because I have to be perfect and I don’t like hearing myself in my own ears.

How difficult is it to balance the ministry side, but still handle the business at the same time?

When I first started it was all about ministry. That’s all I knew. A lot of times you realize you can’t operate freely in what you do because of the business. It’s a hard thing to balance when you are totally about ministry, but there are so many other people involved who have a say and a stake in your career. Even though it’s your name and your record, there are other people attached to it. You kind of have to get prepared for that.

Do you read critiques?

I do read them. The very first critique I read was not a good one and it was on the day my album came out. They were comparing me with Dallas Austin and the situation that he was dealing with over in Dubai. I have read a couple of reviews that literally brought me to tears before. My goal is that people are blessed. I don’t want them just dancing and saying she has a good sound. When someone tells me my project affected their life or I didn’t know Christ until I heard your song, that’s why I do what I do. It’s about getting people to have an encounter with God.

How well did your album sell?

I was very pleased with how it did. Now as far as my record company is concerned they may have had bigger goals for my project. My objective was never to be a big superstar. I was able to record a CD that will be around for the ages! A lot of people never get that opportunity, so I’m grateful.

Are you still signed to EMI?

I’m not signed to EMI anymore because they just couldn’t afford to keep me on the roster. It was contractual. In my contract it stated that if I sold a certain amount of albums that I would get an even bigger budget for my next project. The recession has affected every industry. But, there is absolutely no bad blood between me and EMI. They are so supportive of my music. You may see our relationship continue in a different capacity in the future.

How did you end up on the soundtrack “Diary of a Mad Black Woman?”

Dallas Austin was the executive producer of that soundtrack. I had actually submitted 7 songs that went along with the movie and none of them made it. Then one night Dallas came to see me at a watch night service and I sang “Fallen In Love” and he fell in love with that song! The rest is history.

Are you working on another CD?

There is a track listing in the works. I just have to record the songs. I’m definitely working with Dallas and Tommy Simms again. I’m looking for a particular sound for this new project. A lot of people don’t know me as a worshipper, but I am. I want them to know the depth of my ministry. I would love to work with Prince! I want him to do a nice God song with me. (lol) I think it would be great to work with Donald Lawrence also.

How did you become a radio personality?

I’m on the number one gospel station in the country, “Praise 102.5.” And to be quite frank, I don’t know what the heck I’m doing. But I love it. It’s crazy how it all came about. My song “Already Got Joy” started charting on Urban AC. The program director had me do a guest spot on his secular show. I was actually the Praise & Worship leader on CoCo Brother’s show and I would have a morning each week to minister to ladies on his show. Then I did a radio show with Canton Jones called “Judah Jams” on Saturday night. Two months later the programming director approached me about being a midday host. I was not excited at all about having to be somewhere every single day. But, we have worked it out now and everyone is happy. This radio show has been a wonderful experience and it’s allowed me to come out of artist/minister mode, and just be Darlene.

I hear you have a show in your living room?

I actually do. It’s an online chat show that I do from my living room and it’s called “In My Living Room.” It’s a live webcam setup and I sit and chat live with people all over the world. We talk about topics that nobody likes to talk about in the church. Some of the topics can be risqué, but they are topics that need to be talked about. I come up with all of the topics on my own. But, everyone is more than welcome to bring up topics they would like to discuss. It’s been a very effective tool for ministry. About 3 weeks ago, 3 young ladies gave their life to Christ in my living room. I can’t even remember what the topic was, but it was powerful. I’m chatting live once a week every Wednesday night at 10 p.m. @ darlenemccoytv.com. I encourage everyone to join us! I guarantee you will get a blessing and stimulating conversation with people all over the world.

DARLENE MCCOY’S 20 RANDOM TRUTHS

1. Favorite movie? “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” with Jim Carrey.
2. Favorite song on your album? “Finally.”
3. Favorite restaurant? “Magianos.”
4. Favorite comedian? D.L. Hughley.
5. One snack you can’t say no to? Brownies.
6. Favorite R&B solo artist? Maxwell.
7. Favorite TV show? “Hawthorne.”
8. Would you ever scuba dive? Absolutely.
9. What’s on your iPod? 4^th Avenue Jones, Nicole Nordemann, Kevin Levar
10. Mac or PC? Mac.
11. Favorite color? Orange.
12. Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving.
13. Favorite bible verse? “Philippians 4:13″
14. Where did you meet your husband? “IHOP.”
15. One dream for your children? That they know the Lord is real and not a myth and not a religion.
16. Favorite American Idol? Chris Daughtry.
17. Dream Car? “BMW 725i.”
18. Karen Clark Sheard, Sheri Jones Moffett, Coko, Joann Rosario? Karen Clark Sheard.
19. Micah Stampley, Marvin Sapp, Tonex, J. Moss? J. Moss.
20. TLC, Jodeci, Boyz II Men or SWV? Jodeci.

“LET ME INTRODUCE YOU”: MONTRIA ANDERSON MEETS “WITHERSPOON” & “FORTITUDE”

• News
• September 8th

This is the second installment of my creation “Let Me Introduce You…” If you missed the first edition DON’T WORRY…here is the link so you can catch up on why I thought this would be a good idea www.dagospeltruth.com/?p=859 I thought I would take it a step further and not just get artists involved, but who better to have participate than the buying public and my faithful readers of DA GOSPEL TRUTH!

If Montria Anderson passed me on the street today, I don’t know if I would necessarily know it was her. But that’s the beauty of social networks like Twitter and Facebook! Montria and I have become fast buddies all via Twitter and Facebook. And that’s how I know she’s a huge Gospel fan, so I knew she would be perfect to make an introduction to. Here are a few facts about Montria before we get started:

• 31 years young from Orlando, FL and a fitness instructor at LA Fitness. (I wonder if she can out bench me? lol)
• Favorite types of music: Classical and Gospel.
• Plays guitar, piano, organ, clarinet, sings and is a Praise & Worship leader.
• Raised a PK in the Church of God in Christ.
• Directs a district youth choir of 300 and also helps run “Solid Rock School of Music.”

1. Have you ever heard of Witherspoon or Fortitude? You know, I thought I was familiar with every Gospel artist that was out, until you introduced these groups to me, and I’m glad u did!
2. What do you think of Witherspoons’ singles “It’s Alright” and “All Up in Him?” “It’s Alright” is amazing!  (Omg) I love that song!  From the lyrics to the music, and how it just goes in depth to encourage those who are going through any situation. This particular song kinda reminds me of the Gospel group, “Virtue” in some spots.  The awesome thing is that it’s not a new track, but it sounds like something that would be recorded today! “All Up in Him” is awesome as well!  When people see the title, they may think of something else, I know I did, which should have sparked many people to hit play on this one to find out what they’re talking about.  This one is for the young ladies who are living a saved Christian life! Then near the end of the song is when my friend Anson Dawkins comes in, and I tell ya, everytime I hear those Dawkins men sing, I LOSE IT!!!! YOU BETTA SANG ANSON!!! (hee hee!) I give it 5 stars!
3. What do you think of Fortitude’s song “In Your Arms?” Oh my Goodness! This is a beautiful song, from the lyrics to the musical arrangement! The brother who is leading this track, his vocals are super awesome! They kinda remind me of Dawkins&Dawkins with a little Commissioned mixed with some Boyz II Men, and I love every bit of it!  I really hope Fortitude hasn’t quit singing. I definitely would buy their stuff and tell others to as well! Fortitude, if you are out there we need more from you!
4. Would you encourage others to go out and support their album? And if so why? I would most definitely encourage others to go buy Witherspoon and Fortitude because from what I heard, and not really being familiar with them until now, their music is filled with encouragement and it has a fresh sound to it. Even though the songs aren’t brand new, it can kill some of the stuff that is out today.  Not to mention their vocal technique is on point too!  I will definitely be keeping my ears and eyes open to see what’s next from both groups!
5. Are you glad I made the introduction? Absolutely! I am very glad you introduced me to Witherspoon and Fortitude. I have thoroughly enjoyed every unique sound! Neither of them get CRICKETS from me…NoOoOo Sir! LOL