T he
TRACK LIST
3. The Intro 4-5. Commentary 6. Kierra Sheard Interview 7. Scripture Reading 8. Tasha Cobbs Interview 9. First Issue 10. CeCe Winans 11. Donald Lawrence 12. AndraĂŠ Crouch 13-17. Got Praise: Kurt Carr Wess Morgan Maurette Brown-Clark Byron Cage 18. Fred Hammond 19-25. Generation Now: J Moss VaShawn Mitchell Tye Tribbett Jessica Reedy 26. Gifted Mark Clayton 27 - 29. The Gospel Xperience: Bishop Leonard Scott 31. The Outro
The
I NTRO
I am proud and honored to present a special edition of Encore. Welcome to our 7th Anniversary edition. This issue contains some of the very best interviews in the magazine’s history. I have been privileged to cover and feature many talented artists in the industry. Inside you will find powerful & uplifting interviews featuring Tye Tribbett, J Moss, Kierra Sheard, Fred Hammond, CeCe Winans, Donald Lawrence and many more. The main theme of the issue centers around the number 7 which symbolizes God’s perfection and spiritual completeness. There is also a special commentary section where I share the vision of this magazine and some of my personal thoughts. The vision of this magazine is to be a resource that not only provides fans with the latest news regarding their favorite artists, but to empower emerging artists, musicians, praise & worship leaders, etc... David M. Walla ce
STAFF Creator/Designer: David M. Wallace Interviewers: David M. Wallace/Bryan Wallace/ Sarita Smiley/Deanna Wallace SPECIAL THANKS Kymberlee Norsworthy - RCA Inspiration, Gwendolyn Quinn Andrea R. Williams - Tehillah Enterprises, LLC., Jojo Pada - Ignition PR
COMMENTARY The main theme of this special anniversary edition is perfected praise and spiritual completeness. It’s my prayer that all emerging artists, musicians and praise & worship leaders who read this, become inspired and empowered to fulfill God’s purpose in their lives. I hope you enjoy this commentary, many of you know my style, I just try to keep it real. You will find a couple of artists say that praise & worship is “a lifestyle,” which is very true. I witness so many talented people who just don’t get it. There is a whole spiritual side that they fail to capture. When you make a decision to follow in your calling or ministry you should be a catalyst for change. Many “phony” praise & worship leaders know how to get the right note but not minister. We are not perfect, we all fall short, but I feel anytime you mount a pulpit for anything there is a responsibility to live the life you sing or preach about. It’s so easy to minister to people about God’s love and unity and you can’t even treat your own family right. It’s amazing, some people can sing the same songs Sunday after Sunday and not even pay attention to the words. Church has become a routine to them, because when you have conviction it’s hard to be fake, after while you might realize, before I minister to people, God has to make me right. I’m not saying it’s easy, but God desires us to minister & praise Him with a perfected praise.
COMMENTARY I want to be the one who can look beyond my situation and praise the Lord for all that He is, all He has done, all He is going to do. I know we all go through things that can be hard to understand. Honestly, it can be frustrating but I try to use situations to motivate me, I must find God’s purpose for me, I must know his perfect will for my life. One of the scriptures which serves as a theme for my company is Psalm 71:14, “But I will hope continually, and will yet praise you more and more.” It is my desire with this magazine and brand to find innovative and new ways to express praise toward God. I hope people will be inspired and encouraged by the interviews and know God wants us to be creative, not tedious in our praise & worship. I’m a firm believer in the unique appeal of Gospel music. I’m convinced if we stay true to ourselves, we can unlock the great potential we have inside. It’s time Gospel music become the leader, let’s stay one step ahead and think outside the box. It’s time to come up with ideas that get people talking and push the boundaries of Gospel music. It all starts with finding your purpose and understanding that Gospel music is “a lifestyle.”
The Cover of Our Very First Issue
S cripture R eading
In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. - Job 1:1
Encore: In one scene you talk about taking Gospel music to another level. Can you share with us your vision concerning that goal? Kierra: If you look at other genres you see some people have such a huge impact on the world and with different audiences. I would like to expand that, there are many Gospel artists who made the trail for not just me but other artists as well. You have the Winans, the Clark Sisters, Andraé Crouch and speaking of those names you can see artists who actually stepped out of the box, taking Gospel music to another level. I would definitely say, I want to take Gospel music to
where there’s all types of people in the audience and the music is challenging us to grow. I want the gift of a different level, I would like to see our production continue to grow. The most inspiring thing that I went to was the King’s Men tour with Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp and Donnie McClurkin. They did an effect and it was so major and I was like this is how Gospel music should be. When we think of Gospel music, we shouldn’t think that it’s boring or just in a church setting. Gospel music should be a major production, that’s what I want to add to it.
“Everything about your life is leading people into God’s presence.” Encore: Can you offer some advice and encouragement from your experiences on how to deal with the challenges Praise & Worship leaders face? Tasha: First, we should know the worship leader isn’t the one who wants the spotlight on Sunday mornings. 5 percent of what we do is on Sunday morning with a microphone in our hand. 90 percent is what we do throughout the week, those six days a week when no one is watching. How do you spend time in the presence
of God? Are you interceding on behalf of the people that you want to lead? Everything about your life is leading people into God’s presence. I have a new definition for worship leader, anybody I see on a weekly basis who’s life leads me to God is a worship leader. I think we have to get back to the assignment of a worship leader and it’s not just to sing pretty songs but to live a life that represents God.
ABOUT THE GOT PRAISE CAMPAIGN This national campaign was started by Total Prayze Entertainment Group to be an encouragement to praise and worship leaders. We also want to give those who are new to the praise and worship experience a better understanding. We ask some of the top names in the industry to give their insight. a David M. Wallace Vision
got praise? It’s a Lifestyle
got praise? T
he key thing that I would say to Praise & Worship leaders is that it’s not just a song but a lifestyle. Your presentation is affected by your lifestyle, and if you have a worshipping lifestyle, you’ll be a worshipper in church. To be a Praise & Worship leader you should be a good singer, but you should not allow your singing to distract other people. It is not a time for you to be in concert, it is a time for you to usher people into the presence of God. Finally, learn how to flow with God. You have to be totally open to God.
got praise? “Find your purpose and know what your purpose is. You have to know what God has anointed you to sing, preach and teach about. Truthfully, singing is teaching and preaching with a melody. You have to find out what your niche is, exactly what God has given you to say. As a recording artist the thing you have to ask yourself is, “What do you have for me to say?” I don’t want what Bishop Hezekiah has. I love his ministry and what he does, but you called him and gave him a voice and message, now what’s mine? You have to find out what God has anointed you to say. Purpose tied to purpose is favor and you can’t do anything without favor.”
got praise?
MAURETTE BROWN-CLARK “Start your worship from you to God first. Don’t worry if nobody is standing, crying or speaking in tongues. Praise is infectious, if people see you worshipping God, they will say, “What are they so happy about?” They will want to connect with that worship, not necessarily with you but with the worship. So, just keep sending your worship up and then the Lord will involve the corporate worship.”
got praise?
“Being a worshipper is a lifestyle, it really is your fellowship and your relationship with God that is going to ultimately maximize your destiny and purpose. I worship like I breath. I have to do it everyday like I brush my teeth, it’s just a part of me. I worship and commune with God as Adam did in Genesis. The Bible talks about how Adam would walk in the garden and God would be there in the midst of him, because he wanted fellowship. That’s what God wanted from us in the very beginning, he wanted fellowship. Serving is important, but fellowship is more important because that’s where we really get our destiny and passion. It’s very imperative that worshippers do it as a lifestyle not just as a Sunday morning or Wednesday night Bible Study. Praise and worship can really set up a whole church service when it’s done properly and under the anointing because the focus is really vertical, it’s all about God and it’s not about us.”
Encore: Generation Now Created by David M. Wallace, this feature started out in the magazine to encourage and challenge emerging Christian & Gospel artists to reach for their dreams with some of the most renowned artists offering advice and inspiration. This feature is now being developed into a TV production that will celebrate the next generation of Christian & Gospel artists. Interviews and segments will take us through their musical and personal journeys. The show will also include music videos, live performances, and music news.
The more diverse you can be, the more people you can appeal to and have the opportunity to reach. If we set the young people up, if we take care of and lead them in the right direction, they’ll take care of us later.
somebody to look up to when their mother is not there or doesn’t have the right answer or when Bishop doesn’t have an answer.
Sometimes it’s their favorite artist and if I could be that guy then that’s great. My heart and passion is We definitely want to make with the streets and sure our young people young people outside of the church walls, that’s feel like they’re important my ministry. and they have direction. They’re just looking for
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I would tell any artist don’t get discouraged, whatever God has for you it may be delayed but it is not denied.
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- VaShawn Mitchell
I would tell any artist don’t get discouraged, whatever God has for you it may be delayed but it is not denied. While it’s on delay learn all you can. If you want to write songs learn about publishing and if you want to sing, go out to some workshops, follow someone’s career that is doing what you want to do. You don’t want to say, “God it’s my time,” when it’s not your turn, but once it is your turn God is going to open doors. Don’t get discouraged in the now, because your time may be tomorrow.
So many up and coming singers and worshippers are trying to take what they are doing to the next level. I think focus is the number one thing to pay attention to. A lot of people are focusing on making and doing it big, but nobody’s really focusing on lifting up Christ.
focus and you will have success in front of 50 people at a broke down church. The crowd Jesus most influenced was 12 people. We have great things like Sunday Best and everybody’s trying to make that, but if they don’t do that they are not successful to themselves.
When Christ is your focus like Peter walking on the water, you can endure any storm. Somebody said, “Where the focus goes, the power flows.” So, whatever you focus on you withdraw from the power of that thing. Keep God your
I just want them to know if they are doing it for Christ and God is glorified that’s called success. Be faithful and committed to the Lord. If you will be faithful over the few, then he can trust you with many.
“The blessings of the Lord will chase you down.”
A lot of times we will force a gift or a calling. We will force it on ourselves and we’ll struggle the rest of our life trying to accomplish it. My mother told me and I had to read it for myself, “The blessings of the Lord will chase you down.” You need to ask God, “What is it you want me to do?” God will give you confirmation. I need about two or three confirmations so I can know it was God talking. For instance, so many people can sing but they were only set for the church. They were set for the people
who come in straggling, who just maybe wanted some free bread and wine. Maybe someone was supposed to hear that one song that particular day in church and have their whole life changed. So, when we are not in place, then what happens to the stragglers and wanderers who just happen to come in to church? Everybody has a job. We see somebody else’s job and say, “I want that job.” Trust and believe in the Lord, ask God what you are to do and relax.
A David M. Wallace Vision
Gifted is a docu-series in pre-production that focuses on athletes who proclaim their faith in God on and off the field.
It is extremely important for you to stand for what you believe in, especially as an athlete. Football, baseball, basketball, whatever athletics or sports you can think of, I call it one of the largest religions in America. People religiously attend and pay their money. You hear people say, “My week is going to be the worst because my team lost.� When somebody has the ability to alter or control the way you view life, that has the ability to be your God. Everybody looks up to us because we stand in the athletic realm and are considered successful by societies standards. That is why it is so important to deflect that spotlight to the reason why you are standing. Each and every last one of us are put here to display gifts and talents in whatever field it is, to glorify our Father in heaven. I feel this is a great opportunity because people are wide open to us. I just explain to them, I am here only by the grace of God.
A David M. Wallace Vision
INTRO Gospel music is known for strong rhythms and elaborated refrains, which incorporate elements of spirituals, blues, and jazz. Even though it may be hard to find in music stores and not given enough outlets on mainstream television, Gospel music has a very deep and rich history. The Gospel Xperience is a documentary in pre-production based on the evolution of Gospel music and the impact it has in the world today. In undertaking this task I wanted to lay a foundation for the documentary. Enjoy this interview with Bishop Leonard Scott.
Gospel music is constantly evolving. It is very interesting that the Father of Gospel Music, Thomas Dorsey back in the early 1900’s was ridiculed for his music and today his music is basically traditional. Back in the day it was considered very cutting edge and that’s the way that it goes. A hundred years from now what Kirk Franklin is doing will probably be in your hymn books. That’s just the way music is, it lines up with a certain culture, era, time and people. I remember having a conversation with my Dad years ago before I was in church. I was telling him (this was back in the 60’s) how great the Beatles were,
he was telling me, Duke Ellington was the man. You just had two eras here, I couldn’t relate to Duke Ellington because he was before my time and he couldn’t relate to the Beatles because they were after his time. The music that we are doing today is cutting edge. A hundred years from now they will be the hymns of that era and Gospel artists will be doing something else that all of the seniors will say is, “blasphemy.” I have seen Gospel music go from what we consider very traditional to some of the things we are doing today that would not have been accepted years ago.
“An instrument is a instrument, it is neither sinful or holy.” I remember when I first got in church, it was only the Pentecostal church that might have had a set of drums and now just about every church with instruments has drums. Before I was in church I played the saxophone and it was considered the devil’s instrument, it was for the night club. Then I picked up the guitar, it wasn’t really accepted either, but today almost any instrument is accepted in church. Praise & Worship is kind of something that is on both sides of the fence. On the black side you have what is called, “Gospel,” on the
white side you have what is called, “Christian” and straight down the middle you have “Praise & Worship.” It is accepted by everybody, which is a good thing and where it’s going from here, who knows? I guess only time will tell.
As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. - Psalm 71:14
Wa n t Mo r e ?
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The
O UTRO
In closing, I truly hope you have enjoyed this issue. I say, “Thank you,” to all of you that have supported this vision. It’s not easy to do this, but each day I’m encouraged by the support. I’m honored that God has equipped me to do this and lead this company into a new era. I’m also thankful for a great team. I want to give special recognition to my brother, Bryan Wallace, my sister Janice Pilet, my daughter Deanna Wallace and Sarita Smiley. I pray that God gives you the desires of your heart. In this day and time, we all have a tremendous opportunity to spread the Gospel. Let’s not waste anymore time, Gospel music is incredibly powerful and has a significant untapped potential. I’m excited about the future and will always stay committed to presenting this genre on quality platforms that are created with excellence. Till we meet again. David M. Wallace Entrepreneur, artist, producer, writer and musician David M. Wallace is the CEO of Total Prayze Entertainment Group. The company’s vision is to be a leading new media and entertainment platform for the faith-based industry and create content designed to reach and engage audiences in a new way. This cutting edge company consists of 3 other divisions: Creative Dimension Studio - Multimedia & Graphic Design Studio. For more info visit http://www.totalprayze.com/creativedimension Total Eclipse Productions - Concert/TV/Film Development & Production Studio. For more info visit http://www.totalprayze.com/totaleclipse Kingdom Works Software - Christian Software & Application Development. For more info visit http://www.totalprayze.com/kingdomworks