Adapting You to Life. Adapting you to God.
September/October 2013
Vol. 1. Issue 5
SO YOU THINK YOU’RE CALLED TO BE AN ARTIST ?
t h e m us ic is s u e FEAT URING... BENJAH • Authentik • Good Boys • D’Aych Nirva Ready • Holy Culture • 13th Disciple • The 300 Cardec Drums • Swade Beatz • Alex Melendez
ARTIST SAMUEL SANDERS PERFORMING AT UF CURE'S BENEFIT CONCERT FEBRUARY 2013
“NEXT TO THE WORD OF GOD, THE NOBLE ART OF MUSIC IS THE GREATEST TREASURE IN THE WORLD.” -MARTIN LUTHER
(CONTENTS) THE 300
P. 14 // Triumphant Voices Making a Difference
AUTHENTIK
P. 18 // Video Interview
Cardec Drums, Swade Beatz, & Alex Melendez P. 20 // Send in the Misfits
13TH DISCIPLE
P. 22 // God, Money & Time
D’AYCH
P. 24 // Still Making Bold Moves for Jesus
NIRVA READY
P. 26 // Antoinette Charles
THE DROP PROJECT
P. 32 // Ben Lippens, HolyCulture.net
BENJAH
P. 34 // An Unorthodox Journey
COVER PHOTO: COURTESY OF JAHMEN MUSIC GROUP
adapt THE MUSIC ISSUE WELCOME TO ADAPT MAGAZINE'S MUSIC ISSUE.
If there is one that’s obvious, it’s that our world is filled with extremely talented people. In this special edition of Adapt, we highlight some of those talented creative individuals who are not only making great music but also making waves in the Kingdom of God. - The Adapt Magazine Team
FIND MORE WAYS TO ADAPT...
ADAPTMAG.COM
ALLYSEN KERR Editor/Publisher editor@adaptmag.com PAULA KERR Contributing Editor MONICA SOLOMON Contributing Writer ANTOINETTE CHARLES Contributing Writer AARON KERR Contributing Writer
Adapt Magazine is published six times a year by UnKonventional Media, LLC. All questions regarding advertising, subscriptions or this publication should be directed to publisher@unkonventionalmedia.com. Please visit www.unkonventionalmedia.com to learn more about our company.
A SOCIAL CROWDFUNDING PLATFORM FOR CHRISTIAN INSPIRED PROJECTS FUNDING
ENTREPRENEURS NONPROFITS MINISTRIES FILMMAKERS MUSICIANS ARTISTS ENTERTAINERS & MORE!
FAITHLAUNCHER.COM
(CONTRIBUTORS)
MONICA SOLOMON, BEAUTY QUEEN
Paula Kerr, Career Expert
Monica Solomon was recently awarded the title of Miss Black Tampa USA 2013. She graduated from the University of Florida where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education Monica is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Public Health at the University of South Florida with a specialization in Behavioral Health. During her year of service, Monica plans to promote workforce health promotion in Orlando and Tampa through her platform: Work, Learn, Pray: My health, My Location.
Paula is a senior writer for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts®. Her background and experience include communications, human resources management, recruiting, benefits administration and communications, as well as training and development. In her current role, Paula develops and writes communication and education resources for Disney Destinations. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications/Public Relations from Iona College, New Rochelle, New York. Paula has been a contributing writer for ADAPT MAGAZINE since 2009.
ANTOINETTE CHARLES, Christian Bargain Hunter
Aaron Kerr, Music News
Antoinette is a hard-working young woman. This wife and student is currently pursing a degree in Education. She and her husband recently moved to Tampa where they felt God drawing them to grow the Kingdom. She has two dogs, Cocoa and Lex, who are very much like children. She enjoys serving in her church’s children’s ministry and looks forward to singing, dancing and praying with the kids each week.
Aaron aka “Raj Parker” loves music. A junior studio art major at the University of South Florida, Aaron has been contributing to Adapt for more than two years. He writes music reviews on the latest releases in Christian Hip Hop. When he’s not writing for Adapt, he’s penning bars for his own music. He started a group on campus called “The Collective” that features amateur rappers, singers and creatives who love Jesus and want to reach the lost through awesome music.
(SPECIAL THANKS)
Benjah Authentik The Good Boys Nirva Ready Ben Lippens, HolyCulture.net Cardec Drums Swade Beatz Alex Melendez D’Aych 300 Praise 13th Disciple
LOS AND KENNY OF HGA PERFORM AT AUTHENTIK'S ALBUM RELEASE PARTY IN ORLANDO DECEMBER 2012
E N I Z A G A M T P A D A H T I W T CONNEC
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THE 300
TRIUMPHANT VOICES MAKING A DIFFERENCE
MEMBERS OF THE 300 AT 95.5 RADIO STATION
The 300 is a gospel hip-hop praise team birthed out of a humble ministry in Cleveland, Ohio; a ministry whose sole purpose is to exalt the name of the Lord through sound doctrine, paired with a Hip-Hop beat. The name “300” was revealed through the book of Judges, chapter 7. The name describes the noncompromising commitment of this outreach ministry to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and represents a remnant willing to stay in the battle as they work to reveal God’s glory through song. adaptmag.com
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HOW DID YOU ALL MEET? HOW WAS THE GROUP FORMED? It’s amazing how the Lord orchestrates things. Being a small ministry without the means to pay musicians, the praise team initially had to sing along with gospel CD’s during worship services. One day, two members of the praise team wanted to bless the congregation with a song that they had written. The song was a fusion of Gospel and Hip-Hop. As time went on other members of the praise team began to collaborate, and moving in the same gift, they were well received by the entire congregation young and old. The Lord sent people to our home church, Believers Body of Christ Ministries, and as time progressed people moved in the same gift. So all members of The 300 are actually a part of the same church, which is Believers Body of Christ Ministries. WHAT EXACTLY IS “GOSPEL HIP HOP”? Gospel Hip-Hop is unique. We would describe it as a mix of spoken word or rapping paired with a hip-hop beat. Another component is singing. In many gospel hip-hop songs you will find a fusion of rapping and singing. But at the end of the day the words and lyrics glorify the kingdom. BESIDES YOUR STYLE OF MUSIC, WHAT MAKES “THE 300” DIFFERENT THAN ANY OTHER GROUP? Gospel Rap/Hip-Hop is not new to the Gospel community, but an entire praise team putting it down is. Our style is not just appealing to the young adults, but to anyone who enjoys music of substance, will enjoy The 300. The 300 goes against every stereotype of their generation.
Not only are we dedicated members of our church, but all of us [strive to be] truly great examples for our families, communities and to all that we have had the pleasure of ministering to. The 300 are not Hip-Hop performers doing Gospel, but a Gospel Praise Team ministering through HipHop. ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON ANY PROJECTS? IF SO, TELL US ABOUT IT. The 300 is comprised of seven solo artists under the leadership of 3rDay Records. In early 2014 be on the lookout for albums from The 300 and more solo artists to follow. WHAT ARE YOU HOPING YOUR MUSIC WILL DO? Our hope and prayer is that “he who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit of the Lord is saying…to His people.” We are hoping that we are able to bridge the gap for this generation and let this dying world know that there is hope in Jesus Christ! THE GROUP HAS HAD A CHANCE TO OPEN FOR A FEW ARTISTS, WHICH ONE WAS YOUR FAVORITE AND WHY? That’s a tough one but we would have to say opening up for Jamie Grace and Casting Crowns at the Fest, a oneday family festival held every year in Ohio. Their music was amazing but what stood out was their humility and their willingness to truly minister and introduce any and everybody to Christ. It was uplifting to know that they are on such a large platform yet are still humble and godly individuals. That they are not just singing about it, they’re truly living it. It’s inspiring. WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF BEING A PART OF THIS TEAM? HAS IT BEEN EVERYTHING YOU THOUGHT IT WOULD BE? That’s an excellent question. The 300 began with two members and now we have grown and are on a bigger platform spreading the gospel. This is something that we could never have imagined but God had the vision and its truly coming to life. Being in a large group can be challenging. I would say the most difficult aspect is staying together as one. We have over 38 members with all different gifts, ideas, and personalities. And we all have to come together and operate on one accord. That can be challenging at times. But this has been more than we could have imagined! We are truly grateful.
WITH YOUR GROUP BEING THE SIZE IT IS, HOW DO YOU GUYS STAY CLOSE TO THE LORD AS WELL AS TO EACH OTHEr? We all go to the same church, and as a body we do a lot of fellowshipping. We have a lot of fun together. We are the body of Christ which means we have to stay on one accord. We truly see the importance in that. And it makes this walk a little bit easier to know that you have people by your side that are moving with the same goal in mind. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE VERSES? Let’s see, that is another excellent question. We have over 100 songs but I would have to say a verse by Jasmine Sparks on the self-titled song “The 300”. Here’s a little taste of it: “Our guard’s up/ready to serve with power/dominion over this world/Speaking the truth, concerning the Lord/ Convincing, Exhorting, and teaching his Word/Standing firmly ‘cuz we ready in and out of season/Equipped for every good work without a doubt of weakness” The reason why we chose this is because it keeps us accountable and reminds us of our mission and not to get caught up in the things of this world. ARE ANY OF YOU IN SCHOOL STILL? IF SO, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHER STUDENTS WHO WANT TO ALSO PURSUE MUSIC? Many of The 300 are still in school. We have two members who are in high school, ten members pursuing their bachelor’s degrees. And five members are pursuing their master’s degree. To those students who want to pursue music that edifies the kingdom, I would first say to know that you are different and embrace that. The Lord sets you apart for a reason. And remember if you are not in your Word then you’re not making music. Your inspiration and lyrics should always stem from the Word. And lastly, understand that your music is your ministry so work at it and never lose that eagerness to grow and get better. The 300 is comprised of 38 members between the ages of 14-32. The foundational members include Clayton “CLAY” Garner, 25; Corianne “Liberty” Johnson, 27; Lavelle Lowe, 23; Paris Sims, 26; and Taisha Sims, 25.
THE 300 September/October 2013
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THE MUSIC ISSUE
S K R A P S . K M O R F M U B L A W E N
W O N E L B A AVAIL
AUTHENTIK
AUTHENTIK
Bike Mike, Serge and E-Van of Authentik sat down with us a few weeks ago to chat about life SINCE releasing their first album, growing as a group, new music and new opportunities. The Interview will be available by 10.14.13. WWW. @IAMAUTHENTIK
@AUTHENTIKCTF
adaptmag.com
@AUTHENTIK210 18
@AUTHENTIKCTF
IAMAUTHENTIK.COM
CARDEC DRUMS SWADE BEATZ ALEX MELENDEZ
SEND IN THE MISFITS: FOLLOWING A BEAT ALL THEIR OWN
Jacob Cardec aka “Cardec Drums,” Matthew Wade aka “Swade Beatz” and Alex Melendez are three men to watch. Their talent, drive and passion have given all of them the opportunity to work with some of the best in the industry. But each of them would agree that the road to discovering their current passions wasn’t simple. This summer we had the chance to speak them about living for Christ, new businesses and upcoming music projects. INTERVIEWED BY // ALLYSEN KERR, EDITOR AK: So, I know there are three of you here today and it will be very interesting to talk to you all at the same time, but feel free to jump in when you are ready to say something. Let’s start with introductions, tell us your name and what it is that you do. JC: My name is Jacob Cardec, known as Cardec Drums. I am a professional drummer and also a producer. MW: I’m Matthew Wade, also known as Swade Beatz. I’m a producer and rapper. I also sing on the praise team and I own a studio in Gainesville, FL. AM: I’m Alex Melendez, no cool title though. I’m in the process of starting my own company. I like to be behind the scenes, and my vision is to get unknown artists out there. Find out how to appeal and get people interested in them very quickly. AK: How long have you guys been on the music scene? JC: I have been playing the drums since I was two years old, yes, pots and pans started it all. As far as production, I started working with artists sophomore year of high school. After high school I stopped though, I got burned out with all the music and felt like there wasn’t anything for me in it. I just recently picked up in December again and I am loving it! MW: I started learning different instruments when I was younger. My granddad taught me how to play lead guitar and the bass. Then, I learned how to play the violin in the fifth grade in a classical setting with a really strict German teacher. I really stopped playing both instruments after that though. At 15 years old I started to rap and then quickly realized, “man, beats are expensive!” So I ended up trying to find ways to make my own beats and that’s how I got into production.
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The solid musical foundation in my younger years really helped. AK: So then that makes you all self taught then, correct? MW: Yes, pretty much! I learned a lot of production by getting on YouTube and messing up. You don’t realize how much messing up helps, but it really teaches you to be better. JC: As far as production and making beats goes, I’m completely self-taught. I watched YouTube and learned from others. Even as a drummer I was self-taught and then went on to attend school at Atlantic City Music. I graduated in March 2012. So that now makes me a professional drummer since I graduated with a degree in Live Music. AM: For me, I took maybe four lessons on the bass guitar. It was very basic lessons and then I began to play over tracks until I completely got grasp of it. Everything else has been learned by playing by ear. AK: So tell me, what have you been working on lately? JC: Well right now Matt and I are working on a seven-track EP called, “The Introduction.” We felt the title would be fitting because it will be our introduction of what we have to offer to the industry. Nobody really knows us as rappers so I think it’s really going to set the bar and I think people are going to be impressed overall. MW: It’s been great to rap with different guys and not need to focus on productions. With this project, I have just been enjoying the entire process. AK: Alex, tell us about your company. AM: The company that I’m in the process of starting is called “Silence the Riots.” There is always going to be someone who tries to stop you from pursuing your dreams.
A lot of these artists are like, “Let me be heard, let me be seen” but in today’s world so much talent is overlooked. My company will allow people to be seen and heard. It will help artists get prepared by getting them the production they need and getting them connected with other people. Press kits, endorsements, events and everything necessary to get what they are doing out there as quickly as possible. AK: What are some challenges that you have faced trying to accomplish your goals? JC: I would say a lot of it is getting people to listen to what I have to offer without them first thinking that I’m not capable of producing quality. It is a big challenge getting your name out there and making people listen to what you have to say. MW: I think in my case it’s hard since I do a lot of things. I own a studio, produce and go to school…I always wish people can see what I am doing but I have to sit back and ask myself, “what is my motive”? I want to make sure that I’m showing God’s glory in everything that I’m doing. I want to make sure that in these things I am promoting Christ. When I focus on that, that’s when I get heard. That’s how I know God is working on my behalf. Then people start to find out by word of mouth. I realize, it has nothing to do with what I’m doing, it has everything to do with God. I have to trust that He is going to provide for me and allow it to happen. AM: Starting a business is so intimidating. I know the Lord has put a passion in me to promote the people whom He has blessed with musical talent. I feel like He wants me to just do it, to jump and take a leap of faith and know that He is going to be right there with me the whole time.
gan to create a beat. It wasn’t even complete when I let Matt hear but he liked it so much he recommended it to Social Club who ended up making a track out of it. Since then, things have been going much better. I have been meeting people, getting to know them and making connections. And these guys, Matt and Alex, I love them like the brothers they are to me. We don’t know what’s going to happen, but we are trusting in God and with that, we are going to go far. MW: I was born and raised in Lake Wales, Florida. It was a small town where everyone you came across was Christian. I went to church and even sang in the choir as a little kid but it wasn’t anything serious for me. Growing up I had some real issues to deal with. God really helped me grow by putting Godly men in my life. I got saved in the 9th grade and took the approach “Yes ,God is real, Jesus is real” but I always thought I had so much time before I had to truly get my life together. I never really knew how badly I needed God until a guy in his 20’s shared the Gospel with me. It was in that moment that it really hit me, “God has always been pursing me, not just now, but my whole life.” People questioned me about why I spent so much time in church. Even though I was 16, I wouldn’t have traded the time I spent pursuing God for anything.
I NEVER REALLY KNEW HOW BADLY I NEEDED GOD UNTIL A GUY IN HIS 20'S SHARED THE GOSPEL WITH ME. IT WAS IN THAT MOMENT THAT IT REALLY HIT ME. GOD HAS ALWAYS BEEN PURSING ME, NOT JUST NOW, BUT MY WHOLE LIFE.
It can be intimidating because if no one has heard your name, how are they going to trust that you know what you are doing? Not having enough faith in the Lord presents a huge challenge. AK: Talk about your faith journey, where you came from and where you are going. JC: I was born and raised in the church. I wasn’t a “PK” (a preachers kid), but I was there so much that I knew everybody. My standpoint was, “Yes, God is real, and I listen to Christian music.” I knew a lot about God but I didn’t really have a relationship with him. When I started going to First Assembly [in Gainesville], I joined the worship team and met Alex. It was during that time that my relationship with God really started to grow. My time initially doing production was really hard, people just wanted free beats so I didn’t want to do it anymore. I started drumming professionally on tour and things were going good.
That realization kick started my passion for music. In high school you always sort of question where you’re going and where you’re headed. I remember a guy came to preach about injustice and questioned how we would react if we were faced with it. He asked us going like, “What would you be willing to do for free? What makes your heart ache?” I realized that there is so much injustice in the music industry. There are some really good artists out there that only get to produce one album and then break up because the label takes everything from them. I knew that I would want to do something that would stop that. To take on the stuff that burdens artists like, the merchandising and other things when they should be focusing on the music. My heart is that I just want to show Christ through everything and help people to dream big. That’s what I want my company to be.
It wasn’t until I came back when things started to fall apart again. Out of a heart-breaking situation I sat down and be-
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AM: Both my parents have been in my life even though they split up when I was younger. I had been [living] between Orlando, Puerto Rico and Gainesville. I grew up Pentecostal, always been around church and knew all the popular scriptures. It wasn’t until I was on the worship team that I realized that I felt closer to God during some of the songs.
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THE MUSIC ISSUE
13TH DISCIPLE
God, Money & TIme
INTERVIEWED BY // MONICA SOLOMON, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“You wouldn’t waste $86,000 on a credit card, yet there are 86,000 seconds in a day and we always waste time.” - 13th Disciple MONICA: Can you tell me how to classify yourself as an artist? 13TH DISCIPLE: I don’t, I consider myself as a minister of the gospel. I don’t want to be [seen] as an entertainer, I want to minster to souls…do something that leads to eternal changes. MONICA: How do you balance your ministry as a Pastor, marriage, and your personal life? What advice do you have for college students? I would really urge college students to be a good steward of time. Do a self-inventory of your time and ask yourself: ‘what am I doing that I could replace to spend time with God?’ Learn to recognize the difference between spending time on things that are essential versus non-essential. I would recommend using the time principle, just as you budget your money you should budget your time. Continue to spend time with the Lord and watch yourself grow. My routine includes spending time, at the minimum 10-15 minutes, in the morning, at lunchtime and right before I go to sleep with God. I use the evening to regroup and reevaluate how I could [better] my day and reevaluate where I could make changes. God is always speaking and I can always adaptmag.com
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use the direction. I suggest college choose a topic to focus on, say for example patience, and mediate on the scriptures three times a day. Remember that the Bible is very practical and [can] help you make every day decisions! MONICA: Wow! I really agree with you, I love the comparison to budgeting your time as you budget your money. 13TH DISCIPLE: Yes, at some point I would like to teach financial classes. It is important to see where your money is going. Young people should try to go to a class about budgeting. Think about the Prodigal son: he blew all of his money. The young man was irresponsible and went to the city and spent all his money by focusing on the “lust of the eyes and lust of the flesh”… he ended up broke. Remember to stick to God’s word; it is very practical. If I could tell college students anything, I would say: 1. Learn to be alone 2. Learn to balance your finances 3. ]Learn to manage your time Also, I would say that students should learn about investing. I remember a co-worker said a quote that has always stuck out to me: “If you don’t build your dreams, someone will hire to build their dreams.” Remember to mediate on God’s word during the day, afternoon, and the evening. We are often so busy and have too much noise around us. Life would be so much better if we spent time with God. Life would have more peace. MONICA: What was one of the biggest challenges you have had to face in your ministry? And how did you overcome it? 13TH DISCIPLE: I would say leaving my church after being a
The reason we don't know God is because we don't spend time with God alone. Alone time is so key... Youth Pastor for 10 years, especially leaving my Pastor because he trained me. Last year I moved to a new city, Tampa, and I didn’t know anyone. I felt alone at the beginning, but I had to remember that I could still hear God while being in a new city. I felt that my move was similar to Abraham’s step of faith to move. After a while I began to meet new people and find a church home. I was reminded to have faith in God during moves because God will never fail you. MONICA: That is a great advice. That is definitely applicable to college students as they make the change from high school to college or college graduation to the full-time jobs. 13TH DISCIPLE: Yes, life is all about change. We are never to be complacent. As long as you are with God you will be OK. The change may be rocky...no one likes change, but God puts us in new places, change is good! You will meet new friends…. and there is always a Wal-Mart, Publix, and a gas station. MONICA: How do you prepare to minister in non-traditional settings such as open mics? What advice to do have for Christians who want to engage secular settings? What advice do you have for artists who have non-traditional gifts such as street art or hip-hop dancing? 13TH DISCIPLE: Well you can’t focus on what people think. You have to remember you are a minister to God first. Check your motives. Read Isaiah 43:18-19. God is all about doing a new thing! The old ways we used to reach people have to change and evolve. I often watch secular poets to see what they are doing yet use my gifts to “go harder for God.” God can use every gift for his glory! MONICA: What would you say to those individuals who say I have gift (i.e. rapping) how can I redeem it to give glory to God or I want to reach people at clubs, bars, and lounges. 13TH DISCIPLE: I have stopped doing poetry at clubs and lounges. However, when I was 23 I went to a open mic and saw how passionate people were but no one was leading anyone to the Lord. I talked with the Lord and read His word and went back to the lounge. After sharing my poems, I was able to pray with people at the bar and outside the lounge. The important thing I want to say is that God put on my heart to go into that environment. I was very nervous and scared, but I prayed and fasted. I made sure I was led by the spirit, I would tell people to make sure you are led by God. There are definitely familiar spirits; for example, if you are dealing with lust and you go to an open mic at a lounge it may trigger that struggle. I only went after fasting and was very
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prayed up. Make sure you are called by God to go in certain environments. Make sure God wants you in that lane. MONICA: During the time you were 21 and 22 years old, I read that you really isolated yourself to talk to God? What role do you think that time period played in your current ministry? 13TH DISCIPLE: It prepared me a lot, ESPECIALLY for marriage and being a youth minister. If you look at the story of Garden of Eden, it was God and Adam first. Eve wasn’t even in the picture and when Eve was formed she complemented Adam. I remember having a girlfriend who moved up north. During that period, I spent a great deal of time with God and when she came back there was a lack of interest. I was so in love with God. Afterward, I met and married my wife! But that experience has taught me that although I love my wife dearly, she is my best friend, she is not my everything. God is my everything. I would tell college students to be alone with God. John the Baptist was in the wilderness and Moses was in the mountains for 40 years by himself. The reason we don’t know God is because we don’t spend time with God alone. Alone time is so key; time with God outside church is important. Go on walks with God. I would walk around Orlando for hours to talk to God. You have to work to build the relationship. I would tell people to find a walking trial, play worship music, and be with God. Those experiences taught me when that I need to be around people to feel content. Unfortunately, some people are trying to replace time with God with being around people. MONICA: So, what projects are you up to? 13TH DISCIPLE: Well, I am working on a new CD. The release date is Friday, December 13th. People are always nervous about the Friday the 13th, but we are going to redeem it. Also, we are launching a website. God is good! I am very excited about the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) interview. I am really excited about with going to reach a lot people. To get more information please email at tbminquires@gmail. com or Facebook me at facebook.com/thebaptismmovement or facebook.com/disciple13th MONICA: Any final words? 13TH DISCIPLE: I like to leave people with the statement: “The hour is late, the time is near. The objects in the mirror are closer than they appear likewise so is my coming. Be prepared my return time is closer than what we think. God Bless!
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THE MUSIC ISSUE
D'AYCH
D’Aych (pronounced D.H.) is an independent Christian artist with a unique style and an undeniable drive to match. He is preparing to release an exciting new EP entitle, “The Sacred Live” on November 14. He is very motivated and has devoted a lot of his time to releasing singles, radio interviews, and developing an active social media presence. D'Aych is truly an artist to watch as he launches his soul-saving music movement!
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THIS EP, "THE SACRED LIFE"? "The Sacred Life" is more than a title it is truly a lifestyle that I strive to live on a daily basis away from the stage. I know that it is impossible to live a sacred life without Christ. I am making a public declaration to let everyone know that I am nothing without Christ. It is only through Him that I can be separated from this world, in order to live a life that is pleasing & sacred in His eyes. I have learned that with music as my platform, I have to keep my relationship with Jesus Christ as the main priority. Without Him I would be nothing. WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT WHEN THEY LISTEN TO "THE SACRED LIFE" EP IN NOVEMBER? They can expect to hear a fresh perspective of walking with Christ from a young man in this day and age. Also, you will hear my growth, hunger, and passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone across the globe. I am working with an amazing producer from Denver Colorado (@IrbyBeats) as well as an up and coming producer, Todays David-Stanley Clayton. Although, it is a brand new sound, it is still based on the same truth and principles I have built my independent music career on. WHAT NEW PROJECTS HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO SINCE YOUR LAST
#DreamBigWorkHard! adaptmag.com
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I know that it is impossible to live a sacred life without Christ. I am making a public declaration to let everyone know that I am nothing without Christ. INTERVIEW WITH ADAPT? I received the opportunity to minister on The Word Network with Lexi Allen which aired in 86 million homes since the last time we spoke. I have also done countless radio interviews, festivals, live shows, and magazine editorials. God has really been opening some amazing doors for me! I’m blessed and I’m humbled to represent the Kingdom of God through my lifestyle and my music. It's been an amazing ride and I'm just getting started. I also got to release fresh content such as a video blog that became a trending topic in the UK. Also, I am working on constructing the new "Sacred Life" EP as well as growing my online support system on a more consistent basis. I was able to reach the No. 2 spot on the independent music charts with the "Supply & Demand V2" mixtape. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT “NEVER GIVE UP”? WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE BEHIND THE SONG AND VIDEO? "Never Grow Up" is a promotional song/video in preparation for the release of "The Sacred Life" EP. I feel that it is important to give people who support and rock with my movement, fresh content on a consistent basis. Although, "Never Grow Up" is quite controversial, it addresses many things that a lot of people refuse to address. It is imperative for me to speak words of value and substance. You have to hear "Never Grow Up" for yourself! WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE HAVE YOU HAD TO ADJUST OR ADAPT TO SINCE WE LAST SPOKE? I have had to “Adapt” to balancing more responsibilities. These new responsibilities (new church home, new relationship with an amazing woman of God, new business obligations, etc.) come with an increased level of dedication and hard work. Although, it has been difficult, God September/October 2013
has granted me grace to handle everything that has been placed on my plate in this season of my life. I am still learning how to balance everything, and I am getting better at it with each passing day. ANY LAST WORDS/SHOUTOUTS TO SHARE BEFORE YOU GO? Keep Christ first because He is the only thing that is consistent in this dark world full of inconsistent people and things. Follow Him and He will lead you on the path of righteousness and directly into your destiny. Thanks to Adapt Magazine for having my back. I’m sure this won’t be the last time we do an interview together. I want to thank all of my family, friends and supporters (from Milwaukee & all over the globe) for holding me down. I want to give a special shoutout to the amazing woman of God that stands by my side everyday and reminds me of the greatness that God placed in me. She is a gift from God's heart to me and I am thankful for Amber. Also, I want to give a special shout out to all of my promotional family: D_Aych Promo TX, D_Aych Promo Chi, D_ Aych Promo NY, @LorneHart1 from the UK, #Muzikkzone (@MReese06 & @Sammi_Gemini), #ArtistsUnited (@Kellie Leigh), DeepCommotion.com, and the producer for the bulk of my new project (@Irbybeats), and 84dsigns.com for always creating outstanding visual arts for my movement. Don't forget to go and get your copy of "The Sacred Life" on November 14,.Always remember #DreamBigWorkHard!
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THE MUSIC ISSUE
NIRVA READY
INTERVIEWED BY // ANTOINETTE CHARLES, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Nirva Ready is an inspiring woman of God. She’s a singer, wife and ministry leader. Her God-given talents have given her the opportunity to sing background vocals for top Christian artists. These include TobyMac and Diverse City, Mandisa, Chris Tomlin, Natalie Grant, Brandon Heath and others. When she’s not busy traveling, she serves her church’s worship team and does concerts with her husband Seth. The couple is currently working on an EP that’s expected to be released in December. Nirva took a few minutes to chat with Adapt Magazine’s Antoinette Charles about her life, ministry and music.
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ANTOINETTE: Did you always know you would be a musical artist? I know I changed my major twice, ha ha! God had a way of showing me exactly what I was to do with my life. What was that discovery process like?
WHEN YOU'RE DOING WHAT JESUS DESIGNED THE CHURCH TO DO IT'S EXCITING, HOWEVER IT IS A LOT OF WORK... BUT I WOULD RATHER SPEND MY LIFE WORKING FOR GOD'S KINGDOM THAN ANY OTHER KINGDOM.
NIRVA: I always had the desire but lacked the confidence that I was good enough or that it would come true for me. [In the past] my motives were purely selfish. As a kid I wanted to be the next pop star. I would daydream about performing before thousands . After I became a Christian my in first year of college, I discovered true meaning and purpose. I realized the reason I exist is for God’s purposes and for His Glory. I learned that true fulfillment isn't found solely in what you do but it's found in who you are in Christ and [in] the gifts your given are to showcase His glory. ANTOINETTE: Are there any particular musical artists you love or have found inspiring over the years? NIRVA: I love so many it's hard to name them all... Let's see. I love Brooke Fraser, Christy Knockles, CeCe Winans, Chris Tomlin, and of course, TobyMac. But I also listen to other artists for their skill level, but [at times] they are lyrically rough around the edges so I can't linger. I love to listen to Claude Debussy when I'm relaxing...sometimes I put on the good ole hymns when I'm pressing into God’s presence. ANTOINETTE: You and your hubby Seth have started a young adult ministry in Tampa. I have to say, it's such a joy to have a place to learn, worship and fellowship with other people my age. What are some things you enjoy about the ministry? NIRVA: First of all doing life and ministry with my husband is the best. He is the pastor of Sub30, a young adults ministry at the Crossing Church in Tampa. He has such a passion for helping people develop a Christian worldview. But what I love the most is helping people grow in Christ while at the same time I'm learning and growing in Christ as well. I also love developing relationships that turn into spiritual family. When you're doing what Jesus designed the church to do it's exciting, however it is a lot of work. But I would rather spend my life working for God's kingdom than any other kingdom. ANTOINETTE: College keeps us so busy with studying, internships, social gatherings or even work. As a musical artist, wife and ministry leader, what advise do you have to encourage students to stay in the Word? NIRVA: I would advise students to guard against busyness. I would advise them to really prioritize starting with God. I would advise them to implement some spiritual disciplines throughout the week. I believe the enemy knows how important that is and that's why he distracts us so much from it. Nowadays you have got to carve out time from your busy schedule or else it will never happen. ANTOINETTE: Is there any advice you would like to share with students or young adults who are currently considering music as a career? NIRVA: I would advise them to truly pray and to really practice. My mentor once told me,"If you want to reach the world, you've got to be good at what you do." Trust God to make it happen. If it's His will for your life nothing will stop it.
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THE MUSIC ISSUE
THE GOOD BOYS
Still Making Bold Moves for Jesus
INTERVIEWED BY // MONICA SOLOMON, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Last October when Adapt Magazine chatted with The Good Boys, they shared their life changing experience and their mission to reach out to people that don’t know Jesus. “Our music is the instrument that God uses to bring His lost sheep back to His flock,” said Neff, one of the group’s members. Well, he wasn’t joking, because today, the music of the Good Boys is still rocking the hearts of people from many diverse backgrounds. adaptmag.com
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The Good Boys is an eclectic, dynamic group of eight young men from South Florida who are sold out for Jesus and spread the Gospel through their music. The group was formerly known as “The Hood Boys” before they became Christians; however, God had a new direction for their lives and so they took on the name “The Good Boys.” Band members J. Tru, Mr. J.E.T., Lucky J, Gary Charles, T.K., Wise, Young Preacher, and Epiphany have been spittin’ the Gospel since January 2008. Their genre includes a potpourri of Christian, Gospel, Christian Rap and R&B. According to Gary, one of the group’s founders, “big Jesus” fans from diverse groups enjoy their genre of music. ON THE STAGE AND ON THE STREETS We recently got an update on their latest activities. We discovered that the Good Boys have been on a mission to passionately reach their generation with the Gospel both on the stage and on the streets. As J Tru said, in the 2012 interview, “Music is just an avenue for us to preach the Word.” The Good Boys seem to be always on the move, boldly pursuing the lost for God. Gary said it quite accurately when he asked, “How can we touch people? First touch people’s lives.”
A MISSION-MINDED GROUP
MOVING FORWARD
In December The Good Boys will boldly and literally go where many are not willing to go, over the highways and byways.
This is a season of excitement for the Good Boys as they move upwards to bigger and better experiences, working with best-in-class artists and focusing on growing their ministry.
Their upcoming “I AM BOLD ” project is a movement geared toward outreach. This outreach ministry moves to impact and transform lives, both community wide and internationally. Some of the campaign’s main focus includes reaching out to locations known for high rates of hunger and poverty such as Haiti and Africa. These two noted locations in particular are target areas for the group. Rectify Music Group has partnered up with credible organizations and orphanages to better serve those in need. You learn more about the project on their website www. rectifymusic.com/iamboldproject. Anyone thinking about going to the mission field can heed some practical advice from Gary: “Be prepared…you need to be relative.” Rigo added: “…find out what the culture is like…what is common ground.” Gary also reminded us that Paul, the Apostle and first missionary, had to conform to different cultures. Quoting Paul, Gary said, “I must become all things to all men.” And that they do, with their Christian rap style of music that radically lifts the spirit of their fans on and off the stage.
But, as anyone knows, with growth comes challenges. For example, learning how to cope with responsibilities, emotions and the different personalities while learning to mature in God. From Rigo’s point of view, “Coming to the Scriptures is okay, but [with] personality you have to learn to accept and chisel each other, but it should be in one accord…help an artist out.” Gary added that “Prayer is key.” If prayer wasn’t part of their weekly routine, they would not be together as a group. THE BALANCING ACT While The Good Boys “spread out as best as possible”, life can sometimes become overwhelming. Gary believes prioritizing is important. “As an artist you can get burnt out easy. You have to delegate the responsibility,” he said.
How can we touch people? First touch people's lives. - Gary Charles The Good Boys is “big on discipleship” and because of that they encourage and edify each other as brothers in Christ -- in purpose and in mission. After all, they were all saved at the same time so they do understand what “brotherhood” means. God has also blessed them with a congregation where they find community, one that is “very vital to your faith,” Gary said.
Download their music at goodboys.bandcamp.com or www.rectifymusic.com. Follow The Good Boys and Rectify Music Group: @GOODBOYSRMG @RECTIFYMUSICGROUP
FULLY DEDICATED Paul the Apostle in the book of Romans, chapter 14:16 (NIV), speaks about being “obligated both the Greeks and to the non-Greeks; both to the wise and to the foolish. That is why I am eager to preach the Gospel also to you who are in Rome.
@GOODBOYSRMG @RECTIFYMUSIC
WWW.
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” So, not only are The Good Boys fully dedicated, they are obligated to win souls for Jesus.
RECTIFYMUSIC.COM
@8GOODBOYS
Along with carrying out their mission of sharing the Gospel, they are also promoting their newly-released album titled, no doubt, Fully Dedicated. Fans can check out the album on iTunes.
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THE MUSIC ISSUE
THE DROP CD
INTERVIEWED BY // ALLYSEN KERR, EDITOR ARTWORK BY // HOWARD BARRY, @HBCREATIVE WHAT IS THE DROP CD PROJECT? The DROP CD is a strategic hip-hop compilation album, free of charge, which presents a Biblical account of the story of God and how we fit into His plan. The term, “DROP,” doesn’t have a deep theological story behind it. In layman’s terms, a person just DROPs the CD into someone else’s hands.
The truth is that the Bible speaks to all people in all situations. No matter what you’re going through or what you’ve seen, God’s word exists to teach, encourage and direct. We released our first DROP CD Project in August of 2011, but our freshman and sophomore albums are much different from one another.
I’m sure this idea reminds people of the old school Bible tracts. In some ways, it’s the same, but I’ve found that music has an inherent value. People will throw a Bible tract away without a second thought.
Our first album was very much a compilation album. It has seventeen tracks and fifteen different artists from America to Japan. There was no organized theme to it but it offered some amazing truths.
If you give them a physical CD, chances are much better that they’ll check it out. The project will also include a Biblical curriculum that works in concert with the album in order to foster deeper spiritual growth and knowledge, music videos, devotionals and more.
For sophomore album however, we felt compelled to be more intentional. We decided to make the project about the Story of God, from start to finish. So often, we leave out the Old Testament when leading people to Jesus.
WHAT’S THE GOAL OF THE PROJECT? We are using “The Story-Formed Way,” a derivative of “The Story of God” by Michael Novelli & Caesar Kalinowski, with permission by Soma, as an outline for the Drop Project. Our goal is to communicate the story of God and how man fits into His great narrative in a simple, concise and creative format. In sharing God’s story we hope the listener can have a fuller understanding of God’s character and how they fit into His bigger story. In other words, the artists are teaching key Biblical topics in a relevant way. There are so many people who don’t read the Bible because they are convinced it has nothing to do with them or where they are [in life]. 32 adaptmag.com
But Jesus tells us in John 1:1 that, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” God predates creation and He will be forever because He is God. We simply cannot forget or minimize the Old Testament. It is a confirmation that Jesus is the Son of God. We also aim to go beyond music by organizing community outreaches in order to love God and love our neighbor by being Jesus’ hands and feet. We’ll be sending physical CDs to five major cities (Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, Tampa and Portland) where we’re working with area leaders. There will be day-time community outreach to help address and meet the needs of a particular community. That event will be followed by a concert that presents the Gospel message in various formats (art, spoken word, music, etc.)
The truth is that the Bible speaks to all people in all situations. No matter what you're going through or what you've seen, God's word exists to teach, encourage and direct. HOW DID THIS COME ABOUT?
HOW DID YOU DECIDE WHICH ARTISTS YOU WANTED TO BE INVOLVED?
In 2010, I approached the Holy Culture owners (Trig & Eddie) about the possibility of us creating a free hip-hop outreach project that people could hand out. We prayed about it and fleshed out the details. And so the DROP CD Project was born.
We reached out to skilled artists who we knew to have Christ centered lyrics. We have worked with many of them in the past and conducted a phone interview with them. None of the artists are being paid for their track – in fact, none of us are. They are working out of obedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The same is true with the producers we worked with on the project. We’re working with some amazing hearts on this project.
Our budget was a whopping zero dollars and zero cents. We knew that physical copies provided us with an opportunity to put the project into someone’s hands and to get to know our neighbor. But without funding, this was impossible. We opened it up for donations and an anonymous donor gave us $1,000.
HOW CAN PEOPLE GET THE PROJECT? IS THERE A COST? The project is available on our website, www.holyculture. net, and is FREE. We are releasing one track every three weeks until all of the ten tracks have been unveiled.
We moved forward and released our first DROP CD Project in August of 2011. With help from those who stood in agreement, we were to publish 4,000 physical copies. We had another 8,500 contacts online. It has become the most downloaded project on HolyCulture.net.
Physical copies of the full project will be available in April of 2014. During each three week period, we’ll focus on one of the Biblical topics that we address on the project at our website. We will have discussions, an interview and other various materials related to the topic. The DROP Project isn’t just about music. It’s about teaching and living the Word of God.
HOW ARE YOU INVOLVED? Trig, Eddie and I all share in the involvement. It’s very much a “build it from the ground up” type project. I’m not an artist and haven’t been musically trained. I did youth ministry for a year and a half before becoming a police officer in 2005.
In order for us to do this though, we request your prayer and support. In order for us to press 10,000 physical copies and do a five-city outreach, we’re seeking to raise $10,000. If someone would donate a dollar so someone else can hear the Gospel message or if you want to be involved, please e-mail me at DROPCD@holyculture.net for details. We hope you’ll serve WITH us!
I’ve seen a lot of hurting people and know that often times resources, especially those that are free, are extremely limited. It was all the more reason for us to put our hearts into this. Our involvement includes everything from artwork, to artist selection, organizing a beat library, promotions, fundraising and building with various organizations that share in our hearts to make Jesus known.
WHAT ARE YOU AND HOLY CULTURE WORKING ON NEXT? God willing, I think we would love to see the DROP CD Project continue and expand. I would love to see us pair up with some organizations to create a larger number of free copies.
WHICH ARTISTS WERE INVOLVED? The sophomore DROP CD Project features the following artists, who are addressing the following topics:
It would also be incredible to see the project in musical forms other than hip-hop. Other than that, Holy Culture will continue to bring you the latest news, articles, devotionals, videos and music!
• Creation & Separation, Levi the Poet • Sinful Humanity, Anthony Rose • People of God, Sean Slaughter
BEN LIPPENS IS THE EDITORIAL TEAM LEADER AT HOLYCULTURE. NET. HOLYCULTURE.NET IS A WEBSITE THAT EXISTS TO “PROMOTE CHRIST, SERVE THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY AND PROVIDE TOOLS TO THOSE THAT CO-LABOR IN THE CULTURE.” THEY COVER HIPHOP, ROCK, CCM, ALTERNATIVE, RHYTHM & PRAISE, AND GOSPEL. VISIT HOLYCULTURE.NET TO LEARN MORE.
• Exodus & Law, Evangel • Person of Jesus, Social Club • Works of Jesus, Princeton Marcellis • Death and Resurrection, Bobby Bishop Ft. Lukus Simari • Mission & Power, Primisis • Life in the Spirit, The Ambassador • Life in the End, 737
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THE MUSIC ISSUE
BENJAH AN UNORTHODOX JOURNEY BY // ALLYSEN KERR, EDITOR
UNIQUE. UNUSUAL. UNCANNY? NOPE...NONE OF THESE SEEM LIKE QUITE THE RIGHT WORD WHEN SUMMARIZING BENJAH. BUT IF YOU ASK THE ARTIST/ SONGWRITER/PRODUCER ABOUT ONE WORD HE WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE HIS LIFE, HE WOULD PROBABLY SAY, “UNORTHODOX.” Why unorthodox? Because strip away the chill demeanor, towering frame, and tattoos, and what’s left is a dude who has gone through some intense seasons of pain, sweat and tears to get where he is now. But in between emails and preparing for tours this fall, Benjah carved out some time to talk with Adapt Magazine about his journey thus far. AND THEN THERE WAS MUSIC Music has always been a part of Benjah’s life. “I started playing piano real, real young,” he said. “I dropped that for guitar…started playing in the third grade and writing songs as soon as I can remember.” “They were terrible, but I was still writing!” Even when he received a scholarship to play football in college, music remained a passion. But after getting into a really bad car accident at the end of the first season, Benjah couldn’t play anymore. It became obvious that music would become his next pursuit. He shared this dream with a few people within the industry and all of them encouraged him to go to Full Sail University. Next thing he knew, Benjah found himself flying down to Orlando, FL to pursue a degree in sound engineering at Full Sail. “I'm not co-signing Full Sail, because I think you could make it in this industry without going there. But, for as young as I was it was the best option for me, because I didn't know anything.” A MAN ORDERS HIS STEPS…THE LORD PLANS HIS WAY As time went on Benjah picked up a couple of engineering gigs and it didn’t take him long to realize that he wasn’t just an engineer, he had an ear for production as well. “I [heard] so many possibilities [in the studio], so as an engineer I was overstepping my boundaries, but since they were good ideas, I didn't get put down for that,” he said.
I DIDN'T THINK I HAD ALL OF THE ASSETS OF WHAT IT TOOK TO BECOME A REALLY GOOD ARTIST His “producer ear” gave him the opportunity to start producing songs and do some post-production work on various projects. Benjah continued to produce music for several years and as his talent for production increased (and the more time he spent with other artists), he started learning the craft of hook writing. Not too long after, he found himself working in Memphis as a sound engineer for another up and coming recording label called Reach Records. “I eventually started doing some writing for them,” he said. “But, really, being around all those good artists, they didn't really know, but they were teaching me.” While Benjah had a dream of being an artist, that door seemed to be closed. “I didn't think I had all of the assets of what it took to become a really good artist,” he said. Benjah said that he was not the guy with the natural voice or talent. He had to work for it, but as he continued to write and record ideas, he actually started to develop a decent voice. Eventually people started to take notice of his growing talents. “I guess I just got encouraged enough to where I felt like I could do it. And, so I started trying to make my own sound.” That’s how Benjah, the artist, emerged. “I think ideally that the Lord was just equipping me with skill set and also growing me spiritually and putting me through enough life,” he said. “I've traveled the world and experienced enough things so I have something to say.” GET WISDOM, GET INSIGHT Over the years Benjah’s platform has given him the opportunity to work with some of the smallest independent artist to some of the biggest names in the industry. But he’s also found time to pour into aspiring artists as well. He leads an
artist development small group in Orlando that he recently opened up to independent artists. “Honestly, I realized that all of my friends have great talent, but what they're putting out [wasn’t] good. It wasn't equal to their potential.”
COOL FACT... Benjah was one of the original members of Group 1 Crew. He also worked with the Kenoly brothers: Ron Kenoly Jr. and Samuel Kenoly in the early years of his career.
“I'm not saying that I know it all, but I am saying I've experienced a lot; I've been around a lot of people, a lot of very successful companies, and record labels [that] I’ve worked with… and I'm slowly doing it myself, so I can tell you I have a lot of knowledge and wisdom that can help you guys make a better decisions and also form your sound, form a unique sound around you as artists.” What IS his advice for the aspiring artist? “I think there are a couple issues you have to address before you answer that question,” Benjah said. NO. 1: ARE YOU REALLY CALLED TO BE AN ARTIST? “Just because you have an extreme love for music doesn't mean you need to be an artist,” he said. “Artists are looked at by most people look as the pinnacle of everything. But one thing I want to encourage them to do is really examine your skill sets and see where it can be used best.”
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Many people are focused on being the artist when their real talent may lie in another area of the music industry, he says. “You know, just like the scriptures talk about the Body of Christ, and how we need each other to make this work, I think in the music industry it's the exact same way,” he said. “Everybody wants to be the mouth…but where's our eyes, where's our feet, and where's our hands”? Benjah believes that managers, marketing and branding experts, sound engineers, video producers are just as important as being the artist. “The one reason why Christian music is taking so long to progress is because everyone wants to be the artist, you know what I'm saying”? NO. 2: ARE YOU SKILLED ENOUGH? Benjah encourages artists to expand their skill set because it's very rare that you find an independent artist that can do it all. “I am the anomaly because I started with engineering…whereas other artists they just started writing and they don't know anything and they can't find studios, they buy some little cheap mic and they're putting out this terrible quality stuff and they're wondering why they're not progressing. [It’s] because they don't have the full skill set.” Until an artist develops those skills, he or she needs to reach out and partner with engineers, producers and writers, he said. NO. 3: DO YOU HAVE THE SUPPORT OF YOUR COMMUNITY? “And beyond that, if you are fully convinced through prayer and also through community and people that know about music that say, 'Yes, you have extreme talent, you just need to be developed….' If it's 100 percent there, then there's a whole different path you have to take [to develop] yourself as an artist, and that's...it's a long road.”
At the end of the day, Benjah said the goal of any artist is to sound exactly like everything that's out there while sounding nothing like everything that's out there at the exact same time. “…Which sounds crazy, right? But that's what our goal is!” Another piece of wisdom… “Take your time,” he said. “Everyone's always in a rush. No one needs to hear your music right now. The fans -- the music industry -- are not going to die if you don't put out your record this month. Wait, take your time, have people help you through it, and [get] discipled the whole time by people who actually know what they're doing, and who actually know the scriptures so they can make sure your lyrics are on point.” When Benjah first decided to step out as an artist he thought he was totally ready. “I had these songs ready to go, and you know, they were the best of my abilities at the time and I rushed [my first project] and put it out.” In his mind releasing the album at that time didn’t seem like a bad thing. He was going through a real spiritual reawakening and learning a lot about the Word. “The Lord really opened my eyes to things that I had been taught in my life, but at the end of the day I realized [that] what I was taught and what I thought I knew [were] not lining up with Scriptures.” He had to forget everything he thought he knew and restructure his foundation. “One word [can] make it all wrong. And, obviously, it was never my intention to be wrong, but it was just lack of knowledge, and immaturity, and rushing to put it out [that made it wrong].” Benjah poured close to $20,000 into the creation of his first album, ‘Muddy Water Clear.’ But not too long after releasing the album, he got convicted and had to pull the project.
“And, mind you, I produced and engineered it all, so that's just other costs involved in making an album, and I had to pull the record. I had to stop it. I had to stop selling it…take it off iTunes, take it off everywhere.” He felt like it was a sin for him to rush to rush the project when lyrically it didn’t necessarily line up with the Word. After taking down the project, he took his favorite songs from the album, revamped them, and then added new ones. That project became, ‘Filtered.’ WRITING SONGS LIKE A PRO Benjah often finds himself helping aspiring artists down with their lyrics and one of the most common problems he sees is that the lyrics don’t line up with the scriptures. “You have to go through an extreme discipleship period, and it's going to take years...it's really a lifetime,” he said. “I'm not saying I've arrived in my knowledge...I know nothing in reality, but I do know enough to know discernment…. [either] yes, this is accurate, this is of the Lord, or no, this could mislead some people. You need to know those scriptures and then you apply it to your life. That's where your lyrics come from.” So, what methods does Benjah use to write his songs? “Well, I don’t know if I want to give all my tricks of the trade away!” [Laughs] “…It's not that special.” “I used to just make a song and [think] where does this song emotionally take me and start riding on that lane, which is a fine way to do it, but now, I write so much more intentionally.”
that really move me and it’s really impactful, I just have a spreadsheet where I'll write the topic and I'll write a couple things.” These ideas are compiled for a least a year and a half before Benjah attempts to string them together to make an album. When the time comes, that’s when he begins to write. Benjah meets with his team—comprised of people from his label, Jahmen Music Group, pastors from his church—to really narrow down the most relevant topics. Benjah believes without a doubt that melodies make hits, that’s what people remember in a song. “Words people remember after they learn the melody,” he said. He encourages up-and-coming artists to really work on the melody, chop it up and work on it over and over again. “Otherwise, if you just write the first melody that comes to mind, chances are that's not the strongest melody you can find for that song.” Musically, every album is a little bit different. I don't know where I'm going with the next stuff,” he said. “I like pushing the envelope. I don't like my albums to sound Christian--I want them to sound as secular as possible until you get the lyrics, you know what I mean? I want it to compete with everything that's out there in the world.” Benjah feels that Christian music is behind the secular industry. He says he wants to push Christian music to go further; get better.
“Because, for instance, if I decide to write a whole album right now, I'm only going to write about what's on my mind and what's on my heart at this very moment, which is going to be a very limited amount of content. So, it'll limit me on the diversity of the topics."
BUILDING THE DREAM TEAM
“So whenever something really moves me, or I witness a situation, or I read a Scripture, I'm reading stuff in books
“We pray for years and some come and some go; seasons change,” he said. “I'm a true independent artist,
Having a solid team is probably the most integral part of being a successful artist. Even Benjah says that he’s still in prayer for a lot of team members.
I THINK IDEALLY THAT THE LORD WAS JUST EQUIPPING ME WITH SKILL SET AND ALSO GROWING ME SPIRITUALLY AND PUTTING ME THROUGH ENOUGH LIFE... THE MUSIC September/October 2013
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I am my label, I have to create it and it's tough to build a team, but it is also probably the most important thing.” As the artist, producer, engineer, and Jahmen’s president, Benjah acts as the "mouth" of his group but he constantly needs other body parts to help his team correctly function. “It's amazing, when a team is functioning as a full team, as a full body,” he said. “On a good day, maybe half of my body works, and like I said, I need more parts to it. And as I grow as an artist and grow my platform, I'm going need more people to do it. But like I said the problem is there's not a lot of people out there; everybody wants to be the artist, so like I need to get a lot of people involved in my label, but they're really coming to learn about artistry. That's just the nature of the beast, so hopefully more people will start wanting to do these other jobs that are so needed and so valued by artists.” THERE MAY BE DARK DAYS Although the life of an artist can seem like desirable, Benjah recalls telling his friends several times that he was going to put all of his studio gear out on the curb. “I'm an extremist personality, which is good and bad...so when I grind, I grind, or if I quit I'm burning all of my gear.” But majority of the reason for his frustration was because he made music an idol. “I started for a good reason, but I made a good thing a god thing,” he said. “I elevated it into a god status and said, 'Alright, music industry, music career, I am relying on your to bring me joy, bring me happiness, bring me fulfillment, bring me money, bring me love, bring me everything…I'm looking for complete fulfillment from you.'” “And obviously, it's not going do that. I
mean, there will be times when it does, but it's always going to fail me, and it has! And that's why artists go through these roller coasters, and if you look at a lot of mainstream secular artists, that's why a lot of them do drugs, a lot of them overdose because they turn their artistry into their gods and they always fail them, even if they're platinum artists, it always fail them; it never gives them what they're looking for.” Benjah remedied his idolatry of the music industry over time by creating the 'Why' factor. “Anytime I'm frustrated…like: ‘why I didn't get a song placed on this album or that album, or why I didn't [sell] as many units, or why didn’t I book this tour…I have to remember, why am I doing this? And that just shuts me up instantly.” “I cannot complain, I cannot be sad or be mad; I have to trust in the Lord, in his sovereignty and his plan, his will and trust that he provides as needed and he withholds as needed--out of love. When I get mad because things aren’t happening as fast as I want then, well, why am I doing this? I mean if it's all about that, if it's all about numbers, if it's all about tours, then I'm in the wrong genre to begin with. I should just stop this and go straight mainstream.” “That's really helped me balance things.” ALL IS VANITY Benjah’s most recent project, ‘Vanity Fare’ was released from a lot of those frustrations he felt about the music industry and his career.
my career and all of them have failed me. That’s the pursuit of vanity. “The cost of vanity is discontentment, depression, lack of joy...all these things and the crazy thing is that we keep doing it when we know the answer; we know where to look. “ “The Scriptures say we've exchanged the truth for a lie and started to worship the created…and I have no way to express how much I believe that because I have tried to worship everything that's created and it's all failed me.” The remedy: stop looking to things and get realistic, he said. Stop looking at the created and seek the Creator for the fulfillment that we all desire. THE JOURNEY CONTINUES Benjah and his team are working on feverishly on a remix project of ‘Vanity Fare,’ and hope to release it before the end of the year. “I'm more excited for this remix album that I am for the original album...only because this is new, I think it's better,” Benjah said. “It's just a different view. It's like putting on a different pair of sunglasses, you know? Some sunglasses make things brighter and clearer other things make them darker...it's just a new lens to view the songs through--and they are incredible songs, so I'm super excited about that.” In addition to releasing the remix album, Benjah is also in the process of scheduling some tours in the United States. Then it’s on to Brazil.
“I was viewing my career very vainly… in a worldly sense. Not even my career, but my life!”
“I want do a totally different show than what I'd normally do, more DJ-led, but I'm still kind of figuring out a way to do that.”
“We are created to worship. Everybody worships, no matter who you are. The question is what or who do you worship and what do you look to fulfill you? I've looked to tons of material things to fulfill me. I've looked to
And he’s already planning for next year. Fans of Benjah and Dillavou will be excited to hear some fresh music when Jahmen releases another Loved Ones project as well.
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