Tag Archives: Music

Interview with Dave Powers

I have been doing interviews for a few months now.  I have to say it is one of my favorite things I have ever been blessed to do.

My sweet friend Richard Frazier introduced me to a great Southern Gospel singer named Dave Powers.  I feel very blessed to introduce Dave and his ministry and music to you.

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Dave Powers, Southern/Country Gospel Singer
Dave is spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through songs and personal
testimony.  Dave was born and raised in West Chester, PA, and now resides in
Lemasters, Pennsylvania.  Dave has been singing for over 25+ years.  He grew
up singing in his home town church and fell in love with the “old time”
hymns that the church sang.  In his teen years,  he heard many southern
gospel singers and began to love the sound of the quartet style music.  He
attended a Gold City Quartet concert that was made up of Brian, Ivan, Mike,
and Tim, and knew during that concert he wanted to sing for the Lord.  At
that concert, he prayed that the Lord would use him to spread the gospel in
song.   When he moved to Chambersburg, PA, in 1988, he started singing bass
with The Towne Singers, a local vocal group.   With the Towne Singers,  he
had the opportunity to travel over seas and do many concerts.  Then in 2003,
he began singing background with David (King) Grove doing numerous “Elvis”
concerts and had the honor to share the stage with the legendary
Jordanairres.  In 2005, he continued with David, but they were led by the
Lord to do outreaches to win souls for the Lord.  When David accepted a
pastor’s position in 2009, Dave continued on his own because he loves
singing about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  In 2013, Dave was asked and
honored to open up for the respected southern gospel quartet, The Kingsmen,
at the 38th PA State Singing Convention.  In December of 2014 he had the
opportunity to travel to Nashville Tenn. To record Amazing Grace with Doc
Holiday and his A-team production company.  2015 is shaping up to be a great
year of sharing the Gospel in song.

INTERVIEW WITH DAVE POWERS

How long have you been singing Southern Gospel Music?
A: Pretty much my whole life,  I fell in love with it when I was around 12
years old  but started to really sing it on my own around 4 yrs ago.

What artist would you say has influenced your music the most?
A: The Kingsmen Quarter was the first group I ever listened to, but Gold
City and Mr. Tim Riley  has been a big influence on my life.  Mr. David
Grove (King) my pastor has also been a big influence in my Ministry.

What was your first song to hit the air waves? And which station started
your adventure on air?
A: The first station to ever play my music was WURL 760 AM out of Alabama.
I befriend DJ Richard Frazier from the Richard Frazier Show via Facebook.
He included a song of mine on his hour program and for the first time ever I
heard myself singing “Thanks To Calvary”.  Needless to say, I did tear up
and thanked God for that moment in time.

What would you say was the defining moment in your music ministry that you
knew that this was what you wanted to do?
A:  I have been singing pretty much all my life, in Church choirs, groups
from around our area and then on my own, but felt God’s calling to sing
around 14 yrs ago at a Southern Gospel Concert in Lancaster Pa. sitting in
the back row I really felt God’s calling on my life to go and share the
Gospel in song.  This wouldn’t happen for a few more years, but believe me
it has been worth the wait.

What motivates you to keep going when your tired?
A:  My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  It’s because of Him why I sing.

Do you have any new projects in the making?
A:  Looking at doing a new CD sometime this year.

What’s your current single on the air waves that we might hear?
Right now I have the Song Amazing Grace which I recorded in Nashville in
December.  It is on Amazon music.com and Google play.  Digital download,
with in around 2 weeks going out to different radio stations.

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CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DAVE POWERS

Thank you Dave for this interview.
Dream Catcher 3:20
Cassie Gilman

Interview with Tommy Brandt

I have been listening to Tommy Brandt for awhile now.  I have always loved his music.  Tommy is one of the top Christian Country artist out there.  His music has a true sound of Country Music with Lyrics of Christ Love.

I had been following Tommy on social media for awhile when I got to meet him this last November at the ICM Awards Week.  You know sometimes we anticipate what someone will be like in person when all we know is the media side of them.  I can tell you that Tommy’s heart is big and full of God’s Love.  I attended a Session at the ICM week where Tommy and a few other artist talked to us about how to remain a Christian with what we face in this world of Ministry today.  I watched Tommy share from his heart of situations where he faced hurts in his ministry.  I watched as he spoke and all I saw was a real man with a heart after God. More than ever in today’s world these are the kind of role models we need out there in the music industry

Interview with Tommy Brandt!!

Tommy Brandt is a gifted singer/songwriter who has spent the last twelve years touring the country spreading his down home message of faith, hope, and love through music, testimony and stories about his own life. In that time he has become a leader in his field winning multiple Inspirational Country Music Awards including “New Artist of the Year” in 2004 and “Male Vocalist of the Year” five times. He also was honored by the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2010 with a “Visionary Award” for his contributions to Christian Music using Inspirational Country Music with lyrics that encourage Faith, Family and Country. This Florida boy has the unique distinction in his genre to have had his first 16 singles top the Christian Music Charts. Tommy’s newest album was just released and is receiving great reviews nationally. His latest project titled “Praise Hymn” speaks for itself.

 

 

How long have you been singing Country and Inspirational Country Music?

Tommy:  I started out singing Country music back in the 90s with a band called “New South”. In 1997 I rededicated my life to Christ and began singing Christian Country Music and in 2003 made a full time career in the ministry.

What artist would you say has influenced your music the most?

Tommy:  There have been many great influences along the way, but if I had to narrow it down to one it would have to be Garth Brooks. The way that he not only entertains, but communicates with his audience is phenomenal! I want to sit in front of a crowd of 2 people, or 20,000 people and make them feel like it’s a one on one concert. “Making a Difference one song at a time”. Other influences include Kenny Hinson, Del Way, Hank Williams Jr, and Eric Church.

 What was your first song to hit the air waves? And which station started your adventure on air?

Tommy:  I released “No Turning Back” in 2003 and had my first #1 single with it. The first time that I heard it live on the air was on Powersource Top 20 Radio Show. It’s still one of my favorite songs to sing in concert.

 What would you say was the defining moment in your music ministry that you knew that this was what you wanted to do?

Tommy:  My first Christian concert was at a small Methodist Church in Okeechobee Florida where I led an elderly man to Christ. I didn’t really know how to give and invitation, or really how to lead someone to the Lord, but I poured out my heart and asked if anyone wanted what I had experienced with Christ and it happened. With calloused hands and tears rolling down his wrinkled face we held hands and prayed together. I knew this is what I was supposed to do with the rest of my life.  

 What motivates you to keep going when your tired?

Tommy:  It’s always that one lost soul that gives their heart to Christ that makes it all worth it and motivates me to keep on going.

Do you have any new projects in the making?

Tommy:  I just completed a new project called Praise Hymn. It’s a double CD box set with Praise and Worship songs on one CD and Hymnal songs on the other. We’re excited about the reviews that it is receiving.

What’s your current single on the air waves that we might hear?

Tommy:  I have a version of “Unclouded Day” out to radio now and am getting ready to release one of my favorite songs that I’ve ever recorded and written called “Broken”.

Do you write any of your own songs?

Tommy:  I write the majority of the songs that I sing. Although, when I hear a song that really moves me I am happy to record it.

What is your personal favorite out of all the songs you have recorded or sing?

Tommy:  Definitely the song I mentioned earlier “Broken”. I recently wrote this song as a testimony about my life.

Can you share one of your funniest memories of Singing on stage or while recording?

Tommy:  I had broken 3 ribs the day before a 3 day revival where I was preaching and singing. The pain was excruciating! Just before service I took a pain pill that I had never tried before that the Doctor had prescribed and literally had an outer body experience on stage. I was singing for the offering and wrote my own offering song as I was singing it. It was hilarious! It was like I was standing in front of myself watching in amusement as I played guitar and came up with comical lyrics on the fly. I wished that it would have been on video.

What is your favorite scripture and what does it mean to you?

Tommy:  Jeremiah 29:11. It gives me the promise of hope and a future no matter what I’m going through.

Can you tell me a little about Beyond Music Productions?

Tommy:  My wife Michelle and I felt led to begin mentoring young artists getting started in the music ministry about 5 years ago. There are so many talented youth out there ready to serve the Lord but have no idea what to do or how to follow their calling. We want to be there to lead them through the steps to achieve their goals and calling without all of the pitfalls that the music industry presents. We currently have 12 artists that we’re working with and really enjoy watching them grow.

What is your vision to work with today’s youth in the music industry?

Tommy:  Our vision is to have workshops across the country to train and mentor artists as we travel.

 

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Click here to learn more about Tommy Brandt

Thank you Tommy for this interview.

 

Dream Catcher 3:20

Cassie Gilman

 

Interview with Steve Roberson

Interview Steve Roberson
Steve Roberson

While doing some PR for Carol Hogner I started listening to and following HLE Radio. I heard a song called Jesus Was A Rebel. I fell in love with that song. Sometimes we can get so caught up in stuffy old religion and forget that Jesus didn’t go with the flow.  Jesus hung out with the Rebels and outcast. He took His Light to them.

 

I friend requested Steve Roberson in October 2013. I realized then he has such a sweet heart and wants people to see the fun loving side of Jesus. Throug out this last year I have watched his Social Media post and peoples interaction with him. This Novemebr I traveled with Carol Hogner to the ICM Awards in Nashville and was blessed to meet Steve in person. Steve is just as personable and fun in person as he is on Social Media. I asked him if he would participate in my interview for my blogs. I’m so glad he said yes.

I hope you enjoy getting to know a little more about Mr. Steve Roberson. Be sure to check out the links I’ve inserted into this blog to listen to his music and follow him on social media.

Bio:  Diversity is the word that comes to mind when the name Steve Roberson comes up. Steve grew up in Montgomery, Alabama with the sounds of Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Rolling Stones, Hank Williams and Tom T Hall flowing through the speakers of his momma’s orange suitcase record player! He had a love for great music of all genres, and you can tell when you hear Steve’s music
Steve is on the road full time performing at venues such as fairs, festivals, rodeo’s, and churches all across the country, and is also a staff songwriter at Oden’s Row Publishing in Nashville, Tennessee. He has had numerous cuts in Southern Gospel, Christian Country and Mainstream Country Music.
2014 has proved to be a successful year for Steve, as he has been blessed with three number one songs on several Independent Country and Christian Country Charts, including the ever popular “Jesus Was A Rebel” and current chart topper “Letting Angels Down Easy”.

INTERVIEW: With STEVE ROBERSON 

 

Q.How long have you been singing Country and Inspirational Country Music?

Steve:  I’ve been singing Country Music all of my life it seems! After I got saved and in church in 2005, I thought that the country side of music was over for me. I knew very little about Gospel Music, but I was asked to audition for the lead singer position in a Southern Gospel Quartet based out of Clanton, Alabama. I sang with “The Samaritans” for about four years. Then for almost another year with “Broken Vessels”. Then in the summer of 2006, we were booked to sing at an outdoor festival near Montgomery, Alabama. And that is where I was introduced to Christian Country Music! Tommy Brandt and Danny Ray Harris were the headliners for this event and I was in heaven! I’m sure that I asked those two guys a thousand questions that day! I ended up with both of their CD’s and Danny even gave me some of his tracks to sing with. In 2012, Danny would also introduce me to playing in Cowboy Churches around the country while we toured together for a year as “The Southern Boys”. I’m forever grateful to Danny, Tommy and everyone else who has had a hand helping me on my musical journey!

 

Q. What artist would you say has influenced your music the most?
Steve:  WOW! That’s a loaded question!! Where do I start? There are so many that I could truthfully say, but I’ll narrow it down to a few. I always loved the smooth, powerful voice of Travis Tritt. He’s still one of my heroes in music. The great Marty Raybon is another! I still get chills hearing him and Shenandoah sing “The Moon Over Georgia”!. The other is Scott Roberts of Broken Vessels. There are so many artists on stage nowadays that in my opinion, are trying to put on a show for the sake of entertaining someone. Scott doesn’t have to do that because he is real. He truly wants God to use him to make a difference in the life’s of others, and it shows through on stage. And I’m thankful for the difference that he has made in my life!

 

Q. What was your first song to hit the air waves? And which station started your adventure on air?
Steve:The first one would be with The Samaritans. We did a song called “Joy In The Morning” that got some local airplay at Gospel Station WKLF in Clanton, Alabama. The first one for me as a soloist was a song that I wrote with my brother Frankie called “Pretty, Pretty Angels”, also at WKLF.

 

Q. What would you say was the defining moment in your music ministry that you knew that this was what you wanted to do?
Steve:  Defining moment?…. I don’t think that I can recall one. I’ve just always known that this was it for me!

 

Q. What motivates you to keep going when your tired?
Steve:  There are people out there in the world that are hurting, and I believe that God can use me, and the music that He gives me to reach them, ease their pain and lead them to Him.

 

Q. Do you have any new projects in the making?
Steve:  Yep, a new CD packed with Crank Down Christian Country, and Positive Country is due out in late January with a new radio release to go along with it!

 

Q. What’s your current single on the air waves that we might hear?
Steve:   “Letting Angels Down Easy” written by Randy Finchum and Chuck Oden is still going strong at Independent Country Radio and almost a year after it’s radio release, “Jesus Was A Rebel” (Finchum-Gibson) is still one of the most requested song at a lot of stations! And let’s not forget about “God Gave His Gift To Me” (Finchum-Batts-Roberson) My Christmas single.

 

Q. Can you share one of your funniest memories of Singing on stage or while recording?

Steve:WOW again! I have a lot to choose from! It has to be the time when I was singing at an old country church somewhere in Georgia. The church was in serious need of major repair and stage floor was very unstable to say the least! And to make things worse, I was weighing in at around the 400 lb mark! The service was almost over when the floor busted open and I fell through it into the baptismal tank, a tank that the church had no idea was there! Here’s the funny part. The Pastor said that they had been praying that The Lord would provide them with a way to baptize their church folks! I guess that The Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways!

 

 

Thank you Steve Robberson for this great interview!!!

To contact Steve for your next event….
205-924-9397

[email protected]

www.facebook.com/steverobersonmusic

www.twitter.com/@1steveroberson

 

Above and Beyond

Dream Catcher 3:20

Cassie Gilman