Miranda A. Uyeh's Blog, page 26
June 30, 2017
Album Review ~ Live At Blaisdell Arena By New Hope Oahu
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Category
Religious/Christian
Genre
Contemporary Worship
Release Date
July 28, 2017.
Rating
4.5 Stars
Review
New Hope Oahu’s live performance at Blaisdell Arena presents an organic blend of music that invites worship in the heart of the listener, as well as persuades an outward expression of awe for God. The pleasantly heart-stirring music of the praise songs makes it easy to slip into dance mode with hands lifted high while celebrating the beautiful message that each song brings—deeply, joyfully, wholeheartedly! The worship songs inspire an atmosphere of peace and joy that is quintessentially lovely and holy.
New Hope Oahu’s live performance is yet again a poignant testimony of God’s love and faithfulness evident in the lives of men!
About New Hope Oahu
New Hope Oahu is listed as one of the top ten most innovative churches in America with Outreach Magazine listing them as one of the “top five churches to learn from.” New Hope Oahu is known for redeeming the arts and technology with thousands attending services each week between their 5 campuses and via the Internet. NHO’s previous 3 albums have each charted on The Billboard Overall Christian Music Chart, with their last release, “Greater Together”, debuting at #1. The Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts has also recognized New Hope Oahu’s albums as “Religious Album of the Year” for the past 3 years. Their new LIVE album showcases the worship experience from their prior album’s more popular songs.
Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Entertainment, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Music, Music/Album Review Tagged: Christian Music, Contemporary Music, Inspirational Music, Live At Blaisdell Album, New Hope Oahu Artist, New Hope Oahu Church, TBAP Music Review
June 27, 2017
Album Review ~ All Creatures by The Rock Music
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Category
Religious/Christian
Genre
Hymn/Acoustic
Release Date
July 28, 2017.
Rating
4 Stars
Review
The Rock Music’s All Creatures album opens with the acoustic and acapella-like version of the hymn, Amazing Grace. Of worthy mention about this track is the clear intent to simply present the pure nature of a hymn that celebrates God’s goodness in the form of His grace without letting too much music and instrumentation get in the way. A similar simplicity is noted throughout the album, even giving off an ‘old barn-like’ feel of music, which makes the flavor of the melodies altogether unique.
For a hymn-like mode with a soft touch of music that whisper tales of old times and American history, The Rock Music’s Amazing Grace album is an excellent selection.
About The Rock Music
A Collection of Hymns is a unique addition to The Rock Music’s catalog. The Porter Family Band brings a folksy approach to songs that have been sung by the church for generations. Soaring harmonies are brought to life by an ensemble that includes the banjo, cello, acoustic guitar, upright bass, harmonica, and melodica, creating a powerful sonic foundation for these innovative arrangements of classic tunes. The hope is that the timeless truths expressed by traditional hymns, combined with homespun harmonies and front porch grooves, will draw the listener closer to Jesus.
Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Entertainment, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Music, Music/Album Review Tagged: Acoustic Music, All Creatures Album, Christian Music, Hymns, Inspirational Music, TBAP Music Review, The Rock Music Artist
June 25, 2017
I Am Mary
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I consider Mary’s reply to Angel Gabriel’s message about the birth of Christ to be one of the most remarkable ever recorded in Scripture.
It is easy to assume that you would respond the same as Mary did if placed in the same circumstance—I mean, who would turn down being the vessel through which the Christ would come, right?
“Such a blessing Mary received,” you’d say. “Such high favor from God, Himself!”
But it doesn’t end there.
To be blessed and highly favored doesn’t mean exemption from troubles and hardships. In fact, with this privilege of destiny come certain difficulties. “To whom much is given, much is also required” (Luke 12:48b). There’s a price that every disciple must pay to follow Jesus—“If you will be my disciple, you must lay down your life, pick up your cross, and follow me,” Jesus said (Matthew 16:24). Mary was blessed, but she was also warned…“And a sword will pierce your soul too” (Luke 2:35b). This later [partly] manifested as Mary witnessing the agony and death of Jesus on the Cross of Calvary.
Does God allowing Mary to experience this hardship in the later years mean that she became less blessed and favored by Him?
A resounding no.
We, God’s children, like Mary, must also understand that being blessed or called to accomplish “great” things doesn’t mean that we are set apart to enjoy bliss throughout life. The days, which will likely be more than once, for the testing of your faith and suffering in some form, will definitely come; no Christian escapes this. We are in a fallen world after all, and perfect forever will only begin in heaven. However, Jesus has promised that you will overcome if you remain in Him. Moreover, there will be days of laughter as well. But even in the day of trouble, peace and joy can still remain. One has to make the decision to put their trust in God, even when it seems everything about life is spiraling out of control. For Mary, she’d made plans like any responsible adult would. But God’s “interference” nearly halted hers, and then set her on a completely different path than one she’d ever imagined possible, which included much pain. Nonetheless, this was God’s plan for her life.
Like Mary, trust God even when every plan you’ve laid down has failed or will appear to. Follow the path He is leading you on. God, your Father in heaven, remains the determiner of your life’s direction (if you are truly His servant) and in control of everything even when it seems like He is not. Remember the disciples in the boat with Jesus when it seemed the squall would sink them? Jesus was fully aware of everything. Like Mary, remain steadfast in your response to God, “I am your servant. Let it be to me as You have said” (Luke 1:38). Finally, in all that you endure on the path that God is leading you on, remember this:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29:11
[image error]About The Editor
Miranda A. Uyeh is the founder and editor of To Be A Person (TBAP), the author of Christian Romance/Suspense fiction, To Die Once: Child of Grace #1, a Mogul Global Ambassador, and a copywriter. She was a one-time shortlisted judge for the Inspy Awards in 2014 in the Contemporary Romance & Romance/Suspense Category. In 2016, Miranda was honored to be one of 500 book reviewers across the world invited to help launch Tim Tebow’s book, Shaken.
When Miranda isn’t reviewing books/entertainment or hosting interviews on TBAP, she’s writing, reading for fun or relaxing with a good movie! When she gets bored with the world, she talks to God about it! To learn more about her book, To Die Once, and her journey as an author, you can follow her author website. You can also connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Google+.
**The article, I Am Mary, first appeared on To Be A Person (TBAP). It is part of the I Am series on the TBAP blog.
Filed under: Article, Christianity, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Personal Development, Stories Tagged: Christianity, I Am Mary, Inspirational, TBAP Article
June 23, 2017
Book Review ~ Worth Fighting For By Emily Camp
Declan Light is certain that since he chose to dedicate his life to God that God will bless him. His plan to marry his high school girlfriend, Miley, and get his Bible college degree are right on track. So it is a surprise to him when things start to look less than ideal. When his confidence in his relationship and God falter on the tails of a tragedy, Declan wonders if there’s anything left worth fighting for.
Category
Christian/Fiction/New Adult
Genre
Contemporary/General Fiction
Rating
4 Stars
Review
This story takes off a few months from where it left off in Here Comes The Light, Cambrooke Series #1. Declan and Miley are married and discover that they’re going to have a baby sooner than they’d prepared. This leads to a series of events, and a tragedy soon strikes, which tests the strength of their love for each other, and puts each one of them on a path different than they’d originally planned. Miley would have to learn what it means to give up past habits for the greater good, and Declan would have to learn that no matter what happens, God is enough.
An impressive element in the story is Camp’s resolve not to hold back on portraying the reality of the drama and good times of family, married life, pregnancy, and the messiness involved in taking care of a toddler. Some scenes graciously lend you a smile, others cause you to ponder. Altogether, Worth Fighting For is a neatly put together work of prose that is sure to delight…especially if the characters had already found their way into your heart from the stories of the prior books in the series.
*Though I offer this review to the public, it is my opinion and simply that. My appreciation to the author, Emily Camp, for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
[image error]About the Author
Emily is the author of the young adult Cambrooke Series. She is currently working toward a degree in business while continuing to write stories. Emily lives in Ohio with her husband, two kids and dog. When she isn’t writing or in class, Emily can be found at one of the three sport events her son competes in.
Filed under: Author Feature, Book Feature, Book Review, Inspirational Tagged: Cambrooke Series, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Emily Camp Author, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, New Adult Fiction, TBAP Book Review, Worth Fighting For Book
June 22, 2017
Artist Scoop ~ Interview with Abigail Duhon
[image error]Abigail Duhon is a rising star that the world should look out for! With a heart to serve God and be His ambassador in this generation (and hopefully, the next), Duhon is unstoppable as she’s hard at work as a music artist, dancer, and actress. With three albums under her belt, the third (self-titled) which was released May 26th (read the TBAP review here and read TBAP’s article on Duhon here), this interesting young woman is even more sold out to God than ever before. Abigail took some time to chat with us on TBAP. Follow our conversation below:
Miranda ~ Hello Abigail! Delighted to have you visit TBAP today. Please tell us a bit about yourself.
Abigail: Hi!! Really excited to be here. 
June 20, 2017
Book Review ~ The Thing With Feathers By Anne Sweazy-Kulju
As the inhabitants of Cloverdale, Oregon, welcomed in the twentieth century, they were not unaccustomed to hard times and thorny situations. Small communities banded together for protection and hope. Heroes and villains were often difficult to decipher.
When an itinerate Baptist preacher arrived with his baby daughter and a wife lost on the trail, there was no one prepared to suspect what lurid secrets and heartbreak he might be concealing. As the preacher sets his sights against those who might oppose him, the names and the lives of the good people of Cloverdale may not be spared.
Yet in the midst of the machinations of a mad man, virtue and valor can persist. The Thing With Feathers is known to fly through wars, depressions, and natural disasters. Will the Marshall clan and the good people of Cloverdale find it in time?
Category
Christian/Fiction/Adult
Genre
Historical/General Fiction
Rating
5 Stars
Review
A truly heartrending story that inspires hope, The Thing With Feathers was written with a softness that is incredulously brilliant, andwith a strength that jumps off the pages, it’s almost tangible. Every character was designed with the intent to explore the topic of faith preciously intertwined with the kind of hope that patiently waits for God’s justice and reward. Heartbreaking with almost every penned letter, it eventually doesn’t leave the reader with a sense of loss, but with the deeper understanding of what it means to be righteous in a fallen world where injustice tends to rule the day.
The Thing With Feathers is a brilliant prose that will leave you breathless, and in tears—not for the faint of heart!—but will also incline you towards a God that rewards either in the life or the next.
*Though I offer this review to the public, it is my opinion and simply that. My appreciation to the author, Anne Sweazy-Kulju, for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
[image error]About The Author
Anne Sweazy-Kulju is the daughter of a History teacher and granddaughter to an Irish storyteller, so it’s small wonder her genre of choice is historical fiction. She moved her family from Southern California to Oregon’s coast at age 31, purchased a 1906 Victorian, which they turned into a B&B Inn, and crossed one off the bucket list! Two years later, Sweazy-Kulju suffered disabling injuries in an auto accident and had to sell the Inn. She turned to writing.
Turns out, she has a knack. Sweazy-Kulju is currently the author of three Pacific Northwest/Western-themed historical fiction novels with a fourth in progress. Her debut novel, “the thing with feathers,” is a noir saga, but well-received. The Innkeeper-turned-writer’s second novel, “BODIE”, was awarded a silver medal for Original Softcover Fiction at The WILLA Literary Awards in 2014. Her latest release, “Grog Wars,” took 1st Place in the international writing competition held by WritersType.com, in March 2013. The book has also won three Reader’s Choice 5-Star Reviews, and was a Global eBook Award nominee. Sweazy-Kulju has won honors for short stories and awards for editorials, as well. Fans may even come across a somewhat rare, self-published recipe book from her inn.
Filed under: Author Feature, Book Feature, Book Review, Christianity, Faith Testimony, Personal Development, Personality, Poetry, Spirituality, Stories Tagged: Adult Fiction, Anne Sweazy-Kulju Author, Christian Fiction, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, TBAP Book Review, The Thing With Feathers Book
June 18, 2017
Respecting The Creation You Were Meant To Be By Irene Santiago
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“They cannot take away our self respect if we do not give it to them.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
Dear Younger Me,
I can only speak from my personal work experience in the film industry. No matter what your profession, circumstance, or age, your character is a reflection of the choices you make. Thank goodness there is grace.
I often tell my own kids and my acting students to make the decision of who they are now, as well as what their standing values are, before they get pressured by the world and peers. I discuss with them to make smart, informed choices regarding tough decisions now that they’re not pressured by others who do not have your best interest at heart, because there will always be consequences. You only get one you, and you will be recognized for your personal character and actions for all time and “internet eternity.”
Let me tell you a little story about my “BIG DECISION.”
Years ago, in the year B.K., (B.K. = Before Kids), I was new to the film industry, and eager for a “big break.” My agent, at the time, submitted my name for a nude stripper role for this big budget movie. I had my doubts, but thought how flattering it was that she chose me as one of the actresses to audition. I was so impressed because I didn’t think I was pretty or sexy. I struggled with the little voice inside me that kept telling me that this probably wasn’t a good idea. But then, I thought, “Hey, this is a chance for me to prove myself to my agent.” Ummm…no.
Thankfully, someone was looking out for me.
I got a call from the casting director, himself. He knew me well, and had cast me on many projects. What he said to me on the phone shocked me. “Irene,” he said, “I see your name as being submitted on this list for the stripper role. I don’t want you to do this. You’re too good of an actress and too good of a friend. You don’t need this. I have too much respect for you. This is not you. I won’t let you audition.”
I was so surprised to get this call. I didn’t know people actually cared about other people in the film industry. When I hung up, I felt like the weight of the world had lifted off my shoulders. I didn’t do the audition, and I never felt like I missed out. God uses people to help us when we need Him, especially when we are blinded by flattery and misguided naivete.
“ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe, and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” —James 1: 5-6
Would I be embarrassed today if my kids saw that show with me cast in the role as a nude stripper?! HECK, YEAH! The internet NEVER forgets and digs up dirt. I NEVER looked back or regretted not going to that audition. I am continuously grateful, that someone I knew , equally respected, and who had so much more experience in the business, recognized that that wasn’t me, who also believed I had some acting skills. Thank goodness he talked some sense to me.
Make the decision on what you will and won’t do now, because a time will come when you’ll be pressured by others who don’t have your best interest at heart.
…Because frankly, my dear, that will likely cloud your thinking when you need a clear mind looking out for your best interest. The devil is a liar and, our human nature is weak. Now, that doesn’t mean that my agent, then, was evil. She was just looking out for her best interests and also doing her job. It was up to me to know what I wanted and decide what lines not to cross.
“For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people.” —Romans 16:18
Another story, (last one I promise!)…
A few years ago, I had an interesting experience. I was feeling stuck in my career. I wanted an opportunity to be cast in a strong, female role in a good film. I had been praying deeply to God to provide one for me, as well as having peace about it. A director contacted me and told me he’d seen my demo reel and was truly impressed by me…yada, yada, yada…of course I was interested!
I got the deal memo and the script. Something seemed strange, too good to be true, and pretty ambiguous. My agent and I saw red flags, but I wanted it to be the answer that I’d been praying for. He even said he would change the wording of the terms in the contract to whatever my agent was comfortable with, but my agent remained wary. I prayed to know what to do. The director seemed like such a nice person.
Then the following night, I read the script. By page 20, I’d run into a very poorly written script, along with dialogue and scenes that I wasn’t comfortable with. I decided to pass. I responded by telling the director that I wasn’t comfortable with the intense sexual situations and the extremely violent nature of the story. It basically wasn’t for me. Besides, the script and the terms seemed so fishy anyway. Well, as it turned out, that same year I was cast in Badge of Faith in a huge supporting role to the lead character’s partner on the police force.
The morale of this story? God tested me. Satan tempted me. I asked IN HIS NAME…NOT MINE, nor in Hollywood’s, nor IMDB’s. HIS NAME!
He used my friend, the casting director, all those years ago, the fishy director believe it or not, and my agents, too, because I had to learn the right path, face tough decisions, and make strong choices. He did answer my prayer. God is wise and makes us take a hard look at what we are asking for. If it’s too good to be true, take a step back and ask yourself, “Is this what God would want me to do?”
Surround yourself and work with those you KLT (Know, Like and Trust). Those who are looking out for your best interest; people who truly love you, and respect who you were truly created to be.
Love,
Your older self who loves you unconditionally,
Irene
[image error]About this Contributor
Irene Santiago’s moto is A.B.C = I Act Because of Christ. She is an award winning, working actress, voice talent, speaker, acting coach, model and producer. Among some of her work in television, film, theater, and several commercials you can see her in One Tree Hill, Providence, and Adrenaline. She is mainly recognized for her role in High School Musical-1 as the ‘Chem Teacher’,(which her kids roll their eyes when someone mentions it). You can contact her on her website, facebook, twitter, instagram and IMDb. She is married and has two children.
The Article, Respecting The Creation That You Were Meant To Be: A Letter To My Younger Self, was first published on To Be A Person (TBAP).
Filed under: Actors, Article, Entertainment, Guest Post, Inspirational, Personal Development, Personality, Spirituality, Stories Tagged: Christianity, entertainment, Inspirational, Irene Santiago Actress, Respecting The Creation You Were Born To Be, TBAP Article
June 16, 2017
Book Review ~ North Star Home By Megan Easley-Walsh
Ann Scarlet is no thief, but when the Yankee sheriff catches her she might just steal his heart.
Ann Scarlet has a single goal when journeying from her home in Savannah to Red River Rocks Falls, Nebraska in 1875: find Whittaker and get back the land deed he stole from her brother. It seems simple enough, until Sheriff Crambert finds her with her hands full of money as she rifles through a pile of land deeds.
Nathaniel Crambert has loved and lost before. Ann seems harmless enough and he decides to rehabilitate her into society. Falling for her? That’s not part of the plan. Falling for him? That’s not what she intended either.
With the help of Mol, the woman who raised him, and Quiet Dove, his Lakota friend, Ann and Nathaniel may finally get over the burden of their heavy pasts. If Whittaker appears, Ann will have to follow that trail. But, what about following her heart?
Category
Christian/Fiction/Adult
Genre
Historical Romance
Rating
4 Stars
Review
This is a sweet story of love and trust intertwined in its theme in a tender yet moving way. The characters are delicately crafted with their beauty and flaws to portray their unique stories so that they are gently endeared to the heart of a reader.
Annie Lawton is deeply concerned about the future of her brother, Adam, and intends to do something about it. Sheriff Nathaniel Crambert maintains law and order in the towns that he serves. Their worlds collide when each attempts to do what they do best—take care of their own.
In this sparkling story that illustrates love, kindness, misfortune, and a trust in God despite past hurts and bad histories, two hearts meet in a twist of fate, and are able to remain strong and together in what could be termed a remarkably vigorous journey. North Star Home expressed the deep yearnings of the human heart—to be loved, healed and accepted—while softly treading on the beauty of boldness, heroism, trust, hope, and faith.
The first parts of the book may have seemed wishy-washy, but it was well worth it in the end!
*Though I offer this review to the public, it is my opinion and simply that. My appreciation to the author, Megan Easley-Walsh, for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
[image error]About the Author
Megan Easley-Walsh is a bestselling author of historical fiction, a researcher, and a writing consultant and editor at www.ExtraInkEdits.com. She is an award-winning writer and has taught college writing in the UNESCO literature city of Dublin, Ireland. Her degrees are in history-focused International Relations. She is American and lives in Ireland with her Irish husband.
Filed under: Author Feature, Book Feature, Book Review Tagged: Adult Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, Inspirational Book, Megan Easley-Walsh Author, North Star Home Book, Sweet Romance, TBAP Book Review
June 15, 2017
Entertainment Scoop ~ Interview with Music Producer, Sean Hill
Sean Hill is the amazing producer behind Landry Cantrell’s spectacular album, Projections, releasing today, June 16th (read the TBAP review of Projections here). Sean is not just a producer, but a songwriter as well. Hard at work on a Christmas album already, Sean took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with us on TBAP. Follow our conversation below and learn more about Sean!
Miranda ~ Hello Sean! Delighted to have you visit TBAP today. Please tell us a bit about yourself.
Sean: Absolutely. Thanks for having me! Well, I’m a 31 year-old, Atlanta native. My wife, Crystal, and I have been married 7 years. We have two kids, Rylynn (almost 3), and Paisley (18 months). And we have a 3rd baby girl in the oven! Our family motto is that we work hard and play harder!
Miranda ~ How did you become a Christian? Tell us your story!
Sean: I grew up as a church kid: Wednesday night youth group, Sunday morning, and Sunday night; no shortage of time at church! My family was, and still is, devoted church-goers. I was blessed and fortunate to have a very great upbringing. I first gave my life to Christ on a Sunday morning at the age of 11 when I felt an encounter with God, personally, for the first time during a worship service. Nothing extraordinarily unique about the service or the worship, except that God became real to me that morning, and has remained very real ever since.
Miranda ~ When did music become a part of your life?
Sean: Music has been a part of life for me since the beginning. It runs in my family. My grandfather spent many decades in southern gospel as a singer in a group called The Crusaders; he is since retired. My dad is a professional guitar player and songwriter. My brother is a multi-instrumentalist, writer, and producer. Music is in my blood, so to speak. Some of my first memories are of me crawling around my dad’s basement studio as he was writing and recording music. I grew up with instruments lying around, and I eventually discovered that I could express my thoughts and feelings through these mediums. If I had to put an age number on it, I think I really started playing bass in 4th grade in my brother’s “garage band.” From there, I picked up guitar, then drums. I began writing and making recordings around age 12, and it continues to today!
Miranda ~ What events led you to become a professional songwriter and music producer? For each, is the story the same?
Sean: Yeah, I had a wake up moment in my early twenties. I got into a real dark place of becoming very critical of Christian and Worship music. I would make fun of what came on the radio or what we played at church. It was very much connected to pride issues. But to keep a lengthy story concise, God got a hold of me and woke me up one day. God changed my heart from being a critic, and He challenged me to try and become the change I wanted to see in the music. So, instead of sitting on the sidelines and booing at the players, I stepped into the game and began to work hard honing my craft to hopefully one day influence Christian music for the better. Before that moment, music had been a fun hobby, and after that encounter, it became my mission and calling.
Miranda ~ How would you describe your early days in the industry? What lessons/principles did you pick up along the way that keep you afloat even now?
Sean: Work on everything to the best of your ability. Every project, every song, every track that you are associated with is your handshake to the world. Songs travel so far in today’s connected world, and you never know whose hand you are shaking with your music. And, you ALWAYS want that handshake to be as professional and polished as it can be.
Miranda ~ The beats of Landry Cantrell’s Projections are amazing! What inspires you to produce the way you do?
Sean: Well, thanks! Inspiration comes from so many different places. In Landry’s case, however, he had a clear vision to go pop in his record. The way he writes, the rhythms in the phrasing of his lyrics, and his melody lines are inspiring for a producer. He brings something fresh and unique to the table, and I found myself reaching for sounds that I rarely ever go after, and so I would also be coming to the table with something fresh and unique. Big synths, sidechains, world percussion, clean electric guitars, stacked and layered harmonies—all comprised the approach we found, that worked for the overall sound of his record. The artist, their voice, their story, and the way they write their songs tell me how to approach their production.
Miranda ~ You’re also a songwriter. What artists/songwriters have you worked with in the past and, who do you hope to work with in the future? Also, are you working on any project right now?
Sean: Yeah, I’ve had a great honor of working with some of the most amazing writers and artists in Christian music on some level or another. Some of those people are well-known, and some are unknown, but many on both sides of the spectrum have been equally incredible. In the future, I trust God to connect me to the right people. I don’t necessarily seek out connections (or network as some would call it), I just trust that I will continue to meet and work with the right people at the right time. I’m always working with artists, so yes, working on some really fun stuff now!
Currently working on a full-length Christmas record (in June, I know!), and a great EP with a worship leader from Virginia, along with several singles. Production is always a busy career with juggling multiple projects!
Miranda ~ What inspires you to write the lyrics in the songs that you write?
Sean: The best lyrics are written out of genuine experience. I try to write from a place of authenticity with what I’m going through. Maybe I just discovered some new revelation of God, or had a unique experience of joy or loss close to me. Whatever is going on in my life, I tend to process through lyrics as genuinely as I know how.
Miranda ~ What are you most grateful for right now and generally?
Sean: Hands down, I’m most grateful for my family that God has blessed me with. Many years ago, my wife was told she would likely never have children, and we are only months away from having our third child. God’s faithfulness and goodness to me and my family is overwhelming. I get to hold literal God-miracles in my arms every day. My kids are constant reminders of the power and goodness of God.
Miranda ~ What do you believe a Christian music artist/songwriter can add to the world?
Sean: Much like my songwriting approach, an artist should add to the world what they personally experience with God and personally experience in life. Authenticity in lyrics and artistry breaks down walls and barriers of even the most critical people. So when artists/writers can discover how to truly be real and honest, they can touch audiences far and wide.
Miranda ~ What would you like to see change in the Christian music industry?
Sean: I’d like to see the listeners be willing to embrace more creative styles. I feel like at times, what is popularized in Christian music is a fairly narrow scope of music. Music is so diverse and can be SO many different things. I’d love to see more diversity/creativity accepted to inspire and encourage artists to take more creative risks.
Miranda ~ What advice would you offer to a person who wants to go into the songwriting/music production business? Are the rules for each different?
Sean: My biggest advice to anyone trying to get “in” is odd, but, stop trying to get “in”. There is no “in”. Don’t worry about trying to get signed by a label or get a publishing deal or network with this person or that person. Just START somewhere. Start writing. Start creating. Most people will never reach their dream because they are unwilling to start (and often times start at the BOTTOM). Secondly, you must be very willing to put in some long hours. Creativity + work ethic is the simple formula for success in this industry. One without the other is a flop.
THIS or THAT (The Fun Questions!)
Coffee or Tea? Tea! I’ve actually never had coffee! Sweet tea is like water.
Gym or Outdoor? Outdoors. I love golf, and love time outside on a golf course!
Sneakers or Boots? Sneakers. You never know when you’ll be challenged to a race.
Running or Walking? Walking. Walking a golf course and enjoying nature is one of the most relaxing things I do.
Cereal or Fruit? Cereal. Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Frosted Mini Wheats every morning.
Music or Books? Music. It’s my life. I love it.
TV or Magazine? TV for sure. A good Netflix show before bed is a nice way to wind down.
Summer or Spring? Spring. I love seeing things bloom back to life after a long dead winter.
Rain or Snow? Snow. In Atlanta, snow is a rarity. When it happens, it’s magical.
Blazer or Leather Jacket? Uhhhh. Neither. I wear black t-shirts every day, and don’t own a blazer or leather jacket.
[image error]About Sean Hill
Sean Hill has worked with an ever-growing list of satisfied clients ever since stepping into music production in 2011. He has had his hands on hundred of songs in a wide variety of Christian music genres. From writing, to producing, to mixing, to engineering, to mastering, Sean gets involved at any and all different stages of the process. Hill digs in deep into every aspect of music production to ensure that he is truly capturing the vision of the artists he has been entrusted to produce. Every small detail is a big deal to Sean, and no idea goes unexplored in his production process.
Sean is not motivated by fame or fortune, but truly desires to serve The Lord by serving the clients that he’s working with. Hill has a big heart for the Christian music industry and The Church at large. He, himself, is a part-time Worship Pastor and desires to see Kingdom songs that reach for excellence in both songwriting and production. Hill hopes to be involved in songs that encourage and empower The Church and its people.
Sean likes to keep the atmosphere light in the studio. Oftentimes, Sean’s ADD nature will keep clients laughing and stress-free. Also, Sean enjoys sitting down and sharing meals with his clients to really get a chance to know their hearts and know how to best serve them. Clients continually recommend using Sean and Uphill Studios for not only the fun recording experience with Sean, but also the excellent production quality they receive.
In 2014, Sean produced Jamie Grace’s single, Born Tonight, which became a top 25 hit on Billboard’s AC Christian Music chart.
In 2015, Sean’s production of Brad Guldemond’s Let It Out album received 4 nominations in the Gospel Music Association’s Covenant Awards. Let It Out went on to win Children’s Album of the Year. Learn more about Sean by visiting his website.
Filed under: Entertainment, Entertainment Interview, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Music, Music Producer, Music Producer Interview, Songwriter, Songwriting, Stories, Talent Tagged: Christian Music, Inspirational Music, Landry Cantrell Artist, Music, Projections Album, Sean Hill Music Producer, Songwriter, Songwriting, TBAP Interview
Landry Cantrell Debuts His New Album On DREAM Records Featuring His Hit Song, ‘Before You’
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DREAM Records newest artist Landry Cantrell is proud to release his album Projections. Cantrell went into the studio with producer Sean Hill (Jamie Grace) at Uphill Studios in Atlanta, GA to record 12 tracks that has been best described as an freshly energetic and eclectic sounding album with an irresistibly contagious vocal. The Californian pop artist’s first single, Before You got quick attention at Hot AC/CHR radio with half of the format adding it to their playlists within a few weeks and entering the top 40 on the Christian National Audience chart in the first week of release. The album has garnered good attention in the press.
See what people are saying about Projections:
“Rather, fresh sounding, theologically astute and passionately engaging, mark my words, Landry Cantrell is a name to watch.” – Hallels.com
“Cantrell’s voice is amazing as well as soothing, and combined with his music, it’s stunningly electric!” – MauToBeAPerson.com
“Landry Cantrell’s debut project is one that is sure to garner popularity and buzz” – 365daysofinspiringmedia.com
Play Studio Version
Play Acoustic Performance
Track List
Projections track listing:
Before You
Gravity
Fly
Louder
Feedback
Indian Summer (Feat. Kelsey Hicks)
Separate
Dreamin’
Deeper Love
Fade Out
Underneath
Move Me (Feat. Lawrence Trump)
ABOUT LANDRY CANTRELL
Landry is a pastor’s son and worship leader from Hanford, California who has dedicated his whole life to pursuing ministry through music. Growing up around his dad’s recording studio and singing in church from a young age, music has always been woven into Landry Cantrell’s life. As a teenager, he became serious about his music, writing and recording at a prolific pace. Before now, Landry has recorded and released several albums, composed and produced a full-length musical, and earned a Master’s Certificate in Music Technology and Production from Berklee College of Music. Now he is looking forward to sharing new music in the coming months with his first DREAM Records release, Projections. Follow Cantrell on Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, Instagram, and YouTube.
Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Entertainment, Inspirational, News Tagged: Christian Music, Inspirational Music, Landry Cantrell Artist, Pop Music, Projections Album Release, TBAP News
