Miranda A. Uyeh's Blog, page 27

Album Review ~ Forever We Sing By Andy Garcia

[image error]

Category

Religious/Christian

Genre

Urban Country/Pop/Rock

Release Date

July 14, 2017.

Rating

4 Stars

Review

Andy Garcia sings with a passion that rings true on a level relatable to any Jesus-loving person! There’s a softness to the music which, of course, doesn’t take away from this passion heard in Garcia’s voice, and, clearly, comes from a heart devotedly surrendered to God—Forever We Sing (the song by which the album is titled) portrays this so clearly, it’s [nearly] contagious.

The hymn-turned worship/pop song, All Hail, is presented with such class and freshness that depicts an eminence that is tremendously impressive, whether in its musical quality or lyrical strength.

Forever We Sing album is sung with a heart to lead a Christian into a place of prayer, meditation, and pondering of God’s awesomeness, faithfulness, and love. For a serenity setting that inspires prayer and worship, Andy Garcia’s Forever We Sing is a fine choice to help create such.

 

About Andy Garcia

Andy Garcia grew up just outside of Dallas, Texas, in a small town called Oak Cliff.  As a baby, his dad left him and his mom never to return again.  By God’s design, Andy’s uncle took him under his wing as a father to the fatherless.  Here is where Andy gained his heart for music since his uncle traveled with a Gospel band all over the US.  As a young boy and teenager, Andy experienced much sorrow and pain, but a praying mom, a selfless youth pastor, and the Gospel music carried him through this time. His chance came one night when his cousin happened to hear him singing in the car and knew the youth group needed a new worship leader.  Andy, not believing he could sing, and being told he would not succeed in life, decided to take a step and began to sing and play the guitar.  From there, he never stopped singing and playing for God.  He has led worship all over the US, and has mentored many others to do the same.  He loves people like no other and will lead worship for 1 or 1 million.  From worship leading, to events, to training up leaders, his heart is to see people moved and blessed through God-filled music. His vision for this world is just as big as his heart—to see people touched—and his passion will never let him quit.  He speaks the Father’s heart like no other because he has lived it out.  He lives and loves to worship his God.

Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Entertainment, Inspirational, Music, Music/Album Review, Personal Development, Personality, Spirituality Tagged: Andy Garcia Christian Music Artist, Christian Music, Forever We Sing Album, Inspirational Music, TBAP Music Review

Author Scoop ~ Interview with MaryLu Tyndall

I’m delighted to introduce to you, on TBAP today, renowned author, MaryLu Tyndall (although, she needs no introduction)! MaryLu is one of my top five authors of ALL time, and I’m honored that she would stop by on TBAP today to pay us visit. This anointed and gifted woman of God has a lot of wisdom to share, it’s quite marveling! Follow our conversation below and learn more about this amazing woman!

Miranda ~ Hello MaryLu! It’s wonderful to have you visit TBAP today! Please tell us a bit about yourself.

MaryLu: Hi Miranda! Thank you so much for having me!  Goodness, not sure what to say about me. I’ve been an author for 15 years. I have over 20 books published. I’m a mother of 6, grandmother of almost 4! I live in California now but grew up in South Florida. I’ve been married for 25 years and I take in stray cats! LOL I’ve been a follower of Jesus for 23 years, and I’ve never once looked back to my old life which was a disaster before Christ (BC).

Miranda ~ Would be delighted to learn how you became a Christian. Could you please tell us the story?

MaryLu: It’s a rather long story so I’ll try to just give the highlights. I grew up in a broken home and never knew my father. Consequently, I spent many years running from God and trying to fill my heart with everything the world said would make me happy. By the time I hit my mid-thirties, I had made a huge mess of my life. I hit rock bottom and actually wanted to die. Instead, I found an old Bible in my closet and promised myself I’d read it through, just to see if there was anything to it. Somewhere in the middle of Ezekiel, I met God.  I was reading about the prophecy where God said He would bring all the Jewish people back to Israel and make them a nation again. At the time, Israel was in the news a lot and it occurred to me that the prophecy had come true, which then led me to realize that God is real, which then forced me to my knees before Him. I can honestly say my life has never been the same. Such love, such adventure, such purpose! People who live without the Lord don’t know what they’re missing.

Miranda ~ Your journey in the publishing industry hasn’t been an easy one. First, you were traditionally published. Now you’re indie. Is there a story behind your decision?

MaryLu: Yes, I had a great relationship with my publisher, Barbour, and together we published 14 books and 2 novellas. God was so good to me. But a change in staff at Barbour and a new policy throughout Christian publishing of toning down the Christian message made me realize I would do better on my own. I refuse to take Jesus out of my books as some publishers are now requesting. As an Indie, I can write what I want, and release it when I want, and choose my own covers, etc. It’s been great!

Miranda ~ With your story in your publishing journey, how has it strengthened your faith and drawn you closer to God?

MaryLu: The entire journey has brought me much closer to the Lord than I ever thought possible. From the moment I got my first contract (which at the time was a near impossibility for a new author writing about pirates), I realized that God’s hand was involved in every detail and every step. For an unknown like me to rise so quickly, and have so many books, was a miracle. Then branching out on my own took a huge leap of faith. I had to learn first to hear from God, and then to trust what I was hearing. Once I took that first step, I’ve had to lean on Him every minute afterward. God has a purpose for each of us if we simply commit to Him and learn to listen. It’s a process and a journey, and if we are willing to trust Him, God is more than happy to take our hand and gently guide us down the path He has laid out for us.

Miranda ~ You have tremendous interest in pirates and old ships! What’s the story behind this?

MaryLu: You mean not everyone loves pirates and tall ships? LOL.  Well, I suppose it all started as a young girl playing on the warm beaches of South Florida, gazing out upon the sea and imagining tall, majestic ships on the horizon filled with handsome pirates and dare-devil adventurers.  To me, the age of sail is one of the most exciting and adventurous times in our history. And romantic!  But then, I’ve always been a romantic.

Miranda ~ Do you one day see your books being adapted into screenplay? Why so?

MaryLu: I think that’s every author’s dream! So, yes, of course! There would be nothing more exciting than to see my characters come to life on stage or in a movie.

[image error]Miranda ~ You recently revamped Veil of Pearls. Why this book in particular? Also, what inspired you to write this story?

MaryLu: Veil of Pearls is one of my favorites. I just adore the story of Adalia’s escape from slavery, not just her physical slavery but from the chains of seeking man’s approval. My inspiration came from my own life where I struggled as a young girl to fit in and be accepted by the popular crowd. Later in life, this led me to make a series of horrible mistakes until I came to know the Lord, and He showed me that this longing to be someone important was an idol that took me away from Him and only caused me pain.  True purpose and happiness comes when we seek only God’s approval.

Miranda ~ You’re an author interested in portraying the different races and cultures in your books, even brushing on slavery sometimes. What inspires you to write this way? 

MaryLu: We are all God’s creatures and He loves all of us equally. Slavery was and is an abhorrent scar upon our nation. Yet as part of our history, I feel I must be true to the reality of it.  Let’s face it, our nation needs healing from this travesty and I believe many are striving toward that, both white and black. We have made great strides, yet it saddens me to see some of that progress being taken away by those who wish to spark the flames of racism again.

Miranda ~ As an author who writes outside of the “traditional” box, what is the guiding principle behind your writing? And, what response do you have against the criticism that your books may receive? Also, with a non-traditional writing such as yours, who are the people you write for—the broken-hearted, lost, those in despair etc.?

MaryLu: After I received my first contract, I made God a promise that I would always first and foremost write to glorify Him. That has been the guiding principal of every story I’ve written. I want to not only bring God glory, but I want to make Him known in new ways, in different ways, in more powerful ways to everyone who reads my books. The church is sliding into apostasy and people are looking for something real to cling to. Yes, I write for those people who have lost their hope, who have drifted from God, who are desperate to be loved, who have been beaten down by life, and even sometimes by Christians…people who need to know that God is real, and He’s powerful and He loves them beyond measure. They are precious to Him and He is always there. That’s why I write.

Miranda ~ What advice would you give to an author who’s just starting out?

MaryLu: This is a tough business. If your heart isn’t in it, don’t to it, because it will chew you up and spit you out at the first chance. (How’s that for encouragement? LOL).  However, if writing is in your blood, if you can’t NOT write, if you have stories burning on your soul, then the only advice I have for you is WRITE. Write, write, write. Learn the rules of writing (tons of classes and books out there), read tons of well-written books, pray for God’s help and guidance every day, and then write your heart out.  God will lead you down the right path for you.

 

THIS OR THAT (The Fun Questions!)

Breakfast or Dinner? Dinner!

Flats or Heels? Heels

Spring or Fall?  Spring

Coffee or Tea?  Coffee

Snow or Rain? Snow (It’s so peaceful and beautiful and settles a blanket of calm on the earth!)

Gym or Outdoor?  Outdoor

Shakes or Juice?    Smoothies!

Cooking or Cleaning?  Neither. LOL. But I’ll settle for cooking

Music or Magazines?   Music, the inspiration of the soul

Vegetables or Fruits?    Veggies!

Cakes or Bread?        Both, I’m a carb person!

 

[image error]About MaryLu Tyndall

Award winning and best-selling author, MaryLu Tyndall, describes herself as an introvert, tall ship enthusiast, friend of pirates and mermaids, control freak, history lover, hopeless romantic, and a sword wielding princess-warrior of the King of Kings. Her books are filled with adventure and romance guaranteed to touch your heart! Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained, but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. She has published over twenty novels and currently lives in California with her husband, 6 kids, 3 grandkids, and various stray cats. Visit her personal website and follow her on social media (@MaryLuTyndall)

Filed under: Author Feature, Author Interview, Book Feature, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Personal Development, Personality, Spirituality, Stories, Talent, Writetips Tagged: Christian Lifestyle, Inspirational Lifestyle, MaryLu Tyndall Author, TBAP Interview

Album Review ~ Hands High By Equippers Revolution

[image error]

Category

Religious/Christian

Genre

Contemporary Worship

Release Date

July 14, 2017.

Rating

4.5 Stars

Review

Pleasantly pop and worshipful is how to describe Hands High by Equippers Revolution! This collection was sensitively designed to preach God’s message, and at the same time, entertain the Christian listener. The head-bobbing and finger-snapping melodies invite and inspire you to move in body and in spirit so that celebration of God’s Word through music is both internal and outward—which is a pleasant treat in our [almost] solemn world. For music to help place you in a lighter and joyful mode as drive in your car or go through the day, Hands High won’t disappoint.

 

About Equippers Revolution

Equippers Revolution is the sound of the Revolution Youth Movement, and a musical expression of Equippers Church. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, it’s core members have grown up in the church, and have been a part of the youth worship team for over 10 years.

Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Christianity, Entertainment, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Music, Music/Album Review, Spirituality Tagged: Christian Music, Equippers Revolution Artist, Hands High Album, Inspirational Music, TBAP Music Review

Album Review ~ God Will Reign by The Rock Worship

[image error]

Category

Religious/Christian

Genre

Contemporary Worship

Release Date

July 7, 2017.

Rating

4.5 Stars

Review

In its second release, The Rock Worship opens the God Will Reign album with the wonderful, glory-filled, and joyful Unstoppable, a song that aptly describes the true nature of God’s church as unstoppable and unshakable—even today. Instrumentation is powerful and excellent, but never overshadowing the singing, so that altogether melody and voices make a well-rounded worship unto God. The lyrics are a prayer, confession, teaching, and reminder—encouraging, comforting, spirit-lifting, and powerfully worshipful. The Rock Worship most definitely did not hold back in God Will Reign. In need of music to set you in a surrender and praise mode, God Will Reign will do just fine!

About The Rock Worship

It was the year 2000 when The Rock launched in Anaheim, California with a vision and passion to reach and disciple Orange County for Jesus. What started in one small room is now a church with 13 congregations on 9 campuses in 4 languages; and with a discipleship program that reaches over 160 U.S. churches and is in many countries around the world. Throughout the years many singers, musicians, writers, artists and technicians have been divinely gathered together to collaborate and bring something beautiful in worship to God.  This group that we call The Rock Worship has compiled 10 original songs for their sophomore album released on Dream Worship entitled God Will Reign.  Our prayer is that these songs would fill many homes, cars, parks, jogging trails, hospital rooms, houses of worship, mountains high and valleys low with the sweet presence of Jesus.

Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Entertainment, Inspirational, Music, Music/Album Review, Spirituality Tagged: Christian Music, God Will Reign Album, Inspirational Music, TBAP Music Review, The Rock Worship

Artist Scoop ~ Interview with Landry Cantrell

[image error]Landry Cantrell is the artist behind the amazing song, Before You. Going into the studio with producer, Sean Hill, the lovely album, Projections, was the result (read the TBAP review here, and to read the TBAP article, A Deeper Look Into Landry Cantrell’s ‘Before You,’ go here). Landry took some time today to answer some of our questions. Follow our conversation below:

Miranda ~ Hello Landry! Glad to have you visit TBAP today! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Landry: Hello! I am a 25-year-old singer/songwriter from Northern California with big dreams, a passion for music and a heart for God. I lead worship at the church my dad pastors, and run a local recording studio. Everything that I do points back to music in some way or another.

Miranda ~ How did you become a Christian? Tell us your story.

Landry: I was raised in a pastor’s home, so the Word of God has always been a huge part of my life. From a young age, my parents instilled certain principles in me that have never left. I guess the easy answer is that I have served God my entire life, but it wasn’t until my early teenage years that I really started to develop a strong relationship with Him on my own.

Miranda ~ You sing so passionately! When did music become a part of your life and, what particular events led you to become a professional?

Landry: Growing up around the church, and constantly being around the music there played a huge part for sure. In addition to pastoring the church, my dad ran a recording studio throughout my entire childhood. Being exposed to all the music that went on in the studio definitely played a huge role in why I am doing what I do now.

Miranda ~ The song, Before You, is simply brilliant and remarkable! It tells a heartrending, yet, hopeful story; could you elaborate more on your personal experience that led you to write this particular song?

Landry: As a songwriter, there are a lot of times that I like to channel other people’s situations and try to get inside of their mind and emotions. This song wasn’t born from a particular individual necessarily, but from the point of view of a lot of people that I have come in contact with… of course, inevitably, some of my own insecurities and vulnerabilities bleed through in the verses.  The goal was that people would relate to the pain projected in the verses and find comfort in the hope that the chorus proclaims.

Miranda ~ Why did you name your album Projections?

Landry: Think about a projector and the way that it displays images. The simplest explanation is that “Projections” just means the images or ideas that come from my mind. In other words, this is the message that I am projecting to the world. The word “Projections” can also deal with our goals and dreams for the future. Seeing as a lot of this album talks about my own dreams, I thought that it was only fitting.

Miranda ~ Your love for metaphor is obvious and clearly runs deep. What led you to this style of songwriting?

Landry: If we look into scripture and analyze the sermons of Jesus, a lot of his messages were taught in parables or metaphors. I think that sometimes a message presented in a metaphor can be more thought-provoking than one that is more plainly stated.

Growing up, I was a huge fan of C.S. Lewis and how he sprinkled religious metaphors throughout the Chronicles of Narnia. He was able to open up doors and conversations without ever coming across as preachy. As a kid, I would write stories that emulated this, and as my passion for music grew, it naturally transitioned into my songwriting as well.

Miranda ~ What would you say is your most important principle in choosing the lyrics for a song you’re writing?

Landry: I just want my lyrics to be honest and relatable.

Miranda ~ When do you know the beats are right for a particular song?

Landry: This one isn’t something that I can necessarily explain. When it comes to the musical aspect of things, it’s more of a gut feeling than a formula I can calculate.

Miranda ~ How would you describe your studio experience while working on your album with Sean Hill?

Landry: Where do I even begin with this one! Sean Hill is an exceptional human being, and a complete joy to work with. From the first moment we met, he made me feel so welcomed and comfortable. Sean does an amazing job at taking someone’s artistic vision and enhancing it into something better than they could have imagined. The actual process was a lot of fun, but a lot of work… long hours and late nights!

Miranda ~ When do you know you’ve finished writing songs for a particular album?

Landry: When I’m putting together an album, I kind of have an idea of what needs to be included to create a well-rounded collection of songs… but when I write, instead of trying to write a particular song that the album might be missing, I usually just writing what I’m feeling. So while sometimes it may take a bit longer to complete the picture, the songs reflect a more honest side of me.

Miranda ~ What do you hope to achieve with music?

Landry: I just want people to be able to relate to the things that I write and bring them a little hope and comfort through my songs.

Miranda ~ What are you most grateful for generally and right now?

Landry: I am grateful that God is allowing me to do what I love to do.

I am so grateful that He loves me in spite of the person that I am.

I am grateful for my family, friends, and all the amazing people God has placed in my life.

…and, I think I’m going to leave that there because I could go on forever.

 

THIS or THAT (The Fun Questions!)

Coffee or Tea? Tea… every day. Every time.

Gym or Outdoor? I have a love/hate relationship with the gym & only love for the outdoors.

T-shirt or Collar shirt? T-Shirt. Actually all the shirts.

Sneakers or Boots? Hardest question of the entire interview. PASS.

Running or Walking? Walking

Juice or Smoothie? Smoothie

Music or Books? Music. Music. Music.

Summer or Spring? Summer sports, but spring weather!

Rain or Snow? Rain

Blazer or Leather Jacket? Leather Jacket

 

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.

Filed under: Artist Feature, Christianity, Entertainment, Entertainment Interview, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Music, Music Artist Interview Tagged: Before You Song, Inspirational, Landry Cantrell Artist, Projections Album, TBAP Interview

Book Review ~ Above Rubies By Keely Brooke Keith

 

[image error]It’s 1863, and schoolteacher Olivia Owens believes education should be a top priority in the newly established settlement of Good Springs. Between planning lessons and helping out on her family’s homestead, Olivia doesn’t have time for Gabriel McIntosh’s charming advances. When the council denies her request to build a schoolhouse, Olivia must challenge their ruling and teach private lessons—all while hiding frequent bouts of word blindness (dyslexia). If the council knew the new teacher couldn’t always read, they wouldn’t allow Olivia to teach anymore.

As a carpenter, Gabe McIntosh is working hard to help build the settlement of Good Springs, and once his land is granted, he begins constructing his own house. When Olivia discovers he plans to share it with her, she guards her heart from him. But Gabe is determined to win her affection and figure out what she’s hiding.

Category

Christian/Fiction/New Adult

Genre

Historical Romance

Rating

5 Stars

Reviews

Undisputedly the best yet in the Land Uncharted/Uncharted Beginnings Series, Above Rubies is literarily as excellent and apt as its theme is brilliantly poignant—indeed, one can trust God and true love! The characters are tremendously stunning and swoon-worthy, its setting, fascinating, and, the author’s style of expression, a superb combination of sweet-simple and uniquely colorful metaphors.

The scenes flowed seamlessly from one to the other, gently, and perfectly establishing the intent of the author to mesmerize, inspire and entertain, all the while never distracting or disrupting the enjoyable reading flow to a satisfied finish.

If you’re on the lookout for a story that softly and beautiful weaves pioneer historical with inspirational romance, Above Rubies is an excellent choice—deserving of every single one of the five stars it’s been awarded!

*Though I offer this review to the public, it is my opinion and simply that. My appreciation to the author for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

**This book, along with the rest in the Land Uncharted/Uncharted Beginnings Series, has been awarded the TBAP Orange Star and recommended for motion picture in the quarterly Book-to-Movie Catalog, June, 2017.

[image error]About the Author

Keely Brooke Keith writes inspirational frontier-style fiction with a slight Sci-Fi twist, including The Land Uncharted (Shelf Unbound Notable Romance 2015) and Aboard Providence (2017 INSPY Awards Longlist). Keely also creates resources for writers such as The Writer’s Book Launch Guide and The Writer’s Character Journal.

Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Keely grew up in a family that frequently relocated. By graduation, she lived in 8 states and attended 14 schools. When she isn’t writing, Keely enjoys playing bass guitar, preparing homeschool lessons, and collecting antique textbooks. Keely, her husband, and their daughter live on a hilltop south of Nashville, Tennessee.

Filed under: Author Feature, Book Feature, Book Review Tagged: Above Rubies Book, Keely Brooke Keith Author, TBAP Book Review, Uncharted Beginnings Series #2

A Deeper Look Into Landry Cantrell’s ‘Before You.’

[image error]

This is a heartrending, and at the same time, a hope-filled song. Before You describes a dark place that existed before the coming of the light of Jesus that saves and restores. A deeper look into this song reveals a story of hope dashed time and again until fear and despair took root and dug deep to depths that seemed impossible to come back from. This song is a confession in its purest form—the kind that is only possible after the healing of Jesus has finished its work.

Are you someone who’s lost hope in your dreams being realized?

Have you lost hope in people and relationships of any kind?

Have you sunk into such despair that you believe you’re past saving and reviving—and you can’t find your way back?

Are you finished with love and loving people?

This song is for you.

Before you shut the door on hope for good (no pun intended), say a prayer for understanding and listen to Cantrell’s testimony in this song. First, you’ll discover that you’re not alone; your situation is not unique to you as you might believe. Yes, it may take more than a song to get you to fully believe again, but, it’s a start, a message that restoration is quite real and possible in Jesus. You may feel bitterness and anger toward a particular person or even toward God for the place you’re in right now; but for the part of you that wants to feel hope again, why not give God a [second] try? This time, though, pay attention to what He is telling you; your healing depends on it. It could be that you’ve been trying to impose your wants and desires on God, and since He hasn’t fulfilled them in the manner that you preferred, you’ve become upset and are losing hope in His Word and His promises. Why not learn His heart? He is God. Don’t you know that it is when you truly delight yourself in the Lord that He will grant you your heart’s desires (Psalm 37:4)? Have you bothered to discover Him as a person like you would anyone else that you meet? Put aside everything you think you know about Him or have been told about Him, and get to know Him and His ways for yourself, and through His Word—it’s the primary and proper way to do so. As one speaking from experience, I can tell you this: eventually, you’ll be blown away by God’s goodness, faithfulness, and awesomeness. You’ll soon learn that God truly is love and that He longs to bless you and satisfy you!

Play Landry Cantrell’s ‘Before You’

Filed under: Album Feature, Article, Artist Feature, Christianity, Entertainment, Inspirational, Music, Personal Development, Personality, Spirituality Tagged: Before You Song, Christian Music, Inspirational Article, Inspirational Music, Landry Cantrell Artist, TBAP Article

Album Review ~ Adventure By Matthew Parker

[image error]

Category

Religious/Christian/Inspirational

Genre

Pop/R&B/Hip-hop

Rating

4.5 Stars

Review

Fun. Spunky. Remarkable!—is what I describe Adventure, the song that opens Parker’s album (of the same title). A pretty blend of pop, hip-hop and R&B, Parker’s music extends the classic nature of the pop genre while at the same time exuding a uniqueness that is pleasantly fresh. The lyrics are fantastically metaphoric, adding a deepness that makes the overall music rich in flavor. The lyrics compel you to take a deeper look into the artist’s message, persuade you to open your heart to its beautiful symphonies, and impress you enough to play the songs again when you’re done listening the first time! Clearly, Adventure would be a wonderful addition to any music lover’s summer selection.

[image error]Matthew Parker’s Story

I grew up in a small town in Michigan. I wasn’t especially interested in music as a kid, but that all changed at age 12 after learning guitar and jamming with my brothers for a while, when music really “clicked” for me. I began writing and recording my own songs on the family computer, and slowly got into making electronic music. Fast forward 10 years, and I’ve released a good plethora of many styles of music and garnered attention not only for my original music, but also for my remixes of Capital Kings, Lecrae, Andy Mineo, Jonathan Thulin, and more. With a growing number of fans in the States and a small army of fans worldwide, things are looking up and I’m enjoying every little bit of this crazy adventure (from official website).

Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Entertainment, Inspirational, Music, Music/Album Review Tagged: Adventure Album, Christian Music, Inspirational Music, Matthew Parker Artist, TBAP Music Review

Joel Vaughn Releases ‘If I Trust In You’ Music Video

[image error]

Joel Vaughn is proud to announce the release of the official music video for If I Trust In You off his current EP, Surrender (read the TBAP review here).  Often referred to as the critical favorite on the album with CCMMagazine calling it a “…mega hit…,” TodaysChristianEnt.com referring to the song as having “powerfully moving lyrics and strong falsetto vocals…” and, 365DaysOfInspiringMedia.com mentioning that it’s “Easily the catchiest and most ‘pop’ offering of this batch of songs…,” the pop artist decided to make this his music video debut.

Joel shares his thoughts on the song:

“How many times have we stepped out in faith in spite of our fear when Jesus called us to follow him? Sometimes we feel like we’re sinking like Peter did when he stepped out onto the water when Jesus called him. But Jesus reached out and saved Peter when he sank. This song is a reminder to everyone who feels like they are sinking, that we can put our faith and trust fully in Jesus. He will save us and we can absolutely trust in him.” – Joel Vaughn

Play The Music Video, If I Trust In You

Joel Vaughn’s new album, Surrender, is now available in all digital retailers:  iTunes | Spotify | Amazon | Apple Music | Google Play

For more information about Joel Vaughn, go to Joel Vaughn’s personal website and the Dream Label Group website.

ABOUT JOEL VAUGHN

Joel Vaughn is a singer, songwriter & worship leader based out of Nashville, TN. His sophomore offering on DREAM Records, Surrender, shows him in a whole new light—with ultra-smooth, effortless vocals and cleverly written pop tracks—now ready to take on the nation with God’s message of hope, love, and desire to draw all to Him.

Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Entertainment, Inspirational, Music, Music Video, News, Talent Tagged: Christian Music, If I Trust In You Music Video, Inspirational Music, Joel Vaughn Artist, Surrender Album, TBAP News

Pray For Abigail Duhon

[image error]

Abigail Duhon is fast becoming a household name. A rising star in Christian cinema and the music industry, this young woman is soundly capable of the triple treat—acting, singing, and dancing—required by any entertainment industry to succeed. Clearly, she’s hardworking. She’s starred in deeply inspirational movies that have shaken the world (God’s Not Dead franchise, Caged No More, I’m Not Ashamed etc.), opened for artists like Newsboys and For King and Country in national tours since 2013, and worked with the industry’s best such as writers, Chuck Butler (Brandon Heath, Royal Tailor), Jamie Moore (TobyMac), Aaron Rice (TobyMac), Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Britt Nicole), Ahmande “Mondo Grimes” (Nicole C. Mullen), as well as being mentored/coached by former Mouseketeer, Jennifer McGill, and industry veteran, Diane Sheets. Duhon is also a contributor for the Christian Post.

[image error]Duhon has steadily risen to a sturdy and formidable place in the Christian Entertainment industry. With two albums under her belt, and her third and self-titled one due to be released May 26th (read the TBAP review here), her influence will likely and quickly grow, especially over the younger generation, as well as continue to win the hearts of the older. Ten, twenty years from now, Duhon could become one of the greats that will affect the world in a strikingly positive way.

This is why we need to pray for Abigail Duhon.

She’s a brave, young woman relentless in showing her faith.

Let us thank Jesus for her boldness and courage in choosing the Christian entertainment industry; she could have decided to go mainstream (this is in no way saying that choosing mainstream is wrong. God sends people there, too). Let us thank God that she obeyed His call to speak of His Word through diverse arts. Let us ask that Jesus give her the strength to continue on the path He is leading her on. Let us pray that Duhon continues to seek the heart of God and remain Spirit-led as she continually steps out in faith to fulfill her destiny. Let us petition God to continually bless her with His serenity, courage, and wisdom.

God bless you, Abigail Duhon! We’re praying for you.

About Abigail Duhon

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Abigail discovered her passion for music immediately after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the family home and nearly took every natural possession they owned. At only six years old during the crisis, she awoke to hear a song in her heart and wrote out lyrics as a reflection on their sudden circumstances. The song was titled Beautiful, and would become one of her first original songs on her debut album released at the tender age of ten.

A dancer since she was two years old, Abigail quickly incorporated her passion for music with a beat and her Christian lyrics to become one of the youngest teen artists to have a Christian song reach the top 100 Billboard Singles charts in 2014. Her second album, Right Now, combined pop music with EDM and dubstep elements to create an exciting alternative for tweens desiring to listen to a secular sound, but with faith-based lyrics. She was the recipient of the 2015 Best Emerging Artist from the ‘We Love Christian Music’ awards sponsored by NewReleaseToday.com.

In 2013, Abigail was selected to become a cast-member of the television show, iShine Knect, which averages over one-million viewers each week on TBN Network, and other faith-based networks around the world.

Her role as Elizabeth in the 2013 film, This Is Our Time, launched her film career. Then in 2014, she was cast in the worldwide record-setting Christian film, God’s Not Dead, as student, Abby Wheaton. Her work as a featured actor in Camp Cool Kids (2017) and Caged No More (January 2016) show extreme diversity in roles. Two others include God’s Not Dead 2 (April 2016) and I’m Not Ashamed (October 2016), the Columbine High School shooting story. She continues to add to her resume with other independent films.

She has been touring nationally since 2013 for music, opening for popular artists, Newsboys and For King and Country, while also participating in The Millennial Tour, a teen artist lineup national tour. Her 50+ concerts have been seen at festivals like Creation Northeast and Northwest, Freedom Festival Jacksonville, Sonshine Festival, ICRS Main Stage, iShine Fall and Winter tours, Ichthus Festival, Amplifyfest, Lifest, and Lifelight Festival South Dakota.

She has worked with Dove award winning and Grammy nominated writers Chuck Butler (Brandon Heath, Royal Tailor), Jamie Moore (TobyMac), Aaron Rice (TobyMac), Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Britt Nicole), and Ahmande “Mondo Grimes” (Nicole C. Mullen). She is mentored and vocal coached by former Mouseketeer, Jennifer McGill as well as industry veteran Diane Sheets.

*The article, Pray For Abigail Duhon, first appeared on To Be A Person (TBAP).

[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.

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, her journey as an author and her other activities, you can follow her personal website. You can also connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Google+.

Filed under: Album Feature, Article, Artist Feature, Christianity, Entertainment, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Talent Tagged: Abigail Duhon Album, Abigail Duhon Artist, Christian Music, Inspirational Music, Pop, R&B, TBAP Article