Miranda A. Uyeh's Blog, page 28

Landry Cantrell Signs To DREAM Records And Releases Single, ‘Before You’// We Are Leo Begins Pre-orders For New Album, The Rush & The Roar

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DREAM Label Group is proud to announce the signing of Landry Cantrell to it’s DREAM Records division.  Known for his fresh sonics and incredible lead vocal, the Northern California pop artist went into the studio with producer, Sean Hill (Jamie Grace), at Uphill Studios in Atlanta, GA to put together 12 brilliant tracks for his debut titled, Projections which come out June 16th.  Before You, the first single off of Projections is currently garnering great buzz at Christian Hot AC / CHR radio with early adds from Air1, WYPH, WBHY, WJQK, WNFA and KZTH in the first couple weeks.

“I am super excited to be partnering with a label that clearly understands my vision as an artist. As a label, Dream is constantly pushing the musical frontier of Christian music forward and that is something I am thrilled to be a part of.  From day one the team welcomed me with open arms, and we’ve been like family ever since.” – Landry Cantrell

“When I heard Landry’s first song, I knew immediately he would fit well on our roster.” said DREAM Label Group GM, Lance Brown. “His passion for music and his heart for God is incredible and we’re proud to have him here.”

Before You is available today on all digital retail outlets.  Check out the track below:

Play Landry Cantrell’s Before You

“The song, Before You, is a special one for me because it’s a direct reflection of the way I felt when I wrote it. I began the process discouraged and depleted, fully expecting to find another dead end. By the time I had finished the song my attitude and perspective had completely changed. The song itself, in a way, had catapulted me out of the little pity party I had thrown for myself. My hope is that when people hear the song that it can do the same for their situation as it did for mine.” – Landry Cantrell

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 Landry Cantrell on Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, Instagram, and Youtube.

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iTunes | Apple Music | Google Play | Amazon

DREAM Records proudly announces the pre-order for We Are Leo’s 3rd studio album, The Rush & The Roar due to come out May 26th.  The Rush & The Roar, an 11 song album features an eclectic mix of rock, pop, and dance music—a must-have album for the summer!   Fans can now pre-order the digital album on iTunes and Amazon and receive an instant download of the song, 61 / Twenty-Three.

“Being able to sing these words really encompasses the journey I’ve been on. Feeling the pain of being broken and finding Christ in the midst of that… I know He’s my shepherd. Expressing that, creatively, through music is a dream come true. When I got the mixes from the studio for The Rush & The Roar, I was running around and dancing while I listened. I still get that excitement that music gives to me. It’s incredible.” – David Duffield of We Are Leo

Play We Are Leo’s 61/Twenty-Three

The Rush & The Roar Track listing:

Dimensions
Astronaut
CRZY AWSM (Crazy Awesome)
Low Key
Warrior
61 / Twenty-Three
Salt Life
The Rush & The Roar
Young Eyes
Shine Forever
The Way That I Feel Now

 

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L to R: Josh Sentner, David Duffield, Doug Weier

ABOUT WE ARE LEO

Hopeful & fun, WE ARE LEO is the latest in heartfelt, creative, cutting-edge Christian music. With a lyrical depth and refreshing originality, WE ARE LEO sings about God’s love and finding hope in the everyday. Their unique way of expressing their faith inspires teens and young adults around the world, helping them find emotional healing, overcome depression, and come to a stronger faith in Christ. WE ARE LEO started seven years ago in Kenosha, WI when Starbucks barista & part-time missionary, David Duffield, and his brother, graphic designer & youth leader, Jonny Duffield, built a make-shift recording studio and started cranking out rough, but passionate demos. They soon teamed up with worship leader/guitarist, Doug Weier, and eventually, guitarist, John Panzer, to meld their music, style and message into a synth-driven, pop-rock band with up-front guitars & contagious, upbeat hooks. WE ARE LEO states: “We believe that through these songs, young people will find hope, life and joy. We believe chains will be broken. We’re fighting back against depression, doubt, apathy & addiction with the truth and love of Christ. We know that we live in a broken world but we know we don’t have to let the failures and lies keep us down. This is music for those who want to live life to the fullest. It’s for the dreamers, the believers; it’s for the broken and the lonely who want to believe that broken hearts can find healing, and it’s music for everyone who refuses to give up despite overwhelming odds.”

Connect With We Are Leo

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website

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ABOUT DREAM RECORDS

DREAM was founded in 2008 to provide artists with a genuine approach to how real artist development should be done. By allowing for a partnership as a business model, Dream’s artists empower themselves to develop and carry out a real vision for their lives as they affect other people’s lives with their music and message. Incorporating social media, press, radio and touring it’s allowing it’s artists grow together as a family.

Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Entertainment, Inspirational, News, Talent Tagged: Before You Song, Dream Records, Landry Cantrell News, Projections Album, TBAP News, The Rush & The Roar Pre-order, We Are Leo News

Artist Scoop ~ Interview with Music Artist, Mogli The Iceburg

Born Jacob Horenburg, but known in the music industry as Mogli The Iceburg, Mogli is a producer and rap artist, and also part of a collective called the Indie Tribe. Mogli recently released a new album, Tumultu (read the TBAP review), full of questions that will burn in the heart of every listener, advocating for love and acceptance, and taking a stand against hate and stereotyping. Mogli is a bold artist with a heart for God and His Word, reminding the Christian (through Tumultu) not to be afraid of who God has called to be (the core message of TBAP!) and to show God’s love to all.

Mogli The Iceburg took some time to answer some questions in this interview. Follow our chat and be inspired!

Miranda ~ Hello Mogli! Delighted to have you visit TBAP today. Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Mogli: Thanks for having me! I’m a rapper, producer, believer, entrepreneur, and critical thinker.

Miranda ~ How did you become a Christian? Is there a story?

Mogli: Well, I grew up in a Christian home with parents that were kind of first generation believers themselves. That didn’t mean they were ignorant in any way. In fact, quite the opposite. It meant they were very passionate, and their beliefs were more than just a cultural default to them. So I had been around it all my life. But it wasn’t really until I went to college that I found my faith for myself. I could always tell you Jesus died for our sins, but it wasn’t until I really made the decision to follow Christ for myself that I could tell you what that meant.

Miranda ~ How would you describe your journey into the music industry and, your experience so far? Also, why did you decide to go indie?

Mogli: My experience has been gradual immersion. Everything I do, I taught myself—from recording, to writing, to producing and mixing, to marketing. I’ve had to make a lot of really bad music and spend a lot of money in some really stupid ways to get to where I am now in terms of skillset and knowledge, but that has all made me very independent and self-sufficient. Indie became the route originally out of necessity. But now, it’s more of a leverage thing. Someone would have to offer me quite a bit more than someone else to warrant a piece of my pie at this point.

Miranda ~ Your latest album release is titled Tumultu. It’s quite an unusual name.[image error] Why did you choose it?

Mogli: I was in the shower thinking about life *per usual,* and I was brainstorming titles and concepts. I kept coming back to the word ‘ tumultuous ‘ as something that described both the state of the world, the state of my life, and the aesthetic of the album. So I shortened it to its Latin root because it sounded cool to me, and because nothing came up when you googled ‘tumultu’.

Miranda ~ A lot of the songs in Tumultu center on a message of love and acceptance, and preach against racism and stereotyping. Why pick this theme?

Mogli: It was really a response to the climate of the world at the time. A lot of it was written during the 2016 presidential campaign, and I kept seeing issues like racism being addressed in really unhealthy ways. Being of a mixed ethnic heritage, I have a unique perspective that I wanted to share.

Miranda ~ Your choice of lyrics can be termed “bold and fearless,” reflecting a period of growth that may have led you to the place that you are now. Would you like to talk about this?

Mogli: For me, the hardest part about writing is figuring out what I want to say. I can write raps easily, but I’m not really content with just rapping about nothing. I feel like I’m wasting my potential when I do that. So I just try to be really honest in addressing things that I feel the need to address, and I think people aren’t used to the level of transparency that I bring, sometimes.

Miranda ~ Who would you say are the people that have influenced you the most—generally and in music?

Mogli: In life, definitely my dad and my close friends. A lot of my close friends, like Nobigdyl, also make music, so there’s a lot of overlap there. Musically, though, I’m really influenced by a lot of stuff that’s not hip-hop. Indie alternative like Daughter and Billie Martin, post rock like Sigur Ros and M93, electronic music like Chvrches, and hard rock/metal like Underoath.

Miranda ~ What would you say is the difference between the mainstream and the Christian music industry? Also, what would you like to see change in the Christian?

Mogli: As far as the industry goes, the live market is wayyy different in Christian music. Mostly driven by soft ticket sales (conferences/church events/free events), whereas in mainstream you have a lot of hard tickets where artists are selling out clubs/theatres on the strength of their own name alone. Not a lot of Christian acts can do that. Other than that, the biggest thing is market size, obviously. So far I’ve had a pretty good experience dealing with Christians in the industry, but every now and the,n you have someone that’s trying to get a bunch of free stuff under the guise of mission work. That’s not cool. Definitely needs to be more professionalism.

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

Mogli: Man, its an endless list. But primarily, for privileges such as my health, and being raised by parents that really loved me, sacrificed for me, and prepared me to not get eaten alive in the world.

Miranda ~ What advice would you give to an artist who’s just starting out—indie or non-indie?

Mogli: Non-indie. There are tremendous opportunities available for anybody that is patient enough to diversify their skillset and be self-sufficient. I wouldn’t recommend anybody pursue working with a label unless you are in a situation where you don’t need them. That’s when the right label can offer something that is the most mutually beneficial.

THIS OR THAT (The Fun Questions!)

Breakfast or Dinner? Dinner, I rarely eat breakfast with my schedule.

T-shirt or Collar shirt? T-shirt, black, long fit.

Boots or Sneakers? Sneakers, Vans preferably.

Spring or Fall? Oh man this is tough. I’d say Spring. In the Fall I spend so much time dreading Winter that I can’t even fully enjoy it.

Coffee or Tea? Coffee. I’m dependent, unfortunately.

Snow or Rain? Rain

Gym or Outdoor? Depends on the season, but typically gym.

Shakes or Juice?  Juice

Movies or Magazines? Movies

Vegetables or Fruits? Fruits all day

Leather jacket or Blazer? Leather jacket, but that doesn’t mean you neglect the fit!

[image error]About Mogli The Iceburg

Mogli the Iceburg is a rapper and producer from Middle Tennessee, and part of the Indie Tribe collective made up of Nobigdyl, Jarry Manna, and himself. Blending a diverse sonic pallet with ambient and alternative rock, that is fused with industrial cloud rap, and tied together through precision vocal technicality, Mogli seeks to redefine hip-hop with not only his sound, but with his message.

Filed under: Artist Feature, Christianity, Entertainment, Entertainment Interview, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Music, Music Artist Interview, News, Personal Development, Stories, Talent Tagged: Christian Hip-hop/rap, Christian Music, Inspirational, Mogli The Iceburg Artist, TBAP Exclusive Interview

Album Review ~The Rush & The Roar by We Are Leo

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Category

Religious/Christian

Genre

Pop/Rock

Release Date

May 26, 2017

Rating

3.5 Stars

Review

The Rush & The Roar opens with Dimensions, a pop-rockish song that reveals the enthusiasm of We Are Leo, setting a joyful and faith-filled tone for the rest of the album. The Rush & The Roar is a testimony of God’s goodness and how these men have responded to the resounding love of God, even inviting others to join in the faith and the party! This is an album without apology in expressing faith in the living God!

[image error]About We Are Leo

Hopeful & fun, WE ARE LEO is the latest in heartfelt, creative, cutting-edge Christian music. With a lyrical depth and refreshing originality, WE ARE LEO sings about God’s love and finding hope in the everyday. Their unique way of expressing their faith inspires teens and young adults around the world, helping them find emotional healing, overcome depression, and come to a stronger faith in Christ. WE ARE LEO started seven years ago in Kenosha, WI when Starbucks barista & part-time missionary, David Duffield, and his brother, graphic designer & youth leader, Jonny Duffield, built a make-shift recording studio and started cranking out rough, but passionate demos. They soon teamed up with worship leader/guitarist, Doug Weier, and eventually, guitarist, John Panzer, to meld their music, style and message into a synth-driven, pop-rock band with up-front guitars & contagious, upbeat hooks. WE ARE LEO states: “We believe that through these songs, young people will find hope, life and joy. We believe chains will be broken. We’re fighting back against depression, doubt, apathy & addiction with the truth and love of Christ. We know that we live in a broken world but we know we don’t have to let the failures and lies keep us down. This is music for those who want to live life to the fullest. It’s for the dreamers, the believers; it’s for the broken and the lonely who want to believe that broken hearts can find healing, and it’s music for everyone who refuses to give up despite overwhelming odds.”

Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Christianity, Entertainment, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Music, Music/Album Review, Talent Tagged: Christian Music, Inspirational Music, Pop, Rock, TBAP Music Review, The Rush & The Roar Album, We Are Leo Christian Artist

Album Review ~ Abigail Duhon

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Category

Religious/Christian

Genre

Pop/R&B

Release Date

May 26, 2017

Rating

4 Stars

Review

Abigail Duhon album opens with Into The Light, a number with an urban, South America-nish beat, easy to follow and sing along (once you’ve grabbed the easily-learned lyrics)—and quite head-nodding in its own right! The lyrics show a heart full of love and trust for God. There, clearly, is a strength in Duhon that is obvious in each song. Duhon sings with a maturity that belies her age. She truly is an artist (and actor) to look out for, one that will likely influence the younger generation in a massive way and lead them to Jesus. Her courage is outstanding as is shown in this album. Though the lyrics are generally simple, they reach deep down into the heart of a listener. This is what happens when an artist keeps it real.

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 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.

Filed under: Actors, Album Feature, Artist Feature, Christianity, Entertainment, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Music, Music/Album Review, Personality, Spirituality Tagged: Abigail Album, Abigail Duhon Artist, Christian Music, Inspirational Music, Pop, R&B, TBAP Music Review

Album Review ~ Projections by Landry Cantrell

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Category

Religious/Christian

Genre

Pop/Rock

Release Date

June 16, 2017

Rating

4.5 Stars

Review

Projections opens with the passionate song, Before You. The heart and spirit behind this song is simply beautiful. The lyrics resonate on a deep level and sink to the depth’s of a listener’s soul—like the soul is laid bare before God (which the song emphasizes anyway!). Cantrell’s voice is amazing as well as soothing, and combined with his music, it’s stunningly electric! The music is as entertaining as it is spiritually enlightening and uplifting.

Look out for the songs Feedback, Indian Summer, and Deeper Lover! Clearly, they are deeply and inspirationally written, and passionately sung!

About Landry Cantrell

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. Landry has recorded and released five albums, composed and produced a full-length musical, and earned a Master’s Certificate in Music Technology and Production from Berklee College of Music.

He teamed up with producer Sean Hill to create and independently release a self-titled album in 2014. Landry is currently wrapping up work on his latest record, produced by Hill, for his Dream Records debut.

“There’s a line in a song I wrote that says, ‘I’ve been chasing stars, following my heart, but I can’t find You,’ Landry says. “Sometimes, it’s really hard to not allow your own desires to cloud your judgment, and drown out God’s voice in your life.

“It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to be successful, or our skewed version of what we view success to be. To God, success is something completely different. Once you get a glimpse of that perspective, you’re reminded why you’re doing what you’re doing.

“When people relate to the songs I’ve written, well, first of all, it blows my mind, because I write these songs from my heart and life. But when I see others finding comfort in what I’ve written, it’s really special for me. That’s a humbling and incredible thing to experience.”

While Landry calls his music a ministry, he also points out his music isn’t preachy.

“I like to write with metaphors,” he says. “In the same way Jesus taught in Parables, instead of outright saying something, I like to paint a picture.

“I want my music to provide a little beacon of hope for this world.”

“I have been blessed to come in contact with many amazing artists and songwriters over my relatively short career in music thus far, and I can truly say Landry Cantrell is easily among the top, although the world may not know him by name just yet, I am confident that they will very soon. This guy impressed me from Day One with his clear vision, superb talent, genuine heart, and uplifting attitude. I walked into the production on his project thinking that I would be pulling the best out of him that I could, like most artists, but at some point along the way I realized he was pulling the best out of me. I’m honored that I get to be a small part of Landry Cantrell’s journey.” – Sean Hill

Play Landry Cantrell’s Before Me

Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Entertainment, Inspirational, Music, Music/Album Review, Talent Tagged: Christian Music, Landry Cantrell Artist, Pop, Projections Album, Rock, TBAP Music Review

I Am Esther

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Esther was queen of an empire that spanned 127 provinces from India to Cush. Her queenship brought about a phenomenal change that saved the Jewish nation from Haman’s evil scheme. God had a plan to keep and nurture Israel until He was ready to liberate them from a foreign rule. However, Israel would have been annihilated before they were ready to be liberated. Esther was God’s servant used to stop that from happening.

But this is familiar story.

Truth be told, Esther’s queenship, as Mordecai remarked, couldn’t have been the only way for God to save Israel. Esther was simply chosen by God to accomplish this task. If God wanted, as Mordecai had said, God could have raised help from somewhere else to save the Jewish nation.

Yet, God chose Esther.

A young woman with no parents and raised by a poor, older cousin, among the subjects of the king of Persia, Esther was nobody. God didn’t just choose Esther, He elevated her to a place of honor in an empire where the Jews were probably one of the least and most insignificant people—so insignificant that Haman had to first describe them to the king before making his case to destroy them (perhaps, this insignificance is the reason Mordecai forbade Esther from mentioning her nationality and family background—probably reasoning that it might hurt her chances of becoming queen).

One would wonder what went through Esther’s mind as she was selected and taken to the palace. I’m not fit or ready to be queen, she might have thought. The possibility of such a reality may have seemed preposterous—too preposterous to even dare to dream.

But this is what God does.

He takes the weak of the world and makes them the strong and courageous. He takes what the world calls foolish, prepares, and then declares them wise. He makes the virtually impossible, possible. To God, it doesn’t matter where you come from. Isn’t this why Jesus chose to come from Nazareth and Galilee—a place where the Pharisees insisted that a prophet could never come from (John 7:50-52), and the same place that one of Jesus’ disciple, Nathaniel (whom Jesus called a righteous man), had questioned if anything good could come from there (John 1:45-46)? Like in Esther’s case, Jesus proved one more time that we are all God’s children, and God can pick anyone from any nation and people (no matter how detested) and raise them up.

“From one man He [God] made every nation of men that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the EXACT places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we move, we live and have our being…we are His offspring” (Acts 17:26-28).

Do you believe you’ve been called by God to achieve something that seems too good or too big for the likes of you (or what the world and its elites believe is too good or too great for the likes of you)? Have you questioned why God even bothers with you? Have you even gone ahead to express your fears to God, and like Moses, told God that you’re too small or incapable of doing what He’s asking of you? Even after God has expressly told you that His favor is the reason He’s blessing you this way, do you find yourself suddenly struggling to live up to this favor and discover yourself failing? Do you, after such failure, lose hope of becoming all that God has called you to be?

Is this you?

You’re not alone. It happened to Moses, Gideon…and a couple of other folks whose stories are in the Bible. And it’s still happening today. I’ve got good news for you! Like Esther, you’re not alone! God knew who you were before He called you, even before you were born (Jeremiah 1:5). He has a plan to prepare you for whatever it is He’s called you to do. For Esther, it took a year of training in the king’s palace before she was allowed in the king’s presence. For you, God might pass you through a series of discipline and fire to get you ready and mature (Hebrews 12:1-13). Might not be easy, and some days you’ll wonder if you heard God right and question if His favor is truly upon you. You may appear so reduced and in many instances, feel so depleted. You may even raise your fist at God and demand why He’s put you through the wringer.

But this is because He’s preparing you. You, truly, are not alone in this.

Remember these things:

You’re not chosen because you’re special. You’re special because you’re chosen. To assume otherwise is to be arrogant and prideful. Nothing about you—your heritage, country, talent etc.—makes you special. Only God’s favor does.
Stop worrying about what you cannot do and control. Do what is right in front of you , and trust God to do His part. It is His plan and not yours. He has already prepared the path that will lead to every event, which will in turn lead up to where He’s taking you. Do not try to rush or manipulate your way through to “fulfilling” God’s promise. Remember how badly that worked out for Abraham.
Stop worrying about how you should change and “fit” into the said role, especially in the manner that the world requires it. You can’t change yourself. ONLY God can reveal to you, convict you, and change you. He is your Father and has already prepared your discipline. You only need to be a willing party and play your part, working out your salvation as God teaches and requires you to.
Do not despise the days of [humility and of] little beginning. These are also the days of discipline, and of learning to abide in God’s rest and strength. These lessons will preserve you in your journey.

If you can remember these things and rest in God’s peace, then you’ll get to your place set and ready in God to fulfill what He’s called you to. By His strength you can do all things (Philippians 3:14).

[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 Esther, first appeared on To Be A Person (TBAP). It is part of the I Am series on the TBAP blog.

Filed under: Article, Christianity, Inspirational, Personal Development, Spirituality, Stories, Talent Tagged: Christian Article, I Am Esther, Inspirational Article, TBAP Article

Artist Scoop ~ Interview with Justin Land

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The Case For Christ:  Songs Inspired By the Original Motion Picture is an album by DREAM[image error] Records in connection with the film, The Case For Christ, based on Lee Strobel’s best selling book of the same name.  Both the film and the songs-inspired album released on April 7, 2017.  The album features songs from some of the largest church worship teams in the world such as NewSpring Worship, New Hope Oahu, Lakewood, Seacoast Worship, G12 and many more. Justin Land of Stonecreek Worship wrote and sang the song, Great and Mighty. Justin will be answering some questions today. Follow our chat below!

Miranda ~ Hello Justin! Delighted to have you here on TBAP! Could you please tell us a bit about yourself?

Justin: I’ve been married for 16 years to my best friend, Rachel. I’m a father of four wild little boys, so my house is always fun and crazy. And I mean CRAZY.  I love Jesus, the arts & music, and I love the local church.

Miranda ~ When did you first discover God? What particularly led you into a personal relationship with Him?

Justin: I was raised in and around church. My parents were Believers and they did a pretty good job living God’s love out in our family and living “on purpose and with a purpose.” When I was 7 years old, my parents talked me through what it meant to follow Jesus, and I wanted to have a life like theirs—set on course with purpose. I remember when growing up my dad would tell me over and over again that, “God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, so enjoy the journey.” That sounded like fun to me!

Miranda ~ When did you first discover your talent for music and, at what point did you decide to use it to serve God? Who are the people that have influenced you the most?

Justin: I was singing and playing bass in our church at a really young age.  My dad taught me guitar and put a bass in my hands when I was twelve, because, “The church band needs a bass player.”  I haven’t looked back!

Who are the people that have influenced me the most?—my dad, the grunge music of the 90’s, and, Johnny Cash and his amazing ability to tell a story.

Miranda ~ Various songs were written for The Case for Christ What specifically about the story inspired you to choose the lyrics for your Great and Mighty song?

Justin: Seeing how God showed up in everything Lee was searching was fascinating.  I had also read the book in college and I remembered how everywhere Lee looked to disprove who Jesus was, it ended in finding more proof that Jesus was who He said He was.  Proof of Jesus as the Messiah was around every corner. Great and Mighty started from that thought—that the World is His, and our story is the story that Jesus is writing for Himself.  The song also has a lot of Psalm 147 in it: the stars are His, we are His, and His power is displayed all around us; I believe the act of salvation is the brightest demonstration of His love for us.

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

Justin: PURPOSE THROUGH JESUS. I’ve done everything from landscaping to touring in a full time rock band. I’ve had highs and lows, and through it all, Jesus has been with me.  I’m most excited to have a purpose.  My life’s work is to lift up the name of Jesus. I was made on purpose, with a purpose, and for a purpose (just like every person out there), and when you realize that, everything changes.  Every day matters. Every conversation has the power to affect eternity. Every friendship has the ability to leave a legacy.

Miranda ~ What advice would you give to anyone who believes they’ve been called by God to sing?

Justin: I would say that they are right!  We have all been called to sing. Every Believer has that responsibility!  Psalm 147 says that.  But “called to sing” is just part of the calling.  We are also called to live a life full of love and conduct that shows the world how Jesus loves.  Psalm 101 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. It always reminds me that the fuel for singing is the hope and joy that comes from Jesus. So my advice would be simple…sing, yes, but also sing with your life…let it be the hooky song that sticks with people.

 

This is That (The Fun Questions!)

Coffee, Tea or Mocha? The darker the roast, the better.

T-shirt or Collar shirt? Depends on the weather.

Boots or Sneakers? Boots

Breakfast or Dinner? Breakfast

TV or Magazine? TV/Streaming (I hate commercials.)

Rain or Snow? Sunshine!!

Gym or Outdoor? Outdoor

Leather Jacket or Blazer? Leather jacket

 

Thank you, Justin, for stopping by today!

About Justin Land

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Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Christianity, Entertainment, Entertainment Interview, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Movie Promo, Music, Music Artist Interview, Spirituality, Talent Tagged: Christian Music, Dream Group Label, Dream Records, Inspirational Music, Justin Land Artist, Stonecreek Worship, TBAP Interview, The Case For Christ Album

Album Review ~ Wildfire by Fuse

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Category

Religious/Christian

Genre

Classic Pop

Rating

3 Stars

Review

Wildfire wasn’t just meant to bless the heart and soul of the listener; it’s simple but classic popish element adds an entertaining flair that makes Wildfire altogether fun as well as worshipful. The lyrics are superbly uplifting, simple, but deep—prayers and songs. Wildfire helps put the listener in a place of praise to God, reminding the listener of their faith, and of the goodness of God.

Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Entertainment, Inspirational, Music, Music/Album Review Tagged: Christian Music, Dream Group Label, Dream Records, Fuse artist, Pop, TBAP Music Review, Wildfire Album

Book Review ~ Missionaries, Mercenaries & Murder by Suzanne Pearson

[image error]About the Book

Alex Carpenter’s life is shattered when his friend and partner is gunned down. With his confidence shaken, he turns in his badge and gun and accepts an offer to build a church in the Congo, hoping for time alone to heal.

Molly Quinn is on a mission to save souls and heal bodies. Nothing is too difficult for her to handle until a police officer from Kikwit demands she come to his city to identify a body that turns out to be her friend and a fellow American.

Alex realizes her friend was murdered, and Molly begs him to help her find the killer. Drawn into a bloody web of intrigue and deception, Alex and Molly must work together to stay alive and one step ahead of a murderer.

Can she convince Alex to put his trust and their lives in God’s hands?

 

Category

Christian/Non-fiction

Genre

Romance/Thriller

Rating

2 Stars

Review

Missionaries, Mercenaries & Murder started off engaging, putting me in a place where I wanted to learn more about the hero, Alex Carpenter. As the story progressed, some scenes appeared shabbily put together, more to follow the author’s whim than done with proper planning. Some events, or the seeming reasons behind them, seemed implausible or ambiguous, and in some cases, overly dramatic without reasonable cause. The scenes rolled after each other from a place of unrealistic convenience. There was generally poor transition between sub-scenes. Events happened without much leading to them, making some of the scenes confusing.

Most of the characters were grossly underdeveloped, but rather displayed much sarcasm and a tendency for comic quips. This form of characterization, in the end, marked almost every character across the story, making almost none (even the main characters) stand out.

Though, categorized as Christian fiction, there didn’t seem to be any particular theme that marked the story. It was rather, a story with Christian characters in it, with a hero, who for no distinct reason, decided to become a Christian, too, just so it would be convenient/acceptable to end up with the heroine.

Overall, this wasn’t the best of books. The writing is sharp and quite impressive, description and setting, remarkable. But the story and its structural quality aren’t.

*Though I offer this review to the public, it is my opinion and simply that. A ‘thank you’ to the author, Suzanne Pearson, for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[image error]About the Author

I was born in the small village of Vanga on the Kwilu River in the country of Congo. After graduating from high school I came to the states and settled for a time in Eugene, OR. I have been blessed with a wide range of crazy jobs – legal secretary for a small Jewish law firm, admin secretary for the entertainment division of a bank in Beverly Hills where I met Cary Grant. Yikes! Never one to turn down a challenge, I started writing several years ago and ended up with the beginnings of a new career.

Filed under: Author Feature, Book Review Tagged: Christian Fiction, Misionaries Mercenaries & Murder Book, Romance-thriller, Suzanne Pearson Author, TBAP Book Review

Artist Scoop! ~ Interview with Christian “Heriam” Ross

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The Case For Christ:  Songs Inspired By the Original Motion Picture is an album by DREAM Records in connection with the film, The Case For Christ, based on Lee Strobel’s best selling book of the same name.  Both the film and the songs-inspired album released on April 7, 2017.  The album features songs from some of the largest church worship teams in the world such as NewSpring Worship, New Hope Oahu, Lakewood, Seacoast Worship, G12 and many more. Christian “Heriam” Ross, wrote and sang the song, Your Moment Has Come. Heriam has taken some time to speak to us today. Follow our chat below!

Miranda ~ Hello Heriam! Honored to have you visit TBAP today. Could you please tell us a bit about yourself?

Heriam: Absolutely! I’m from Dallas, Texas, where I live with my wife and two kiddos. Music is obviously my greatest passion, and I’ve been playing some sort of instrument since I was 6 or 7 years old. Both my parents and their dads were musicians so I just wanted to do what they were doing. I picked up a guitar, and now, here I am.

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

Heriam: I was raised in a Christian home. My dad, grandad, and uncle are all ministers and would teach my brother and I about Jesus in just about every scenario. I came to Christ at a young age, but definitely had my own struggles working out my faith as I was growing up. I’m happy that I did meet Christ at a young age because, no matter how far I might have tried to go away from Him at any point of my life, I always felt anchored in my heart, solidified to the truth, and ultimately, I’d make my way back, and He’d clean me up again. Now, as an adult, husband, and father, the weight of these responsibilities requires a steady and consistent walk with God, which for me is a blessing. I feel more peace than ever before in what some would call chaos.

Miranda ~ At what point did you decide to use your gift of music to serve God? Is there a story tied to this decision?

Heriam: I started playing in the band at my church’s youth group when I was 12. I don’t remember a moment when I thought, “Okay, now I’m going to do this for God.” I always wanted to use my gifting to bring God glory. Maybe it’s partly because of being taught at an early age that it was right to do so, and that God was also leading my steps through my heart. I can say that in the last few years I’ve felt led to be much more vocal about my faith in every area of my life. I’ve seen a lot of doors opening, and God moving, as I try to be obedient with that.

Miranda ~ What would you say your mission is with music?

Heriam: I am simply a courier of the message of truth pointing to Jesus with songs reflecting my own walk with Christ. My mission is to take that message to as many people as would receive it, and to kindle a flame for a heart after God through song and story.

Miranda ~ In writing the song Your Moment Has Come for The Case for Christ movie, what, about the story inspired the specific lyrics you chose for the song? Is this song personal to you in any way?

Heriam: I was intrigued by Lee’s absolute push back to his wife’s decision to follow Jesus. Then, I watched Leslie work out such a steady faith by believing so faithfully that God was real, and that He loved her and her family, even before they loved Him back. It was then I realized what a call God had put on Leslie’s life, which ultimately led Lee to see a parallel of love between what Christ did and why He did it, to what Leslie was doing and why. Your Moment has Come is written about Leslie’s belief that God would ultimately reveal Himself to Lee and save him, too.

Miranda ~ What is your personal take-away from the story of The Case for Christ—how did it impact you personally?

Heriam: For me, my faith is strengthened knowing that God has a plan for all our lives no matter how far we may think we are from Him. That gives me hope.

This is That (The Fun Questions!)

Coffee, Tea or Mocha? Coffee!

T-shirt or Collar shirt? Collar

Boots or Sneakers? Boots

Breakfast or Dinner? Dinner

TV or Magazine? TV

Rain or Snow? Rain

Gym or Outdoor? Outdoor

Leather Jacket or Blazer? Leather jacket

 

Thank you, Heriam, for stopping by today!

[image error]About Heriam

Heríam is the artist name of singer/songwriter Christian Ross based in Dallas, Texas, composing “illuminating soundscapes of song & story” in the rock, pop, and folk genres. The name, Heríam, is coined from “Here I Am” which serves as an elevated reminder to live purposeful in the here and now. The name also references Isaiah 6:8, “Here I am. Send me.” With Heríam’s first single, Your Moment Has Come, releasing on The Case For Christ album (songs inspired by the original motion picture), Heríam also plans on releasing his freshman EP in the months to follow, which will include five titles such as, I Will Wake, Serene, and more. Heríam’s music heralds the message of hope rooted in Jesus Christ. These are songs of the journey we all relate to as we work out our faith day by day.

Filed under: Album Feature, Artist Feature, Christian Movies, Christianity, Entertainment, Entertainment Interview, Faith Testimony, Inspirational, Movie Promo, Music, Music Artist Interview, Spirituality, Stories Tagged: Album Promo, Christian Entertainment, Christian Heriam Ross Artist, Christian Music, Dream Group Label, Dream Records, Inspirational Music, Music, TBAP Interview, The Case For Christ Album