Interview With 21:03

(Interview by Lin. Woods)

Stellar Award winning PAJAM/Verity/Zomba Gospel recording group 21:03 is a rising force to be reckoned with on the gospel music scene. The Detroit born and raised group comprised of Jor’el 19, Evin 22, and Torrence 20, was created by hit making production team PAJAM (J Moss, Walter Kearney and Paul Allen).

I caught up with 21:03 recently while they were busy on the road promoting their new CD, Total Attention. And here’s what they had to say.

Lin.: How difficult is it being young, saved and an artist today?

Evin.: It can be difficult when one doesn’t have a focus! We as people tend to focus on things that are temporal and not eternal. So when you put issues such as peer pressure, sex, and material gain in the proper perspective, it’s much easier. But there are definitely temptations and struggles that affect our lives even though we are artist as well.

Torrence: Being young, fly, and saved is wassup!

Jor‘el: It can be difficult at times, especially when people try to negate or discredit your calling/and or anointing. But the bible says in 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." So we just stand on that.

Lin.: Do you think young people today face more pressures in regards to sex, violence and drugs than past generations?

Jor‘el: I think we definitely do! Not to say that these issues weren’t present before, but today everything is more in your face and bold, and technology makes everything more accessible.

Lin.: How does your music help keep young people on the right path?

Torrence: Well 21:03’s music has messages of love, hope, encouragement, redemption, repentance, and praise all wrapped up in a hot swag and we know that faith comes by hearing, so when you listen to it you’re bound to exhibit what you’re listening to. It speaks to real everyday issues that WE ALL go through.

Lin.: How do you use high tech to spread the word about your music ministry?

Torrence: We’ve released digital singles such as "YOU," which has been the No.1 song on Itunes, and its accompanying video is No.1 on Gospel Music Channel, too.

Evin.: We also use our Myspace page, www.myspace.com/twentyone03 to speak to our supporters and blog about our experiences in our walk. Also, we created our own you tube show/channel called 21:03TV on Youtube at www.youtube.com/2103tv

Read entire interview with 21:03 by Lin. Woods at TheUrbanNetwork.com

From Souljahz To Commanders

The Washington Projects are one of the finest new acts to emerge from the urban gospel scene. Except they aren’t new. Back in 2000 there was a San Diego trio, Souljahz, consisting of siblings Je’kob, Joshua and Rachael Washington. Their ‘The Fault Is History’ (2002) blew me, and just about all the other critics, away and I met the trio in the Nashville Hilton. As well as their genre breaking music I was impressed by the group’s passion for God, creativity and down to earth approach. But after the critical accolades for ‘The Fault Is History’ a long silence followed. It was only broken this year when the group, now just Je’kob and Rachael, emerged with a new name, The Washington Projects, and a devastating album, ‘Commanders Of The Resistance’.

Ironically it’s to the same hotel that I walk to meet them to conduct the conversation you’re about to read. The pair are about to perform at a lunchtime concert and both are in fine form. Je’kob’s afro is looking wild and free and is the visual image that accompanies music that has been created in a free space where the band have not had any label pressure. Their debut album is an independently produced release and sounds as fresh and startling as anything recorded by Souljahz.

One of the things with the Souljahz’ ‘The Fault Is History’ was that the trio created an album that was almost too innovative. The industry struggled to pigeonhole the group. Were they R&B or gospel? It must have been a frustrating experience for the group. “Yeah it was,” Rachael agrees. “I think creatively we had a really good time making the record but then something can be really good creatively and then not work formula wise for certain formats and certain markets so it was something that we had to understand. So that was a growing process for us but it feels really good now to be able to do what we want to do and pitch it wherever we want to and hopefully people will be able to ‘get it’ this time.”

In the interim as Souljahz they did put some stuff out on iTunes but it seemed to be aimed more at the mainstream. “Yeah we did”, observes Je’kob. “We had a couple of tracks during the last three years of working with the label and trying to do some stuff. I think the goal we’ve always had in our hearts is to make music. This is what we write about. Whether it’s a love song, whatever song it is, it’s coming from our hearts. We’re Christians and we write like that. So we weren’t really focussing on a certain industry, we were trying our hardest to say, and to help the record label understand, that that’s where we’re at and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Article Written by Mike Rimmer. Read entire article at: CrossRhythms

Desmond Pringle Releases Duet With Shirley Caesar

Gospel songwriter/producer Desmond Pringle is a passionate vocalist with a unique brand of balladry — and one of the most talented songwriter/producers in gospel music today. To celebrate the launch of the artist’s ReverbNation profile, Desmond is making his duet with Gospel Legend Shirley Caesar available as free mp3 downloads exclusively through the site at http://www.reverbnation.com/desmondpringle.

One of the highlights of Pringle’s career was recording the hymn “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” with Shirley Caesar. Pringle recalls, “One day, Pastor Caesar said, Dez, why don’t you sing with me?’ I was floored that she would offer me that opportunity alongside all of these legends she has on her project but that’s how it came about. She asked me and I wasn’t about to turn her down [laughs].”

“Just a Closer Walk With Thee” by Desmond Pringle is a joyful hymn that features the Grammy-nominated artist singing back-and-forth with gospel legend Shirley Caesar. Both artists have powerful voices that beckon everyone to take heed to the song’s influential lyrics. The song has a warm feel to it and while the instrumentation is impressive, it is the dueling vocals that steals the show here. “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” is an incredible highlight from Desmond’s inspirational album, ‘Be Still’.” Eric Hartline, MusicDish

“Pringle also duets (in real time) with Pastor Shirley Caesar on Kenneth Morris’ prize find, “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” making her the second former Caravan to be featured on this CD (yes, Cleveland sang with the Caravans - check your history!).” The Black Gospel Blog Reviews

Desmond Pringle is a passionate vocalist with a unique brand of balladry — and one of the most talented songwriter/producers in gospel music today. Whether delivering his signature-smooth ballads, thought provoking lyrics or energetic choir songs, Desmond has already taken his place among the ranks of great gospel artists of his generation. A down to earth, approachable artist, Desmond’s soulful gospel style has garnered him the title “Gospel Balladeer” from his ever-growing base of loyal supporters.

Desmond’s journey into professional music began in the lead role of the hit gospel musical “A Good Man Is Hard To Find”. His portrayal received an NAACP Image Award nomination. The native South Carolinian then relocated to Chicago in 1993 to further develop his musical prowess. His work as a singer/songwriter gained him contributions to award-winning artists including Yolanda Adams, Bishop T. D. Jakes, R. Kelly and The Thompson Community Singers. Add to that– stellar performances at the Stockholm Gospel Festival and the award as the Best Male Vocalist by the African American Religious Connection. In 1998 his independent release “Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs” grabbed the attention of Chicago radio and led to a deal with Tommy Boy Gospel. “Loyalty” attracted a broad-base, diverse, multicultural audience, and Desmond’s first class musical performances won the enthusiastic respect of music lovers and accolades of industry professionals alike.

As a vocalist Desmond’s rich, jaw-dropping vocal range and hallmark style is reflective of his varied musical influences. From contemporary gospel - to the soul - to pop and big band —but a Desmond Pringle presentation always has a serious, unapologetic traditional gospel “core”. “I grew up in church, so traditional gospel is definitely a center-piece for me”. As a child I listened to the wonderful richness of artists like James Cleveland, The Hawkins Family, Andre Crouch and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. Even today, I love that sound. Hearing that music still stops me in my tracks. Maybe by today’s standards it would be considered technologically “imperfect” by some, but for me–the heart and soul of that music stills comes through loud and clear. Even 20-30-40 years later, that is the music that has had - and continues to have– a profound influence on my life and music.”

After serving as VP of Urban / Gospel for Warner Bros. Records the ordained minister and psalmist was able to spend quality time working on songs without any distractions or pressures. “God blessed and allowed me to slow my pace,” says Desmond. “It was really a good place in my life spiritually and creatively. I spent time getting in touch with my own heart and focusing on what I believe God wanted to say next through my music. ” It was out of that quiet time that his latest musical offering “Be Still…” was born.

“Life today moves at an incredible pace. Everything is quick, fast, hurry up, and microwave, right away, right now. Time with God often gets squeezed out of the equation. As a result, people are stressed, depressed, worried and fearful. The Word of the Lord for all of us is to “Be Still”. Stop, take some time and get in the presence of God. God is concerned about everything that concerns us. Know that He has everything under control. Once we do that we can see His salvation - and His hand at work in our lives.”

“Be Still…” contains new material - plus tracks from Desmond’s participation as singer/songwriter on award winning, radio chart toppers including CeCe Winans and The Born Again Choir and Bishop Paul Morton and the Full Gospel Baptist Mass Choir. “Creating music that is biblically sound, message-driven and church friendly is important to me, says Desmond. “I was honored to be able to work with some of gospel music’s most gifted artists.

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