|
The molding and modernization of ministry in the new millennium continues to evolve at a record breaking pace. Christian concerts and conventions are now promoted using Facebook.com, digitized Gospel music is finding a new audience with i-pod owners and prayer partners are texting their petitions to God through wi-fi devices. Contemporary Christians with innovative marketing minds are embracing a contemporary strategy towards the Gospel that’s turning the tables on how ministry is now presented.
As well, the sound and style of Gospel music is also evolving to speak the vernacular of a vibrant new world under spiritual assault. New millennium ministers with contemporary personas and personalities, like Canton Jones, Deitrick Haddon and Sean Simmonds are all packaging a palatable punch to the Good News using a new lexicon that’s spoken among today’s 30-under crowd. These artists representing the next (or text) era in Gospel music are real and relevant to the world, while remaining true to the word of God.
Sean Simmonds is a shining example of a young Christian man who has embraced contemporary ministry and music to devise a sound and strategy to reach today’s vulnerable young men and women. His elaborate MySpace page, personable YouTube blogs, emotive concept videos and Urban sound are all exciting new tools to make ministry as attractive as possible to the 106 & Park viewing audience, with a timeless message that addresses addiction, pregnancy and abuse. We spoke with Sean Simmonds about his calling to contemporary ministry, his new album, and a firm message for those today struggling through spiritual warfare...”It’s Over”!
Christopher Heron: Sean, I want you to offer fans of Gospel music who are readers to our site, a snap shot of SS. Who is Sean Simmonds? What experiences and lessons at home, in school and with family formed your love for music and ministry and helped shape you into a husband, father and Christian man?
Sean Simmonds: Well first of all, like you said, I'm a husband and father first. My experience of having a child out of wedlock was the turning point in my life and it nurtured me and made me mature in many ways, including in my music. It changed my whole perspective and that's when God showed me that I was meant for ministry. Also, my mother was diagnosed with Sickle Cell and has battled the disease all her life. So, it makes me appreciate life and good people. It has made me more determined than ever before, and to be down-to-earth and humble. I think that best describes who Sean Simmonds is.
CH: You've also learned a lot about longevity and professionalism as an artist, during your time working with other recording groups. You've been a choir member with Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale and a member of Chapter 5. What valuable lessons did your time and experience with these groups teach you?
SS: It taught me the do's and don'ts, what to expect and what not to expect as an artist. And most importantly, it taught me some of the business aspects of the industry. Of course there is ALWAYS something to learn as it pertains to the business, but it gave me a good start and that experience created a template for longevity as an artist.
CH: You're originally from Canada but now call ATL home. How does your unique background and current home base shape your approach to ministry and style of music?
SS: Yes I am from Canada...Toronto to be exact ( I gotta rep my city lol). But to answer your question, I think being originally from Toronto creates an intrigue-factor for the listener, as opposed to influencing my music per say. People wonder if a "Canadian" can create Urban music because of the perception about Canadians "it only snows” or “there are no black people in Canada" stereotype.
But I think on my next project, folks will be able to hear the Canadian/West Indian influence in my music because I'm definitely doing a Caribbean flavored song (lol). However being in Atlanta, the church scene is huge. So I would say that as far as my ministry is concerned, it definitely helps support spiritual stability thus keeping me in tune with what God wants.
CH: Before we talk about your new album, I'd like to ask you a question about the first project - True Story. The album definitely created an underground hype around this new Urban Gospel artist. I'm really interested in knowing how you felt about your debut into the music world, as a solo act, both professionally and spiritually. And what lessons from that experience did you take with you into the preparation and release of your sophomore release, It's Over?
SS: Of course on any project, you want it to hit the masses in a major way, out the gate. True Story definitely gave a positive introduction of who I am and what I do. We had a distribution issue that kind of held the project back and it wasn't able to reach its maximum potential, and God knows the reason why we experienced that situation. But I was pleased, because folks were interested in the album.
Like you said, an underground buzz was going on that I'm praying will leak over to this new project. I think professionally it gave me an understanding how to market and promote with an unorthodox, out-the-box approach. And spiritually, it convinced me to just do my due diligence and let everything else go and leave it in God's hands.
CH: Let me be among the many music critics to complement you on your latest project, It's Over. It's an awesome blend of Urban Contemporary Gospel music, spiritual themes and real-life messages. What was your aim and objective for It's Over, and how did it differ from your debut project?
SS: First let me say thanks for the compliment on the project. With Its Over, I wanted to be more aggressive with the sound and content. I wanted the production to really complement the message. I incorporated more positive songs and messages and really wanted to target those listeners that needed to hear an alternative to what they hear on mainstream radio however, but still maintain integrity to my message of the Gospel and present it ‘unsugarcoated’.
I tackled some major issues i.e.; domestic violence, child abuse, alcohol abuse etc. I really wanted to target people who needed a message of hope and change. Even though True Story gave a similar message, Its Over is a more aggressive anthem that encourages the listener to get up and do away with complacency in your life.
CH: The life of an artist is always a healthy blend of both business and artistry. The choice of songs, the way an album is produced and marketed, even the title of an album and the CD cover are all issues that become a tug of war between artistry and business. How did you wrestle between these two important factors and what usually wins out?
SS: With having to wear two hats (being President of my label - Xist Records) I was able to make both executive decisions and creative decisions with a clear understanding and without compromising who I am as an artist or who we are as a company. The key is educating yourself about the business of music, which helps making those decisions much easier. It alleviates the tug of war because the decisions the label president makes have to be in the best interest of both the artist and company and I think I was able to decipher appropriately. With education comes understanding.
CH: Finally Sean, could you tell me who this album is designed to minister to? Who will best identify with the music and inspirational themes on the album? And what is the ultimate message you want to share with listeners through your album?
SS: This album is designed to
minister to that everyday person who is in desperate need of change. The title
- It's Over - was designed to encourage that person who is stuck with settling
for the same old, same old. It’s time to remove the old and bring in the new or
like they say "out with the old...in with the new". Whatever addiction, abuse,
pain, guilt or hurt you’re experiencing you could look it in the eye with the
help of God and say that IT’S OVER!
For more information on Sean Simmonds, visit
www.myspace.com/seansimmonds.
