D' Messenger
Brilliant Christian / gospel artist D' Messenger taps into a strong vibe to create an original blend of Christian / gospel music with an emotional twist. It's little wonder why his new radio single ‘IMFH 7:12 (Born Again)’ is racing up the charts.
ALEXIS: As an artist on the rise, what is one thing you are most excited about and one thing you are most afraid of happening in your career?
D' MESSENGER: I think the most exciting thing is really being received by the public with positive feedback and reactions. The thing that is most frightening is not being able to maintain the level of interest as time goes on.
ALEXIS: Your song ’IMFH 7:12 (Born Again)’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
D' MESSENGER: I think most artists are excited when hearing your material on the radio, but then the immediate question of how it’s being received by the radio audience. Did they love or hated it?
ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
D' MESSENGER: IMFH 7:12 (Born Again), basically are acronyms of ‘In My Father’s House’, a song that was remixed and recreated.
The 7:12 represents the month and day this track was done ‘Born Again’. This song is like my theme song, a song of reassurance that God loves all of us, but we must recognize that we are all sinners by nature and must asked for forgiveness and repent. But the continuance of the sin means your heart is not truly looking for cleanliness, but feel you can keep sinning and God will just forgive us. We must remember God knows us better than we know our selves and knows our final destiny. Once born again you are making that decision to omit your sin and truly ask for forgiveness, recognizing God is in us as we who believe in Him are in Him or in his house. Once a believer of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are with God and God in you. Understanding the
meaning of the cross.
ALEXIS: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
D' MESSENGER: First of all I just love music, rhythms and melodies just come
anytime of day or night. My lyrics are fueled by the Word of God. The Bible is full of wisdom and messages to write about, so you take what God gives you and spread it through song.
ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
D' MESSENGER: I’m a very easy going and down to earth person.
I love to chill at home, watch movies, listen to music and I love to grill. Hanging with family and friends is a must.
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ALEXIS: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
D' MESSENGER: Funny you say team, but I do all of my own recording and instrumentation. Sometimes I’ll have some guest musicians when I want a little different fill, but mostly it’s myself.
ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
D' MESSENGER: No, my Mom and Dad were always listening to music through house and guess that was the start of it. Growing up in St. Louis, Mo., home of the blues was a place where music could be found everywhere. I started playing piano at the age of ten and later switched to guitar at the age of twelve. At the age of 13, started playing with a band made up of friends I grew up with as a kid. When we first started as a group, we were
not that good at all, but our consistency made us better musicians and things started to happen. There were band contest after contest, we were placing first and second in most. We were just kids and really wasn’t taking it too seriously, just having fun.
ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
D' MESSENGER: I think the reward of being an artist is seeing the interest, the followers of what you do for them musically. The most challenging thing I believe is time management, finding time to write, performance schedules, interviews and finally family time.
ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
D' MESSENGER: I have quite a few role models like Fred Hammond, Donny McClurkin or Jonathan Butler, love their styles and dedication.
ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
D' MESSENGER: I believe my best most memorable performance was at my mom’s church, the first time coming out to minister my own music and the congregation really enjoying it. It was like, okay this is good, I’m reaching them.
ALEXIS: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
D' MESSENGER: My advice is just be yourself and perfect your craft as much as possible.
ALEXIS: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
D' MESSENGER: Right now, staying positive, study the word and pray for a new inspiration. I continuously try to have new material to work on and if there’s a theme in mind, that’s usually my direction. I’ve been releasing singles, but have decided to put those singles and new ideas on one album. I’m keeping it a secret right now, but you will know when it’s about to drop. Amen! God bless…
ALEXIS: Very exciting! It's been a blast talking with you. Thank you for your candid answers and we can't wait to hear your new music.