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Gospel

Remilekun liberated her following from trepidation with her contemporary gospel single, Don’t Be Afraid

Acknowledging that fear is one of the biggest and insurmountable inhibitors in life, Remilekun, in her latest single, Don’t Be Afraid, liberated her following from anxiety and trepidation.

With choral harmonies which sweep with the orchestral crescendos, Don’t Be Afraid reaches the epitome of empowerment. The melodious waves of celestial grace deliver the quintessential strength and sanctity of gospel as Remilekun modernises worship music with the rock guitar riffs and the lush 80s pop aesthetic which spills from the keys.

Experiencing Don’t Be Afraid isn’t the first time that Remilekun has driven us to the brink of elated tears, and we don’t doubt it will be the last. Her presence, fortified by The Netherlands’ Dream Team and Sound of Gospel Choir, is something everyone should endeavour to experience.

After the live performance, filmed in the Netherlands, premiered on YouTube on September 20th, almost 40k listeners have seen the light through the assuring serenity of the illuminating release which takes the singer-songwriter and worship leader one step further to her deserved status as a globally renowned icon.

Stream the live performance of Don’t Be Afraid on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Contemporary Christian artist, Krystal Dawn Land, struck the healing chord in ‘Strength Through the Tears’

Christian & Gospel artist, Krystal Dawn Land, permeated the pop scene with an orchestrally elevated, country-tinged, balladic attestation to how fortitude may be one of the most bitter-sweet forms of strength, yet it is by far the most empowering.

The evocative intensity of the crescendos paired with the sincerity of the arcane harmonies gives listeners all the faith and consolation they could ask for when days get dark. Even if you’re a far cry away from bolstering your soul in resilience, consider listening to Strength Through the Tears as the first step on your path to healing.

Prior to releasing this single, Krystal had spent two decades in an evangelistic gospel music ministry; she amassed her multi-instrumentalist stripes and honed her voice and songwriting talents at a young age sitting beside her Mom on an old Wurlitzer piano. Now as a successful contemporary Christian cross-over recording artist and worship leader, Krystal is living her passion of seeing people experience the love of God. Let love in and hit play.

Strength Through the Tears was officially released on August 1st; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Remilekun delivered another divine experience with the live recording of ‘Miracles, Signs and Wonders’

Remilekun’s live performance of her latest single, Miracles, Signs and Wonders, is nothing short of a transcendent experience; the studio recordings of her performances are impressive, but the live renditions elevate her music to a whole other sanctifying level.

Joined by a band whose talent knows no restraint that infuses 80s pop rock aesthetics into gospel, and supported by the uplifting Sound of Gospel Choir, the single reaches the epitome of an inspiring release. If you were waiting for a divine intervention, here it is.

Unlike your ordinary sonic deliverances of euphoria, Miracles, Signs and Wonders stand out by grounding its feel-good essence in its lyrics. Listen once, and you’ll find yourself basking in the power of gratitude and opening your mind to the possibility of miracles awaiting you. The pure, unbridled soul within the release serves as a reminder that embracing a rose-tinted view of the world can lead to personal reality blossoming.

Recorded live in the Netherlands, this single leaves you with soulful beats that evoke joy, hope, and love. The performance’s authenticity and arcanely unfiltered energy resonate profoundly, enabling listeners to forge a genuine connection to the music. Remilekun’s celestial timbres, cradled effortlessly by the choir, make this live version a must-listen for gospel fans or anyone who simply needs a reminder that the world is an illusion filtered through perception.

Watch the official music video for Miracles, Signs and Wonders, which was recorded live in the Netherlands on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Go down the rabbit hole with TaQuan MonChez’s ode to 80s soul, Wonderland

Start your 80s RnB love story by slipping into TaQuan MonChez’s latest single, ‘Wonderland’, which pours the essence of gospel into the heart of RnB. After honing his skills in a 20-year tenure as a church musician and a self-taught pianist, Wonderland showcases TaQuan’s journey and his ability to construct auditory embraces, capable of enveloping listeners in lush, hazy tones.

The ode to an ethereal kind of love, one that allows the material world to dissolve into insignificance, ensures this emotional theme resounds through each element – especially through his velvety magnetic vocals as they effortlessly ascend into a higher vocal register.

The guitar lines in ‘Wonderland’ are also a standout feature, dancing through the track with a pop and groove that’s infectious, intricate, and definitively 80s. These melodies underpin TaQuan’s vocal prowess, creating a layered and immersive soundscape.

Moreover, ‘Wonderland’ is a showcase of TaQuan MonChez’s exceptional songwriting ability. Each musical element is meticulously woven to create a tapestry that visually and sonically represents the sanctity of transcendent love. The song is a testament to TaQuan’s belief in music that resonates with integrity and decency.

Wonderland was officially released on February 16; stream the single on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Rise with the ever-ascending pop-rock melodies in Remilekun’s latest contemporary gospel triumph, Nothing Less

In an era which necessitates beacons of hope and spiritual upliftment, the contemporary Christian & Gospel artist, Remilekun, shines brighter than ever. In her latest single, Nothing Less, her voice carries the weight of a choir as she takes the lead on a soulful journey that intertwines the essence of gospel with the exhilarating vibrancy of 80s pop-rock.

Imagine a one-woman rendition of ‘We are the World’ with none of the vigour lost, and you will get an idea of what to expect when you hit play on Nothing Less, where the echoes of Prince’s rock robustness meet the sanctity of gospel music.

Remilekun’s voice, a radiant instrument in itself, traverses through the melodies with an ease that belies the complexity of the composition. The song progresses, ascending like a prayer, each note infused with an earnestness that speaks directly to the soul. The final crescendo of the track is a moment of pure, unadulterated joy – a culmination of faith and music that is bound to leave listeners with a sense of elation; myself, I was fighting back the feel-good tears.

The single is a testament to Remilekun’s journey, from singing hymns in family prayers to leading choirs and inspiring through her music. Her background, rich with cultural and spiritual depth, shines through in every chord and lyric.

‘Nothing Less’ is more than a song; it’s a narrative of courage, hope, and unwavering faith. It encourages listeners to step out with determination, trusting in a higher power. In a world where music often skims the surface of emotions, ‘Nothing Less’ dives deep, offering a soul-sanctifying experience that is both rare and profoundly moving.

Nothing Less was officially released on February 16th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Amoré The Songstress & Kolby Cordell showcased synchronicity of the soul in ‘Date Night’

Amoré The Songstress & Kolby Cordell gave the ultimate 101 on how to keep the spark alive in their collaborative contemporary soul release, Date Night, which busts the myth that dates are only for people trying to lock down a relationship.

As the smoothly impassioned gospel-esque lyrical delivery elucidates, there’s no better way of showing appreciation to your partner than putting them on your arm and giving them attention undivided by the distractions that deplete connections.

The dynamism between Amoré The Songstress & Kolby Cordell in the release couldn’t be stronger as they work together to paint a portrait of romantic idealism over the wavy layers of soul-infused lush reverb. Amorousness oozes from every euphonic pore in this superlative Valentine’s Day hit; yet, the alchemic duo grounded Date Night in a sense of realism, ensuring that by the time the intro rolls around, you won’t be left with a wanton desire for unrealistic expectations.

Date Night debuted on January 26th; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Remilekun funked up gospel in her euphorically liberating single, Put Your Weights Down

The one and only luminary, Remilekun, is back on our radar with the momentously uplifting single, Put Your Weights Down, and once again, her unfaltering zeal has driven us to evocative euphoria.

Definitively proving that gospel doesn’t need to adhere to any genre, Put Your Weights Down put synthy funk and disco rhythms behind the ultimate good vibe anthem, which is destined to resonate with everyone. The universally infectious track hits every conceivable mark as it compels you to move to the beat and unshackle yourself from what is holding you back and down.

This is far from the first time that we’ve found reverence for the soulful force, but this new single which captures the electricity of a live performance reached the pinnacle of mindful exhilaration. The essential playlist staple will lift any mood as it encapsulates the artist’s journey from singing covers to leading a ninety-member choir. It mirrors the impact of her inspirational and transformational leadership – get behind her; you won’t regret it.

Raised by a single mother who instilled in her resilience and creativity, Remilekun’s music is imbued with the courage to overcome life’s storms. Put Your Weights Down is not just a song; it’s a narrative of perseverance and a beacon for anyone looking to rise above their circumstances. It’s Remilekun’s musical prowess and heartening background that make this track—and her—an essential presence in the landscape of gospel and inspirational music. I can’t help but adore her.

Put Your Weights Down was officially released on November 11; check it out on Spotify and YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Folarin & Keziah harmonised chapter and verse on the presence and power of God with their 2023 EP, Greatest

On November 1st, the award-winning Canadian worship music duo Folarin & Keziah delivered their ‘Greatest’ EP, which stands as a testament to their mission of forging a cutting-edge intersection across the convergence of Christian and contemporary gospel genres.

By weaving cinematically striking elements of rock, RnB, soul, funk, blues, and pop around the impassionedly upraising lyricism which taps into the salvation of faith and emanates the assurance of unfaltering hope, Folarin & Keziah orchestrated one of the most seminal devotional records of the decade.

If you’re looking to be liberated from fear and to vanquish semblances of incertitude, just hit play on the duo which has been repetitively celebrated by the Gospel Music Association and hear them harmonise on their strident reverence for the presence and power of God.

Stream the Greatest EP on Spotify or purchase the 6-track release via Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Unveiling the Harmony: An Exclusive Interview with Gospel Duo Folarin and Keziah

The A&R Factory Team recently had an enlightening chat with the much-loved Gospel duo Folarin and Keziah. They tell us more about what it’s like to work as a couple and take us deep into the creative glue of their wonderful music project which has inspired so much during these dark times.
How would you describe your brand of music to a new listener?

After much thought through the years, we simply define our sound as worship music. There is so much opinion about what constitutes gospel or Christian music genre and we’ve struggled to understand the key differences. For example, we observed that many artists that identify as black are automatically grouped into the gospel category even if their sound says otherwise. Similarly, very few artists that identify as white describe their music as gospel. This creates a type of artificial divide that has left us with more questions than answers in terms of defining a genre. We’ve decided to  focus on writing songs that reflect our Christian faith and express them sonically however we see fit. We have been privileged to minister in multicultural spaces and we have learnt that people just want good music and the genre stereotypes can sometimes hinder our ability to connect. We love and listen to several Christian and gospel artists but find that our music blend is genre-defying which gives us the opportunity to connect with listeners regardless of their color, creed and culture.

How did you both start performing together and what is the writing/production process like?

We both started our music journey on different trajectories. Folarin started leading worship in a local church in Nigeria in 1997 and has been doing so ever since. Keziah also started singing in the choir as a teenager in Nigeria but took some time off in her early twenties to focus on other ministry gifts in the church. After we got married in 2011, we both started singing at Talbot Christian Center, Nottingham, England where Folarin was a worship band leader. About a year later, we moved to Canada and continued singing in church as worship leaders in St Catharines and Hamilton, Ontario. We started writing songs and sharing them with members of our Christian faith community and this received an overwhelming response. It soon became obvious to us that we wanted to be more involved with music outside formal church settings. We started the band, Folarin & Keziah in 2018 and released our first album in 2019. Our song writing process is atypical as it tends to focus on inspiration and tapping into the moment. For example, I (Folarin) was having a conversation with a patient who was recovering from Stroke when the inspiration for Relentless (first album title track) was received. We were listening to a heated conversation about who the greatest basketball player is and we concluded it was basically impossible to pour the accolade of ‘greatest’ on any human being. We got to work and the song greatest (title track of sophomore EP) was born. Relentless was written in less than an hour to write while Greatest took over a year to complete. Once we create a song, we reach out to our team to arrange a recording with a live band off the floor. That typically results in a demo that needs additional productions for the final track. The next step involves background vocals jumping on the track before we finally work our way around the track to add our voices as lead singer.

As a couple, how do you find performing together and has it made your bond even stronger?

We really enjoy performing together and we continue to evolve as a duo as we push each other towards excellence. Performing together gives us the chance to spend more time together and travel together. However, contrary to what most people may believe, working as a couple is also fraught with the challenges you face when working with a family member. Performing together also helps us see each other in a different light and exposes to what we both act like when at work. With that knowledge comes more patience to learn how to complement each other and create great music without sacrificing our uniqueness.

Please provide more details about your label and how everything began?

We started God Colors Media Inc in 2019 as a creative start-up focused on producing, performing and publishing worship worship music that is undignified and genre-defying.  Like many independent artists, we invested a lot in music production and audio-visual gear during the pandemic when all studios were closed. Although we always wanted to have our own label, that period quickened the process. We decided to self-release all our music and control the production, distribution and promotion of our music. Having a label also allows us to retain ownership of our intellectual property since we write most of music ourselves. Our vision for the future is to support newer artists by offering more flexibility, creativity and control. As we grow in the music business, God Colors Media will help us maintain a larger share of any profits we make from music sales. God Colors Media is currently registered with the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN).

Your 2nd album was just released. Please explain to us how the project came together and what is next?

Our sophomore project, Greatest was released on November 1, 2023. The EP contains 6 tracks and is a collection from some of the songs we started writing during the pandemic. Everything to Me, the first single from the EP, was released at the end of 2022. This was followed with four singles Greatest, Long to Worship, Audience of One and King of Glory in 2023. We decided to feature our friend and one of the most dynamic worship leaders we know, Melina Dulluku-Fisico on the project. Melina is a singer songwriter, musician and worship leader in Ontario, Canada and listeners will get to hear her beautiful voice on Audience of One and King of Glory. Like our first album, all songs were written by Folarin & Keziah with Sam Williams (Toronto) receiving co-production credits. We have an album release and worship concert scheduled for November 12, 2023.

Last, what advice would you give a new musician who is just starting out in this game?

To anyone, thinking about creating music especially with a spiritual essence. Know your listeners, create music you love and look for people that you can work with that will offer great advice but not try to change your vision into theirs. Ultimately, time is the greatest revealer. So, learn to be patient while waiting for your music to be heard around the world. That itself is not a guarantee!

Hear their music on Spotify. See their creative journey on IG.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Seattle’s Christian Rock Reverend Ryan Graves Used His Credence to Create an Electrifying Alt-Rock Hit with ‘Enemy’

Impressively, Ryan Graves is fresh from the release of his second LP of 2023; far from new to the game, he became an integral part of Seattle’s Christian alt-rock scene in the 90s; with his latest album, Human, which stands up to the cataclysmic threat of AI, Graves definitively proved that he can still hit the high-fire mark.

With a rap-rock edge that is just as sharp as the ones carved by The Beastie Boys in the verses of the standout single, Enemy, and classic rock credence making its way into the choruses, it is an electrifyingly hair-raising hit that mainlines the adrenaline through the post-rock instrumentals that create a platform for Graves’ piously enlightening vocals.

Graves’ latest album, Human, was officially released on September 11; stream it on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast