Manny Benton Releases 'Strength And Shield' Single/Video
Contemporary Christian pop artist from Fort Washington, Maryland, Manny Benton has released his new single, 'Strength And Shield'. "I love writing songs that speak about the character traits of God," explains Manny. "This song highlights how great a defender He is and how He truly is a mighty fortress."
Discussing the single's artwork, he continues "The fiery arrows represent spiritual opposition. Ephesians 6 tells us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but that our battles are spiritual. Satan will do whatever it takes to stop the work of God in and through us. But we can remain confident, because of Christ, who is for us and not against us. So that space between the heart and those fiery arrows is a Shield. Jesus is that Shield. He fights our battles."
In an interview with LouderThanTheMusic.com Manny said, "I like to write songs from scripture. Having grown up singing hymns in church, I believe in strong lyrical content and timeless melodies. Success for me is seeing lives impacted and drawn closer to Jesus through my music. My goal is to release an EP and start touring. It's been a long journey to finally arrive at this point of releasing singles. I've learned to take things one step at a time. I'm really just enjoying the process and can't wait to release more music!"
Benton, a former football journalist for scout.com, now uses his gift of writing to express his passion and love for Jesus. As a songwriter, he strives to clearly communicate biblical truths that both Christ followers and unbelievers can comprehend.
Coming from a family full of pastors (including his late grandfather, Dr. Harrison E. Benton Jr.), Benton was rooted in the church. He began playing piano at the age of 4 but didn’t become serious about music until his mother, Crystal, took him to a Jazz Festival when he was 11 years old. "I had an opportunity to see this Jazz pianist, Brian Culbertson, live and it just changed my entire perspective on music," he recalls.
Benton started playing piano by ear, writing songs and studying artists like The Kenoly Brothers and Chris Tomlin for vocal technique. At the age of 16, he sang at an open mic church service for the first time. "Most of the people who watched me grow up in the church never heard me sing," he says. "It was kind of nerve wrecking to do an original while letting people hear me sing for the first time." Soon, he was leading the praise team with his own compositions at his grandfather’s church, New Creation AME.
Eventually, Benton hit the studio with Sean Hill who produced Christian Pop stars such as Jamie Grace and Landry Cantrell. The result is the rocker, 'Strength and Shield', which is sure to be a fine introduction for the singer who says, “Our battles in this life are not against flesh and blood but that they’re all spiritual. You can’t successfully fight spiritual battles with your own two hands or worldly weapons. Ephesians 6:10 makes it abundantly clear, we must be strengthened by the Lord and His vast strength.”
Manny Benton’s primary goal is to help spread the Gospel through his music, bringing a hope-filled and Christ-centered message.
