Interview: Black Light Gospel Choir
Black Light Gospel Choir has released it's international debut album 'Gospel Symphony, Vol. I'. Louder Than The Music spoke with the Choir's Director to find out more about this landmark album, and what inspires their music.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I grew up singing as a passionate lover of music and a communicator of feelings through the voice. I am a Composer and Arranger in love with music, spreader of the Gospel. I have always been clear that my goal in life was to make music, sing, compose and later I discovered that I would be a Choir Director.
Tell us about the new album 'Gospel Symphony, Vol. I' and what the inspiration behind it was?
This is our fourth album and a very special album. The idea was born from the deep love for Gospel and Classical music. One day I showed up in the city of Los Angeles to present the project to my producer, Carlos Rodgarman, and after 6 years of work and with a pandemic in between, here it is!! And we are very happy.
Which is your favorite track on the album and why?
Probably Thou, Oh Lord. It transports me to all the times I was in New York City, walking around the city, enjoying the Gospel community and getting to know the whole circuit. On one of those occasions, thanks to the intervention of Markanthony Henry, my mentor and Director of The New York City Gospel Choir, with whom I represented Spain in the first New York City Gospel Summit, I met The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, who have inspired this version. It's a very important song for me.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
Let your mind, faith, heart and feelings fly free.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
Our music, ALL KINDS OF GOOD MUSIC!! Gospel, Soul, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Pop, etc. and classic.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be?
Stevie Wonder. At anytime lol.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Make your life what you most want, using music as a channel. Get respect for art. Getting to reach the public and make it sustainable at a vital level.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Wow, What a question!! May I say two? lol. Dream Theater: Metropolis, Pt. II: Scene from a Memory.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
I don't think I’d play a song... I think I would try to keep in mind ALL my favorite ones and I would sing them.
What does the next year hold for you?
Touring, recording, songwriting, facing life, a new album... and sports!
