Interview with producer Jonathan Brown.
 

What is the album “Stand” all about?

Stand is actually the sequel to the album, “Restore Me.” I must talk about that a little before you can understand what “Stand” is all about. “Restore Me” was based on a true story of my life when I was at a point where I had fell from God’s grace, to a point that I felt unworthy of his goodness. From that point, my prayer was for the Lord to restore me to the place where I once was and then elevate me higher. As you listen to the songs on that album, they all point in that direction as the story is told. “Stand” is really part two. After being restored, it’s only one thing to really do. You have to stand up and start walking, striving, and stepping into that higher place that you have been called. As you hear “Stand,” that message resonates through the album. Stand for holiness, righteousness, godliness, and walk not by sight but by faith. That’s what “Stand” is about.

 When, where did you decide the idea to record the “Stand” album?

Well as time progressed, I knew that I had reached a stage in my life where I could really be a testimony. I have been through a few things where God has sent the angels down to rescue me and there were times that all I could do was stand and wait on God. There were other times where I had to just start walking by faith. I knew that someone needed to see and hear my testimony so that they could catch faith and believe that God is an awesome God and he won’t fail.

I recorded the album all in Atlanta, GA at Genesis Entertainment Studios. I got a chance to work with some great talent. Jeff Stokes (drummer), Reggie Starling (bass guitar), Spencer Lancaster (lead guitar), Joyminny Blocton (vocalist), John Jones (vocalist), and Antonio Simpson (comedian). The album was definitely an experience in and out of the studio. I already know the next will be on fire even more. I have a great crew and that’s what it’s all about, when you have chemistry and it all just falls in to place.

Describe the music?

It’s hard to describe “Stand “as being one set style or genre. I come from a background where I studied several different styles of music and you can hear it come out on the album. You will hear jazz, neo-soul, traditional gospel, contemporary gospel, funk, a little New Orleans flavor, and there are crossover tracks there as well. The album conveys more than one style of music but it tells the same message. For the sake of argument we will say it’s a collection urban gospel hits that the people will definitely enjoy.

How did You choose songs for "Stand"?

To be honest I didn’t have much at all to do with choosing these songs. God gave the message that needed to be told. He gave me a testimony and allowed me to go through experiences in which I could convey these messages in total truth. A lot of times when I write, the songs are already written. I am just moving the pen. Even I don’t even see the true meaning until much later on when everything is done and I listen to the album myself. I witness that some of these lyrics are just heaven sent to minister to me. So I can truly say that I don’t really pick songs. I will say that on “Restore Me,” there were a couple of songs that touched hearts so much, I had to go ahead and put them back on this new album. Those songs are “Stand”, “Take Me Back”, “Only Believe”, and “Forever”.

In closing what do you want the listeners to get from your album?

I want the believers to get encouragement from the album. I want them to listen and have renewed faith by the message that I’ve been given to share. I want the non-believers to witness the goodness of God and believe that he is. I want the listeners to share this music with their friends, family, coworkers, and love-ones everywhere. Stand in 2008.