Trin-i-tee 5:7 had been the best-selling, female trio in music history, but, after more than a decade in the music business, this group has gone from a trio to a duo. New Orleans natives, Chanelle Haynes and Angel Taylor, are now debuting their new sound on their current release, titled Angel & Chanelle, on Mathew Knowles’ Music World Gospel label. The Grammy-nominated, Stellar Award-winning group took time out of their busy schedule on a beautiful, sunny day in Atlanta recently to speak with rolling out about their new album, becoming a duo and lessons they’ve learned. –christa e. jackson
Let’s talk about the decision to become a duo instead of a trio.
Angel: Adrian went on to pursue her dream of creating a cosmetics line, and Chanelle and I decided to continue on as the face of Trin-i-tee 5:7 because music is our passion.
Chanelle: The three of us came together and made the executive decision that Adrian would pursue her dream, and Angel and I would continue as Trin-i-tee 5:7. Terri and Adrian will always be T57 girls.
What can your fans look forward to on the new CD?
Angel: This album is a portrait of where we are spiritually, emotionally and creatively at this time. What our fans will realize with this particular record is that we are different women now.
Chanelle: Angel & Chanelle represents the recent events of our lives, relationships and evolution.
What has been your greatest challenge as a gospel artist?
Angel: Staying focused and not being distracted by people who don’t understand our ministry. In the beginning of our career, we struggled to please everyone and make people feel comfortable. We finally learned that the most important thing we could do is make God proud and for us to be happy and content with the way we present our ministry.
Chanelle: Fully accepting myself for the “Chanelle” that God created me to be. It was difficult for me to learn to embrace my uniqueness, but, through this new album, I have grown and overcome my fears about acceptance.
What do you want listeners to take away from your music?
Angel: Love, acceptance and hope.
Chanelle: I want listeners to know that there is nothing you can do that would change God’s love for you. This album is about acceptance and love. We want people to be encouraged to live life to the fullest. God’s got your back no matter what.
