Artist to know: Isaac Carree
Genre: Gospel singer
Hometown: Greensboro, N.C.
Who he’s worked with: Michelle Williams, Kirk Franklin
Talk about your new album Uncommon Me.
It’s my first solo album and I’m really excited about it. I’ve been doing music for 21 years and I started my career with Pastor John P. Kee. From there I co-founded a group [called] Men of Standard. I worked on this album for three years and it’s a dream come true. I call it the “gumbo album,” there’s a little bit of everything in there for everybody to rock out to.
What was it like working with Kirk Franklin and Michelle Williams?
It was awesome, Michelle is a good friend of mine and I was actually able to work with her on her first solo album. I did a song called “He Cares,” and it was a great song, she’s a long time friend and I’ve always supported her. Kirk Franklin, we’ve been friends for almost 20 years. He’s like a mentor to me and just took me under his wings.
Group or solo?
It’s been a lonely journey because I’ve always been connected to groups or working with other people. So this first time out the box, it’s kind of weird. But I don’t think I’ll have a hard time adjusting … right now, I’m open to the challenge.
Talk about the relevance of gospel music today.
Gospel music is so relevant, because it’s the music that really changes people’s lives. It’s the music that inspires, encourages and lifts people’s heads, especially in these hard economic times.
What is your mission in music?
To win the lost people. So many people are lost and confused with who they are. It’s hard to serve a God when you don’t really know who he is, but it’s even harder serving when you don’t know who you are. My journey and my mission is to help people realize who God made them. He made you wonderful, special, unique, and in his image.
Do you listen to any secular artists?
I do. Music is a universal language … it has no language barriers, no colors, good music is good music. I love Tank, Joe … I love rap. I love music because all these gifts come from God. What we decide to do with them on our own is what we decide to do with them. I don’t judge anyone for what they decide to do.
Social networks?
Absolutely! I’m heavy on Facebook, my name is Isaac Carree. My twitter name is @IsaacCarree and I also have a website www.isaaccarree.com.
