Author: Calvin R. Evans
Published: October 28, 2005
Tool: [ email ]
On October 27, 2005, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tyscot Recording Artist Rodnie Bryant.
Manhunt: Tell us about the latest CD project, Change of Season?
Bryant: Change of Season was recorded last year 2004 in August here in Indianapolis, Indiana. This time I had the opportunity to present two other groups here in Indianapolis that are doing an excellent job, IYGMC which is a summer youth camp in which I do with over 290 singers and a Fall praise team that I work with here in Indianapolis with 14 lead singers called Yet I'm Changed. So this particular project was a great blessing to me because it also provided opportunity for some other groups trying to do the same thing in the industry.
Manhunt: Perfect. Well that leads me to your work in the community. I know that you do perform work in the community and I know that you have the youth camp. So tell us a little more about the youth camp.
Bryant: Five years ago, we decided to come back to Indianapolis after touring much of the country and try to do something with the young people here and give them some of the same opportunities that we had. So we created a summer youth camp in which in June, July and August, we take 13 Friday nights from eight o'clock at night to one in the morning and we work with young vocalists, young musicians, and aspiring artists. This year we had the opportunity to create a dance troupe. We started out with 80 singers and this year we ended up with 290 singers, 35 dancers and 17 musicians.
Manhunt: Whoa, that is awesome. Are there any other community projects that you have going on right now.
Bryant: Nothing in the fall, we try to settle down because Indianapolis gets a whole lot of snow so we try to settle down to see what the weather is going to do. (Both laugh)
Manhunt: Sure, I totally understand that. Is it starting to get cold there already?
Bryant: It's in the 40's now and it's on its way down. (Both laugh)
Manhunt: Ok. Well are you currently touring?
Bryant: Actually yes we are. We are actually leaving this weekend on our way to Little Rock, Arkansas, then Nashville, Tennessee and Louisville, Kentucky on the way home from that. Next week we are Cincinnati, Ohio and I think the third weekend of the month we are in Hampton, Virginia and then we are off the Switzerland.
Yeah, that's real big. So you've got a lot going on right now.
Bryant: Definitely, we have a lot going on right now.
Manhunt: Sure thing. What overall message do you want to send with this project?
Bryant: Just that it is a time for change. When I made this project I was going through a whole lot of things personally and it was a season of change for me
Manhunt: All right. I had the pleasure of speaking with Yolanda Adams recently and one of the things that she was saying about her project is that it was very personal for her because I made the comment that music becomes very personal to the person who creates it. Is it the same for your music?
Bryant: Definitely. I think that each album that we have recorded has been a result of a personal encounter with God, either Him lifting us, chastising us, or teaching us something. I think all of us are a living testimony. I think that's probably how most of us choose our music. Something hit us and, gospel music is a heartfelt music so knowing that, everything we sing comes from the heart, a lot of times it comes from our experience.
Manhunt: That's right. All right, Amen. Now I know that you are not just a singer, you are a producer as well. Are you currently working on material for other artists?
Bryant: Actually, yes I am. There are four other groups in my area that are actually trying to create their own CD's and I am crucial in aiding them in their endeavors as well.
Manhunt: Being a blessing to others that's all right.
Bryant: Definitely.
Manhunt: Amen, amen. At Manhunt, we always come across aspiring musicians. You are a music veteran; do you have any words of advice for the up and coming artists?
Bryant: I think that artists need to realize that it's not about the lights, camera, and action but if you're really going to do the work of the Lord that's what it is, work. A lot of our artists are aspiring to be great, and we have to understand that with that greatness there is a cost to it. There is a price. And you have to work in order to gain those kinds of goals.
Manhunt: Amen. Now what a lot of people tend to not realize because they do not see the behind the scene things that artists go through personally, but especially when it comes to gospel music, people see the artists on stage performing and they think, "Gosh they live the glamorous life", but they don't see the other side of your life when you're off the stage and the personal things that you go through surface, because everyone goes through personal problems in their life. So for an aspiring artist, what would you say to them about being prepared for life as a gospel artist?
Bryant: I really believe that in order to sustain yourself, and this is something that a lot of artists are getting away from; you really have to study the Word of God to show yourself approved. That's the only thing that is going to help you. No songs, no notes, no instruments, no group or choir is going to help sustain you. The least of the time we spend on stage, and it's just that, on stage. The rest is called reality and the only thing that is going to help us through this world is really studying the Word of God and applying it to our lives.
Manhunt: Amen. That is a very strong and true word. I am really glad you shared that, thank you.
Bryant: Yes definitely.
Manhunt: Well listen, I am excited for you. It sounds like things are going wonderfully well for you and I just pray the blessings of God over you for the tour and that the project continues to do well. Is there anything else you would like to say to the people who might be checking this article out on joe538.com?
Bryant: Just to never be discouraged. Remember we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us.
Amen. Brother Bryant, thank you very much. I really appreciate your time and we would love to be able to connect with you again. Let me know when you are coming to Charlotte. I actually live in the Charlotte area; I would love to catch up with you.
Bryant: Ok, definitely. Thank you for the opportunity.
Manhunt: It was my pleasure. God bless you.
Bryant: God bless you as well.
Manhunt: Thank you. Goodbye.
Bryant: Goodbye.
