What gospel artists inspired some of you the most growing up and who inspires you now?

Collectively, growing up we were inspired by the Heritage Singers, Heritage II, The King's Herald, A Special Blend, Take 6, Special Gift, The SoulSeekers, Larnelle Harris, Wintley Phipps and the "old" Yolanda Adams. The influence has shifted considerably as currently we're impacted by Tye Tribbett, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Karen Clark-Sheard, Kim Burrell, Terrell Hunt and Ezra Hauggabrooks.

How many members does the group have and who are some of the other people that are a part of the team?

God has done a "little" shaking up within the last few months and we have gone from a 10 voice ensemble to a quartet, namely Dalonne Small, Brittny Gartrell, Karen Baptiste & Justin Fulwood. We're in the process of recruiting new members and expect that number to grow to about 9. He has already allowed us to identify two, Deborah Trotter and Jemeka Stewart. Our support staff consists of Colville Heskey - our Pianist, Chief Songwriter & Arranger, Henry McEachnie - Pianist & Advisor, Jared Renaud Taylor – Booking / Road / Business Manager, Lauren Smith – Finance Manager & Publicist and Terrell Hunt – Vocal Coach & Consultant.

What is your inspiration for writing a new song (or selecting one)?

We have quite a few songwriters in the group. Here are their responses…

Dalonne - My personal experience, what ever ministers to me or has ministered to me in the past. Listen to Come by Here

Colville - A new song is usually born from an experience in my life, a lesson learned with Christ or dealing with/overcoming some difficulty or trial. Listen to Grace & Mercy

Justin - My inspiration for writing a new song is kind of interesting. I hear a tune in my head and God just gives me the words. Listen to Fly Away

Brittny - My personal inspiration for writing or choosing a new song is how it reaches me. Most times if a song hits home for me it will do the same for someone else. People appreciate songs that express what they are going through and what better way to help them than to help yourself. We all basically go through the same things just at different times.

Karen - Personal experiences. Periods of "rain" I have been through and times when I can reflect on the rainbow.


Do you get nervous before you minister?

It's different for each of us…

• Dalonne - Only because I really want the people to be receptive to what I am really trying to say and not just the music. 
• Colville - It depends on the audience and whether we are delivering new material.
• Justin - No, not anymore.
• Brittny - I used to always get nervous. I thought more than I allowed God to use me. Now that I understand I'm His vessel and thinking is only getting in the way I just allow His will to be done. It's not my job to sing. It's my job to be open and receive His Holy Spirit and whatever comes out was meant to happen. I don't hear what He hears and what may be imperfect to me could be just what someone needed to describe their own desperation and come to Christ.
• Karen - Always because I am stripping myself bare and allowing the world to see me raw, but most importantly see God...raw

What are some of the most rewarding parts of ministering? 

• Lauren - Feeling the Holy Spirit come upon you and seeing the effects of the Spirit in the lives of those you touch.
• Dalonne - Being able to use music to minister to myself through a rough time and to hear people say how much the music has helped them.
• Colville- When the message I'm presenting reaches me during a performance; when I see that the message has touched someone.
• Justin - The many people that come up to you and say "I was blessed", or "you've touched my heart" its more refreshing than rewarding; just getting the chance to bless people.
• Brittny - The most rewarding parts of my ministry have been the spiritual growth. I was not a member of a church and loved God but I am now beginning to fall in love with Him. We spend time before each rehearsal reading the Bible and praying. This is something I would have never done on my own. God has really become a regular part of my life.  I would also like to say it's when people feel free to come up to me, pour out their hearts, and tell me how much they were blessed. That doesn't always happen but it's nice when it does.

Where do you see Christian music headed in the years to come?
 
We each see different things…

• Lauren - I'd love to see us stop trying to imitate the world and start innovating so that the world tries to imitate us.
• Dalonne - Hopefully, back to the roots of telling one's story and being able to show others where God has brought you through, music that speaks from the heart and not only to the wallet.
• Colville - I think most standard Christian styles of music will remain, while much more of the styles now considered secular will become incorporated. At some point, the only real distinction will be lyrical.
• Justin - Honestly when you have the right spirit and lifestyle, Christian music will make a change in the industry. It wouldn't be just entertainment, it would be ministry.
• Brittny - I see any type of gospel being appropriate in the future. Whatever your real experience is with God and your musical translation of that will be accepted. Traditional gospel will always be loved but it's about new generations and their expression of their personal relationships. What used to reach my grandmother may or may not reach my niece. Music will always continue to evolve and I expect the gospel world is embarking on a fresh, new transition.

What are some of the group's future goals? 

Our main objective is to continue to grow spiritually becoming true ministers lead by Jesus' example. The development and maintenance of our individual relationships with God is our number one priority. We also intend to continue using our personal experiences to write meaningful music that encourages and inspires others to deeper more meaningful relationships with the Father. We intend to record and release a full-length project featuring these compositions. We also desire to be open/ready to pursue any opportunities God will provide, particularly full-time professional ministry and the occasion to travel and minister nationally and/or abroad.

What has the experience of being in the group meant to you thus far? 

• Lauren - It has been a life-changing ministry experience. I have seen myself and my fellow group members all make steps forward in their spiritual growth.
• Dalonne - I have learnt what is has been like to work very closely with other people, and not giving yourself the option of giving up when things got rough, but sticking it out and praying it through.
• Colville - It has been a somewhat controlled setting where God has been able to confront me on my relationship with Him and my shortcomings in my relationships with those around me. It has also been a growth experience in accepting my gift and His plan for using that gift.
• Justin - The experiences, in spite of the ups and downs, made a stronger connection with my members. Made me understand what the real meaning of family is.
• Brittny - My experience has meant a lot to me. I've learned tons about myself and have grown so much spiritually. I will always love this group for that. It's also taught me how to better relate to and understand different personalities. God really does have purpose for my life...
• Karen – It's my lifeline... my most valuable outlet!

When we all get to heaven, what's something that any of you are looking forward to the most?

• Lauren - No more troubles…No more worries….We will be able to jam with the musical greats of all times. I'll be able to write songs like Colville and Dalonne.
• Dalonne - I don't have very good health, so I am looking forward to the "no more pain, sickness, crying or dying" thing.
• Colville - Asking God for details on the songs I was given, exact moments of inspiration and the circumstances surrounding those moments.
• Justin - Actually singing with Jesus. Enjoying His company.
• Brittny - I look forward to hugging Jesus. All I think of is the many times I could hear Him but never see or touch Him. He would be so happy to see me. I imagine I'll never have a hug as good as His on this earth. It will be amazing. A hug from someone who loves you with all their heart. WOW!!!!
• Karen - No worries...Stress free!!!!
• Jared - I have some questions for Moses and John the Baptist. But I'm mostly looking forward to the end of sin, temptation, pain and the like…to finally be chill….perpetually…Good times…forever and ever and ever...

Where can people find out more about In Touch, your upcoming calendar, and CD? 

More information is available at www.myspace.com/beintouch.  Questions can be directed to Jared Taylor, manager, at jaertee@gmail.com or 301-379-6220.