S.O.U.L News edition 6/13/08

SUMMERTIME "SWING'SCLUSIVE" [Artist Spotlight] R-Swift
Oh it's summer time again kids! Another "Swing'clusive" for you, this time coming at you straight from the Illadelph. Anytime you hear the name R-Swift you gotta think fresh, unapologetic, to the point and in your face Gospel. Less than two years after his release and re-release of (Lampmode & CMR) "Revolutionary Theme Musik" Rodnie Graham, better known to the masses as R-Swift, clears his throat and steps up with his newest release "Soapbox". Can it live up to the hype? I had a chance to holla at the man himself and get his view point on that, family, and... his iPod!

*Stepping Up To The Soapbox...*

::: What's really good Swift? What's behind the title "Soapbox"?
R-Swift: Well the soapbox was a raised platform used in the old days where people would give speeches and discuss different issues like Politics, religion, and social ill's. So I just took the original concept and applied it to this record.

::: It's been a minute since the release and re-release of "Revolutionary Theme Musik" (under Lampmode and CMR records). What's been going with R-Swift in between then and your upcoming drop "Soapbox"?
R-Swift: Man just a lot of growth, I've been trying to be the best husband and father that I can be. I've been teaching a bible study for the past 2 years so that's doing very well. Other than that, I'm just trying my hands in some business ventures.

::: That's what I like hear! I understand you have a baby boy on the way. How excited are you about that?
R-Swift: Oh boy, words can't express my joy, yo. I've been wanting a boy from day one (don't get it twisted I love my beautiful daughter but you know what I mean’Ķlol) and the Lord gave us one. I grew up without my pops around so to have the opportunity to be a Godly example of a man to my son is a blessing beyond comprehension.

::: I understand more than you know, homie. Myspace has come through and given a lot of artists a great platform to get new music out and heard across the world in many areas that Christian artists weren't able to be heard. How has Myspace helped you in your time on it?
R-Swift: Well it saved me a few bucks from not having to pay for a website lol. But seriously it has allowed me to be more accessible to the people so I can be more interactive with those who support the ministry so it's been put to some good use.

::: It's becoming more common for dudes in the secular game to do a "God Saved My Life" type track, but seem to be content truly living without Him. What are your thoughts on that if any?
R-Swift: Well of course I'm not feeling that but here's how I see it, nobody wants to admit that things are as bad as they really are so some of them throw these songs out there to ease their conscience yet at the same time, have no desire for true intimacy with God. Could it be that they learned it from us? Just my opinion.lol.

::: Ooooh., I felt the ground shake on that one LOL. On a side note, it'd be crazy to think that all you do is listen to your own music all day. What's poppin' in R-Swift's iPod these days?
R-Swift: I'mma keep it 100. I'm bumpin' that new Braille, Leeland (christian rock/worship), This Beautiful Republic(Christian Rock), Marvin Gaye ("Whats going on" best conscience album ever) & JR (Life by Stereo), oh and I can't forget The BREAX.

::: That Braille *shaking head* instant classic! Closing out, what do you want people to take away from "Soapbox" dropping on June 10th?
R-Swift: The only thing I can say is I want people to take what I give, JESUS baby!!

To check out more on R-Swift go to:
www.myspace.com/rswift81
www.crossmovementrecords.com

"SWING'SCLUSIVE" [Artist Spotlight] Eric Cross

::: A lot of good and bad things can be said right about now in regards to Beatmart. I want to focus on the good though. What were some of your memories of working with Todd Collins and Beatmart for your project "Art of Composition"?
Eric Cross: Honestly working with Todd Collins was great I wish people knew him the way I did. Todd is a phenomenal talent from singing, to producing, he's a great person. Working on the Art of Composition was great I learned so much from him about preparing for studio and writing hooks. We had such a great chemistry we finished the album in two days which was cool. TC is someone I will truly miss working with.

::: If you had to sum up the feel of "Art of Composition" what would you say?
Eric Cross:I would say it's real old school and laid back, it's a lot different from the music I'm accustomed to doing, I tend to take a more aggressive approach when doing my music so for me to do a laid back album was different but fun.

::: With the closing of Beatmart you're now a free agent. Musically does that work better for you as far as creative freedom?
Eric Cross: I would say yeah and no from a creative standpoint yes but when recording you always want someone with the music experience and savviness to give you pointers when it comes to recording as far as what to add or what to take out to make the track complete.

::: Are you working on anything right now?
Eric Cross: Actually I am currently in the studio working on an album called entitled "The Signature" which will be out in 2009 sometime.

::: Tell us about the concept.
Eric Cross: The concept of "The Signature" is me basically leaving an authentic mark representing who I am in Christ Jesus. This will be more of what people heard with the project I dropped before The Art of Composition entitled "The Message" but BETTER. So make sure you're on the lookout for this one because this will be my best work. I GUARANTEE it.

::: From a business stand point a lot of independent label releases go unheard by many. Did being with Beatmart help your business sense in dealing with promotions and distribution?
Eric Cross: Being with Beatmart helped out a lot. I have a better grasped of how to go about things from a distribution and promotional standpoint.

::: From someone who's been there and performed, tell those who've never been to Tampa the excitement of Flavor Fest.
Eric Cross: I can't put into words the excitement, lol from the souls coming to Christ, to the fellowship with one another, to meeting brothas and sistas in the Faith it's amazing. Think about it Duane that's how we meet and we kept a relationship since so it's something you have to come to for those who have yet to come. Come you will truly be blessed.

::: How have the Flavor Fest conferences and performances helped you?
Eric Cross: That's actually my favorite part the conferences because the preparation and time put into the conferences is evident by the wisdom given to the people. You learn so much from the conferences that you can apply to everyday life. As far as the performances it's helped me grow a lot from stage presence to, confidence. I love it

::: Rumor has it you're a boxing fan. September is the supposed rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya. Who you got??
Eric Cross: LOL, I feel if Mayweather comes in there cocky he might lose because De La Hoya is always better when he fights the same boxer the second time. However if Mayweather comes in a just boxes with the same hunger he had before he got all the money he will win.

*disclaimer: Mr. Floyd "Money" Mayweather has retired 6/7/08*

www.myspace.com/ecrossmusic
"The Signature" coming 2009

Cross Movement Records signs southern California funk-rock, hip-hop band Shachah, set to re-release independent album "On the Move" on September 2, 2008
(courtesy of Crossmovementrecords.com)

(Philadelphia) May 29, 2008 - Cross Movement Records announces the upcoming debut release of On the Move from newly signed group Shachah. The innovative southern California band serves up a mesmerizing mix of soulful funk-rock and hip-hop, its gospel-centered lyrics continuing Cross Movement Records' rock steady mission to impact the culture for Christ. The 15-track self-produced disc, slated for an early fall release, showcases the brawny, up-front talents of lead singer Brenden "Proclaim" McPeek, guitarist Josh Wagner, bassist Earl Mergelsberg, and drummer Stephen Anderson.

The four Shachah members came together initially through the Calvary Chapel music machine, hitting their own unique sonic stride while leading worship for a Costa Mesa college ministry. Opportunities only increased as their highly stylized sound and message-driven songs began to impact the southern California area, and Shachah began traveling the globe as "musicianaries," performing everywhere from open-air concerts in Russia at 15 degrees, to outreach shows at 105 degrees in Palm Desert. What enables Shachah to engage effectively with such diverse settings is their fresh blend of sonic genres, muscularly displayed on On The Move from the reggae soul of "Arise," and the rapid-fire spits of "Hero," to the edgy energy of "Won't Stop." Equally prominent in On The Move is the band's lyrical drive. Shachah and Cross Movement Records have the same sharply honed sense of mission in common, and their pairing promises to increase their focused strengths exponentially.

"Our coming together with Cross Movement Records has been a process that started a while back through much prayer and a building of relationships. It is clear to us all that this is what the Lord has for us," says bassist Earl Mergelsberg.

Label president John Wells affirms this sense of destiny, commenting also on the timeliness of the union. "After 11 years of focusing on mostly Christian hip-hop, we found great appeal not only in Shachah's music, which blew us away, but it also seemed the right time to get behind a west coast band, and one who incorporates elements of rock, funk and reggae in their sound. Diversity is what is happening in the culture right now, and a Christian label committed to reaching the world for Christ will offer the best music representative of that culture. It's just different faces representing the same mission, at the end of the day," he adds, "to impact the culture for the Lord."

Cross Movement Records has plans for a new Shachah project in '09, but until then audiences will find compelling reasons to embrace the band's fresh sound, immediately apparent in the wide-ranging diversity and stunning sonic chops of On the Move. Shachah is gearing up for extensive touring this summer, impacting audiences from coast to coast.

On the Move comprises the following 15 tracks: 1. On the Move 2. Are You Ready? 3. Stand Up Intro 4. Stand Up 5. Won't Stop 6. Choose Life 7. Found My Place (feat. Benito P) 8. Hero 9. Interlude 10. Arise 11. Go Forth 12. Overcome 13. Lion of Judah 14. You Said 15. Diligence (feat. Chris Jenkins)

Shachah's On the Move will be available on Cross Movement Records and distributed by Provident-Integrity Distribution in the CBA market and by Sony BMG in the general market.

To find out more about Shachah, visit www.shachah.com or www.crossmovementrecords.com

"Swing's Musik Radar..."
Artist: Whuteva
Locale: Hollis Queens, NY
Myspace: www.myspace.com/whoiswhuteva
Website: www.whuteva.com

Info: Ex-front liner of G-Unit Records! Literally! This man's story has depth. Wait, wait, wait! Before you go all star struck on that little tid bit let me tell you that Whuteva is one of the most humble cats I've spoken to in a while. This man went from being a top artist on G-Unit Records and close friend of Curtis to being a front line soldiers for Christ. His release of "Highway 2 Heaven" is a fresh look from an artist who played both sides of the field and saw the grass was indeed greener on the side of Christ. His track "Roadside Assistance" is my favorite. Also pick up his mix CD "Cruise Control" with heavy production by close friend and recently born again producer Rockwilder!

**Keep an eye out for my full length, in depth one on one interview with Whuteva when we discuss music, ministry, G-Unit, and the future in the upcoming Summer issue of the S.O.U.L. Magazine!!**