Anthony Brown Interview (2012) - Articles

Anthony Brown
Interview

If you haven't heard the name Anthony Brown, you've surely heard his voice. Perhaps you just didn't know. From songwriting and production credits with some of Gospel's most recognized names (Maurette Brown-Clark, Donald Lawrence, Myron Butler), this is an artist who already has significant experience. Now he steps out with his own group and self-titled debut, Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy. Brown partnered with VaShawn Mitchell and Tyscot Music & Entertainment to release this promising debut.

GOSPELflava.com recently sat down to speak with Anthony Brown:

GOSPELflava.com: Some may remember you from your recent Christmas project under the group name Anthony Brown & Answered Prayers. Now as Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy, can you tell us about where you are now musically?

Anthony Brown: The music reflects everything that Anthony Brown is right now. I'm experiencing the revelation of newness and a complete transformation. God has re-birthed, re-asserted, and re-assigned my purpose. I have a better understanding of who I am now.

GOSPELflava.com: The first single, "Testimony", has a great message and a funky retro sound. Tell us about the conceptual process for that song.

Anthony Brown: "Testimony" almost didn't make it on the project. The project was completed. I'd chosen the songs and finished them. In the process of thinking about the next steps I began to feel overwhelmed and God began to speak to me about my past victories and triumphs. And I just began to write the words, "can't nobody tell it like me, can't nobody say it like me, you don't know the story like me, cause' it's my testimony...". We all have our own story to tell. It pays to listen to God's voice and then obey His voice. Justin Savage co-produced the song. He just jumped right in and helped bring it to life along with another producer on the project, Dana Sorey.

GOSPELflava.com: The Gospel music market is saturated with groups and the like. What is unique about Group TherAPy and its sound? ?

ALBUM REVIEW:
Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy

The opening number "Group Therapy" showcases the vocal strength, flawless harmonies, and sultry sounds of the group. Additionally, the track highlights Anthony Brown's classical training. The smoothness...

Read Full Album Review.

Anthony Brown: God has given me something to say, and even though I really enjoy being behind the scenes, I want to be obedient to God and follow His leading. I find that this generation is missing out on fundamentals of Christian faith, such as having a pastor, belonging to a church, and having a spiritual covering. My pastor has invested into my soul and has helped rear me spiritually. Building closeness and a sense of family amongst group members is a key component of Group TherAPy's ministry. I've studied the greats of my time and the most prolific figures supported one another. It's important that we support one another. The people that comprise Group TherAPy are therapy for me. Yes, I get to showcase my writing and passion for God and music, but I also get to be partnered with amazing singers and family.

GOSPELflava.com: What do you want listeners to take away from an experience with your music?

Anthony Brown: I hope to unmask the spirit of "everyone's perfect". My dad is a pastor and he was a great example for me. I had a healthy balance in viewing my life as a Christian, but many do not. I want people to truly understand that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. This project is about redemption, and I want people to stop being afraid of being who God has called them to be. Everything about the name Group TherAPy is who I am. I want people to become empowered to be free and to be refreshed by our ministry.

GOSPELflava.com: Who have you collaborated with on this project?

Anthony Brown: I wrote the whole project. Justin Savage is my right hand and he worked with me a great deal on other components of the project. Dana Sorey worked on the project as well. He is a great brother and friend. Some of the musicians on the project are Kenny Shelton, Mike Reed, Adam Johnson, Stephen Ford, and Phil Lafiter. My mom, Maurette Brown Clark and Vashawn Mitchell are featured on the project, and I'm so glad that they could be a part of it.

GOSPELflava.com: Some standouts on this project include: "Testimony", "Deep Enough", and "Harvest Song". Do you have any personal favorites on the project?

Anthony Brown: Every week I have a different favorite. "Deep Enough", which I call my benediction, speaks to the fact that God is able to forgive what we think is unforgivable. There's a very personal testimonial message in the song. "Your Way" is another personal favorite.

GOSPELflava.com: What impact do you want to make with your brand of music ministry? What do you want your legacy to be?

Anthony Brown: I want to produce messages that are years ahead of me. I want my music to last for generations, and I don't want to style my music for a specific period of time. I want my music to transcend the Gospel music genre.

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— interview by Nakiyah Hayling —