Interview: Sean C. Johnson

The great thing about Sean C. Johnson, outside of being faithful to his God, is his ability to be funny.  He is a very fun guy to be around.  His heart is for the people he is around.  It was fun having this opportunity to interview Sean.  We asked him several question all over the board.  Have fun with this interview and come check Sean out on July 25th at Java Dave’s (10 N.E. 10th St in Oklahoma City).  You will need QuickTime (it’s free) to view the footage.

Interview with Poet Amena Brown

We deeply appreciate Amena granting us the opportunity to interview her. We asked her about doing the interview at an event she did here in Oklahoma City. Her performance was powerful.

Thanks to Sean Johnson for handling the interview.

Sean Johnson: How did poetry become your platform?

Amena Brown: I’ve always loved writing poems. I started writing poetry pretty regularly at around 12 years old. I don’t know that I ever thought of it as a platform, but it’s something I love to do. When I was in my freshman year of college and went to my first real open mic at Moorepics in Atlanta, I felt like people crowded into poetry events because they were looking for the truth. I believed then and still believe now that spoken word is a great vehicle to express the truth of who God really is.

SJ: Do you remember the first poem you ever wrote? Quote your favorite line from it.

AB: Oh man, the first poem I ever wrote was about Dr. King in the fourth grade. Don’t remember that one. But the first performance piece I ever wrote was called “Chocolate Mista.” Definitely wrote that after watching the movie Love Jones. lol My favorite line was, his eyes and my eyes/they met like the sun and the moon exchanging high fives/Just before it is the moon’s time to shine. I literally had to dig through some files to find that one!

SJ: If you had $5 to your name, what would you spend it on?

AB: Probably gas and/or some bargain food at Kroger or Wal-Mart. I have had to learn to shop on just a little bit of cash. lol

SJ: Describe what comes to mind when I say…“Calvary”?

AB: Splintered cross. Pain. Rejection. Jesus. Saving. Grace. Love. Undeserved.

SJ: How in the world do you remember ALL of those words when you perform live?

AB: Truthfully, nine times out of ten, I don’t. (Laughing) Most of the time I forget something but the good thing about performing poetry is that it’s not a song. No one knows it word for word to recognize if I leave out a line or totally forgot a section. This happens nearly every time I perform. (laughing) The rhythm of the piece plus handwriting each one helps me to remember most of it. Sometimes I’m closing my eyes to remember a line from a section by picturing the paper I wrote the poem on.

SJ: What are your major influences when it comes to writing poetry?

AB: I write to jazz music, specifically John Coltrane and Miles Davis. I write to their music a lot as well as hip hop. Some of my rhythm and word choice comes from my love of hip hop style of writing. Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z, The Pharcyde, Andre 3000, and Cee-lo Green are several of the emcees whose writing I really admire. Some poets I love and was definitely influenced by are Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, Sonia Sanchez and William Carlos Williams. There are two preaching women I watched growing up and now looking back on it, I think they really influenced how I carry myself on stage: Dr. Claudette Copeland (co-pastor of the church I grew up, New Creation Christian Fellowship) and Dr. Cynthia James.

SJ: Finish this sentence – in 2 and Half years time I hope to be________?

AB: Finished writing a book. A home owner. Host an event or series of events that brings artists and art lovers from diverse backgrounds together.

SJ: What are your three most favorite words in the English language? Why?

AB: Creativity, because for me it is essential to life. Soul, because it reminds of good music. Pen, because i have to have one. Can’t leave home without it. lol

SJ: Did OJ (Simpson) do it?

AB: Man, I’m not even gonna touch that one. lol

SJ: Alright, now to test your skills – can you freestyle a short poem referencing apples, baby
ducks, and Fruit Roll-Ups? (I’m laughing)

AB: First of all, I don’t freestyle. It will take me FOREVER to write this as it does the rest of the poems. (Laughing)

elementary school taught me a few things
1. know what your worth
never trade a strawberry fruit roll-up for anything less than strawberry gushers
don’t settle for anything less
2. trade up
if an apple will be traded up for say a pack of chips ahoy,
it must be paired with say pringles or ridged lay’s chips in ziploc bag
learn to negotiate
3. story time
there was once a baby duck who consider himself ugly
turns out he wasn’t an ugly duckling
he just needed to discover who he really was…a swan
always be yourself, just like God made you

That definitely took me twenty minutes to write. Sigh. (Laughing)

Visit Amena Brown at amenabrown.com and you can also catch her on Twitter at twitter.com/amenabee.

Sean Johnson discusses Music & Life with Leah Joelle

Sean Johnson took time to discuss music and life with Leah Joelle.

Sean C. Johnson: How did you get your start in music?

Leah Joelle: I started singing when I realized that voices could make tons of sounds–i remember singing with my mother and sister in church at the age of 3–in harmony with them!!! I really didn’t know that music ministry was my call until around 2003 while I was at school. I wasn’t a music major, but i found myself in the piano room for hours everyday just jamming with musicians…it’s was a comfortable, peaceful feeling. As far as an official “start” in music…I really can’t say. I’ve had many “halts, twists, and turns” but in 2006, I recorded my first project “Use Me Lord.”

SCJ: If you had to listen to one song for an entire year what would
it be and why??

Leah Joelle: Great is thy Faithfulness—because those words “thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not, as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be” really tells of the true Essence of God. Everyday God shows himself faithful, and everyday, I thank Him for that!

SCJ: How would you define “success”?

Leah Joelle: My definition of success is totally delighting in God. When you make his business your business, He’ll make your business His business. Basically, when you seek after God, not for gain, but just because you desire all of Him, then I truly believe that you’ll be successful in any endeavor. To me, success is not the end result, but the process and the lessons learned on the road to success.

SCJ: Have you ever forgotten the words to a song while on stage
singing?? How did you react?

Leah Joelle: Ha..Ha!!!! Yes I have.. I had to sing the star bangled banner (a song i used to sing everyday as a kid) and for some reason i was extremely nervous and instead of saying “twilights last gleaming,” I said “twilights last hmmmm…hmmmm” lol! I was so shocked that I murdered the words, but then I shook it off and realized that I was human and I laughed along with everybody else. I must say that my rendition was not as bad as Carl Lewis’!!!!!

SCJ: Could you briefly describe your song writing process?

Leah Joelle: Great question—there is no formula. Sometimes I try to sit and write what I feel. What works best for me is waiting until God speaks it to me. I always hear melodies in my head and sing them out. I also try to take subject matters and write in a way that is very transparent and universal

SCJ: What do you feel is the biggest problem that needs to be
addressed in the Church?

Leah Joelle: There’s so many issues I’d love to address, but one big battle I have is the way we live. I’m truly guilty myself, but God has called us to be His legs, His voice, His hands, and feet. God is prestigious, and Chrisitians walk around like lost puppies…we can’t even minister to the lost, because we still are. I just penned a song called “Stand Up” and it states “Stand up or sit down, cause this world is spinning round and round…you betta stand up or sit down…God is calling us to be higher…you better stand up or sit down, because He’s not pleased with the way we live..you gotta Stand up or sit down….or you may be counted out” It’s time to be that representative and stop wavering and acting like grace and mercy will always cover our wrongdoings while we minister to those who are in the same boat as we are. He’s going to hold us accountable. Sorry, I really have two….TRADITIONS KILL CHURCHES.

SCJ: 1825 days from now (5 years, lol) where do you see yourself?

Joelle: I see myself outside of school administration, fulfilling my duties as a music minister. I plan to travel in the US and abroad with original material..spreading His word to whoever has a listening ear. I’d also like to be married with at least one child (possibly)!

SCJ: What do you love most about Jesus?

Leah Joelle: He loves ALL of me. I don’t have to compete–I don’t have to wait for a conversation. I can be free and at peace with Him. He’s soo funny too!

SCJ: Why did God create Gnats (insect)?? lol

Leah Joelle: I always wondered why..Surely it wasn’t to get on our nerves…i’m sure insects have great reasons to be on earth! When you get that answer, let me know

SCJ: This will be your second time performing at Poetry Night what
was your experience last time and what do you hope to accomplish this
time??

Leah Joelle: Loved last experience at Poetry Night. The only thing I want to accomplish is someone loving Christ just a little more than before they came, and hopefully they can feel the presence of God through His vessel!

Thanks Leah Joelle! We will post the date for Joelle’s performance at We Tell Stories Poetry Night once we have the date confirmed. Visit Leah Joelle’s Myspace.

Acoustic: An Interview with Jenna Davis

Once I heard Jenna, I knew I had to interview. There is something about an artist that can just grab an acoustic guitar and perform. It isn’t so much of performing but drawing people in. Yes, a good voice is needed as well. The ability to engage the audience is a needed component as well. After the night I had the opportunity to see Jenna, I begin my search to land her for an interview. Welcome Jenna Davis.

Heady: Where you happy with who won American Idol?

Jenna: Actually, I didn’t watch much of American Idol this season…But, I hear that the guy who won is a follower of Jesus, so I was pretty happy about that! Hopefully, given this great new platform, he can have a positive influence on the music industry.

H: I’m a big fan of the acoustic guitar. How long have you been playing?

J: Almost 8 years! I started my junior year of High School.

H: When did you write your first song?

J: I think a few months after I learned the guitar, so when I was about 15 or 16. It seemed like God just opened up the door of my creativity as soon as my fingers hit the strings!

H: I’m sitting here listening to Anyway. Give me the story behind this song.

J: A old band member of mine and I used to have writing sessions out by the pool at my house. One day he just started playing the chord progression, I got out my notepad, and the lyrics followed pretty quickly. I think it’s one of my favorite “jam” songs. It can groove really well, and also “rock-out”

H: My buddy and I were at the Invisible Children Benefit. What did you think about Adam L. & Live Society?

J: Oh-my-goodness! Amazing. I think Adam L and those guys are such incredible musicians! Their music is so different and unique, it’s impossible not to like it!

H: Who is on your Ipod rotation pretty heavy right now?

J: All of the Jon Foreman(of Switchfoot) “seasons” EP albums! He is an awesome songwriter; he has such a gift for combining craft, great production, and freedom of expression in his writing!

H: You’ve lead worship before. What’s the objective of a worship leader?

J: I believe the ultimate objective and goal of the ‘worship leader’ should be–to be a ‘worshipper’. It is a privilege to direct others’ hearts, souls and minds to The Father, and to worship Him in spirit and in truth, so we should always lead with grace and humility.

H: Understanding your background as a worship leader, do you still consider yourself an artist?

J: I think I would say I am an artist, because all of my life is nothing without Jesus, “the Creator of art”- so the songs that I am given to write and perform, I want to be offered as worship to Him, just as much as the songs sung by the corporate Body of Christ in a worship service.

H: I’m super digging Fight for Me.

J: Thanks! I really love that song. It’s one of those songs that, as I sing it, I am reminded of how amazing God is, to help us in our weakness, and always fight for our hearts!

H: I read somewhere Kamikazee was your favorite hip-hop artist.

J: Yes, Kamikazee and I have been good friends for quite a while and he is one of the reasons I started loving hip-hop! He speaks with great clarity, and is such a lover of Jesus, that you can’t be around him 10 minutes without knowing what he lives for!

H: We love Kamikazee. He has great passion. Who are some other hip-hop artists you enjoy jammin out to?

J: John Reuben, Lauren Hill, Adam L and Cam are some of my other faves!

H: Where can people come check Jenna out live next?

J: We Tell Stories Poetry Night! July 25th! I am currently leading worship for the youth at Cherokee Hills Baptist Church once or twice a month, playing a camp this summer, and will most likely be touring with some other awesome musicians on The Community Tour this fall!

H: Where can people hear more of you online?

J: myspace.com/jennadavismusic has all of my music available for listening and/or download via SNOcap, jennadavismusic.com and also on itunes.

H: I don’t want to leave without you telling us a little about the conference you’re starting.

J: I really have a passion to see the young people of this generation stop believing the lies our culture tells us, and stand up for the truth of God; So I am starting a weekend girl’s conference to travel from youth group to youth group, teaching and encouraging girls to live lives of purity and holiness, and to be set apart from the world!

H: Let me end by saying you would be perfect for a heady tee. Do you own one? Lol…

J: Not yet! But I would wear one proudly!

H: Share with the b7 audience your favorite word.

J: That’s such a hard question! I have to pick just one? hmm….I think I’ll go with “supercalifragialisticexpialadotious”. Has that one already been used?

Interview with Myra Beasley

basement seven wants to thank Myra Beasley for taking a moment to allow us to get to know her a little better. we are excited about her performing on October 24th at “we tell stories” poetry night. she was a fun interview. Learning more here about Myra’s performance.

Heady: Tell us about the first song you learned and had to sing in front of an audience.

Myra: Awwwwww…..That would have been when I was about 4 years old. My mom put my sister and I up on a program. Our song selection was: Lord I Want To Be A Christian. I sang as my sister played with one finger the melody of the song on the piano. I was scared to DEATH!!! I’m sure we sounded a mess but who could possibly be mean to little kids??? Lol!!!!!

Heady: Are you a singer or an actor first?

Myra: I am a singer first!!! I just discovered this acting thing about 4 years ago. Singing has been a part of my life since I could remember. Although I have found a love for acting, singing brings comfort to my soul.

Heady: Who are you listening to first on your ipod if you took off for a road trip across country?

Myra: Marvin Sapp!!!! He has carried me from state to state. For some reason, his music touches my heart. You will always hear him in my Bose headphones along with whoever else is around me!!!! Lord I Put My Trust In You has carried me through a lot of cities!!!! I just kept it on repeat.

Heady: What’s your favorite thing about Oklahoma City?

Myra: The fact that I can be me! When you come home, you are who you are. Here recently, I took that for granted. Being surrounded by people who love you means more than the world to me. I have a new understanding for what love really means now. It’s not what you say, it’s what you do. When I’m home, people don’t care about the accolades. They just show me love!!! We need to do more of that!!! Love Somebody Today!!!! I am a blessed woman because of it!!!

Heady: How do you keep yourself reminded of who you are in Christ on a daily basis?

Myra: I have personally watched Him work a marvelous work in my life. When you are taken out of your comfort zone into an unfamiliar place, you have no choice but to trust Him. Overnight, I was taken from my family and friends. Chasing a dream that had no guarantees. In doing so, my relationship with Him has grown into intimacy on a daily basis. There were times that I felt like I had no one but Him. He never let me down.

Heady: Do you enjoy the song writing process?

Myra: When you are a songwriter, it can take you to happy places or dark places. Sometime you want to share and sometimes you don’t. It’s never fun to share those dark moments with everyone. However, when you know what your true calling is, sometimes you find that your lyrics are not just for you. It’s those moments that give life to your lyrics. Music is medicine for your soul. As a music minister, you have to share it with people other than yourself. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Heady: What movie can you watch over and over again?

Myra: OMG!!! Anybody that knows me know that National Lampoons Vacations with Chevy Chase is my favorite movie! I can watch that movie over and over and over….

Heady: Is it ministry or entertainment for you?

Myra: If I can be honest, there was a time when I found it to be entertainment. I had to hit the right note and make the people jump. Experience has taught me different. A lot of people can’t say that. For me, it took me really experiencing God to know that it’s more than a show. It’s about how you act when you get home or before you leave your comfort zone. I got to a point of wanting God to bless His people and bless me later. That’s when you know the difference. When I stand before His people, I always pray to be used as Your instrument of praise. ALWAYS!!! No matter if I’m singing or acting.

Heady: I hate to ask but I have to, what was it like working for Tyler Perry?

Myra: I get asked this question all of the time and I can understand why. He is so amazing!!!! The humble man you see on television is the person he is. He’s a true testament as to what it is to walk in the favor of God. He used to tell us all the time: Because He has favor, we have it as well. I will never forget that. Tyler Perry is full of wisdom. I can’t tell you how much I’ve soaked up from just being around him. God must have truly broke the mole after sculpting him because I have never met anyone like him!!! He pulled out things in myself that I never knew I had. I must say that I have been made the better having Him in my life. I miss him along with my cast mates more than you’ll ever know. When you’ve spent 2 years 24/7 with people, you can’t help but to long for them.

Heady: What is the one thing you’re looking forward to when you get to heaven?

Myra: Naturally, I am looking forward to seeing God. You know Heady, I have a lot of questions to ask Him!!! I have some who, what, when, where and why questions for Him!
Lol!!! After I see Him, I want to be able to see my mom again. She would have loved to experience the woman that I am today here on earth. I miss her more than you’ll ever know. But…..I know I’ll see here again. Yea….I’ll see her again!!! I do this because of her spirit living in me!!!! Till we meet again…

Meet Manoj “MJ” Oommen: Music X Relationships

We deeply enjoyed sitting down with Manoj “MJ” Oommen.  He was so much fun to speak with on a number of topics.  MJ seemed to be passionate about building relationships with people concerning ministry.  It was cool that he was willing to do the interview at one of my favorite places i.e. the bookstore.  This interview was done at Book-A-Million.  We are excited about MJ’s performance on September 26th at We Tell Stories Poetry Night.  I think he is too.  You will need QuickTime (it’s free) to view the footage.

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