INTERVIEW: Stephen Steward Shares on New Album Release and 2014 Plans

 

Gospel singer, Stephen B. Steward, is releasing his new album Enter Your Gates in April and shares on his exciting plans for 2014.   

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Mississippi College, Steward relocated to California where he met and married Onesha, his wife of 26 years, and started a family. Becoming the proud father of two children, Stephen II and Erica, acted as further inspiration to accept the call of leadership and ministry at Exalted Word Tabernacle of Praise Church in Lynwood, CA. There he served as worship leader for over 18 years, under the leadership of Pastor Leroy Toliver. 

Though rooted at Exalted Word Tabernacle of Praise, Steward could still be seen branching out to extend his brand of worship leadership to the number of worship workshops he fronted in conjunction with numerous Christian artist & songwriter seminars he's attended in California, Colorado, Alabama, Mississippi, and more.

All the while building a name for himself as a respected portent of praise, 2011 saw the Stewards found independent record labels Good Steward Music and GS Records to catalyze Stephen's career as a recording artist.  As his passion for worship through song and lyric had already seen him list more than 200 worship songs to his credit, the lauded baritone has been hard at work to prepare the Fall 2013 release of his debut project.  Led by the single 'With My Whole Heart' (co-written by gospel legend Andrae Crouch), the forthcoming new album is set to showcase an audio experience decorated by fresh, inspiring songs of worship and declaration from the heart of an artist who has dedicated his life to ministry.

We would like to thank Stephen B. Steward for taking the time to speak with us. 

 

Hallels: How does it feel to be nominated for 3 Rhythm of Gospel Awards? 

Stephen: "I feel so honored and humbled that God's favor is reflected in the songs that the Holy Spirit has spoken into my heart. I feel that God has chosen this time and season for me to release a fresh fragrance of praise and worship in song and I feel blessed to have been nominated."

 

Hallels: How would you describe your sound for people that haven't heard of you guys and what artists have influenced your sound? 

Stephen: "My intention and desire in this project was to release the sound of heaven in the music. Naturally, there is a song on the project called "The Sound of Heaven." The intent was to release a universal sound in the music where anyone who hears it can relate to it. The artists that have influenced my music mostly is my friend and legendary mentor Andrae Crouch. Other artists who have influenced my sound are Al Jarreau, Sam Cooke, James Ingram, and my Dad, Rufus Steward."

 

Hallels: Tell us about your new album releasing in April? 

Stephen: "I am having a concert at the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena, California on April 12, 2014, that will feature Jonathan Butler.  Andrae Crouch will be my special guest. The album release will take place in the month of May 2014. The album, entitled "Enter Your Gates," is also the title track and acceptance song to an eternal invitation into God's presence given by King David in Psalm 100:4. The album features songs of praise, songs of worship, songs of forgiveness, and restoration which releases the glory of God."

 

Hallels: What other projects are you working on in 2014? 

Stephen:  "Enter Your Gates" is taking up most of the time for the year.  But, because I feel the Lord has blessed me with so much to say, I'm already working on songs for my next worship project."

 
Hallels: If you could collaborate with one Secular Artist and one Christian Artist, who would you choose and why? 

Stephen: "There's a jazz pianist by the name of Bryan Culbertson who is absolutely amazing and I'd love to work with him because he has a beautiful flow to his music. Even though Bryan is a jazz artist, I hear a spiritual connection to his music. I'd love to write for and work with CeCe Winans on a Christian project because there is just an outrageous anointing on her voice and she has a beautiful spirit."

 
Hallels: Do you have a current scripture that has been speaking to you? If not, what are some personal favorite verses of yours? 

Stephen: "There are two scriptures that have inspired me through the "Enter Your Gates" project: Ephesians 3:20 and Romans 8:28. These are two verses that I've declared daily for the last two years."

Hallels: If you could play professionally for any sports team for one day, who would you pick? 

Stephen:  "I would love to play wide receiver for the Pittsburg Steelers.  Go Steelers!"

 

Hallels: What are your touring plans for 2014? 

Stephen: "I'm in the middle of planning a radio tour back east in the Washington DC, Baltimore and New York areas upon the release of the project. As the season 2, Grand Champion of the Prayze Factor Awards, I have plans for my album listening party in Columbia, SC in April, as well as participating on the Prayze Factor's National Independent Artist Tour.  I will be making appearances locally (in southern and northern California) and there are plans in motion for me to appear in my home state of Mississippi as well."

 

 

Tags : stephen b. steward stephen steward new album