J Shep On His New Album: ""Potential2Purpose" is Truly a Lifestyle"

By Timothy Yap Jul 09, 2015 04:55 AM EDT

J Shep has just released his DREAM Gospel Records debut "Potential2Purpose." He is the youngest of two sons from the Chicago suburb of Homewood, IL. His musical journey began when he was a child taking piano lessons and continued though out his High School years when he realized that he could use music to reach the world. J Shep is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago and considers the time spent there as one of the most pivotal, as he was able to refine his skills as a musician, singer and songwriter. As an independent Gospel artist, J Shep has released three projects, "Songs Vol. 1", "The Urban Notebook", and "Faith and the Promise."

Hallels: Thank so much for doing this interview with you. Tell us how did you feel the Lord's call to sing for him?

When I was in high school I started to feel a strong passion and desire for music. Growing up in the Pentecostal church music was always a large part of our worship experience. I became very active in my church youth choir as a director and then musician. I felt God leading me in the direction of making music a career path when I was around 18. I can remember praying at night asking God to anoint me to write and produce. I ended up majoring in music at Columbia College Chicago and since then God has continued to open doors.

Hallels: How would you describe your style of music? Who would you say are some of the artists you look up to?

My style of music is very much a sound of today. I love all types of music, especially contemporary gospel, CCM, pop, hip hop, EDM, and R&B. You can find a little bit of all those things mixed into my music. Kirk Franklin has probably been the biggest musical influence in my career. He was always able to push the envelope with his musicality and content with keeping his message centered in Christ.

Hallels: Why did you choose to partner with DREAM Gospel Records for your new album?

DREAM was the right fit for my because I loved the spirit of the company. The vision of the label is to not control their artists but to partner with their vision. That was an easy sell for me.

Hallels: For some of our readers who may not have heard your album yet, can you explain to us what your album title "Potential2Purpose" means?

"Potential2Purpose" is truly a lifestyle. We are all born with unlimited potential on the inside given to us by God. Our potential is only a seed though. When our potential is planted it turns into purpose which is our fruit! The bible says in Matthew 7 that we would be known by our fruit. It's not enough to have potential alone. However, if you look to turn your potential into purpose your life takes on a greater meaning.

Hallels: I love your new single "How Great Thou Art," what was the inspiration behind this song?

"How Great thou Art" is a song that I wrote several years ago. I literally woke up out of my sleep at 3 am one morning and wrote it in 30min. What's strange about it is that's not my typical writing style. It was so vividly given to me when I woke up out of my sleep that I had to get it out.

Hallels: I believe you are currently on tour. But this tour is special in the sense that you are not only performing your song "How Great Thou Art" but you are also teaching people how to sing it. Tell us more about this.

The #howgr8tour has been special to me because I've had the opportunity to teach church choirs and worship teams the song. It's given me the opportunity to connect and minister to individuals on a personal level. It's truly a grassroots type of tour.