7eventh Time Down frontman Mikey Howard Offers Exclusive Insights into "Brand New Day"

"Just Say Jesus" and "God Is On The Move" hitmakers 7eventh Time Down return today with Brand New Day, the band's highly anticipated fourth BEC studio recording. Featuring 10 tracks, six of which were produced by 7eventh Time Down frontman Mikey Howard, the project also showcases production contributions from GRAMMY® Award-winner Theron "Neff-U" Feemster (Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige), Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Sidewalk Prophets) and Colby Wedgeworth (Tauren Wells, Zach Williams). Click here to order Brand New Day.  

We are honored to catch up with 7eventh Time Down frontman Mikey Howard for this exclusive interview.

Q:  Thanks for doing this interview with us.  Congratulations on the release of your new album "Brand New Day," this is your first record in almost 4 years.  This is like the longest gap between records, what happened there?

A lot of life! We've been so blessed over the past four years, doing ministry all the way to the Philippines and back twice now. It's been an incredible journey! We were definitely more than ready to get back in the studio and record our fourth BEC album. We worked harder on this project than any other to date and we hope people love it as much as we do!  

Q:  Did you approach the making of this new album any differently from your last album?

I think every album demands a unique approach. We are in a different season of life, and God has given us new things to say and a new sound.

Q:  Tell us some of the highlights in the making of "Brand New Day."

The first song we wrote for the record, "Make It Count," was with our friend and producer Theron Feemster out in California. He really stretched us and was crucial in helping cast an even bigger vision for the entire album. Another big highlight was the three of us writing "Brand New Day." When we found the bass sound in the chorus we knew we were on to something. We knew it was special for sure! And also, working with Ethan Hulse and Colby Wedgeworth was a huge treat!

Q:  Why did you entitle it "Brand New Day"?

It just felt right. The Lord has been walking us into a spiritual freedom as friends and brothers for years and it spilled over into our ministry and music more than ever. The sound, the ministry, the band just felt strengthened and renewed in Christ in a way it hadn't in years. This album demanded the name. 

Q:  Who are some of the musicians and producers you have worked with on this new album that you are excited about?

Again, working with Theron was an outstanding experience. He reminded us of our first passions: Jesus, music and people! Working with Ian Eskelin is always a treat because the guy just knows how make you feel the excitement in the song and the potential it has to lift up the Church. He always helps keep Jesus in the center of every song we work on together.

Q:  Talk to us about your new single "The 99."  

We knew writing with Colby and Ethan would be a career highlight for us. They really helped us dig deep and press in to find what the Lord was leading us to say in that song on that day. We have massive respect for them both. We knew "The 99" was special and were just grateful to be a small part of God's big plan for the song. 

Q:  Have you performed some of these songs live before?  Which is your favorite song off the new album that you like performing live?  And why?

My personal favorites to play live are "Eyes on You" and "Basic." Just two fun songs that really get the party moving!  

Q:  What I most appreciate about the album is that you are not afraid to sing about the Gospel clearly.  What's the role of Gospel in your ministry and life?

It's everything. Jesus set me straight with the Father. The Gospel found me filthy and guilty and made me clean and innocent. Without the Gospel of Jesus, we have no ministry and this is all just noise.  

 

 

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