Interview With 21:03 (Feb, 2010) - Articles

Behind the Scenes with 21:03
(Feb, 2010)

2010 brings the promise of new insight and excitement of new music. One of the industry's most anticipated new offerings comes from the energetic urban group 21:03. Jor'el Quinn, Torrence Green, and Evin Martin have blazed stages and airwaves across the country for nearly five years with impeccable vocal technique and synchronized choreography. The trio's latest release, Total Attention (read review), produced the hits "You" and "Cover Me", which featured Smokie Norful, J. Moss, and Fred Hammond, making a major impact in both radio and video platforms.

GOSPELflava.com caught up with the Detroit-based group to get a sneak peek at their forthcoming junior release.

GOSPELflava.com: Tell us about the songwriting process for this new album.

Evin: Many of the songs on this new record are being birthed from our life experiences and conversations we kicked around with PAJAM. Many times, we heard a track and then the melodies and words would follow. At other times, concepts came in the shower, while we were asleep, or we were inspired while we were listening to the Word at church. It's been really fun creating and developing the ideas into full-fledged songs.

GOSPELflava.com: What musical direction are you headed with this new effort?

21:03

Jor él: We pray this album's lyrics and the conviction in our voices cut through every song and that the songs literally compel people to go after GOD and all His benefits!

Evin: We want the audience that comes to see us to be able to sing with us. The message is current and relevant for today. These lyrics are designed to touch everyone believers and non believers alike. BIG hooks, memorable melodies!

Torrence: More of the same. Songs with substance, great melodies, and great hooks. We strive to make cutting edge records, with bangin' beats.

GOSPELflava.com: How have you grown as artists and as men during the making of this new project?

Jor él: Between the sophomore release of Total Attention and now, I have gotten a better sense of who I am in God. I have a better comprehension of HOW to listen to one voice... God's voice. Because of this, I think different and definitely act differently.

Evin: I have learned to trust my instincts creatively and be confident in the anointing on my life. I've learned to not only trust GOD, but it's important that He is able to trust me.

GOSPELflava.com: Who are some of your musical influences this time around?

Torrence: Israel & New Breed, Melinda Watts, Fred Hammond, and J. Moss.

Jor él: Marvin Winans, Lalah Hathaway, Israel & New Breed, classical music and jazz.

Evin: Brandy, Kari Jobe, and J.Moss. I am also studying my favorite songwriters right now James Fauntleroy and Claude Kelly, along with the arrangements of Eric Dawkins and LaShawn Daniels.

GOSPELflava.com: What new ground are you looking to cover with this album?

Torrence: We want to broaden the demographic we are reaching.

Evin: We want to bridge the gap between our younger listeners, the ones that have grown up with us, and gain new listeners who may have never heard of us before.

GOSPELflava.com: Any collaborations?

21:03: We want it to be a surprise!!

GOSPELflava.com: When can we expect the new album? new single?

21:03: Album should be coming late spring/early summer, but a single should be coming REAL soon!

Of course, you can keep up with the gentlemen of 21:03 across several social networking platforms:

Twitter: twitter.com/21o3

YouTube: youtube.com/2103tv

Facebook: facebook.com/thereal2103

We'll be sure to enjoy this journey as 21:03 prepares for their next effort.

21:03

Email This To A Friend

— interview by Gerard Bonner —