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 Breaking New Ground  “Anointed was more than two people for 13 years, so, we were accustomed to being a group. Downsizing to two members was somewhat different because now, you don't have three people holding down the three part harmony while the lead singer has total freedom.”But before Anointed ever was, there were Steve and Da’dra singing together as brother and sister. "When we were growing up musically, groups were somewhat the dominating representation in music. We were inspired by groups and wanted to manifest musically what impacted our lives. BeBe and CeCe really made an impact a few years later. Now, duets are pretty common, for instance, Mary Mary, who have impacted the industry. Da’dra and I have been called to the ministry of Anointed and we will see it through until the Lord states otherwise.” Despite the shrinking size of the group, spiritual growth has not been thwarted. “We are embarking on a promising future based on what we believe God has in store, yet, remaining sober minded at the same time. Da’ and I have been enrolled in our ministers in training program at church where we will be graduating this December. This was very important for us to have a greater understanding of the Word of God and the principles that will gird our lives from this point on. We have a heart for souls and that still remains.” Crawford continued by acknowledging that the group “is no longer the same composition as  before and therefore, there will be a different presentation. Musically, there will be a change because we truly feel that it is time for us to venture in other areas and places where we have not treaded and recapture some musical inspirations that have been downloaded over the years. Personally, there is a Steve Crawford that I must reach and haven't been afforded the opportunity to, because of timing.”“Now is the time for us to birth out of us the songs, the topics, the musical arrangements and compositions that are true to our hearts in order to reach those that God wants to use us to reach for this next season.” And new material is coming forth based on some of their experience. “We are writing, writing, writing, and writing some more. We are just compiling the messages and life lessons and putting them to melodies. We have a passion for those that exist beyond the periphery of the 'church,' those that have a bad idea about believers, church, and ultimately God. We want to share the love of the Lord with them without them feeling bombarded and threatened but with compassion. Music, I believe, will help us reach these people.” Having learned so much about the industry and how to maneuver in it, Crawford says they are prepped for the next deal. “We are also soaking up more knowledge about this music industry so that we can make even wiser decisions and inform others of the legalities of the business. Also, at this moment we have been talking with record labels and look forward to solidifying a business relationship with someone really soon.”
“Being a producer and always desire to cultivate my craft, I listen to as much music as I possibly can. It's important to stay affiliated with what is current and channel those influences through your means of musical expression. I’m currently in a time of reflection where I am revisiting the music that inspired me before the recording began. Andrae Crouch, The Hawkins Family, Clark Sisters, Commissioned, Richard Smallwood, Winans Family, BeBe and CeCe, Daryl Coley, and Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Singers are some of the artists that I listen to.” And then there is that Ohio connection between Steve and Shirley Murdock, along with other musical ties that have kept him busy. “I've started a production company and produced my mother-in-law Ann McCrary who is signed to a new label Vital Communications.” The project was released in Fall of 2002 (see album review). “I personally believe that the album showcases the versatile and awesome talent that my mom possesses. We also just participated in a soundtrack for the second Left Behind film. The song is titled, "Beautiful” and was co-written by Da'dra, myself, and others as well though it's not mentioned in the credits. Apart from all that Crawford has a production company in place that he hopes to use “to build an organization committed to excellence in the area of writing.”  Anointed also serves as spokespersons for World Vision, to help educate about the Aids/HIV epidemic."The organization promotes abstinence and faithfulness to marriage as a means of guarding ourselves from this deadly disease. AIDS/HIV has no respect of persons and is not just targeting a certain section of people. We would like to use this platform to share God's love and compassion to those that may have contracted the disease as well as financial support for the families, many of which are survived by their children alone.” Anointed may not have landed in that 'next place' as yet, but their hands and hearts are certainly not idle. Keeping focused on the ministry part of their music fills the potential void of those in between times we’ve all experienced. It’s at those times when God really watches what we do, to see if we are true good stewards of our gifts. And he's surely able to keep up with Anointed!
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