VaShawn Mitchell: Carrying HIS Message

Let’s hop right into this brand new studio collection UNSTOPPABLE — Although clearly self-explanatory, still tell me, conceptually, what this title represents both to and for you?

It’s not about being invincible or anything, but the theory that when we partner with God to fulfill our destiny and dreams…Nothing is impossible. That’s when we can really live out the Scriptures that say: “I can do all things through Christ who is my strength” and “All things work together for our good!”

How does UNSTOPPABLE either differ and/or compare to previous VaShawn Mitchell solo efforts?

The sound of ‘Unstoppable’ is fresh and purposely a unique mix of Gospel and Christian sounds to encourage, inspire and empower the listener. Staying true to my style, but pushing the envelope a bit to continue to spread the message to a larger audience.

The set’s latest offering is the exemplary “God My God” — Tell me about this particular composition? How did it actually come to fruition?

Well, not many know that for the last few years I have been ministering and travelling, while enduring chronic back pain. After a small surgery in 2010, there was a threat of another surgery in 2013 but I continued to believe God for healing. I have memories of my great grandmother, who whenever I would speak to her about problems her response would be, “…mmm God My God!” The message became clear that she knew that regardless of the circumstances, God was still in control. As a result, in this particular message I wanted to glorify God and not my situation.

Reflecting, how did you first discover your musical talent?

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, the birthplace of Gospel music and home of Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker and so many others, it was no surprise that I developed a great love for Gospel music. Growing up in the Baptist church under a singing pastor and church choir, I immediately was attracted to the music. Rumor has it there are some videos of me directing the choir standing on a folding chair when I was about 7 or 8 *Chuckles* But I will never release them…Ha!

Who have been your greatest inspirations musically and why?

I have been blessed to have many mentors who have poured into my life along this journey…Donnie McClurkin, BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, Donald Lawrence, Edwin Hawkins and a few others inspire me to continue to set trends and consistently be uniquely who God created while walking out my assignment on the earth.

How then would you describe and/or define the style of music that you create and perform?

I asked God to allow me to sing, write and produce music that will live longer than I. So to sum it up, I have been used to create music that is timeless…From the early days of “My Worship is for Real” to “Turning Around for Me,” and now “God My God” and so many others.

What do you feel you offer the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?

A balance that ministers to the church, but also can connect with those who may not attend church or think they can’t. The ability to carry this message that is pure helps birth a new generation of God seekers.

Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?

The road has been rough. I consider myself as coming in the back door. Growing up around a cornucopia of legendary artists, I was considered “the least of them.” I would write for others and watch them succeed, only to see my own vision diminish. When I tell people this is my 7th music project, they are in awe! Truth is, I was recording without an identity but over the journey was able to find out who I am and most importantly who God wanted me to be.

What do you want people to get from your music?

I want people to get the Gospel message and allow it to be that “go-to” for inspiration while facing this journey we call life.

On a more serious, are you happy with the current state of Gospel?

I am totally happy with Gospel, because it’s going mainstream and to the world. As for the state of the industry that gospel music is a part of, it saddens me to see that the support of sacred music is going down. I pray that we as a community take a stand and don’t allow the genre of Gospel to diminish due to Industry methods and trends.

And, as an extension to that last question, where exactly do you “fit in” when it comes to today’s current crop of talent?

I am considered one of the Changer-Agents of our generation. Whether through Songwriting, Artist, Production and understanding the importance of Education, I know my assignment is to pave the way for others.

With that being said, how has not only the industry itself, but even more-so VaShawn Mitchell, either changed and/or evolved since your whole inception into music?

VaShawn Mitchell has become VaShawn Mitchell. There was a day that I don’t know who I was, felt like my style was not accepted or fit and so I tried to be like others. Today, I am confident in not only who I am but my divine assignment. It is important that I continue to evolve and grow.

Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I am working hard to secure a clothing line which is my personal passion. Also, there have been talks of a movie so we will see what happens with that as well.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

My greatest achievement so far…Wow, that’s hard!? I have never thought about this or been asked…Let me say that beyond all the awards and exposure, it was my decision to go back to school and obtain a music business degree that has been my greatest decision, and I look forward to the graduation when I can say it has become an achievement.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

The one artist I would love to collaborate with would be John Legend. He’s an amazing songwriter and artist whose roots are from the church. I would be honored to write something for him and maybe even perform together.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose the half-time show at the Super Bowl! It would be the opportunity to have the attention of millions in the stands and watching on TV focused on the greatness of God through music.

One track of yours that you think defines you and why?

“My Worship is For Real”…I’ve been through too much not to worship God!

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

Keep in touch with me…

Vashawnmitchell.com
Facebook/vashawnmitchell
Twitter/vashawnmitchell
IG/ vashawnmitchell

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