Q&A With Gospel singer Christopher Bender

Gospel singer Christopher Bender was surrounded by a loving and God-fearing environment. With a foundation built on the love of God, Chris grew up watching his family serve and operate in ministry.

At the age of thirteen, it was revealed to Chris that his purpose was to minister through worship, leading Chris to where he is today, sharing the love and gospel of Christ to the world. Chris has been privileged to minister alongside some of Gospel’s most influential such as Shirley Caesar, Donnie McClurkin, JJ Hairston, Fred Hammond, and Israel Houghton just to name a few. He has also been favored to work with Rashad McPherson (Featured on “You’ll Live, Not Die”, 2015), Ayana McDonald,
David Altenor (Featured on “We Praise You”, 2015), Amante Lacey (Featured on “Alive”, 2016), and Matthew Greaves (featured on “Great is Yahweh”, 2017). He was also recognized for winning the 2014 “Artist of the Year” Angelic Award in the winter of 2014 and “Best New Single” Eddy Award in the winter of 2019 for his first single, “More of You”. Chris has since released his sophomore single, “The Blood Song” which debuted at #22 on the Billboard charts. His follow-up single, “Glad In It,” released on July 24, 2020 hit the Billboard Gospel charts at #3 and climbing!

What first got you into music?

I believe that my family lineage almost set me up to be a lover of music. My grandmother who I consider a songbird gave birth to 7 children . One of those seven , whom I was named after as a renowned r&b artist in the early 90’s who reached great heights and has also released phenomenal music . He was murder at the age of 19 and was silenced forever. I feel like it has been apart of my assignment to honor his legacy & create my own path at the same time. It’s challenging and rewarding at the same time . RIP Uncle Chris.

Who inspired you to make music? .

You know strangely enough music is has always been given to me during tough season of my life. It’s honestly left me a little nervous about being a writer . But I honestly have matured enough to know that my life is if not anything else a page of a book that is meant to bless someone else .

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

The music that I create normally is always a point of reflect of ones self that ultimately ushers into the presence of our amazing God !

What is your creative process like?

My creative process varies honestly . I don’t really have a step by step . I’m a guy of much spontaneity. So I can literally be in the middle of a board meeting and hear a tune and have to take a break to record what I’m hearing.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate with Donald Lawrence . I believe he is one of our worlds most brilliant minds.

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

I would love to open up for Brandy . Yeah I know it’s a different genre and things of that nature however she is a GENIUS & I respect her on so many levels .

What is one message you would give to your fans?

I would tell my fans to HANG IN THERE. It’s very clichè however , when you have fought through some of the worst times … you’ll appreciate that word of encouragement .

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

I absolutely sing in the shower ! I think its where the best acoustics are for me in my home. I sing almost anything from hymns to soul r&b. It usually just depends on whats in my head at the time.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

If I wasn’t an artist I would probably be a radio host. That was my desire while in college & I have always been told my speaking voice is meant for Radio.

Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

I have had the opportunity of performing on stages across the world . From Brussels to New Orleans , from Israel to East Texas … God has really favored my ministry & shared it with literally the Globe . It’s humbling because I’m sure there are a rooster of individuals that could’ve gotten the calls . But God chose me & im forever grateful.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

That’s an amazing question . I try to find optimism in any and everything that happens. I feel that the internet has honestly opened an opportunity for independent artist as myself to surface a bit sooner than the industry historically allows. If you manage things like social media properly as it has for me , it can take your brand and music career to another level.

What is your favourite song to perform?

My favorite song I love to perform most id say is my newest single “Glad in it”. It really does something for me every time . Its something about being able to minister the lyrics of that song to rooms full of people looking for hope and encouragement … that makes it completely an honor for me.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

Oh my goodness what a question ! Lol In college I borrowed my roommates car while he was gone for break and I sorta kinda got pulled over for doin 90 in a 65 . Unfortunately I didn’t have my license at the time. Thankfully all the happened was I had to pay a very substantial fine. But I was honestly more scared of my mom finding out than actually the fine.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

The best advice I have been given Is probably this … “ Rush for nothing in this life … Trust God for everything” . An older spiritual leader in the city of Boston reminded me of that before all this great stuff began to happen for my career and it stuck with me.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be? ·

If I can change anything it would honestly be the favoritism that sometimes cause great gifts to become overlooked and discouraged from chasing their dreams.

What’s next for you?

Well I’m looking into next year and planning out 2021 . It’s going to be a huge year for my ministry. I am working on a very special project called the “Glad in it” Grant . This grant will support those who have financially gone thru hardship.

I’m also working towards undergoing my next live recording . Live recordings are huge assignments logistically , financially. MENTALLY lol . However it’s always a exciting task.

I’m also diving into the launch of the GLAD movement . This will be a non profit that is geared toward youth empowerment & talent development in our worlds emerging leaders , innovators and game changers .

How important is the current COVID crisis to you and how do you think you could help?

I believe this has been one of the largest global challenge I’ve experienced in my lifetime . I believe that it has changed the canvas what we known as normalcy. For me I believe that of course outside of prayer it is my job be be a beacon of light and hope to those that are in need. I also believe that it is my responsibility to support those thru initiatives such as the “Glad in it” Grant.

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