Craig “Mr. Groove” Lane of DEF MACHINE on Gospel Tinged “Breakthru”
DEF MACHINE acts as the bridge between the music of yesterday and today. Through their music, listeners can travel through the way music has evolved while still being able to hold true to the classic sounds we all grew up listening to. Through DEF MACHINE, musicians and producers alike can take their raw talent of mastering the anatomy of instruments, voice, and sound to showcase true art. Their newest releases are the first look into their unreleased album that explores a wide variety of genres; in this case, a fast rap mixed with gospel elements in “Breakthru” and hard-rock rap in “Slam Dance.” They have learned from the musicians they love and admire but are now paving their own path and sound.
“Breakthru” takes listeners through a spiritual enlightenment. Feeling that a peak in life is enough of a push to get them through tough times, and taking full advantage of that moment will bring them right where they need to be. There is evil in every corner that we turn in, and seeing others commit their time to that darkness can make listeners feel distraught, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Choral backing vocals open the song to celebrate the spiritual awakening, followed by a poetic rap supported with sounds of strings and electric features.
“BreakThru” starts panning down the aisle of a grand cathedral to find MOD Diggidy standing behind the bible. Visuals of sadness, war, and the devil darken the lyrics but soon change to blue, heavenly skies, and new life as the piano and bass are played inside the holy space.
Mr. Groove weighed in on the Gospel-tinged Fast Rap Masterpiece and Video
Could you introduce yourself and shed some light on how this collaboration came about? Can you share a bit about your journey into music?
My name is Craig “Mr. Groove” Lane, and I’m a producer and part of DEF MACHINE. My musical journey was profoundly influenced by legendary groups like Parliament-Funkadelic and artists like Chick Corea. The concept of “Breaking Thru” resonated deeply with me, sparking the creation of our song. As the idea evolved, the addition of a choir brought everything together seamlessly.
Rap and gospel are powerful mediums for storytelling. What inspired you to blend these genres together for this particular song? How do you believe they complement each other in conveying your message?
The fusion of gospel and rap in this song stemmed from the notion of overcoming life’s hurdles. With the addition of the choir, the vision solidified into a harmonious blend. Gospel brings an uplifting spirit while rap provides a raw narrative, creating a powerful synergy that amplifies the message of breaking through.
Were there any particular challenges or breakthrough moments during the creation of both the music and the lyrics?
Not really. “Break Thru” emerged from a specific mood, allowing inspiration to flow freely. The sounds I had chosen for the production played a pivotal role in shaping the song’s overarching concept.
Working with multiple artists can bring a diverse range of perspectives. Can you tell us about the collaborative process behind creating both the song and the music video? How did each artist contribute to the final product?
Working with MOD Diggidy and DEF SQUAD THE BAND was an exhilarating experience. Each artist brought their unique strengths to the table, fostering a dynamic energy that truly defined the essence of the final track. Despite the challenges of distance, our collective history of collaboration facilitated seamlessly.
What themes or messages did you aim to convey through the lyrics and visuals, especially considering the fusion of rap and gospel elements?
The conceptual inspiration for the music video was to breathe life into a chapter from the Book of Revelation. We sought to capture the intensity and vivid imagery of the end times, crafting a visual narrative that amplifies the song’s message and leaves a lasting impact.
Were there any specific visual elements or settings you wanted to incorporate to enhance the storytelling?
Absolutely, we were meticulous in selecting the perfect setting—a church with the right ambiance and atmosphere—to elevate the storytelling and immerse viewers in the narrative we aimed to convey.
Both rap and gospel music have the power to deeply resonate with listeners. How do you hope your collaborative project will connect with audiences, particularly those who may not be familiar with either genre?
I hope our fans not only enjoy the visual and auditory experience but also gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and passion poured into crafting these songs. Even for those less familiar with rap or gospel, I believe the authenticity and raw emotion will strike a chord, resonating on a universal level.
Can you share any personal moments or reflections from the making of this song and music video that have left a significant impression on you?
One standout moment was witnessing the final edited version of the video for the first time. As we sat together, the culmination of our collective efforts filled the room with an electrifying energy. It was a shared moment of triumph and validation, knowing we had captured something truly special.
Rap and gospel music have the ability to uplift and inspire. How do you envision your song and music video contributing to spreading positivity and hope in today’s world?
I envision our song “Break Thru” becoming a beacon of positivity and inspiration, flooding platforms like TikTok with powerful messages of resilience and hope. With our music serving as the soundtrack to moments of triumph and perseverance, we aim to uplift spirits and ignite a spark of motivation in listeners worldwide.
As we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans about the making of this song and music video, or any upcoming projects they can look forward to?
Absolutely! We’re on the brink of releasing our album, “America: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly,” which promises to be an exhilarating journey through sound and storytelling. Stay tuned for some exciting surprises in the lead-up to the album drop—we’re gearing up for an unforgettable ride, and we can’t wait to share it with our fans!
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