Publication Date: 10 January 2007
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IDMC embodies UK choirs' freespirited approach to absorbing 'Urban' music influences directly into their traditional 'church sound' repetoire.
As they prepare for their 13th anniversary celebrations, founder JOHN FISHER shares a few thoughts...
As they prepare for their 13th anniversary celebrations, founder JOHN FISHER shares a few thoughts...
Photos: CROSSPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM
PROFILE
LONDON: IDMC (Individuals Dedicated to the Ministry of Christ) has been around for quite a while. And while that smacks of stating the glaringly obvious, all you have to do is examine the wider context to fully appreciate what that really means: something like 99% of the artists in our industry are independent, drawing sustenance from means other than their music. It's hard enough for a lone artist.
Imagine how much harder it must be for a figure like JOHN FISHER who has been at the helm of affairs from the very beginning. As IDMC roll into year 13, crowning over a decade of various memberships, appearances - they sang at Pavarotti's (yes, the same) wedding, and releases (check a few of those in UKG Shop), they also gear up to the release of their latest project, SOUL FOOD, out soon...
JOHN made some time to chew the fat with YINKA AWOJOBI...
Imagine how much harder it must be for a figure like JOHN FISHER who has been at the helm of affairs from the very beginning. As IDMC roll into year 13, crowning over a decade of various memberships, appearances - they sang at Pavarotti's (yes, the same) wedding, and releases (check a few of those in UKG Shop), they also gear up to the release of their latest project, SOUL FOOD, out soon...
JOHN made some time to chew the fat with YINKA AWOJOBI...
13 YEARS, MAN... THERE MUST BE ONE OR TWO HIGHLIGHTS TO PICK FROM...
LOW POINTS...?
LOW POINTS...?
What have the highlights been...?
Well, everyone will assume that singing for Pavorotti's wedding would be the
one - and don't get me wrong, it IS up there as one of our major highlights - but
you know mate, recording the live album and DVD ['Live and PHAAT - Praising
Him At All Times] was such a big night for us.
Hearing our songs come to light, vocal and musical arrangements, the dancers,
the brass and strings, being able to do a drum solo with the awesome PETER MATHEWS, and do a piece with my son, and - this is gonna sound really funny - but when the DVD was finished and I saw it for the first time, I felt, WOW, and more than that. I had rolling credits at the end of the production, THAT WAS PROPER LARGE, or as young people would say: "GREAZY"
The collapse of the Jongleurs Tour in 2004 [the
concept was to mix stand-up comedy with inspiring
gospel music across the club's national venues...]
Well, everyone will assume that singing for Pavorotti's wedding would be the
one - and don't get me wrong, it IS up there as one of our major highlights - but
you know mate, recording the live album and DVD ['Live and PHAAT - Praising
Him At All Times] was such a big night for us.
Hearing our songs come to light, vocal and musical arrangements, the dancers,
the brass and strings, being able to do a drum solo with the awesome PETER MATHEWS, and do a piece with my son, and - this is gonna sound really funny - but when the DVD was finished and I saw it for the first time, I felt, WOW, and more than that. I had rolling credits at the end of the production, THAT WAS PROPER LARGE, or as young people would say: "GREAZY"
The collapse of the Jongleurs Tour in 2004 [the
concept was to mix stand-up comedy with inspiring
gospel music across the club's national venues...]
JOHN FISHER
I was broken hearted as it cost a lot of money to
put together, and the group worked really hard to
make it work. We thought we had all the bases
covered, and to see all of it go down the drain
was not nice.
It's called "SOUL FOOD", a collection of brand new songs penned by myself and contributions from some great producers.
The project takes its influences from the Motown era right the way through to modern day
put together, and the group worked really hard to
make it work. We thought we had all the bases
covered, and to see all of it go down the drain
was not nice.
It's called "SOUL FOOD", a collection of brand new songs penned by myself and contributions from some great producers.
The project takes its influences from the Motown era right the way through to modern day
The LIVE & P.H.A.AT CD/DVD recording...
I REMEMBER IT WELL. I THOUGHT IT WAS A GREAT IDEA TOO, BUT MAYBE IT WAS JUST AHEAD OF ITS TIME... BUT YOU'VE TURNED IT ROUND, THOUGH. THERE'S A
NEW IDMC CD PROJECT ON THE HORIZON...
YOU'VE BEEN AROUND FOR A WHILE, SO YOU'RE IN A GOOD POSITION TO COMMENT ON HOW THE INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO EVOLVE...
NEW IDMC CD PROJECT ON THE HORIZON...
YOU'VE BEEN AROUND FOR A WHILE, SO YOU'RE IN A GOOD POSITION TO COMMENT ON HOW THE INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO EVOLVE...
We thought we had all the bases covered...
to see all of it go down the drain was not nice.
to see all of it go down the drain was not nice.
worship. It is really exciting putting the project together, and we can't wait for the community to hear how the group has developed.
I think that the British gospel music industry is strong and growing. We have some great groups coming through, the quality of our song writers is very high, the artists are spending decent money on their production... The problem we have is with the public buying what we're selling. The truth is that the industry can only grow if the public allow it to grow!!!!!!!
The scene is still very fresh, and innocent and still very enjoyable.
The energy at a lot of the events that go on is so good, it's great
just to see the manz dem just doing what they enjoy.
I think that the British gospel music industry is strong and growing. We have some great groups coming through, the quality of our song writers is very high, the artists are spending decent money on their production... The problem we have is with the public buying what we're selling. The truth is that the industry can only grow if the public allow it to grow!!!!!!!
The scene is still very fresh, and innocent and still very enjoyable.
The energy at a lot of the events that go on is so good, it's great
just to see the manz dem just doing what they enjoy.
WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW...?
SO YOU TAKE THE OPTIMISTIC VIEW... EXPLAIN WHAT YOU MEAN BY 'FRESH AND INNOCENT...'
DOGMATIC...?
SO YOU TAKE THE OPTIMISTIC VIEW... EXPLAIN WHAT YOU MEAN BY 'FRESH AND INNOCENT...'
DOGMATIC...?
I think we're a good 10 years behind the Americans in terms of a fully developed industry. In the US, the main part of the [gospel music] industry is recognised as being at the same level as its mainstream. It would be good to see many more people like myself, MARK BESWICK and NOEL ROBINSON who do this professionally here in the UK.
But on the plus side, over here there aren't too many people that are dogmatic about music ministry.
Well, sometimes I'll be happy to appear at an event for just a patty and a drink. In the US, it's contracts all the way once you're invited to perform. That's what I mean by 'innocence'. We can just get up and do things without the dogma. We still have that going for us, and that's a good thing...
But on the plus side, over here there aren't too many people that are dogmatic about music ministry.
Well, sometimes I'll be happy to appear at an event for just a patty and a drink. In the US, it's contracts all the way once you're invited to perform. That's what I mean by 'innocence'. We can just get up and do things without the dogma. We still have that going for us, and that's a good thing...
....over here there aren't too many people
that are dogmatic about music ministry...
that are dogmatic about music ministry...
OK, SO LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: WHAT'S THE PLAN FOR JOHN FISHER IN 2007?
THAT SHOULD BE COOL. AND THE PLAN FOR IDMC IN '07...?
THAT SHOULD BE COOL. AND THE PLAN FOR IDMC IN '07...?
Just to enjoy life, my family, my church and my music.
I teach in schools on a weekly basis and that is lot of fun for me. Look out for a massive schools show at the Royal Albert Hall in June; watch this space.
I hope to expand my writing and production skills to other artists who are putting out projects over the coming year, and I want to do some live collaborations with other artists.
Well, as stated, we're working hard to release a new project later this year, which is very important. IDMC are celebrating 13 years of singing, sessions, TV and most importantly, ministry. Watch this space for information of our anniversary concert possibly happening in early March, and we're planning it as a very intimate affair. More details soon.
2007 is the year of new beginnings and for IDMC it is our year of coming of age, Keep us in your prayers, UK, and watch this space for the Anniversary gig. HOLLA ! Peace,
I teach in schools on a weekly basis and that is lot of fun for me. Look out for a massive schools show at the Royal Albert Hall in June; watch this space.
I hope to expand my writing and production skills to other artists who are putting out projects over the coming year, and I want to do some live collaborations with other artists.
Well, as stated, we're working hard to release a new project later this year, which is very important. IDMC are celebrating 13 years of singing, sessions, TV and most importantly, ministry. Watch this space for information of our anniversary concert possibly happening in early March, and we're planning it as a very intimate affair. More details soon.
2007 is the year of new beginnings and for IDMC it is our year of coming of age, Keep us in your prayers, UK, and watch this space for the Anniversary gig. HOLLA ! Peace,
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