There are many people that have contributed to my dreams throughout my life, and I can never thank you enough. From my parents, to those who sowed into me at my church growing up, to those who supported me financially in my production internship. I consider all of you as part of my team. However, for those of you who have been on the team for a long time I’d like to introduce you to the newest members. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t thank God for the amazing people He’s put in my life, because I know I wouldn’t even be on this road if it wasn’t for them. I think it’s only right to take some time to highlight a few of the people on my team that God has used to project me forward.
Dennis Lamar – If I was to sum Dennis up in a few words it would be Life-Changing Leader. Sometimes I look back over the last ten years or so and marvel over the strategic moves God made in my life- unbeknownst to me- to get me to this city…and this church…into the vocal team headed up by Dennis Lamar. I remember when I first heard that he was also a vocal coach. I was buried so far under the lies I had accepted, that I thought to myself “Oh that’s so cool…the people that train with him are so lucky.” Ha! I’m sure if God ever pulls His hair out, that was one of the moments. I’m convinced God had to trick me into taking some lessons from Dennis. Before I could ever admit “I love to sing and this is what I’ve always wanted to do,” the only conclusion I could come to was “Maybe I should take some lessons…you know..to strengthen the vocal team I’m in.” And God was thinking, “Ok fine, whatever you want to call it. You’ll figure it out soon enough. Just get around this guy!” As I first started taking lessons it was hard to believe the good things Dennis was telling me. It was hard to accept that he believed in me. But slowly and surely, the lies didn’t seem to make sense anymore. It didn’t make sense that someone with this much experience, talent and integrity would lie to me. It didn’t make sense that what he was saying was too good to be true…because I was seeing actual results in my voice. I am convinced Dennis Lamar is the best vocal coach in the world, because he has the experience, he has the certification, and He has a God-given gift of discernment to draw out the unique gifts in people and give them the instruction they need at the right times in their journey. Many instructors just download all the information they can into a student before the student is ready to receive it. Dennis has the amazing ability to push his students, yet discern when and how to tell them the things they need to hear. I could go on and on, but I think the fact that my faith and my skill has grown exponentially in one year speaks for itself. I’m honored to have Dennis Lamar on my team.
Deacon King- I had seen Deacon around church for awhile. His face was familiar because it always seemed to be tucked away in the half-shadow of the audio booth, or behind some cords he was subduing on stage. It wasn’t until May of this year that I officially met Deacon. My friend Adam and I were rehearsing our song at a benefit concert for our church’s building campaign. I remember sitting on the barren stage inside the small, dark theater, barely being able to see the seats behind the blasting spotlight. Not many people were there yet, we were some of the first performers to arrive. But behind the high-beam glare there was another artist roaming the empty seats. I’ll never forget the moment Adam and I finished our little rehearsal and that dark outline materialized into Deacon King, “Jewel, you have a nice voice. I don’t think I’ve heard you sing outside of the vocal team.” I probably mumbled a thanks and shrugged it off, but inside me somewhere… somewhere where microscopic fairies record all of the most important words and happenings into a golden book..they wrote it down. As artists, although the encouragement of our family, friends and even our coaches means a lot…it’s somehow so much more impactful when a stranger or acquaintance gives you an honest compliment. And I knew this wasn’t just any stranger, this dude worked in the music industry and had heard a lot of voices stroll in and out of his ears. He knew what he was talking about. There was absolutely nothing forcing him to say that to me. Unlike my friends who would have to say something to me after I performed, he could have easily meandered right out of that theater without me even noticing. After the show we reconnected and he told me he produced music and to let him know if I ever wanted to work on a song. A month later we had a meeting…and three months after that I have my first song recorded…thanks to the producing and engineering genius of Deacon King.
Emily Hibard- I have to include Emily, though truthfully I haven’t had the pleasure of working as closely with her. I remember getting a ride with her to church once and getting a kick out of her vibrant and quirky personality. The reason I have to include her in this list of dream-launchers is she is the founder of Idle Tuesday’s recording studio. Although she had no previous experience in the music industry, God put it on her heart to found a recording studio where artists with big dreams and limited funds could record positive music free of charge. Although God has supplied me with provision in miraculous ways, it has still been a struggle to balance things like life and debt while faithfully investing in my music. Emily’s obedience to the vision God put in her heart has enabled me to do the same. I cannot thank her enough for taking on that huge project. Monday I was standing in a beautiful studio singing. Singing a song I wrote. RECORDING a song I wrote! And that wouldn’t have been possible without her. I’m forever indebted to her, and eager to get to know her more as this exciting journey continues! THANK YOU EMILY!!!
