As a result of a conversation had between GT's Records CEO, producer My Boyz Beatz and his Son Christopher, convinced his father that there was a band at church who he liked because he felt they were good and needed someone to help them produce there sound and release their music. Later on that month GT made contact and went to see them at a rehearsal session. After a conversation with his partners, who were sceptical, not because of the talent but due to the heavey recording costs associated with recording live bands and the very little possiblities to achieve download sales. Despite this GT liked the music and wanted to do something which spiritual, that spoke to youth and helped his son to help others.to this end the Birmingham based Gospel singers; The Projects were signed. They formed their ensemble 15 years ago. Consisting of 10 members The Projects name was derived from God. As God’s greatest project was creating man and in Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus gave everyone the great commission to make disciples of all nations, so every believer has been given that commission thus every believer has a project to do in the kingdom of God. The Projects aim is to primarily uplift those they come in contact with as well as to spread the word of God, through their music. The visionary of the group, Jonathan, states as he was growing up he recounts that he always admired the people in church, especially those who were musicians and a part of the praise and worship team. They had a talent that seemed to get the whole congregation into a place of worship. During this stage of life, God gave him the assignment to form a gospel band. The Projects members have become a special group of people who are dedicated to attending rehearsals and performing at a variety of events. Each performance is memorable and The Projects are now becoming increasingly popular with every appearance. Many members of the group can play numerous instruments and we’re self-taught from an early age. Jonathan can play the piano, keyboard and bass but has now taken on the role of lead vocalist. Having developed a passion for music early, he says “I would be lost without music! I need it to get away from life’s commotions. I can lock myself away and play the keyboard, it encourages me to know that there is a way out, it mends a broken heart, uplifts my spirit and encourages me to keep going”. Graham has been the bands drummer since the group started and has also been playing all over the UK since his youth, “Calvin Rodgers is a massive inspiration to me as a drummer, along with many others. I’ve been playing the drums since the age of 5 and everything I’ve learnt has come from above! Because of that, I’ve never been complacent with my drumming as there’s always more to learn when it comes to God”. Although his first instrument was the drums, Darren is the bassist of the group and has been a musician for his local church since pre-teens. His playing style has now even captured the eyes and ears of other artists and is now travelling the world in ministry. {Quote from Darren}. Stephen has been a part of the band since the beginning and is the keyboardist of the group. Being a part of a musical family, his passion for playing was inevitable. “Music saved my life; God gave this gift to me and I would not be here without it. It is inexplicable and yet fully understood. Imperfectly perfect. After 20 years of playing instruments, the journey for me continues to be a riveting challenge to overcome difficulties and reach milestones. Music is my first love and I wouldn’t trade her for anything!” The Projects have 6 vocalists, Jonathan, Reisz, Jacqui, Sian, Georgia and Chereena. Each vocalist has come from a different background of singing and now brings their own style to the group. Jonathan, Sian and Chereena have developed their voices singing in their local church assembly for many years. Chereena has matured with her talent and since being a part of The Projects, feels her confidence has grown. She says “Singing isn’t just about having a high pitched voice and pretty little runs but a ministry that captures the heart of God’s people”. Sian, being one of the first female members of The Projects, has been a part of the praise and worship team in her church and quickly learnt how to use her voice to encourage the congregation and set an atmosphere for worship. She says “Worship is a part of who I am. I wouldn’t be me if I couldn’t sing and dance. Who better to offer it up to than my biggest fan and cheerleader, God!” Georgia established her singing ability during college, while she studied; she took part in many theatrical shows then since being saved, used her voice to glorify God. “Being a singer and knowing how to sing is one thing but ministering and seeing the movement of God through you as a vessel, is something else! Singing for the Lord has changed my life. It has broken down strongholds, it has built me as a person, my ministry and my boldness to spread the love of Jesus. The bible says we are to sing unto the Lord with a voice of triumph so I am made to worship him and I shall in spirit and in truth!” Reisz was previously apart of two former RNB bands but since giving his life to God he now has more of an understanding of what his voice should be used for “The goal post of success has shifted. I used to sing in order to try and make it but now I sing because I have made it. My song is now a thank you instead of a please”. Jacqui used to sing in the church choir from age of 8 but dancing was her preference growing up. Only over the past 4 years has she started to train her voice and take her singing seriously, “I wasn’t the best singer but all it took was determination and confidence. Now I love to minister in song and encourage others to do the same” Although the dynamics of the band has changed over the years, they have grown up in close proximity with each other, developing and helping each other to be the great musicians and vocalist they are today. “One of our funniest memories is when we travelled to Wales to minister. It was snowing all day and we had to drive miles in a mini bus to perform. We never like to let people down so although the road was covered with snow we still went. When we got to Wales, there was one point when we were at the top of a hill, looking down on the winding roads. We all just looked at each other, laughed and prayed then carried on driving! The commentary on the bus was hilarious, we thought we were going to spin out on every corner but we made it in the end safe and sound. That trip was definitely one of many to remember!” Many of the most prominent artists that have influenced their ways of writing and performing are the likes of Fred Hammond, Anita Wilson, Mali Music, Keira ‘Kiki’ Sheard, Tamala Mann and Tye Tribbett to name a few. The Projects have now built up a catalogue of original songs and music material, which have been written from their own experiences in life. “Using your personal experiences to write your own material is the best way to get our message out there. We are real people, with real issues and real triumphs, so why not sing and perform from the heart?” “The first time we heard our song on London Premier Radio and New Style radio was surreal to listen to at first. I guess we are our own critics!” Having performed their songs all over the UK for many years The Projects have now established their unique sound and pride themselves on giving it their all when it comes to performing on stage. “One of our many goals is to release an album to get the message out there. It would be great to collaborate with other gospel artists aswell” An artist they would like to work with is Anita Wilson “she uses influences from the 70’s to the 90’s and fuses 3 decades of influential sounds to create a unique blend of inspirational Gospel music.” The Projects began thier collaboration with GT Records in August 2015 and are currently working hard on taking the next step with their music. Jonathan says, “The best advice that i have been given is, always follow your dream and find your passion. I’d like to thank everyone who has made it possible for us. We are where we are in our lives because of these people, our parents, our group members, our fans, the support and recognition from GT’s records but most of all God, without him we would have stopped a long time ago but we are still here and we believe he has a lot more in store for us”. A motto the group like to leave with people is “pursue your destiny, embrace your project”. The Projects & Grantley Haynes June 2016