20th May, 2012
7up w/ Jason Nelson
Jason Nelson, one of Gospel music’s new leading men who’s making his major-label debut via Verity Gospel Music Group is set to elevate contemporary urban praise and worship to new heights. The “Dominion” singer toured with Kirk Franklin last fall, and captured the hearts of many with his unique delivery and vocal stylings.
The Gospel Guru caught up with Jason Nelson to discuss his new Top 10 single “Shifting The Atmosphere,” inspiration for his new LP, and much more. Now sit back, relax, and get a bit of 7up with Pastor Jason Nelson, below.
- Describe Jason Nelson in three words. Husband. Father. Worshiper.
- What was your inspiration for your new project “Shifting The Atmosphere?” Inspiration for shifting— the whole project really came about…I was speaking with a very very prophetic friend of mine, and really in a season of prayer during that time to be quite honest, and was considering maybe doing a project. I really heard the Lord speak to me, and tell me in no uncertain-terms that It was time to record again, but this time think atmosphere. As a result of that I kinda start digging into the music side of it. Starting to write and see what was really in my heart to talk about; hooked up with my producer and together God allowed us to create what i think is a GREAT project.
- What was your most memorable experience in the making of “Shifting The Atmosphere?” I would say the actual recording process, like the day of the recording. I just have very vivid memories about that day, just the excitement of the moment…being able to share this new music with all these people. My church literally being filled to over capacity and really seeing the music impact people. Our church is kinda intimate, we seat about 600 or 700 people, so you can really feel the energy and the feel of the crowd; that was something amazing to experience. So the day of the recording was probably most memorable out of that whole process.
- How did your deal with Verity come about? I was actually singing at a service, and Stanley Brown who’s the head of A&R at Verity was in attendance at the service. He said when I got up to sing there was something unique about what I had to offer to the congregation, and he hit me on twitter and said we need to talk…I said ok. During our conversation he said he was currently working at Verity and he thought I would be a good fit for what they had to offer, and the rest is history. It’s very interesting because I was not looking for a deal, I was kinda happy being independent. But he really sold me on it to a point where I was like ok lets try it and see what happens, and I would say it’s been a success.
- With your brother, Jonathan Nelson being a successful and well established artist is their any pressure with your follow-up? Honestly, not really. Really there’s not a lot of pressure as it relates to our relationship and what he’s done. Mainly because we’re two different artists, I think. He does the group, I’m more of a solo kinda artist. His style was kinda birthed out of a Hawkins, Andrae Crouch, Clark Sister kinda field. Where as my style was kinda birthed out of Commissioned, The Winans, Dawkins & Dawkins…so even the way we sing and articulate music is completely different because of our choices as it relates to music/ Then, on top of that we’re such a family that we’re always about supporting each other. He wrote and helped me with my first project, and the the second. Then, played a big role in this project with vocal production and things like that because that’s his thing. In turn I worked with him on all of his projects, it’s a easy thing for us to get in line and support each other. When it’s his time we celebrate that, when it’s my time we celebrate that.
- Aside from being an artist, you’re a Pastor. Do you have a favorite role? My first assignment is Pastor; I’m very clear about that, there’s no ambiguity in my life regarding that. My first assignment is Pastor, and I embrace it whole heartedly. This is what I really believe, I believe I was born to Pastor. I think I’m a good singer, but I really believe I was born to Pastor. And I believe because of my obedience to that assignment, God has really favored me in the music world.
- With your single “Shifting The Atmosphere” currently climbing the charts, how do you define or determine succes? I would say being in a place where God is pleased with me, I think that’s really ultimately what success is. I’ve seen people make it to the top of the charts and not be happy. I’ve seen people sell a lot of record sand not be happy. Quite honestly, from a business perspective that has to happen. But that’s not what I would deem succes, I’d deem success as knowing in my heart of heart that God is saying that’s what I created you for…this is what you’re here for. When people are really genuinely changed, when they hear the music and go “that song saved my life.” That to me is success. With “I Shall Live” I can’t tell you how many times people came up to me and sent emails and basically saying “I thank God for that song, I was gonna commit suicide…but I heard your song.” That’s success to me!
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