In just four short years. Anointed has risen from virtual anonymity to one of Christian music's best known vocal groups. Since the release of their debut Myrrh recording THE CALL, this Columbus, Ohio, group -- comprised of siblings Steve Crawford and Da'dra Crawford Greathouse and their friend Denise "Nee-C" Walls has received acclaim in Christian and mainstream markets alike.
In 1996, Anointed was honored with four Gospel Music Association Dove Award nominations, ultimatelv taking home three Dove Awards for Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year, Urban Recorded Song of the Year and Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year. The mainstream music industry also put its stamp of approval on the fledgling group with a Stellar Award for Best Performance by a Group or Duo, Contemporary; a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album; and a Nashville Music Award nomination for Best Rhythm and Blues Album.
The Epic remix of their single "It's in God's Hands Now" made its way onto the Billboard urban charts, and the song's video appeared on BET and VH1. Although THE CALL is now approaching sales of a quarter million units, the group hardly has had time to enjoy their new-found success. Their recent tour schedule included Bryan Duncan's "Mercy" tour, Clay Crosse's "Time To Believe" tour and Epic Records' "Young Guns" promotional tour. Now, with the release of their sophomore Myrrh recording UNDER THE INFLUENCE. the next chapter in their musical career begins to unfold.
Powerful vocals and smooth, tight harmonies are what sets Anointed apart
from their peers. The energy of their explosive onstage performances is
clearly evident in their latest release UNDER THE INFLUENCE. The recording
displays a depth of maturity, both musically and spiritually, in beautifully
crafted songs that incorporate uplifting lyrics and energetic melodies.
The members of Anointed, in addition to being accomplished vocalists, are
songwriters as well, each contributing to their previous recordings. This
time, Nee-C rises to the occasion, cowriting the bulk of the songs that
appear on the record.
"This was definitely her round," Steve says. "You just write from your heart, and then wait to see what happens."
Da'dra chimes in with a laugh. "Yeah, they rejected half of my songs! But that's okay. The bottom line is, God, what do you want for this next record? You just trust that God is going to lead you through the whole process.
Many of the same songwriters who contributed to THE CALL also lent their talents to UNDER THE INFLUENCE, like David Mullen, Ty Lacy, Madeline Stone and Mark Heimermann. This time, renowned producer/songwriter/guitarist Tommy Sims joins the songwriting team as well, with Heimermann and Chris Harris returning as producers. The result is a unique collection of songs that combine elements of pop. R&B and gospel.
"When we were in the studio, we just tried to do the best that we could," Steve says. "We're never really satisfied, because we are perfectionists in a lot of ways."
"Chris and Mark were always trying to get us to do something different and unique," Da'dra says. They'd say to us, 'Try this. try this, it's going to be great!' And we're like, 'Oh. no, here we go again!' But it always ended up right."
The title track, also the album's first single. was written bv Heimermann, and sets the stage for the album's message of unity, faith and perseverance. The song also released as a for sale CD single. The title's clever play on words draws the listener into a magnetic tune that advocates God's love as an alternative to pleasures of the world:
"LOVE WITHOUT CONDITION
THIS IS MY ADDICTION
IT'S A NEED THAT ONLY GOD CAN FILL
ONCE I GOT TO TASTE IT
NOTHING COULD REPLACE IT
NOW I'VE LET IT OVERTAKE MY WILL
I ADMIT MY WEAKNESS
CRAVING IT'S SWEETNESS
I HAVE GIVIN' INTO ITS CONTROL
LOVE HAS GOT A HOLD ON ME AND WON'T LET GO."
Without a doubt. the group is united in a common goal to reach souls
for Christ. No matter what temptations may arise as they gain notoriety
in mainstream circles, they are serious about remaining true to that calling.
A solid friendship existed between the group back in Columbus, and their
move to Nashville, away from family and friends, has brought them even closer
and more focused on their mission. Now, with an exhausting tour schedule
and a life lived mostly out of a suitcase, they find many adjustments have
had to be made to keep their sanity intact. But no matter how hectic things
get, it seems when Da'dra. Steve and Nee-C are together, laughter comes
easily and often.
"Sometimes people ask us if we are just going crazy from all that is going on," Da'dra says. "They are surprised to find us laughing! We know that all things work together for the good, to them that love God and are called according to His purpose."
But even these warriors of faith need encouragement every now and then. They glean much encouragement from each other, and from their own songs, which are born of their own personal experiences. "Take Me Back" is Nee-C's recount of her struggle to follow God's plan for her life.
"There are times when I feel like I am straying away from God." Nee-C admits. "Just when I think I've matured, that I've reached the next level, it's like I'm back where I started. There was a time I really had a hard time finding what God wanted me to do. But I feel like now I am finallv following his plan. I am constantly striving to do better, to daily live for the Lord."
Da'dra agrees that staying on track spiritually is an ongoing process. "'Come Unto Me,' is another song Nee-C wrote that speaks to me," Da'dra says. "because sometimes I'm tired and I feel like I can't go on anymore'. Through this song. it's like I can hear God saying 'Come Unto Me.' I may not be able to physically sleep. but my spirit and my soul and my mind can rest while I'm doing what I need to do.
"Get Ready" is another song that is really blatant," Da'dra continues. "It is really straightforward! It's like. 'Get ready. the Lord is comin' and that is it. It gets straight to the point. It's also the shortest song we have ever recorded. It's under three minutes."
Rarely does a group emerge so quickly among its peers with such talent, sincerity and dedication. But to Anointed, the accolades in both the Christian and mainstream industries are only a shadow of the real work that is being done, night after night, in cities across the country. In fact, they were sincerely surprised when the nominations started to come in.
"It's great when we are recognized by the industry." Steve says. "but the real reward is seeing lives changed. When we see the children and the families out on the road, that's when we realize that what we are doing matters. That's when we see we are making an impact."
Waiting In The Wings
Adore You
Get Ready (It Could Be Tonight)
Take Me Back
Walking in the Light
Do
Answer to My Prayer
Us
Come Unto Me
Publicity
Lanie Rockafellow 615-385-9673 x3196
Radio
Jeff Brown 615-385-9673 x3214
Management
Forte Artist Management 615-370-9844
Booking
William Morris Agency 615-963-3000
