For more than 20 years, Isaac Carree has been singing alongside some of the biggest names in Gospel, from John P. Kee and New Life, to Kirk Franklin and of course his own group, Men of Standard. But these days, Isaac is experiencing a newness. He’s daring to be different and learning to embrace the person God has called him to be. We recently caught up with Isaac to learn more about this new journey and the debut of his solo project, Uncommon Me.
HWIH: How did you get your start in Gospel?
IC: I began singing with Pastor John P. Kee and The New Life Community Choir in 1990. Pastor Kee was (and is still) like a father figure to me. Singing and touring with him was quite an experience for me. It was fun meeting new people, travelling and seeing the world. From there, I went on to do some acting in a number of stage plays.
HWIH: What does the release of your new solo project mean for Men of Standard? Is the group still together?
IC: Yes, Men of Standard is still together. But after fourteen years together, Lowell [Pye], Brian [Pierce] and I decided that it was time for us to take a break. We all had the feeling that there were some things that God wanted to do with us individually. Brian is a pastor and has been focusing on his ministry and Lowell and I have been focusing on our solo projects.
HWIH: What was the process like for you in creating Uncommon Me?
IC: It has taken me two and a half years to complete this project. This has been quite a journey ─ mainly because I never had the desire to be a solo artist. I’ve always liked the security and comfort of singing with others. So, for a while, I fought against this project and the thought of branching out on my own. Finally, I got to the point where I surrendered to what He had for me to do. This process was like putting a mirror to my face. It allowed me to see myself for who I really was and what God created me to be. From there, He began dealing with me and my issues. I kept hearing Him say, ‘You’re too complacent. You’ve got to do something.’ And with that, I began confronting the insecurities I had about ministering alone and learned how to become more transparent with sharing my testimony. Now, I can honestly say that I want whatever He wants for me.
HWIH: What are you hoping to accomplish with this project?
IC: My goal with this project and in life is to be different. I don’t want to sound, dress, walk or look like anyone else. I just want to be the best Isaac Carree I can be. I’m inviting others to take the time and understand their journey to finding themselves ─to finding their own ‘uncommon me’. I hope this project and my testimony challenge listeners to embrace who God has made them.
HWIH: What will success look like?
IC: I want to reach the ‘un-churched’ with this album and if one person gets to know Jesus because of it then it was a success. This is not about money, record sales or awards. God has put something in my life and in my mouth that must be shared. I just want Uncommon Me to bless someone else.
Visit www.isaaccaree.com for more information on Isaac Carree!
Until Next Time…go pick up your copy of “Uncommon Me”!!!
-TL
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