GREG O'QUIN & iPRAIZE
Greg O'Quin picks up right where he left off. We remember him showing us how to speak to the storm around us, and his new release will show us what is on the other side. He returns after eight years to let us know what life is and what life should be after the storm. Replete with messages of appreciation, praise, breakthrough and joy, After The Storm reflects the dawn of the clear new day.
"During the time between the last project and this release, God worked on me. In those years, He called me to preach and at first I ran from the call. But God stopped me and I was reminded that when I prayed and asked God for my 'gift' years ago, He gave it to me immediately so it was time for me to do what HE wanted me to do. I never stopped writing or being creative ... but I dedicated the time to doing Kingdom business – worked on the church and on me. I have a new glow because of the time I spent doing exactly what God asked me to do," O'Quin explained.
The new album, After The Storm, has the passion of 'old-school gospel' with the energy and
relevancy of 'new-school' R&B. Emotionally charged, the album offers 15 diverse tracks – from the brand new lead single "Lead Me Jesus," to the reggae bounce of "Pray," to the ingenious "Say A Little Prayer"; all perfectly-executed songs drawn from O'Quin's musicality and his innate ability to connect with people through simple and heartfelt lyrics.
"On this project, I was able to write deeper in context to offer what I call Reality Worship Gospel," said O'Quin. "This genre of gospel music reflects a worshiper that is going through a storm, yet determined to get a praise through in the midst of that storm. Their breakthrough is engineered and manifested by their worship. Now I know there are people out there who are saying 'God I love you right now and want to praise You – but I'm struggling, I'm having a hard day.' People need something more than traditional praise and worship to help them get through ... to help them figure it out."
An industry veteran, O'Quin had been making music and recording since 1992 and came to the attention of Ruben Rodriguez, CEO and founder, Pendulum Records last year. Rodriquez re-launched his groundbreaking label in 2007 with the gospel debut of Grammy Award star, Regina Belle. Proving his commitment to Gospel music, Rodriguez heard O'Quin's music and saw the potential in this outstanding release. "Greg is an exceptional artist/musician/producer and man of God. I'm excited to welcome him as a new member of the Pendulum Family," said Pendulum Records CEO & Founder Ruben Rodriguez. "We are off to a great start with 'Lead Me Jesus' which was #1 most added at Gospel Radio for multiple weeks and Top 20 in just three and a half weeks. All signs are pointing to 'Lead Me Jesus' being a top charting song. The soon to be released album After The Storm is an amazing body of work that glorifies and praises God and sheds light for which to see your storm through. The songs are compelling and real."
"I have been signed to major labels and have worked with incredible people. This partnership I have with Pendulum is the summit of my career," said O'Quin. "I love Ruben and his staff... and I regard him as a living legend. He is the perfect hybrid of old school and new school. Pendulum represents the way records use to be made and now the way records will be made. Much of the paradigm shifts I have made is due to the swing of 'tha pendulum."
O'Quin known best for the ubiquitous single "I Told The Storm" offers a sequel to that classic hit with the powerful new song "Survivor." Much like picking up after a season ending cliff-hanger, O'Quin opens "Survivor" with lyrics from the last line of "I Told The Storm" and continues the story of the person who went through a storm and is now on the other side of it. Using the original vocalist, P. Jacobs, O'Quin's lyrics and Jacobs' captivating vocals gives us another sweeping and passionate story of overcoming and making it through.
"I felt like I've survived a lot through my career and my personal life," said O'Quin. "Things that should have taken me out but I'm still here because of God. I wrote 'Survivor' to speak to everyone that has gone through their own trials and storms. To remind them that God is keeping you for something, He is preparing you to do something for Him."
"Lead Me Jesus" the smash first single is already a radio favorite. The single shot straight to the Top 20 and was the most-added song at Gospel radio in just three and a half weeks. A nod to a throwback sound, "Lead Me Jesus" is a down-home, gritty and bluesy track that captures your attention. Definitively Gospel, this song clearly hits home because it is the rallying call for all believers.
