After years of working in the background as a backup singer for John P. Kee and the New Life Community Choir, to becoming a founding member of trio, Men Of Standard, Greensboro, NC native Isaac Carree truly knows what it’s like to follow your dreams and make the impossible possible. Since that time, he’s gone on to tour as background singer and member of the nations Top Gospel Inspirational Artist, Kirk Franklin And The Family, but it doesn’t end there. Now he’s transitioned from background singer to opening act. After years of experience, for sure Carree can sing just about any style of music and be considered one of America’s top new Gospel Inspirational solo artists, but what sets him apart from other artists is his appearance on late night television’s “The Monique Show” on Black Entertainment Television, which has open doors like never before. This episode broke the ratings box because of the prize-winning moment where Monique and side kick Rodney Perry left the live audience speechless during the telecast. This prank got attention from around the world as host Monique did the unexpected “walk off”, which still has people talking.
Just days after this interview, I reached out to publicist Chidonna Kardar about the cancellation of "The Monique Show”, where she stated “yea we were very surprised as well that the show got canceled, but we’re just glad that Isaac got the opportunity to be part of the show”. Where Carree adds, “ It was an amazing experience, “ he says. “ There was not a lot of adlib, and I was confused about what happened. I was sitting there talking then all of a sudden Rodney and Monique got into it and she walks off. I was totally confused and didn’t no what to do. Then when she came back to the stage, I was relieved, but they totally got me. I love to play pranks on people and this time they really got me. I really got a kick out of it”. Later in the show, Carree performed single “In The Middle”, from his upcoming album “Uncommon Me”.
“Uncommon Me”, refers to people being common, “ continues Carree. “God gave me this title. People are complacent and many don’t want to change. Many artists like to copy what they see in society and I’m different. I look different, I act different, I’m just different and I can’t deny that. To enhance that, I don’t have a problem saying that I stand out. I want people to see that I’m a child of God and that Christ is in charge of my life. My sound is fresh and different and positive. People are always talking about the negative stuff, the bad things, but there’s nothing wrong in talking about the good things. I’m extremely proud of this album because it gives me an opportunity to talk about the good things, how unique we all are. When writing the songs, it was difficult to come up with them because I was looking for that uniqueness, in sound and style. God talk to me telling me that he was giving me something new, and different that people could relate to, but would be my own style and sound. I am so use to doing things my way, I had to get out side of me and let God take over, and that’s when we were able to create all this great music.”
In listening to current singles on the fourth coming album, you’re instantly welcomed with songs that convict, as well songs that will convince you to examine your inner self. Throughout, the project takes no prisoners as it’s filled with peaceful and encouraging thoughts. “Simply Redeemed”, (penned by Tommy Simms and Marc Harris), is a slow soothing rhythmic ballad, which gives Carree the ability to grab his audience and instill truth and understanding. There’s also “In The Middle”, which says, “I’m just like you, I’ve been hungry and had no food to eat”, I’ll praise you anyway- in the middle of it”. This single really gets the audience involved to help Carree get his point across. Other singles are “Navigation”, “Shout It Out”, and “We’re Not Ashamed”, which are for sure geared to elevate the overall style and sound of Carree. Other writers and musicians on the project include Warren “Baby Dub” Campbell, Gerald Haddon, Eric Dawkins, Antonio Dixon and more. “When people listen to this album, I want then to get on this journey with me”, states Carree. “ It’s filled with songs that I feel will minister to a lot of people. Again it was hard to make decisions about what’s included, but I feel that we have songs that will bless people and speak truth, while giving people something that they can be entertained by.”
Believe it or not, Carree never wanted to be out front. And he explains, “A lot of people think that me and the guys have broken up, but we are still together. We have no bad blood. There has never been any bad blood. Men Of Standard are still a group despite what people are saying. I’m one of those people who get along with everyone and don’t mind being in the background. It’s all about how you treat people in getting such opportunities, and I’ve always been one of those people who tried to do people right. This is also how I feed my family so I have a certain level of responsibility when it comes to them as well. I do feel pressured at times being now in the spotlight, out front by myself, having been in the back for so long, but God is good. I believe this is an area that he wanted me to grow in, so I’m here doing the work of the Lord. Wisdom keeps me going, being that I am now out front. Wisdom from all the different experiences that I’ve had has equipped me for the future. I realize what my calling is and God has prepared me to handle whatever comes my way.”
In closing, Carree talks about family and entertainment. “ I love my family because they have always been very supportive of everything that I do. As far as entertainment, you have to follow your heart, but foremost you have to do what Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”. That’s my advice to any young person who wish to pursue this industry. Carree is currently on tour with Kirk Franklin and The Family as an opening act. His album “Uncommon Me”, is in stores August 23rd, 2011. For more information on Isaac Carree, visit http://isaaccarree.com/
