Tell us about yourself and your music
When I was about ten years old, I wrote my first poem, entitled, The Bird and her Nest. This was inspired by seeing a wood dove, busily flying back and forth, from morning till evening, tirelessly working until the task was done. The poem achieved much academic acclaim, and some thirty years later when I decided to compile a book of poems, of sonnets and other forms of poetry, The Bird and her Nest, was included among them.
Later when I matriculated, having completed my University Entrance Requirements in London, England, I entered the Council of Legal Education, and was called to the Bar of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, after which I was admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor to the Caribbean Supreme Court. During my years of practice, I spent 5 years on the Bench as a Magistrate, and three and a half years as Her Majesty’s Attorney General, before returning to private practice.
However, my childhood fascination with the priesthood, and an irresistible call of God on my life compelled me to give up the practice of law, and enter a Seminary in Orlando, Florida, to pursue a degree in theology, obtaining the PH. D in Theology in the year 2000, and PH. D Religious Education 2004.
I was ordained as a Minister in the year 1998, and thereafter, I served as a Minister, preacher, teacher, and writer, and fulfilling my call in the service of God. In the year 2017, I was enthused by the idea of enlarging my poetic skills to the field of Gospel Music. What began as a small project, envisaging the writing of a dozen or so songs, expanded, and in the final analysis, I was inspired to write some 267 songs with melodies to boot.
Thereafter, I joined with my wife, Glynis M, and my brother, Joseph, Everton, (King Reality) Weekes, and so far, we have completed six CD’s, three of which have been released so far, the other three to be released later in the year, with a scheduled date for November. Our goal is to continue making and releasing CD’s until all 267 songs are in CD format, although I would eventually hope to have all the pieces presented in sheet music format.
Talk to us more about your latest release
The Book upon which the CD’s are based is Golden Nuggets of Sacred Songs and Solos
The First release Healing in His Wings was well-received by all who heard it.
Everything to me was released next and also well received. Both are doing well on Radio airplay.
Angels told the Story was very well received. It was our first Christmas CD
http://www.goldennuggetsbooksandmusic.com
What inspired you to write this release?
As stated above, the motivation is to provide the music to accompany the song lyrics of my book Golden Nuggets of Sacred Songs and Solos Second Edition.
Describe the writing and recording process
The musical arrangements are don at the studio of my brother Joseph Everton (King Reality) Weekes who is himself an accomplished writer/composer/musician and artist. After the initial tracks are laid and the mixing is completed, the wav files are mastered and prepared for distribution.
Any plans to hit the road?
We are planning the possibility of doing a mini Caribbean tour later in the year around Christmas time, and looking forward to a more extensive tour, possible to the Us toward the middle of next year.
As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?
We must admit we have a lot to learn about the branding and distribution of music in general and gospel music in particular. Bearing in mind that our goal is to advance the gospel of the Kingdom of God, our music is for us a mean rather than an end.
Who have you been listening to lately?
Mostly, Jango Radio, Spotify, ZJB Radio Montserrat
Who are your biggest influences?
Gospel Artists
Tell us about your passions
As specified elsewhere herein, the spreading of the Gospel to all nations to the glory of God. I do a daily broadcast called BRAGADAYJAH. It has been going none-stop for over 5 years, via www.gatewaytoheavenchurch.org. Also hoping that any spill off from my music will affect my other writings, especially, Understanding Forgiveness, Understanding the Doctrine of the Trinity, Understanding the Existence of God.
What else is happening next in your world?
Well, while doing all I can to promote my music within my means, I am looking forward to getting with my brother to make and complete another CD
Thanks for an awesome interview, Golden Nuggets Music
Connect with Golden Nuggets Music
Website: http://www.goldennuggetsbooksandmusic.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/weekesdrjohn
