Brandon Avery Smith Bringing You Kingdom Tones
Brandon Avery Smith is the creator of what he calls Kingdom Tones. Only 21 years old, Smith is a very confident up-and-coming musician who hopes that his music will impact the world for the better. He has opened for renowned gospel artists like Fred Hammond, Vicki Winans, Tina Campbell (from Mary Mary) and Michelle Williams, and was on the Jesus Rock tour with Tye Tribbett and 21:03. He has also worked with Deitrick Hadden and is a music chairman for Chicago Bold Right Life with Kierra Sheard. Smith says that he wants to be remembered as the man who kept moving forward and never went backwards—to be the man that allowed God to lead him on to better endings by following His destiny without stopping or getting discouraged with the power and the victory to move forward in Him. Here, Smith talks to GlossMagazineOnline (GMO) about his growing career.
GMO: When did you know you wanted to be a singer?
BAS: Around the age of 12 when I actually started to take singing seriously. I’m a former member of Joshua’s Troop based out of Chicago. Being apart of that community choir, getting to travel, and opening for Fred Hammond and other major artists was great. Traveling the country and being nominated for Stellar Awards really was time that God was trying to pull out more in me as an individual. Then eventually I did branch off from Joshua’s Troop and I started my own ministry. As I began to deepen my relationship with Christ and the word of God, my gift started to manifest at a very young age.
GMO: Who were your influences growing up?
BAS: I was extremely influenced by Kirk Franklin because he was doing the type of music that I thought stood out. I never really wanted to be a preacher-like singer even though I like that type of music also, but it wasn’t what God placed in me. I thought I wouldn’t be well-received because I was so different. Tye Tribbett was also another influential person. He went outside the church and brought people in. I believe God’s music doesn’t have just reach the saved individual but unsaved people from the street, which I believe that is what missionary and ministry music is about.
GMO: In what church did you grow up in Chicago?
BAS: I grew up in Liberty Baptist Church with Pastor Darrell Jackson. I did get a lot of experience and inspiration from there. I also visited my aunt’s church, Apostle Church of God. That was an amazing ministry as well. I really started developing my musical skills. I’ve always been into church but to actually sit there and be exposed to the music ministry, it helped bring out the artist in me, as well as the love for God and my love for music. I think that church is where I got the most musical exposure. I was part of an annual concert they did during Christmas. I had an opportunity to open up for Wynton Marsalis, a world renowned trumpet player, as well as Smokie Norful, at a very young age. I think those two places are where I gained most of my experience growing up.
GMO: What made you decide to record gospel music over secular music?
BAS: Honestly, it wasn’t a choice. It was more of an assignment from God. From the beginning, I wanted to do secular music because I understood that it would be a very lucrative opportunity to make a lot of money. I had the gift to sing and God blessed me with a look that was very marketable. But every time I made an attempt to do that, God was pulling me out of it because he was letting me know that he had something greater for me to do. He had a specific instruction and assignment for me, not just for myself but also for the kingdom. It wasn’t until I submitted to the will of God and understood that I’m not here for my own personal gain, but I’m here to deliver a specific message. I had to be mature and realize that God had something precise for me to do. That is what drew me to gospel music, and what’s so great about it is that I am not just releasing gospel music. I call the music I am releasing ‘Kingdom Tones’--music that is from the heart that reaches the throne of God.
I’m very influenced by a lot secular artists, from Brandy to Beyonce, people who everyone listens to. I admit thatI am not a gospel artist who does not listen to secular music, unlike many others claiming that they don’t because there is still a lot of great music out here. It’s not about what you listen to; it’s about what you gain from it and what you reciprocate into the industry. With the music I create, oftentimes people who listen to someone like Jay-Z come up to me and say, “They should play this at the club,” or “They should play this at parties because I can play this and not even know it’s about God until I hear the lyrics.” My music is inspirational music that everyone can relate to, even though I might not be up front with saying “God or Jesus.” I believe that’s what’s more important in order to reach the people of God. Even with the people who don’t really know God, it’s about being inviting. You have to grab them where they are and get them where they need to be.
GMO: What audience are you trying to reach in your music?
BAS: What’s interesting is that I believe my target audience is the nation; I don’t want to get into the habit [of thinking] that I have to reach one group of people. I believe God has given me so much that my messages can reach everyone. No good thing can he withheld from me, which means I have access to everything. I have songs that will reach different types of audiences and people. I believe people from another country can be touched by my music. After releasing my EP a week ago online, we got reports back that individuals in other countries were buying my music. That shows that the kingdom does not just focus on a specific group, it’s global. I want to minister to every generation and nation of people.
GMO: What are Kingdom Tones?
BAS: ‘Kingdom Tones’ is a way worshiping God. I don’t think music was made to not worship God. If God had a radio, it would be in all different languages and genres. I want my music to be played on God’s radio and to be able to reach the worlds. It’s from my heart and reaches the throne of God; he listens to it and it’s reaching the heart of His people.
GMO: What makes you different from other gospel musicians today?
BAS: I’m not afraid to show my imperfections. I think that’s the most real expression of an artist. There are a lot of gospel musicians who try to portray themselves as the perfect saint, as if they never sinned. It discourages people who are not saved and in the church because they feel they have to live up to those standards. God wants you to say yes and surrender wherever you are, and He will elevate you to where you need to be.
GMO: Who or what motivates you while you are in the studio recording or writing?
BAS: I am highly influenced by God. I like to write music that I can relate to. Most of my writings could be from conversations and personal experiences. I am blessed to say that I wrote every song on my album, and I have written for others as well. My music comes from the heart and what comes from the heart reaches the heart.
GMO: How do you think your music will help revive the gospel industry?
BAS: I hope God will use me as an instrument in His work as a vessel because I am willing to do so. I believe God will use me as long as I’m humble and know that the mission is far bigger than me. He’s showing me already that I’m doing so.
GMO: What music projects do you have available now and coming in the future?
BAS: People can find my music anywhere online in the world. Every music site, like Myspace and E-Music. My new EP will be released later this year. Also, people can follow me onTwitter at twitter.com/bsmithavery and Facebook also.
Ebony's Facts: Ebony is a new writer to GMO. She has been attending to Columbia College Chicago to pursue her career in journalism. She is a frequent blogger on various topics as relationships advice to entertainment news; you can view her blog at http://ebonysimone.blogspot.com and email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .