In this episode, PJ Anderson, a talented musician based in Nashville, shares his unique approach to music and life. PJ emphasizes the importance of authenticity and personal connection in his music, highlighting his desire to create songs that carry deep meaning and can serve as prayers for those who listen. As a devout Catholic, his faith plays a central role in his music, and he hopes that through his songs, he can lead others to a closer relationship with Jesus. PJ's journey from writing melancholic love songs to composing music about everyday life and the love rooted in faith showcases his personal growth and commitment to spreading messages of hope, love, and faith.

Throughout the episode, PJ reflects on his musical career, the impact of his Catholic upbringing, and his mission to bring real-life faith to others, especially young people. He emphasizes the importance of fostering one's talents and using them to draw people closer to God, ultimately aiming to see his songs sung in church hymnals and projecting messages of faith, hope, and love to a broader audience. PJ's music is not just a performance; it's a means of sharing his deep-rooted faith and connecting with others on a spiritual level.

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:50 – Songwriting and Meaningful Lyrics
• 02:48 – Transition in Songwriting and Themes
• 05:59 – Growing Up in a Catholic Family
• 08:46 – Striving for Authenticity and Sharing Faith
• 12:38 – Mercy Album and Sharing Hope
• 16:54 – Youth and Community Involvement
• 20:59 – Inspiring Others

Songs:

• Savior of All
• Mercy, Mercy
• Sing Forever
• Your Grace is Amazing

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of PJ Anderson.

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PJ Anderson: https://pjandersonmusic.com/

Meet Ricky Vazquez, a talented recording artist and worship leader from Nashville, TN. Discover the soulful melodies and heartfelt worship of Ricky Vazquez, a recording artist and dedicated worship leader hailing from Puerto Rican heritage, now based in the musical hub of Nashville, TN. With a passion for spreading the message of faith and love through music, Ricky has spent the last 7 years leading bilingual worship at various events across the nation and around the globe. Ricky's musical journey is deeply personal, evident in his two chart-topping singer-songwriter albums, 'Ghost of You' and 'More Heart Than Sleeve,' both making waves in the top 10 on iTunes' singer-songwriter charts. His introspective lyrics and captivating tunes reflect his unwavering commitment to portraying life's beauty and spirituality, captivating audiences in both mainstream and Christian circles.

Not only is Ricky a talented artist, but he is also a proud member of the renowned worship collective, Village Lights, alongside fellow artists Ike Ndolo and Sarah Kroger. The collective's outstanding contributions recently earned them a nomination for a prestigious GMA Dove Award, and they are signed with Integrity Music, a testament to Ricky's immense musical talent and dedication to his craft.

In this special episode of Beats, immerse yourself in the inspiring world of Ricky Vazquez, as he shares his musical journey—a profound odyssey towards inner healing and spiritual growth. As advised by his spiritual director, Ricky channels his pain and vulnerability into worship, resulting in poignant lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners, offering a source of inspiration and faith to all who listen.

Episode Breakdown:

• 01:11 – Growing Up with Music
• 04:33 – The Mission is Greater
• 08:11 – Big Encounter with God
• 12:04 – The Music Process
• 15:41 – Reflecting God in Music
• 18:22 – Focusing on God before the Music
• 19:19 – Leading Worship
• 20:49 – Challenges of Being a Christian Musician
• 23:53 – Music that Impacts People

Songs:

• The Haunted 
• King of Salvation 
• House of Cards
• Fire and the Fountain 
• The Sweetest Sound

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Ricky Vazquez.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

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Ricky Vazquez: https://www.rickyvazquezmusic.com/

In this episode, we meet Fernando Torres, a singer-songwriter and worship leader of Dominican descent from New York. Fernando's journey into music and worship began during a charismatic retreat at the age of 13 when he felt a strong calling from God. Despite lacking musical talent initially, he was determined to pursue his newfound passion for leading worship. With the support of his friends, Fernando and his group, Agnus Dei, embarked on a mission to spread the gospel and faith through their music.

Agnus Dei embraces a diverse range of musical styles, including bachata, blending their beliefs with catchy beats to captivate a broader audience. Fernando's aspiration is to touch the hearts of many, bridging the gap between cultures and languages through bilingual worship. He believes that music serves as a powerful conduit to connect people with God and convey messages of faith and devotion, aiming to inspire and resonate with both English and Spanish-speaking communities.

Episode Breakdown:

• 01:09 – Culturally Diverse New York
• 03:07 – Fernando's Journey into Music
• 05:53 – "Agnus Dei"
• 10:00 – Their Most Popular Song "Bachata"
• 12:24 – Making Music with Strong Christian Messages
• 13:35 – Struggles and Importance of Art and Music in Worship
• 17:02 – Role as a Youth Minister
• 21:48 – The Band’s Mission

Songs:

• Bachata
• No One Like You

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Agnus Dei.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

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Michael Corsini is a multifaceted artist residing in northeast Pennsylvania; he shares his transformative journey of faith intertwined with his artistic endeavors. He vividly recounts his early experiences with religion, an initial detachment from faith due to family circumstances, and a subsequent encounter with a painting of the Blue Madonna that profoundly moved him. This encounter triggered a spiritual awakening, leading him towards a deeper connection with the Catholic Church, and inspiring him to create music and art that conveyed his profound conversion experience and struggles with addiction and relationships. Michael's story emphasizes how art can become a powerful conduit for spiritual exploration and expression, ultimately inspiring and touching the lives of others.

Through his narrative, Michael underscores the role of the Christian artist as an emissary of Beauty, aligning with the teachings of John Paul II. He envisions a future focused on utilizing art to heal and bring God's mercy to communities, establishing the Wellspring foundation for sacred art. Additionally, he aims to create a show involving puppets and farm life to encourage families to center their lives around faith and demonstrate the beauty of a faith-driven existence within the family and home. Michael's story serves as a testament to the potential of art as a means to share the Gospel, uplift souls, and promote a deeper connection with spirituality.

Episode Breakdown:

• 01:51 – Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
• 03:05 – Encounter with Art and Faith
• 05:38 – Music and Conversion Experience
• 07:34 – Artistic Pursuits and Challenges
• 10:28 – Healing Through Art and Music
• 14:45 – Being a Christian Artist
• 17:52 – Future Aspirations

Songs:

• Take Me Higher
• Waiting in the Womb

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Michael Corsini.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

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Michael Corsini: https://michaelcorsini.com/

This episode of Beats features Fr. Joseph Gill, a priest from the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut; we are introduced to the multifaceted role of music in his life and ministry. Fr. Gill's musical journey began at a young age, learning the piano from his father and even forming a band with friends during his youth. However, as he matured in his faith, he realized the transformative power of music in bringing people closer to Christ. 

He shares how his music evolved from shallow themes to deeply spiritual ones, dedicating his songwriting to the Lord. Fr. Gill emphasizes that the glory of his musical talent belongs to God, not himself, and highlights the importance of using one's gifts for the greater purpose of leading souls to the heart of God. The episode showcases his dedication to using music as a means of worship and evangelism, bringing the message of Christ to both Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Fr. Joseph Gill's story underscores the significance of music as a tool for spiritual expression and connection with God. It serves as a reminder that talent and gifts are meant to be used in service to a higher purpose, and the episode encourages viewers to reflect on how they can utilize their own talents to glorify God and lead others toward a deeper relationship with Him. 

Episode Breakdown:

02:30 - Fr. Gill's Musical Background

06:15 - Transition to Spiritual Songwriting

11:20 - The Power of Music in Ministry

16:45 - Struggles and Temptations

22:30 - Role of Music in Leading Souls to the Heart of God

Songs:

• Ballad of the Savior
• Sing Hallelujah 
• No Lasting City
• Treasures Untold
• Wood So Dear
• A Love Song
• Between Two Worlds
• More of You

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Fr. Joseph Gill.

Allie Crummy, a singer/songwriter hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, is deeply passionate about expressing her faith through her music. With a rich history of serving her local community through worship leadership for nearly two decades, her songwriting is characterized by its contemplative and scriptural depth. Allie's educational background in Music Education at Drake University cultivated her as a vocalist with a versatile style, blending elements of pop and soul, always infused with raw emotion. She is also a skilled pianist and guitarist, continually expanding her musical repertoire. 

The episode delves into a pivotal moment in Allie's life when she faced a near-death experience during the premature birth of her son in 2015. This life-altering event inspired her to write the song "I Have Peace," serving as a reminder of her faith and the peace she found in God during a time of uncertainty. The song's positive reception within her church community prompted Allie to embark on a musical journey, culminating in successful crowdfunding campaigns for an album and an EP.

Throughout the episode, Allie emphasizes the profound emotional impact of music and its ability to convey feelings and connect people, particularly in a faith context. Her goal is to inspire others to find solace, understanding, and a deeper connection with God through her songs. 

Episode Breakdown:

• 02:20 - Near-Death Experience and "I Have Peace"
• 08:45 - Crowdfunding and Musical Journey
• 14:30 - The Power of Music and Faith
• 18:55 - Sharing Art and Faith with the World

Songs:

• I Have Peace
• Balance
• Breathe

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Allie Crummy.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

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Allie Crummy: https://www.alliecrummy.com/

Joseph San Jose is a gifted musician, songwriter, and worship leader hailing from Vancouver, Canada. With a unique twist, Joseph's music has become a soothing lullaby for parents, helping them put their kids to sleep while nurturing his own family. What sets Joseph apart is his harmonious blend of music and mission, as he's not only a musician but also a dedicated missionary for Catholic Christianity.

Transporting us to a pivotal moment in 2009, Joseph recounts an experience that forever changed his perspective on music. A song by Matt Maher during Eucharistic adoration ignited a revelation within him - music could be a conduit for prayer, a channel to communicate and encounter God. This epiphany transformed his musical pursuit, imbuing his compositions with a sacred purpose that goes beyond impressing audiences. Joseph's journey began with his father's rock music influence and self-taught guitar skills, eventually merging with his newfound mission of using music to facilitate prayer.

Joseph's musical vocation is beautifully intertwined with his role as a husband and father. He vividly recalls a profound moment during World Youth Day in 2011, when a religious sister recognized his unique gift of guiding people to pray through music. Embracing the creative process, he draws inspiration from family life, integrating his role as a husband and father into his music. Joseph's ultimate aspiration is to lead listeners into encountering the divine through his compositions, allowing his melodies to become vehicles of prayerful transformation. As he continues his journey of faith and musical expression, Joseph exemplifies how music can elevate spirituality and connect individuals to a higher purpose.

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:30 – An Unique Approach
• 03:15 – Musician and a Missionary
• 05:30 – Powerful Experience during Eucharistic Adoration
• 08:00 – Musical Pursuits and Instruments
• 10:45 – Music's Role in Mission
• 13:30 – Songwriting and Inspirations
• 16:00 – Family and Vocation Impact
• 19:30 - Singing to Help People Pray

Songs:

• Nowhere Without You
• Quiet My Soul

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Joseph San Jose.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

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Joseph San Jose: https://www.josephsanjose.com

Brandon Morel, known as The Symbol, is a multi-faceted international artist, entrepreneur, and public figure committed to promoting love and positive change in culture. With a background as a teaching artist for over a decade, he employs Peace Education through theater, visual arts, and music, making his approach to teaching and serving dynamic and impactful. Previously, Brandon was involved in various youth ministry roles, he co-founded the AMDG movement and played a crucial role in launching the Mount Carmel Teen Project, a program aimed at preventing teen gang violence. 

Currently, Brandon serves as the Director of Youth Ministry at St. Michael/St. Malachy's Catholic Church in Brooklyn, NY, while also being a consecrated Layperson of the Institute Id. of Christ the Redeemer (Idente Missionaries). His work extends beyond borders, involving speaking engagements, performances, and educational initiatives both nationally and internationally, while also collaborating on films with a focus on faith and culture.

Brandon emphasizes that his music is more than just a form of entertainment; it is an extension of his prayer life and ministry. Growing up in the vibrant and diverse city of New York, Brandon's music reflects the energy and culture of the urban landscape. His lyrics showcase thoughtful wordplay and multiple layers of meaning, reflecting his introspective approach to faith and life. As an urban missionary, Brandon sees music as a powerful tool to connect with others, spread the message of his Catholic faith, and foster a deeper relationship with God, especially among the youth he ministers to.

Episode Breakdown:

• 02:01 - Music as an Extension of Prayer
• 03:05 - Influence of New York City
• 06:12 - Faith Journey
• 08:11 - Hip-Hop and American Culture
• 13:27 - Cultural Expression in Music
• 16:28 - Ministry and Music
• 19:12 - Living Witness
• 21:08 - Remaining True

Songs:

• Basilica
• Golden

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Brandon Morel.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

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Brandon Morel: http://www.bethesymbol.com/

Kyle Correya, a 19-year-old musician from Melbourne, is deeply passionate about music and has been for his entire life. He begins his day with prayer and listens to Christian music, drawing inspiration from artists such as Elevation Worship and Hillsong. Kyle's musical influences encompass both Christian and secular genres. As a singer and musician based in Melbourne, he specializes in playing the guitar and piano. Moreover, Kyle is well-versed in Christian and Catholic worship, making him capable of providing guidance on the music required for church celebrations and services. 

His musical journey started early, as he began playing the guitar at a young age and later explored other instruments like the keyboard, drums, and saxophone during high school. Kyle's involvement in singing and performing at church is influenced by his father's participation in praise and worship activities. Host Alyssa Agius interviews Kyle Correya in this episode of ‘Beats’.

Kyle shares his deep spiritual connection to singing, viewing it as a form of prayer that allows people to connect with God on a profound level. He recounts personal stories of how his music has impacted others, emphasizing the belief that music has the power to forge a strong connection with God. Kyle underlines the significance of praise and worship in his connection with Jesus, finding the act of kneeling in adoration and surrendering to God's love during worship the most fulfilling part of his faith journey. 

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:45 – A Lifelong Passion
• 02:10 - Musical Journey
• 04:15 - Connection to God through Music
• 06:25 - Recording Process
• 09:10 - Goals and Inspirations
• 11:00 - Power of Praise and Worship
• 12:45 - Songwriting Process
• 14:15 - Follow God's Footsteps 

Songs:

• I Stand in Awe
• We Fall Down
• East to West
• There is None Like You
• What He Deserve
• Won’t Stop Now

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Kyle Correya.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

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Kyle Correya: https://kylecorreyacom.wordpress.com/

Quinn (Q) Furnald is a dedicated Catholic Christian Musician from Califon, New Jersey, with a strong passion for service and ministry. From a young age, he has been actively involved in singing and performing with the Sing Alleluia Sing choir at his home parish in Long Valley, NJ. Q Furnald holds a Master of Arts in Music Composition with a secondary focus in Choral Conducting from Montclair State University, and a B.A. in Music with concentrations in Composition & Theory and Conducting from Lehigh University. 

He has participated in Catholic HEART Workcamp, traveling for service and assisting with music ministries at their summer camps. As a composer, Q Furnald has studied under esteemed mentors at Montclair State University and Lehigh University, refining his skills in choral and worship music. He is an accomplished contemporary worship artist, leading worship music as a solo artist and with worship teams at various retreats, service camps, conferences, and masses across the United States.

Q Furnald opens up about his personal journey and the deep bond between music and spirituality. He emphasizes the significance of authenticity and self-discovery within the realm of faith. Through his experiences, Q Furnald exemplifies the transformative power of music, highlighting its ability to forge a profound connection between individuals and God. By sharing his story and promoting authenticity, he inspires listeners to cultivate a deeper spiritual connection through music and embrace their innate identities as children of God.

Episode Breakdown:

• 01:28 – Understanding God's Calling and the Challenges
• 04:12 – An Invitation to Youth Ministry
• 11:22 – Importance of Authenticity
• 14:09 – Journey as a Missionary Disciple
• 16:45 – Transformative Power of Music

Songs:

• By Your Mercy Grace
• Thank You
• I'm Not Ashamed
• Ave Maria
• My Soul
• Tabernacle

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Q Furnald.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Q Furnald: https://qfurnald.wixsite.com/music