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Featured Artist: Carmen Calhoun
 Warm, humble, and genuine illustrates this beautifully talented songwriter/singer, Carmen Calhoun. Her melodic sounds of eclectic rhythms have bombarded the airwaves, attracting fans of Christian music to her passionate messages. This album is sure to make you smile, cry, and laugh as she enters into your heart with a personable touch. With a fusion of mixed harmonies, deriving from r&b, jazz, and whispers of reggae instrumentals, Calhoun has pushed the gospel envelope even further with her uplifting debut album, “Broken and Blessed…”
Carmen Calhoun is just one of the girls. She’s as real as you get, with the essence of sisterhood spilling from her aura. Her music exemplifies love and strength, addressing real life issues facing the world. This Washington, D.C. native holds special interest in her younger female audience, addressing topics such as abortion, abstinence, and self worth. “The church should be doing more for our younger generation. It is important that we relate to them,” explains Calhoun. Not only does this minister of 3 teenagers sing, but she also writes her own music, getting her influences from no one other than God Himself.
It was close to 6:00 p.m. on one of the hottest summer days of D.C. when I finally got a chance to meet up with the soulful songbird. Rushing through the busy streets of Washington, D.C. during rush hour, Calhoun sounded as though she was having a long day and the sweltering heat wasn’t allowing any relief, as she shouted, “It’s hot, girl!” when I asked her how her day was going. By her subtle humor and outgoing presence, I knew off the bat that I was getting to know a down to earth person that was going to be effortless to talk to.
Calhoun has been a fan of music most of her life and was able to strengthen her talents through performing at church as a young girl. She has since then branched out and developed a strong fan base with her uniqueness in music, which many refer to her as the “Tracy Chapman of Gospel.” Her hit single, “I Am With Thee” is on heavy demand by fans on XM Satellite Radio (Channel 33). She thanks co-writer, Matt Williams, for seeing her vision through the birth of this non-traditional ballad. Her inspiration for this song was watching a soldier on television cry, while defending his country. “The Lord was bringing different scriptures to my head. He brought me the melody and I went to sleep singing that song,” comments, Calhoun. With a wide range of instruments, including the acoustic guitar and saxophone, she credits music producers, Elwood Jones, Alan Blackman, and Bobby Bush for unveiling the authenticity of her lyrics.
Although, the entertainment industry can be hard on the ladies, Calhoun is not threatened by the gender differences. Breaking into the business as a new artist, is what Calhoun says challenges her the most. Through her music, she hopes to attract people from all walks of life to dance and celebrate in her worship with the Lord. Having traveled a rough path of her own, she remains grateful for her experiences and talents, which has molded her and given her an outlet to express her emotions; a way to communicate with the people she considers her brothers and sisters…her fans. She’s excited to know that gospel music is gaining popularity and attributes that to the overwhelming number of younger people joining churches. She hopes to hear the sound of gospel music cross genres and nationality barriers as it evolves. “I sing to all people,” reminds Calhoun.
There is no stopping her now! Calhoun is currently working on her second album and locking down tour dates, which are in the works for the New Year. She is on a music hiatus that is sure to bring relentless joy to many ears, as her career continues to soar. She is overjoyed to be able to live out her dream, keeping God at her core. Calhoun is thankful for her husband, Terrance Calhoun, which she proudly refers to as her best friend, and children, Tiffany, Aaron, and Dwight for supporting her throughout her music career. She is extremely appreciative of the staff at The Music Insider, who believed in her craft and has helped to get the recognition her works are deserving of.
Check Calhoun out at www.carmencalhoun.com to learn more about this rising artist, hear songs from her album, and to find out where she’ll be performing next! No doubt, Carmen Calhoun should be on your radar, as she is gospels best kept secret, gaining universal exposure throughout her journey.
-Kizzy
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