Craig Dion New Movement
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States | SELF
Music
Press
This is an exciting season for contemporary gospel music. Ever since Kirk Franklin told the world that the church knew how to "Stomp" pioneers like Tonex and, more recently, Mali Music have been pushing back the boundaries to what people expect from black church music. Now this Minneapolis singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist brings something new and fresh to modern gospel and if he can overcome the inherent conservatism of black gospel radio and the inherent racism of white Christian radio we could soon see this hugely talented chap stepping forward to receive arms of Stellars and Doves. Craig has a wonderfully expressive singing style with his silkily soulful tones sometimes reminding this reviewer of Jon Gibson. Equally compelling is Craig's mastery of programming which means that whether he's singing a sweet, silky worship ballad or going for the funk groove the results are always compelling. Occasionally a soulful sax, a tasty rhythm guitar or a full on horn section add weight to the grooves, while there are some fine sistahs in earshot to bring new life to Paul Baloche's "Open The Eyes Of My Heart" (the only cover here). I particularly loved the single "This World" but wherever you listen you'll find great hooks, inventive R&B production and lyrics which are uncompromisingly Christocentric, new praise music indeed.
- Cross Rhythms
CRAIG DION NEW MOVEMENT
Craig Dion a native of Minneapolis MN. and has been playing drums for over 20 years. He has played for a band that lead him to a deal with Capitol Records, which sunk him into a life a artist dealing with the life of sex, drugs, and rock & roll. He made television appearances top 10 hits and fame. In 1993, Craig gave his life to the Lord and began his life in the Christian music realm. He began his career in the music ministry and has not looked back.
Craig Dion is an Indie artist (meaning not tied down to a major label), who is marketed by Katapult Entertainment (www.Katapultent.com), has graced me with his time to be interviewed regarding his music, goals, dreams, and love of the Lord’s work.
Please enjoy the following interview of Craig Dion -a Musical Servant of the Lord and a new friend.
Q: What is the origin of that name?
A: My name Craig Dion (first middle) New Movement God gave me that a few years ago when we getting ready to do our first praise set and the event planners were asking me “what is the name of the band”? God gave it to me at the last minute…New Movement from the scriptures Isaiah 65:17…2 Corinthians 5:17
Q: Who are your major influences?
A: James Brown, Sly& the Family Stone, ,Stevie Wonder, Charlie Wilson, John P. Kee, Earnest Phugh Chaka Khan, Jesse Johnson, Sue Ann Carwell, Sonny Thompson, Israel Houghton, Fred Hammond, J Moss Karen Clark -Sheard…The ONE who gave me the gift…
Q: How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
A: Todd (guitar) & Darron (bass) I’ve known for about 15 yrs Todd and I have praised &worshiped for years together…the rest of the guys through the music seen in town
Q: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
A: 21/2 years ago. The recording will come together as we start on the new CD as I pretty much did everything on the CD and had some of the guys come in and record
Q: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
A: No label (Indie) right now! ASCAP is that what you mean?
Q: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
A: We have performed a couple local events, and outside festivals. With the old version of the team, we had to take it back to the drawing board and regroup. I will (we will play anywhere were there dead, need it, want it where God sends us) go to all nations and preach the gospel to every tribe. No shows yet; we are in the process of finishing the CD and shooting a three song live praise & worship!
Q: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
A: A few off the CD Oh My Lord, Provider, The Light, Thank You, covers….How Great is Our God, No Weapon, Amazed, Pour Out Your Spirit, Reveal, and I Could Sing of Your Love (rock).
Q: Who writes your songs? What influences your song writing? Would you consider your songs based on certain scriptures when you write?
A: I wrote all of the songs on the CD except Provider… current events, life, the truth, personal…scripture referenced are all of the songs…
Q: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
A: Prayer…life.
Q: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
A: Rehearsal stars in a few weeks for the video shoot…and CD listening party. I do all the arrangements…the keyboard player (Fred Flowerday) does charts rhythm charts & horn…
Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
A: Patience (for me) in all my trials it says in the book of James. Realizing I am not in control…this food will not be served until it is done! If it is Gods, then it is done.
Q: What is your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
A: Win souls. We are not entertainers; we are life changers!
Q: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
A: Pray…seek ye first, what is your motive?
Q: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
A: Yes, start at one of these sites:
myspace.com/craigdionnewmovement
shoutlife.com/craigdionnewmovement,
website under construction is: www.craigdionnewmovement.com
CLICK LINK TO HEAR SAMPLE: craig-dion-new-movment-the-light
Q: Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge for offering financial, emotional, spiritual support?
A: Anyone who feels led to support us (gift), my wife & mother.. the strategically placed prayer warriors who are lifting me, my family &the ministry up…Zoë Lena (prayer warrior) and Katapult
Q: Any last words?
A: These are the last days…let us not wait until Jesus comes to get ready, let us already be ready! God Bless Craig D!
To book Craig Dion, please contact Katapult Entertainment at KatapultEnt@gmail.com
- CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES IN ACTION
Discography
This World...the lead single along with video off of the CD A New Perspective...A New Praise
craigdionnewmovement.com
facebook.com/craigdionnewmovement
myspace.com/craigdionnewmovement
shoutlife.com/craigdionnewmovement
reverbnation.com/craigdionnewmovement
Photos
Bio
Born and raised in Minneapolis, Craig Dion had an ear (the call) for music at a very young age. With only one R&B radio station in the Twin Cities (where you would have to adjust the radio to get good reception), Craig loved the sounds of James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, The Jackson 5, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Commodores, Billy Preston, and the Ohio Players, to name just a few. After the local radio station would sign off, he would listen to the pop stations and was drawn likewise to the sounds of The Carpenters, The Bee Gees, Journey, Bachman Turner Overdrive, and Dr. Hook. TV shows such as Midnight Special, Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert and American Bandstand were among his favorites. Craig begged his Dad to buy him his first drum set, with promises to keep up his chores and then practice drums. When the drums showed up, his chores became second. His experience of playing drums to the records of Billy Cobham, Herbie Hancock, Lenny White, Thelonious Monk and George Duke left Craig with a wide range of styles.
As Craig grew older he started playing locally in the Twin Cities, honed in on his vocal skills, and at the same time became a self taught mutli-instrumentalist. Word spread around town of this singing drummer which drew the attention of legendary guitarist Jesse Johnson who summoned Craig to join a few projects such as Tamara and the Seen and Jesse’s own tour. Out of that came a lasting friendship that is still treasured. From there Craig went on to tour with Pebbles (Sister Peri), wrote and produced for Sue Ann Carwell, and later joined the R&B band Kool Skool which was signed to Capitol Records and had two Top 20 hits. After that he went on to tour with national artists and the Twin Cities own Mint Condition.
The fame, drugs and loneliness hit him hard in the midst of it all. Eventually all of the “noise” and limelight went away and darkness fell on him. His old friend Ira Love Ferguson reached out to Craig and shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Craig received him into his life (Romans 10:9) from that day forward. It took him a while as Craig was being molded and made new as God had predestined him to be. (2nd Corinthians 5:17). God changed him and rearranged him. The birthing of Craig Dion New Movement was in him and was revealed to him even in his drug hazed, drunken crazed days. Craig was called and destined to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ which he now does in and through his music. His influences now are the Reverend Billy Graham, Bishop TD Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Jamal Bryant, R.A. Vernon and Dr. Michael Freeman.
New: Fresh, Recent, Bright
Movement: Strategic, Rhythmic, Organized
The vision of Craig Dion New Movement is to “Go into all The World and preach the Good News (The Gospel/Truth) to everyone”. The music is just the bait…The gift is to draw all men unto His goodness.
Ready for something NEW and BOLD? Craig Dion New Movement is a hip, funky, contemporary, Gospel, R&B, Rock, Praise & Worship kind of sound that will pull you into any kind of genre of music. “A New Perspective…A New Praise” which contains the cutting edge single “This World” will have you praising at another level. Other joints such as “Say Yeah” and “Thank You” show off the lively production which sets producer Craig Dion apart from any other. Finally, the Worship on “Provider” and “Let You Go” shows that not only can gospel music be “funky”, but Christ centered as it should be. You’ll be sure to say that you’ve NEVER heard anything like this….
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