In a recent lingk2us interview contributor J. Ammier
chats with a legend (in the making) about his Grammy
and stellar nominated CD, his thoughts on the future of
Gospel music and what's playing in his I pod these days!
Could you share with our readers who have yet to
pick up a copy of the highly acclaimed “The Law Of
Confession, Part 1” what they can expect?
DL: This particular album is a teaching tool on the power of
words—and how they can be used to help or hurt us. It’s all
about guarding our words and only speaking those things
that are of good report. I try to let my music be like therapy
that can guide you through a transition in life.The “Law of
Confession” adds the law of physics to music. And Like the
law of gravity; ( in which what goes up comes down). The
“Law of confession” If applied, (by saying what God says
about your situation) can change the situation to work in
your favor; that’s what [this album] is all about.
To what do you attribute your phenomenal success?
DL: I can definitely say that God gifted me in some areas.
I’m a thinker, but don’t just rely on my talent to make things
happen. Along with talent, it also takes your left and right
brain to be very successful. And although I am an artist,
I can go through a contract with a lawyer “toe-to-toe” and
also understand radio, marketing, sales and timing. I think
those things attribute more to my success than anything.
On dreaming big despite humble beginnings...
DL: I’ve always dreamed much bigger than how I grew up.
The gift was just there, and when you have greatness before
you, you just dream big even if you’re in small surroundings.
I grew up with my aunt, who one night dream that I was going
to be an amazing song writer. I remember that so clearly.
And its funny, but every time I hear one of my songs on the
radio or hear people talk about a song that I’ve written, I’m
like wow! She was absolutely right! And now when I think
about of all those things I can’t say that I knew where it was
going to go, but I certainly knew that I was going to be bigger
than what I was.
What would be a dream collaboration?...
DL: I’m a big Tony Bennett and Rascal Flats fan. I love
different styles of music. One person I hate that I never got
to work with is Luther Vandross. I’m an avid fan because
of the way he arranges the background vocal and his ability
to really sing a song. To this day, I still go back and listen to
his vocal arrangements. I’d love a chance to work with Faith
or Mary J again. [Overall] I’ve really had a chance to work
with most of the people that I wanted to work with and have
enjoy working with great singers, specially when we get in
the studio and it just works for us.
How do you unwind?...
DL: I’m a big T.V. buff and love the old black and whites like
Andy Griffith. I now live in Chicago, so in the summer I’m up
at like 6:30 walking around the lake. I can do that for about
an hour and it just centers me. [I’ve just really learned how
to balance it out]. Also, I enjoy hanging out with friends and
people who are not wrapped up in this industry. We get
together, chill, talk and laugh. Those moments are great
for me.
A most unforgettable experience...
DL: [laughing] I’ve got multiples of those. One that I’m
definitely proud of is watching the Clark Sisters come away
with their long deserved Grammy. That was a milestone for
me. I know what it meant for them. [Beyond winning the
award, it kind of validated 30 years of hard work]. It was
very emotional and very much a “yes” moment.
Your thoughts on the new direction of Gospel...
DL: I think the face of Gospel Music, like everything
else, is going to be about the brand. On the business side
of it, the right people; plus the right brand—- creates great
business for all. On the lyrical end, it’s about not being
judgmentally. It’s about creating music that gives people
hope. Gospel music has always done that. We just want
to empower the people, and make them own up to who
God has created them to be.
What’s playing in your IPod right now?
DL: I’m listening to the new R. Kelly. He’s a genius song-
writer. The song titled “Religious” is the best example
of a spiritual love song that I’ve ever heard. He’s a
brilliant songwriter.
What’s next, for Donald Lawrence?
DL: I’m really a fashion guy and would love to do a
fragrance or an active wear line. Something very positive.
Anything along the lines of doing things in a great way.
LNK2US: With the influx of rappers and R&B singers
launching fragrances and clothing lines, it would be
refreshing to see a contribution from a Man of God.
DL: I think so too. We’re in a time where it’s all about the
brand and people aren’t as nervous about being connected
to the Faith-based community. It’s just the person who’s
at the center of it all [that makes the difference]. These
days, you have to be purer with your audience, while at
the same time protecting the brand. It’s about being in
business while at the same time being spiritual. It’s fine
line and you have to find it.
J. AMMIER
