Dream In Soul – Creativity for the Kingdom:

Below Francesca Battistelli describes the story behind the song “Beautiful, Beautiful” from her album “My Paper Heart.”

“…it’s a song about second chances, and about the beauty of mercy and grace, and having another day to start over…” – Francesca Battistelli

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From “Alive In South Africa,” by Israel and New Breed

Pursuing A Life Mapped By the Maker

His music and ministry spans generations. From producer, to musician, speaker and host, Kirk Franklin’s ability to be both light-hearted with humor and raw with realness and honesty draws in people of all ages and backgrounds. Adding a new level of transparency and spiritual insight, Kirk Franklin launches his first book The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms on May 18. In the book he charts a guide of personable wisdom speaking on everything from faith and marriage to race and life in the black community. “The Blueprint” aims to inspire anyone to view and plan his or her life from an unearthly perspective.

Kirk Franklin spoke to Dream in Soul about the vision of the book, his ministry expanding into the Twitterverse, his definition of success, and creating a bridge between contemporary Christian and gospel music. Tune into the conversation below:

Dream in Soul: Hi, thank you so much for talking to me today, it’s such an honor. I wanted to start out by asking you what inspired you to write this book at this point in your life and what was your vision in writing it?

KF: The book came about because I’ve been doing a lot of public speaking, and speaking at colleges, churches, and conferences, and so people thought that it would be good that I did a book. So a couple of publishers became interested in the idea, and now here we are with “The Blueprint.”

DS: What was your vision, did you have a specific age group in mind when writing the book or is it for everyone?

KF: Not a particular age, I was just really trying to write a book that really could resonate with you whether you are young, old, single, married… I just wanted to talk about all of these different areas of life from a godly perspective, and so that was my attempt.

DS: Did the writing process bring out any new revelations in yourself and your own life?

KF: Well you know for me I was so busy trying to put it out that it’s been very interesting for me to go back and read the book, because after reading the book it’s like “Oh wow, that was good,” you know. It’s kind of hard to explain, you can be so consumed with putting out and just dumping everything that’s inside of you that a lot of it is not always resonating. It’s only when you finish it you’re looking back at it.

DS: Definitely, one of the chapters that spoke to me was Chapter 4 “What is Purpose.” One of the important points you made in the book is that what people do does not define who they are. Was there a point in your life where you realized that?

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Group 1 Crew’s Upcoming Album & Song “Breakdown”

Group 1 Crew has been talking about their upcoming album via Twitter (@group1crew) and Facebook for the past couple of weeks. They recently released a new upbeat single called “Breakdown” on iTunes, and predict the EP will be released June 1st. Be sure to check out the song, it has a really awesome sound, a mix of funk and rap. Click here to take a listen.

Auditions to Be Held for the Brooklyn Interdenominational Choir

The Brooklyn Interdenominational Choir to be created in June 2010, will be holding auditions for vocalists and musicians in the upcoming weeks. The ensemble is aimed at celebrating the diverse make-up of New York, and is co-founded by Pastor Frank Haye, Jr. Auditions to join the choir will be held on both Thursday, June 10 and Saturday, June 12. Thursday auditions will be held at Borough Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday auditions will be held at Elim International Temple in the Tabernacle, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., 20 Madison Avenue (between Classon and Franklin Avenues), Brooklyn, New York.

A special event announcing the formation of the choir, co-hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and City Council Member Letitia will take place at Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street (between Court and Adam Streets), Brooklyn, New York on Thursday, June 10 at 11:00 a.m. EST. In September 2010, The Brooklyn Interdenominational Choir will begin regular rehearsals twice a month for all choir members and musicians. For information on the auditions, please call 718-307-7808 or email at BICAuditions@aol.com.

Micah Stampley Joins Music World Entertainment

Gospel singer, songwriter, producer and Stellar Award nominee, Micah Stampley has joined the roster of Music World Entertainment’s faith-based label, Spirit Rising Music. The label, founded by Mathew Knowles, also includes artists like Trin-i-tee 5:7, Brian Courtney Wilson, and the most recent addition Dr. Juanita Bynum . Reflecting on the new direction for his ministry and music Micah says, “The unique partnership we’ve created is a pivotal step in my journey to leave a legacy for my children and spread my wings into my other artistic passions. My goal has always been to assist people in getting into a deeper intimacy and relationship with God.” For more info on Micah visit: www.myspace.com/micahkstampley

Behind the Music: Vicky Beeching On “Breath Of God”

Seeing the inspiration behind music is often so revealing of the heart and essence of an artist. Below artist Vicky Beeching talks about the story behind her song “Breath Of God,” from her recent album Eternity Invades from Integrity Music (available on iTunes and Amazon.com). Check out the video and her other recent “Song Story” video for her song “Break Our Hearts” on her blog.

Download 21:03’s Favor Remix

Gospel trio 21:03 recently released a free download, a hot remix of their song Favor that will be on their next album. All I Do Is Win (Favor Remix) features J Moss, Canton Jones, Chris Clark, and is an unofficial remix of the DJ Khaled hit “All I Do Is Win.” The new 21:03 album “Evolved” is scheduled to be in stores late summer. Listen to the Favor remix below and download it at: http://www.mediafire.com/?3ymyy54jt5y.

The Buzz Around the Web

Nashville Flood Relief Benefit Show Featuring Brandon Heath, Britt Nicole and TobyMac to Stream Online May 18 – CCM Magazine

Here’s a Recap of the Latest Episode of Sunday Best – Gospel Pundit

Recent & Upcoming Music Releases

The Generous Mr. Lovewell – MercyMe (May 4)

The Light Meets The Dark – Tenth Avenue North (May 11)

One and Only – Big Daddy Weave (May 14)

Songs of Emotional Healing – Cece Winans (May 18)

Nightlights – Jimmy Needham (May 18)

Farewell Show: Live in London – Delirious (May 18)

Woman After God’s Own Heart – Lynda Randle (May 18)

Happy Mother’s Day to every mother and maternal figure who has given love, nurture and sacrifice to bless others. Let’s remember to celebrate every woman in our lives who has influenced us greatly.

Here are some classics dedicated to all of the mothers: “I Remember Mama,” from Shirley Caesar and “A Song for Mama” from Boyz II Men ;). Have a blessed and beautiful day!