jeremy wallace and elevated praise make their grand debut in the studio
Birmingham, AL- Melodic harmonies, a heavenly atmosphere, good food, and great fellowship was the height of the scene at AudioState 55 Recording Studios in Birmingham, AL. Up-and-coming gospel group Jeremy Wallace and Elevated Praise held their first listening party event in the heart of the city. The group set out on a journey almost four years ago, not knowing what their actual destination would be. However, this climactic event showed the world that the group can only expect more success in the coming future.
Elevated Praise began in June 2008, under the leadership of Jeremy Wallace. His main goal was to minister to people of all races and cultures about the greatness of God. Wallace has been in previous musical groups, but was led by God when Elevated Praise came to his mind. “After 6 months of avoiding and ignoring the unction to start my own music ministry, the weight of my heart to start it became unbearable. I had already been there and done the groups. But the Lord assured me it would be different this time around.” With the success of their first listening event, this time around is proving to be just more than Wallace or the group could ever dream.
Elevated Praise is composed of many talented vocalists along with Jeremy Wallace. Tenisha Grimmett, Jameson Evans, Darius Knight, LaTonya Evans, and Stephanie Lett make up the dynamic musical group. The group felt that this experience was a culmination of all their hard work over the last three years. “I felt it was a success. The crowd seemed to enjoy the music. It was evident that extensive preparation went into the vocals. The music was well thought out and creative,” said Elevated Praise member, Jameson Evans. The group still has a long journey to travel, but with God’s help they feel that they can accomplish any feat and this event was just a positive stepping stone along the way.
The highlight of the evening was perhaps the honest feedback of the visitors. Proficient musicians, friends, Elevated Praise members, and family lined the AudioState studio. Evaluation sheets were passed out to each individual with all of the potential songs on Elevated Praise’s debut CD. Wallace stated, “Seeing the reactions of the people from track to track was my favorite part of the event.” The feedback provided the group with musical and spiritual growth and the listening party was a success because of this aspect.
Singer, songwriter, and producer E. Tony Gaines; AudioState 55 Entertainment Company recording artists Denita Gibbs and Curtis Glenn, also from MTV’s Making the Band; and songwriter and producer Clinton Green attended the listening party to offer their expert advice on the album. However, the CD’s creative and unique musical tones stole the show.
Elevated Praise member Jameson Evans reflects back on the listening party as a valuable learning experience, as well as a social event. Although the listening party was undoubtedly to receive feedback on their project and for the group’s own personal and musical growth, it was also a positive, fun experience to lift up the name of God. Evans stated, “The listening party was well-rounded, organized, and fun. It had a balance of both social and business aspects.”
The up-and-coming musical group members say that they hope to touch lives with their music. The listening party was an opportunity for others to experience the unique sound of the group. Wallace believes Elevated Praise can impact the world through their music in a marvelous way. He states, “This group possesses a unique sound that I’ve never heard in gospel music. They are genuine and their music isn’t about competition or whose vibrato is the best. It’s about touching hearts and changing lives through the ministry of music.”
The group is also very active in the media circuit with their own personal advertising team and blog. Jeremy Wallace and Elevated Praise hope to musically and lyrically motivate the minds of many, while staying true to themselves, God, and their musical endowments. After the success of this listening event, the group’s expectations for the future are high. Their goal is to point people to Jesus Christ. The legacy and philosophy they want to leave their listeners with is: “Our Method is Music, Our Mission is Deliverance.”