ChicagoGospel.com: Vashawn you’re known for writing hit songs for Bishop William Trotter and Sweet Holy Spirit such and my “It’s Only A Test,” “What’s to Come Is Better Than What’s Been,” and my personal favorite “My Worship Is For Real.” What is the difference between music you write for Sweet Holy Spirit and the music you wrote on your release “Believe In Your Dreams?”
Vashawn: The difference is that the music on my release “Believe In Your Dreams” is comes from my heart. It’s still words of encouragement and the things that have brought me over throughout the years.
ChicagoGospel.com: I’ve been a fan of yours for years since “So Satisfied!” How has your writing changed since that first release in 1997 till your new release “Believe In Your Dreams?”
Vashawn: Well, I was about 19 years old so my life experiences have changed. Now the music that I have God has really given me a pen and an ear to just to speak to the nation at this time with songs of encouragement to help with what we are going through at this time.
ChicagoGospel.com: I was at your release party and I heard you talking about your fashion sense. How important is your appearance to your ministry?
Vashawn: I believe it’s very important because you have to know how to dress and look wherever you go so you won’t offend people. A lot of times people don’t understand that your appearance is the first thing people see even before you open your mouth. I want to make sure that I’m not only hip and hop or whatever they call it. I like to be presentable in front of whatever audience I’m in front of so that I won’t turn them off from the beginning.
ChicagoGospel.com: At this years Chicago Gospel Music Festival features some of the fathers of Chicago gospel music such as Pastor Maceo Woods and Pastor Clay Evans. Being part of the new generation of Chicago gospel artists, how important do you think it is to carry on that tradition?
Vashawn: I feel it’s very important. Number one is to understand where we’ve come from. Pastor Clay Evans, Pastor Maceo Woods, and all the rest of the fathers have helped pave the way for what we do today. We’re in the new generation but it’s important that we still sing music that speaks of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ like they started years ago.
ChicagoGospel.com: Donald Lawrence wrote a song on your new release. What was it like working with him?
Vashawn: It was great. That is one of my gospel mentors and music mentor. He’s like a brother and friend in the industry. I can run anything by him and he is able to give me insight and wisdom. One thing I know is that whatever I don’t know I can ask for it.
ChicagoGospel.com: What is your favorite song from “Believe In Your Dreams?
Vashawn: My favorite song is “Lost In His Presence.”
ChicagoGospel.com: How has your relationship with Bishop Trotter affected your music?
Vashawn: It has affected it a 100%. That is my Dad, my bishop, and my pastor. He imparts the Word in me every Sunday. I think a lot of songs need to written and grounded in the Word in order to last. One of the things about this new generation of music is that a lot of the music is not lasting. I want to be one of the songwriters whose music lives longer than I do.
ChicagoGospel.com: What can we expect next from Vashawn Mitchell?
Vashawn: Bigger and better things. I am currently working on different projects actually I’m producing for others now which is something new for me but it’s great. I am also working on my next project putting songs together and asking God which way I should go. I believe that next year you can expect something great.
ChicagoGospel.com: Thanks for your time.
Vashawn: Thank you.
Carl B. PhillipsChicago Gospel.com