Tony Cummings asked the questions. Byron Barrett answered them.

Byron Barrett

Tony: Our readers read a bit about you when we featured the Phat N Heavy project. You grew up on the New Testament Church Of God - hardly a hotbed of garage music fans! How have the folk at church taken to the album?

Byron: You may be surprised to hear the level of interest there has been in the album. I know that many of the youth in my local branches have been excited to get hold of what seems to be the only compilation of up-to-date garage music with Christian lyrics. The reception has been great, I'm glad to say.

Tony: I understand you currently teach music. Have any of the kids at school heard "Lift Him Up" yet?

Byron: Yes. My A-level music tech group got the chance to hear the tune and gave an interesting response: "Are you sure this is gospel?" They reminded me how many people are still unaware of the changes that have come about in the last couple of decades in gospel music. It became an opportunity, however, to share how gospel music was about the message, not the tune!

Tony: How did you meet up with the folk at Reyach Records?

Byron: My meeting with Reyach Records was just before the final tracklisting for Phat N Heavy. I recorded the garage remix of "Lift Him Up" a few weeks prior to our meeting. A friend of mine, DJ El Nino, introduced us and we shared views on the industry and visions for ministry. It's difficult to pin-point the time I submitted "Lift Him Up" to Reyach. They were into the track straight away. When we met face to face, they asked whether I would be interested in featuring on another song, written by The Phatness, aka Norman Sealy. I agreed, and our relationship has continued to grow since.

Tony: Any plans on doing a full album?

Byron: Definitely. Look out for it! I'm in the studio right now and there's a shaking going on! 2003 is a big year for gospel in the UK and I'm right in the midst of it. As I'm sure you can tell, I'm bubblin' over just thinkin' about what's going on in here! My album is due for release this April, God-willing. It's a brand new flava in your ear!

Tony: What would you like to be doing in five years' time?

Byron: In five years time? No limits! I'm confident, yes, because I know who's behind this thing. The One true God. The anointing on my ministry and career is strong and a new thing is happening. In five years, my music will be distributed internationally, secular media (TV, satellite, magazines, internet, etc) - won't know what hit them: Immoral, violent, seductive music will have something formidable to compete with. Fresh, compelling music with the all-important WORD will do what is done in the States for so long, show itself strong! My aim in five years is help push the UK gospel music industry up to where it should be, the main music stage.