Todd Dulaney’s Dulaneyland and Vive Music has partnered to create a campaign for emerging artist.  With their On Demand Production services they can provide song production, creative, marketing, distribution, and coaching for only $1500!!!  He posted on his instagram page:  Stop sitting on your ideas! Ready to have on demand production and music services even if you’re just getting started? @dulaneylandvivemusic was created to help YOU get your career started with the help of top industry professionals.”

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On top of this new venture, Todd released a brand new project “Anthems and Glory”  Check out his performance on GMA3.

ABOUT Todd Dulaney:

Todd Dulaney spent most of his life pursuing a baseball career, playing 5 years of professional baseball. Now, his joy comes from serving the Lord in any and every capacity of life. He is steadfast and sold out to God and his eyes are focused on ministry and fulfilling His purpose. Dulaney’s dream is to write music, which ministers to the heart of God and touches the heart of man. Not what’s hot, but what delivers, what heals, what restores, music that God inhabits.

Born December 20, 1983 in Maywood, IL, Dulaney grew up as a singer and an elite athlete. After graduating from high school in 2001, Dulaney was drafted from Community College in Mt. Carmel, IL, by the New York Mets to pursue a professional baseball career. While refining his athletic skills, Dulaney realized that there was a higher calling upon his life. He accepted an invitation to travel and perform background vocals for gospel artist and Grammy winner Smokie Norful.

One thing that Todd desires, is to keep the message of Christ on display more than the brand of the artist.  “Without the Christ of the Gospel, we don’t have Gospel/Christian music”.

Todd Dulaney is married to his lovely wife Kenyetta Stone-Dulaney and his greatest accomplishments are his four lovely children Todd Jr., Taylor, Tyler & Tenley. (See family update below where they announce their 5th baby on the way!)

Another season of American Idol is back! The first episode premieres this Sunday on Valentines Day. Among this year’s contestants is Jason Warrior, a golden talent from Chicago’s South side.

Warrior grew up in the Roseland community on the South Side of Chicago. He now spends his time giving back to the youth in the city where he serves as a teacher. In addition to teaching, Jason says that music has always been his calling.

“As with many singers, I grew up in the church, that’s where I was based out of, and even part of the group the Soul Children of Chicago,” Warrior said. “I kind of knew at a point, especially at 6 years old, I was just so involved, I just knew that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

Jason has competed on other TV talent shows, so this isn’t his first rodeo so to speak, but it is his first time making it to the iconic American Idol stage. He recently spoke to ABC7News where he admitted to being nervous this time around, but says the judges made him feel at ease.

“The moment those judges opened up their mouths and they began to speak to me, it’s as if everything that was bothering you every bit of nervousness just went away. We’re in a room together and we just want to hear you sing, come and share your gift with us. It felt so wonderful,” he said.

Warrior says it’s his goal to change the world through music. American Idol just might be the platform to help him continue to do that just!

If you’re new to Jason Warrior’s music, scroll down to catch a sample of his powerful voice!

Remember to tune in to ABC 7 this Sunday at 7pm CST to watch the season debut of American Idol. Then, of course…don’t forget to VOTE!

SAMPLE JASON WARRIOR’S MUSIC HERE:

Follow Jason on social media to keep up with his progress:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

We had a chance to catch up with the amazing gospel recording artist Keondra Lockett and ask her about her musical journey, her response to the pandemic and its affects on the industry and what’s coming up next in her career.

ARTSOUL: Keyondra, you are such a force to be reckoned with–a powerhouse vocalist, skillful writer and a positive role model for young girls of color! Was this always your dream? How did you get your start in the industry?

KEYONDRA: Thank you so much! Honestly, things just progressed into where they are now. My life really confirms the scripture that says “For I know the plans I have for you” says the LORD (Jeremiah 29:11). My start in music was with 2x Stellar Award Nominee and female gospel group, Zie’l.

ARTSOUL: Who have your influences been for songwriting and your singing style?

KEYONDRA: My top 5 vocal inspirations are: Karen Clark Sheard, Kim Burrell, Miley Cyrus, Brandy, and Billie Holiday. Everything I write is from my experiences so I’d like to say, I influence myself in songwriting.

ARTSOUL: Many young artists often struggle with deciding which genre of music to pursue. Did you experience this struggle or did you always know you wanted to be a gospel artist?

KEYONDRA: My mom wouldn’t go for me singing secular music lol. But the healthy alternative, to me anyways, was urban gospel music. It’s always been my favorite type of gospel music. But truly, I’ve only wanted to sing gospel music. I felt it was part of my purpose. That may be deep for some, but that’s real.

ARTSOUL: You released your amazing song “Trouble Won’t Last” right at the start of the pandemic. The lyrics and melodic production instantly bring the listener to a place of refreshing in the midst of such a scary time. What was your vision for this song? How has music helped you during the effects of COVID-19?

KEYONDRA: What’s crazy is that I wrote that song as a testimony of God healing me vocally, that was the vision. But of course, it speaks to all troubles. The music most definitely came at the right time. Happily and sadly, TWL has pushed and propelled me as an artist but it troubles me at times how my success in this moment feeds off the woes of this world issue. But I’m so grateful that it’s encouraging the body and touching so many lives. That’s what music should do, it’s really helped me during this time to be pointed to God. Gospel music that is.

ARTSOUL: Speaking of COVID-19, so many artists have been struggling to stay creative with so many live events canceled. What’s been some of your favorite ways to stay creative and in touch in community during nationwide shut-downs?

KEYONDRA: I’ve always been taught to have many irons on the fire. So where my creativity may not be as seen or felt musically right now, I have other things like being an entrepreneur that keep me busy. My company that I share with my sister and mom, Jolie Noire, is an elevated leisure wear line. It keeps me going none stop. Pre pandemic, I was working on my EP coming soon.

ARTSOUL: We continue to celebrate your amazing accomplishment of a toy doll deal with The Kenya Doll brand in 2016! In light of the crucial racial climate in America today, what have you been doing to reinforce that black girl empowerment we’ve come to expect from you? Have you found it challenging being a black woman in this industry? If so, what have you done to maintain a positive outlook?

KEYONDRA: My brand, Jolie Noire which means Pretty Black in French, is in existence to affirm and validate black girls and women. So yes, I’m certainly reinforcing black girl empowerment. Will never stop that. It can be very challenging but knowing of the customers love and support keeps us going. That work isn’t music related but it’s yet apart of who I am.

In music, we see many other races celebrated and lifted based on color alone, and given the opportunity to soar. It’s really interesting but, I see with consistency and drive and maybe taking a bit longer, that it’s not necessarily people that keep your boat going. It’s God through you. That’s my positive outlook.

ARTSOUL: There has been a very controversial discussion going on regarding “cancel culture.” As a public figure and believer, what are your thoughts on this strategy? Do you think there is an effective way to deal with injustices done and mistakes made by people in the public eye?

KEYONDRA: The cancel culture has a spirit of the “I AM God” complex resting heavily on it! “I said it, and I ain’t taking it back” -Nene Leaks Lol It’s so true though. For a human to feel they have that much power to end a person, suggests a lot about that individual. If you feel the need to not support a celebrity or public figure etc. based on something they’ve done, just don’t support them. But to round up all the troops, if you will, and destroy that person and no mercy be given, is just wrong. I believe in righteously judging a matter, but I also believe in giving a couple chances too. That’s what God does.

ARTSOUL: Looking ahead to your upcoming projects, what artists/producers are you looking forward to collaborating with one day? Is there a different style you’d ever consider trying if you have the opportunity to experiment?

KEYONDRA: I have had the opportunity to experiment with country sounds. I’ve been in talks with an amazing producer friend about doing a gospel country album. So, think my Billboard Top 15 single Try to the 10th power on an album. That’s my country music style. I’d love to collaborate with PJ Morton one day. His approach to music/songwriting is dope.

ARTSOUL: What can we expect to see/hear from you coming up?

KEYONDRA: I have an EP that I’m getting prepped and ready to release called Cornerstone and a collaboration with 112’s Q Parker set to release later this year. I’m excited for you guys to hear it!

Find out more about Keyondra Lockett and everything she’s creating at https://www.keyondralockett.com.