URBAN SPOTLIGHT: TYE TRIBBETT

Rather than rest on his list of laurels, which includes multiple Grammy nods, #1 singles and Billboard sellers, plus industry stirring performances with Faith Hill, Stevie Wonder and Elton John, Tye Tribbett continues to pave the way for Gospel music’s new generation with his latest solo release, Greater Than (Motown Gospel). Here the singer-songwriter-producer extraordinaire gives CCM a glimpse into the heart of his industry defining recording career.

Greater Than was recorded half in Miami, half in Los Angeles. How did that affect the creative process and the final sound?

Tye Tribbett: It gave Greater Than an extra edge because I had the advantage of choosing from two different energies—the West Coast flow and East Coast flow—for the final album cut. Both were amazing!

Greater Than covers a lot of musical ground. From Jeremy Camp’s “Overcome” to the black gospel lead single “Same God,”  how do you keep these song-by-song changes from being disjointed?

Tye: I feel like I understand both sides of the spectrum. I understand and love a CCM Jeremy Camp record as well as a gospel Donnie McClurkin record. Because I am influenced by both I try to marry them in my music.

This is your first record in recent memory without your backup crew “G.A.”  Did that change the way you approached the project, as well as the final product?

Tribbett: Yes. It changed how I approached the recording of the project and the final product. Different singers and band provided a different sound. The new members bring a new energy, anointing and sound which I love and am grateful to have on this project.
            

As a gospel artist, what do you feel is the main goal you want to achieve through your music?

Tribbett: To spread the message of hope and turn the hearts of those who hear it towards God.