ICONIC JAN 2015 | Page 19

Chris Brown. “My purpose in recording Lose Myself is primarily to reach my generation with the good news of the Gospel of Christ,” says Triplett. “It’s easy in the music industry for well intentioned gospel performers to get sidetracked with the business and branding side of things, but I view what I do as a ministry and always strive to stay grounded in that.” “I aim to make music that both believers and non-believers can relate to and be inspired by,” he adds. “I don’t just want tight beats and dope sounds. It’s very important to me that the message is strong and clear. Above all else, I want to make sure that God is exalted. The album title accurately describes my posture toward God. I am at a point in my life where my career aspirations aren’t as important to me anymore. I had to go through a process of being humbled, and I have come to this conclusion: It’s not about me. God knows what’s best for my life, and every song on the album ties in with this recurring theme of reconciliation to God.” Oklahoma City, Atlanta and Chattanooga. After a short time away from music making, Triplett waited for God to open his next major opportunity – which came in the form of a headlining gig at a community wide Youth Explosion event, sponsored by a local church. Reflecting on the musical journey that has led The overwhelming audience response to the creation of Lose Myself, Triplett – who renewed his desire to begin recording and began singing at age five in front of a church performing as a solo artist, and ever since congregation, and later played piano – says, “With he has balanced various day jobs with my father, a pastor, and my mother, a singer and the hard work it takes to make a stellar pianist, I grew up singing in church. We would independent album. all travel to various churches all across eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. My father “It has taken me a long time to fully would often have me sing before he delivered his understand my purpose on this earth,” sermon.” While his parents supported his musical Triplett says, “but I know it now and I am dreams, Triplett had to go behind his mother’s staying true to that purpose. God has back to listen to the secular music of the day really been faithful to me throughout the by pop/soul greats like Michael Jackson, Stevie journey and I feel that my dream is finally Wonder and Earth, Wind & Fire. coming to fruition with the right people, in the right way at the perfect time. Being After graduating from University of Arkansas at able to work in the studio with Grammy Little Rock-Ft. Smith campus with a B.A. in Liberal nominated talents like Delisha Thomas Arts and a minor in music, Triplett moved to and Mike Winans makes me realize that Arlington, Texas, where he entered an Unsigned no matter what happens from this point, Singer’s Promo hosted by contemporary gospel I am already living my dream. I’m learning great Kirk Franklin, Fo Yo Soul Productions, and so much about music, about life and Heaven 97 KHVN. As one of the winners, he especially about God every single day.” received $1,000 and was invited back to the final round where he sang for Franklin. Returning after For more information about Triplett, check a year and a half to Ft. Smith, he teamed up with out http://kendalltriplett.com/ a local producer to record “My Everything,” which he sold at his church and various community events. Building on its award winning success, he later recorded more original material and released his debut EP. In their four star review, Christianity Today called him “one of today’s best voices in urban pop.” Triplett was featured in Christian Single magazine from LifeWay and appeared on Trinity Broadcasting Network’s “Praise the Lord” in