tobyMac
tobyMac Bio
TobyMac is more than just your run-of-the-mill triple threat.
On one hand he ranks among the most successful artists in Christian
music history in terms of radio success, sales power and critical
acclaim. On the other he is universally recognized as a creative
force, an artistic maverick and a prophetic voice for racial
reconciliation, social justice and a fierce devotion to faith
and family. On the third hand, he's the most humble and approachable
merchant of cool on the scene today. Yeah; that's three hands.
Some things defy common logic.
Obviously, when it comes time for a new TobyMac record to
drop there are a lot of people paying attention. His rampant
eclecticism and consistent excellence have set the bar very
high, and on his third solo outing, Portable Sounds, he does
not disappoint. An increased commitment to melody and soulful
singing abounds, while his now trademarked rock/funk/hip-hop
side hits deeper grooves and catchier hooks than ever before.
On February 20th, the man Christianity Today called "one
of the fifty most influential evangelical leaders in America"
sets a new standard with the release of Portable Sounds.
His solo career took off from the first notes, with two GOLD
albums, six Number One singles, two Grammy nominations and
widespread critical acclaim. But to hear TobyMac talk about
the passion and drive he has for this, his third solo outing,
it sounds like all that was just the wind-up, and Portable
Sounds is the pitch. The artist, producer, songwriter, industry
leader and father of five was not the slightest bit interested
in going through any motions. "Passion for my art drives
me so long as I feel the Most High breathing new songs through
me. I committed on this project that when writing and recording
I will never rely on what has worked in the past and never
fear what hasn't. The canvas is blank and the colors are endless."
As a result, a new lyrical flavor developed on a few of Portable's
tracks. "I wanted to write a few songs that were simply
prayers," he adds. "Over the years I have noticed
some consistency in what I appeal to God for, likeÉ
ÔHelp me remember what this is all aboutÉGod
I don't want to be that jaded man. I don't want to be that
hardened artist. I want to remain soft in your hands, so that
you can shape me into a vessel that you can breathe through.'
I've been in multiple bands and on the road for a while, playing
the same venues, visiting the same radio stations, working
with the same label. My fight is to remain fresh, unjaded,
where I'm not looking through hollow eyes, but I'm looking
at things like they're new again. I expected amazing things
while recording this record. I'm not talking about sales or
first week numbers or critics. I'm talking about people's
lives being touched by this music God is breathing through
me. The wonder of it all remains and at any moment I want
to be transported into uncharted recording waters not relying
on my own understanding. That is why I continue to be passionate.
I'm forever counting on what He'll do." Courtesy Forefront-EMI
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