His soulful vocals are going to bring a whole ‘nother meaning to Gospel music. It’s not just Gospel, his music has a twist of youth that everyone will be sure to long from the young to the wise. Tim Bowman, Jr. is no stranger to the music industry. He’s the son of the renowned jazz guitarist, Tim Bowman and the nephew of Vickie Winans. I know, I know, it seems like he has big shoes to fill, but, he’s not thinking about that this time around on his sophomore album that’s being released on Lifestyle Music Group (created by Rodney Jerkins). He’s focused on what he can bring to the table and he’s doing quite well. Read the interview below and get to know Mr. Tim Bowman, Jr. a little better.
Parlé Mag: Thank you so much for taking the time out to do this interview. How are you?
Tim Bowman, Jr.: Thank you for choosing us to be a part of the publication.
Parlé: I was actually listening to your song right before you called and it is a good, feel good song. I’m sure people are loving it. For those who don’t know; your father is jazz guitarist, Tim Bowman and your aunt is famous gospel singer, Vickie Winans. What was your experience like growing up in a musical family?
Tim Bowman, Jr.: That experience, to me was valuable because I got to see firsthand, in front of the scenes and behind the scenes what goes into not just being a recording artist, but working in the industry. A lot of people don’t know that what they see is only half of what goes into it. It’s a lot of work, a lot of prayer and a lot of dedication that goes into it. I learned so much from both of them and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Parlé: How early on did you know that you too wanted to make music your profession?
Tim Bowman, Jr.: I was an early singer. I started singing really young. I didn’t know I wanted to do it professionally until around 15 or 16 (years old) so that’s probably when it clicked. This is not only what I want to do, but it’s what I’m called to do.
Parlé: How did you get signed to Lifestyle Music Group (LMG)?
Tim Bowman, Jr.: I did my first CD independent and it went past our expectations. We had 2 songs debut in the Top Ten on Billboard and we had a top 15 radio hit. God really opened up a lot of stuff for me, so when I was getting ready to do my second CD, I was contemplating on whether I should release it independently again or go with a label. We put some fillers out. My qualifications of going with a label were that I have control and that certain things were met. I wasn’t sure if I was going to get it so we heard that Rodney was wanting to do an Inspirational label. We went out to LA, met, clicked and everything that I wanted to do, Rodney wanted to do. Our visions lined up. It was all about keeping God first, but at the same time, breaking the mold of traditional Christian and Gospel record labels. Rodney has been a phenomenal executive and it’s one of the best moves I’ve ever made as far as my career. He’s great because he’s a producer and a label head who kind of steps out of the way. He’s given me a lot of creative control.
Parlé: Let’s talk about your new single off of your sophomore album, “I’m Good.” Tell me a little about it?
Tim Bowman, Jr.: “I’m Good,” is just that song for me, where you wake up in the morning and you turn it on and it kind gets you pregame for the day. It’s just that song that tells you that you’re equipped and you’re good enough to go after everything that your hearts desire and everything that day may hold and no matter how crazy it is, no matter what comes your way. The song will remind people that we’re good because it’s God and we’re blessed. The lyrics from one of the hooks is, “What you gain from all your stress is the freedom to know that God has blessed.” We’re just proclaiming that we’re just good! The Bible just simply talks about how “greater he that lives in us than he that lives in the world.” That Scripture really has taken root in my life. I know because I serve a great God that I’m good. This song really speaks to me. We had an amazing writer, Javonté Green. He’s written for Mary J. Blige, Destiny’s Child, a bunch of people and he wrote the bare bones of it and we came in and just added a little personalized touch to it. I’m just excited.
Parlé: What can you tell us about your sophomore album?
Tim Bowman, Jr.: I’m so excited! We have a 2015 release date. I believe it is the 2nd or 3rd Tuesday in September. We got some crazy features. You can just imagine based on what we’ve done as far as the Gospel and what Rodney brings as far as the secular arena. If you follow my music [you know] I don’t like to get locked up into a specific genre so, you get the “I’m Good” kind of R&B feel, then we got some praise and worship, alternative, we got some Hip-Hop. We’re just all over the place. September 2015, you guys can look for it.
Parlé: What is your overall goal as an artist?
Tim Bowman, Jr.: My overall goal is, and I say it a lot, when you were young it was very shunned upon to listen to secular music. But, now we live in a time where our youth and our children are riding to Church on the way to Sunday morning service listening to Chris Brown and Beyoncé (laughs). I’m not going to tell people what TO and what NOT to listen to, but that’s just where we are. As Christian and Gospel artists, we have to stay relevant and competitive. That word may turn some people off, but if we are to win souls (one type of song) is not going to work. My music and my goal as an artist is to bridge that gap in between (secular and Gospel) and the youth and older people.
Parlé: Do you feel any pressure as an artist or feel that people are holding you under a certain expectation because of your family?
Tim Bowman, Jr.: You know what? I used to. When I did the first record, that was on me. (That I had huge shoes to fill). As you get older and start to mature, you start to find your own voice. I’m walking into my own voice and everybody in my family has different things to bring to the table.
Parlé: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Tim Bowman, Jr.: I want them to know; if you see me and follow me on Instagram, we have fun. I don’t look like the typical church kind, typical Inspirational artist, but I really want people to know that you don’t have to be wack or corny and can still live for Christ having fun. You can still have a good time. It’s not something like shackles and weight and you’re in jail. Life is about what you make it.
Parlé: How can you be reached via social media?
Tim Bowman, Jr.: Timbowmanjr.com; @timbowmanjr on Twitter; timbowmanjr on Instagram and Facebook is www. Facebook.com/officialtimbowmanjr. I respond back personally and it’s not a dummy account (smile).
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