Jocelyn AKA iNDIGO | The iNDI 1st Project….Breakthrough
Jocelyn AKA iNDIGO – The iNDI 1st Project…Breakthrough
Possessing the gift of music has its advantages for an aspiring or established artist; whether it is touching a music fan’s soul or encouraging someone through poignant lyrics. There is also the downside like the daily grind an artist experiences to keep their record deal and winning over a potential fan base. As a former member of R&B ladies vocal band 4BIDN, who opened for R&B heavyweights like Ashanti, there was a point where Jocelyn Saunders felt burned out after the band was terminated by their label. She was also tired of the politics behind the recording industry. After 4BIDN’s record deal faded, she continued as a solo artist working with urban stars like Kwame. At the same time, the Washington D.C. resident was trying to figure out her place in life’s big picture while attending college. Meanwhile, during the songwriting process in the post-4BIDN period, Jocelyn started to change gears with a more spiritual bent. This was even before she reaffirmed her commitment to the Christian faith; several years after drifting away from her roots as a teenager.
Jocelyn grew up in a predominantly Christian family and started singing in church at a very young age. Yet during her younger years, she knew what the purpose of church was, but as for her relationship with God, she explained to www.affrodite.net in a recent interview: “I believed in Him, but I didn’t believe Him until I got saved.” After Jocelyn accepted Christ into her life in 2006, she was more than content to just sing in her choir at About My Father’s Business Outreach Ministries and not pursue the gospel music solo ministry. Yet the more she was writing songs that hinted about faith and trust; i.e. “Talk To Me” – a song about empowerment, the more Jocelyn was gearing to write more music for God. Jocelyn was pricked further in her soul when her father became seriously ill in early 2007, and decided to add another ministry to her plate through a non-music based website.
www.JesusGroupie.com, which launched in August 2007, encourages young people with a hope beyond what is offered in this world, and can use their talents or business skills for the kingdom. The premise started when Jocelyn noticed a teen being called out by an adult during church service for an inappropriate message on their T-shirt. One of the website’s section, Saved & Fly, presents testimonials from people from all walks of life who turned their life over to God after struggling with conflicting issues or low self-esteem. There is also a small catalog for apparel and accessories that display the Saved & Fly moniker and other faith-based messages. This catalog just happens to include Jocelyn AKA iNDIGO’s debut gospel disc, The iNDI 1st Project…Breakthrough.
Whether it is urban pop, hip-hop, neo-soul, or praise and worship, Breakthrough is a winner on almost all levels, thanks to Jocelyn’s vocal range and lyrical integrity. From the twelve tracks, here are some highlights for the T.U.M.S. readers to scope out. The first single – “Search My Heart” – mixes a snappy production with hip-hop beats, sweet harmonies, and a message about focusing on our faith: “Anything that’s not like you, I’m asking you to take it away, I just want to do your will.” Jocelyn spices up a neo-soul type praise party called “Real,” an obvious statement about making the right decision to seal her relationship with God, “This Way,” peppered with old-school soul sensibility, is Jocelyn’s favorite song to perform in concert. The full gamut of musical emotions are on display; building from a mellow introduction into a funky mid-section; then finally rocking on all cylinders on the climax.
Whether it is urban pop, hip-hop, neo-soul, or praise and worship, Breakthrough is a winner on almost all levels, thanks to Jocelyn’s vocal range and lyrical integrity. From the twelve tracks, here are some highlights for the T.U.M.S. readers to scope out. The first single – “Search My Heart” – mixes a snappy production with hip-hop beats, sweet harmonies, and a message about focusing on our faith: “Anything that’s not like you, I’m asking you to take it away, I just want to do your will.” Jocelyn spices up a neo-soul type praise party called “Real,” an obvious statement about making the right decision to seal her relationship with God, “This Way,” peppered with old-school soul sensibility, is Jocelyn’s favorite song to perform in concert. The full gamut of musical emotions are on display; building from a mellow introduction into a funky mid-section; then finally rocking on all cylinders on the climax.
Even though Jocelyn can bring the power punches and the assertiveness, much of Breakthrough plays to her bigger strength – a calm soulful alto with a few power surges that speaks louder volumes that over the top finesse. “Calling For You,” an elegantly orchestrated R&B ballad, is a reminder that stubborn pride can trip us up: “You throw me a line because I’m drowning.” “Love Like This” is another ornate piece that thanks God for many chances when we rely on our own strength: “Even when I try to move away and do my own thing, His grace and mercy lets me come back around.”
When it comes to the contemporary praise and worship setting, Jocelyn is equally effective. It is indeed a special treat for her to utilize the Stellar Award winning praise and worship leader Isaiah D. Thomas’ talents as composer and producer for two tracks. The understated instrumentation on “Jehovah God” builds the focus on Jocelyn’s vocal style. Thomas’ choir Elements of Praise and the veteran Mo Horns then joins Jocelyn for the riveting worship gem, “Fresh Anointing.”
It is clear after hearing Breakthrough that Jocelyn is now more comfortable in her gospel music skin; a product of experiencing the wars of working in the music industry and building confidence in her faith. It is also clear to say with Breakthrough, which I highly recommend, that Jocelyn should secure a faithful radio audience and more opportunities to share her testimony to young people and all other age groups.
Peggy Oliver
Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene