SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS WEST OF GOLD CITY
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
AN INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS WEST OF GOLD CITY
It must be difficult to fill the position once occupied by such a legendary bass singer Tim Riley. But I must say that Chris West has done a marvelous job!! West has worked with the elder Riley to develop his bass voice and it definitely shows! When Riley came off the road last year, West stepped in to fill the bass position initially as a long term fill-in, but now has become the group's full time bass singer. I recently contacted Mr. West on Facebook for this interview and he gladly accepted.
So without further ado, here it is!
JUSTIN GILMORE: Hello Mr. West! So how did you get your start in Southern Gospel music?
CHRIS WEST: I got my start, in Southern Gospel, with a local group called the Melody Masters, when I was 17 years old.
J.G: Great! Who are your musical influences?
C.W: My musical influences are very wide. In SG, it was the Cathedrals and Gold City, but I love all kinds of music. I also was a huge fan of the Vocal Band of the late 80's/early 90's, with Michael English. Michael had a big impact on me musically. I love the group NewSong. I was also influenced by secular artists like Boyz II Men and a lot of other black groups. I love the way they sing harmony. It's different than we sing it.
J.G: Those are my favorites as well! I love the Gaither Vocal Band, the Cathedrals, and Gold City! Who is your favorite bass singer? Favorite singer in general?
C.W: I have 2 favorite bass singers George Younce. I saw the video, "Traveling Live," when I was 12 and told my dad, "That is what I'm gonna do when I grow up!" George was the greatest communicator I've ever seen. My other favorite is Tim. In my opinion, there has never been a better sounding low-note hitter, EVER. My favorite singer is my brother, Craig.
J.G: Awesome!! George Younce is one of the all time greats as is Mr. Riley! Speaking of bass singing, what is the lowest bass note you can hit?
C.W: I don't really know the lowest note I can hit.
J.G: Haha I'm sure it's really low! Who are your favorite groups? Past or present
C.W: Favorite group growing up was the Cathedrals. I became a fan of Gold City in my late teens. As far as groups today; I like BFA, Kingdom Heirs, Lefevres, Triumphant.
J.G: Great! How did you come in contact with Gold City?
C.W: I've known Danny and Tim for many years. When my brother and I had a group, we used to sing with Gold City quite often. Then about 7 years ago, Tim started working with me and getting me ready to do this with Gold City, when he decided to retire. Of course, this wasn't the way we planned for me to come on, but it's the way it worked out.
J.G: That's awesome! What has been the best part of traveling with Gold City?
C.W: The best part about traveling with GC or any group, are the people. There are no better fans in the world than SG fans!
J.G: What is your favorite song to sing?
C.W: My favorite song is It's Still the Cross. For me, it's the best song Gold City has ever recorded. The message will never get old. From now, till the Lord returns, it will ALWAYS be about the cross and the price he paid for my salvation.
J.G: Great! What is your favorite Scripture verse?
C.W: My favorite scripture is Psalms 91. The whole chapter.
J.G: Fantastic! What is something that people might not know about you?
C.W: I'm a HUGE Alabama football fan!!!
J.G: Cool! What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your years of singing Gospel music?
C.W: The most memorable experience I've had sing, has to be going to Brazil. I have never seen anything like that in my life. The age demographic was teens to 30's/early 40's. They love this music and have a passion for it. They couldn't speak English, but could sing every word to every song we sang.
J.G: That sounds incredible! Any advice for aspiring Gospel artists?
C.W: The advice I'd give to aspiring artists would be that if you feel like this is what you have been called to do, don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it! If I had listened to everyone who told me I wouldn't amount to anything in singing, I would've quit when I was 12. Those people just motivated me more and made me more determined that I was going to succeed. Also, if this is what you feel like God is calling you to do, do it 100%! God gave the best he had for you and I, so he deserves your best! If singing isn't something you are willing to give your all for him at, then find something that you will. You have to want to do this, like you want your next breath!!!
J.G: Great advice! What can fans expect from the group this year?
C.W: You never really know what to expect from GC. All I can say is you'll have to wait and see. Haha!!
J.G: Haha! That's true! God Bless! Thanks for your time!
For more on Chris and Gold City, visit their website: http://www.goldcityqt.com/