Multi-platinum recording artist and award-winning songwriter Dante Bowe has had a historic year, most recently highlighted by breaking the record for most simultaneous nominations in the Best Gospel Performance/Song category at the 64th GRAMMY Awards. His nominations include the solo singles “Voice of God” and “Joyful.” as well as a nod to songwriting on Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music’s “Wait On You.” Earlier this year, Dante released his sophomore album and debut on the label Bethel Music, circles. The incredibly personal album quickly shot to the top of the charts, debuting at No. 7 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. The first single, ‘happy‘, peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Song Sales and No. 3 on the Hot Gospel Songs, making it the highest solo chart position of his career. The follow-up single, ‘family tree‘, premiered on BET marking his first television debut. And next spring, Dante will join the four-time GRAMMY Award-winning duo for KING & COUNTRY on the road for the film “What Are We Waiting For? – The Tour.” In this TCB exclusive, Dante reflects on his historic year and shares his plans for 2022.
First of all, I want to congratulate you on your recent GRAMMY nominations! I don’t know if you remember, but when we spoke in April of this year, you said that you were most looking forward to being nominated for a GRAMMY this year. How did receiving those nominations affect you?
Thank you so much! I didn’t remember that! I think I was speaking in faith. I wasn’t really confident. It’s definitely something as a musician that you aspire to have one day, without knowing if it’s even possible. It’s just something you say and hope for. But being nominated feels surreal and shows me that my work doesn’t go unnoticed.
In other recent news, you’ll be joining KING & COUNTRY on their Spring 2022 tour. Can you tell us what stage of planning you’re in for those nights? Is there something on your heart yet for the theme or overarching message of your timeshare?
I’ll say we have a theme for the night. I’m gonna create this whole digital thing. I can’t go into too much detail, but I’m gonna talk about everything in my life, Maverick [City Music]Bethel [Music]to my relationship with my family and Jesus. It’s all going to be part of this show, an open view into my life.
In addition to your solo career, you also play an instrumental role with Maverick City Music, which also had a big year. Can you explain why this band is so important to you personally?
I started it with friends – Tony and JJ, Chandler, myself, Naomi and Brandon Lake. But it started with some friends from a pure place to write some songs. Our idea was going to be to present these songs to other artists because at the time we weren’t artists, officially. And then we ended up recording them ourselves. And that’s how Maverick City became Maverick City. So they mean a lot to me and they’re part of the family.
We’ve talked a lot about collaborations and working with other artists. Are there any artists you haven’t worked with yet that you’d like to write or record with?
Lauren Daigle – I’m going to work with her. She’s funny. And Kirk Franklin – I like it a lot. It’s dope. Those are two that I’m working on. And there’s one that’s coming out soon that I’m also really excited about.
With Christmas just around the corner, can you share one of your favorite traditions or what speaks to you about Christmas?
Right now in my house, there’s a tree. We have Christmas music playing, my girlfriend is here making breakfast. My friends are here wrestling. My nephew and sister are coming over. So all of these things are telling me that I’m not working anymore and I’m enjoying the holidays, which makes me feel festive.
Where do you draw inspiration from at the moment?
I always get inspiration from the people around me – my friends and their ideas. One of my best friends, Seth, is my photographer, and Graham also does photography for me. They were very instrumental in planning last season for the KING & COUNTRY show. I’m also planning some recordings soon. And we just dreamed with each other, rather than bringing in outside people.
Looking back on everything you accomplished in 2021, what surprised you the most?
I really don’t know. I think I expected it to happen because I’ve been so diligent. But I was surprised when K-LOVE called me to have me perform my song the year before it was even nominated. That was really cool. And I didn’t expect to make history with the GRAMMYs. And I didn’t expect to make history by being the first song on Gospel radio and CCM at the same time. I didn’t know those were even things I was working toward, or goals. So those were surprising!
What are you most looking forward to in 2022?
I’m mostly expecting a sold-out tour. We’re working on it and I’m very excited about it!
The post office Exclusive: Dante Bowe Reflects on Historic Year, Outlines 2022 Plans first appeared on TCB.
Author: Jessie Clarks
