Tony’s pep talk

Even in brokenness, there’s beauty, lessons and hope, so embrace your scars and your broken parts, and never lose who you are – it’s those inspirational words that are front and center in Tony Lowe’s debut album, aptly titled “The Pep Talk”.

The Grand Bahamian singer’s debut seven-track inspirational CD is a musical conversation in which he hopes to inspire people to think of themselves as greater, better and worth it.

“You deserve happy experiences – and a chance to dream, to flourish and to smile,” said Lowe who dropped the album on his 34th birthday on July 13, prior to Grand Bahama’s two-week lockdown to try to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The Bahamas, as of Wednesday, July 29, had 484 confirmed COVID-19 cases – 243 of which are recorded on Grand Bahama.

Lowe said his inspirational CD comes from a Christian perspective, but he does not want it boxed in necessarily as a gospel album, as it is his intention to inspire.

“When troubles come, there is strength for the journey [and] strength is often borne of pain and hardship. Many times, while you are in the fight, you feel alone – ‘The Pep Talk’ shares the message that you are not alone. Any time you need a word of encouragement, or just a moment to escape, I hope you find comfort in the words of these songs,” said Lowe.

“I want you to understand that the space you occupy is not only important, but necessary. There may be times you feel broken, uninspired…dejected. Sometimes, you might even feel unworthy of love, support and the life you want to have. Even in your brokenness there’s beauty, lessons…hope. Embrace your scars and your broken parts. Never lose who you are.”

“The Pep Talk” was a CD that was 10 years in the making. It’s a compilation of words in song format that Lowe said he has had to speak to himself as encouragement, especially after experiencing the devastating Hurricane Dorian.

The final product is a little more than an EP (extended play), but less than an LP (long play); but at seven songs, Lowe’s satisfied and proud of his accomplishment.

“The number seven is completion and it felt like the message I had for this project is done,” he said.

Even though the world is in the midst of a pandemic, Lowe said the time is right to release the project, especially after he found producer Ashanti “Qilla Fang” Carey at Sharp Toof Productions, who was able to visualize his concept.

He also credits Carey for naming the CD. “After he heard the songs, he said it sounded like a pep talk and it stuck.”

Lowe – who has been singing since the age of seven at Mary, Star of the Sea Academy, where he sang his first solo – said it was then that he came to the realization that he had a voice and could carry a tune. But he also had detractors and people telling him he did not sound good. The negative comments he heard did not boost his confidence and he found himself wavering about singing and quitting time and again over the years, through high school, because he would get discouraged.

“The Pep Talk”, he said, also speaks to the negative comments lobbed at him during those years.

“It’s about the journey of someone telling you your dream isn’t valid – and realizing you can’t run away from your passion. Even if other people don’t think so, you’re worth it and your life has value. Whatever you want to accomplish, you can. Every single song on it is the pep talk I have with myself,” he said. “The past may have shaped you, but don’t let the present break you because the future awaits you. ‘The Pep Talk’ prepares you for every tomorrow while encouraging you to believe in who you are today. The version of you that you see in the mirror is what you need to propel you to the next dimension of your life. Who you are is exactly what the world needs – you’re greater than you realize and your life is filled with purpose; it’s my hope that this music project is not just a collection of songs for you, but a key to help you unlock your potential and fully realize the greatness that exists within you.”

Lowe said it wasn’t until college that he actually found his voice and confidence in his ability and really stuck with singing, joining the concert and gospel choirs.

“I started recording myself and listening and analyzing whether I was good or not. I took the time, and trained my vocals by listening to others singing.”

Being secure in his vocal ability led to him forming a gospel band – Kingdom Seekers – and leading worship at Freedom International Ministries on Grand Bahama for a decade.

“In that time, I really developed my style,” said the baritone who likens his sound to a cross between John Legend, Evan Neville and Luther Vandross and who said he likes to be smooth, articulate and purposeful in his music. His vocals are inspirational but soothing.

The CD’s single, “Never Lose Who You Are”, is literally about his journey about being told he couldn’t sing, and running away from it.

The CD also includes tracks entitled “Just Hold On”, “Don’t Give up Now” (featuring DJ G-Yo), “Have Faith”, “Drop It Down”, “Great Today” and “Better”.

Lowe, who worked in sales, has been unemployed since Hurricane Dorian ravaged Grand Bahama in September 2019. He produced and released “The Pep Talk” out of his savings. Despite being unemployed, he said he felt he had to do it.

“Being able to touch people’s lives is powerful to me. I want people to get the message and be inspired by it,” he said.

“The Pep Talk” is available on all major digital streaming sites including iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify and Tidal.

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/07/30/tonys-pep-talk/