Fresh melodies, impeccable harmonies and out-of-this-world vocals wowed the judges, and six millions viewers of NBC’s a cappella singing competition The Sing-Off. Since becoming the Season two winners, "Committed" has embarked on a whirlwind tour in anticipation of the release of their self-titled debut album due out August 30. With an eclectic mix, of jazz, gospel, blues and R&B, the group promises “there’s a little something for everybody,” featuring versions of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together," Maxwell's "Pretty Wings," a spirited rendition of "Down by the Riverside" and "Break Free," an original track co-written by Committed’s own Theron (“Therry”) Thomas. Although often compared to the likes of multi-platinum and award-winning gospel artists Take 6, the group combines their love of creativity, music and God creating a unique sound all of their own. Robbie Pressley, a member of the six men group, discusses Committed’s new found fame, the recording studio experience, and the challenge of keeping up with multiple time zones.
What has life been like since winning The Sing-Off last year?
Life has been really busy. We have been touring, recording and doing a lot of shows and meeting our supporters.
What has been the response from family and friends back home since your newfound fame?
Everyone is still in shock. They are always asking what it's like. The family misses you because you're on the road a lot. Everyone has been really supportive and excited about our "newfound fame."
Committed started from a cappella roots in 2003 in Florida and grew to a sextet at Oakwood College, in Huntsville, Alabama, alma mater of the world-renowned gospel artists Take 6. Could you tell us what was your first recording studio experience like?
Our first experience in the studio...we walked into the studio, we didn't even know how to begin. We knew the song and decided to just start with the bass. We were trying to manage how to put the emotion that we had on stage into the studio.
On last season's Sing-Off, the group showed extreme musical versatility, ranging from Michael Jackson's "Hold My Hand" to the Backstreet Boys and Maroon 5's "This Love". To what do you owe your ability to interpret and communicate such diverse musical genres?
We are open-minded musicians. We listen to all types of music. Because we listen to all types of music, the versatility seems to be second nature. With a little practice and hard work it's not too difficult.
You're scheduled to appear on BET's hit singing show Sunday Best, a talent competition for undiscovered Christian artists and also on Season 3 of The Sing-Off. What advice would you give to other undiscovered talent who are trying to take their music careers to another level?
My best advice is to stay focused, continue working really hard. One thing I have realized is that when you do something you love, and you truly love it, you will work nonstop and have sleepless nights. The more work you put in, the better you get. Your mindset determines how far you will go. A lot of people are scared or intimidated by being a superstar, but everyone who is up there is working just as hard or harder.
Stay hungry.
How did you become involved with The Sing-Off? What was the audition process like? Are there any funny or interesting stories?
We as a group performed as a tribute to Take 6, and they heard us. The following year, Tommy (Alain Gervais) attended a Take 6 workshop. One of the members, Dr. Cedric Dent, recommended trying out for the show called The Sing-Off. Tommy came to the rest of the group, and we submitted a video.
We auditioned without Geston Pierre (our bass), who was in grad school in Virginia at the time, and we still made it onto the show.
What has been the most challenging part of your musical experience so far?
We are in different time zones almost every day and sometimes we don't remember what day or time it is.
What do you hope audiences will come away with from listening to your first album?
I hope that they are inspired. We made an album that we consider to be "life" music. We are sure that people go through the exact same things that we go through. There are positive messages in our music, and we hope people go away with a smile and wanting to hear more, of course.
Could you tell us a little something about each member of the group….
Well, I am the perfectionist of the group. I am also the one who wants to be on the road all of the time.
Therry likes to work and then go home. He is less about the lifestyle of an entertainer and more about family and friends.
Tommy is the clown of group, he's always making every one laugh.
DJ (Dennis Baptiste, Jr.) is the most shy of the group, he won't really talk a lot until he gets to know you.
Maurice is probably the most outspoken individual in the group.
And Geston is the klutz. He's really clumsy and accident prone.
