Gospel Artist Carmen Calhoun Returns With New Project “Life”

Washington, D.C. – Award-winning independent Christian singer and White Chocolate Records recording artist Carmen Calhoun received national attention for her 2004 debut project Broken & Blessed.  Songs off the release won the 2004 ISC Songwriters Competition, the 2005 Unisong Songwriters Competition, the 2006 John Lennon Songwriters Competition and the 2007 Songwriters Competition.  In addition, the title tune “Broken & Blessed” netted a top five finalist position for the VH1 Song of the Year Songwriter’s Competition.  Now on the heels of her songwriting successes, Carmen delivers her long-awaited brand new release entitled “Life.”

The title “Life” seems to fit the essence of this artist’s second effort perfectly.  Melding different sounds (including R&B, rock, hip hop, jazz and neo soul) and reflecting different life experiences, Calhoun becomes transparent with real issues and speaks of a God that can deliver from them all.  As principal songwriter on the collection, Calhoun takes on topics like relationships, regrets, and true love. 

Although many songs speak about life’s day-to-day challenges, Carmen sings to the glory of God from the CD’s opener “Give Thanks” to the praise team track “Over Me.”  But where this artist shines brightest is on ballads.  Her exceptional vocal talent and gift for interpretation take center stage on tracks like the memorable “You Take My Breath Away,” a song that Billboard Magazine gave an honorable mention to in their songwriting competition.  The neo-soul vibed “Dare 2 Be” empowers the listener to walk in their God-given destiny.  Listeners will love the pop-flavored dance track “No Limits” and the inspiring, funk-filled title tune, “Life,” winner of the 2007 John Lennon Songwriters Competition (for Session I).

For Calhoun, the creation of the project was a labor of love.  Years in the making, the new release was quite therapeutic and healing for the artist.  “I had to become transparent in ways I never had before,” says Carmen.  “The CD highlights real-life issues which can be quite sensitive ones and many of these issues have divided us.”  Although some of the topics may be divisive, Carmen wanted to make sure that the true message was driven home.  “God gave me these songs to bring healing without condemnation,” she says. “Life is very hard at times, but it's okay; it’s in the suffering that we grow. I want people to walk away from this ‘Life’ CD/DVD project feeling like they can overcome anything.”