Name: Chris Carder

I'm the band: I sing and play acoustic guitars, harmonica

Instrument: 1999 Taylor 714 CE

I usually play through a Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner and a SIB Fat Drive pre-amp.

Testimony: Just out of high school, I got involved in a youth group at the First Baptist Church in Smyrna, Georgia. I saw a group of kids there that loved God and really lived it out by loving one another. Their example spoke volumes to me and in the Spring I gave my life to Jesus. I have moved away from the Smyrna area, to Louisville, Kentucky, but still have great memories of those special days…while at the same time remembering that the best days lie ahead for those who trust Christ’s finished work on the cross. As I peer in the rear view mirror of my life, I can see many key times when God was sowing His Truth in me. I always believed the Christmas Story of the birth of the Savior. I never doubted the truth of a Risen Savior as the Easter story unfolded. But it was not until that February Wednesday night, after seeing a glimpse of Jesus' love through the Smyrna youth, that everything seemed to make sense and I realized I had to make a commitment with all of ‘me’ publicly and unashamedly, as Jesus did for me.

When I am home: I am surrounded by beautiful women, starting with my wonderful wife, Leslie. We have been married 8 awesome years and been blessed with two girls. Elena is two years old, has a sweet heart although she can be tough as nails. Keely was born on March 27 this year and is the happiest baby I have ever seen or been around. We live in a couple of doors down from Leslie’s school, Fern Creek High.

Musical Influences: Third Day, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Bill Mallonee and the Vigilantes of Love, John Cougar Mellencamp, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sting, Michael Jackson, James Taylor, Russ Taff, Johnny Cash, Dan Fogelberg, Eagles, Keith Green, and many more.

Currently Reading: Been investigating again the stories of King David in I and II Samuel, Old Testament,of The Holy Bible. Also, Steve Turner’s Authorized Biography called ‘The Man Called Cash: The Love Life and Faith of an American Legend’.

Passions: Jesus – The One and Only. There is none who compares to Him. My Family. I love leading worship at Missionary Conferences, whether it is Indonesia, South America, Africa….I will go anywhere God provides to encourage those who are on the front lines. Getting my new songs to the masses.

Putting in my ear: Third Day: Wherever You Are, Switchfoot: Nothing is Sound, Aaron Shust: Anything Worth Saying, Passion: Everything Glorious, The Phil Wing Band: True Light.

Putting in my eyes: Jeopardy, Waiting for the next season of ‘Lost’, Treasure Hunter’s, Andy Griffith, The Walton’s…yeah, I love the Grandpa and the Dad.

Favorite Movies: Braveheart, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Patriot, Gladiator, October Sky.

Favorite Movie Quote: Uncle Buck to his 5 year old niece’s Vice Principle: “Here's a quarter. Go downtown, and have a rat gnaw that thing off your face! Good day to you, madam.”

•  friend and fan ... still...
•  Always good
•  better days - oh yeah!
•  feel good pop/rock
•  AWESOME!

If you have been waiting for a sound that is innovative and eclectic (it’s soulful… it's jazzy...it's bluesy...it’s funky…), yet savvy enough to ride the waves of popular radio, look no further. This is a dynamic artist in touch with modern culture and carrying a message that is impacting those who encounter it.

The soulful sound of singer/songwriter/musician Greg Sczebel (“suh-bell”) is steadily capturing the attention of a wide range of music enthusiasts. From the moment you first hear the rhythms of his piano you will be intrigued. His talent is obvious...but then the vocals glide onto the scene and you see that there is more to this artist than just a good beat. His lyrics are intelligent, showing a mature depth, and he doesn’t sacrifice the musicality for catchy hooks. Greg is passionately committed to making good music.

And it's obvious others are catching on. He has been recognized for his outstanding talent as an artist, having been honored with many remarkable opportunities and awards. He has shared the stage with a variety of the entertainment industries’ top performers, including Grammy Award-Winning Producer, David Foster, jazz crooner, Michael Bublé, 6–time Juno Award Winner, Colin James - as well as Casting Crowns, Jars of Clay, Leigh Nash (of Sixpence None the Richer), Bebo Norman, Carolyn Arends, Out of Eden, Shawn McDonald and more.

The end of 2004 brought Sczebel a Canadian Urban Music Award nomination, four CGMA (Covenant Award) nominations, and ultimately two CGMA awards (‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ and ‘Rap/Hip-Hop/Dance Song of the Year’), as well as an Okanagan Musician Award for ‘Gospel Artist of the Year’ for the second year in a row.

In 2005 Sczebel continued to gain momentum by picking up a JUNO AWARD (Canada’s Grammy©) for his debut album “Here to Stay” in the category of ‘Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year.’ Shortly after, Sczebel was nominated for a grand total of five Shai (“shay”) Awards (Canada’s Gospel Music People’s Choice Awards) – ultimately taking home 3 of these - ‘Pop/Contemporary Album,’ ‘Urban/Soul Album’ and ‘Song of the Year’ for his single “In the Pocket”. In addition, Sczebel was a grand prize–winner in the international 2004 John Lennon Songwriting Competition, for his title track, “Here to Stay” and more recently was a finalist in the R & B category for the 2005 John Lennon Songwriting Competition for his song “You’ve Got It”.

At the close of 2005 Greg was also privileged to sign exclusive endorsement deals with both Audix Microphones and Yamaha USA Pianos & Keyboards.

And this is just the beginning of what is quickly becoming a well-established music career. But in spite of the acclaim, Sczebel still finds the most value in the personal connection between music fans and his songs. "To be validated by the awards and opportunities is always encouraging. The most exciting thing though, is hearing that my music is connecting with people. If I can continue creating music that impacts those who listen to it, I'd love to still be doing this 40 years from now." If the present is any indication to the future, Greg Sczebel is well on his way to reaching his goal.

Career Highlights:
-2006 International Songwriting Competition Finalist for the song, “In the Pocket”
-2006 Multiple performances at the 2006 Winter NAMM Show - Anaheim, CA
-2005 Signs exclusive endorsement deal with Yamaha USA Pianos & Keyboards
-2005 Signs exclusive endorsement deal with AUDIX USA Microphones
-2005 Guest performer on CMT Canada’s “Paul Brandt & Friends: A Rocky Mountain Christmas in Banff” TV Special
-2005 Extensive touring throughout Canada; 6-week cross-country tour in April/May
-2005 John Lennon International Songwriting Contest Finalist for the song, "You’ve Got It"; R & B Category
-2005 Western Canadian Music Award – “Outstanding Christian Recording”
-2005 Covenant Award – “Urban Song of the Year” for the song, “Everybody”
-2005 4 CGMA (Covenant Award) Nominations, including “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Producer of the Year’
-2005 Juno Award - “Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year”
-2005 3 Shai Awards – “Song of the Year” for the song “In the Pocket”, “Pop/Contemporary Album”, “Urban/Soul Album”
-2005 Okanagan Musician Award – “Gospel Artist of the Year”
-2005 5 time SHAI Award Nominee, including “Artist of the Year”, “Song of the Year” and “Male Soloist of the Year”
-2004 John Lennon International Songwriting Contest Grand Prize Winner for the song, “Here to Stay”;
Gospel/Inspirational Category
-2004 “Here to Stay” charts as the #1 selling release by an independent artist to Canadian Christian retailers in 2004.
-2004 Title track, "Here to Stay" featured on episode of UPN's hit TV series "Kevin Hill", starring Taye Diggs
-2004 Reunites with Producer, David Foster to perform at Foster Foundation charity event
-2004 Canadian Urban Music Award Nominee - "Gospel Recording of the Year"
-2004 2 CGMA (Covenant) Awards - “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Rap/Hip-Hop/Dance” ("Lights Are Comin' On")
-2004 4 CGMA (Covenant Award) Nominations
-2004 Re-records Bee Gees' hit, "Lonely Days" for major ad campaign by Lifetime Television, New York, NY
-2004 Winner, Okanagan Musician Award – “Gospel Artist of the Year”
-2004 Featured on Sonicbids compilation CD – Chosen out of 20,000 entries
-2003 Named “Best Emerging Artist” by VIBE Gospel Music
-2003 Gospel Music Association (GMA) Song Competition Regional Winner (for the song "Perhaps")
-2002 Performs with Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster as a winner in Foster’s BC -wide talent search

QUOTES:

PAUL BRANDT, AWARD WINNING COUNTRY RECORDING ARTIST
"Greg Sczebel is just one of those artists with "It". He's got that X-factor, that undefinable thing that you need to be a successful in this business. It's undeniable that God has gifted him with an incredible talent to communicate to people's hearts and minds through music. I'm glad I got to know him before the rest of the world discovers him, because someday I'll be able to brag about how I knew him before he became a superstar."

KEVIN EDELMAN, MUSIC SUPERVISOR - METALMAN MEDIA INC.
"Greg is an incredible talent. One of the best young artists I’ve heard. His style and voice are unique and inspiring."

CAROLYN ARENDS, DOVE AND SHAI AWARD WINNING SINGER/SONGWRITER
"Greg Sczebel floors me. He sings with "soul" in every sense of the word. He writes insanely hooky, deeply moving songs about important things. It’s tempting to use phrases like "Next Big Thing", but Greg Sczebel isn’t the next anything. He’s now, and his music is truly great."

DIONNE SMITH, PRESIDENT, VIBE GOSPEL MUSIC
"I do not hesitate in the least to suggest that Greg Sczebel, will not only be one of Canada’s future leading gospel artists, but that his impact will go far beyond our borders."

HEATHER CLARK, HEATHERCLARKBAND
"Greg is an extremely gifted vocalist with a great ability to write and arrange music. His devotion to his gift is strong and undivided. His musicality along with his ability to reach an audience makes him a pleasure to both listen to and experience."

JAYLENE JOHNSON, SINGER / SONGWRITER
"When Greg Sczebel plays, joy electric runs through the crowd. Here is someone who not only inspires with a fresh lyrical approach in his songwriting, but who can also deliver the goods vocally and instrumentally. Most engaging, however, is his unassuming and humble posture...here is one to watch and watch closely, because he is going to fly..."

•  Sing It Stevie Wonder!