Tony Hibbert II
The next big thing in the ever-growing ranks of crossover gospel music is Tony Hibbert II. Slamming R&B grooves over powerful music, soulful vocals and inspirational lyrics make up an album truly touched by God!
Tony Hibbert II is a multi-talented songwriter/producer/recording artist, who posses the potential to be one of the most successful voices of our time. With a hectic tour scheduled in the works Tony Hibbert II is set to make a serious impact on the music scene.
Born on February 15, 1973 in Brooklyn New York, Antonio Rodney Hibbert Jr. a.k.a. Tony Hibbert II began his music career at an early age. At age 5 he took his first piano lesson, which aroused a deep love and appreciation for music. Tony began singing and playing on occasion in the church at the age of 9. Although young and very inexperienced, he constantly endeavored to do his best at all times. At age 15 Tony became the music director at his father's church in Newburgh, New York. This job, which he still directs; involves the teaching, training and maintenance of a church
music program.
While in high school, Tony was involved with almost every music program available. Courses included jazz band, mixed chorus, madrigal singers, and gospel choruses. In college, Tony had an extensive music curriculum, which ranged from music theory I & II, harmony, original compositions and orchestrations, to piano and vocal performance. Hibbert's obvious talent was spotted by everyone within earshot and he soon became known for his musical versatility. This quickly placed him in high demand by artists in a variety of musical genres, where he has always made sure to make each artist feel like they were at their musical home when working with him.
In recent years Tony has been teaching and performing at various gospel music seminars and venues around the country. He is currently traveling, teaching choir and music clinics. In January 2003 he became Pastor of Penuel Pentecostal Tabernacle. Tony's first album debut "In His Presence" was released on September 2, 2003.
Musical juggernauts such as: Fred Hammond, Richard Smallwood, Chick Corea, Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock, Darryl Coley, Commissioned, John P Kee, Take Six and the Winans have influenced Tony Hibbert's Music. Out of such diversity has been born a style that Tony believes is unique, impacting and cutting-edge. Tony's main objective is to produce mainstream R&B/ Urban Contemporary Gospel Music, mainly to the youth of our generation, music that will instill Christian values, and promote moral integrity. Tony's main motto is: "When you've been given the opportunity to be heard, speak the truth."
A partial list of artists with whom Tony has performed, written, or produced:
Recorded live with the East Coast Regional Music and Arts Conference E.R.M.A.C. with Laird Silimon and Darin Atwater
Performed with the late O'Landa Draper live at the Ottawa Cultural Center.
Recorded Live with the 16th annual Edwin Hawkins Music Arts Seminar Mass Choir. Album entitled "Church Time".
Wrote, produced and recorded a song that appeared on an artist compilation project, "Destined 2 Double". Produced by the United Pentecostal Church Int.
Recorded Live with Doug Davis and the Bethel Sanctuary Choir.
Recorded and produced a live project with Bishop G Ellis & Abundant Life Mass choir.
Produced the 2003 "MAJA" Canadian Award winning song of the year "Rise Above" performed by Kathy Grant Mahon.
Tony's schedule remains extremely busy. He has also been working on his third soon to be released album project.
Artist Q&A:
1.)How did you first hear about Open Labs?
Well...Its funny yall asked this, I first saw an OL keyboard on the stage of Princes performance at Super Bowl XLI. When the cameras panned the keyboardists
area I jumped of the couch a mile high shouting "What the heck is that!!!" I ran over to my computer to search the internet for Open Labs! And thats it!!! everything else is history!
2.)What Production Station do you have?
I am currently sporting, The Miko-- Timbaland Edition
3.)How has the gear changed your method of work?
The OL system has revolutionized the way I write and produce forever. I am able to work seamlessly in the studio or on the run, with my favorite sequencer, soft synths and audio interface in one truly open ended system.
4.)What is your production station's primary function, live or studio?
Both, but primarily studio.
5.)What is your favorite software on the board?
Its real hard to really single out a favorite. However the most useful would be Riff.
6.)How do you use it?
I do a lot of live playing: churches, concerts, recordings etc. Riff helps me control, organize and access all my virtual synths instantly, on the fly, not having to really worry about latency issues or hardware compatibility
problems.
7.)Which kind of equipment have you owned in the past and how do they compare to your Open Labs equipment?
You name it!!! I have owned it!! LOL. The advantage of an OL rig unlike conventional keyboards, is that its totally customizable. Also, its unique to your personal style of playing or making music. Its your studio, portable, open-ended in one single unit.
8.)Has the gear changed the way you write songs?
When I get an idea for a tune, Its very important to get that idea recorded asap. OL helps me to drastically shorten that time frame. Enabling me to spent more time perfecting the tune.
9.)How different is the composition process compared to the standard computer or laptop system?
The words were looking for is: speed and efficiency. OL has every tool available at your finger tips. For example, If your with a client (and budget is a major concern) you could possibly scratch out a decent sounding idea in under 25 min.
10.)Do you think the quality of your production now would be possible with another keyboard?
Probably, Yes! However it may take a little longer.
11.)Have you had any experience with our Tech Support and how does it rate with you?
Yes, Most definitely! The OL Tech Team is very supportive, patient and willing to stay with you, no matter how long it takes.
12.)What is next for you and your Production Station?
Just excited about all the new products from OL. Staying current with all the gear. And to keep pumping out tunes!!
Equipment used:
Purchased Timbaland MiKo Edition
Artist Link:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tony-hibbert-ii/id30622100
http://www.rhapsody.com/tony-hibbert-ii/tony-hibbert-christmas--prodigal-records-llc