When we first met Soul'd Out - you were a mixed trio. Things have definitely changed as you guys are now one of the fastest rising quartets in the business. Tell us the history of your group and how you ended up a traditional male quartet.
We started in 2001 as a mixed trio, and in 2004, the lady that was singing with us at that time was leaving. So I was going to hire another guy to make it a male trio. The guy I hired had a friend who was a bass singer: enter Matt Fouch. We have been a quartet ever since.
Introduce your members.
Dusty Barrett, tenor, is 30 years old and lives in Greenfield, Ohio with his wife Alissa and daughter Kate.
Matt Fouch, bass, is 27 and lives in Florence, Kentucky with his wife Candice.
Tanner Stahl, baritone, is 24 years old and lives in Nashville with his wife Ashley.
Michael Howard, piano player, is 21 years old and lives in Hebron, Kentucky with his new wife Molly.
Matt Rankin, lead, is 32 years old and lives in Georgetown, Ohio with his wife Kathy and two sons Isaac and Caleb.
Soul'd Out has been on the fast track to success over the last couple of years. You've been nominated for Horizon Group in the Singing News Fan Awards, performed mainstage at the National Quartet Convention, and just won Breakthrough Artist of the Year at this year's SGN Music Awards - to what do you attribute the success?
We have a really good team right now. All the guys are talented and have great personalities, but honestly, we believe that any success we may have is nothing but a classic case of "delight yourself in the Lord and he shall give you the desires of your heart" (Psalms 37:4). For what ever reason God has allowed us to experience some special blessings. We are humbled that He would allow us to do what we love and then allow us to experience a few extra perks along the way such as winning the Breakthrough Artist of the Year award.
The internet was all abuzz the day after the SGN Music Awards about your performance of "Who Is This Man". Is that your new single, and what has the response been like towards the song?
Yes, that is our new single. The song has been a great song in concert. I like that it isn't a traditional quartet sound, but I love even more how worshipful the chorus is. Jesus said "if my name be lifted up I will draw men unto me". That is what we are using that song for. We never know if a song will be accepted on the radio stations when we send out a single, but we have seen a tremendous response from that song.
Tell us about your new album - Blessed.
This CD has nine original songs and the old hymn "It Is Well With My Soul." "Who Is This Man" was the idea of our bass singer Matt Fouch. We were able to write this song together. "Maker of the Rain" was written by tenor singer Dusty Barrett, and this song has been such a blessing to our audiences. Since Dusty wrote it, he has an extra personal touch when he sings it. It's one of those songs that reminds people that no matter what we go through God is still in control. We also recorded a couple songs from a recording we did a few years ago. Along with the other new songs, we have a bluegrass tune called "On My Way Home" that our piano player Michael Howard sings. He does a nice job on it. We don't always stage the song, but when do, he sings it with such heart and passion.
Matt (Rankin) - you've become a sought-after songwriter. Who has recorded your songs? How do you approach the craft of songwriting?
Haha. Sought-after is a strong term. I remember praying and asking God to allow me to write songs that I could sing as well as other groups. God has honored those many prayers. I still have several groups on my list that I would like to record my songs. However, thanks to Crossroads Publishing, so far the The Dove Brothers, Kingsmen, Down East Boys, and Crist Family have all recorded my songs. The Down East Boys have released two of my songs as their radio singles.
What can new fans of Soul'd Out Quartet expect from you in a live setting?
We are going to be God honoring, fun, and we always try to give our best. Our concert consists of mostly our original songs, and then we break out with some old "Cathedral style", piano, bass guitar, and four part harmony songs. We try to mix it up and hit all ages. We have found that while SG music may not be the first pick for teens today, we are able to reach them in our concerts.
What do family, friends, and fans have to look forward to from Soul'd Out Quartet in the coming months?
Well I'm glad you asked. We are adding multimedia to our program - some videos to set up a couple songs, some photos of the group members that you normally wouldn't see. Hopefully, we will be coming out with some great recordings over the next year. We also have an iPhone app. (You can check that out by logging on to Soul'd Out's website at http://www.souldoutquartet.com)
What has God been teaching you lately?
Wow where do I start? In the past several months, I have learned so much. God has showed me that we as believers need to do what He has called us to no matter the circumstances. Keep pressing toward the mark, keep telling people about Jesus and His saving grace, keep singing the songs that he has given, and never quit.
Anything else you would like to share.
We are trying to build relationships and friendships rather than a fan base. A fan is only there for you when you are successful, a friend is there for you when you need them. There are a lot of amazing people out there, and we want to encourage them and get to know them. This is the best job in the world.
Matt Rankin
Soul'd Out Quartet
http://Www.souldoutquartet.com
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 06/02/2010
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 3
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Thanks for a great interview. I thought that was Michael singing, but couldn't be sure, so I'm glad that was answered!
Diana Brantley
http://sgconcerts.com
http://www.youtube.com/dinanaSN
Soul'd Out is one of the favorites at my Church and we call them "our boys". Their concerts are tremendous musically and they truly minister to the audience. Thanks for a great interview of a great quartet.
Pastor Paul
http://www.fellowship-bible-church.com/Concerts
I have been a fan of Tanner's since he was a small child.. I am glad that he is serving the Lord and I am also delighted to spend my vacation time going to Silver Dollar City and National Quartet Convvention and other places to hear the guys...
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