WILDWOOD – Do you play any instruments? The guitar, flute, and the piano are traditionally popular musical options, however, while many of us spent our younger years learning and practicing Bach for elementary school piano recitals, Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers was using a unique instrument – the talkbox- to build his career as a Christian hip hop and R&B artist. Having worked with gospel artists from Jonathan Butler, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Toby Mac, Group 1 Crew, Nathan East, Marvin Sapp and Erica Campbell of Mary Mary, to touring with pop band N’SYNC, Chambers has taken his unique sound around the world and into the hearts of fans alike.
The talk box directs sound from the instrument into the musician’s mouth by means of a plastic tube adjacent to their vocal microphone. The musician controls the modification of the instrument’s sound by changing the shape of the mouth, “vocalizing” the instrument’s output into a microphone. In recent, popular music, the sound is featured in Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic. It can also be heard in top hits such as 2Pac’s ‘California Love,’ Zapp’s ‘Computer Love,’ and Bon Jovi’s ‘It’s My Life.’
Growing up in the church, Chambers was immersed in gospel music from an early age, starting his musical career as the drummer for his parent’s gospel group at age six. When recalling the beginning of his faith journey and musical career, Chambers identified his faith in Christ as “everything.” He attributes all his accomplishments to this growing faith.
“I grew up in the church learning about faith through the word of God; I always wanted to ‘see’ what faith could actually do in my life. So I decided to follow Christ at an early age,” he said. “After I gave my life to him, my life changed, and I quickly learned what faith was. Everything that I’ve been able to accomplish in my life and career came through me trusting in the Lord with all of my heart.”
Growing up in a musical household Chambers was introduced to various genres of music. He listened to everything from Gospel to Jazz but first fell in love with the talk box when he heard it used by platinum selling R&B artist Roger Troutman of the Zapp band. He knew immediately that he wanted to bring the sound to the gospel arena. A true servant leader, the best part about performing for Chambers is introducing people to his beloved instrument.
“I love the effect that it has on people when they see and hear it for the first time,” said Chambers. “I look forward to always being able to bring a message of encouragement and hope to all that hear my music. I also look forward to having a big ‘ole dance party!”
And with that, it’s no wonder that Chambers is featured in the lineup for IGNITE 2018.
The IGNITE conference was started five years ago as a place for students from grades 6-12 from around the region to gather and feed their ‘Divine Spark’ within. This year’s theme is ‘World Changers’ because when a person claim the ‘Divine Spark’ and places their identity in Christ, the world changes.
“It’s about not hiding who God has called each of us to be, but about claiming our identity and God’s purpose for our lives,” said Eric Drew, Director of Worship and IGNITE leader.
Chambers says he ready for the big event.
“The message that I will bring to the students at IGNITE is simple, and that message is that God is real and that we all need to let our light shine,” he said. “In the Bible, it says in Matthew 5:16, ‘In the same way, let your light shine so that men may see our good works and that God be glorified.’ I want to encourage people to be who God has called them to be; don’t try to be anyone else. God has made us all unique so we should let our light shine, or let our lights ‘IGNITE!’”
If you know that you’ve got the power to change the world by being exactly who you are called to be in Christ, you won’t want to miss IGNITE 2018 taking place September 28-30 in Wildwood, NJ. Chambers is excited about the upcoming gathering and has a message for everyone who is coming or is considering coming.
“Pastors, youth leaders, and church members should come to IGNITE because it will be fun! It’s a wonderful way to enhance your walk with Christ through what you’ll see and learn at this event. IGNITE has the heart to be a blessing and to encourage the hearts of all who attend. Not only will it encourage you but it will give you sufficient tools to go out and be effective for the kingdom. You don’t want to miss it!”
Did you know you can register for IGNITE without knowing who will sign up? Reserve spaces for your youth ahead of time and save. The last price break for the IGNITE youth conference ends on Aug. 31. Don’t miss out on the best possible deal! Click here to register.