Phillips, Craig & Dean's Dan Dean Talks About Stepping Out with His Solo Album

Phillips, Craig & Dean's multi-Dove Award winner Dan Dean steps into the solo spotlight with More, his June 20 StowTown Records debut. Produced by ACM Award-winner Gordon Mote (Gaither Vocal Band, Lee Greenwood) and Jason Webb (Vince Gill, Amy Grant), the album features 11 tracks, eight of which were written or co-penned by Dean. 
 
More is hallmarked by collaborations with a who's who of genre-spanning talents, including country songstress Emily Ann Roberts; bluegrass legends The Isaacs; and Dean's bandmates Randy Phillips and Shawn Craig, who bring their signature Phillips, Craig & Dean harmonies to album opener "Traveling Light." The Tony Wood and Jimmy Yeary-penned toe-tapper aptly sets the tone for a project that celebrates life, love and family under the gaze of grace.  

Q: Dan, thank you so much for doing this interview with us. With the success of Phillips, Craig & Dean, what do you think are some of the highlights for you?

The camaraderie with the guys would definitely be at the top. We have come to respect each other so much after 33 years of being together. I think we have learned to lean into each other's gifts and appreciate what each of us brings to the table as individuals.

And then of course, being able to see the Body of Christ on such a broad level. We have sung in many different places, both denominationally and geographically. I realized recently that we've sung in every state in the US except for Rhode Island, and in many different countries. We have been so blessed to have been given this platform and with every year that passes, I think we appreciate it more. Hopefully, we have touched a lot of lives along the way. It has been such a joy to be part of this group for so many years. 

Q: Why did you decide to release a solo album?

The three of us have all been in full-time church ministry since the inception of Phillips, Craig & Dean, and in the last two decades of that time, we've been lead pastors at our respective churches. While Randy and Shawn continue to serve in that capacity, I stepped down as lead pastor a few years back. That gave me the freedom to pursue the solo project and to possibly pick up some solo dates that the group couldn't do because of their responsibilities in their local churches. I sought out their blessing and assured them that my priority will always be with Phillips, Craig & Dean, but this has been a great adventure for me at this juncture of my life. I needed something to fill the empty space after leading a church for so many years.

This project has also given me the opportunity to explore my country roots a little more. I think my country leanings are evident on the album....steel guitar, mandolin, banjo, and heavy acoustic guitar. I had so much fun making it, yet I don't think it strays too far from the PCD vibe that has defined our place in Christian music for so many years. 

Q: Why did you entitle the record "More"?

There's a song on the project called "More," but I think the title is indicative of something more-pun intended-in my mind. When I started putting together the songs for this project, I realized that I have a plethora of songs I have written or co-written that have never been recorded. There is "more" music I wanted to share, including a song written by my son on this project. "More" hope, "more" inspiration, "more" faith, "more" of Jesus....I hope the listener experiences all of these. 

Q: You have some distinguished guests on this new record. Can you share your experience working with some of them with us? 

I was so blessed to have some incredible artists join me. I mentioned my son, Devin. He joins me on the song "Home," which he wrote. Emily Ann Roberts, a wonderful country singer is on the title-cut, and she's an amazing woman of faith and a wonderful talent. Christine Dente of Out of the Grey fame joined me for a song; the greatest harmony group in the world, The Isaacs, agreed to do one; and Gordon Mote, Emma Rose Williamson and Debi Selby are also featured on the album. And of course, my bandmates Randy and Shawn agreed to sing with me on a track. Every singer is different in their approach to recording, so to witness that process was delightful. 

Q: What is your favorite part of making the album?

I think seeing the rough demos through the process of "before and after." Some of the demos were so rough that you really had to have vision so see the finished product. Then to watch as Gordon Mote and Jason Webb worked their magic. You pass off your "babies" to these incredible producers and pray that they can see what you see in the songs and give each one the wings to fly. Gordon and Jason did such an incredible job. I was much more involved in the process on this project than any of our past PCD albums. It was really special to be on the front row for the development of each song. 

Q: How do you hope these new songs will encourage your listeners?

This album is one of hope, encouragement, and faith. There are also some fun moments on the project, but at the end of the day, my prayer is that God will encourage believers and unbelievers alike with Hope for the future. We live in a world in which there is so much negativity. I'm hoping to bring some light into that darkness. 

Q: Will there be a new Phillips, Craig & Dean new album in the near future?

There is some talk of that. I'm really pushing for it, and I think both Randy and Shawn have interest on their part, so pray saints, pray! 

For further information, visit stowtownrecords.com or turningpointpr.com. Follow Dean on Instagram.    

 

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