In Depth…With Jason Funderburk of Driven Quartet

By Lorraine Walker

Driven Quartet has been traveling the nation’s highways singing Gospel music since 2007. Owner Jason Funderburk was literally born into the industry, as he grew up watching his father Danny sing with the Cathedral Quartet. Now his quartet is making their own mark on Gospel music with their new recording and a strong sound, mixing memories of the Cathedrals with a more youthful flavor and energy.

Jason Funderburk joins SGM Radio on an In Depth interview and tells us about the new CD, Takin’ You There. “This project contains some old Cathedral favorites and we have a song included on here that my Grandaddy wrote called “Whiter Than Snow,” says Jason. “ My Dad makes a cameo appearance on it and it will surely bless your heart. Our latest single is “Would Not Be Surprised”.” [Editor’s note: Published May 2013]

Will Lane on bass, baritone Chad Smith and Wesley Smith singing tenor join Funderburk in Driven, and their combination of traditional quartet vocals is very reminiscent of Cathedral days. “A lot of folks may not know that we have Wesley Smith as our new tenor,” says Funderburk. “He has been with Palmetto State and Dixie Echoes. Wesley brings a lot of variety to our concert setting. We do a large segment of our concert with piano, bass, and acoustic guitar.”

Funderburk says his favorite song to sing with the group is “Between a Rock and Hard Place,” as well as, “Whiter Than Snow.” Gospel music is in his blood and he loves to travel and sing the message of Jesus Christ. “ My favorite thing about traveling with these guys is that it’s like traveling with three brothers,” says Jason. “We are a family. I would not be scared to say that we get along with each other off stage just as well as we do on stage because of our kinship.”

“Will is our encourager. He is always ready to sing no matter the circumstances,” shares Funderburk. “Chad is our accountability partner. He keeps us grounded in our devotions. And Wesley, he is our down-to-earth guy. He helps keep our stress level down. Well, at times!” laughs Jason.

Thoroughly seasoned in presenting a well-rounded concert, Funderburk says a Driven Quartet presentation is carefully arranged. “I try to construct a good evening of fellowship, ministry and laughter, as well as making the environment comfortable for the guys. I believe that God has allowed me to share the Lord with others through song and I truly enjoy it. I try to always keep others uplifted and strive to be as organized as possible.”

Sharing the Lord with others requires a commitment to regular communication with Him, which Jason says comes through personal devotions. “I try to strengthen my relationship daily with the Lord. I begin each new day reading a passage from a very special book that my best friend gave me entitled God Moments. This helps get my day started off on the right track,” says Funderburk. “Another one of my favorite authors is A. W. Tozer.”

”Something that has really spoken to me lately is our church’s recent study of the book of Daniel,” Jason comments. “The strength and faith of Daniel has been a very big source of encouragement at this time of my life.”

Funderburk shares that one of his goals for this year is to spend more time with his family. “I keep my family strong by good open communication and continuous love,” says Jason. “I keep them strong in the Lord by depending on Him with all decisions we make and allowing Him to lead, guide and direct our paths. The one thing I cannot live without is the love and support of family and friends.”

On a more humorous note, Funderburk admits that he isn’t always as strong as he should be. “One habit I know I should break but can’t would be eating sweets after 9pm!”

Jason has been in the Gospel music spotlight for many years but claims there are things that might take his audience by surprise. “One thing that very few people know about me is that I love to fish and hunt,” he says. “And my favorite TV show is Duck Dynasty.”

Jason Funderburk and Driven Quartet continue to share the “Boundless Love” of Jesus Christ through new songs and old, bringing the timeless message to audiences of all ages. As Jason says, they are “Lovin’ the Lord, Lovin’ Life” as they are Driven4Him.

For more information on Jason Funderburk and Driven Quartet, as well as their tour schedule, visit: http://www.drivenqt.com/home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funderburkjason

Twitter: @funderburkjason

SGMRadio was happy to chat with the Jason Funderburk, owner and lead vocalist of Driven Quartet, as we continue our feature entitled “In Depth With”. We will try to allow you to get to know your favorite artists just a little better by asking questions you may have always wanted to ask. If you have a favorite artist please email us and tell us what you would like to know about them! Email here: sgmradio.lorrainewalker@gmail.com

First published by SGM Radio website in May 2013. For current features, visit http://www.sgmradio.com/

Driven Quartet has signed with Chapel Valley Music Group!

Sharps Chapel, TN – Chapel Valley Music Group is proud to announce that Driven Quartet has signed a recording contract.

Driven is an outstanding quartet and Chapel Valley is excited to have them as a part of our family of
artists.This incredibly talented group consists of owner, Jason Funderburk; bass, Will Lane; tenor, Wesley Smith, and baritone, Chad Smith.

Chapel Valley will also be releasing Driven’s music to radio stations worldwide. A radio single and new project will be released early 2014. For more information concerning Driven go to www.drivenqt.com. You can also go to

www.chapelvalleystudio.com

Driven QT and Clayton Watson Before The Diamond Awards

June’s SCOOPS is here!

The June 2011 issue of SGN Scoops is now available for download. Click on the cover to read your issue in user-friendly .PDF format.

Multiple Diamond Award nominees Driven talk about the road to success and the one leading them on in ministry. Charlie Waller also looks back and ahead. Ms. Lou celebrates the gospel family, Tom reflects on digital downloads, and Lorraine chronicles the Diamond Awards.

Click here or on the cover preview to download.

Click here to subscribe – be notified when a new issue is published or news is announced.

Diamond Awards On Tour Heading to Nashville, TN on April 14, 2011!

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (January 26, 2011) – Coastal Media Group and SGN Scoops Digital, home of the Diamond Awards, are excited to announce the rescheduled date for the first show on the “Diamond Awards On Tour” concert series.

Originally scheduled for last February, the first date on the tour had to be canceled due to winter weather in the Nashville area. The show has officially been rescheduled for next week. On Thursday, April 14, 2011, Trevecca Nazarene University will play host to the first “Diamond Awards On Tour” show.

Performing at next week’s show are previously announced artists Beyond the Ashes, Christy Sutherland, and Wilburn & Wilburn. HisSong will be performing on this date in place of Driven Quartet due to scheduling conflicts. Driven Quartet will continue to be a part of the “Diamond Awards On Tour” at other dates.

Dennis Humphries of HisSong said, “I am both delighted and honored to be asked to be a part of the first ‘Diamond Awards on Tour’ concert in Nashviille, TN. Rob Patz is doing an amazing job promoting the fan based awards program and keeping the heart of gospel music alive with the digital magazine SGNScoops.com.  Come out and be a part of this wonderful night of ministry-minded artists in concert.’

“We are honored and excited to be a part of the Diamond Awards on Tour,” mentioned Anthony Facello of Beyond the Ashes. “We are expecting a great evening of not only good music but ministry as well.”

Christy Sutherland responded, “I am so excited about being a part of the first-ever Diamond Awards on Tour Concert Series!  I will be sharing my brand new single, ‘He Grew The Tree’ for the first time since recording it in the studio.  I know the concert will be a great time in the presence of God, as well as a chance to share the stage with some old and new friends.  I hope to see you all there!”

“It is an honor for Wilburn & Wilburn to be a part of this great night of Gospel Music,” mentioned Jonathan Wilburn. “We look forward to what God has in store for this new venture. I want to invite all my Middle Tennessee friends to come out and help support this great night!”

The “Diamond Awards On Tour” concert series will hit major markets and universities in an effort to bring awareness to the Diamond Awards program and attract new readers to the already popular digital magazine.

“We were disappointed when we had to cancel the first date, but we are so excited to now be able to host the show next week in Nashville,” mentioned Rob Patz of Coastal Media Group. “This is going to be such a great evening of wonderful Southern Gospel music!”

This year’s Diamond Awards program will take place on Thursday, June 30, 2011 as a part of the 3rd Annual Branson Gospel Music Revival in Branson, Missouri.

Hosts, performers and sponsors for the 2011 Diamond Awards will be announced at a later date.

EHA-Nashville Named Corporate Sponsor for “Diamond Awards On Tour”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (February 9, 2011) – Coastal Media Group and SGN Scoops Digital, home of the Diamond Awards, are excited to announce the addition of booking and promotional agency EHA-Nashville as the first corporate sponsor for the “Diamond Awards On Tour” programs.

EHA-Nashville is a promotional agency that specializes in publicity, booking, and artist direction for Southern and Country Gospel musicians. The company is spearheaded by industry veteran Evie Hawkins and currently represents a vast array of artists and ministries including Young Harmony, Jericho, Homeland Quartet, and many more.

Evie Hawkins responded, “I am so excited about being a corporate sponsor for the ‘Diamond Awards on Tour.’ Rob Patz has put together a wonderful team of ministry-minded artists and supporters to bring the public some amazing concerts. I hope everyone will join us on February 10 at Trevecca University in Nashville for the first concert!”

“Evie has been a big supporter of the Diamond Awards and especially this new tour that have put together,” mentioned Coastal Media Group’s Rob Patz. “Having her on board as a sponsor means a lot to our company and the artists that will be a part of such a great event!”

To find out more information on EHA-Nashville, visit www.eviehawkinsagency.net .

Set to take place this week in Nashville, Tennessee, the first show on this brand new tour will include performances from Wilburn & Wilburn, Driven Quartet, Beyond the Ashes, and Christy Sutherland. The first date on the “Diamond Awards On Tour” experience will be on Thursday, February 10, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee at Trevecca Nazarene University at the Boone Business Building Convocation Center started at 6:30 p.m.

The “Diamond Awards On Tour” is a new initiative designed to take the Diamond Awards experience across the country this year. The “Diamond Awards On Tour” concert series will hit major markets and universities in an effort to bring awareness to the Diamond Awards program and attract new readers to the already popular digital magazine.

This year’s Diamond Awards program will take place on Thursday, June 30, 2011 as a part of the 3^rd Annual Branson Gospel Music Revival in Branson, Missouri.

The Diamond Awards are currently accepting nominations for the Top 10 Ballot in this year’s program. To find out how you can nominate your favorite artists, visit https://www.sgnscoops.com for more information.

Hosts, performers and sponsors for the 2011 Diamond Awards will be announced at a later date.

BTA Invites You to Diamond Awards on Tour!

…but good thing the concert is NOT in the morning 🙂

Visit Beyond the Ashes.