Check Out Isaac Cates’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaac Cates.

Hi Isaac, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started studying music at the really young age of 4. My mother had me in classical piano lessons. I also grew up singing in my church and playing and singing for choirs. My friends and family recognized that I had a musical gift very early on.

I performed music, recitals, and concerts all through my high-school years which is when I started writing songs and arranging them also. I went on to study voice and piano at the University of Missouri, Conservatory of music and while studying there I co-founded my current singing group called “Ordained” I also started my recording career.

Fast forward, I went on to write for several notable artists from multiple genres.

From Gospel to hip-hop… from Classical/choral to smooth Jazz. In 2016, I started my international music career, touring Switzerland and from there I’ve gone on to do concerts, and choir workshops and taught music in Germany, Sweden, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Australia.

I’ve recorded 3 albums and several singled. I am currently a proud voting member of the recording academy-Grammy association and serve as a music director at the largest united methodist church in the United States.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Several struggles.

The hardest being, the death of my mother from Systemic Lupus in 2011 and a mental break in 2016. My mother suffered from Lupus my entire life and was one of the best human beings I’ve ever known. Her death halted a lot of my creativity and took quite a while to cope with, for my father also.

Then in 2016, I wrestled with paranoia and anxiety that had me hospitalized and seeking professional help. It took a lot of work and prayer but I’m on a much brighter side of both of those things

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer-songwriter, conductor, pianist, arranger, composer, producer, and music educator. I specialize in working with choirs, ensembles, etc.

I am known for my work with choirs in Gospel and choral singing. Nationally and internationally. I’m also known as a vocal coach and pianist. The combination of these skills has allowed me to work in widely diverse musical collaborations.

My music has been published and performed by artists, singers, and musicians all around the world as well as in ensembles and churches. I’m really proud of the work I’ve done with my recordings with my group, Ordained, and also having my music sung around the world from Japan to Italy.

What sets me apart would be the many hats I can wear in music… it had helped to solidify my career by being well versed in several aspects of music.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
1 st would be sincerity… I genuinely mean to encourage, impact and uplift people through the things I create.

2ndly, attention to detail. The smallest details MATTER.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.isaaccatesmusic.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/isaac_cates
• Facebook: Facebook.com/isaaccatesmusic
• Twitter: Twitter.com/isaaccates
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/iscbnd
• SoundCloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/isaac-cates/strong-tower-full-version