Change is here

We told you a while ago that change is coming. Well, it has arrived.

YMCtheband no longer exists!

That’s because we’re You. Me. Change. Yes, that’s what we’re called these days friends!

Life has proven time and time again that change is the only constant. And we’re okay with that. In order to live, one must be willing to accept and embrace change. In this period of hibernation we've watched how the world was changing around us: currencies once thought to have been stable have faltered; politicians have come and gone; new policies threaten life as we know it - the entire world is in a state of shift, a shift in the way we think, see, live and love.

And so too, we have changed. It’s something we know God has instructed, and continue to trust Him.

YMCtheband has been a voice in the wilderness to many youth and those young at heart, for many years -addressing ISSUES others would have rather ignored and hoped would disappear, in a way many have thought to be rather unorthodox.

We keep pressing on! Our drive to see lives changed through our music has propelled us to this place. A place of new members, new sound, new songs, new ambition, new ideas, new revelation and finally, a new name: You. Me. Change

Who is "You. Me. Change"?

This is not just our name, and involves not only the band members. Instead, You. Me. Change refers to you too. Anyone living in this world with the capability to change it. That’s You. Me. Change

If any of you share your God given light with the rest of this world then you carry the name too. Together, You and Me Changing the world one step at a time. That's still our destination!

You. Me. Change is the lifestyle that remains long after our instruments are unplugged and the lights go out. We are your voice... and when the world refuses to listen to you we will sing of your pain, heartache, joy and victory.

There’s so much more we want to tell you. In time!

Look out for more info regarding the new album and other stuff happening on the facebook and twitter pages, our blog, as well as the media.

Please note, due to facebook settings, we may have to open up a new page with the name change. Please join us once we've started the new page - and thank you for your patience.

We really appreciate your continuous support and we covet your prays during this time of change and beyond.

God is a God who moves... and we’re dedicated to move when He says so.

Love always,

You.Me.Change

For more information, interviews or bookings, please call:

082 828 3035

Catch up with You.Me.Change on:

Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/youmechange

Facebook ttp://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/YouMeChange/205352479544860

and on this blog!

Change is coming

We haven't met many who like change. But you all know that old saying, "the only constant in life is change" and change is inevitable. As God works on us, we anticipate great change.


We're really excited, and there's so much we'd like to tell you - but in time. Just know, we are determined to give God only excellence and therefore, we embrace change.

We're reminded, in Joshua 1:9, to be strong and courageous. We will not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord our God is with us - wherever we go. 

We hope, if there is a change you are facing that you find encouragement in this.


So, stay tuned and know that change is on the way.


Love,
YMCtheband

Glisson Niekerk leaves YMCtheband

After seven years, more than one hundred public appearances and countless memories made, Glisson is leaving YMCtheband.

The news is as a result of Glisson’s desire to pursue a career in Event Management. In August 2011, Glisson will start this journey in Dubai.

While we’re sad that he will no longer be in the band, we celebrate with him as he embarks on this exciting journey. Besides, we have not lost the relationship we have with him as he will always be our brother and friend.

Glisson has been instrumental in YMCtheband and he has had a great season!

“YMCtheband was not just a singing career but a calling. We (supporters, management and band) had great times together; we cried, sang, laughed, danced and praised God.

Thank you for creating memorable experiences. You have touched my life in so many ways and inspired me to dream big. I'm pushing myself forward and deeper into another (God given) gift that I've always wanted to do but never had the guts to. After searching, listening and learning; I've finally decided to make a move!


I will continue to support the vision of YMCtheband, and trust me I will check up on you! I love you guys very, very much.

Continue to fight for excellence in Christian music; do your very best and God will take care of everything else. I would like to encourage everyone to find their gift and exercise it. We all have a God given gift; and if we seek God first He will do the rest. Thank you Jesus for an awesome season in YMCtheband: it was an honor and great privilege to serve. To God be all the glory!” 

Meanwhile, we are continuing towards our second album, and expect God to move mightily in the coming months. Our vision to reach the masses for Jesus has not changed, and we’re excited about the ways in which we’ll do so moving forward. Stay tuned!

Currently, we are not looking to replace Glisson in the band. He will join us in ministry one more time this weekend - on Saturday, 23^rd July 2011, 18:30 at Extension 1 Hall in Ennerdale, Johannesburg for New Life Ministry Youth Conference 2011 - join us!

Love, always.
YMCtheband

Tour: Nigel, The Champion

Nearly two weeks ago, we wrapped up the tour in Nigel - Gauteng. This was our first visit to the town, approximately one hour's drive outside of Johannesburg.

We were met by a diverse audience; we would even go as far as to say, an even split between youth and mature! Now, that is a pretty cool sight, and in line with the vision we believe God gave us [to minister to all ages].

The community hall was filled to capacity; people anxious to get started and expectant of great things!

Wow! This place has some exceptional talent (some that have performed & toured with major SA acts), and they quickly electrified the airwaves with songs of victory in Christ Jesus.

With the crowd warmed up, it was our turn to give glory to God, the best way we know how.  Our primary message centred around two themes: ‘Not using your past as an excuse for where you find yourself’ and ‘A love that never fails’.

We think the Godly bonds that were formed that evening grew stronger and stronger as the evening progressed, and will still be in existence years from now! Praise God!

Towards the end of our performance the entire hall were on their feet, screaming at the top of their voices, ‘Satan you’re a liar, the church is on fire!’ Once again, testimony of how awesome and full of surprises GOD is, as long as we remain steadfast on His word and His promises.

The name ‘Nigel’, a derivative of the Latin name "Nigellus," or ‘Neil’, means champion. Our prayer for the spiritual leaders of the Joshua Generation and other churches within the area, is that you will continue to champion (promote) the name of Jesus Christ unashamedly and uncompromisingly. Your faithfulness will see the community impacted supernaturally, impossible spiritual wars won and walls broken down, brick by brick - in the name of Jesus Christ!

Stand firm on His promises and continue to declare… ‘God is not a man that He should lie’ (Numbers 23:19)

Thanks for taking time out to read,

YMCtheband

TOUR feedback

The last week and a half can be described in these words :
God-Inspired & Life-Altering!

God-Inspired because we stepped out in faith and GOD supernaturally met every one of our physical & spiritual needs.

Our fuel consisted of a few hours of sleep every night, lots of driving and eating on the go; nonetheless, every appearance saw an increase in performance levels, professionalism, ethusiasm & spiritual impartation. Humanly impossible… GODLY possible!

In every one of the towns we visited we were blessed and greeted with love & humility, completely void of malice, motive or selfishness.

The ministries we visited displayed gratitude (as one pastor said, ‘thanks so much for taking time out to visit us): so intense and evident in their praise & worship; so filled with excitement and innocence! One event was held at a small, hot tent erected next to a small house in the centre of the community… but with such an anointing, completely charged with the tangible power of God!

These are people that, in spite of their surroundings & circumstances, embraced GOD, and us - as HIS messengers - not only in a physical sense but reached and pulled out something deep down that has re-instilled in us a reason for contuining ‘to press on towards the mark, of the prize of the high calling, of God in Christ Jesus.’ 

Life-Altering because as much as we were under the impression that we were giving of our time and effort, these men and women (both in free society and prison alike) opened their hearts, homes (and prison doors) and made us feel welcome - much like the father did his prodical son. J Music taking the lead , tears flowing,  smiles and hugs being exchanged, all in the name of JESUS.

Even more symbolic is the fact that most of this happened over the Easter period; a period marking the victory that we, as the body of Christ share through the life, death and recurrection of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, our Messiah and King. We believe that this increased the impact of our ministry beyond expectation and as a result many dedicated their lives to Christ. This hit home the reality of how in need the world is of a genuine message of hope; how, in the end, everyone wants to be accepted and loved… even the prisoner, locked away and cast out, because of his perceived injustices against humanity.

Oh! The angelic, sweet sounds of the Drakensberg Boys Choir; their crisp, white shirts, elegant stance and smiley faces... This one definitely goes down as of one of the greatest moments in the history of YMCTheBand.

In Drakensberg, the same YMCtheband formula - comprising ministry in both word and song - yielded much positive feedback and established brand new relationships in a nearly uncharted territory, at least for our brand of evanglism and music.

All is well that ends well…

Many kilometres travelled - many lives intertwined - many songs sung, but mostly: many lives touched and eternally altered by a GOD that loves us beyond our wildest imagination.

Salute! To every ministry out there willing to work together for the sake of this cause. You have indeed left eternal marks on our lives, and created  heart-felt memories

LET JESUS CHRIST TAKE CARE…. OF ALL YOUR ISSUES!




some of the guys having a breather in Drakensberg

 


Haha, this was as they waited for lunch




This was at the first stop in Wolmaransstad - awesome time!




Bibo and his drums




This was during our set in Drakensberg





Boys will be boys --- playing games before supper in Drakensberg




David and Ash, on the way back to Jozi


Stay tuned for more as we head to Nigel!

Thank you for taking time out to visit us...

YMCtheband

LOS DAAI ISSUES TOUR

Hey guys!

We're pleased that we will finally be off to the North West this weekend, as part of our LOS DAAI ISSUES Tour! We've got DJ Rene of Chillifunk, and other great extras to turn this show into a spectacular experience!

Check out the press release for details below, but first: here's some words and details from Dazz and Glis! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzR3pk_XQho 

Thanks for your support guys!

YMCtheband on tour next week!

If you haven’t heard yet - South Africa’s 2011 Easter weekend will never be the same again as YMCtheband, the upbeat music group from Joburg, goes on tour!

YMCtheband will perform exclusive songs from their unreleased second album (due for release September 2011!), and hits from their current album, Issues!

Even more exciting, the group will be accompanied by the sought after DJ Rene of Chillifunk! They will be travelling with all the extras to give every show a grand twist. They won’t just be singing songs, they’re delivering an EXPERIENCE!

The Tour will embark on Friday 22^nd April. The first stop? Wolmaransstad! Then off to Vryburg and Mafikeng.

Their music appeals to young and old, with a mix of genres and languages, and their truly South-African sound immediately earns rapport with audiences. 

YMCtheband’s message has always been one of hope and the band’s music echoes their belief that it is possible to “change the world – one step at a time”, hence they will address many social issues such as abuse and HIV & Aids.

Here’s where you can find YMCtheband:

22nd April 12h00	Revival Centre, Twelelang Township Tent	Wolmaransstad
22nd April 15H45	Colridge Swimming Pool	Vryburg
22nd April 19h00	AFM Lighthouse	Vryburg
23rd April 10h00	Mafikeng Correctional Services  (closed to public)	Mafikeng
23rd April 14h00	Mafikeng “The Crossing” Mall	Mafikeng
23rd April 19h00	New Life Fellowship (show) Danville	Mafikeng
24th April 09h00	AFM Mafikeng	Mafikeng
24th April 18h00	AFM Lighthouse	Vryburg

On Behalf Of

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information, interviews or bookings, please call:

082 828 3025

visit http://www.ymctheband.co.za/

Catch up with YMCtheband on:

Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/ymctheband

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/YMC-theband/122416627829389

and their Blog http://ymctheband.blogspot.com/  

                                                                        

_______________________SOME BACKGROUND_________________________________

YMCtheband have a heart for youth; especially those in small communities. Each member has a special life story – physical and substance abuse, peer pressure; personal achievement – and they will share their stories with audiences, through their music, media presentations and other means.

                         

Everything You Need to Know Right Now!

Over the past couple of months we've been stretching ourselves quite a bit.


With our eye on the goal: reaching more people, we've been writing for, and recently started recording the new Album; working alongside a great Vocal Producer; started working with a Live Band; and we're now on our way to the first Tour!


Let's start from the top shall we. The new album is experimental and so out of the box! Glisson says it has "sounds that will make you dance and lyrics that will make you think". We all agree - it really is a few notches above the first album.


We are having so much fun in the studio but we are so aware of the amount of work we need to put in. Darryl thinks we have a way of "breaking down the walls" because we're either pulling funny faces or doing funny impersonations. When we're working this hard, we rely on each other like that to make it easier. 


As we've shared with you before, producer Ankha Nel is working with us on the album.


We want to have this album perfected and out by Spring 2011 - it will symbolise a new beginning, a new birth!


Because we're so determined to be of better quality, we've been working with the renowned vocal producer Marlie Kelly. 





Darryl, Ryan and Dazz during a session with Malie

 
Dazz feels strongly that "our strength as a group has always been our vocal blending and deep lyrics. Malie is the best person to get any singer's vocal performance to a new level and she is helping to do exactly that with us." None of us can argue with that! Marlie is brilliant!


We've enjoyed the company of a live band for some time now, and it seems audiences like it too. Ryan is the only one who plays an instrument, so we got some great muso's to come on board. Ryan, please introduce them:




The guys during a sound check


"From left:


David is a whiz on the piano. He's an exceptional music director who always aims to have our music 100% tight! He has worked with a few local bands and artists.


Our exceptional drummer, Brendan, has been used as a studio session muso on some really cool local Jazz and Gospel tracks. 


Then we have Dean - a seasoned Pianist who was part of the group Southern Flava and won the 2010 YAMAHA Young Talent Competition.


Brenton is so cool, calm and collected - he doesn't say much but wait until he picks up his Bass Guitar. What a presence!" 


Now, we'll take to the streets with all this armour and go on Tour in parts of the North West and Drakensburg this Easter.

This tour is long overdue and we're really passionate about these particular areas because we've seen a lot of hopelessness amongst young people out there.


Besides, touring makes music more real and we want to become a tangible message to audiences: "Jesus can take care of all your Issues!"


Essentially, that's the point of all these changes - we want that message to outlive us.


Love,

p.s. stay tuned for more info on the Tour and Album!