Before the Breakthrough

Influence Music

Credits: Producer, Songwriter, Musician

“Before the Breakthrough” is the 2nd studio album from Influence Music. It features the Influence Music team (Melody Noel, Whitney Medina, Drew Medina, Larry Walker, Matt Gilman) with special guests Kim Walker-Smith, Patrick Mayberry, and David Ryan Cook. 

Two of my favorite tracks on this album are “By Your Spirit” with Kim Walker-Smith and “Before the Breakthrough” with Melody Noel. The bombastic nature of the drums and guitars on “Breakthrough” are worth the price of admission alone, and Kim’s vocal on “By Your Spirit” is classic Kim — straight fire.

I had the honor of co-writing 4 of the songs on this project, including “Where Can I Go” with Patrick Mayberry & Whitney Medina and “Before the Breakthrough” with Melody Noel  — and, gasp! — Matt Redman. It was my first write with Matt.  What a legend! I’ve been a fan of his since the 90’s… Definitely surreal to write with him. Loved it.

This album is unique in its approach because 4 total producers were used on the project. Myself, Ran Jackson, Rick Siebold, and 2022 GMA Producer of the Year Jeff Pardo each took the helm of various tracks on this one. The collaboration between us makes for a super cool and diverse album. “Straight to Your Heart” and “Nobody Leaves the Same” are standout tracks from the other producers and were produced by Ran Jackson and Jeff Pardo, respectively. Perfectly polished!!

Well done, everyone!

Gabriel Wilson and Melody Noel writing worship songs

The Team:

  • Produced by:

    • Gabriel Wilson

    • Ran Jackson

    • Jeff Pardo

    • Rick Siebold

  • Mixed by Doug Weir

  • Mastered by Drew Lavyne

Performed by:

  • Melody Noel

  • Whitney Medina

  • Matt Gilman

  • Larry James Walker

  • Drew Medina

Special Guests:

  • Kim Walker-Smith

  • Patrick Mayberry

  • David Ryan Cook