About:

Diversecity

SIMPLY PUT, DIVERSECITY IS TOBYMAC’S BAND—THE MUSICIANS AND SINGERS WHO TOUR WITH HIM AND MAKE THE SONGS COME ALIVE ON STAGE. MOST OF THESE TALENTED MUSICIANS HAVE BEEN WITH HIM PRETTY MUCH SINCE THE BEGINNING OF HIS SOLO CAREER.

GET TO KNOW THEM BELOW.

Terrian Bass

We are excited and honored that Terrian will be taking the stage with us moving forward. She is a Godsend. A true worshipper with soulful vocal chops for days. We’re so thankful God made our paths cross. —TobyMac

What is your role in DiverseCity?
My role is the female vocalist for DiverseCity.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of DiverseCity?
My favorite thing about being a part of this band is gaining a host of big brothers that I get to take the stage with throughout the year. Serving God and people alongside these guys is truly an honor.

Share a memorable experience from your time on the road.
A memorable experience compiles into all of the summer festivals. Being a part of all of those alongside so many other artists/bands that I’m a fan of is surreal. My manager and boyfriend has gotten many text messages from me freaking out about who I’ve seen.

Who are your musical heroes?
Listening to MaryMary growing up was inspiring to me. Then there’s Kirk Franklin who brought all the jams and classics that you still hear about to this day. Hillsong United’s Oceans was the very first CCM Worship song I’d ever heard. Hearing it as well as seeing them sing it live sparked a desire for worship and being a worship leader. So, I’d say they’re my musical heroes as well!

How do you unwind?
I unwind by going to a coffee shop for hours and studying the Bible.

Which Biblical figure do you most identify with and why?
I would say Peter. When I find myself particularly in tough situations, I can hear the Lord telling me to focus on Him and keep my eyes on Him.

Peter felt he needed proof that it was Jesus walking to the boat on water. Peter asked for Jesus to call him out on the water if it was really Him. Then Jesus orders him to come. Peter steps out of the boat and starts walking on water. He sees how rough the waters are and freaks out. Loses sight. Begins to sink. Cries out for help.

I identify with Peter in this because of those times of doubt I have. I think it’s simple. Yes, things are hard. However, I have the instruction and life of Jesus to look at. Things DO get better and are better when I choose to focus on the Lord in everything. Peter got to experience that in that moment of doubt and is a clear testament to what focusing on Jesus and not the mess can do for ya.

Tell us about your efforts (musical or otherwise) outside of DiverseCity.
Outside of DiverseCity I am a mentor for an all girls choir called Angel Street. I enjoy doing this because I came from this organization, so I get to pour back into the lives of the young ladies of my community the same way people did for me.

I’m also a singer/songwriter/worship leader. So, I get to do that and pursue a music career. All of it is a dream come true!

Endorsements or preferred equipment:
S/O to Alclair IEM’s. The clarity in those bad boys are superb! I’m a fan!!

Words of advice to someone who wants to play music for a living:
Follow the Holy Spirit guiding you and take the vision God gives you and run with it.

Gabe Real Patillo

Mr. Everything….go to him and get what you need to find or hear! Multi-tasker. Droppin knowledge with a game controller in hand. —TobyMac

What is your role in DiverseCity?
I’m the “hype” man and background singer. I do more sweating than both of those things though….

What is your favorite thing about being a part of DiverseCity?
We have an amazing group of guys and one gal. The relationships I’ve made in this band will be life long. The traveling is great, but the fellowship and ministry that goes on on our bus is incredible.

Share a memorable experience from your time on the road.
It has to be when we recently played Time Square. I just never thought I would ever do that. I watch the ball drop on television every year and wondered what it would be like to play in the middle of Time Square. Now and I know. On top of just having the experience, is knowing that the gospel was shared in an amazing way to a city that desperately needs it.

Who are your musical heroes?
Heroes is hard to say…. I grew up not wanting to do music even though my house was filled with it. Early on I LOVED the old stuff. Frank Sinatra and Nate King Cole were the soundtrack to my childhood.

How do you unwind?
If you talk to me more than 10 minutes then you know I’m really into video games. Always have been. I even host a podcast called Married to the Games.

Which Biblical figure do you most identify with and why?
Probably Moses. Not because I feel like a leader, but because I feel so ill equipped for what God has given me to do. To me, it’s a joke that I’m with Toby. In the band we’re always asking, “Can this be real life?” And that’s how I feel about most of my life. Jesus has given me so much that I don’t deserve. So I’ll keep givin’ it back until I can’t any more.

Tell us about your efforts (musical or otherwise) outside of DiverseCity.
Like I said I host a podcast (Married to the Games) where we talking about gaming from a husband and father’s perspective and I’ve also started to dip my toe into voice over work. I’m a songwriter and have written a couple songs with Jamie Grace, Toby, Hollyn, Jordan Feliz, Ryan Stevenson, and some others. Outside of all that I’m a husband and dad to two little ones. Amara, our little girl, and the newest addition to the family, our little boy Remy.

Endorsements or preferred equipment:
1964 Ears! They’ve been awesome and I love ’em. It feels like I didn’t have real in-ear monitors until I got these joints.

Words of advice to someone who wants to play music for a living:
Don’t!! I’m just kidding. Lay it before Christ. Let him take you where you should go. We so often see people get really popular really fast and fizzle out quickly or start making really bad decisions. The grind is fun and helps you appreciate where you are and where you could end up!

Brian Ramey

Brian Ramey had some big shoes to fill. When B. Haley decided to venture out and become a full-time speaker (Go B!), we knew we had to look for the best. B had Brian fill in a few times when he had to miss shows, so we knew where to turn. “Bramey” is a warm soul but always up for some laughs, a good time and deeper spiritual discussions. We are so thankful that he is a new and vital hard-hitting part of the DiverseCity family! —TobyMac

What is your role in DiverseCity?
I am the drummer.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of DiverseCity?
The family atmosphere and knowing that everyone wants you to win.

Share a memorable experience from your time on the road.
Playing late night Mario Kart and talking about life.

Who are your musical heroes?
Eric Ramey, Paul Mabury, Nate Smith, Terence Clark, just to name a few.

How do you unwind?
Hanging with my wife, Netflix, watching drum stuff on YouTube.

Which Biblical figure do you most identify with and why?
David. I try my best to be a man after God’s heart.

Tell us about your efforts (musical or otherwise) outside of DiverseCity.
Outside of the band, I teach private drums lessons, and do a little bit of session and fill-in gigs. Outside of work, trying to be the best husband I can be.

Endorsements or preferred equipment:
Istanbul Cymbals
Remo drum heads
Vater drum sticks
Duaz electronics
Shy Baffled

Words of advice to someone who wants to play music for a living:
Put God first in everything you do. Stay humble, hustle hard. Make genuine friendships.

DJ Maj

He’s our Yoda. The “real” force is with him. He offers old school wisdom with a smile that may leave you pondering for days. —TobyMac

What is your role in DiverseCity?
DJ/Trombone/Genius

What is your favorite thing about being a part of DiverseCity?
I have the closest thing to family while doing one of the many things I love. It’s hard to believe sometimes. I guess God really knows what He’s doing after all.

Share a memorable experience from your time on the road.
I’ll never forget the time Timmy convinced me to fish with him. It required us walking through grass which appeared to be 10 feet high in my mind (it wasn’t that tall, I was just that afraid of a snake bite). Dude walked through that junk like it was his back yard. That’s when I was able to introduce Tim to the phrase, “That’s Some White People Stuff.” It made us closer. Really close. It made us so close that I walked 2 feet behind him the whole time. We still chuckle about it to this day. It’s been a fly relationship ever since. No pun.

Who are your musical heroes?
My high school jazz band director was instrumental in developing my appreciation of the pioneers from the Big Band era. It was required listening. At the time of this post, my contemporary era looks are: Jay (for bars), Ye (for beats), DJing – Kraze, Party DJ – Aoki, Israel Houghton, Primo, *Kendrick, Lecrae, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Hendrix, Bobby Mcferrin, *Bob Marley, Switchfoot, Jill Scott, *The Roots, *Common, Bill Withers, Wynton Marsalis, Soup The Chemist, and my mom-n’em

How do you unwind?
FISHING! Period.

Which Biblical figure do you most identify with and why?
That’s hard. Moses was my real dude. I love that he doubted himself yet he was willing to do everything with 100% effort regardless. Then there’s Jacob. He’s my guy too. He was a stand-up guy. Any man who walks with a slight limp is a man who can be trusted (Vito Corleone face). Lastly, Joseph. Let’s just say Joseph is my middle name. We’re both “dreamers”.

Tell us about your efforts (musical or otherwise) outside of DiverseCity.
Check out this link for the latest: bit.ly/2GpnM6a

Endorsements or preferred equipment:
Lacie/Seagate
1964ears.com
rane.com

Words of advice to someone who wants to play music for a living:
I always say to find someone who is good at what they do and serve them. Be a follower for a season. Lastly, let your business be a service and you’ll never go out of business.

Keith Everette Smith

Keith is a musician’s musician. Plays about every instrument! Always adding to the creative pot of DiverseCity live arrangements. He is arguably the most quick witted guy on the bus, well maybe a tie between him, D-dub and GabeReal. Always up for a deeper discussion and ever ready to share from his life experiences to serve others. Thankful for this brother!—TobyMac

What is your role in DiverseCity?
I’m the auxiliary guy! The utility man. I play trumpet, keys, guitar, and percussion.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of DiverseCity?
The family and the life-change. People’s lives are being changed out here by the gospel of Jesus Christ and I love celebrating these stories with my family! These brothers and my sister, Terrian are truly family. I know I can lean on them and they can lean on me.

Share a memorable experience from your time on the road.
I’m an Ohio boy, and when we’re in the buckeye state, Toby has me play something from my marching band days at Ohio State University. As you can imagine, those crazy fans go NUTS (pun intended… Go Bucks!)

Who are your musical heroes?
Hmm… there’s a lot… Miles Davis, Maynard Ferguson, Arturo Sandoval, Phil Ramone, Greg Wells, Ryan Tedder… my head hurts a bit trying to think of ‘em all!

How do you unwind?
I love expensive food. Tasha and I go out to dinner to new restaurants as much as possible. We like to unwind with some Netflix. We like to camp. We like to travel. And I especially love playing cars with my boy, Levi.

Which Biblical figure do you most identify with and why?
Moses! Hindsight tells us that Moses was a great leader and accomplished so much in his lifetime for God’s glory, but in the moment he questioned God’s calling on his life. He had trouble believing God for his future. I know that feeling. It’s hard to trust God. I doubt. When I experience a setback or a roadblock, I get discouraged. God is good and wants good things for us. Nothing can stop what God is up to. I have to daily submit myself to God. When I do, I see the fullness of God’s glory in His plan for me! God Has A Plan (#GHAP)

Tell us about your efforts (musical or otherwise) outside of DiverseCity.
I’m a producer, songwriter, and session musician and recent real estate investor. My week is full of sessions for movie scores, arranging horns for other artists (like Zach Williams, Tauren Wells, and Toby, of course), writing songs (for artists like Jon Reddick and my wife, Tasha Layton), or playing at church when I’m home.

Endorsements or preferred equipment:
Trumpet – Yamaha
Mouthpieces – Patrick Mouthpieces
Keyboards – Roland
Guitars – Suhr, Gibson, Fender
Pedals – TrueTone, Source Audio, Pedaltrain
Drums – Risen Drums
Cymbals – Paiste
Electronics/Recording – Presonus, iConnectivity, Celemony, Arturia

Words of advice to someone who wants to play music for a living:
Do what you love, be diverse, but be a master at something. Practice, practice, practice! Remember, music is most powerful when it is a tool for communicating something bigger. It is MOST powerful when it is recognized as a gift from God, offered to God!

Dave “D-Dub” Wyatt

Dave “D-Dub” Wyatt

Runnin’ the musical show at 20 Below. Keeps us (but mostly himself) laughing. Keeps us up with the political landscape. —TobyMac

What is your role in DiverseCity?
Keys and Music Director

What is your favorite thing about being a part of DiverseCity?
Being forced to hang out with my besties

Share a memorable experience from your time on the road.
Playing in Time’s Square

Who are your musical heroes?
Tim Rosenau, B. Haley, Toddiefunk, djMaj

How do you unwind?
Run, Read and/or Netflix

Which Biblical figure do you most identify with and why?
Thomas. I can be a bit of a skeptic at times.

Tell us about your efforts (musical or otherwise) outside of DiverseCity.
Working hard to always be in the moment, because once it’s gone, it’s gone

Endorsements or preferred equipment:
Yamaha Motif series is a great all around keyboard. Anything Moog, but especially the Sub37. The Nord Electro 5. 1964 ears.

Words of advice to someone who wants to play music for a living:
Learn your craft and the art of paying the bills while doing so.

Tim Rosenau

Tim “Timmy Rose” Rosenau

What is your role in DiverseCity?
Guitarist, Trumpet, Vocals, Encourager, and Fly Fisherman

What is your favorite thing about being a part of DiverseCity?
The people! I get to travel and make music with my best friends. Best job ever!

Share a memorable experience from your time on the road.
The first time we played the Great Jones County fair in Monticello, IA where I grew up. The “welcome home” factor was nuts! I’ll never forget it.

Who are your musical heroes?
my favorite all around artist and songwriter is Jason Isbell. I’ll always love Foo Fighters, and I spend a lot of time bouncing around different guitarist on YouTube. Tim Pierce, Tom Bukovac, Kenny Greenberg, Guthrie Trapp…and many other rabbit trails!

How do you unwind?
I’m not great at unwinding honestly. I’m very much a busy body. But if I were to do something that was not music related, you would find me fly fishing.

Which Biblical figure do you most identify with and why?
Peter. His passion.

Tell us about your efforts (musical or otherwise) outside of DiverseCity.
I love playing on peoples projects! Session work is top on my list right now…even trumps fly fishing (most of the time) 😊. I also love music production and writing.

Endorsements or preferred equipment:
Paul Reed Smith guitars, McPherson guitars, Larrivee guitars. Tyler amps, Webber Speakers, Walrus Audio pedals, Wampler Pedals, Midnight30 Pedals, Sinasoid Cables

Words of advice to someone who wants to play music for a living:
Pray, surround yourself with players much better than you, and PRACTICE!

Loren “Snoopy” Clark

What is your role in DiverseCity?
Bass Guitarist

What is your favorite thing about being a part of DiverseCity?
My favorite aspect of being a member of the DiverseCity Family would be the camaraderie amongst us. We are truly a family that holds one another up as well as keeps one another accountable.

Share a memorable experience from your time on the road.
Some of my most memorable experiences on the road would be from the Drive In Theater Tour. It was a rough experience navigating what things would look like during the pandemic but we somehow grew collectively and created something special. Not to include the shared VR experiences that kept us entertained.

Who are your musical heroes?
My musical heroes would extend to my late grandfather, Loyce F. Clark, who was a quartet singer and guitarist who carried a legacy of friendships with the likes of Sam Cooke, Mahalia Jackson, etc. As well as my father, Marc Clark, an exceptional organist/pianist that also has had his share of the musical life playing for artist such as Ron Kenoly, CeCe Winans, etc. The legacy that proceeds me is one that I have strived to live up to and continue further than they were both able to.

How do you unwind?
Unwinding for me tends to consist of video games and or binge watching a new show or old favorite. I lean more as an introvert in an extroverted career so time away from the noise is always a plus.

Which Biblical figure do you most identify with and why?
For years I always felt that I shared the heart of David in the sense of his willingness to die daily to himself for the glory of God. In spite of his faults he kept his sight on realizing that without God he was nothing.

Tell us about your efforts (musical or otherwise) outside of DiverseCity.
Outside of DiverseCity I am actively rebuilding my portfolio and work as a graphic designer (logos, promotional material, etc.), as well as working on the structuring of a Life Coaching business, being that I am a certified life coach via the Enneagram.

Endorsements or preferred equipment:
Active Endorsements are as follows :: Alien Audio Basses, Alclair Audio Custom In-Ear Monitors, DR Strings, Essential Sound Products, George L Cables, Mono Creators. Additional Preferred Gear (Hopefully To Be Endorsed One Day) :: Moog, TC Electronics, Gallien Krueger, EBS, MXR/Dunlop, Native Instruments, Apollo

Words of advice to someone who wants to play music for a living:
Don’t limit yourself in your skillset. Study daily to become better. I’ve always lived by a personal quote of my own that “Preparation Meets Opportunity”. Even in times where there’s nothing moving forward or times where things are still, always be in a position to keep working towards being better so when the next door opens or the next opportunity presents itself you will be ready to confidently walk into that season. And also be a good steward of business, to be a player of music is only half of what music is, if that. Understand all aspects of business and expand into other arenas within your passion.