Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Veritas


Contemporary classical vocal group Veritas released their self-titled debut this year and vocalist James Berrian took some time to answer some introductory questions about the vocal quintet and what's ahead for them...
This interview took place on: 9/7/14.




  • JFH (John DiBiase): Veritas got its start as "Shofar," correct? As an introduction to new listeners, can you tell us a little of how the band come together?

    James Berrian: Veritas is a contemporary classical vocal group with five guys who all come from a different musical background. Jeff is a soulful, dramatic tenor who's always singing up in the rafters. Jordan is also a tenor, but has more of a really cool rock edge to his voice. Scott and I both have strong classical backgrounds in opera, and Andrew has a great musical theater voice, which is kind of the glue that holds it all together. Most of us went to college together and toured as a part of the Truth 40th Anniversary tour with Roger Breland. Once that tour was finished we all hit the road full-time as Veritas, and the rest is history.

  • JFH (John): Why the name "Veritas?"

    James: Veritas means "truth" in Latin. We get to meet people all the time who are searching for love, for hope, and for something to believe in. We have the great opportunity to use the musical gifts we've been given to help make an impact in their lives by sharing with them the truth that they are loved and there is hope in Jesus Christ.

  • JFH (John): How did you first get involved in music? (What sparked the passion for you?)

    James: When I was a kid, I started taking piano lessons. From there, I started playing in the marching band, and did that all through high school. When I was 16, I started to sing and train my voice. We didn't have a choir at our school, so I sang in the choir and did solos at our small, country church. That was when my passion for singing and music really took flight. To think now I get the opportunity to travel full-time with Veritas and sing across the country is a dream come true for me.

  • JFH (John): How did you get connected with Fair Trade Services to release your full-length debut?

    Album Cover

    James: We had been touring for about a year when a friend of ours, Mark Harris of 4Him, introduced our music to the team at Fair Trade Services. One day, as we were driving through "nowheresville" Texas, we got a call from Mark telling us that Jeff Moseley, the president of Fair Trade Services, would like to meet with us. So, we went to Nashville to meet with him and his team. We were excited and a little nervous about meeting him, but the meeting went great! The Fair Trade team is excellent at what they do and have treated us so well. We're really honored and humbled to be a part of the Fair Trade family.

  • JFH (John): You covered some really recognizable songs, but some are vastly different stylistically in their original form -- like Switchfoot's "Dare You To Move." What inspired you to cover it? When did you hear that song and think "Hey, we should do this one!"

    James: One of the coolest things about the contemporary classical genre is the creative process of taking a familiar song that everyone knows and putting a twist on it. When Fair Trade brought "Dare You To Move" to the table to consider, we immediately knew this was an opportunity to do just that. The vision for this song was always to create a "larger than life" piece that had soaring vocals and a killer orchestra.

  • JFH (John): Favorite song on your album, Veritas?

    James: My favorite song on the album is "Dare You To Move." It's so out of the box and fun to listen to!

  • JFH (John): What song do you enjoy singing live most?

    James: I can't help but pinch myself every time we sing "The Lord's Prayer" live. There's something about the arrangement that moves and inspires me. Honestly, it's just a privilege to get to sing it every night.

  • JFH (John): What artists inspire you most?

    James: One of my all-time favorite singers is David Phelps. The dude can flat out sing. Il Divo, Michael Buble, and Celine Dion are all artists who have inspired me musically over the last few years.

  • JFH (John): What are your tour plans?

    James: Veritas is currently on tour this fall premiering our debut album. We're also gearing up to do some appearances with Sandi Patty this fall and in the spring of next year.

  • JFH (John): If you could share the stage with or tour with any band or artist (existing today), who would it be?

    James: I think a dream for us would be to tour with Michael W. Smith. Each of us has such a high level of respect for him as an artist and as someone who creates great music. When we first started, his orchestral albums really inspired us as we were beginning to shape the Veritas sound.

  • JFH (John): What has God been teaching you lately?

    James: For me personally, it's been the importance of spiritual discipline in life. 1 Timothy 4:7 says "Train yourself to be godly." My prayer lately has been that God would help me to be disciplined to read his word and do what it says so that the people I come in contact with would be drawn to Jesus.


    Veritas's latest album, Veritas is available now wherever music is sold!


    Leave A Comment! (Don't forget to be nice)

     

    go to main Interview page

     

  •                  
    Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

    Search JFH



    This Wednesday, October 8, 2025
    SINGLES
    Amy Jay Back to What's Natural - Single (independent)

    This Friday, October 10, 2025
    ALBUMS
    Citizens m us eum [Anotherland Records]
    Ben Fuller Walk Through Fire: Songs From The Smoke [Provident]
    Grace Graber Everything You Ever Wanted - EP [Wings]
    Faith Worship Arts Fill This House (Deluxe) [DREAM]
    Jesus Culture Send The Fire: Live From London [Capitol CMG]
    The Kingdom Heirs Fortieth Anniversary [Sonlite]
    Tasha Layton Life in Me [BEC]
    Myles Maestro Dead End Road - EP [Syntax]
    Make Sure Starry May Morning (independent)
    Wintley Phipps A Symphonic Tribute to the Songs of Bill & Gloria Gaither [Gaither]
    SNT. VINCENT Final Greetings [Syntax]
    Razzie Digital Psalms - EP [Syntax]
    Matthew West Come Home For Christmas [Provident/Story House]
    Josh Wright LEAD (Deluxe) (independent)

    SINGLES
    Holly Brand One Thing He Wouldn't Do - Single [Integrity]
    Chosen Road Daddy Was a Navy Man - Single [Thoroughbred]
    Drakeford Writing on the Wall - Single (independent)
    EJ Swavv & Jeff Knox Deja Vu - Single [Syntax]
    gio. DANCE LIKE DAVID (feat. Swaizy) - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Benjamin William Hastings At the heart of it (from Worship Together) - Single [Capitol CMG]
    JSP No More (feat. Kevin Young) - Single (independent)
    Kelo Memory Lane - Single [Syntax]
    MATTHEWS Broken Forever - Single [Curb]
    Patrick Mayberry + Katie Torwalt God Is Faithful - Single [Provident]
    MAYIA Pass Me Not - Single [Syntax]
    Kevi Morse Like You - Single [Syntax]
    Jeannie Ortega Decipher - Single [Syntax]
    Run51 Song Of My Soul - Single [DREAM]
    Lee Vasi A Pesar De Todo - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Zane Vickery Name (Live at Greenbriar) - Single (independent)
    Vineyard Worship & Dreaming The Impossible Praise You For Eternity - Single [Vineyard]
    Jovan Whyte Never Give Up (feat. Dweeno) - Single (independent)

    Next Friday, October 17, 2025
    ALBUMS
    ANTHNY DIARY ENTRY 1 [Provident]
    Blanca Full Bloom [Curb]
    Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas [Gaither]
    Geoff Moore and The Distance Foundations (Re-Release) [Girder]
    Geoff Moore and The Distance A Place To Stand (Re-Release) [Girder]
    Nate Parrish Make Me A Mountain (independent)
    Psallos The New and Better Way: Hymns of Hebrews (independent)
    Anne Wilson Stars [Capitol CMG]

    SINGLES
    Zane Vickery All Things New - Single (independent)

    DVD
    Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas DVD [Gaither]


    For all release dates, click here!
     

    Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!
    Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
    Check out depositphotos for royalty free images