Gospel music is entering a historic new chapter with the official unveiling of The Quartet Collective, a first-of-its-kind supergroup uniting four powerhouse voices across generations to honor the legacy of traditional quartet while boldly advancing its sound for a global audience.
Featuring GRAMMY®-nominated and Stellar Award-winning artists Zacardi Cortez, Darnell Williams, Edwrin Sutton, and Keon Harrison, this groundbreaking collaboration merges church-rooted authenticity with contemporary excellence. With an album produced by Darnell Williams and set for release through Black Smoke Music Worldwide, The Quartet Collective is poised to deliver quartet-driven harmonies, testimony-rich lyrics, and spirit-stirring modulations crafted to shake both the church and the culture. In this exclusive interview, the group shares the heart, vision, and divine purpose behind what promises to be history in harmony.
Q: The Quartet Collective unites four powerful voices and generations in a way Gospel music hasn't seen before. At what moment did you realize this was more than a collaboration-and that a true supergroup was being formed?
Honestly, once you put Zacardi Cortez and Darnell Williams in the same space, you already know something special is happening. But it became undeniable when we heard the songs we wrote come to life in the production, and our distinct voices came together as one sound. In that moment, we realized this was rare and unprecedented. It was no longer just a collaboration; it was the formation of something truly special.
Q: Quartet music is foundational to Gospel history and church culture. How are you preserving its spiritual authority and emotional weight while advancing the sound for today's listeners and a global audience?
We honor the roots by never compromising the message. The power of quartet music has always been its truth, which is the Gospel, lived experience, and Spirit-led delivery. What we're advancing is the presentation: production that meets today's ears, arrangements that will translate globally, and storytelling that connects across cultures. The authority comes from staying anchored in God; the evolution comes from being willing to speak His truth in a fresh perspective.
Q: Each of you brings a distinct vocal tone, range, and delivery. How did you learn to blend those differences into one unified sound without losing the individuality that made each of you stand out?
All four of us were raised in quartet music, and that foundation teaches you how to truly hear music-how to listen, blend, and harmonize with others. Because we've been doing this most of our lives, blending our distinct voices came naturally. Instead of diminishing our individuality, the quartet tradition actually allows it to shine. Our differences don't compete; they complement each other, creating a unified sound that's richer because of who each of us uniquely is.
Q: Testimony has always been central to quartet music. How are personal stories, lived faith, and real-life praise shaping the songs and messages behind this upcoming project?
Every song on the album is coming from a very real place. We're singing about what we've survived, what we've prayed through, and what God has proven Himself to be. Pain, victory, waiting, healing, and faith under pressure are all in the music. When we sing, we want people to hear themselves in the music and be reminded that God is faithful in real life, not just in theory.
Q: Fans know you from church services, radio charts, and viral moments. What do you want people to immediately recognize-or feel-the first time they hear The Quartet Collective together?
We want them to feel the presence of God first. That's most important. We also want people to notice a fresh sound of quartet music. We want people to hear what's old in a new way.
Q: With a debut single arriving in May and a full album later this year, what do you believe God is positioning The Quartet Collective to speak into the church and the culture in this season?
We believe God is calling us to be a bridge-between generations, between tradition and innovation, between the church and the world. In a season where many feel disconnected, discouraged, or unsure, we're being positioned to remind people of the unchanging power of God and the relevance of Gospel truth. This is music for the sanctuary, the car ride, and the quiet moments when faith has to be real.
