SongVault Artist Profile

Called and chosen to walk in the offices of Prophet, Pastor, and Teacher, South Florida native D.L. Gilbert also stands as a Music Producer, Musician, Songwriter, Author, and Entrepreneur, maintaining a fervent heart to simply "preach God's Word, produce God's music, and prepare God's people" for a soon-coming Savior, that God will be glorified and His people fortified!

On Sunday, February 13, 1977, Dara "Darin" Leedale Gilbert was born, and quickly become fascinated with two things: MUSIC and MINISTRY! By early adulthood, he began to grow both musically and spiritually, being priviliged to serve in Ministry in such capacities as Minister of Music, Pastor, and more. In 1995 Gilbert formed The B.F.P. Ensemble (formally The Built For Praise Community Ensemble), an initial twenty-eight voice Urban Contemporary Gospel choir with a band consisting of two keyboardists, one bass guitarist, one saxaphonist, and two drummers. They recorded their debut EP together in November of 1999, "ALRIGHT!", and their second project, "HUMBLE ME" (the single), in 2001.

Gilbert has since gone on to collaborate with, produce, and share the stage with countless fellow independent Gospel artists as well as some of the biggest names in Gospel music, and has been graced to minister in music and the spoken Word throughout certain parts of the U.S., including: Florida, Georgia, New York, and Michigan, and was nominated Best Gospel Male at the 2006 South Florida Gospel Music Awards, of which he humbly says, "To God be the glory!". With an entrepreneural spirit, endeavouring to leave an imprint on the earth for generations to come, and a zeal to do great exploits for the Kingdom of God, D.L. Gilbert has founded the multi-media production and graphic design company, MusicPreacher Productions; the music and print publishing ministry, MusicPreacher Publishing; and the independent record label, Do Love Gospel Records, and is now studying for his Bachelor's Degree in Ministry at Pillar of Truth Bible Institute.

As a testimony embodying the power of God's manifested deliverance and restoration, D.L. Gilbert has released "F.R.E.E." (Finally Realizing Eternal Ecstasy), an eclectic 14-track full-length album. Fused with Contemporary Gospel, Nu-Skool Traditional, Poetry/Spoken Word, and Praise & Worship tracks, this project promises to have you on your feet as you are ministered to, while you experience the gifts... the talents... the abilities... THE MINISTRY... that our God has invested within our brother... your "nephew"... His son... D.L. Gilbert!