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With their signature crunchy guitars, driving percussion, and frontman Benny DiChiara’s distinct and arresting vocals, Empowered shows no sign of losing the momentum from their previous chart-topping project, Three Days, which garnered multiple No. 1 songs and music videos on the indie charts, as well as industry-wide acclaim.
The first album released by the band since DiChiara experienced a life-altering brain injury, Three Days received significant national and international press attention for the band. Yahweh Nissi is poised to continue that trend, with “I’ll Meet You There (Daddy’s Song)” reaching No. 1 on Indiegospel.net’s Top 20 Songs chart in April 2023.
The project opens with the title song, the raw, real, and relevant “Yahweh Nissi.”
The second cut and debut single from the album, “Jesus Can Heal the World,” is a stand-up-and-jump-into-worship anthem with an instantly singable chorus. The song reflects resounding truth that is timeless as it is timely. “With all that is going on in the world, we simply need to point people to the only One who can fix it,” says DiChiara.
The band goes for a visceral reaction with the foot-stomping, faith-inspiring “Soul Shaker,” a song that was written not only to “reach out to and talk to people about Jesus, but to literally shake their soul to seek Him,” says DiChiara.
On “I Surrender All,” the band puts a new twist on lyrics that have become synonymous with the modern day hymnal. With their signature classic rock flavor, Empowered not only upends the traditional melody, but pontificates on the concept of surrender. The song encourages listeners to not only surrender their circumstances and actions, but also the outcomes, of which God is ultimately in control.
Finally, the EP wraps up with the moving ballad, “I’ll Meet You There (Daddy’s Song),” written in tribute to DiChiara’s father, who died from cancer in 2020.
Collectively, the interplay of songs on the project encompasses the passion and compassion Benny and the band have for God and the church. “God has driven such a clear message into me for this project and the millions of people who claim Him as Lord,” says DiChiara.
About Benny DiChiara and Empowered:
Singer/songwriter/survivor Benny DiChiara is the founder and frontman of the indie Christian rock band Empowered.
A New Orleans native, DiChiara is also a businessman, motivational speaker, father, and husband. Having come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ later in life, the U.S. Navy vet first fronted a secular rock band before surrendering his music to ministry.
DiChiara’s band, Empowered, which he founded after giving his life to Christ, has become a staple of the live music scene in their home state of Louisiana, sharing the stage with such powerhouse artists as Switchfoot, MercyMe, 7eventh Time Down, and Jaci Velasquez.
Empowered is comprised of DiChiara (lead vocals and songwriting), Shane Madere Jr. (lead guitarist, background vocals), Jeff Maddox (bass and background vocals), Mic Capdeville (percussion and background vocals), and Justin Burdette (guitarist and background vocals).
The band has been gaining traction in the indie music world as their critically-acclaimed project, Three Days, has garnered seven No. 1 hits on Indiegospel.net’s Top 20 singles and Top 10 video charts, and over 300,000 Spotify streams to date.
The band’s latest single (and music video), “I’ll Meet You There (Daddy’s Song),” which is featured on their new EP, Yahweh Nissi, was written after the death of DiChiara‘s father from cancer in October of 2020. DiChiara co-wrote the song with its producer, Dove Award-nominated recording artist Mikey Howard (Love Journey Music, 7eventh Time Down), who also produced the new EP, as well as the Three Days EP.
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Benny DiChiara and his indie Christian rock band, Empowered, released their latest EP, Yahweh Nissi, in October 2022. Empowered black & white photos consist of (Top row, L to R): Mic Capdevielle (percussion and background vocals), Shane Madere, Jr. (lead guitarist and background vocals); (Middle row, center): Benny DiChiara (founder, lead vocals and songwriting); (Bottom row, L to R): Jeff Maddox (bass and background vocals), Justin Burdette (guitarist and background vocals). (Gary Governale photo)
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DiChiara has a powerful testimony of God’s mercy and healing that he loves to share. And he has been sharing it all over the world–most recently on national and international media outlets including CBN’s flagship show, The 700 Club; Cornerstone Television Network’s flagship show, Hope Today; NRBTV & WATC-TV 57 in Atlanta’s award-winning TV show, Babbie’s House; Inspiration.org; nationally syndicated radio show Bill Martinez Live! (airing in 300+ U.S. markets); popular Baton Rouge, Louisiana, lifestyle publication, 225 Magazine; LIFE Today Live with Randy Robison; World Christian Broadcasting; MRG Media; The Meeting House on Faith Radio, and many more.
When a serious brain injury nearly took his life and his capacity to create music, it was DiChiara’s faith that helped him navigate the long, often winding road to recovery.
In October 2015, DiChiara endured a traumatic brain injury due to a fall. He suffered a concussion and a closed fracture of the skull base with subarachnoid, subdural, and extradural hemorrhage. The injury could have easily ended his career and even his life, but DiChiara astonished doctors with a rapid and nearly full recovery.
The healing process turned into a creative season, during which the band’s previous EP, Three Days, was written. Three Days was the band’s first release since DiChiara’s accident and healing journey, which has made the band’s recent accomplishments all the more significant.
DiChiara and Empowered are proud to contribute to the work of the non-profit organization, Children’s Cup ( childrenscup.org).
DiChiara lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with his wife Donna.
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