S4EP03: Built by Grace; Turning a Dream into a Label with Dereq McFarlane

Gospel artist and producer Dereq McFarlane shares how he turned rejection into revelation, launching his own label and creating spirit-led music that stays true to his faith. In this episode of Cloud Record Music Podcast, host Maurine McFarlane sits down with Minister Dereq McFarlane—a self-taught gospel artist, producer, and founder of McViz Records. Speaking from St. Mary, Jamaica, Dereq shares how he built his music career from the ground up, producing everything from his laptop and leaning on faith through every step. He talks about the inspiration behind songs like Yahweh, You Alone and It Is Well With My Soul, moments of divine creativity, and what it means to stay true to the message of the gospel—even in an industry that often pushes for compromise. His story is a powerful reminder of how faith and focus can turn a dream into a calling. In this episode, you will learn the following: You don’t need formal training to make music that moves people. Faith can turn low moments into powerful worship. God often shows up in the creative process when you least expect it. Staying true to your message matters more than fitting in. Community and collaboration can spark unexpected beauty. Focus helps you rise above pressure and competition. A dream, when nurtured, can become a ministry. Connect with Dereq McFarlane  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dereqmcfarlane  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dereqmcfarlane  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dereqmcfarlane  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2R1jPFRWwYesonmvIYmmBS  Connect with Maurine McFarlane & Cloud Music Records LLC Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maurine-mcfarlane-2a5836161 Cloud Records LLC Website: https://cloudrecordllc.com Cloud Records LLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloudrecordsllc2020 Cloud Records LLC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cloudrecordllc Cloud Records LLC Fanbase: https://www.fanbase.app/@cloudrecordsllc1   Music Platforms to Cloud Records LLC Music: I Am Strong (EP) by Capathia Jenkins – https://capathiajenkins.hearnow.com/i-am-strong-2    Jesus Christ is Lord by Carmella Green  – https://carmellagreen.hearnow.com/jesus-christ-is-lord Jesus Christ is Lord (Instrumental) by Carmella Green  – https://carmellagreen.hearnow.com/jesus-christ-is-lord-instrumental  Jesus Christ is Lord (Radio Edit) by Carmella Green – https://carmellagreen.hearnow.com/jesus-christ-is-lord-radio-edit     There is A Time (EP) by Garrick V. Morgan & Valerie V. Gay – https://garrickvmorgan.hearnow.com   Fighting for My Destiny (Prayer Meditation Music) by Maurine McFarlane & Jennifer Thomas – https://maurinemcfarlane.hearnow.com/fighting-for-my-destiny-prayer-meditation-music-3    Luchando por Mi Destino Música para la Oración de Meditación ) by Maurine McFarlane & Maria Antonella Moreno Maldonado – https://maurinemcfarlane.hearnow.com/fighting-for-my-destiny-prayer-meditation-music