Carolina Sound Releases New Album, “It’s a Yes”
October 27, 2025
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
MOUNT OLIVE – Carolina Sound, the premier A Cappella vocal ensemble from the University of Mount Olive (UMO), has released its newest album, It’s a Yes, now available on all major digital platforms including iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play.
According to Carolina Sound Director Lester Rector, the inspiration for the project came naturally. “We were already singing most of these songs and wanted to do a record that highlights all that we do,” Rector said. “There is a special God touch on this record. The album’s title, It’s a Yes, reflects our mission—to declare 2 Corinthians 1:20 over people: ‘For as many are the promises of God, in Christ they are all answered YES.’”
A year and a half in the making, the album captures the group’s musical and spiritual growth, blending a mix of cover songs that showcase their wide range of styles and heartfelt message. “This album is a variety of songs that we do, instead of being just secular or just Christian,” Rector explained.
The recording process included both seasoned and new members of Carolina Sound. “We had three brand new students record on this project: Joshua Thomas, our new bass; Hailey McNabb, alto; and Parker Gin, who is featured as soloist on the title cut,” Rector noted. “One of the best moments was watching Xzorion record ‘Kung-Fu Fighting.’ It allowed us to explore new things in the studio, and it’s a great cut.”
Four UMO alumni also contributed to the record: Olivia (Simmons) Alston, Abijah Graham, Abigail Marshburn, and Shana Beaver. The collaboration added depth and continuity to the group’s evolving sound. “Each of these alumni played an important role in creating some of the album’s most powerful medleys,” Rector said.
Much of the recording took place at Sound Seer Studios with producer Dan Reynolds, while nine songs were recorded in Carolina Sound’s new recording studio attached to the UMO Rehearsal Facility.
Rector shared that the experience provided more than just musical development for his students. “All of these songs speak to where we are as children of God and as people,” he said. “Obviously, our students grow musically, but when that growth is attached to their spiritual walk, it amplifies their effectiveness.”
Songs such as Name Medley and It’s a Yes stand out as centerpieces of the album. “They truly represent the heart of Carolina Sound,” Rector said. “We want listeners to feel that they can worship God in all that they do.”
Fans can stream or purchase the album online at https://linktr.ee/carolinasound. A launch concert to celebrate the release is being planned, with details to be announced soon.
“The Lord has His hand on this project,” Rector reflected. “You can feel His presence in the music, the performances, and the hearts of every student involved. It’s a Yes is not just an album, it is a declaration of faith.”
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
