Courtland Pickens EPK
COURTLAND PICKENS
Courtland Pickens is a Minneapolis based vocalist, vocal director, music educator, worship director, and visionary community leader whose work bridges performance, education, faith, and mentorship.
Courtland began his musical journey in church and went on to record and perform nationally with Dove and Stellar Award nominated Darnell Davis & The Remnant, appear on Bobby Jones Gospel, and place among the top 150 of more than 10,000 singers during auditions for NBC’s The Voice. As a recording artist, he released his debut EP, The Manifested Promise, in 2017 and the single Trust In You in 2020.
Today, Courtland’s work extends from classrooms and churches to some of the region’s most prominent stages. His performance and vocal direction credits include Orchestra Hall, U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Center, The Armory, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, the Minnesota State Fair, and Eaux Claires Festival, with opportunities to perform alongside and in support of artists including Josh Groban and Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. His credits also include Netflix’s NFL Christmas Gameday halftime show featuring Snoop Dogg, Lainey Wilson, Andrea and Matteo Bocelli, and the singing voices of HUNTR/X from KPop Demon Hunters.
Courtland is the Founder and Executive Director of Voicez Inc. and Founder and Director of Known MPLS, one of the Twin Cities’ most exciting youth and young adult vocal ensembles. Through music, mentorship, and transformative performance experiences, his work is helping develop the next generation of artists and leaders.
In addition to his work with Known MPLS, Courtland currently serves as Worship Director at Epiphany Covenant Church, oversees music for the Youth & Young Adult Choir at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, teaches Gospel Choir at Minnehaha Academy, serves as an Adjunct Professor and Artist in Residence at North Central University.
At the heart of Courtland’s work is a simple belief: music can heal, create belonging, build community, and transform lives.
Impact
Before joining Known MPLS I didn’t really have a sense of community. I struggled a lot with connecting with people and really putting myself out there. Becoming a part of Known MPLS not only gave me a place to connect with others that share similar experiences, but a place I could connect with myself and learn more about who I am. Being a part of Known MPLS taught me how to be a strong team member, and an even stronger leader.
I’ve only been in the choir for about two months, but honestly it already feels like home. From the first day, Known MPLS made me feel welcomed and like I’ve been here way longer than I actually have. It’s more than just singing, its laughs, real conversations, and people who actually care about each other. Being here has given me family and a community I can lean on. I’ve found people who will pray with me, encourage me, and push me to grow both in my gift and in my walk with God. Every rehearsal reminds me it’s bigger than music it’s ministry, it’s love, and it’s something I’m really thankful to be part of.
So I’m forever grateful for known MPLS!