TERRIAN TALKS ALL I NEED FOR CHRISTMAS

Behind the Coastline

You are reading an independently published interview-series published and carefully curated by Swedish pop-culture journalist Daniel John. Ever since its start in 2015, the core curiosity remains the same, surfing the creative currents of music, film, fashion and everything else on the pop-radar, catching the waves of culture as creative

Culture Coast TalksDaniel John

‘All I Need For Christmas’ is a truly joyous song, having every ingredient needed to become a Christmas–classic. What was it like being in the recording session for the song?

Thank you. Being in the studio recording this song was exciting. I loved the feel and groove of the song so that added to the excitement. I believe this song is a friendly reminder that for believers Christmas is about the messiah. It is about celebrating that with friends and family, and I hope that it encourages people to do that.

What are some of your favourite Christmas songs?

Some of my favourite Christmas songs are 'Someday at Christmas', 'Come Thou Long Expected Jesus', and 'O Come O come Emmanuel'. 'Someday at Christmas' is a very hopeful song. It remembers those in pain, those living a difficult life, it hopes for better times, and I believe the other two songs for me represent the biblical view of hoping for better days. The Israelites then were waiting for the birth of the their messiah. "Now, we await for his return. To bring home his church. To rebuild Jerusalem. To make heaven and earth brand new. We wait."

What were Christmas like growing up in Memphis?

Christmas here in Memphis was always fun growing up. I have always loved getting to be with my family, one of the main things we would do would be laugh together. Laughter is good medicine for sure. It didn’t matter how hard of a day or year we were having. When we would laugh together it somehow made so many things better. One of my best Christmas memories is my cousin and I going over to my grandma’s house every year the night before Christmas. We would tell her we were there to help bake the cakes. But, we were really there to eat all of the icing.

You are obviously very religious, what has church meant to you, not least as an artist, was that an early doorway into music for you?

Church has played a huge role in my artistry. So much of what I have learned in church over the years has assisted in who I am today as an artist. For me, it’s not just about “making a good song” but whether I’m living a life pleasing to my Elohim. I believe church has showed me that before being an artist to be sure that I am grounded in Christ and am actively pursuing him. Church is where I discovered I wanted to be a singer. I found out that my great grandmother prayed that all of her grandchildren would have musical gifts, most of us do so we are certainly fulfillment’s of her prayer.

Do you remember the first lyrics that you ever wrote?

I don't remember the first lyrics I wrote. What I do remember is they weren't good! (laughs) So, I intentionally forgot them.

You are also an advocate for a non-profit called AngelStreet in Memphis. What can you tell us about it’s purpose?

I became a part of AngelStreet my senior year of high school. I met Jill, the founder and now my manager, and she asked if I wanted to be in an all girls choir. I thought it was a great idea. The Lord turned it into something bigger than we imagined. Now, it’s a full time non-profit organization. We seek to bring the arts into underserved communities. Nationally, the arts are losing funding. There are so many young people without access and resources to the arts. AngelStreet does all that it can to stand in the gap for young ladies here in Memphis.

When are you your most creative?

I am most creative when I do not force it. Allowing space for the Holy Spirit to inspire lyrics and creativity is vital for me.

Are other artists a key inspiration?

Yes I’m a for sure inspired by other artists. I love music so much so when someone excels in it I am an instant fan. When I was younger, I was inspired by MaryMary, Kirk Franklin, and Alicia Keys. Now, it’s a variety. Less about an artist, but more so sounds and grooves.

On this song you are singing with hip hop artist Toby McKeehan, better known by his stage name TobyMac. You're also part of his Diverse City Band. How did you find each other?

Being in Diverse City has been my favourite gig ever, nothing has come close to this and I’ve gotten to do a lot of cool things. I wasn’t sure what it’d be like being the only woman in the band, but I’ve gained big brothers. Toby is an incredible leader. He leads with the heart of Christ and it truly sets the tone for how we operate as a band. Being signed to Gotee Records, I feel it doesn’t get any better than that. This label cares deeply for their artists. They allowed me time to explore different sounds to figure out who I am as an artist. I am so grateful for them, they are family. Before I met Toby, Jill and I met his manager, Mr. Terry, who works in the neighborhood I grew up in, had a connection to Toby’s manager. He told us, "whenever we wanted the connection", he’d be glad to set it up. He did. We met. The rest is history.

You'll be on a long tour with him next year?

I’m excited for the next tour for a couple of reasons, my husband will be out on the road with us and it’s on the West Coast. Two of my favourites. What more can I ask for.

What has been your most memorable time up on stage?

One of my most memorable times up on stage is hearing everyone lift their voices to our king, it’s because there’s strength when the body is on one accord. Worshipping in spirit and in truth. It’s powerful. God moves. His spirit hovers. I am grateful.

It’s Christmas time, but we’re also approaching the end of this year, and what a year it's been for you with two singles of your own and some great stage performances, what are you most grateful for?

I am grateful mostly for how God has moved this year. It’s been a year of trusting in his plan and timing in music. Appreciating how detailed he is. He’s covered me and I know it.

Can we hope for a third single next year?

Yes, you can hope for a third single. Maybe some other stuff as well.

Will you ever walk out of Memphis and come to Scandinavia?

I would absolutely come to Scandinavia. It’d be an honor.

What is all you need for Christmas?

All I need for Christmas this year is to get to New Orleans with my husband and my mother in law to be with their family. We're so excited to see them.