CHORDS | Fall 2018

FALL 2018

INFORM | INSPIRE | IMPART

the Heart of

TORI KELLY CAITIE HURST | LINDA DOANE | JASMINE MURRAY ELLIE HOLCOMB | KINGDOM COME

Reset called Fall the

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like to think of Fall as the beginning of new things. It’s surprising how much of our schedules run around the school year. Fall is a big season for fashion, trends in technology, and even music. Fall is like a reset button for the year.

What’s your reset button?

What goals do you have going into this Fall?

Everybody’s got something new they want to start; or improve what they are already doing. What’s holding you back— Is it fear? Is it unbelief ? I encourage you to remember that God is with us always, and that He is there to help us.

Just like Fall comes around consistently, God is around consistently. In Isaiah 41:10 it says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

I believe the Lord is calling His people to live in faith. Fear paralyzes us. I heard somebody once say, “fear tolerated, faith contaminated.” Leave no room for fear. Build your faith instead. Faith will have you believing in your dreams again. Faith will have you working towards your dreams.

Use your faith—and reset your life. Happy Fall!

Sara

Sara Rozalina

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EDITOR IN CHIEF

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CHORDS Contributors

Sara Rozalina

Elizabeth Bovenzi

Juliane Lapidus

Jennifer D’Agostino

Oksana Slade

Photographers Myriam Santos | Hillary Le | Robby Klein | Fair Trade Services | Full Heart Music | Juliane Lapidus | Kevin Camp | Lee Steffen

Advertisements Austin French | Francesca Battistelli

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chordsmagazine.com

FALL 2018

06 | Pop Princess Caitie Hurst 10 | The Fearless Jasmine Murray 14 | Ellie Holcomb Inspired by Motherhood 18 | How to Choose the Right Filter 20 | The Heart of Tori Kelly 24 | Kingdom Come 28 | Linda Doane a Survivor

The Reigning Pop Princess

Caitie Hurst

by Jennifer D’Agostino

T

here’s no silencing Caitie Hurst. The pop singer-songwriter released her debut EP, How Could I Be Silent? this year and its singles are on high-rotation on every Christian radio station across North America. With the upbeat music combined with her uplifting lyrics, it’s not difficult to see why she has struck a chord with music lovers. But, Hurst’s success did not come over night.

“The EP was a project for a year and a half, and to see it come to fruition is surreal,” Caitie said.

“I’m really excited, it’s one of those things that I’ve always dreamed of doing! I’ve always wanted to use music to communicate the Gospel and what the Lord is teaching me.”

A Hendersonville, Tennessee native, Hurst grew up a shy girl, who wouldn’t even sing out loud at her first vocal lesson. She grew up in a musical family – her dad was a touring musician. Her experience in high school was like most: doing what she could to fit in with her peers. She reflects upon this in the EP’s title track.

“It’s my personal life story put in a song. I wrote it from the perspective of who I was in the middle of high school, versus how God has changed me since then and how I look at things now,” Caitie said. “I wrote it because I used to care and do things based on what people thought about me. I had to bring myself to remember, that the only person’s opinion in the end that counts is God’s.”

Hurst has since found her voice and uses it to impact the lives of teenagers. Now, when she’s not making music, she assists a youth worship pastor in leading the ministry’s student team.

Caitie’s tenacity for prayer is evident throughout the album. She went on to explain how it has become a source of inspiration for her art.

“I read a passage in John 15:5 where it says, ‘apart CHORDS | 8

from me you can do nothing.’ I think abiding in the Word of God is essential. I would not be able to live my life without prayer,” Caitie said. “I want to hear what God wants to say through my music. If I’m not praying, then my music has no spiritual meaning.”

Her faith in God can be found in her tremendous support system of family and friends. Her parents encouraged her to be creative and helped her get her start in music. Hurst’s life in God is a reflection of the support she has had in her community.

In her early-20s Caitie admits to not have everything figured out yet. Remaining relevant to mainstream music and staying true to the Word is an ongoing challenge.

“When I was making this EP, I wanted to make music that people my age listen to. But, a lot of what they listen to has terrible lyrics, and I wanted to write good lyrics with deeper meaning,” Caitie said. “We tried to reference songs that I like, like a lot of 80s songs and pop songs from today. I want my message to be really clear, but I also want it to be something that someone could roll down the windows to.”

While Christian music and pop music listeners alike, roll down their windows to songs like “Nothing to Hide,” songs like “Answers” show a more vulnerable side to the singer. Her honest lyrics and joyous music has received attention from her Christian music peers. It has allowed her to tour with some heavyweights in the industry, such as For King and Country, and NewSong this fall.

Touring is not going to slow her down. Caitie is already planning for a follow-up album and wants to release a Christmas single later this year.

With all of this in the works, it is clear that Caitie is now singing as loud as she can. Δ

“I want to hear what God wants to say through my music. If I’m not praying, then my music has no spiritual meaning.” ­Caitie Hurst

The Fearless Faith of

Jasmine Murray

by Elizabeth Bovenzi

W

hat happens when a vocal powerhouse meets the culmination of her efforts? A revitalizing record makes its way to the shelves with an energy to encourage listeners to dance like David danced. Jasmine Murray said of her June 2018 Fearless album release, "I'm so excited. It's my first album. I've really worked hard for it and I've always wanted to do this. I feel like God has given me an opportunity and I'm excited to have music that showcases my heart."

the time to pursue them with a healthy mindset.

At the dawn of moving to Nashville and signing with Fair Trade Services, Jasmine found herself in a juxtaposition of not knowing what the next steps would look like and the reverie of working with wonderful people. This season prompted her to write one of her favorites for this collection, "Control." It was the first song she composed in town.

Jasmine shared, "I had all these anxieties that made me feel not in control. God was saying to me that He was in control. We want to micromanage Hailing from Columbus, Mississippi, the singer things and I had to learn how to react differently." has moved from American Idol finalist at 16, to recording artist just over a decade later. "It's been 10 years since I've been on the show. Singing is one Throughout her life, she has found comfort in of my biggest passions in life. Making it to the Top leaning on her family for support. Growing up in 13 blew my mind. I knew that God had this path a single parent home, Jasmine had the opportunity for a reason. I believe it's all for His glory," Jasmine to see the love of God move in her mother raising reminisced. five children. "She has been such a strong individual and has an amazing relationship with Christ.

The bricks of the path however were not always I remember seeing my mom late at night praying laid with ease. Jasmine, like many, has dealt with and speaking in tongues. Now looking back, I just anxiety throughout the journey to this rewarding feel that that is a beautiful picture of how our reresult. Overwhelming feelings can blindside you lationship should look with God. It's so good to and, "writing Fearless was one of those moving have a praying mom. She is one of my biggest role moments for me." Jasmine said. "Right before I models." went into the studio to write the song, I had a panic attack in the car." After collecting herself and Jasmine brought the cries of her heart to the world the cloud lifted, Jasmine followed the weighing on stage in Fearless. The unfettering lyrics against an her heart to write about the fear the enemy uses audacious musical accompaniment create an enagainst us all. rapturing atmosphere around the listener. She believes that artistic relevance involves, "... us "Am I good enough? Do I measure up? Feels like changing and growing, and becoming a better pera war I can't win," she sings in her relatable title son," instead of going for the contemporary style track. The sentiments feel like giants, and in a flash when carrying the message of the Gospel. "Honlike they will overtake their victim. A seemingly estly, I just like to stay focused on my purpose." growing number of people encounter those gripping instances when it feels like their mind is bat- Sometimes fear is helpful. It can be used as an initling against them. Jasmine offered, "Anxiety is tial tool to determine danger. Living in it, however, not from God. It's not something that has to define produces a paralyzed state. God tells us in numeryou. There is healing and He can break those ous passages in the Bible: Do not be afraid. Be anxchains." ious for nothing. Why? Worry is absolutely useless. Jasmine sums it up best in "Vapor." "... All When we face the unknown, often our dreams of my stressing, never gave me a second more. turn into functional nightmares if we don't take There is only One who’s in control." Δ

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“Anxiety is not from God. It's not some­ thing that has to define you. There is healing and He can break those chains." ­Jasmine Murray

Ellie

Holcomb

Inspired by Motherhood

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You released a Children’s EP “Sing: Creation Songs” and book “Who Sang the First Song?”

How does it make you feel to do something different like this?

It has been a really whimsical and playful process. To write a book and to make a record specifically geared towards children is very consistent with my stage of life. I have a fiveyear-old girl and a 3-year-old girl and I just delivered my third child.

What inspired you to release these children projects?

My children. I love how little children always ask questions. My five-year-old daughter asked me one time, “Who sang the first song?”

I love how children ask questions that make us think what the answer would be. I asked my little girl what she thought. She said I don’t know, “Dolly Parton?” I began to research and I heard an author say, and I love how she talks about, how God sang some things into being.

Genesis chapter one is written in an archaic Hebrew poem. She uses the metaphor of God singing the world into being. I also heard a Tim Keller sermon where he explores how the Lord made the world and made each one of us to sing about His extravagant love for us. Music connects with every soul because it is written into each one of us, that we are made to sing about God. What does your prayer life look like and how important is it for your music?

It’s interesting that you say that. For me to sing is to pray. A lot of times when I write most of

my music, sitting in God’s Word, I usually ask Him to help me and help my unbelief. Whenever I sing, it helps me believe. A lot of times the songs that I write, I’m singing my prayers.

As I’ve grown older and have young children, my prayer life looks more like a continual conversation. It’s like breathing.

What did you learn in writing your first book? Are there more books in your future?

I think specifically writing for children, trying to write a big idea and simplify it. I learned I probably complicate things in life more than I should. There is a beauty in learning to be simple. I will probably write one more children’s book.

Who is your greatest support system?

God is. He holds all things together even when we are falling apart. I fall apart a lot. My husband and my kids also support me. I’m really grateful, we are very aware that we don’t do this parenting alone. We have a beautiful community with family and friends in Nashville who we do life with. Our community helps us do music because we wouldn’t be able to do it alone.

How do you balance your work and home life?

I honestly think we don’t balance it perfectly.

We make mistakes a lot. Our kind of theme is how do we respond when we overcommit.

When you extend it socially or with work, will you draw the boundary lines? The most important thing that we are called to is our family.

Family must come first.

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What is your advice to people aspiring to be in the music industry?

What is your favorite song from the current collection and what’s the story behind it?

I would say that one of the joys of being human, being created by a creative God, we get to use the gifts that He gave us. Whether that’s singing, cooking, or hospitality, we should enjoy being creative. To send beauty and light into a weary world. You don’t have to have a platform to do that. You can do it in your own home. Don’t put pressure on yourself to have a platform. Your home is just as important, or more important, to use your gifts and bless the people around you.

It was such a beautiful thing to write the songs.

I wanted children to look out the window and see the evidence of God’s creation around them. I think my favorite one is “Light’s Always Stronger.” There is a continued theme in my life that I see. No matter how dark the night gets, if you light a match or look at the stars, light is always stronger than the dark.

We need to till the garden that God has given us, whether it’s a small plot of land or a big farm. We need to cultivate the land and the gift that we’ve been given.

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It’s written over scripture; the Word was light and life. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5). God’s light is stronger than any darkness we face. The sun always come up and colors the sky. Δ

“One of the joys of being human, being created by a creative God, we get to use the gifts that He gave us.

Whether that’s singing, cooking, or hospitality, we should enjoy being creative.” ­Ellie Holcomb

How to Choose the right Filter

by Juliane Lapidus

B

efore uploading pictures on social media, we spend hours to choose the perfect filter. We download various photo editing apps and put effort into making things look cool. But do we also choose our filters carefully when it comes to our own lives?

Oftentimes, our views on situations and reactions to circumstances are unfiltered: we get offended easily instead of applying a filter of grace, we get jealous instead of applying the filter of love, we get anxious instead of applying the filter of trust.

However, the filters that we utilize in life are crucial and determine the outcome of the whole picture.

To live a life of happiness we need apply the filter of gratitude. Practicing gratitude and reflecting upon the things we are grateful for relieves stress, strengthens the immune system, and increases general well-being and overall life satisfaction.

Especially when things don’t go our way and life doesn’t turn out how we wanted it, it is important to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. The Bible teaches us to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Focusing on the positive will shift our perspective and leave no room for discontentment, jealousy and depression.

trust in the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). Therefore, we can rest in the assurance that His ways are higher than our ways and in the end everything will work together for good according to His plan.

When life gets chaotic and worrisome, choose the filter of praise. Have you ever tried to worry and praise at the same time? It’s pretty much impossible, right? These two are not compatible. The Bible says in Psalm 22:3 that God dwells in our praises.

When we worship, we reset our perspective, get the focus off ourselves and acknowledge that He alone is worthy.

When we choose to praise Him despite our circumstances, we honor Him as He is capable to change our situation and fill our hearts with unspeakable joy and peace. Worship changes the whole atmosphere and in His presence our spirits are refreshed, refueled and renewed.

Last but not least, we need to apply the filter of forgiveness. When we have been wronged or treated unfairly, we should not become bitter toward people but choose forgiveness. In the Bible, God instructs us to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, evil speaking, and instead be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, Another essential filter is the filter of trust. The just as in Christ God has forgiven us (Ephesians Merriam-Webster dictionary defines trust as “the 4:31-32). belief that someone or something is reliable, good, honest and effective.” It is easy to trust when Nelson Mandela once stated that resentment is everything goes well in life. However, our trust is like drinking poison and then waiting for the tested when life takes unexpected turns, things fall other person to die. Hence, it is not our job to take apart, our prayers seem unanswered and we don’t revenge but to be still and know that the Lord see God’s promises fulfilled yet. himself will fight for us (Exodus 14:14).

Trusting God means completely surrendering to His will because He is in control even when we don’t understand why certain things are happening. After all, He is the One who created our inmost being. Isaiah promises us that those who

Applying these filters will brighten and color our everyday lives. They will impact our character, behavior and spiritual growth. We will not only gain “likes” by other people but most importantly obtain the approval of God by faith. Δ 19 | CHORDS

the Heart of

TORI KELLY

by Sara Rozalina

W

ith her big smile, perfect hair, and the voice of a legend, Tori Kelly is a rarity among artists. Armed with her powerhouse vocals, Tori Kelly’s rise to fame has been a prime example of what happens when hard work and talent mix together.

After her burgeoning success with her debut album Unbreakable Smile in 2015, Tori Kelly has just released her highly anticipated sophomore album, Hiding Place. Connecting with her Gospel music roots, this album is a first for Tori, and features 12-time Grammy Award-winning Gospel icon Kirk Franklin as a featured artist and producer.

“I’ve been wanting to do a Gospel song or something down the road since I was really young. I grew up under Gospel music and my faith is such a big part of my life,” Tori said. “My team reached out to Kirk Franklin and this one song with him turned into this eight-song album. I’m so excited because I’ve seen the response already.

I’m glad to share about this God that I believe in.”

As a young teenager, Tori built her fan base on YouTube, despite a dead-end at American Idol.

This led to her discovery by Scooter Braun.

Known for launching the musical careers of Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, Scooter Braun introduced Tori to Capitol Records, and as they say the rest is history. A Grammy-nominated artist, Tori says balancing her work and her private life is quite simple.

“Right now, I kind of feel like there’s not a ton of separation. My music has always felt an extension of who I am, so it doesn’t even feel like work,” Tori said. “There’s just an on season and off season. I do my album and do a couple of beats and get some rest. I think it’s all woven in.

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It’s important to have family and friends around you.”

Tori grew up in church, and some of her earliest memories include singing. She says what keeps her going strong is her relationship with God. Tori also stressed the importance of prayer.

“When you have a relationship with God, it’s not this faraway thing that we can’t fully access. It’s such a beautiful thing to talk to God like He’s right here. He offers that to everyone,” Tori said.

“I think it is definitely important and I can see a difference when I pray a lot more. Prayer and peace go together. I like that verse that says to cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us.”

Earlier this year, Tori married the love of her life, basketball player Andre Murillo. Their love story isn’t well-known, but it came about naturally.

“I’m the introvert and he’s the extrovert. We met through family. Our family basically became neighbors and they were talking about us and we were rolling our eyes,” Tori said. “What did it for me was when I saw a testimony of how he became a believer. Our faith is the basis for our relationship and that’s a huge blessing.”

Promoting her new album with an upcoming tour, Tori Kelly is staying busy. Busy but smart.

Her advice to people aspiring to do what she does is simple yet profound.

“I would say definitely don’t try to do it alone.

You need people around you that you can trust.”

Tori said. “Also, even if you think you are not good at songwriting, I think you should still write out your songs. That’s one thing people can’t really take from you. This is how people can get your unique perspective.” Δ

Kingdom Come

by Sara Rozalina

Amber Camp

Allison Gulley

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f you haven’t heard of the band Kingdom Come, you will soon. This talented girl group is looking to make waves in the Gospel and Christian music scene. The diverse team all met each other while doing performances across the country.

Under their leader, Amber Camp, Kingdom Come is now looking to release their highly anticipated debut album, We Are Alive, later this year. With experience performing for A-list artists, such as Beyoncé and Israel Houghton, this group of highly-skilled musicians are joining forces for Jesus Christ.

“We all met through playing for various artists, churches and events and knew immediately we wanted to work together. We all come from various backgrounds but Kingdom culture transcends our own cultures, traditions, perspectives and experiences and binds us together as one,” Amber said. “We got together in song writing ses-

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Bernice Fernandez

sions and the electric chemistry exploded from there.”

With skill and class these women are no strangers to hard work. They play their own instruments and sing. They also produce and write their own music. Kingdom Come is looking to perform everywhere they can to spread the message of the Good News.

“Every experience is an opportunity to be love and light. Our message is the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ,” Amber said.

“Through this message we hope to advance Kingdom culture everywhere we go, whether secular or sacred arenas.”

Hannah Smith, the guitar player, lead singer and songwriter expounds on the essence of Kingdom culture as walking in relevance and truth.

“Our songs are Scripture-based because that is

Elise Russell

Hannah Smith

the constant truth amidst our ever-changing mainstream culture and the truth will always be relevant,” Hannah said. “There can be a sense of darkness in various circles of the music industry but within Kingdom culture you find the opposite.

Victoria Orta

choosing a healthy support system is key,” Amber said. “Proverbs 31: 28-30 says, ‘Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things but you surpass them all.’ We all aspire to be the woman that’s described in Proverbs 31 as she gracefully thrived in industry, as a wife and mother, carrying out her assignment without strife or sacrificing God’s will, priority or order.”

Hannah continued, “Everyone has value, purpose, and special gifts but its only through seeking first the Kingdom you discover these gifts, purposes and how to carry out your assignment. The central theme of this album is kingdom culThis is what our music and mission is all about.” ture—a culture enveloped by the tone and standards set in the Bible.

With Grammy-winner producer Kevin Camp at the helm, Kingdom Come is looking to release “One of our favorite singles on the record is a two singles this fall, “Don’t Let Go” and “Over- song called ‘Overcomers,’” Hannah said. “It was inspired by John 16:33, ‘In this world you WILL comers.” have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the With the upcoming release, they are conscious on world.’ We are overcomers because He overcame sin, the world, life and death and as He is, so are balancing their lives at home and at work. we in this world. A revelation of this is the basis “Being Holy Spirit-led in decision-making, and of Kingdom Come.”Δ

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A ďŹ ghter.

A survivor.

A winner.

Linda Doane

by Oksana Slade

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ittle did Linda Doane know that after 15 years of working in the accounting world, that she would pick up her dream of singing music. With the help of her husband Tom, they formed Inspiration Worship. With his technical musical background, together they make a powerhouse team.

The name Inspiration Worship was born through heartbreak. In 2011, after taking their daughter to residential care for anorexia, Linda was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. She underwent chemotherapy and couldn’t breathe properly for six weeks.

Because of her experience they chose those two words— inspiration meaning single inhale, and worship representing the exhale of gratitude back to God. Her debut album Powerful was released this year. “It’s such a mixture of feelings,” Linda said, “There’s excitement because it feels like a dream come true. There is a little bit of nervousness about wanting people to really like it and receive it. The lyrics to be embraced because the Lord spoke them to me.”

Her favorite song from the collection is “Roar” which she wrote inspired by Luke 12. “That song is about how we serve a God who knows everything about us and how he still chooses us.” she shares, “I would say this is a message to other believers to come clean about their sins, and that we are not defined by our skeletons.”

She shares that she has been journaling for a few years, and many of her lyrics have come from it.

“The song Heaven Reigns came from me listening to an Elevation church sermon,” Linda said.

“It was about when we let dreams die. I scribbled down the verses and my dreams were

resurrected from this journaling. It has been critical with God and with ministry through her music. “I to my music.” had a cousin who died of cancer and it can be difficult to talk about and minister about because it’s a When asked about her cancer recovery, she shared very touchy subject,” Linda said. “I would say and that her journey is not over yet. “It happened again hope that the album opens the discussion to reach in 2014. The lymphoma turned into an aggressive out to people about it.” form and I had 2-12 months to live,” Linda said. “We did therapy for it and I was able to get in because I Her advice to people aspiring to be in the music inhad a clinical trial. I go every three months there and dustry? “Keep writing, recording and putting your they don’t say that I’m cured. But I’m considered a heart in the music. But do not attach yourself emosurvivor. I believe in His healing power.” tionally to the outcome,” Linda said. “Put things out there prayerfully, make sure your motives are right.

Like a true warrior, the cancer is not hindering her. Let God be in control of every aspect of this.” Δ Instead it is propelling her into a deeper relationship

Francesca Battistelli Own It

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