Singer Gabrielle Ayers talks about the Gospel, Singing in the Choir, and Life Growing up in the Church
Gabrielle Ayers: Yes! It's an honor to be interviewed. I'm great, I'm great. ! God has truly been good to me!
Mistah Wilson: For our audience reading this, could you give us a quick background on yourself?
Gabrielle Ayers: Well I am the visionary behind the Ayers to the Throne movement which seeks to use the creative arts to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. I'm originally from Bryan, Texas, and began singing at a very young age. So singing and songwriting came very easy to me, and my heart has always been for the one who loves me the most. So It all kind of came together organically.
Mistah Wilson: Before we get into it, what does Christ mean to you and how important is the Gospel in music today?
Gabrielle Ayers: Wow, what can I say? Christ is everything to me. My love for him is truly my worship, it's my heartbeat...it's what keeps me going. You know...the Gospel is the "good news", so unless you're turning on the radio to add to your pitty party, the Gospel is very much needed. It's where we find hope in this cold world.
Mistah Wilson: What led you to become a musician?Gabrielle Ayers: Well it kind of came naturally. I always found myself working in the music department or doing music of some kind. From school plays, to recitals even when I worked in Spain, I found myself giving workshops and educating people about Gospel music. It was just there...it wouldn't let me go! (haha)
Mistah Wilson: Can you tell us about your experiences performing in tha church?
Gabrielle Ayers: Well like most singers, I started in the kid's choir. I think it's universally known in the church as the Sunbeam choir (haha). But it was crazy! Because even though I was a kid, not any older than 6, I didn't sing like a kid. I had this huge voice, and I couldn't quite understand why none of the other kids wouldn't sing out louder. As I grew up and got saved and baptized at 9, I realized that this was something special...and not just singing but singing for Jesus. It was our special relationship. As time progressed I started to become the actual director of each choir that I graduated to once I had aged out of the previous. Eventually I became the Minister of Music. Serving as the minister of music is such and honor. There is a lot vulnerability that goes along with the role. On one had you have to be prepared and work in excellence because you want to give God your best, but on the other hand you have to realize that God works when you give HIM full control. So each Sunday, I never know how the Holy spirit will manifest itself but I'm always grateful to be in the midst.
Mistah Wilson: Where do you pull inspiration from when writing new songs?
Gabrielle Ayers: That's such a hard question! It just depends. I feel that as God's artist, it's my duty to be open and aware of things happening in the world and translate those things to songs. So sometimes new songs come from quiet worship moments, and other times it comes from the crazy and fun things out of life. There are absolutely no limits.
Mistah Wilson: Can you tell us about a few of your personal favorite songs of yours?
Gabrielle Ayers: "Why I love You" by MAJOR! It's beautifully written, beautifully sung. It's like a breathe of fresh air!
Mistah Wilson: Let's talk current and upcoming projects. Tell us about "Bridal Blues" and what you plan to accomplish through this project...
Gabrielle Ayers: "Bridal Blues" was my first released single. I'm currently working on an EP that will be released soon. This project is like one of those things that I have to pinch myself to see if this is real. The lyrics that God put in my heart are so bold. I think to myself "Who wrote this?!" Especially when I start singing and realize that I'm going to have to be a super soprano to get through it (haha). But it's unlike anything I've ever heard. It's actually quite refreshing.
Mistah Wilson: Are you independent, signed, or do you have a management team?
Gabrielle Ayers: I am an independent artist but I've been blessed with a small circle of people who believe in the Ayers to the Throne movement. My producer and I are working hard to grow our company Ayers to the Throne Productions.
Mistah Wilson: Who are some artists you've worked with and that you'd like to work with some time in tha future?
Gabrielle Ayers: Currently Ayers to the Throne Production is working with national Evangelist Bertrand Bailey Jr. and national gospel recording artist Zacardi Cortez on their upcoming single. I would love to work with Israel Houghton! He's so international and there are no boundaries with his ministry.
Mistah Wilson: What are some of your creative passions?
Gabrielle Ayers: Well actually I'm in the process of getting my first children's book published! "Little Queen's Beauty Dreams" will be here summer 2017. I also like photography and painting, even though I'm not very good at it (haha).
Mistah Wilson: What have been some challenges you've faced along your journey?
Gabrielle Ayers: Sometimes you get to a point and realize that "hey, this is not easy" My biggest challenge is myself. I constantly remind myself that this journey is not about me.
Gabrielle Ayers: I am an independent artist but I've been blessed with a small circle of people who believe in the Ayers to the Throne movement. My producer and I are working hard to grow our company Ayers to the Throne Productions.
Mistah Wilson: Who are some artists you've worked with and that you'd like to work with some time in tha future?
Gabrielle Ayers: Currently Ayers to the Throne Production is working with national Evangelist Bertrand Bailey Jr. and national gospel recording artist Zacardi Cortez on their upcoming single. I would love to work with Israel Houghton! He's so international and there are no boundaries with his ministry.
Mistah Wilson: What are some of your creative passions?
Gabrielle Ayers: Well actually I'm in the process of getting my first children's book published! "Little Queen's Beauty Dreams" will be here summer 2017. I also like photography and painting, even though I'm not very good at it (haha).
Mistah Wilson: What have been some challenges you've faced along your journey?
Gabrielle Ayers: Sometimes you get to a point and realize that "hey, this is not easy" My biggest challenge is myself. I constantly remind myself that this journey is not about me.
Mistah Wilson: What have been some more of tha rewarding things?
Gabrielle Ayers: I love the outreach that comes along with singing. I remember last year we sang at a Thanksgiving dinner. You get to meet new people, and hear their stories. It creates opportunities to be inspired.
Mistah Wilson: Who are some musical figures that influenced you to become tha musician you are today?
Gabrielle Ayers: I can honestly say that despite my love for the music, I try not to let too much of it influence me. I want to remain unique and I try to protect my art from trends so that I can stay true to what naturally comes out of me.
Mistah Wilson: How important is giving back to tha community to you?
Gabrielle Ayers: Giving back is when the real blessings flow. We are the church, and it's up to us to show the love of Christ and our communities. I really appreciate the opportunities I have to serve others.
Mistah Wilson: From your point of view, how important is it to be conscious of tha messages we (as artists & musicians) put in our music?
Gabrielle Ayers: Music and art is a powerful thing. As artists we have the power to strategically plant images and messages into the minds of many. We must take that gift and use it for good or be ready to deal with the consequences that may come.
Mistah Wilson: What do you plan to accomplish through your music?
Gabrielle Ayers: I want to show the world who Jesus really is. I want to connect cultures, build bridges, tear down walls, spark conversations all in the name of the good news of Jesus.
Mistah Wilson: What positive, encouraging words do you have for aspiring artists and musicians interested in pursuing a career in music?
Gabrielle Ayers: If you pursue purpose, then everything else will line up. Seek the Kingdom of God first.
Mistah Wilson: Where can people keep up with you online?
Gabrielle Ayers: They can visit gabrielleayers.com, Follow me on instagram at
"imgabrielleayers" and connect with me on Facebook at Gabrielle Ayers Music.
Mistah Wilson: Thank you so much, Gabrielle Ayers for participating in this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine! It's been awesome! If you have any shout outs, let's hear it...
Gabrielle Ayers: Thank you! It was a pleasure! Shout outs to the Ayers To the Throne Team, Xavier my producer and Monica my awesome assistant! I love you guys!
Gabrielle Ayers: I love the outreach that comes along with singing. I remember last year we sang at a Thanksgiving dinner. You get to meet new people, and hear their stories. It creates opportunities to be inspired.
Mistah Wilson: Who are some musical figures that influenced you to become tha musician you are today?
Gabrielle Ayers: I can honestly say that despite my love for the music, I try not to let too much of it influence me. I want to remain unique and I try to protect my art from trends so that I can stay true to what naturally comes out of me.
Mistah Wilson: How important is giving back to tha community to you?
Gabrielle Ayers: Giving back is when the real blessings flow. We are the church, and it's up to us to show the love of Christ and our communities. I really appreciate the opportunities I have to serve others.
Mistah Wilson: From your point of view, how important is it to be conscious of tha messages we (as artists & musicians) put in our music?
Gabrielle Ayers: Music and art is a powerful thing. As artists we have the power to strategically plant images and messages into the minds of many. We must take that gift and use it for good or be ready to deal with the consequences that may come.
Mistah Wilson: What do you plan to accomplish through your music?
Gabrielle Ayers: I want to show the world who Jesus really is. I want to connect cultures, build bridges, tear down walls, spark conversations all in the name of the good news of Jesus.
Mistah Wilson: What positive, encouraging words do you have for aspiring artists and musicians interested in pursuing a career in music?
Gabrielle Ayers: If you pursue purpose, then everything else will line up. Seek the Kingdom of God first.
Mistah Wilson: Where can people keep up with you online?
Gabrielle Ayers: They can visit gabrielleayers.com, Follow me on instagram at
"imgabrielleayers" and connect with me on Facebook at Gabrielle Ayers Music.
Mistah Wilson: Thank you so much, Gabrielle Ayers for participating in this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine! It's been awesome! If you have any shout outs, let's hear it...
Gabrielle Ayers: Thank you! It was a pleasure! Shout outs to the Ayers To the Throne Team, Xavier my producer and Monica my awesome assistant! I love you guys!
Comments
Post a Comment