Raised in the church and in the church of music as well, the Chicago-born chanteuse has been singing, playing, and writing music all her life—and has been singing the praises of the Lord in every last song she’s sung. Christian music is all about joy, but it is also about struggle—the struggle to be good, to do good, to ‘hold on’ to the Lord when times get hard.Sylvia Fedrick gets this. She has been releasing original Christian music since 2008, and every release has been rewarded: 2010 Black Essence Award, gospel music’s Rising Star from the 2012 Chicago Gospel Jubilee Awards, 2014 Music Love Award from Female Contemporary Artist of the Year, among other kudos. She’s a star who never stops thanking God for what he’s given her: a magnificent voice, and the skill to write timeless gospel songs in a lively contemporary style. Interviewer Blake Wright recently spoke with the enchanting new artist about her career to date and her plans for the future.
BLAKE: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
SYLVIA: Gosh I have so many! The most memorable was when I was performing at a church event in a banquet hall. There was a woman in attendance who did not approve of my music because people in the audience got up and started dancing--there were a few people that were not happy with her trying to sit them down and stop me from singing, including a pastor who was enjoying the music & the people dancing. So he told the woman to go sit down somewhere and enjoy the event. After my performance the Pastor pulled me aside and told me to continue to sing and inspire people—he said, don't change what you’re doing! There are mainstream artists that have gone through the same thing. You just have to keep pushing forward!
BLAKE: Your song ‘Sometimes You Gotta Go Through’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
SYLVIA: I started screaming and thanking God! One of the producers that wrote the song had passed away, and I was so excited that (through the song) he could still be exposed to the world in his physical absence!
BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
SYLVIA: Sylvia The inspiration came from the Producer Brandon Johnson who passed away prior to the release of the song. He was such a positive, fun-loving, gifted musician and writer, and he lost his battle with complications from diabetes at 39 years old. Brandon was truly my friend and supported me wholeheartedly, so it was important that this song could be shared with the world, and inspire anyone who was going through challenges to hold on and be strong and trust God.
BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
SYLVIA: Most definitely, I have actually dealt with a lot of adversity from individuals that didn't think I had the looks or the voice to be a ‘Gospel Artist.’ I allowed my haters to be my motivators, the naysayers to be left speechless, and the doubters to ascertain that God had placed a gift in me that was meant to be heard.
BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as a musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving...)
SYLVIA: Sylvia the Artist is very down-to-earth, a wanna-be comic, lively and fun, but very serious when it comes to her craft--tenacious & determined.
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BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
SYLVIA: It took some years to establish, but I have a loving, hardworking, dedicated team behind me. I could not have asked for a better management and production team! When you have a team that works just as hard as you, that's a beautiful thing!
BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
SYLVIA: Actually my father was the driving force behind me. My dad sang with a quartet when he was a teenager and really wanted to pursue his music career, but didn't have a support system, so he encouraged me, when I was very little, to sing. I have distant cousins that are in the music industry that are well known. I met only one of them before he passed away. I hope to meet the others in the near future.
BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
SYLVIA: The most rewarding has been making a person smile, dance and feel good when they can relate to your music. The most challenging has been breaking into the music industry. I've had to create my own platforms to be heard.
BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
SYLVIA: The late Minnie Riperton, Teena Marie & Phyllis Hyman. Also The Emotions, Stephanie Mills, Patrice Rushen, Tramaine Hawkins, and Phyllis Hyman. Listening to these ladies growing up, along with the coaching from my dad molded me. Modern day, I love Jill Scott.
BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
SYLVIA: The most memorable was my CD Release concert for my freshman project "Sistha Under God's Construction.” I could not believe the turn-out I had, and the response from my family and friends. During the middle of the concert I got a standing ovation, and I just starting crying and had to swallow a couple of time so I could finish singing.
BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring musicians out there who are unsure and need guidance?
SYLVIA: I would tell an artist in any genre, put God first and everything else will follow. You want to go into the music industry with a clear mind so you don't get mislead, misused & involved in situations where you lose yourself. Do it because you’re passionate, not for the money. Be open-minded and allow yourself to be teachable. The industry is forever changing, and knowledge is king.
BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
SYLVIA: Yes, I will be releasing a Christmas single titled ‘Sing Noel,’ which will hit the airwaves November 27, 2015. After that if will be available through CD Baby & wherever else music is sold. My new CD "Faith Trust, Determination" is scheduled to release Spring 2016. There will be some new videos as well.
BLAKE: That's wonderful news. I look forward to having a listen, and thanks for your time. Good luck with the new music!
http://www.sangsyl.com
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