Interview: Etholia Kent-Cooper
Etholia Kent-Cooper talks to Louder Than The Music about her powerful new single, 'God Still Loves Me', and her plans for more new music.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I have been singing since I was about 5 years old in my church choir. I have always loved music and I love to sing. I was this little girl with this big voice and people could not believe it. My father was a pastor so I would travel with him singing before he preached so singing is a part of me.
Tell us about your new single 'God Still Loves Me' and what the inspiration behind it was?
I wrote this song when I was at a point in my life when I was at a crossroad. I was being called into ministry and I was resisting because I couldn't see the bigger picture. God uses whom he wants how he wants, but I didn't feel worthy. There's a line in the song where I say "I guess I'll never understand Lord why you chose me for this destiny and ministry". God still loved me through my disobedience, through my insecurities through everything I've ever had to endure, God's love was still present and available.
Do you have any plans to release more music in the near future?
I am actually working on some new songs to record. I always wrote my songs from personal experiences and my experiences are different at this point in my life. I'm older and wiser and my relationship with God is different at this point in life so my music now reflects where I am and who I am.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
I would like for people to know that God still loves us no matter what we have done what our current situation is. I want to give people a sense of hope. In the times we are living in I think that we need hope. We need to have that confidence that no matter what happens in life, that God is still our keeper, our sustainer, our provider, he is our everything.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I don't have a particular style of music. I'm just me. I like to say I sing soul music, music that touches the heart and soul.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
If I could work with any songwriter it would have to be Donald Lawrence. I am a huge fan of his. He is an awesome songwriter and I just feel like his songs tells a story.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Success for me would be to reach the masses with the simple message that Jesus saves.
What is your favorite album of all time?
I don't have one album that is a favorite. I have so many that I enjoy.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Never Be Defeated by Rich Tolbert, Jr.
What does the next year hold for you?
Spreading the word of Jesus Christ to the masses through my music. That has been one of my biggest dreams. To do what I love and to use my gift to bring others to Christ.
