EXCLUSIVE: SMG HipGosp Artist ViA Drops New Video "Do You Know"
Updated: Mar 12, 2019
Interviewed by Kimberly Dixon
How did you break into the music industry?
It happened so effortlessly, I wouldn’t say I necessary broke into the music industry. I was at a place in life where I realized people needed to hear my story and the only way for this to happen was for me to do it outside of the “ four walls”. It was the next step of my life that was already predestined, so it had to happen exactly when it did. When I was ready. When God was ready to fully release me.
Was singing always your passion?
Singing has always been my passion. It hasn’t been a day that I’ve gone without singing. It heals me. It helps me, so I do whatever I can to feed my passion for it.
When did you start singing?
I started singing officially at the age of three, yes, three! I sung my first solo and couldn’t stop! It was recorded from start to finish. I even remember the church.
When was that pivotal moment when you realized just how good you are.
I’ve never been the type person to feel as if “ I’ve arrived”. There’s always something I can do better. I wouldn’t say that there was a point I felt how good I was , but I did realize recently that my testimony was extremely effective. The first time I played only a line of one of my songs that provoked tears, I knew I was doing what God wanted me to.
It is clear you have a relationship with Jesus but this doesn't sound like traditional gospel. What is your sound called?
God is my everything! I was raised on traditional gospel. One of the first songs I lead was,“ Don’t wait until the battle is over”. I have no clue how young I was, but the leader of the original song was way older,” I was raised an old soul musically. HipGosp is the genre of music that I dig. It still has the gospel elements and foundation, as most music does. My focus is always on God no matter how “ unconventional” the beats are, but I’m a lover of music. I love the rhythm of hip hop. I’m very expressive. I have other parts of me that go outside of the “ gospel” sound. Different style, same God.
Why did you choose this particular sound? Is there a particular audience your music is geared towards?
I didn’t chose this sound. My situation kinda encouraged it. It just so happened that when I transition to another point in my life, I was presented with an opportunity to sing how I really felt, the exact way I felt it. It worked out because I had a heart for God, loved rap, loved gospel, loved soul, loved hip hop and now I could combine all of the elements and tell my testimony. Although it’s for everyone, the focus on this particular album is for young females that have been or is still is in a situation of what may present itself as defeat. It’s an album of overcoming. Each song is a battle anthem.
Is this your first solo project? Tell me about your current project
Yes, this is my first solo project. This project embodies every element that makes up who I am. You hear my pain, joy, I speak on things people don’t speak of often. Each song is delivered in different ways.
How long have you been working on this project? I’ve been working on this project for over a year.
IAMViA is the title, right? What does that mean to you terms of your self identity?
Yes. After I came out on the other side of the hardest time in my life, I had to let the world know who I was, according to who I now know myself to be in God. This is who I am unapologetically. Not what anyone expects me to be or expect of me.
You seem to be telling a story with the lyrics. Is there a back story that you would like to share?
There is too much to tell in this album. In due time, I will tell all in the form of a book or when God puts me in a situation to. My album is solely based on my story. The album tells enough to let anyone listening know that God can do absolutely anything!
Is there a tour planned?
There’s definitely a tour planned. I’m So excited about it.
If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would you say?
Wow. It would definitely be to follow sound instructions versus doing what seems right at the time because the outcome of disobedience isn’t always what you expect it to be.
Who is your favorite artist in the gospel or Christian arena?
I have several, but I love Mali Music!
How did/do they influence you?
He's nothing like any other artist you'd hear. His sound is unique. He sings about relevant truth. It's out of the box!
What do you want the world to know about ViA?
I want the world to know that I’m TRULY ok. My mind is free. My body is healed. I feel unstoppable because God is always with me. I’m a winner. I heart for God and his people. I’ll continue to strive to be the best mother, wife, friend, servant and everything God will have me to be and ultimately and the best example as a child of God. With God I’ve conquered so much and will remain a conqueror. No weapon formed against me will not prosper. I’m following God’s lead. Wherever he takes me from here is where I’ll go.
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