I'm inspired first and foremost by my Heavenly father
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What is the inspiration behind your music?
That's a multi-faceted answer. I'm inspired first and foremost by my Heavenly father, who is the reason why I do what I do. I'm also inspired by my dad and my husband (Lee Jerkins for RockSoul Entertainment), the two amazing musicians in my life, and I'm inspired by all the young sisters that are going through life feeling less than "beautifully and wonderfully made" I talk about my own personal life experiences, the challenges I've faced growing up. I talk about my issues with self-esteem/self image, issues with my father who has struggled with drugs and alcohol for a long time. I also talk about my decision to remain abstinent until marriage. In today's world, it's hard for young people to make wise choices. It's even harder for young girls to find other female role models that are living for Christ and are NOT compromising their faith for fame. Every time I hear a story about a young girl who is pregnant at 12 years old, I cringe. We've seemingly accepted teen pregnancy as a cultural norm and we've allowed our young people to be defined by the images that the media portrays. With so many broken families, young people are getting their guidance from the media I hope to be an example for young girls; that contrary to what the media says you're not a prude if you don't wear plunging necklines, nor are you any less sexy if you don't weigh the ideal 115lbs. And ultimately, that it's ok to take a stand for your faith. Real life and real people inspire me to keep writing the music I write.
What separates you from all the other young female artists?
What separates me from other young female artists is that I'm a Latina (Puerto Rican and Dominican), born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, who sings in English and Spanish. The music is simply a platform for me to speak about real life issues and share my faith. I'm a people person and I have a heart for people no matter what your background is. My fans are ethnically diverse and I really love that.
How long have you been in the music industry?
I've been in the music industry for at least seven years. Four of those years I spent in artist development 101. My husband, who wasn't my husband then, met me when I was 19 at my home church in Brooklyn NY. He was looking for a female artist who was sold out for Christ and he spotted me at a Gospel Hip-Hop concert that my youth group was hosting. Lee chose me to be a part of the RockSoul Compilation CD VOl.1 I recorded my first song "Faithful" and became a RockSoul Artist soon after. I moved to Philly during the making of the first Compilation CD, and started my development as an artist. I had been a worship leader at my church for six years so I was comfortable in that arena, but becoming a national recording artist was something I didn't see coming. Lee trained me "boot camp style". He would take me to the track 4 days a week to run. I had never run a day in my life before then but I eventually was able to run 4miles every other day, while singing. I lost 40lbs! I never thought I could do that. The training not only helped me physically, but spiritually and emotionally it was like God was pruning away all the hurts and fears from my childhood. I learned so much about my relationship with God and about myself. I had gradually stopped eating the wonderfully flavorful high-caloric Latin foods I grew up on and switched them for salads and protein shakes.(I still can't get used to it) I started taking vocal lessons, acting lessons, learned how to write a song in the proper song format, and enrolled at Temple University where I'm currently an English Major. During those years of Training I got married to Lee and my debut album "Phenomena" was born. Now, almost two years since the release of my first record and with almost two years of marriage under my belt, I'm proud to share songs from my sophomore album "In Spite of Me"
What are your biggest challenges as an artist?
I think the hardest challenge for me is making sure that I'm living what I talk about. I'm transparent about my life and that's not always easy for me. To talk about my issues of self-esteem and living with father who abused drugs and alcohol, is not an easy task. So why do I do it? I'm hoping that in the end one young girl will be able to find her voice and identity in a loud and chaotic world. I hope that she will be able to drown out the voices that put her down, that gnaw at her self image, that tell her she can never make it, and cling to the voice that matters most, God's. In discovering that God says she is "beautifully and wonderfully made", she'll discover who she really is (her voice) and what she's meant to be.
What keeps you grounded?
I'm so blessed to have a loving and supportive husband who really understands me. I love him so much! I also have a few close friends and family that keep me accountable. They keep me grounded I'm so thankful they're in my life. I hope I never do but, if I ever get bubble-headed they'll make sure to let the air out!
Do you consider yourself a Gospel or R&B singer?
I consider myself an Urban Christian Contemporary Artist. The Music I do encompasses so many different genres of music like gospel, pop, R&B, jazz, Salsa, and Merengue. Growing up in NY I heard all kinds of music. The lyrics, however, will always remain Christ centered. I don't believe that music itself can be "Christian or Religious" I believe what makes a song a "Gospel song" are the lyrics. As I mentioned earlier I write about real life issues through the Christian perspective. For example lyrics from my new album βIn Spite of Meβ explore the relationship between a perfect God and imperfect humanity. I attempt to talk about the tough questions like "How can Jesus Love me when I don't deserve it? Or Why am I going through all this pain? Is God really listening to me? These are questions that we might ask ourselves in this growth process called Christianity.
At what age did you decide that you wanted to sing Christian/Religious music and minister to young adults? Why?
I was 16years old when I decided that I would use my voice to encourage others. I realized that God had given me a gift and in humble thanks I was going to give it back to him. I decided that if I was given an opportunity to become a recording artist I would want to utilize the platform to tell others about the un-ending hope that kept me sane when my family was in turmoil. I still can't see myself singing a song that encourages people to release their stresses, fears, and anxieties with more clubbing, drugs, alcohol, and promiscuity. I would hope that my songs encourage those who don't know Christ that there is a better way to deal with problems. Scripture says "Come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest" I've come to learn that Christ is the only answer for a chaotic, hurting world, anything else is a temporary fix. I could sing love songs all day long but in the end if those songs don't point the listener back to Christ, what's the point? How will they heal when they're heart has been broken? Who can they turn to when there's no one to lean on? I know one thing; when you're hurting and crying your eyes out on a pillow at night, another sad love song won't provide the answer.
In your bio, it says that your song "Cold World" touches on real life issues. What issues are you talking about?
"Cold World" talks about a mother who has sent her son off to war only to one day have to burry him. It talks about a father who has abused his daughter sexually and how that same daughter now turns to the streets for love and support. Neither of these scenarios are personal but they are stories from other young people that both my husband and I have worked with.
more on Michelle Bonilla at http://www.myspace.com/michellebonillamusic
