T4JYM: What is the main focus in your ministry? Teens? The lost? The hurting? Why did you decide up on this as a focus?

SV: The main focus of my ministry is to connect people to God's heart with the music He inspires through me - whether that be straight forward worship music, or pop music with a spiritual message. To see others in this world without Him breaks my heart. Music is a powerful ministry tool and God has called me to use it to reach those who need to connect more deeply with Him, or to come to know Him. It's for anyone who listens; no matter what their age, social status, race, religion or life situation. A lot of my music ministry is accomplished through the internet and it reaches a lot of unsaved people and different world religions, even New Agers. I look at this as God's way of speaking to them, even if just a seed is planted. I want them to know how much God loves them and wants to have a relationship with them, and how much He can make their lives better. I want to see those who have experienced pain in their life like me coming out of abuse or a dysfunctional family, come to restoration and wholeness that only the power of God can bring. But most of all, I want to be the best example of a Christian as I possibly can; one who shows God's love, not condemns people who are not like me.

T4JYM: Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten? The future?

SV: Who can predict that? Not me! I have personal goals to pursue excellence in what I do, and to say "yes" to whatever God puts in front of me. As long as He permits, I will keep pursuing my goals to reach the entire world with the music He's given me - I have big dreams! But if He asks me to drop my music and become a missionary, or flip burgers, I'm gonna be doing that and be happy because He's all I need. My life with God has been a great adventure and I'm amazed at the things He continues to show me. I can't confine His plans for my life by telling Him how He has to use me. Who knows, I may lose my voice, my limbs and my mind! Then I'll be ministering to people in the insane asylum in my wheel chair. Although most musicians are already a little crazy!

T4JYM: Do you ever worry about getting caught up in the world of show biz? That success will change your group?

SV: This has always been an issue that I have guarded myself against. For several years, I did not pursue the "professional" aspect of what I do because I saw too many people falling from grace and didn't want to be one of them. I had to come to a place where I believed God was in it before stepping out in such a risky territory where we can easily take credit for God's accomplishments. If we do not keep our motives pure, we can easily start to crave success and attention like a drug and after a while, the high of it won't be enough to satisfy - that's when people get into trouble and all kinds of problems start because they are using their success to fulfill them instead of God. ANYONE is susceptible to this; pastors, teachers, musicians, and leaders of any kind. It's in our sin nature. I have to keep laying it down before Him and making sure He has complete control, otherwise, I want Him to take it away from me.

T4JYM: What kind of relationship do you maintain with your audiences? Do you fellowship with them? Or do you remain distant as the performer?

SV: It's important to me to answer all my email and letters from those who are touched by my music. Much of my ministry is done over the internet with unbelievers and people from all areas of the world. I love hearing from people about how God is speaking to them and what concerns them so I can gear my heart to write music that will minister to them. I believe it has to be part of my ministry. I think artists who connect personally with people are the ones that make the most impact and that people stick with in the long run - and that's my goal - to make a life-changing impact on people for God.

 

T4JYM: Do you write your own music? Where do you get ideas for your music?

SV: I've been writing songs since I was 8 years old. It's always been a part of me and I always knew that it was God given. I've written hundreds of songs over my lifetime but don't sit down one day and decided I'm going to write a song. I wait on God to give me inspiration and they turn out to be better that way. Once or twice I "tried" to write, and it stunk! God inspires me through all styles of music; from classical, jazz, pop, other cultures - I keep myself up to date with the latest styles so I can be culturally relevant. I love writing from the scriptures, especially the Psalms, to reinforce God's word. I've long forgotten sermons I've heard, but I never forget a song. I am always reading a book or listening to some teachings & keeping up with the latest news to help me with writing about concepts that people are concerned about in their lives. But mostly, I write from where I am in my life, whether I'm going through a time of refining or trial, or am on the top of the mountain shouting for joy! I express my walk and personal conversations with God through my music. I pretty much spill my gutts!

T4JYM: How would you describe your music style?

SV: I think I'm still trying to define that myself! I'm kind of a hodgepodge of r&b, black gospel soul, funk, pop and rock! Bottom line: passionate. But to sum it up, "it's not your grandma's music", unless your grandma is Tina Turner!

T4JYM: Who, or what, are your biggest musical influences?

SV: Growing up I always listened to r&b, pop and rock music and I love disco! The only major Christian influence was the hymn book - I know them all because that's all we sang in church! My parents would always be listening to the "quartet or southern gospel" Christian radio program on Sunday morning before church - I just couldn't relate to that. But I always had my radio tuned to the Black Gospel Sunday program that was broadcasted from the local black r&b station I listened to during the week - so I heard groups like the Winans & Shirley Ceasar. I connected with the "soul" - yes, I watched Soul Train too! The list of popular artists that influenced me is long, but to name a few: Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, Anne Wilson of Heart, Annie Lenox, Donna Summer, Madonna, Lionel Richie, Chicago, Foreigner, Journey, Bon Jovi - lots of 80's. Unfortunately, there wasn't a lot of Christian music that influenced me in my early years because it just didn't relate to the kind of music that moved me. I'm so glad that has changed and more Christian bands are even on Mtv now. When I was in college, some friends of mine said "Sonia, you've got to listen to this girl Margaret Becker - she sounds just like you." Well, what a compliment for me after listening to Maggie B! Since that point, she's been the only Christian artist that I really dig. The soulfulness and passion in her voice and lyrics is what I identified with because it's what I desired and pursued for my own music. It was like worship to me. My favorite Christian artists are Margaret Becker, Kevin Max of DC talk, & Michael Sweet from Stryper. I usually like artists who stand out and are different and unique. All these voices are one of a kind and I love their music, each different in their own way.

T4JYM: Who are some of the groups you have performed with and what did you think of them?

SV: While I was living in New York state for several years, I ran a Christian "night club" through our inner-city church and promoted a Phil Keaggy concert there. Without my knowledge, all my friends who were helping with the concert and escorting Phil around were telling him I was a great singer. So in the middle of his concert, he calls me up to the stage to sing with him - never heard me before. Boy what a risk he was taking! I had no idea that was coming and I was SO nervous that I couldn't even remember the words to Amazing Grace - someone had to give me a copy of them! And here I am the big hymn singer of all time! Anyway, it was awesome! Several times after that when Phil would come through the Rochester & Buffalo area to perform, I would come to hear him and he'd call me up to sing again - however, I did learn the words to Amazing Grace a little better after that! Phil is one of the most talented and humble musicians I have ever had the privilege of meeting. And all he needs is his guitar and voice to move an audience - no fancy lights or sound - he is a legend!

T4JYM: What is your musical background? Did you take lessons to gain the musical skills you have now?

SV: Years of piano lessons! And I sang out several weekends a month while growing up, traveling with my family's gospel group. We hung out with all the gospel crowd like the Gaither's, The Goodman Family, the Speers, the Cathedrals, Imperials, etc. I was always trying to slip in a pop song! . I was always involved with high school & college choir, voice lessons, performing in musicals, or touring with some kind of rock band. Once more electronic music came along, my husband Jeff who is an awesome programmer, taught me how to use the keyboard and computer for programming my own music. So I arrange all my own music before it goes into final production - I hope my next project will have a lot more of my own instrumentation & production.

T4JYM: Do you find it strange to hear yourself singing on the radio or to see yourself in a video?

SV: My entire life has been on stage and in front of people so it's only natural and part of the package. But I'm still thankful to know people are listening to my music and it doesn't hurt their ears! I haven't made an official video yet, but plans are in the works for the near future.

T4JYM: Any plans to sign with a major Label in the near future?

SV: I hope to sign with some kind of label this year, God willing, only for the purpose of reaching more people with the resources a label can offer. That's still unfolding. Some of the indie labels have much more of an advantage and allow an artist to be truer to their musical nature. I vote for that! Although there are not as many resources. But no matter what, I'll keep doing music - God always makes a way to reach the ears who need to hear it, and I'm satisfied with or without the backing - but if anybody's listening, please give me call!

T4JYM: Do you have any advice to give to the youth of our world?

SV: Don't pick your nose while driving down the road.

Ok, on a more serious note: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." We always need to remember that He's got our back!
 

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