Sean Johnson discusses Music & Life with Leah Joelle

Sean Johnson took time to discuss music and life with Leah Joelle.

Sean C. Johnson: How did you get your start in music?

Leah Joelle: I started singing when I realized that voices could make tons of sounds–i remember singing with my mother and sister in church at the age of 3–in harmony with them!!! I really didn’t know that music ministry was my call until around 2003 while I was at school. I wasn’t a music major, but i found myself in the piano room for hours everyday just jamming with musicians…it’s was a comfortable, peaceful feeling. As far as an official “start” in music…I really can’t say. I’ve had many “halts, twists, and turns” but in 2006, I recorded my first project “Use Me Lord.”

SCJ: If you had to listen to one song for an entire year what would
it be and why??

Leah Joelle: Great is thy Faithfulness—because those words “thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not, as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be” really tells of the true Essence of God. Everyday God shows himself faithful, and everyday, I thank Him for that!

SCJ: How would you define “success”?

Leah Joelle: My definition of success is totally delighting in God. When you make his business your business, He’ll make your business His business. Basically, when you seek after God, not for gain, but just because you desire all of Him, then I truly believe that you’ll be successful in any endeavor. To me, success is not the end result, but the process and the lessons learned on the road to success.

SCJ: Have you ever forgotten the words to a song while on stage
singing?? How did you react?

Leah Joelle: Ha..Ha!!!! Yes I have.. I had to sing the star bangled banner (a song i used to sing everyday as a kid) and for some reason i was extremely nervous and instead of saying “twilights last gleaming,” I said “twilights last hmmmm…hmmmm” lol! I was so shocked that I murdered the words, but then I shook it off and realized that I was human and I laughed along with everybody else. I must say that my rendition was not as bad as Carl Lewis’!!!!!

SCJ: Could you briefly describe your song writing process?

Leah Joelle: Great question—there is no formula. Sometimes I try to sit and write what I feel. What works best for me is waiting until God speaks it to me. I always hear melodies in my head and sing them out. I also try to take subject matters and write in a way that is very transparent and universal

SCJ: What do you feel is the biggest problem that needs to be
addressed in the Church?

Leah Joelle: There’s so many issues I’d love to address, but one big battle I have is the way we live. I’m truly guilty myself, but God has called us to be His legs, His voice, His hands, and feet. God is prestigious, and Chrisitians walk around like lost puppies…we can’t even minister to the lost, because we still are. I just penned a song called “Stand Up” and it states “Stand up or sit down, cause this world is spinning round and round…you betta stand up or sit down…God is calling us to be higher…you better stand up or sit down, because He’s not pleased with the way we live..you gotta Stand up or sit down….or you may be counted out” It’s time to be that representative and stop wavering and acting like grace and mercy will always cover our wrongdoings while we minister to those who are in the same boat as we are. He’s going to hold us accountable. Sorry, I really have two….TRADITIONS KILL CHURCHES.

SCJ: 1825 days from now (5 years, lol) where do you see yourself?

Joelle: I see myself outside of school administration, fulfilling my duties as a music minister. I plan to travel in the US and abroad with original material..spreading His word to whoever has a listening ear. I’d also like to be married with at least one child (possibly)!

SCJ: What do you love most about Jesus?

Leah Joelle: He loves ALL of me. I don’t have to compete–I don’t have to wait for a conversation. I can be free and at peace with Him. He’s soo funny too!

SCJ: Why did God create Gnats (insect)?? lol

Leah Joelle: I always wondered why..Surely it wasn’t to get on our nerves…i’m sure insects have great reasons to be on earth! When you get that answer, let me know

SCJ: This will be your second time performing at Poetry Night what
was your experience last time and what do you hope to accomplish this
time??

Leah Joelle: Loved last experience at Poetry Night. The only thing I want to accomplish is someone loving Christ just a little more than before they came, and hopefully they can feel the presence of God through His vessel!

Thanks Leah Joelle! We will post the date for Joelle’s performance at We Tell Stories Poetry Night once we have the date confirmed. Visit Leah Joelle’s Myspace.