In this episode, I have a conversation with Rachell Miñan, a talented Panamanian singer and recording artist whose soulful voice connects cultures and generations. From her early beginnings in Panama to her musical journey in the United States, Rachel shares how her time abroad influenced her artistry, broadened her perspective, and refined her sound.She opens up about the influence of her family, the roots that ground her, and the support system that fuels her creative fire, reflecting on the deeply personal stories of listeners whose lives have been touched by her music. Whether performing on stage, recording in the studio, or connecting with fans, Rachell brings a blend of passion, culture, authenticity, social impact and heart to everything she does.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about music, identity, and the power of a song to cross oceans and speak to the soul.#RachellMiñan #CantantePanameña #PanamanianArtist #SingerSongwriter #ArtistaLatina #LatinMusic #MúsicaLatina #RecordingArtist #IndieArtist #SoulfulVoice #MiñanMusic #PanamáParaElMundo #PanamaToTheWorld #RaícesCulturales #CulturalRoots #InspiraciónFamiliar #FamilyInspiration #MúsicaQueSana #MusicThatHeals #PodcastInterview #MusicPodcast #ArtistSpotlight #BehindTheMusic #VoicesOfMusic #CreativeConversations #MusicStories
In this powerful and heart-stirring episode of Journeys In Melody, I had a chat with Canadian singer, songwriter, actor, and creative powerhouse Marika Siewert. Known for her soulful voice, chart-topping singles, and inspiring faith-filled artistry, Marika opens up about her musical journey, the power of resilience, and the faith that fuels her purpose.
From her early days in England to her career highlights in Canada and beyond — including collaborations with major artists, securing her music in TV and film, and navigating the music industry as a woman of colour — Marika shares her insights on staying grounded, inspired, and authentic.
Expect laughter, truth, and authenticity as we explore:
- Her passion for storytelling through music
- How family and faith shape her sound
- The challenges and victories behind the scenes
- Her latest creative projects and what’s next
If you're chasing your purpose, overcoming obstacles, or just love great music and real conversations — this episode is for you! Tune in now and be inspired by Marika’s incredible story.
#MarikaSiewert #JourneysInMelody #GospelMusic #FaithAndCreativity #WomenInMusic #CanadianArtists #BehindTheMusic #Inspiration #RealTalk #PodcastInterview #Film #Producer #Director #Podcast
Get ready to dive into an inspiring conversation in this episode of Journeys In Melody as I chat with two of the minds behind the Canadian Selah Music Awards: President and Founder, Dr. Elio Alcindor and PR Powerhouse, Sharon Rurak.
Elio Alcindor is a Haitian–Canadian singer, composer, and medical doctor, Elio mixes faith and artistry into a powerful platform. Not only did he launch the Canadian Selah Music Awards, but his journey has taken him through acclaimed albums, international recognition, and a ministry of healing through music across multiple languages.
Sharon Rurak is the CEO of Vision PR Solutions, Sharon is a core board and voting member of the CSMA. Her advocacy and PR savvy have been instrumental in promoting the awards and supporting artists.
If you care about faith-based artistry, building platforms for underrepresented voices, or just love good music rooted in purpose, this chat is a masterclass in passion-driven leadership and community building.
Join us for a heartfelt, behind-the-scenes look at how two leaders are turning vision into reality—shaping the future of Christian and gospel music in Canada.
Tune In & Subscribe: Don’t miss this episode! Subscribe to Journeys In Melody for more deep-dive interviews with creators who are changing the world through music.
#GospelMusicCanada #ChristianMusic #FaithInMusic #GospelArtists #KingdomSound #WorshipThroughMusic #JourneysInMelody #PodcastInterview #MusicPodcast #InspiringConversations #BehindTheMusic #FaithAndArt #LeadershipInMusic #CanadianGospel #SupportCanadianArtists #ChristianCreators #CelebratingExcellence
My guests are Brenda and Philip Janz. A dynamic musical duo from British Columbia, Canada.
Originally from Nova Scotia, Brenda has happily and permanently settled in BC as of 1984. She has been singing her whole life and writing music for over 30 years. She has previously released two albums and is currently very excited about her third release in early 2025, entitled, “Way of life.” Her music has been described as rootsy/folk with honest heartfelt lyrics.
She makes her home in Mission, BC with her husband Philip who is a music producer and arranger, four kids, and one adorable border collie.
Hope Sheree is an Award-winning Gospel Music Singer/Song Writer, Radio/Podcast Host, & Best-selling Author.She is a multifaceted artist and motivational figure known for her contributions to music, broadcasting, and inspirational speaking. As a Billboard-charting Spiritual Soul music artist, she has released several gospel projects, including her 2024 single "Broken," which aims to uplift Christians facing illnesses. In addition to her music career, Hope hosts the syndicated radio show "A Dose of Hope Radio," airing in over 80 countries and across the United States. She is also a member of Pharrell Williams' Voices of Fire Choir, performing on platforms like "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Beyond her artistic endeavors, Hope Sheree is an author and motivational speaker, using her experiences to inspire and help others endure challenges.Follow and Connect with Sheree:Instagram: @iamhopeshereestith_askewWebsite: www.adoseofhope.orgSpotify: A Dose of Hope Radio
Theo Milford is a gifted contemporary gospel vocalist and praise and worship leader with a heart for inspiring others through music. Originally from Jamaica, West Indies, Theo grew up in a Christian home where his passion for music ministry was nurtured as he deepened his relationship with Christ.
Currently serving as a worship leader at Community Praise Center inAlexandria, VA, Theo brings a spirit of authenticity and devotion to his ministry. He has been happily married to his wife, and together they are blessed with three children. Theo is in the process of releasing his debut worship album, which reflects his unwavering desire to use his God-given talents to share the message of hope and healing.
Through his music, he declares the faithfulness of God and seeks to inspire a broken world with the transformative power of worship.
SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW THEO:
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheoMilfordInstagram: instagram.com/theo_milfordEmail: theomilfordmusic@gmail.com
At a young age, “JahOcean” became aware of his ability to structure his life experiences with rhythmic expressions. These expressions became his hope. He would often rap in his room for hours to create a world that was better than the world he was experiencing. He was heavily influenced by songs that told stories in creative ways. Artists such as Nas, J. Cole, and Bob Marley became his virtual philosophers as he consumed their music in high volumes.
At a music conference called Outcry, JahOcean came alive as the music created an avenue for him to acknowledge and experience the unfailing love of god. As a son of God, JahOcean’s creations are influenced by his love for God. Jah is one of the many names of God and the ocean represents the abundant and dynamic flow of creative power. This name is perfect to describe who Jahmar is. JahOcean is not only a name but a belief. A belief that through God, there is no limit to create potential. It can’t be measured or contained.
In this episode, Jahmar opens up about growing up without a father, losing a child, marriage, challenges, family, his music and how faith in God has made him the father, husband and musician he is today! It promises to be uplifting, down-to-earth, and inspirational.
Connect and Follow JahOcean:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jahoceanvevo1507
Instagram: @jahocean.ppc
Instagram: / powerproductionscanada
Facebook: / powerproductionscanada
Website: https://powerproductionscanada.com
PPC Merch: https://powerproductionscanada.com/shop/
#Music #GospelMusic #Rap #GospelRapper #SongWriter #Singer #Story #Life #HearttoHeart
Howard Messam is a renowned Christian Saxophonist from Montego Bay, Jamaica. His experience is wide-ranging and his ministry has blessed the hearts of Jamaicans and visitors from all over the world.
One could say he has become one with his instrument.
On this episode he shares his journey from his early days and first paid gig, his musical life playing with the likes of Ziggy Marley, his close encounter with death, and his transformation from Rastafarianism to Christianity and a personal encounter with God. His faith in God has shaped his music and ministry.
Connect with Howard on Instagram: @howardmessam_saxophonist
#Music #GospelMusic #Saxophone #ChristianMusic #Story #Life #Journey #Podcast #JourneysinMelody
For Noel Robinson - influential songwriter, recording artist and pioneer of the UK gospel music community - a commitment to local church has always played a pivotal role in his life and career which now spans 30+ years of ministry.
Growing up, Noel was encouraged to contribute to Sunday worship following the example set by his father, also a musician. Noel’s early experiences within the Pentecostal church are felt in this music, effortlessly fusing contemporary worship with gospel influences. The results are truly unique – a worshipful expression embraced by believers from a myriad of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
An award-winning artist, some of Noel’s most memorable accolades include a stint with BBC’s ‘Songs of Praise’ and the establishment of Renewal Worship Encounters.
Noel Robinson has released 6 albums to date including 2015’s ‘Outrageous Love’. He is the author of popular church anthems, ‘Rain’ and ‘You Give Me Life’ and his latest Integrity music release ‘ I Surrender’ with award-winning songs I Surrender, He’s Able, Faithful God and Build my life (cover) and UK radio hit ‘Arrested by your Loved.
#Music #Musician #GospelMusic #Life #Journey #Singer #RecordingArtist
FOLLOW & CONNECT WITH NOEL:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/NuImageMusicTV
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noelrobinsonuk/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noelrobinsonuk/
Website: https://www.noelrobinson.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/NoelRobinsonUK
Episode 11 of the Journeys In Melody Podcast features Gospel Music Recording Artist, Juno and GMA Award winner - K-Anthony (Kevin Anthony Fowler). K-Anthony's early musical experiences began in the church he attended in his youth, located in Falmouth, Jamaica. He is influenced by the island music, and you can hear his love of reggae and R&B. His strong musicality shows his classical training gained through his Bachelor of Arts degree in music. K-Anthony’s songs are well crafted with the lyrics front and center with a decidedly optimistic tone, but the underlying theme of his music is his love for God and hope for the future. K-Anthony has a strong desire to bring that hope and sense of purpose in life to young people who feel lost and he uses his message to bring inspiration to others. K-Anthony is honored and humbled to have appeared in Forbes Magazine, and to be a 2021 JUNO Award nominee, the 2023 GMA Gospel Artist of the Year, and the 2024 JUNO Award recipient for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year. #Music #GospelMusic #JunoAwards #GMA #Journey #Life Website: https://kanthonylive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kanthonylive/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanthonylive Twitter: https://twitter.com/kanthonylive YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KAnthonyMusic/featured Linktree: linktr.ee/KAnthony
This interview is with Gospel Music Recording Artist and Church Music Leader - Dimas Cortez. Dimas is also a Nurse Practitioner. Dimas Cortez was born is Los Angeles, CA and later moved with his family to Reading, PA where he now leads the music program at his local church. Dimas attended Christian Life College and received an Associates in Music and later studied nursing and is currently serving his community as a Music director and a Nurse Practitioner. He is currently partnering with Landry Cantrell for music production/engineering. He recently released one full album called "Better Day" in 2021. He is inspired by artists such as Bj Putnam, Natalie Grant, For King and Country, Lauren Daigle, and Riley Clemons to name a few. FOLLOW DIMAS ON THE FOLLOWING PLATFORMS: IG: @dimascortez1 FB: https://www.fb.com/dimascortez725
Miguel W. Lowe is a Jamaican musician, pianist, songwriter, composer, producer, choral director and author. He is best known for his extensive work with the Chrysolites and the Celebration Mass Choir. He has over 30 years of experience as a Pianist and specializes in church music. His distinctive style is best known within the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica.
The Chrysolites have an ongoing ministry and one album release - “He’s Standing By”. Miguel is a Christian and has been involved in music ministry since his early teens. His foray into playing piano started under very humble circumstances, however, through faith and sheer determination he overcame those early challenges and has continuously grown as a pianist and composer. Miguel has formal training in Music Education from the Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College (Montego Bay, Jamaica).
“Teach Yourself Piano” is a revolutionary piano book for beginners, written with much dedication and care. It is delivered with the intention to sequentially share simplified musical knowledge with persons who dream of playing the piano as a personal goal or professionally.
It is hoped that the student will utilize the simple, yet effective introductory tools to fathom the greater depths and breadths of music, even unto its infinitely elusive boundaries.
Piano recordings and supplementary musical demonstrations for this book can be found on YouTube channels - “Miguel On Keys” and “Miguel’s Piano Book”. Book available on Amazon - https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC7WCOMXAEwHvOsCh1t--RhA/videos/upload d=ud&filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D
Morrissa was introduced to music at a very young age. Honing her gifts as a classically trained pianist and vocalist she won her first national songwriting competition at just 7 years old- evidently proving that Morrissa was on the right path. As she grew, her love for music and the arts grew with her. She recalls many weekends filled with joyful car rides rehearsing, while travelling throughout the city to perform in: musicals, choirs, stage plays and vocal & piano recitals all throughout her teenage years. Morrissa continued to pursue the arts by working incredibly hard to become a trained actress and received her first television credit shortly after completing her education with some of Toronto’s best acting coaches. As an actress Morrissa can be seen and heard on televisions across the country. Selected credits include Kim’s Convenience, Lifetime’s Toying With The Holidays, Netflix’s Let It Snow and more. Selected stage credits include High School Musical 2, We Will Rock You North American Tour 2019/2022 making her debut at Madison Square Garden in 2019. More recently, Morrissa is proud to share she is the voice of CBC News’ The National and is excited about PBS Kids’ upcoming animation series titled Lyla in the Loop where she voices Lydia Loops (Mom) airing in February 2024. FOLLOW, CONNECT AND LEARN MORE ABOUT MORRISSA Instagram: www.instagram.com/morrissanicole FB: www.facebook.com/morrissanicolemusic Twitter/X: www.twitter.com/morrissanicole TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@morrissanicolevoice YouTube: / morrissanicole1 Website: https://www.morrissanicole.com/
#Podcast #Music #Story #Journey #Life #JourneysInMelody #YouTube #Spotify
Elenee is a Canadian Christian/Gospel artist and songwriter. Her sound is warm, and her tone is rooted in the encouragement that gospel music brings. She was awarded the GMA Songwriter of the Year in 2017, and in 2022, she was a GMA Covenant Award Nominee and the Canada West Spiritual Artists of the Year. She is both Greek and a Metis Citizen and is proud to bring such cultural diversity to the ever-growing table of Christian/Gospel artists. GET MORE OF ELENEE'S MUSIC ON THE FOLLOWING PLATFORMS: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eleneemyoung Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/elenee/1129983178 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/78ik45hdCuCyQ1gyiFEueX?si=mNKkY7faQ2ubMX9MRpsn3w&nd=1
Dr. Mikhail Johnson is a Jamaican Classical Music Composer and Pianist. He was born in the rural hills of Maroon Town in the parish of St. James, Jamaica, is one of the country’s most promising pianists and composers. He was winner of the Jamaica Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition for Young Musicians Senior Division in 2009, and in the same year, won the piano section of the Jamaica Music Teachers' Association Music Competition. He has won numerous gold medals and national awards in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Festival of the Performing Arts, and he was also a finalist in the 2017 American Prize Music Competition for Piano (collegiate division). In 2021 he was two-time First Prize winner of the Charleston International Music Competition and the first Jamaican to enter the competition. Deemed by Spoleto Festival USA as “a composer who invites us to consider and reframe our sonic sensibilities,” Johnson’s compositional style merges traditional European classical music and the avant-garde with traditional Jamaican cultural idiosyncrasies. Johnson’s music has been performed by the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, The Cantus Ensemble in London, The North/South Consonance Ensemble, The Concordia Ensemble of the University of Notre Dame and The Northwest Sinfonietta. He was winner of the 2016 NEOSonicFest Young and Emerging Composers Composition; 2019 Composer-in-Residence at the University of Notre-Dame, South Bend, Indiana; 2020 winner of the Transient Canvas Composition Fellowship; recipient of 2021-2022 National Association of Teachers of Singing NATS Mentorship Program for Composers; the 2022 Alea Publishing & Recording Dolphy Prize; the 2022-2023 Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA) Composer Residency Fellowship; and composer for the 2022-2023 Seattle Opera Jane Lang Davis Creation Lab for a new chamber opera. As a pianist and composer, I seek to create a conduit that allows classical concert music to be more inviting to a public who believes this music is not meant for them. Website: https://www.mikhailjohnson.com/ #Music #Composer #ClassicalMusic #Pianist #Jamaica
#Music #PublicRelations #Marketing #Inspiration #Journey
We often don't get to see or hear from the people behind the music; the people who are pivotal in giving rise to the artistes we have come to know, and love. Sharon Rurak is one of those people.
Unlocking the power of faith-driven music, Vision PR Solutions is a Music Public Relations/Marketing Agency founded by Sharon Rurak. It is a gateway for artists to forge a path to success in the Christian, Gospel, and Inspirational music industry in Canada and Globally.
With a global network of talented artists, they specialize in providing top-notch public relations services tailored to the unique vision of each client. From captivating email blasts to engaging articles, and securing radio airplay for your songs, Vision PR Solutions has been making waves in the industry for over 7 years. The agency works closely with musicians to bring their musical aspirations to life.
Sharon can be found on Instagram and Facebook @visionprsolutionsand visionprsolutions.com
#Music #Gospel #Jazz #Piano #Performer #Producer
#Jamaica Audley Scott is a well-known Jamaican Pianist, Performer, Producer, Singer/Songwriter and One-man Band. You can hear his clean, velvet intonations and jazz-infused melody when he performs.
He is known for his live performances at Jamaica's all-inclusive hotels, especially in the tourism capital, Montego Bay. He is a gospel music recording artiste with several albums ("Truth", "Delivered") available on major music platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music.
He founded Harmony Factory Music Productions (Harmfacmusic) and is on a quest to explore new horizons in music in the United States of America in the Atlanta, Georgia region.
Audley emphatically stated - "You need to concentrate on your part...If you are distracted easily, you will not be able to play your part effectively"
Audley's Music can be found on Spotify, Youtube, Amazon Music and Apple Music.
Inspirational/Country Music Artist Amanda Hagel has established herself as an artist whose mission is to create music that uplifts, empowers and inspires her listeners. For the better part of a decade, Amanda has gained both national and international recognition as a talented performer and songwriter. Growing up on a farm in the southwest corner of Saskatchewan near the town of Lancer, Amanda’s upbringing was steeped in country living and it was in that environment that her love and appreciation for country music would blossom. Growing up in an era of country music listening to amazing female artists like Martina McBride, Patty Loveless and Alison Krauss to name a few, provided great inspiration for Amanda as she began to develop her love for singing, playing guitar, and writing songs.
Beyond her love for the country music genre, Amanda has also coined herself an “Inspirational Artist”. For Amanda, being raised in a faith-based home and the growth she has experienced on her own personal spiritual journey have led her on a path of expression grounded in deep faith, authenticity, integrity, truth, and love.
Since the start of her career musical highlights include being the 2015 national finalist in the Canadian CBC Searchlight Competition, in 2017 the Saskatchewan Country Music Association Country Gospel Album of the Year award recipient and in 2018 a category finalist in the USA International Song Writing Competition for her original song Listen with Your Heart. Most recently, two huge highlights in 2022-23 for Amanda include an honourable mention in the prestigious International Song Writing Competition for her song “Be the Light” in 2022 and “These Roots” in 2023. Along with this songwriting recognition, Amanda received her first Western Canadian Music Award Nomination for Spiritual Artist of the Year in 2022. Amanda’s most recent 2023 single release “These Roots” saw incredible success achieving a music video placements on CMT.com along with a live premiere on the U.S. National Network Heartland.
FOLLOW HER JOURNEY AND MUSIC
Website - https://amandahagel.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/amandahagelmusic/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amandahagelmusic/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@amandahagelmusicTwitter - https://twitter.com/hagelmusicYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@amandahagel
Alisha Eich Emerging Canadian worship singer/songwriter Alisha Eich, is a GMA-nominated artist who is paving the way for fresh and creative sounds within Canadian Christian music. Her heart for people to know and experience God's love inside and outside of the church is so evident in her music. Her lyrical storytelling, sweet and powerful vocals, and melodic creativity highlight that same spirit. Her music is eclectic as it easily flows from corporate worship music to a more contemporary indie sound. Although her long-time influences range from Carol King to Nat King Cole, you might find more similarities in her music to the sounds of recent artists like Amanda Cook, or Kalley. Alisha developed a more serious interest in singing, playing the piano and writing music around 11 years old. As a teenager, she was influenced by worship leaders such as Darlene Zschech, Delirious, Brooke Fraser and Hillsong United, which changed the way she viewed corporate worship music. With the musical ingenuity of her brother (and producer) Timothy Mann, she has been able to create engaging, challenging, and encouraging music. Alisha released her debut album, "I'm Listening" on July 9, 2021. It was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2022 Gospel Music Association Covenant Awards. Her newest release, "Back to Jesus" is a single that she recorded with Juno Award winner - K-Anthony and Lloyd Nicks, a well-known gospel artist and songwriter. She has been busy writing and recording for the upcoming year so stay tuned! Outside of her musical endeavours, Alisha is married to Cody Eich, a talented and internationally recognized tattoo artist, and together they have four young children; Phoenix, Gemma, and twin girls, Nova and Coco. Follow Alisha and get more of her music: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alishaeichmusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alishaeichmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alishaeichmusic YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@alishaeichmusic EPK: https://www.alishaeich.com/epk-1 Website: https://www.alishaeich.com/
Damara Melissa is a singer-songwriter from Ontario Canada whose music is driven by her faith. Her soulful voice mixed with her pop melodies and style, bring a unique vibe to the Contemporary Christian Music space. After breaking into Christian Music with a single in 2020, Damara has now released her first short album "Beginnings", which documented her journey through some painful experiences in 2020 – and she is currently working on her second EP “The Space Between”. She hopes to bring both encouragement and healing to others through her songs and point believers back to God’s faithfulness through every aspect of our lives. While Damara is still fairly new to the Christian Music scene, she has received over 1M streams on Spotify for her music collection. Three of her songs have received airplay on multiple Canadian Christian Radio stations, “Where I Wanna Be” even making it onto Joy Radio’s top 20 Canadian music list. Damara also received a Covenant Award Nomination for “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” in 2022, and a second nomination for Pop Song of the Year for “Don’t Give Up Now” in 2023. The first song of Damara’s second EP “The Space Between” was released on June 7, 2024! As she releases some songs this summer 2024, she continues to work with her producer to bring the last 3 EP songs to life. She hopes to have the entire short album released by Fall 2024. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damaramelissamusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damaramelissa YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/damaramelissa
