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With the unveiling of the new album – Outloud! (Geffen) – comes the introduction of a new artist and apostle of the Gospel, Spensha Baker…a talented, young woman who’s determined to live her life as a symbol of chastity and pride in her faith. In other words, Spensha wants to live her life ‘out loud’ for other young people to see how good God really is.
As a teenager (15yrs), Miss Baker has already planted her feet in firm foundation and is setting her sites on a future that’s fixed on living life to the fullest. It’s inspiring to note that this adolescent has found her greatest happiness singing about the love of God, despite being a finalist on Star Search and meeting President George W. Bush in her short and illustrious singing career.
Spensha Baker has embraced her calling and public life as an open book to be read and studied by those seeking inspiration and direction…and that’s fine with Spensha. With nothing to hide and a message to share, Spensha is ready for whatever God has in store for her.
Christopher Heron: Spensha, I remember when I was a teenager, I really enjoyed playing basketball all day, going to movies and the amusement park with friends, going swimming and yes going to church on the weekend with my mom. Some things have changed over the years, as far as teenagers are concerned, but for clarity sake what are some of the hobbies and activities that you enjoy doing when you have time for yourself?
Spensha Baker: Well I’m a big reader. I love to read. I’ve just finished “The Traveling Pants” Series. Now, I’m reading a book called “The Catwalk”. I love to read. I love to write songs and play the piano. I also enjoy playing softball, going to the movies with my mom and my friends and going to church.
CH: Let’s also talk about Gospel music and your love for it. Who are a few of the Gospel artists that you love to watch or enjoy listening to? Have you had an opportunity to meet a few of your mentors and favorite ministers of music?
SB: Well, growing up, I really loved Contemporary Christian music. Some of the artists that I admired were Rachael Lampa, Stacey Orrico, Crystal Lewis, and Jaci Velasquez. I haven’t got the chance to meet them yet. I actually got a chance to meet some the artists that I’ve admired as far as Gospel music such as Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp and Kirk Franklin. I also got a chance to meet Cece Winans and Tye Tribbett. So yes, I’ve been honored to meet a lot of artists that I look up to.
CH: Spensha, tell us a little about your personal walk with God and your faith that provides you with the inspiration to sing about the Gospel of Jesus. Which churches do you call home? And how has your church and family experience prepared you to sing about the Gospel?
SB: Well, my family lives in San Antonio, Texas. The name of my church is the Livingway Christian Church” and the pastor is Steven Fender. The church has been extremely supportive of me. My church family and my home family have been an incredible support system for me. Home is really the foundation of who I am. My parents’ prayers, mentoring and ministry enabled me to learn a lot more and become a greater minister of the Gospel.
I’m truly grateful to have a church that shows me what ministry is all about. I’m still fifteen, so I’m still in the learning stages of my gift and what ministry really means and the impact it has on people. I’m just thankful. I’ve been given a gift and I’m grateful that God has allowed me to minister in the places that I have. I hope to continue on this very long journey.
CH: It’s a blessing and a testament to your gift as a vocalist and artist to be picked up by a recognizable label like Geffen Records, and also have the opportunity to release an album like Out Loud. What has been the best part of being a recording artists and what is the biggest challenge you’re undergoing as an artist?
SB: Having your own album is very big. I think that way because I get to travel and tell people about Jesus and bring them closer to God through my music. It’s definitely the best part. I also enjoy being in the studio and of course doing the radio interviews. It’s a great learning experience for me and I have fun doing it. I think the biggest adjustment that I’ve had to make is just living what I believe. It’s so easy for people to sing music and go home and live a different way, or sing about something and not really know about it or experienced it.
One thing that I’ve learned is important for me is have experienced what I’m what I’m singing to you about, that’s the biggest adjustment and lesson that I’m making is that I can’t just sing about it but I have to live it. My prayer for my life is to live as an example. I’m sure there will be more adjustments I will need to make in the future but I have a long road ahead of me.
CH: As a young Christian woman what inspirational or spiritual message do you want hope to deliver to listeners who see you on the stage or listen to your album for the very first time?
SB: Let me say this. I’m just a representation of my generation and I feel like there’s a big responsibility on my shoulders. One of my main messages is to live your life, out loud. It is the title of the album. Do not be afraid of who you are. Live your life where everyone can see you. Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t be afraid to lose or fall because as quickly as you fall you get right back up again. The Bible says that “We have the victory”. Hopefully, I can inspire young people to really get out there and show who they are and not be afraid to stand up for what they believe in. Hopefully that’s conveyed through the album, through the songs and through the lyrics. I think you’ll identify with some of things that I’ve gone through. There are lots of distractions in the world but if you live your life with Christ, that’s the only thing that counts.
For more information about Spensha Baker, visit
www.myspace.com/spenshabaker.
