Interview with Surel
June 2006, BlackGospel.com (By Christopher Heron)

One of the riches musical treasures that will emerge on the national scene in 2006 will surely be the distinctly soulful and sacred sound of Surel, yet another product of that remarkably fertile region - Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas. 

With her cross-town contemporaries, Kirk Franklin and Myron Butler, setting the tone and tempo for Gospel music around the world, Surel is poised and prepared to carry the Gospel baton to the finish line with her brand of soul that’s current, in keeping with the word of God and infinitely gifted in reaching today’s generation.

Surel’s brand new project – For My Good (Remedy Entertainment) - successfully weaves together an array of musical expressions and inflections that will undoubtedly catch the ear and sensibilities of today’s sophisticated generation, while delivering both a practical and scripturally-based message that will lift spirits and stir minds towards God.

To be sincere, I am excited about the possibilities Surel’s ministry offers to the musical frontier, in part because Surel represents a new voice with a refreshingly contemporary style and delivery.  But Surel offers so much more than a pretty face and a soothingly soulful sound.  Surel is the manifestation of a renaissance woman.  Having experienced debilitating tests and trials in her young life that would crush most mortals, Surel has persevered and prospered to sing and shout about her conquest over adversity.

And this week, in our exclusive interview for BLACKGOSPEL.COM, Surel shares her story and heart for God, a story that’s summed up in Paul’s epistle to the Romans, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Christopher Heron:  Let’s begin with your lovely name, Surel.  It is a beautiful and very unique name.  Did your mother or father bestow this beautiful name to you at birth?  Or is it a name you adopted at some point in your life?  And is there any special significance to the name?

Surel:  My first name is Sureldie. I was named by my Father, after his mother. The name has Native American roots. I choose to go by "Surel" because it is simple, and I believe, elegant. And going by Surel gives me my own identity.  

CH:  For most Gospel music listeners, you are a fresh face with a fresh sound.  Could you tell us a little about yourself?  What are some of your favorite hobbies when you have time for yourself?  Tell us a little about your family upbringing and church experience that nurtured your gift and passion for singing, writing and producing music?

S:  In my free time, I enjoy having fun with my daughters! We do everything from roller skating to singing karaoke!  I was born the daughter of a Minister in a small town outside of Dallas. After 13 years of marriage, my parents divorced. I was just six months old. My mother was Baptist. My Father was Pentecostal. The benefits of being exposed to both worlds have been tremendous.

CH:  You’re a native of Dallas, Texas which has evolved into a hub for so many strong musical influences, from the soulful sounds of Eryka Badu to the powerful spirituals of Kirk Franklin. How influential has the Dallas music scene been on your music and ministry?  And who are some of the artists that have inspired you or directed your music ministry to this point?

S:  I am very proud of fellow artists that are natives of the Dallas area such as Kirk Franklin and Myron Butler. It is no surprise that where there is a heavy concentration of churches (trees), there is also a heavy concentration of Christian artists (fruit). God is doing great things in Dallas and all around the world!  Tonex has also had a huge  influence on me as an artist! He is my producer and my friend! He has helped groom me and taught me how to avoid the pitfalls of the industry. I truly thank God for him!

CH:  Your new album – For My Good - has been five years in the making.  You can hear the care and love you invested over time in the wonderful lyrics, masterful arrangements and professional production. But tell us why it took five years to release For My Good, from inception to conception.  And did your album go through a number of changes and evolution over time?

 S:  I believe that For My Good has been released in due season, for reasons that only God himself fully knows. I juggled many hats while creating For My Good. One of the most time-consuming was the hat of being a student. I went back to college and earned my B.A. in Speech Communication, minoring in Psychology. 

CH:  Many listeners will eventually describe your very enjoyable album as contemporary gospel music that will definitely appeal to today’s generation.  The album features a variety of musical styles that are neatly woven together over 13 inspirational tracks.  Is your album intended for a specific audience?  And what is the important message you want to convey through your powerful music and special lyrics?

S:  I create music for all of God's children. Anyone and everyone can relate to my lyrics.  I was provoked to write these songs by real life experiences. My album, in it's entirety, is a testimony. It is my testimony. God had been so good to me. He has made his love for me known in so many ways from blessing me to correcting me. And I just feel led to share my testimony in hopes that those who do not know him might be encouraged to come to get to know him. 

CH:  You are currently balancing many demanding responsibilities as mother, artist and record executive.  How special is this time in your life?  And how important are each of these roles you are attempting to fill?

S:  My most important role has been, and will always be, the role I play as a mother to my children. My ministry begins at home. You are very right about me having a number of demands on my life right now, from being a CEO to being room Mom! But I know that our God will not put more on us than we can bare. And I am honored that the Lord chose me to do this good work!

CH:  Finally Surel, I want to discuss the title of your album – For My Good – which comes from Romans 8:28.  Could you share with us the meaning you extract from this scripture, how you’ve applied it to your life and the purpose it plays as the title to your debut album?

S:  My title track and the title of my album is, as you stated,  "For My Good". Now most of us know this scripture very well.  But how often do we use this prophetic word to encourage ourselves and others? You see, before God wrote this word on my heart, I would lose it when faced with adversity. I would stress. I would become depressed. I would worry myself into a frenzy. I would be so overwhelmed by anxiety that I would drive me and those close to me crazy!  

Then one day, while at the onset of a major trial in my life, God spoke to my heart and reminded me of the words in Romans 8:28. A still small voice whispered in my ear and said, "It's all working for your good." And from that moment to this, I have walked in that knowledge and God has continued to work miracles in my life.

For more information on Surel, visit her official website at www.surelsoul.com.  To contact Surel for singing or speaking engagements or to share your feedback on For My Soul, email her at mrssurel@aol.com or call Laventa Piper at 972-849-5438.