Singer Mariette Davina recently released a superb self titled album full of original cross-classical music and inspirational worship songs. Originally born in the UK, Mariette spent many years learning her craft in South Africa where she landed a recording contract. Now back in the UK, LTTM decided to find out more about her.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Gosh, in a nutshell - I'm a classically trained singer, born in the UK, but grew up in South Africa. During the Honours... Read MoreSinger Mariette Davina recently released a superb self titled album full of original cross-classical music and inspirational worship songs. Originally born in the UK, Mariette spent many years learning her craft in South Africa where she landed a recording contract. Now back in the UK, LTTM decided to find out more about her.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Gosh, in a nutshell - I'm a classically trained singer, born in the UK, but grew up in South Africa. During the Honours year of my Music degree, I started writing my own music and landed a recording contract. I subsequently moved back to the UK, attended 3 years of Bible School where I learned to lead Worship, and have now released an album.
Tell us a little bit about your new album and what the inspiration behind it was?
My UK album contains 10 tracks of original material, it was recorded at ICC studios with Neil Costello as the producer. It reflects my relationship and journey with God, and the lyrics are based around the themes of encouragement and not giving up.
Which is your favourite track on your new album and why?
Definitely 'Angel Song' - it's the most classically influenced song on the album.
I wrote it from a place where I was really crying out to God, it's a song about God's Grace, which is for me the foundation of the New Testament.
What's your song writing process?
Song writing is a discipline - It's really just a case of sitting at the piano and starting to play and sing. I then take the initial chords that I've written and transfer it to my computer and start doing instrumental arrangements, and develop the song further. Song writing for me is really a faith walk as I depend totally on God - I definitely can't do it on my own ability alone.
You spent many years writing and recording music in South Africa. Why did you decide to move to the UK and how would you compare the South African and British music scenes?
My heart has always been to move back to Europe, as the music scene is definitely more geared towards my genre of music over here than it is back there. When there was a huge management overhaul at my South African label, with key management resigning, I saw it as an opportunity to get out of my contract, take a risk, and make a go of it in the UK alone. It was pretty scary but I firmly believe that I made the right decision.
How would you describe your style of music?
It's very difficult to describe my style of music - I've settled on the term a combination of cross-classical and inspirational worship. It's a bit of a mouthful but I don't really know how else to describe it - it doesn't really 'fit' into a specific genre. Both my classical training and worship background come through strongly.
In your opinion, what makes the perfect worship song?
I don't think worship is ever about the song, (or the singer) - it's about God, and being sensitive to the spirit of God and allowing Him to take over. I think that if the anointing and tangible presence of God is evident, then any worship song will sound perfect because God is in it.
What advice would you give to any aspiring singers or songwriters out there?
NEVER, EVER give up! We serve a faithful God who is true to His Word and promises. If He has put the desire in your heart - He will bring it to pass. Your part is to practice, work hard and be sensitive to the spirit of God on what steps to take next.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
Michael W Smith singing 'Let it Rain' - it's such an uncomplicated song, but SO anointed. It really literally feels like Heaven is opening - I get lost in the music whenever I listen to it - and it's appropriate for this setting!
What does the next year hold for Mariette Davina?
Loads of performing and concerts! I'm arranging a series of concerts in and around Bristol and my aim is to really continue on from there. I'm just going to see what doors God opens!
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Prophetic worship singer Mariette Davina returns with her first new full length album in nearly a decade with the release of 'Mariette Davina Volume 2'. Mariette has an emphasis on soaking spontaneous music. Her 'Volume 1' CD…
