Interview: Yvette Medina
Yvette Medina, a Christian singer/songwriter based out of Littleton, Colorado, talks to Louder Than The Music about her special song in remembrance of 9/11 called 'We’ll Always Remember 9/11', and why she felt called to write it.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Songwriting was never something I had aspired to do. I loved to sing and sang at church on occasion growing up, but it wasn’t until 2010’ that my journey began. And it was because of hardships I was encountering in my life. During one particular struggle, I felt the Holy Spirit come over me and melody and lyrics started pouring out of me and I wrote “I Cling to Jesus”. Many other songs came soon after and thankfully they continue all these years later. God comforted me with song and I try to use these songs to help others struggling as well.
Tell us about your single 'We'll Always Remember 9/11' and why you decided to write it?
9/11 was one of the most horrific days I’ve ever experienced in my lifetime. So much tragedy and loss. I get consumed each year watching the documentaries because my mind still struggles to comprehend it all, even after all of these years. On the 10 year anniversary I remember listening to a program on Focus on the Family from the survivors and I remember one person saying “I just pray that people never forget that day and everything people endured.” And in my mind I kept saying “How could we EVER forget? I’ll Always Remember 9/11!” And the entire song just came that day within a few minutes of saying that phrase in my head.
That song is taken from your album, 'I Cling To Jesus', can you describe that album for us?
I Cling to Jesus is an album consisting of songs to help you when life gets difficult. All of the songs point to clinging to Jesus, crying out to Him, and allowing Him to be there with you when life gets difficult or painful.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
That Christ is real. He loves you, is with you and will be there to help you when you learn to cling to Him.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
My music is mostly Southern Gospel with a touch of CCM.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Dottie Rambo (passed on)
Bill & Gloria Gaither
Tremendous lyricists. Could learn so much from them.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
When I hear people say they love my music because it helped to draw them closer to Jesus and want to know Him more.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Elvis Gospel. Huge Elvis fan!!
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Goodness of God
Because I have lived, in the goodness of God.
What does the next year hold for you?
I’ve got lots of songs written. Planning on getting back in the studio and dropping several singles soon!
I have some Cling to Jesus concerts booked, a Thanksgiving and Christmas concert, and I will be singing at a local VA hospital for a few months for local veterans.
