Interview: Jess Ford
Christian Praise & Worship artist Jess Ford talks to Louder Than The Music about her new single 'My Strength Is In The Lord', plus her life as a vocal coach with the stars of TV shows like American Idol and The Voice.
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?
I've been in the music business full time since 2005 as a Master Vocal Coach, songwriter, singer and musician. In 2005 I left everything to move to Nashville and do music full time. It was there, in Nashville that I had a profound, holy rolling experience with the Holy Spirit and I'll be 15 years old in Jesus name coming up this November 9th. When this happened it literally changed the trajectory of my life, I no longer desired fame the way I used to and I knew what my purpose was, to sing for Jesus.
Tell us about your new single 'My Strength Is In The Lord' and what the inspiration behind it was?
It is about being in a place of pain and darkness, being broken and how Jesus alone can take all those broken pieces and heal you, like he did with me. From darkness to light. It's about being stuck and how Jesus will meet you in the dark place and lead you out, if you let him. Our flesh can lead us to brokenness, but Jesus forgives, heals us and molds us, putting us back together again. Even though I am born again, my flesh has still failed me. This song is a proclamation of it, that I will no longer allow myself to reside there and I have to move forward and sing for Jesus which is why I left my award winning band and the secular music space. I will only sing for Jesus moving forward. This is where I am fulfilled. Psalm 73:26 says "my flesh and my heart may fail, but God is my strength and my portion forever". This is the main lyric of the song.
Do you have any plans to release more music in the near future?
YES! I have written 3 more songs that are ready to go! One is called Holy Water, it is about the baptism of Jesus, which I am so excited about. Another is called "This Is My Jesus". This song is about all the different names we call Jesus ie: Messiah, Prince Of Peace, My rescuer, everlasting Father... and it explains what those things mean, then it says, "This Is My Jesus". The 4th song is called "I'm Ready (Overflow)". Basically singing about how I'm ready for the overflow of blessing, I'm ready for what God has for me.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
I pray they feel my love for God and praise and worship him with me.
You also have a very successful career as a vocal coach - can you tell us a little about who you've been working with lately?
I have had 18 clients on American Idol and 3 on NBC The Voice (most recently Julia Roome who was the youngest singer to make it on the show in history getting the super save button at only 13 years old and Tanner Massey who made it to team Gwen top 3). I trained singers in Nashville (when I lived there for 10 years) like country music singer Adam Doleac and Jennifer Adan, a hit songwriter for Blake Shelton, who's song went multi-platinum (She Wouldn't Be Gone). Most of my clients that have been on these shows though, have been with me since I moved back to California and all this happened after I changed my website over to a Christian based website in 2015 and gave it God and said "Ok, it's yours, do with it what you will", and he has blessed me with exceptional talent to work with it has been an amazing, fun ride!
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Ooof! There's quite a few! Jenn Johnson with Bethel in Redding. They are only a couple hours drive from me. The songs coming out of there are amazing and anointed and of course the songwriters with Elevation Worship (Steven Furtick), they also have incredible songs that lift us up so high. Chris Tomlin would be amazing to work with! So gifted.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
When I am using my voice for the Glory of God and singing at Churches, reaching more people and sharing the good news of the Gospel, that is success. In regards to my voice coaching, I have succeeded, anything beyond what I have already done is just blessing at this stage of the game.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Graves Into Gardens (Elevation) is EPIC. Cannot get enough of it and I listen to it every time I fly. I might be the only one on the plane head bobbing and I don't care! ha!
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?
Hhhmmmm.... Goodness Of God or The Blessing, I'd be so miserable if it was that hot, I probably wouldn't care about my phone, I do not like the heat and I can just sing whatever song I want too hahaa
What does the next year hold for you?
I will have a client going to judges on American Idol this coming season 2025, so that's exciting! I will be releasing more music, the songs I mentioned above, which is the most fulfilling thing ever. I hope and pray to be singing at more Churches and leading worship, and leading at Christian conferences, bringing my Ministry and music to those who need healing and comfort. That is what's in my heart.
