HillaryJane: Making Melody

The first time I heard Hillary Jane was a pleasant surprise.  I came across her on YouTube singing a cover of, “Long Way Down,” originally done by Christon Gray and Dre Murray off the W.L.A.K. album.  I was mesmerized by how soulful her voice was without effort.  It is like honey for the soul.  Don’t get it wrong, this 20 year old beauty is not just a talented singer but she raps and plays the guitar.  Needless to say, I knew her album was inevitable.

“Stix and Stones,” her first EP was released to the world on July 29, 2014.  The seven tracks range from R&B to soul infused with rap.

I got a chance to interview HillaryJane.

WM:  What artists and music have inspired/influenced you?

HillaryJ:  Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliot are two of my biggest inspirations. They aren't afraid to be themselves, whether it is a spiritual person (Lauryn) or a creative, out of the box person (Missy).

WM:  Would you share a little bit of your testimony and how you came to know Jesus personally?

HillaryJ:  I was raised in the church, but when I was 15 I decided to rededicate my life to Christ. It was nothing super drastic, I was just sitting in a chair during the sermon, I can't remember what the pastor was even preaching about, but it wasn't Salvation and I didn't go to any alter call. I was just sitting there, the Holy Spirit drew me to Himself and I started weeping. It was never the same again.

WM:  What is one of the biggest hurdles you've had to climb in your life?

HillaryJ:  Certain sins that hold you down. When you're a Christian and you have major sins that seem to plague your life and you can't get rid of them, you feel worthless. You feel like maybe you aren't even saved… which isn't the case at all. Thank God I've finally overcome them!

WM:  What is one of your favorite scripture verse and why?

HillaryJ: 1 Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." I promise I could start preaching a sermon off of this verse ha ha!  I love it because its what its all about. Jesus sees us and knows us, we can see him partially because of sin, but one day we get to be right there with Him, sin will be no more, and His majesty will shine on us. That’s all I want.

WM:  Congratulations on the album, "Stix and Stones."  How were you discovered by Infiltrate Music?

HillaryJ: They were starting a label and staff member of Rapzilla had heard about me. Chad Horton sends me a DM, then an email, and then called me; said he saw potential in me, and after like 4 days of prayer, I decided to accept His offer. Life hasn't been the same since.

WM:  What is your favorite track off "Stix and Stones?"  Why?

HillaryJ: The title track, Stix and Stones, I love the chill vibe, I love the message, I love that the Lord put the creativity in my heart to write about my heart and life experiences. I was majorly bullied in middle school. That’s the physical side. And then the spiritual side is when non-believers don't want to accept, but instead throw stones… "I only want to take you to a Royal Crowning" 

WM:  The first track off the album is, "Chimneys." Can you tell the readers the background on that song, the meaning of and how it relates to your life?

HillaryJ: Chimneys is a fun song, but it’s also packed with confidence in Christ. The Devil is a liar and blows smoke and as a believer you daily have to have the courage to stand up and say, I'm getting out of the smoke to where I can finally breathe, next to Jesus. It relates to me because of what I mentioned earlier. There has been some deep rooted sin in my life that I had to battle for years. I was so sick of the lies. And only surrendering to my King got me out.

WM:  Have you faced any challenges being a female artist as well as a Christian in the music industry?

HillaryJ: The biggest challenge isn't being in a male dominated genre, it’s actually desiring to be a good role model for women. You have to watch your every move. When you're on a platform people love to watch and point and assume. I try to stay blameless, but people can always make something out of nothing. And to most Christians, if you do anything that isn't screaming Jesus, you're not Christian. Like my song "Shotgun" is a love song about a Godly relationship, but some people aren't having that. 

WM: How do you stay grounded and focused on the Kingdom vs the World in an industry that can push you to be more worldly than Godly?

HillaryJ: That’s crazy you say that because it’s been on my mind a lot lately. It’s weird how as Christians, we are supposed to make less of ourselves, but as an artist you have to make more of yourself to sell, which gives you show opportunities and ministry opportunities. It’s a vicious cycle for someone who doesn't constantly have their heart in check. The attention can be very overwhelming, especially for someone like me who wasn't used to getting attention growing up. I just remember why I love to do this, WHO I love to do this for. Read, pray, stay in community. 

WM:  In another interview you mentioned that you "couldn't carry a tune until 9th grade." Seriously?  (Gives me hope ha ha!) Is that true for your rapping skills as well?  Can you tell us a little more about that?

HillaryJ:  Ha Ha! That’s a completely true statement! I honestly believe when God became Lord of my heart he placed this in me out of nowhere and I felt like this is how He wanted to use me from then on. As far as rapping, I’ve always had a way with words and writing. I’d get perfect scores on all my papers and tests in school. And around 5th grade I started to play around with my dude friends rhyming. I was pretty good at it. It’s always been a little fun thing I've liked.

WM:  You did a song "Not for Sale" about human trafficking on the "Stop The Traffic" album.  How did you get involved with that and that cause?  Why is that cause important to you?

HillaryJ: Well, I grew up in Houston, Texas which is the #1 port for human trafficking in the US. I was always hearing about it and when Rapzilla reached out to me to be a part of it, I was excited to finally do a small little something to help bring awareness!

WM:  The metaphors you use in your writing are incredible.  How long have you been writing?

HillaryJ:  My whole life. I love writing. I use to want to be a journalist for a little minute, but when I was asked to write for a website; I did one article and was like nah. I want to write what I want to write about lol. If it wasn't from the heart it wasn't fun. That’s why I feel so blessed to be an artist. I get to write my own music and that’s my job. Thank You Jesus! 

WM:  Any other passions besides music?

HillaryJ: Ummm sleeping (lol)? I love to sleep, I would say I’m passionate about it!  But seriously, Homeless missions. Whether that be local or foreign, I was homeless with my mother in the womb and I’ve not had a solid place to stay a few times in my life. I can't say I've ever hit rock bottom, praise God, But I have a small little taste in my heart of how these people do feel and I love them, and I want them to know Jesus hasn't forgotten them.

WM:  At the age of 20 you have so much confidence.  Have you always been confident?  Do you have any advice for those who may be struggling with confidence?

HillaryJ:  I have not always been. At times I was trying to find confidence and I would mistake it for being mean. Because a mean/angry person seems like they have it all together and doesn't need anyone. But real confidence is understanding humans DO need people, and we definitely need Jesus. And in the end, He is in control of the most important thing ever- salvation. If we had that and nothing else, we would have it all, so what else is there to be unsettled about? I have waves of not being confident like most women, but it doesn't own me. I’m not longer a slave to it.

Okay, a couple quick questions, just for fun:

WM:  If your life was a reality show, what would it be called?

HillaryJ:  "Just Jane"

WM:  Favorite movie?

HillaryJ:  Braveheart, but my mom would say I watched Forest Gump like 200 times growing up.

WM:  Coffee or tea?

HillaryJ: Depends on the mood. Both!

WM:  Current obsession?

HillaryJ:  Emoji’s, I just got an iPhone and I use them like they are a language of their own lol. My friends get annoyed

WM:  Nickname?

HillaryJ:  HJ or Hills. My mom calls me Hillbug, and my daddy calls me Hillster (lol).

You can find her music on iTunes. Connect with HillaryJane on Twitter.

Listen to HillaryJane's "Stix and Stones" album here.

About the Author :

Leilani is a single mom to a beautiful 4 year old little girl. She is in love with the Creator of the stars. Her mission is simple yet so big, to encourage and bring Jesus to all in need. To bring hope by loving people, writing, photography, music, poetry/spoken word and meeting people right where they are. God's Grace is her air.

Six Songs That Make Me Serve

By Morgan Fisher

1. Make A Move by Royal Tailor

If there’s a song that encourages one to get out of their seat and make a move for the kingdom, Royal Tailor’s “Make a Move” is the faithful anthem.

“Mr. Good Intentions, so much I wanna do. My mouth just keeps on running, but I never follow through. I heard that true religion, is love with hands and feet I wanna find my own way to reach a world in need.”

So often our intentions are pleasant and we desire to serve, yet we just don’t seem to find that serving opportunity that “fits” or “feels right.” That’s why there’s so much power in the line, “I wanna find my own way to reach a world in need.” We are all gifted and God calls us to use those gifts to serve. We are called to serve in unique, purposeful ways. We must not conform to the patterns of the world, but become innovative in how we serve our savior.

2. Feel it in Your Heart by Abandoned

This undeniably catchy tune, will have its lyrics tugging on your heart strings.

“Oh, you can turn it up loud as loud as it will go, but it will never make its way to your soul. No no, until you feel it in your heart.”  

Have you ever felt like you have said all the right things? Perhaps, sometimes you even follow through after saying or committing with your words. When you’re finished with that act, you simply did it just to do it and honor your words. There was no intention to honor God. You just felt it was right, so you did it. This next lyric can ask the question for me:

“You can say, say all the right things, but in the end what does it mean?”

So, what does it mean? You served. Yes, yes you did. However, you weren’t serving with the intention to honor and glorify God and that may have very well been displayed while you were doing that work...moaning, grunting, rolling your eyes. Maybe you even went as far as to keep that smile on your face, but you felt empty, didn’t you? I know that’s how I feel when I serve without a purpose. Let me share something with you. Even though the people you interact with every day may not see the true unhappiness in that act of service, God does. God knows not only when you’re wearing an insincere smile, but when your heart is not in it.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Feel it in your heart. Play this song as loud as you can if you have to. Pray to acquire the humble heart of a servant.

3. Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is Meaningless! by Sleep for Sleepers

This song directly correlates with Ecclesiastes 1:The words of the Teacher,son of David, king in Jerusalem: “Meaningless! Meaningless!”says the Teacher.“Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”

This truly is questioning the meaning of life. Once everything is said and done, all material things are no longer here, what do we have? What do we find worth in? What has everlasting value? The answer, our relationship with God. So, we should be living to serve and honor his commandments.

“I wanna breathe with more than my lungs, and I want your word on the tip of my tongue and mind. Everything you want me to be. I'll follow, with eyes close, I'll follow, as far as you go, I'll follow you.”

These inspiring words of wisdom challenge listeners to be all in for God. We must give ourselves to Christ to fulfill His magnificent plans for us. We must follow Him with our eyes close and our hearts open. We must serve as the Lord would serve.

4. Hold Strong, Have Faith by Rival Summers

Hold Strong, Have Faith is a tune that expresses the journey of an individual that is chasing after the visions God has put on their heart. The song takes us through tests and trials that we, as people, face daily. Trials such as doubt, hopelessness, and fear are expressed. These are all things that we can relate to. The significance of this song is the turn it takes as we begin to apprehend confidence, hope, and assurance in the Lord.

“ If I hold strong to my faith, then God will lead the way. If I put my trust in, I don’t need to be afraid.”

God has a plan and purpose for your life. He will provide for you. Please, take note of this, If your life, not just one area of your life, but your entire life, is your ministry and you live out every moment to serve and honor God, He will reveal a purpose driven life to you. You just have to Hold Strong, Have Faith.

5. Miracle by Mike Mains and the Branches

Mike Mains and the Branches consistently leaves a listener in awe of their honest lyrics and never fails to challenge people to grow spiritually.

“I didn't die for you to live like this. I didn't die for you to live like this. I didn't die for you to live like this. Oh, I died for you to love! Don't we know that we were made miracles?”

This provides a clear image of God looking down on us when we are living for self rather than living to serve His kingdom. Picturing God’s heart breaking as we live in our selfish ways continually turning away from His will. He is shouting down to us, fighting for our lives, and it is a spiritual awakening.

6. I Try by P.H.I.L.T.H.Y

I Try is an anthem of ambition and encouragement. This song sends the message of Philippians 4;13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

P.H.I.L.T.H.Y. leads us into our mission fields with confidence, complete security, and full reliance on God. With lyrics stating, “they say that we won’t make it, but I say mark my words” and “the first thing they try to do is make you second guess, that’s when you remember the the standards you represent” you are equipped to fly, reach for the sky, and at the very least, just try.

Christmas with Natalie Villa

By Carmen Miller

"The best present we've ever had. Your gift will always last. No wrapping paper, came in a manger. . . You're the perfect gift." -Natalie Villa "The Perfect Gift"

It's that time of year again. The crunching of the snow, the hustle and bustle of all the Christmas shoppers as they rush through the shopping malls to snag, yet, another gift to mark off their list.

But let us not forget that the pretty icicle lights, and frosty the snowman are only, but a decorative piece to this festive holiday season.

The reason. . . JESUS CHRIST!

As we tear away at our gifts on Christmas morning, let us not do so before thanking God for His Son. The perfect Gift.

I am so excited to feature Natalie Villa here on WHOLE, again. She is not only a great artist, but a dear friend of mine and her gift of song is incredible.

This past fall we featured her in our WHOLE Spotlight section as our first interview of our launch month. In case you missed it, you can check it out here.

This month Natalie comes back to visit and share with us her new Christmas single, "The Perfect Gift."  We asked Natalie, "What message of Christmas did she want to share with her fans and our readers, as they rush through the aisles this holiday season searching for "the perfect gift" for their loved ones?"

Natalie: "Merry Christmas, guys! Well, as we are all in search for the "Perfect Gift" this season, I hope everyone will pause to remember that Christmas is a time for miracles. I think we so easily forget, and I have been guilty of this too; that the Christmas story we celebrate every year is full of life-changing, God-encountering miracles! Starting with John the Baptist being born to a barren woman, Angels being messengers, a virgin birth, our Savior coming to Earth, and so much more. That is the kind of God we serve! There are so many ways I believe God wants to speak to our hearts this season if we will slow down and let him. I think He wants to give us the "present" of His "presence" because He truly is the one and only "Perfect Gift". Have fun celebrating the miracle of Jesus, our Savior and cherish your loved ones. Love you all and hope you enjoy my music video and song "The Perfect Gift."

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Enjoy Natalie's new video. Just a warning: I tear up every time I watch it! Between The message and her beautiful, angelic voice I can't help, but cry as I think of Jesus Christ and what His birth means for us. 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. -James 1:17

Download FULL song here.

To hear more songs visit www.natalievilla.com

Follow Natalie Villa on her social sites:
http://twitter.com/MsNatalieVilla
http://facebook.com/MsNatalieVilla