SheHH Podcast: Interviews with Women in Christian/Gospel Music Worldwide

The SheHH podcast is a podcast series all about Christian women in the front and behind the scenes of Christian music all over the world. The name is a play on the phrase CHH, which stands for Christian Hip Hop, but SheHH is for all genres (and all women!) within Christian music.

Welcome to Series two, which is themed the Gritty Truths. We're speaking to amazing women and learning more about the realities of being called into music ministry, especially as a woman.   

In this episode of the pod, Paula speaks to Danielle Apicella. A young singer-songwriter from New York signed to Derek Minor and Doc Watson's Reflection Music Group (RMG) Christian music label. It was such a blessing to hear Danielle's passion and love of what she does!  

Instagram: @shehhpodcast Email: [email protected]  

SheHH Podcast: https://anchor.fm/shehh  

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/shehhpodcast

Female Christian Music playlist (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0EZj0YjdMEnNk0DXJOsND6  

Female Christian Music playlist (Apple Music): https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/female-christian-music-by-shehh-podcast/pl.u-zPyLl4YsZM3vgJa 

Founder & Producer: Paula Melissa - https://paulamelissa.com/

Executive Producer: Bolu Bello  

Content Co-ordinator(s): Pamela and Zoe Yovela 

Research Co-ordinator: Ikeoluwa Lawson  

Question time codes: 

00:47 - 'The singer no one saw coming!' 

02:50 - Danielle's single and music video for Higher  

06:39 - Being signed Derek Minor's label Reflection Music Group (RMG)  

09:20 - Being the only woman on the label 

11:50 - Some of Danielle's favourite collaborations  

17:12 - Danielle's music journey - starting in church 

19:48 - Danielle's opinion on the role of churches in developing Christian music artists 

21:52 - Practicalities of what the church can do 

24:48 - More about Danielle's music - How she creates music that effectively conveys the Christian message 

26:51 - The role social media has played in Danielle's career 

32:02 - Danielle's songwriting process 

35:40 - How Danielle got signed to RMG 

38:42 - Danielle in 10 years time... 

42:23 - Advice for up and coming artists 

44:57 - Danielle's 'Gritty Truth' 

50:11 - What can we soon expect to see from Danielle?  

Follow Danielle - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielleapicella/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/apicellamusic  

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/53l3aH0gXYBLyTVM87aYw5?si=SOPR6DhyQU6WC9_ldNHzwA&nd=1

Website: https://www.danielleapicella.com/ 

#SheHHPodcast​ #ChristianMusic​ #Interviews

The SheHH podcast is a podcast series all about Christian women in the front and behind the scenes of Christian music all over the world. The name is a play on the phrase CHH, which stands for Christian Hip Hop, but SheHH is for all genres (and all women!) within Christian music. 

Welcome to Series two, which is themed the Gritty Truths. We're speaking to amazing women and learning more about the realities of being called into music ministry, especially as a woman.   

In this first episode of the pod, Paula speaks to Rae Rae, a UK Gospel Artist signed to independent label, HFP Music. She talks about her music journey, releasing an EP, Conversations in the middle of a pandemic and staying rooted in what God has called her to do.  

Instagram: @shehhpodcast Email: [email protected]  

SheHH Podcast: https://anchor.fm/shehh  

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/shehhpodcast

Female Christian Music playlist (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0EZj0YjdMEnNk0DXJOsND6  

Female Christian Music playlist (Apple Music): https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/female-christian-music-by-shehh-podcast/pl.u-zPyLl4YsZM3vgJa   

Founder & Producer: Paula Melissa - https://paulamelissa.com/

Executive Producer: Bolu Bello  

Content Co-ordinator(s): Pamela and Zoe Yovela 

Research Co-ordinator: Ikeoluwa Lawson

Question time codes: 

00:42 - Rae Rae introducing herself 

01:35 - What were some of the signs Rae Rae was given to show she was called into music ministry  

05:33 - Gospel or mainstream music? 

06:16 - Christian who sings or singer who's a Christian? 

07:48 - How important had God been in sustaining Rae Rae so far? 

10:11 - How has Rae Rae developed her sound over the years? 

11:38 - Who's in Rae Rae's playlist these days? 

14:04 - What was Rae Rae's immediate reaction to lockdown/the pandemic? 

16:04 - Rae Rae releasing her Conversations EP during lockdown 

19:30 - How Rae Rae got signed by an independent music label HFP Music label 

22:25 - Advice for those looking to get signed 

23:26 - The label of being a 'gospel artist' 

26:46 - What are some of the struggles Rae Rae has had to overcome in the journey so far 

30:50 - Rae Rae's career also in TV & Radio presenting and social media 

33:20 - Advice for upcoming artists using social media  

35:15 - What's the legacy for Rae Rae 

38:12 - What is a gritty truth Rae Rae has learnt  

Follow Rae Rae: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missraeofficial/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MissRaeOfficial

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Zhpjwk7OjYXrQG3YOhIzo?si=6pFCaXaySBmG65wQ1T5Wag  

Website: https://www.missraeofficial.com/  

#SheHHPodcast #ChristianMusic #Interviews

The SheHH podcast is a podcast series all about Christian women in the front and behind the scenes of Christian music all over the world. The name is a play on the phrase CHH, which stands for Christian Hip Hop, but SheHH is for all genres (and all women!) within Christian music.  

Series One of the SheHH podcast gave us the opportunity to speak to five amazing women from all over the world: Wande (USA), CASS (New Zealand), Adegail (UK), Risha Leondra (USA) and Sal Ly (Nigeria). 

In the final episode of series 1 of the SheHH Podcast, we speak to Nigerian Singer-Songwriter Sal Ly. She's known for making catchy music with deep, relatable lyrics and in this interview, she tells us about some of the stories behind her music. 

Instagram: @shehhpodcast 

Email: [email protected]  

SheHH Podcast: https://anchor.fm/shehh  

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/shehhpodcast

Female Christian Music playlist (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0EZj0YjdMEnNk0DXJOsND6  

Female Christian Music playlist (Apple Music): https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/female-christian-music-by-shehh-podcast/pl.u-zPyLl4YsZM3vgJa   

Founder & Producer: Paula Melissa - https://paulamelissa.com/

Executive Producer: Bolu Bello of Musta Talent Management - https://www.withmusta.com/

Creative Director: Kookie Chilengwe   

Question time codes: 

1:08 - Sal Ly introducing herself 

2:22 - Sal Ly's journey as an artist 

7:15 - The story behind 'Affirmation' 

8:42 - "You can't run away from God forever" 

9:12 - What are Sal Ly's plans for 2020 // EP being released 

10:49 - What are Sal Ly's passions? 

12:40 - Best bit of advice received 

13:52 - Parents' support? 

16:08 - Keep it Christ-centered 

19:07 - No female producers and instrumentalists  

26:11 - Sal Ly's legacy  

27:30 - Prayers for Sal Ly  

Music mentioned: 

All Love - Sal Ly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTZ-ESJ3oi0

Translucent - Sal Ly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj3oAzZGCpk

I'm Good - Sal Ly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Z9BKdzF6A

Affirmation - Sal Ly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l2WmqzP0ZE 

Follow Sal Ly:  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salxsally/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SalxSally

The SheHH podcast is a podcast series all about Christian women in the front and behind the scenes of Christian music all over the world. The name is a play on the phrase CHH, which stands for Christian Hip Hop, but SheHH is for all genres (and all women!) within Christian music.

Series One of the SheHH podcast gave us the opportunity to speak to five amazing women from all over the world: Wande (USA), CASS (New Zealand), Adegail (UK), Risha Leondra (USA) and Sal Ly (Nigeria). Series One is available to stream here: https://anchor.fm/shehh.

In this episode, we speak to creative extraordinaire (we don't say that lightly! This woman does it alll!) Risha Leondra. This is great for those of you interested in the behind-the-scenes side of the music industry. Risha has worked with Gawvi, Alex Medina, Derek Minor, Canon etc etc and is now with Good City Music!

Instagram: @shehhpodcast 

Email: [email protected]  

SheHH Podcast: https://anchor.fm/shehh  

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/shehhpodcast

Female Christian Music playlist (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0EZj0YjdMEnNk0DXJOsND6  

Female Christian Music playlist (Apple Music): https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/female-christian-music-by-shehh-podcast/pl.u-zPyLl4YsZM3vgJa

Founder & Producer: Paula Melissa - https://paulamelissa.com/

Executive Producer: Bolu Bello of Musta Talent Management - https://www.withmusta.com/

Creative Director: Kookie Chilengwe

Question time codes: 

0:53 - Introduction to Risha and what she does 

1:35 - Risha's creative journey so far 

5:25 - Working in a male-dominated industry - what's it like? 

7:25 - CHH Sexism 

11:28 - Passion and influences 

13:21 - What are your plans for this year? (This interview was recorded in December 2019 so Risha is referring to 2020) 

14:50 - What's the best bit of advice? 

17:36 - Risha's legacy  

Risha's links: 

Website: https://rishaleondra.com/

Podcast - 222: https://anchor.fm/222withrisha

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rishaleondra

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rishaleondra/

To join our CHH music Whatsapp group chat, drop Paula an email ([email protected]) to dm us on Instagram: @shehhpodcast

Welcome to Episode 4 of my new interview series called She.H.H. It is all about women in the front and behind the scenes of Christian music all over the world. I have spoken to some AMAZING women.

In this episode, we speak to creative extraordinaire (I don't say that lightly! This woman does it alll!) Risha Leondra. This is great for those of you interested in the behind-the-scenes side of the music industry. Risha has worked with Gawvi, Alex Medina, Derek Minor, Canon etc etc and is now with Good City!

Executive Producer of this series - Bolu Bello of Musta Talent Management company - https://www.withmusta.com/

To join our CHH music Whatsapp group chat, drop me an email ([email protected]) to dm on Twitter/Instagram: @PaulaMelissaXX

Follow She.H.H on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/she.h.h/

Question timecodes:

0:53 - Introduction to Risha and what she does

1:35 - Risha's creative journey so far

5:25 - Working in a male-dominated industry - what's it like?

7:25 - CHH Sexism

11:28 - Passion and influences

13:21 - What are your plans for this year? (This interview was recorded in December 2019 so Risha is referring to 2020)

14:50 - What's the best bit of advice?

17:36 - Risha's legacy

Risha's links:

Website: https://rishaleondra.com/

Podcast - 222: https://anchor.fm/222withrisha

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rishaleondra

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rishaleondra/

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MY LINKS:

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: http://paulamelissa.com/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/PaulaMelissaXX // @PaulaMelissaXX

INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/PaulaMelissaXX // @PaulaMelissaXX

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PaulaMelissaXX/

PHOTOGRAPHY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/paulamelissaphotography/ // @PaulaMelissaPhotography

The SheHH podcast is a podcast series all about Christian women in the front and behind the scenes of Christian music all over the world. The name is a play on the phrase CHH, which stands for Christian Hip Hop, but SheHH is for all genres (and all women!) within Christian music.

Series One of the SheHH podcast gave us the opportunity to speak to five amazing women from all over the world: Wande (USA), CASS (New Zealand), Adegail (UK), Risha Leondra (USA) and Sal Ly (Nigeria). Series One is available to stream here: https://anchor.fm/shehh.

In this episode, Paula speaks with her good friend Abigail - popularly known as Adegail - who is a UK-based gospel singer-songwriter, spoken word artist, YouTuber and Founder of iRadiate: a series of creative worship events. In this interview, they talk about her musical journey, how important it was for her to overcome her shyness and how passionate she is about the UK Gospel scene.

Instagram: @shehhpodcast 

Email: [email protected]

SheHH Podcast: https://anchor.fm/shehh  

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/shehhpodcast

Female Christian Music playlist (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0EZj0YjdMEnNk0DXJOsND6  

Female Christian Music playlist (Apple Music): https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/female-christian-music-by-shehh-podcast/pl.u-zPyLl4YsZM3vgJa

Founder & Producer: Paula Melissa - https://paulamelissa.com/

Executive Producer: Bolu Bello of Musta Talent Management - https://www.withmusta.com/

Creative Director: Kookie Chilengwe

Questions time codes: 

00:56 - How would you introduce yourself to someone who wouldn't know you? 

01:16 - Tell us about your musical journey 

03:09 - How have you battled being a shy, introverted person with your calling? 

04:41 - Tell us about iRadiate 

06:20 - Let us know about the behind-the-scenes of putting on events 

08:31 - What's some of the best advice you've been given so far in your career 

10:14 - Giving your all in your work and projects 

13:10 - Do you think being a woman has affected your career? 

15:05 - All about the UK Gospel scene 

19:13 - What are your plans for 2020? 

21:04 - How do you make sure everything you do is Christ-centered? 

23:16 - What should we know about you? 

27:22 - What would you like your legacy to be? 

28:41 - How can we be praying for Adegail?

Adegail's links: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adegail/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHDrR83mTeNCkSLjfoFuqxQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_adegail

Email: [email protected] 

iRadiate: https://www.instagram.com/_iradiate/

Blog/poetry: https://seemetwinkle.wordpress.com/

To join our CHH music Whatsapp group chat, drop Paula an email ([email protected]) to dm us on Instagram: @shehhpodcast

The SheHH podcast is a podcast series all about Christian women in the front and behind the scenes of Christian music all over the world. The name is a play on the phrase CHH, which stands for Christian Hip Hop, but SheHH is for all genres (and all women!) within Christian music.  

Series One of the SheHH podcast gave us the opportunity to speak to five amazing women from all over the world: Wande (USA), CASS (New Zealand), Adegail (UK), Risha Leondra (USA) and Sal Ly (Nigeria).

In this episode, Paula had a chat with her favourite artist Cassandra Kanda, better known as CASS. She is a Zimbabwe-born, New Zealand-bred Christian music artist. Her first two albums, Genesis and Not For Sale came out in 2017 and 2018 respectfully! And in this interview, she gave us the EXCLUSIVE about her upcoming project, what it's really like being an unsigned, independent artist and how 'pre-Jesus' Kanye West inspired her as a producer -  we hope you enjoy this!  

Instagram: @shehhpodcast 

Email: [email protected]  

SheHH Podcast: https://anchor.fm/shehh  

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/shehhpodcast

Female Christian Music playlist (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0EZj0YjdMEnNk0DXJOsND6  

Female Christian Music playlist (Apple Music): https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/female-christian-music-by-shehh-podcast/pl.u-zPyLl4YsZM3vgJa   

Founder & Producer: Paula Melissa - https://paulamelissa.com/

Executive Producer: Bolu Bello of Musta Talent Management - https://www.withmusta.com/

Creative Director: Kookie Chilengwe   

Questions time codes: 

3:38 - What has it been like touring around different countries? 

4:45 - Introduce yourself and your musical journey 

14:48 - What is it like being an unsigned artist? 

16:57 - How do you make sure that you and your music stays rooted in Christ? 

20:20 - How important is the local church for people in the industry? 

24:13 - The story beyond some of CASS' songs  

29:31 - Reach wanted to sign CASS 

39:54 - When's the new album coming out? 

45:05 - Do you know much about the UK gospel scene? 

46:46 - Who are some of your favourite artists? 

49:50 - God as our Daddy! 

1:00:02 - What would you like your legacy to be? What would you like to be remembered for? 

1:01:35 - How can we as your fans be praying for you?   

Music mentioned:  Silhouettes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K09Mfk2Ta2c

Tomorrow Will Come - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD85JjDDNhs

Lightwork - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_Sh7B6mJUs

Thoughts - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDRXnRTg_1g

Nothin' Into Somethin' (feat. Guvna B & Wande) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjERVdiRG0k

Radical - Ecclesia x CalledOut Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoRf4iw3I3I 

Thoughtpocalypse sermon series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqTfxTS1WaE   

CASS links: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casskanda/  

Website: https://iamcass.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/casskanda

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casskanda

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCABq5xxNf6vSZRIb1GtvwSg 

To join our CHH music Whatsapp group chat, drop Paula an email ([email protected]) to dm us on Instagram: @shehhpodcast

The SheHH podcast is a podcast series all about Christian women in the front and behind the scenes of Christian music all over the world. The name is a play on the phrase CHH, which stands for Christian Hip Hop, but SheHH is for all genres (and all women!) within Christian music.  

Series One of the SheHH podcast gave us the opportunity to speak to five amazing women from all over the world: Wande (USA), CASS (New Zealand), Adegail (UK), Risha Leondra (USA) and Sal Ly (Nigeria).  Series One is available to stream here: https://anchor.fm/shehh.   

Today, we start with one of our favourite artists, Wande. We talked about getting signed to one of the largest CHH label in the world, Reach Records, her new album which is being released soon and also how she stays rooted in God.   

Instagram: @shehhpodcast 

Email: [email protected]  

SheHH Podcast: https://anchor.fm/shehh  

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/shehhpodcast

Female Christian Music playlist (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0EZj0YjdMEnNk0DXJOsND6  

Female Christian Music playlist (Apple Music): https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/female-christian-music-by-shehh-podcast/pl.u-zPyLl4YsZM3vgJa   

Founder & Producer: Paula Melissa - https://paulamelissa.com/

Executive Producer: Bolu Bello of Musta Talent Management - https://www.withmusta.com/

Creative Director: Kookie Chilengwe  

Questions time codes: 

1:13 - How would you introduce yourself? 

1:40 - Let us know a little bit about your musical journey so far? 

5:55 - What are you passionate about? 

7:10 - Do you think that the Nigerian culture influences your music? 

9:52 - What is it like being the first female artist at Reach Records? 

15:52 - Do you know about the British CHH scene? 

17:54 - Wande talking about her new album she'll release this year (2020) hopefully 

18:20 - The stories behind some of Wande's songs 

24:35 - What is the best bit of advice you have received in your career so far? 

24:54 -What would you like your legacy to be? 

26:30 - Do you feel a lot of pressure being in the public eye? 

27:46 - How can we be praying for you?  

Music mentioned: Fuego - Wande: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZoBeIFCl1Y

DJ Standout - Groove ft. Cass, Eris Ford, & Wande: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7_7rpilutM

Wande - No Ceilings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WzaCfjsWBc

Wande - No Cap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RopFT9z-yU 

Follow Wande: Website: https://www.omgitswande.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omgitswande/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OMGitsWande

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omgitswande/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU9fuELgg3GaQcpYGfuA65g 

To join our CHH music Whatsapp group chat, drop Paula an email ([email protected]) to dm us on Instagram: @shehhpodcast.