Shalom World - Beats: Recent Episodes
Shalom World Podcasts
Want to know what is it like to be a Christian musician in the modern world? Here are popular and upcoming Christian musicians sharing their music, journey, and their love for God! Check out their stories on ‘Beats’ !
Brandon Morel, known as The Symbol, is a multi-faceted international artist, entrepreneur, and public figure committed to promoting love and positive change in culture. With a background as a teaching artist for over a decade, he employs Peace Education through theater, visual arts, and music, making his approach to teaching and serving dynamic and impactful. Previously, Brandon was involved in various youth ministry roles, he co-founded the AMDG movement and played a crucial role in launching the Mount Carmel Teen Project, a program aimed at preventing teen gang violence.
Currently, Brandon serves as the Director of Youth Ministry at St. Michael/St. Malachy's Catholic Church in Brooklyn, NY, while also being a consecrated Layperson of the Institute Id. of Christ the Redeemer (Idente Missionaries). His work extends beyond borders, involving speaking engagements, performances, and educational initiatives both nationally and internationally, while also collaborating on films with a focus on faith and culture.
Brandon emphasizes that his music is more than just a form of entertainment; it is an extension of his prayer life and ministry. Growing up in the vibrant and diverse city of New York, Brandon's music reflects the energy and culture of the urban landscape. His lyrics showcase thoughtful wordplay and multiple layers of meaning, reflecting his introspective approach to faith and life. As an urban missionary, Brandon sees music as a powerful tool to connect with others, spread the message of his Catholic faith, and foster a deeper relationship with God, especially among the youth he ministers to.
Episode Breakdown:
- 02:01 - Music as an Extension of Prayer
- 03:05 - Influence of New York City
- 06:12 - Faith Journey
- 08:11 - Hip-Hop and American Culture
- 13:27 - Cultural Expression in Music
- 16:28 - Ministry and Music
- 19:12 - Living Witness
- 21:08 - Remaining True
Songs:
- Basilica
- Golden
Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Brandon Morel.
Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org
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Brandon Morel: http://www.bethesymbol.com/
Kyle Correya, a 19-year-old musician from Melbourne, is deeply passionate about music and has been for his entire life. He begins his day with prayer and listens to Christian music, drawing inspiration from artists such as Elevation Worship and Hillsong. Kyle's musical influences encompass both Christian and secular genres. As a singer and musician based in Melbourne, he specializes in playing the guitar and piano. Moreover, Kyle is well-versed in Christian and Catholic worship, making him capable of providing guidance on the music required for church celebrations and services.
His musical journey started early, as he began playing the guitar at a young age and later explored other instruments like the keyboard, drums, and saxophone during high school. Kyle's involvement in singing and performing at church is influenced by his father's participation in praise and worship activities. Host Alyssa Agius interviews Kyle Correya in this episode of ‘Beats’.
Kyle shares his deep spiritual connection to singing, viewing it as a form of prayer that allows people to connect with God on a profound level. He recounts personal stories of how his music has impacted others, emphasizing the belief that music has the power to forge a strong connection with God. Kyle underlines the significance of praise and worship in his connection with Jesus, finding the act of kneeling in adoration and surrendering to God's love during worship the most fulfilling part of his faith journey.
Episode Breakdown:
- 00:45 – A Lifelong Passion
- 02:10 - Musical Journey
- 04:15 - Connection to God through Music
- 06:25 - Recording Process
- 09:10 - Goals and Inspirations
- 11:00 - Power of Praise and Worship
- 12:45 - Songwriting Process
- 14:15 - Follow God's Footsteps
Songs:
- I Stand in Awe
- We Fall Down
- East to West
- There is None Like You
- What He Deserve
- Won’t Stop Now
Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Kyle Correya.
Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org
Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/
Kyle Correya: https://kylecorreyacom.wordpress.com/
Quinn (Q) Furnald is a dedicated Catholic Christian Musician from Califon, New Jersey, with a strong passion for service and ministry. From a young age, he has been actively involved in singing and performing with the Sing Alleluia Sing choir at his home parish in Long Valley, NJ. Q Furnald holds a Master of Arts in Music Composition with a secondary focus in Choral Conducting from Montclair State University, and a B.A. in Music with concentrations in Composition & Theory and Conducting from Lehigh University.
He has participated in Catholic HEART Workcamp, traveling for service and assisting with music ministries at their summer camps. As a composer, Q Furnald has studied under esteemed mentors at Montclair State University and Lehigh University, refining his skills in choral and worship music. He is an accomplished contemporary worship artist, leading worship music as a solo artist and with worship teams at various retreats, service camps, conferences, and masses across the United States.
Q Furnald opens up about his personal journey and the deep bond between music and spirituality. He emphasizes the significance of authenticity and self-discovery within the realm of faith. Through his experiences, Q Furnald exemplifies the transformative power of music, highlighting its ability to forge a profound connection between individuals and God. By sharing his story and promoting authenticity, he inspires listeners to cultivate a deeper spiritual connection through music and embrace their innate identities as children of God.
Episode Breakdown:
- 01:28 – Understanding God's Calling and the Challenges
- 04:12 – An Invitation to Youth Ministry
- 11:22 – Importance of Authenticity
- 14:09 – Journey as a Missionary Disciple
- 16:45 – Transformative Power of Music
Songs:
- By Your Mercy Grace
- Thank You
- I'm Not Ashamed
- Ave Maria
- My Soul
- Tabernacle
Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Q Furnald.
Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org
Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/
Q Furnald: https://qfurnald.wixsite.com/music
Rosemary Siemens is a multi-talented musician known for her exceptional skills in violin, vocals, and piano. Born and raised in a musical family, Rosemary began her musical journey at a young age and has since become a celebrated artist. With a passion for creating beautiful and inspiring music, she has performed at numerous prestigious events and venues worldwide. Rosemary's versatility is showcased through her ability to seamlessly blend genres such as classical, gospel, country, and pop. Rosemary recounts her incredible musical experiences, such as touring with the Mennonite Children's Choir, performing at renowned venues like Carnegie Hall and the Sistine Chapel, and being the first instrumentalist to play at the Vatican. She cherishes these moments as opportunities to touch people's lives and share the gift of music around the world.
Rosemary Siemens is a true virtuoso whose captivating performances and heartfelt compositions continue to touch the hearts of audiences worldwide. She has released several albums and collaborated with renowned musicians. Rosemary also shares some personal challenges she has faced, including the miraculous recovery of her prized violin, which went missing but was later returned after a series of extraordinary events.
Throughout her journey, Rosemary's faith has been a guiding force. She emphasizes the importance of hymns and their ability to bring people closer to God. Her dedication to using her musical gifts for philanthropy is evident in her involvement with various charitable organizations. With her YouTube show called "Sunday Hymn Serenade," she has amassed a significant following and seeks to revive the tradition of hymn singing. Rosemary believes that her experiences, both joyful and challenging, have been part of a divine plan, allowing her to share her personal testimony and bring hope to others. She looks forward to the future, anticipating more stories to share and the continued impact of her music.
Episode Breakdown:
- 02:20 - Pursuing Music
- 06:29 - It is Well with My Soul
- 07:06 - Miraculous Return of Her Violin
- 09:11 - Have a Little Faith
- 12:47 - Plum Cooley
- 14:19 - A Surprise Proposal
- 16:33 - Passing on the Love for Music
Songs:
- Barefoot and Bling
- It is Well with My Soul
- Amazing Grace
- How Great Thou Art
- Have a Little Faith
- I Surrender All
- Nearer My God
Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Rosemary Siemens.
Rosemary Siemens: https://www.rosemarysiemens.com/
Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org
Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/
Composer and musician, Edwin Fawcett, takes us on a captivating journey of blending faith and music. From his early experiences of Catholicism and the profound awakening of his faith in his teen years to his studies in composition and his unique approach of setting the words of the Psalms to music, Edwin's music ministry offers a powerful connection to God's love and redemption. Through his soulful compositions and heartfelt performances, he invites listeners to explore the depths of their own souls, drawing them closer to their faith and unleashing the hidden treasures within.
Fawcett is a multi-talented individual whose expertise spans various domains. With a profound passion for writing, Fawcett has established himself as a distinguished author, journalist, and consultant. His wide-ranging experience and comprehensive understanding of economics, politics, and culture enable him to deliver thought-provoking insights to his readers. Fawcett's distinctive writing style captivates audiences, as he fearlessly tackles complex topics, unraveling their intricacies with clarity and depth. With an unwavering dedication to intellectual exploration, Edwin Fawcett continues to inspire and enlighten through his exceptional body of work.
Episode Breakdown:
- 00.45 - Early Experiences
- 02.20 - Pursuing Music
- 04.10 - Setting Words from the Psalms
- 07.20 - Harmonious Alignment
- 10.30 - Importance of Art in Culture
- 13.45 - Highlights of Musical Journey
- 17.20 - Aspirations
Songs:
- Don’t You Worry
- You are Precious
- Hallelujah Praise
- I Will Sing Forever
- My God, My Lord
- He Does Not Grow Tired
- Soul Psalms
- The Flame Anthem
- Stronghold
Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Edwin Fawcett.
Edwin Fawcett: https://www.edwinfawcett.com/
Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org
Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/
Francesca LaRosa is a Catholic composer and singer-songwriter who began playing music at Masses with her family when she was 9. While she was the music director at her home parish, she started writing the Psalms and her Mass setting to be used there. Soon, she started filming them to make sheet music videos. Her mission is to help others grow in their faith through music. Francesca continues to compose USCCB and ICEL-approved Psalms in multiple styles and languages creating resources for music directors and cantors. Hannah Martin interviews Francesca LaRosa Rohrer in this episode of ‘Beats’.
Francesca wrote her first song when she was in 8th grade and her first album was recorded when she was in high school - this was an album based on the parts of Mass. Her passion for music and her interest in teaching led to her degree in Music Education. She was offered the role of Music Director at her home parish which completed the full circle in her life.
Her faith comes from her mother who taught her to pray the Rosary and her father who was passionate about music ministry. With musically talented siblings, they even had their own family band! Serving God with their gifts was very important to them as a family. Her personal relationship with God stemmed from her loneliness as a teenager.
Her missionary heart that wanted to work with children created a Children’s Choir so that she could help them through middle school. Her song Into Your Hands was written for a Good Friday production at her school, it came from imagining Jesus being placed in Mother Mary’s hands after birth and after death. In going to Adoration, Francesca felt a pull to gaze upon the Lord and experience a love story between her and the Lord; this was the inspiration for Let Me Sit at Your Feet.
With her music, she hopes that anyone who listens will be inspired to go to the Adoration chapel with their problems.
Episode Breakdown:
06:12 - The Amazing Faith
08:30 - Building the Children’s Choir
09:46 - The Meaning of Into Your Hands
13:28 - Why Christian Music?
17:18 - Writing a Hundred Psalms!
18:07 - Writing Let Me Sit at Your Feet
Songs:
1.We Are
2.Beautiful Miracle
3.Into Your Hands
4.Let Me Sit at Your Feet
Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Francesca LaRosa.
Francesca LaRosa: https://francescalarosa.com/
Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org
Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/
Hannah Schaefer is a compelling Contemporary Christian Artist in the Catholic Church. She is a passionate speaker & a multi-international award-winning singer/songwriter. From winning the Teen Singing Category at the ARTS international talent showcase at the age of 15 to her 2020 release of “Who I Am”, Hannah has served the Lord with music for 10 years. Hannah has opened for renowned artists such as Matt Maher, Matthew West, Fr. Rob Galea, Mac Powell, Building 429, and more, touring internationally and across the United States. Hannah Martin interviews Hannah Schaefer in this episode of ‘Beats’.
Hannah has been singing and dancing since the age of one and she has loved it ever since. When she was 10, her mother took her to watch “Wicked” with the original Broadway cast in Chicago. At that moment, she knew that music was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life! She started writing poetry at the age of 13 when she was lonely and started pouring her heart out to God. She would then take them to her piano and play the keys that would make it a song.
Growing up, Hannah didn’t listen to a lot of Christian music; she was introduced to Pop music when she was in middle school and she fell in love with it. When she was older and had to decide what kind of music she wanted to make, she thought about the two most powerful things in her life - Jesus and Music. So, why not put them together? Looking back at her writing, she realized that they were all a cry out to the Lord. God purposefully pieced everything for her to be here.
Her song Who I Am was written at a time when Hannah was feeling defeated; the song is about self-worth. All the Way came from knowing that God was with her through the fears and the feeling of being unsure.
Episode Breakdown:
01:40 - A Powerful and Defining Moment
05:50 - A Calling to Music
11:19 - “Who Am I?”
12:40 - The Background of Who I Am
17:40 - The Story Behind All the Way
Songs:
1.All the Way
2.Keep Going - Joe Melendez ft. Hannah Schaefer
3.Who I Am
Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Hannah Schaefer.
Hannah Schaefer: https://www.hannahschaefermusic.com/
Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org
Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate
A calling to dive deeper into the heart of God with childlike surrender - this is Dana Catherine’s music. For as long as she can remember, Dana always loved to sing and began to write songs around the time she was in middle school. Blending captivating melodies with raw and honest lyrics, Dana wrote every song on her debut album. This singer/songwriter, speaker, and former youth minister from North Carolina travels throughout the U.S. to encourage and inspire others with her songs and witness. Hannah Martin interviews Dana Catherine in this episode of ‘Beats’.
Dana thought she was going to be a doctor but she had a problem with blood; so, she came to find out that this is not God’s mission for her life. During freshman year, she tried out for The X Factor because of her passion for music but things didn’t work out and she was devastated. Just before the producer said no, she heard two words, “Not yet”, in a small whisper; she brushed this aside. Over the next 4 years in college, she started seeking God’s will for her life. Senior year, she went to a concert where time stood still and God pointed at the stage and said “That’s what I want you to do.” From that point, she started writing songs just for God.
A month later, at Eucharistic Adoration, she laid it out in front of God and asked for His will in her life. The next day a man from her parish asked her if she would like to record a few songs; this was the start of everything. The Lord prepares our hearts for the call he has for us. Dana’s songs reveal what she was going through and they are her “cries to the Lord”. Her song, Surrender, was written to recommit her life to God as a child should. Dana wrote My Savior in Me at the beginning of her ministry; this was the first song she write for a record label.
Aside from bringing people into a deeper relationship of trust and surrender to the Lord, Dana wants her music to bridge the gap between God and those who have shut the door on God.
Episode Breakdown:
00:29 - The Journey to Music
05:33 - Raw and Honest Feelings Bared Out
09:06 - The Background of Surrender
12:33 - Writing My Savior in Me
17:54 - Bridging the Gap
Songs:
1.Surrender Song
2.My Savior in Me
Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Dana Catherine.
Dana Catherine: http://www.danacatherinemusic.com/
Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org
Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate
Ever wonder what it takes to be a Christian music artist in a world that is engrossed in secular music? The life of a Christian music artist is one of excitement, fear, joy, and challenges. Here is a peek into the life, faith, and music of Aly Aleigha.
Aly Aleigha is an Indie-Folk Singer/Songwriter whose smoky voice and intimate lyrics have listeners tuning in since her musical career began in 2015, after graduating from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with a degree in Theology and Catechetics with a concentration in Youth Ministry. She received the “Emerging Artist Award” sponsored by Jeff Cavins & Relevant Radio in 2016. Hannah Martin interviews Aly Aleigha Schissel in this episode of ‘Beats’.
Aly speaks about the Catholic community in Duluth, MN being on fire and how she is blessed to be a part of that. Here, she worked with the Campus Ministry with Fr. Mike Schmidt and Youth Ministry at the Cathedral. Aly’s music is laced with theology rather than explicitly mentioning Jesus because she wants to present the listeners with the “fullness of authenticity”. She writes poetically expressing the heart of God in a way that we interact with other humans layering the Christian message within it.
Aly’s mission is to build up The Kingdom and use music to bind up the broken-hearted. Her song, Labyrinth, was written in her bedroom during a difficult time in her life; the Lord spoke to her in her brokenness saying that He was with her in the Labyrinth of life. Her song, Alabaster Walls, was written after Aly went scuba diving for the first time in Mexico; she related her experience to the story of St. Peter walking on water with Jesus. Waltz of the Traitor is mainly based on her own conversion experience.
Choosing to create Christian music was a childhood dream for Aly but she didn’t share her music until she was in college. God guided her through it when she asked her for a sign. She strongly believes that God has given her the gift of music and she has to give it all back to Him.
Episode Breakdown:
03:20 - The Layers of Music
04:55 - The Mission of the Music
06:25 - The Background of the Labyrinth
12:12 - Making of the Alabaster Walls
16:12 - Writing the Waltz of the Traitor
24:04 - Choosing Christian Music Over Mainstream Music
Songs:
1.Labyrinth
2.Alabaster Walls
3.Waltz of the Traitor
Bible References:
Isaiah 61:1-3 - “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…”
Aly Aleigha: http://www.aly-aleigha.com/
Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org
Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate