Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Essence Natay. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Essence, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Completing and releasing my Ep ‘In the Wilderness’ as my first full body of work was a huge accomplishment. For starters, when I transitioned to worship from secular, I had no idea what that would even sound like, let alone I didn’t even feel there was a place that felt like a “ fit” for me in the genre, when compared to the traditional sound of gospel I’d grown up on. I’ll never forget asking God, like” okay you’re calling me to this but how?” And he very clearly told me to be myself… being myself was something I’d struggled with prior to coming to Christ so for me, those were the most comforting and assuring words I’d ever heard and felt, which lead to immediate revelation, giving birth to my first single ‘ Rebirth.’ The entire project took a total of 6 months to complete while I was in spiritual isolation. The process was truly and literally transformative. Each song is reflective of what I was thinking, feeling, and experiencing in real time for both myself and listeners … for me that’s the real beauty of the project… they’re getting to know me while I’m getting to me while simultaneously getting to know God.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

In the beginning I started out as an in-house songwriter for a reputable record label. Initially I wasn’t confident in my vocal abilities so I lead with songwriting knowing that it was an unquestionable talent.Having the opportunity to experiment and create so many different sounds for others, is what shaped my diverse sound, as I’d later go on to pursue my own individual artistry,being the face of my own music. I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to seamlessly blend and transition between genres, because of my broad musical taste ranging from electro- house to rock and on. Making the change from secular to the world of worship is by far the thing I’m most proud of. It was a bold, responsive, and spiritually led choice being called by God. It’s the only thing I can honestly say I’ve ever been certain, without question or doubt for the first time in my life. Only two times in my life have I ever truly felt sure of my purpose and that was having my children and my ministry of music and everything and one attached to it. Through my music, I believe above all people experience a deeper since of what keeps us all going.. hope.. as the presence and love of God fills the space of every heart and room it’s played.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to spread the love of Christ throughout the world far and wide and music is the vehicle for that currently. Music is so influential and powerful having the ability to seep into your subconscious without permission. Being in the position to influence and shape what that sounds like is nothing short of an honor and blessing. Being able to inspire and uplift those who are in a broken state or weak by way of directing/ redirecting their gaze to the hope and confidence found only in God.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Switching from secular to worship music I essentially had to rebuild my audience from scratch. Some stayed but many left lol. When they say consistency is key it’s very true. I consistently put out works that are true to who I am and clearly convey the message of my brand/ objective. At the end of the day I learned that your core audience genuinely just wants to see and have genuine engagement with you, no gimmicks required. They always want new music and they want it fast lol but with clear communication sprinkled with a dash of suspense they become understanding and loyal. What works for me is trusting that God will provide the provision to carry out whatever he calls you to. As someone who has the tendency to overthink,I’d advise you not to, and just create out of joy as to not get caught up in the anxiety of duty.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/essencenatay
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/essencenatay
• Youtube: Www.YouTube.com/essencenatay

Image Credits
Shot by Davon Rodgers @drshotyou