Table Talk - Ayiesha Woods
Worship Leader: Musical styles can come and go. What is popular now, was not necessarily popular ten years ago. With that in mind, what is your opinion of the label "Christian Music" and particularly, the idea of "Worship" as a music genre?
Ayiesha: Wow, that is such an interesting question. It's been five years since my independent project, and already the music industry has changed so much. One thing that is unique about worship music, is that it transcends time. Even though we may go through seasons in our lives, one thing that will never change is God's Word. When we glorify God and lift Him up through music, we have to be singing songs that are based in Scripture. That is the only thing that will be relevant in the years to come. Musically, songs will change, maybe the style or the beats. Some songs are more progressive musically, while others are more traditional, but I think that it really comes down to the content. For example, look at the Psalms that David wrote. Here we are generations upon generations later, and we still recite these songs word for word, declaring the very same things. And it's relevant in this generation just as much as it was relevant then, and will be in the future.
Worship Leader: That is very true. But what about people who have the ability to write songs using biblical metaphors and those songs turn out to be inspirational songs? Or Christians who just make music, but it's not defined as worship music? Is there a difference in people who make music and just happen to be Christians rather than a Christian artist?
Ayiesha: I think the biggest difference can be seen in the life that the person is leading. Because when we step out on stage we have two choices, is the audience going to see and experience Ayiesha or will they see and experience God? I don't mean that one has to play worship music in order to be a Christian, because even Christ did not hang out with only Christians. If God opens doors up for Christians to share their musical gifts in a variety of venues, then it is our responsibility as followers of Christ to go and let them see Jesus. So if we are not explicitly doing that in our lyrics, then we need to make sure we are doing that through our lives. And one way that our lives will continually reflect Christ in both action and in our music is by continually being in the Word. God's Word is powerful, it's a double-edged sword, and as long as we continue to be in it, God will have His way in our hearts, reminding us what our gifts need to used for.
Worship Leader: Tell us about your involvement with Revolve, and what that experience was like.
Ayiesha: Revolve is a spin off of Women of Faith, expect it's for teenagers. It deals with a lot of issues that the younger generation of girls is dealing with; such as self-image, boys, and eating disorders. It was a great experience with other great people on tour: Natalie Grant, Hawk Nelson, KJ52, and a number of speakers. We were a bit worried because those issues are very different and, in some ways, more intense than issues that I faced when I was growing up. I remember thinking, "Lord, are we going to have the right words to say to these girls?" But by God's grace we were able to find our niche and really connect with them.
Worship Leader: To what degree do you think the music impacted this younger generation? And what type of role do you think music has in our lives regardless of generation?
Ayiesha: Music is extremely significant. I do not know of anyone, any age or gender or race that is not influenced deeply by some type of music. For example, if you played music for a small baby, that baby is going to start moving. It is just something inside of them, it's innate. I believe that it's something that God has put in us to respond to. God gave us music as a way to respond to Him, and worship as a way to honor Him. It's our responsibility as Christians to continually represent Christ in our music and in our lives, so that there is no separation between the life we lead and the songs we sing.
Worship Leader: Speaking of the songs that we sing, you were nominated for a Grammy last year. That is a huge honor. Can you tell us about how you have been blessed by this and what this means to you?
Ayiesha: Of course, it's a huge honor. I found out when I was in the recording studio, my manager came running in the studio screaming that I had been nominated and I could hardly believe it. The world probably sees being nominated or winning a Grammy as the highest honor in the music industry. And while it is huge, and I am humbled by it, it's just another tool for God to get some more glory. It has opened up opportunities for me to play in more venues that I may not have had before, which again is a great opportunity for God to use me to bring more glory to Him.
Ayiesha Woods is a talented singer and songwriter. Check out more from Ayiesha Woods including snippets from A Love Like This
, released October 1, 2008, here.
