A musician with a truly distinctive background, Gresha Schuilling has recently crossed over to contemporary Christian music, creating some unique songs that blur the lines between different styles, showcasing her versatility and diverse list of influences. Using music as a way to spread a message of hope and faith, Gresha is currently working on a brand-new album, simply titled ‘Ruach’.
To help share the word about the upcoming release, Gresha spoke with us about her journey in music, her love of Elvis Presley’s ‘Wooden Heart’, and just how important her debut album has been for her.
It’s great to get to speak with you today, Gresha. When did you first start making music?
“At the age of two, I was given my first keyboard on which I would play Elvis Presley's ‘Wooden Heart’. After that, we were taught music production at my school, The Continental School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from the tender age of nine. By thirteen we were recording on 8-tracks and by fifteen, mastering Cubase. It was then that I sang ‘Walking in Memphis’ by Cher and discovered my Contralto voice.”
Your music is starting to gain attention internationally now, how would you describe your sound for new listeners?
“From The Ink Spots to Elvis, Boy George to Bach, Jim Reeves to Green Day, I was raised on all genres of music and have a deep love and appreciation for the feelings the music and instruments themselves can evoke. I have now crossed over to contemporary Christian music and couldn't be happier with the creative freedom it allows for us to spread the Gospel in truly relatable and relevant ways for the current times.”
Can you tell us a bit about your last album?
“My first album ‘whispering HOPE’, was published on a label created by myself, whispering HOPE Records. The inspiration behind the compilation was the Bible verse “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” - John 4:24."
"We work in a team of eight, and although I have have only physically met two of my collaborators, we work with God's grace to deliver one, cohesive offering of worship despite working remotely and never having met. The details of each song and its lyrics have also been uploaded on my website.”
What was your songwriting process when approaching the album?
“Our two main collaborators on the album, Pio Anandappa and Shimron Fernando, had already written and created melodies so they graciously provided those for ‘whispering HOPE’. My upcoming album ‘Ruach’ will contain the songs written by me for the very first time. They are quite different to what you may usually hear but steeped in a personal revelation of who the Holy Spirit is. My process is to take a course on the subject matter I hope to write about, pray, look through my notes, refer to the relevant Bible verses, contemplate on them and turn that into contemporary lyrics, in that order.”
Can you tell us a bit more about the upcoming album?
“I am currently working on my next album ‘Ruach’, which means winds, breath, spirit in Hebrew. Two singles have already been released, with the lyrics written by me and music by Shimron Fernando. I took a course in Pneumatology before embarking on this monumental project for me, because the Father I knew, Jesus I am learning more and more about every day. But I didn't feel I had enough understanding about the Holy Spirit to commune with him as we ought to. I have made sure to post the inspiration, details and lyrics for those songs as well on my website.”
An artist who looks to infuse her music with her faith, Gresha wants to use her talent to spread a message of hope and faith, connecting with people from all walks of life. Her music is vibrant and lively, with tuneful melodies and wonderful vibes that will make an impression on the audience, while also portraying her strong spiritual awareness.
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