In history, women were known to be a support for men. So much has developed since then, but we still tend to face battles where women are not respected as much as men. Creativity still comes as a surprise when it is from women. As an artist, I want to support other women and share that it is alright to put yourself out there as a creative. We have the freedom to express ourselves!
Audrey Marie is a singer whose purpose is standing up for women and all we deserve in the creative world. She hails from Mississauga, Ontario Canada and recently released a track Fireflies available on all streaming platforms. If you look into her library, you will also find her debut album, Healing, as well. Learn more about her life and work from our recent interview below.
WG: Where did you grow up and what were your interests during your childhood, teen years?
Audrey Marie: I grew up in the city of Mississauga (Ontario, Canada). I was born into a Filipino Christian home. My dad is a pastor and church planter, so I grew involved in so many ministries. I enjoy using my creative mind with different skills, such as visual arts and music. I loved spending time with my family and friends and being part of various social gatherings.
WG: When did you start writing and singing?
Audrey Marie: I started writing songs at the age of 16. I started singing at the age of 2. My Lola (Grandma) enrolled me in voice lessons at eight-years-old, and the journey went on from there.
WG: Who are some singers that inspire you?
Audrey Marie: Musically - I grew up listening to Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland & Billie Holiday and I was vocally very influenced by them. But these days, my music is inspired by Tori Kelly, Stephen Day, Terrian and Jonathan Ogden. These are Christian/ modern artists who inspire me with their personal stories and their musical genre and talents. They choose to put themselves out there as artists, and I have so much respect for that. Spiritually speaking, my family and friends are a huge inspiration. Their love and support has been such a great blessing from God. They reassure me everyday that music is a huge calling I have from God and I should always keep going. Their own personal lives are a huge testimony to that and motivates and encourages me to keep seeking God throughout my musical journey.
WG: What are you most proud of in the work that you do?
Audrey Marie: I am most proud of the community that was built from my music. I love connecting with everyone and hearing their personal stories about how my songs can relate to their life. It’s a chance for God's good news to connect with them.
WG: What has been your biggest struggle as an artist/ creative?
Audrey Marie: My biggest struggle is facing my insecurities. Sometimes I worry about what other people think. Sometimes I take other people's opinions too personally. But at the end of the day though, I know what I am doing is a calling from God and His guidance reassures me that everything will be okay.
WG: What would you consider your life verse?
Audrey Marie: Ephesians 2:10- For we are God’s masterpiece created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
WG: How do you practically live out your faith?
Audrey Marie: My faith is my relationship with my God. He is the best thing about me. He is the one who knows me for who I am and loves me even at my worst. He chooses to continue to give His divine grace to me every day. This fact encourages me to give grace and love to my other brothers and sisters every day.
WG: As you continue to grow in your career, what has God shown you?
Audrey Marie: God has and continues to show me that we are all His masterpieces. He has created us in His beautiful image. We are all made so differently, and the way we face the world is so different from another. So that motivates me to keep sharing my gift with others and encourage others, reminding them that they are a masterpiece.
WG: During the pandemic, what brought you joy?
Audrey Marie: As much as it's been very hard during the pandemic of 2020, I have gained a lot of blessings during that time. I could not see a lot of people, so I started to put myself first and focusing on my craft as a musician. I spent a lot of time in rest, silence and personal time with God. From those moments, I learned how to value and love myself. I wouldn't have gotten the courage to release music if it weren't for the pandemic.
Since I started releasing music recently, I haven't gotten the chance to perform anywhere. I have performed live virtually to a song I made last year called "Painted Smile.” Also, I am a worship leader so I love leading worship for a ministry called Mississauga Connect. It is hosted in a Dance studio called Kindred Culture Headquarters.
WG: What song do you currently have on rotation?
Audrey Marie: Right now I am listening to “This Year” by Sire. It is such a great song!
WG: How can our audience follow your work?
Audrey Marie: You can find me on all musical platforms (Spotify, Apple music, Amazon music, youtube, Pandora & Deezer). I have a Instagram account where you can see my visual work @Audreymarie.co and I have a YouTube channel where you see my music videos and interactive videos via Audrey Marie.
WG: How do you make time for rest?
Audrey Marie: I love to make crafts. I am currently making candles for fun. I also play video games, watch movies with friends and have prayer time with God.
WG: What show did you most recently binge?
Audrey Marie: My most recent TV show binge was “All Of Us Are Dead.” I really loved it, but not because the show was amazing. But because I watched it with my best friends and we cracked jokes while watching the show.
WG: Who cheers for you the loudest in your community?
Audrey Marie: My top three best friends: Tori Flores, Shyanne Ocray & Charmaine Castro
WG: How do you empower the community of women around you?
Audrey Marie: I am currently working as a Graphic Designer and a Worship Leader. I love to interact with people in a very artistic way. I know it can be very intimidating to put yourself out there as a woman. In History, women were known to be a support for men. So much has developed since then, but we tend to face battles where women are not respected and men. Creativity still comes as a surprise when it is from women. And as an artist, I want to support other women and share that it is alright to put yourself out there as a creative. We have the freedom to express ourselves!
WG: Any final words you want to leave with our readers?
Audrey Marie: I love to connect with other people! If ever you want to reach out and have a fun conversation, feel free to message or interact with me on my Instagram via @Audreymarie.co. Don't forget that you are God's masterpiece. You have a wonderful purpose in this world. He is using you to do great and amazing things! Lastly, since we are all children of God, I love you all.
The Official Lyric Video for “Focus” which is also featured on our March playlist celebrating Women’s History Month.
Kendolyn Walker is a creative based in Harlem who serves as producer and founder of The City Love Collective: City Love on the Radio, City Love NYC and the City Love Picnic.