Gospel Artist Angela Moss Poole on New Song ‘Speak to the Mountain’

When listening to and watching Angela Moss Poole sing, it is hard to believe that she never intended to be a public performer or pursue solo artistry. She had been songwriting for as long as she can remember, but about 15 years ago, her mother submitted some of her songs to songwriting competitions without her knowing. She began winning awards for her creative works and having to perform them in front of renowned names in the music industry, which made her realize her voice and talents must be shared and heard further. It just so happens that her son’s interest and involvement in music led Poole to her own musical beginnings beyond the church walls. In three years of taking herself seriously as a non-traditional faith-based musician, she’s had multiple charting singles, with “You Deserve” peaking at #7 on the Billboard Gospel Indicator charts in 2019 and “My Help” ranking in the first spot on the chart for five weeks in 2021. She also is a label executive at their family-run record label, 141st Lane Music. Now, Poole is blessing her following with “Speak to the Mountain,” the leading single of her self-titled album, Angela Moss Poole.

To deliver this powerful song, Angela Moss Poole teamed up with Grammy and Dove award-winning producer Fred Jerkins. “Speak to the Mountain” is based on the bible scripture in Mark 11:23, containing words of encouragement for everyone to have faith and be unafraid to turn to God when they especially need his help and guidance. Poole’s voice has verve and power, and her words share nothing short of the gospel truth. The vocal harmonies with her supporting singers are absolutely outstanding, and the instrumental has this delightful, pop- and jazz-influenced groove with its horns, guitar riffs, and rolling drums. As a result of speaking to the mountain, God’s people can overcome any struggles and challenges presented on their lives’ paths — no matter how impossible they may seem — because, like the mountain, God is an immovable source of stability and dependability. Throughout Angela Moss Poole, her God-inspired lyrics are the consistent variable, but it is her openness and aptitude for transcending genres and styles that reel audiences in fresh out the gate with her remarkable, distinctive sound in “Speak to the Mountain.”

It just looks like this faith-based musical crew had a blast recording this in the studio. From start to finish, Poole’s God-given gift shines brightly in the music video, as she visibly projects the spirit-lifting, reassuring lyrics from her soul to her tongue to the top of the mountain and viewers’ devices. When talking about the ultimate takeaway for audiences after seeing and hearing “Speak to the Mountain,” she says, “I hope your faith is strengthened, and you feel the hope, strength, and joy of the Lord.”

When did you first start singing and songwriting? How did winning songwriting contests and getting involved with the choir at church play a part in your professional music beginnings?

My mother would probably say that I started singing from the age of two. I can remember writing songs from elementary school and forming garage band singing groups in middle school. I started singing and composing professionally in 2007. Participating in songwriting competitions helped me to learn from constructive critique and prepare for being able to now provide song reviews for other songwriters. Being involved with the church choir played a major part in the beginning stages of my professional career. It was from this experience, I learned the basics of vocal warmups, arranging, 3-part harmonizing, dictation, and breathing. Most of all, I learned how to collaborate and blending singing as a group.

How have your musical inspirations and idols shaped your music and sound?

My musical inspirations have shaped my music and sound in so many ways. I’m inspired by Barbara Streisand’s success across multiple fields of entertainment and her love for Broadway and musical theater. The poise and posture of Yolanda Adams and Stevie Wonder’s consistent socially conscious statements and complex compositions. It’s Celine Dion’s powerful and technically skilled vocals that give me chills to this day and Aretha Franklin’s ear, which enabled her to interpret a song with intelligence, and skillful playing of the piano blending gospel, r&b and soul styles. These influences have helped me to move between genres in my songwriting and stay open to different sounds.

How did it feel to get your earlier singles, “You Deserve” and “My Help,” on the charts? How did those successes help you launch your career to the next level?

I’m humbled by every release to date. Hearing your song playing on the radio or being added to a playlist never gets old. Knowing that people are enjoying and being inspired by my art is very rewarding. These first singles having success on a national scale, provided access to a larger audience. This helped to catapult my career and platform to the next level. This increased exposure opened doors to more producers, songwriters, radio industry contacts which assisted in improving the production quality and songwriting of the songs to follow. These successes have also presented new ways to reach an even broader audience through streaming platforms, live performance opportunities, and international channels.

How did you come to the lyrics of “Speak to the Mountain”? Where and when did you find the inspiration, and what should listeners take away after listening?

I came to the lyrics of “Speak to the Mountain” from the scripture Mark 11:23. What connected me to the scripture Mark 11:23, is the small amount of faith that is required to do the impossible. It only requires faith the size of a mustard seed. This song inspires me to use the power of my words to command the outcomes that I desire for my life. I pray that the song encourages listeners to have faith and be unafraid to turn to God when we especially need his help and guidance. Through my own personal struggles, dealing with health issues, family issues, COVID, etc. I had to learn how to use speak to my struggles (mountains) and believe they would be cast into the sea. I have witnessed first-hand the manifestation of miracles and seemingly impossible things from believing and having faith.

What led you to take the studio-recording approach to the “Speak to the Mountain” music video?

The energy and excitement of recording and shooting the music video for “Speak to the Mountain” was surreal. The song was musically produced by GRAMMY Award-winning super-producer Fred Jerkins and Raymond Darius Jackson. Jhori Stallworth, Mich’ele Barrington, and Erika White were phenomenal on set as BGVs. Shooting the music video for “Speak to the Mountain,” was fun, exciting, and tiring. It was nice to be able to rely on the video production team, led by Matt Ferland, filming in various locations. I wanted to give lots of energy to make you feel as if the song is coming together while watching.

Other than the Angela Moss Poole album, what else can your new and returning fans expect and be on the lookout for from you next?

I am excited to announce that on Friday, October 28th, I am releasing my new digital single “God Alone.” With a blend of contemporary gospel and praise and worship styles, “God Alone” proclaims God’s glory with a driving beat, energy, and harmonic vocals. Fans can pre-order/pre-save now: https://rmglinks.com/godalone

Follow Angela Moss Poole:

http://www.141stlanemusic.com
http://www.angelamosspoole.com
http://facebook.com/141stlanemusic
http://facebook.com/angelamosspoole
http://twitter.com/angelamosspoole
http://instagram.com/angelamosspoole

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Tags: Angela Moss Poole, Gospel

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.