Narda Shirley

How did you get started with all this?? I was inspired to write songs during a spiritual retreat in Mexico in 2004.  During my week stay, I would get up every morning and go by the ocean to pray.  After the retreat,  I spent the next 4 years journaling the words of comfort received from God during years of transition and personal struggles. 

What's the message to transmit with your music??  Now is the time for a spiritual awakening and refreshing.  We must break down our personal, cultural and denominational walls and run feverously to the foot of His Throne.  It is there that you will experience the grace and mercy of God.  

What's your method at the time of writting a song??  I generally carry a journal around with me in which I record lyrics as I receive them.  Several songs were inspired during my prayer time.  A few were given in a dream in which I could remember the lyrics clearly when I woke up (weird huh).    “Fill Me” was written at the lowest time of my life when I contemplated suicide.   I begin praying for God to release me from my personal pain and heartbreak.  I was really ready to check out.   He instead spoke to me in a soft voice encouraging me to come before His throne to make an exchange.  My pain for His Power.   My tears of despair for His Joy.  The only stipulation was that I had to fully empty myself of the former to receive the latter. The more I emptied out, the more he provided. 

Which is your music influences??  I absolutely adore CeCe Winans.  I also have been blessed by Israel Houghton. 

What plans do you have for the future??  Continue in the music ministry.  I would like to travel the U.S. and see the power of God in action.  I am also interested in traveling abroad.  

Which has been the funniest prank you have been or took part while on tour or after a show??  I think the funniest thing that has happened is when the entire band ate chili with beans before a performance.  It was not the best idea because half way thru the performance there was an aroma in the air, but it was not the sweet smell of worship.  Many of the band members were struggling thru the 40 minute set.   It was a serious lessons learned for us. 

If you were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you and your band (If any) are, ¿Who would you send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first?  I would send my husband for help (he has an excellent sense of direction).   We have a motto, “We rise together, we fall together”  I know we would all choose to starve.  

Which country you would love to play? England

With which bands you would love to share stage??  Israel Houghton and New Breed

Are you OK, with the direction the band is going actually? Absolute, we are embarking on this journey together and we are witnessing major spiritual growth as well as the anointing and power of God.  I believe as long as we remain humble, God will continue to open doors for us.

Check out more:http://www.myspace.com/nardanthenation