Sommer Floyd Shares the Stories & Inspiration Behind Her New Album "Ray of Light"

Emerging recording artist Sommer Floyd is excited to announce the release of her debut CD, Ray of Light. The album was produced by Multi-Dove Award winner Steven V. Taylor (Michael W. Smith, Matt Redman, Veggie Tales) and was recorded at the legendary Dark Horse Recording Studio in Franklin, Tennessee. A joyful amalgamation of sparkling Pop/Rock, New Country and Contemporary Worship, Floyd's inaugural release has drawn comparisons to artists like Kari Jobe, Mia Fieldes, Laura Story and The Band Perry's Kimberly Perry. Fan favorites include the celebratory "Children of God," the fun and encouraging Pop-Country anthem, "Drop and Run," and the gently meandering confessional ballad, "I Need You."   

For more information on Sommer Floyd and Ray of Light, visit sommerfloyd.com. 

Q: Thank you so much for doing this interview with us.  You were a cheerleader and on a cheerleader scholarship in college, how did the Lord lead you to record your album "Ray of Light"? 

The album "Ray of Light" began way before I even knew that being a Christian artist was possible for me. I believe that at some point in our lives we feel that chances are limited or often times we've run out of them. I found myself in a place where I felt extremely broken and I didn't believe that I was good enough to be loved anybody, especially God. I remember sitting on the floor in the living room with my guitar and I cried out to God with all of heart, "who am I to be standing in your presence?"

Music has always been a huge part of my life but I realized even more so how influential and refreshing music truly is! Throughout my circumstance of finding out that I was going to be a mother, I began writing down my heart on a piece of paper and each battle I was facing turned into song, which turned into worship for me.

After my daughter was born, I worked in the medical field for about 3 years until I felt God tugging strongly on my heart to step out of my comfort zone and share the things I had written. I continued to try to ignore the notion but eventually God's call and His purpose for me pushed me to surrender. I found myself as a single mother, putting in my two-weeks notice at work to pursue a music career led by Christ to help spread His message to the world. A lot of sacrifice was made but totally worth it! God continued to lay down the steps before me to lead me through the doors He was opening. I had to learn to trust in Him on a whole new level.

Q: Many of your songs are beautifully crafted worship songs, are you currently serving as a worship leader in church too? 

I do not have one specific church that I am positioned as the worship leader. When I am not out of state traveling with my music, I am usually traveling from town to town to lead worship and it's one of my favorite things to do! I am very involved and serve in many churches in my area. I am also the Music Director for a local ministry called "WeakDay Ministries" and I volunteered to help lead a worship group on Saturday nights called "The Gathering" that begins July 17.

Q:  How did you get to work with producer Steven V. Taylor for this album?  What did he bring to the album that you like? 

Steven V. Taylor brought so much to my album. He did an outstanding job encouraging me and helping me to consider different ideas and changes that allowed "Ray of Light" to reach it's full potential. Placing my songs into the hands of others was such a vulnerable experience for me because my songs are my heart, but Steven V. Taylor's heart for the Lord and passion for music was inspiring. I'm beyond thankful that I had the opportunity to work with him.

Q:  You are not only a singer but you are also a songwriter where you wrote all but one song on the album.  Does songwriting come easy for you?  What are some of the joys and challenges of songwriting for you?  

Songwriting comes very easy for me because each song is a message that God lays on my heart to write about. I really enjoy getting lost in the moment and the creativity of developing my own music. The neatest thing for me with songwriting is when God takes me to a place I've never been before and allows my heart to feel the pain or joy felt by others experiencing things that I've never been through before. For example; my single that's out called "Soldier" where I talk about the sacrifices and emotions of the one's who serve our Country. I am humbled and excited at the fact that God is able to use me and something that I love to do, to glorify Him! The only challenge I find in writing is that it never stops and I have a 5 year old daughter that wants her mommy 24/7 so that can be challenging when I'm home! But God has blessed me in that aspect as well because my daughter loves creating her own music so we're able to have a lot of fun doing music together!

Q: "Stronger" is indeed a standout track on the record.  I believe you wrote it for a friend suffering from leukemia. Tell us more. 

I wrote the song "Stronger" for a dear friend of mine battling leukemia. We were all in shock when we found out because I believe that everyone has a hard time understanding why bad things happen to good people and in return, people begin to question God. The song "Stronger" talks about the fact that God never promised us that it would be easy or that there wouldn't be tears, but He did promise us that we would never be alone. Pain and brokenness promotes growth, change and strength. We know because it says so in God's word that even at our weakest point, His strength is made perfect. God has a plan and this song helps encourage people to focus on the bigger picture and to know that through the good and bad that God is working on something much bigger than we can see!

Q: Why did you choose to record the hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness"? 

I chose to record the hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" because it's a beautiful song that I grew up listening to and I love the message about God's faithfulness mixed in with a little bit of a nature feel. The fact is that as unfaithful, wandering, and undeserving as we are, God loves us without condemnation and He remains faithful in every way. "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" says it all!

Q:  What's next for you?   

The really exciting part about my music ministry is the fact that it's 100% led by Christ and I will go wherever He calls me to go! I heard the saying not too long ago that said, "sometimes God provides just enough light for the step you're on" and I'm content with that because I know that God's plan exceeds every expectation I could have of my own! It's about being in the place where God is working and that is where you will find me!  

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