Ministry Without Borders: Yancy Speaks About Her New Spanish Album "Pequeña Fiesta de Alabanza!"

Yancy has long been Christian music's reigning Queen of Diversity, but with the upcoming release of "Pequeña Fiesta de Alabanza!," she's expanding her reach far beyond English-speaking fans. Her all-new Spanish language children's project, a CD/DVD set, will be available online and in Christian bookstores everywhere on June 24th, via Elevate Entertainment.

We are so honored to be able to catch up with Yancy for this exclusive Hallels' interview: 

Hallels:  Thank you Yancy for this interview.  You have been described as "Christian music's reigning Queen of Diversity," how do you feel about that?  And why is it important for an artist to be diverse?

Well, I think diversity is something that happens in creative people. Michael W. Smith is a bit diverse in the types of albums he released. Even the artist Beck has a couple styles of music that he makes. I'm just one of those people who has a whole lot to share and express. My life plan has always included music. I started off doing more CCM music, started leading worship and then kind of stumbled my way (with God's leading) into making music for families. There's several elements that are a part of the music and ministry that I do. Those things are what make me who I am. Some see those things as diverse. I just see it as me being obedient and doing what God has called me to do.

Hallels:  Congratulations on the release of your first children's Spanish album!  Why did you decide to cut a Spanish album for kids?

Thank you! Well, the main focus of music these days is families. I've had many requests in the past for spanish music and after a conversation with one of those people making the requests last fall I felt it was time. So, I started talking to friends and researching who I could get on board to help me make this music for kids in spanish. I'm so blessed that Nic Gonzales (Salvador) and Jaci Velasquez helped me get my songs translated and produce these vocals and songs for the spanish speaking audience.

Hallels:  Is this album just for kids? Is this CD be beneficial to adults too?  

It's technically just for kids but I hope to get some parents and grand parents singing along too! There's something really awesome about the generations singing praise together. I think parents setting an example to their kids of what to listen to and how to respond to it is important. Even though as roles are reversed I've found kids worshipping  pretty inspiring too.

Hallels:  Does singing in Spanish come easy for you?   

Ha ha....not really. Luckily I knew these songs and was able to sing off that muscle memory of knowing the songs in english. I don't speak spanish so it was all a learning experience. Again, major shout out and thanks to Jaci for being so patient and teaching me how to sing in the language.

Hallels:  Listening to the album, it's great to hear how you've mixed some of your originals with some of the better know children's spiritual songs, how do you decide what songs to record?  Is there a theme that runs through the album?

Yes, it is a mix. Well, I picked some of my favorite songs from the "Little Praise Party" series as well as some fan favorites and songs I thought would be beneficial to churches and missionaries to sing with kids. I think the lyrical theme is that God is good and Jesus is our friend. Those are definitely a couple points that get repeated. There are songs of praise, songs to remind you to not be afraid cause God is with us. A song about Jesus' resurrection, action oriented songs and even a Christmas song. Basically a whole bunch of singalong fun!

 Hallels:  All your musical projects have always been fascinating, so what's next for Yancy?  

Oh thank you.....I'm finishing up the music and videos for Standard Publishing's 2015 VBS curriculum. Then, I plan to head back into the studio to work on new "Little Praise Party" songs for a 2015 release. 

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