'O Holy Night' and the Start of a Journey
When I moved to Los Angeles from New York for the first time in 2003, I walked into a church where I witnessed something I thought I'd never see in my lifetime. I saw a young gay couple, two men, who were a Christian singing duo. Turns out, they were Jason & de Marco, and they had not released their first album together yet. They were singing in harmony and the sound was beautiful. It was Contemporary Christian music by gay men!
I thought, 'Oh, wow. This is the vision. This is it.'
I always pursued a pop career, but because the music industry was going through its challenges in a new online world, I found the prospect of Christian music to be a refreshing change of pace. Since I began singing in church as a child, this felt like a full circle moment. Feeling welcomed by this new church in L.A., my journey as a contemporary Christian singer began.
I incorporated more and more songs of faith into my performances and church services, as well as Christmas songs. O Holy Night holds a special place in my heart because it came from that tenure while I gave pop music a pause.
Interestingly, after ten years, I witnessed something happen. The world changed. Rights for gays to marry was ruled by the Supreme Court, and the mere idea of being gay now seems tame. When the world shifted, pop music beckoned with more opened doors than ever before. I'm now in the process of recording my album. Finally.
But I have to say, I'm richer today for my experience of singing songs of faith, and I'm grateful for it.
I love Christmas songs, and O Holy Night moves me every time I sing it. I hope the song and my singing brings you some peace and joy, this Christmas.
xo
-A