September 2008
Gospel Diva Sandra Godley does
“One Thing” in style.
PRESS RELEASE
“One Thing” is the new EP from UK-based inspirational worship leader Sandra Godley. Eagerly awaited after “Sweet Surrender”, her debut album, “One Thing” reflects the more worshipful side of the singer/song writer’s talents, maximising her uniqueness in style and approach.
The Very Reverence John Irvine, Dean of Coventry says, “stunning vocals striking lyrics, stirs the spirit’
Sandra says, “I have been overwhelmed by the support and love I’ve received with my music. Hopefully these songs on “One Thing” demonstrate the one thing I love to do, which is to worship God.
'I wanted to write these songs straight from the heart. I got my guitar out and started to let my spirit fly. I sang the kinda songs to God that you tend to shy away from. It was a difficult time in my life so I let out the hurts, disappointments, and confusions and in no time found myself in a place of real peace. I was reminded that I only want one thing in life, and that's to live a life that's pleasing to God. We all let each other down at some point in life, but God never changes how he feels about us, how cool is that?'
Her debut album, ‘Sweet Surrender’ hit the ground running in 2005, standing out for its refreshingly creative and honest approach and her energetic signature vocals conveying an abundance of love and encouragement. With one of the best names in the business and a contagious passion for her music, Sandra’s anointed voice of worship on “One Thing” has ensured her ministry goes from strength to strength.
Since achieving 'Best Female Newcomer' at the UK's prestigious GEM Gospel Awards in 2005, she's supported the 'King of Gospel' Jessy Dixon twice. Her songs are a regular feature on UCB’s brand dedicated gospel channel ‘UCB Gospel’.
She says, “I grew up listening to Jessy's music, it changed my life. It's been an awesome privilege working with him. He's a legend and will always be one of my all time heroes.”
She established 'Coventry Praise' a HOPE 08 regional worship night, attended by over 1,200 people at the internationally acclaimed Coventry Cathedral, where she’s currently the Events and Conference Manager.
Sandra’s performed on many BBC/Christian network TV channels as well as national and international award ceremonies. Sandra’s also supported other ministries by training choirs and currently heads up the worship team at her local church in Coventry.
She says, “One thing' is my 'Selah', pause for thought, album. I wanted to take a little time to write 4 very special songs of complete adoration and reflection about just how special God is. There's a God-shaped hole in all of us, we just need to find it, pause for a moment and invite him to fill it.”
It’s true, the more you listen to this album, the more you want to get closer to God.
12th June 2008
Coventry’s own Gospel Diva set to perform in front of 20,000 in Liverpool this weekend
Dubbed a 'Gospel Diva' by Cross Rhythms Magazine, Coventry based Sandra Godley will be performing this Saturday at the first ever major International Festival of Gospel music in Liverpool, the current European Capital of Culture. http://www.csg08.com/artists/
Hope Street in the city centre will be closed off between the Anglican and Catholic cathedrals for a street party at which it’s expected over 20,000 people from across the region will attend.
Sandra is the recipient of the prestigious 2005 UK (GEM) Gospel Entertainment Award for 'Best Female Newcomer'.
She's supported the 'King of Gospel' Jessy Dixon twice and has established 'Coventry Praise' a regional worship night attended by over 1,200 people at the internationally acclaimed Coventry Cathedral where she’s the Events and Conference Manager. She's performed on many BBC and Christian network channels. Her debut album 'Sweet Surrender' caused quite a stir with her second album 'One thing' due for release this summer.
The event this Saturday 14th June is the culmination of a vision by Liverpool Lighthouse with full support from the city political and cultural leaders, churches from across the denominational spectrum including both Cathedrals and the Anglican Bishop of Liverpool, Bishop James Jones. It’s also a partnership with Big Hope – World Youth Congress, organised by Liverpool Hope University, attracting 1,000 young people world wide, and Merseyfest, a project by churches in Merseyside, mobilising up to 2,000 people to engage in works of kindness with their local communities.
During Festival of Hope on Saturday Sandra will bring her signature energetic powerhouse vocals with an abundance of love and encouragement.
LIVE YOUR DREAM!
Sandra with BBC West Midland's Nikki Tapper
 US singer Nat ‘King’ Cole, queen of gospel Mahalia Jackson and king of pop Sir Cliff Richard all have something in common with award-winning gospel singer-songwriter Sandra Godley - as they all hit the high points in their recording careers in their 40s*.
“They say life begins at 40, and I kinda think that there is a lot of truth in that statement,” Sandra says, who was recently named Best Female Newcomer at the Gospel Entertainment Music (GEM) Awards 2005 (Bethel Convention Centre, West Bromwich, 29 October) at the age of 41.
“I have been overwhelmed by the amount of men and women who have come up to me and said what an encouragement my story has been to them,” she continues, well aware that many people decide not to follow their dreams for the wrong reasons - which is why she is now undertaking a UK tour of concert performances and speaking engagements to encourage people to step out in faith and answer God’s call on their lives.
“You see, for years I have served other people's dreams,” she says, “and that's a great place to start - but I knew there was coming a time when I would have to step out on my own.”
Full of wisdom and insight, Sandra talks about making the transition from ‘newcomer’ to award-winner, advising people to work with an experienced team that can bring out their gifting, rather than go it alone - risking years of frustration and disappointment.
“When God calls you, he always provides a way and he always provides help,” she says - adding that she owes a debt of gratitude to her musical mentors Chris Bowater and Andy Bromley, who not only encouraged her to believe in herself, they also found her a team of compatible musical collaborators in the shape of Hd Productions in Lincolnshire.
These concerts and speaking engagements also give Sandra an opportunity to promote the inspirational gospel music she has written for her popular debut album, Sweet Surrender, such as her current favourite track, Call on Me, which includes the lines: “When your dreams just seem to disappear and you feel you just can’t cope. Call on me."
Footnote
1) * Nat ‘King’ Cole’s biggest UK hit was When I Fall in Love, originally released in 1957, when Cole was 40 years of age; Mahalia Jackson signed to Columbia records in 1954 at the age of 43; Cliff Richard’s best-selling studio album, Always Guaranteed, was released in 1987, when Cliff was 47.
2) To book Sandra Godley for a concert performance or speaking engagement, ring The Lighthouse Agency on 01371 874544 or email enquiries@lighthouseagency.co.uk.
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