Some singers spend years on an album. Samantha Smith seemed to fall into hers. The 34-year-old has released her debut gospel album, Free. Below, she talks about how the project helped to strengthen her faith.

What inspired your album?

This album came about quite accidentally [although] there are no accidents with God.

I had written a few songs over the years and partially recorded some for the purpose of having a performance track. Still, I hadn’t followed through with creating a finished product.

It turned out that I had enough pieces to create an EP and as I discussed the idea with my good friend, Antonia Shaunee [of The Artist Group]. She encouraged me to get it done.

We talked about what I would need and she volunteered to write a sponsorship letter for me. The rest is history.

How did you get it ready for the public?

Firstly, I needed a great creative team that I could trust and that believed in me.

I worked with Antonia for the cover design and all things administrative, Tricray Astwood assisted with the vocal arrangements and Leroy Francis [of L Francis Productions] produced all of the music.

Antonia played a big part in taking the project from inception to completion. She basically informed and guided the entire process.

What has been the biggest reward for you?

Having my faith and relationship with God edified. This happened through learning how to let go and realising that God is truly in control.

Did you have to overcome any challenges?

I often got frustrated, disappointed and discouraged when things weren’t going according to schedule. In the midst of it, I always felt like God was saying to me, ‘I started this project, so why are you trying to finish it?’.

It was always a reminder that all things happen in His timing. Another challenge came from naming the project; I struggled with that. The name Free kept popping up and wouldn’t leave me alone.

Coming from a Christian perspective, I didn’t want to misrepresent or give a false perception of who God was. I wanted it to be authentic and truly represent who I am and what I felt the EP was about.

Throughout the process I kept learning about different aspects of freedom. My ideals and thoughts were challenged through my life experiences.

My lyrics encouraged and uplifted me. I learnt so much about what freedom means to me. That has been extremely rewarding.

Which song on the album is your favourite?

Right now, my favourite is My Heart’s Cry. I love that it refocuses us from our tribulation and turmoil to God — even while we’re going through our rough periods. It encourages us to stay fixed on Him and His promises.

What is the overall theme or message?

What I want people to take away from this project is that freedom starts in our hearts and minds and comes from God.

Did you learn anything while recording, either about God or yourself?

God reinforced for me that, despite how I see myself or how I perceive my gifts, He knows the plans that He has for me.

I learnt through this process that touching people through the performing arts is also healing for me. It feeds, revitalises and encourages me as I minster/share my gift with others.

Through recording, I gained a deeper understanding of my passion for the arts. I learnt submission and the benefits of it.

I learnt that [entertaining] is as important to my overall wellbeing as oxygen is to the body. I can’t live without it. It is a deeper expression of my soul. When mere words aren’t enough, melodies take over.

At times it feels as though they erupt from my mouth like lava from a volcano. In short, I learnt that I love singing — whether on stage or in the studio — and that God has given me passion for it.

It is His gift to me to connect with Him and, by extension, the audience that opens their hearts to the message being delivered.

Free is available on iTunes, CD Baby and Amazon. Hard copies of the album will also be available at later date. Facebook:@officialsamanthasmith, Instagram:@iamsamanthasmith, samanthasmithbooking@gmail.com