With only a month to go before the launch of her latest Gospel album, a Bermudian singer looks forward to God's blessings.

Ayiesha Woods was born in Bermuda, but left the Island at the age of eight to live in the US with her family.

She is signed to Goatee Records and her first album "Introducing Ayiesha Woods" was a success.

Miss Woods told The Royal Gazette about the inspiration behind her upcoming album and her life in general. Her new album, "Love Like This", which was produced at a studio in Nashville, Tennessee, and will be released on September 9.

"I've experienced a number of interesting things over the last two years that have shown me that there are so many aspects of God's love," she said.

"How we relate to Him and to one another and thus, the inspiration for this record."

After the success of her best album, Miss Woods was asked if she thought her new offering would top it and replied: "I'm very happy with the success of 'Introducing Ayiesha Woods,' but I'm always hoping to do more. If this project at its least does what my first project did, I'll be happy."

Of "Love Like This" she said: "In 2007, we began writing and considering songs both old and new for 'Love Like This.'

"I connected with other great writers and producers and after nearly eight months of writing we narrowed down our selection and decided what was going to be on the record."

Asked whether there were moments when she felt that it wouldn't happen, she said: There were definitely times that I felt like things were not going to happen for me. "But what kept me strong was having and maintaining a personal relationship with Christ Jesus."

She is not on tour at the moment, but explained she was keeping busy by playing shows regularly. "I will be touring later this fall with the Denver Mile High Orchestra promoting my new record," she said.

So, what does this songstress do when she is not singing or worshipping the Lord?

"Two things," she said. "I am a new homeowner, and I am also very big on family, so when I am not on the road, I am generally at home cooking for family and friends. Catching up on the latest happenings of one another's lives. Enjoying the quality of life."

In 2004 she won three awards at the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards. She was the first female to be named Producer of the Year, New Artist of the Year, and Contemporary Vocal Performance of the Year (Female).

Asked if she had been surprised by the win, so early in her career, she said: "Yes I was surprised.

"When an organisation or group acknowledges hard work and good music and recognises me, it's always an honourable mention.

"You know, I've had great expectations for my life and God, by far, has exceeded them all.

"When I think that I've seen some amazing things, He does something else. Awards are only a small fraction of how I've seen God's hand in my life and it is still quite early in the game, for me."

So, is she planning on coming home to entertain us any time within the coming year?

"Ha!" she laughed. "I love Bermuda! I would love to play a show in Bermuda with my band some time in the very near future, as there's no place like home.

"As of now, my next singing engagement in Bermuda is a quick little song at my cousin's wedding, very soon. Congrats, Tione and Owen."

For more information on Ms Woods and her performance schedule, please visit www.myspace.com/ayieshawoods.