Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I started playing piano and singing in a music class at the age of six with a wonderful teacher named Mrs. Downey. She had a tremendous impact on me, sewing for me that initial seed of musical confidence when I was young, and giving me weekly piano lessons into adulthood, which sealed my direction as pianist. I’ll never forget her.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Becky Wiles”?
A: Well, from the beginning, I’ve given this entire music journey to God and I enjoy watching Him work in it. I do some promotion and play local gigs, but I don’t do a whole lot beyond basic channels since I work full time as a non-profit leader in the healthcare space. If this is your first time listening to Becky Wiles, I encourage you to look up my other bluegrass or blues songs for the full picture. My songwriting spans a lot of different styles. Consider listening to “Call Me Crazy,” “Ms. Moxie” or “Uncommon These Days” to get a taste for the variety of Becky Wiles’ music!
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: John Fogerty is my all-time favorite songwriter and musician. His rifs and hooks are instantly timeless because of their simplicity. His songs remind me that simple is usually better in songrwiting. I find inspiration in the every day. Phrases I hear become lyrics or song titles. Concepts or emotions that stay with me will come out as a melody in the early waking hours. I have hundreds of voice recordings on my phone from song pieces that come to me in the morning. If I’m really happy or really sad about something, those are usually great opportunities for songwriting. Sometimes the song ends up being light and fun; other times I feel a strong sense of mission with a song, like it’s a story I need to tell to help someone else.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Bringing Jesus to Christmas.”?
A: As a child growing up in a small Wisconsin town, Christmas was so exciting, special and simple. Every neighbor, store clerk, teacher and friend would say “Merry Christmas” freely and often, and it was common knowledge that Christmas was about Jesus. Today, we are so far from that simplicity. We get so distracted by meeting expectations with entertaining and gifts – myself included. Saying “Merry Christmas” is no longer simple or common. As a society, we continue to celebrate Christmas widely, but in way that “opts out” of the true meaning of the day. We live in a world where it’s ok to buy Christmas presents and put up Christmas decorations but not ok to say “Merry Christmas.” This song is an invitation to simply bring Jesus with you this year … to Christmas dinner, Christmas parties, Christmas morning or wherever the season takes you.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Honest
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Bringing Jesus to Christmas”?
A: Yes, as I worked on the lyrics, I made several revisions to capture the message of the song in a way that would resonate without being preachy. I actually wrote the song to/about myself first so that helped me walk this line. My own struggles with commercialism at Christmas prevent me from keeping Jesus front and center and that introspection was the birth of the song. So I wanted to take that thought and invite others to join me with their own introspection. I hope I’ve written the song that a wide range of people can relate to and find meaning in it’s message.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I want my music to make people think, laugh and feel something meaningful. Many of my songs have a message of hope for coming out of depression, navigating life changes or forgiving yourself. Nostalgia is also a big theme for me. I find the past grounding. My goal is that my music is a source of hope that draws listeners closer to healing, wholeness and, ultimately, closer to God.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: John Fogerty, Miranda Lambert, Kari Jobe, Elevation Worship, Brandi Carlisle, Dan Fogleberg… oops did you say just one? 🙂
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Be you. Even when it feels silly, scary and the doubts creep in. The world needs what you uniquely have to share. And you’ll enjoy your musical journey if you keep it yours.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Don’t wait.Put yourself out there and just start. You’ll be glad you did.
