ARTS & CULTURE

ust 23 years old, Evvie McKinney and her catchy, jubilant single,

“Bring the Whole Hood,” supplies a much-needed shot of positivity to the current music scene. The Motown

Gospel singer/songwriter has a unique blend of spirit, style, and soul, influenced by the fabled Memphis music scene where she grew up. With pop icon Meghan Trainor as her co-writer on the track and a funky, cool look, Evvie is the perfect artist for these times. BELLA talked to her about her music and her upbeat message.

How did you get your start in the industry? I’ve been traveling the world with different bands and choirs for a very long time. Since I was a freshman in high school, I’ve been touring as a performer, which is a huge blessing.

What is your favorite part about your career? What is the best part of your job? As a singer and performer, I’m truly working in my gift. The absolute best part of this job is that I get to meet new interacting with people I can learn something from and they can also learn something from me. I love that when people listen to my music they’ll hopefully be moved by my testimony. What is the best advice you ever received? As a finalist on FOX’s “The Four,” right before the finale I asked Diddy for words of wisdom. He told me “don’t get comfortable,” and to this day I take that piece of advice with me everywhere I go. In this life you can’t get comfortable; you need to use everything that makes you uncomfortable to take you to the next level.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about what you do? As artists, people tend to think we have everything together and our lives are so perfect, but we go through trials just like anybody else. I love being able to listen to artists like Donnie McClurkin and Tasha Cobbs, who are so vocal about their trials, because I think it helps people to understand that if superstars can get through it, I can too.

What has been the inspiration behind your music? Where I’ve been, where I’m at, and where I’m going. Everything I’ve experienced and want to experience I write about; there have definitely been some prayers in my songs, like my newest single, “Just Like God.”

What do you hope your work accomplishes throughout your lifetime? I hope people from all walks of life and nations can be inspired and motivated when they listen to music. I want them to know that they can follow their dreams. I want younger children to be able to look on people. From fans to those on my team, I’m meeting and

their TV or listen to their radio and be uplifted and encouraged to share their journey and story just like I’m telling mine.

In a few words, describe what “Life is BELLA means to you. Life is full of love; there is nothing we have to fear or be scared of because life is in our Creator’s hands.