Dreams come true for Australia-based singer-songwriter Aarksara Foo who launches her debut album under Integrity Music this weekend.
PHOTO: Aarksara Foo.
It’s amazing how far a dream can take you. Just four years ago, singer-songwriter Aarksara (pronounced “ark-sa-rah”) Foo was making music on her iPhone with the Garage Band app, experimenting with different melodies and sounds. This weekend, she launches her debut album, Made It Through. The 22-year-old Australian with a Singaporean/Thai heritage and a passion for God, people and music, and has performed in musicals, fundraisers and concerts.
How did you get started on your music career? What motivates you?
I started singing in church at a very young age. There was always something that was stirring on the inside of me whenever I sang, whether I was part of a choir or singing as a soloist. My heart always filled with joy every time I worshiped Jesus. Spending time to praise my heavenly Father was so special, and it is still so very precious to me. Ever since I was little, I just knew that I wanted to worship God all the days of my life. To be a true worshiper, surrounded by His love always, and to be able to lead others into His beautiful presence through worship music.
What are some of the challenges and difficulties that you faced when you started out.
Not everyone believed in my dream. Some doubted that I would take this path seriously and that it would be too hard to do. I needed to believe that if God is for me and with me in this, nothing would be too hard. I chose to stand firm and to keep pursuing what I believe God has called me to do. I knew I wanted to create music, but I also felt like I had so much more to learn in terms of songwriting. So that’s when I decided to enroll in a songwriting course at Berklee College of Music in Boston. I gained so much from this course, and I know that I’ll never stop learning as I continue on this journey.
Do you have any particular music influences?
I listen to a lot of Kari Jobe and Israel Houghton. They are two worship leaders that I admire greatly. The anointing they both carry is so beautiful and captivating. I love the sweet nature of Kari’s music and the rhythmic beats of Israel’s songs.
What is the overarching theme of this album? What did you draw from in writing the songs?
The core theme in my album is God’s faithfulness in my life. I want this album to communicate the message that God will never let you go, even when you feel like you’re slipping away. Personally, I have experienced seasons of great loss and great disappointment. Through it all, I learned how to lean further into God’s grace and rely upon His strength to overcome my position of defeat and to live the life He has always intended for me—a life of freedom, victory and peace.
Which is your favorite song?
All the songs are so close to my heart. Many came straight out of my journal! But if I were to choose my most favorite song, it would have to be “Trusting In You” which is based on Proverbs 3:5-6. I wrote this song to remind myself to put all my hope and trust in the Lord. It’s a declaration of choosing to trust in Jesus even though circumstances are shouting out otherwise. I hope and pray this song will bless listeners too.
What were some of the memorable moments of recording this album?
I enjoyed learning from and recording with (co-producer) Colin Mills and I loved traveling to Nashville to work with (Grammy-nominated and Dove Award winning producer) Rusty Varenkamp. I remember tracking vocals in the studio in Nashville, and was in complete awe of God’s greatness. Everything felt surreal and reminded me that with Him, nothing is impossible.
Made It Through is available at The Ink Room (theinkroom.com.sg).
