Newcomer Murk Talks Her Journey, Meeting Mr. Del and Her New Album

Newcomer Murk comes fresh off her debut album "Murk in Season" with a mixtape to keep the burn going from her 15 city summer tour with mentor Mr. Del's Hope Dealer Tour and continue to build her audience as she gets fans ready for her P31 Project droppin March 31. Murk won 1st place at Battle of the Praises, a local talent show in Miami where a panel of judges included Vickie Winas, KIKi Sheard, & Mr. Del voted for her victory over the states top gospel artists. "Still Murkin" is a continuation of her lyrical skills and testimony of her journey from winning that contest to where she is now and where she is going.

We are so honored to be able to catch up with Murk for this exclusive Hallels' interview.

Hallels:  Thank you so much for spending time with us.  For our readers who may not yet be familiar with your music, how would you describe your style of music? 

I would describe my music as creative, enlightening, and encouraging. It is very unique and out of the box. I am a lyricist so I love to tell stories. My music is meant to connect with people and a paint picture of the beauty of kingdom life with Christ.

Hallels:  I believe you won first place in the Battle of the Praises, tell us a little more about this. 

Battle of the praises was an amazing experience. When I entered the competition I was a very new artist and had very little experience with rapping, let alone performing. I heard about it through a friend and was very hesitant to audition. I ended up auditioning at the last minute just for the fun of it. I didn't expect to progress through three intense rounds and end up in the finals, but once I realized I had a great shot at winning I exercised my faith and began to confess that I would win. The finals was by far one of the best experiences of my life. I met some really great people and had a wonderful time. I can still remember the rush I felt when I got on stage and saw so many people enjoying my music. The final round was judged by an panel of phenomenal artists including Vicki Winans, Kiki Sheard, Beckah Shae, and Mr. Del! The feeling that came over me once I heard their amazing reviews of my performance was indescribable. I will never forget the moment they called my name and presented me with a check! It was incredible.

Hallels:  How did you meet Mr. Del and ended up signing with his recording company? 

I met Mr. Del briefly after the Battle of the Praises competition, but didn't expect to have communication with him after that. It just so happened that he was longtime friends with my mom's childhood best friend. About six months after the competition, God put me on his heart and he reached out to me through my mom's friend, and told me that he had his own recording company and was interested in working with me on my first project. After researching him and his brand I knew he'd be a great fit. I visited Memphis a few times and did some studio recording and shortly after signed a contract with DMG and relocated to Memphis.

Hallels:  Let's talk about your album "Still Murkin." What was the greatest blessing and the greatest challenge in doing this album? 

The greatest blessing was having the opportunity to give free music to my fans. I have some really awesome supporters and it felt great to be able to give it to them at no cost. I just wanted to show them my appreciation and also allow them to get to know an even more personal side of myself through the music. The greatest challenge was dealing with a lot of opposition while working on the project. It is my second official project so I felt the pressure to make sure it was as good or better than my first project, Murk In Season. In addition to that pressure, I faced a lot of physical and emotional attacks, as well as a bad case of writer's block. As always God saw me through, and it turned out to be a great project.

Hallels:  I believe you are involved in P31 project, can you tell us more about it? 

The P31 project is something that I began as a result of the success of my first single "P31." That song and music video was derived from Proverbs 31 which describes the character of the virtuous woman. After seeing the success of that song, I recognized that there was a great need for mentorship and uplifting of women. So I decided to make the P31 movement more than just a song, but a lifestyle. With this project I am using different forms of music, literature, and theater arts to motivate and uplift the women of my generation. The project is my tool to help teach women that they are beautiful, precious, and cherished by God. I hope to start a group of women who follow and model the principles character of a Godly woman.

Hallels:  With 2015 just starting, what are your resolutions in terms of your career and in terms of your walk with the Lord for the new year? 

I am anticipating 2015 to be a groundbreaking year for me. God has spoken some incredible prophetic words about this year as well as the next 7 years! Knowing that we have entered a season which is one of harvest and a pouring out of God's spirit, I am planning for God to do unprecedented things this year. I am very focused on the P31 project and the DMG tours that we have planned and am gearing all of my energy toward those things. I am also deliberately dedicating my life to soul winning this year. I believe that we are in the last days and I know that building the Kingdom and infiltrating the world with the Kingdom culture is priority right now. So everything I do this year will be geared toward that. I believe that as long as I take care of God's business, He will take care of mine.

Hallels:  For our readers who would like to purchase your music or/and learn more bout you, where can they go? 

Please visit my website www.murkp31.com. You will find all of my music and social media information there. 

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