A dark time in Angela James’ life has led to recording a song of encouragement.
“There was a three-year period of anxiety and depression,” said the 16-year-old Aiken Scholars Academy student, who found a renewed faith in God that pulled her through the difficult time and provided the inspiration.
Released on Jan. 21, Don’t Give Up Now has received radio airplay locally on WKZK 103.7 and WUCC 99.9 as well as on stations in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Delaware and Kentucky. It’s also gotten the attention of Babbie Mason Radio and TCT Television.
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James wrote most of the lyrics. She’d put her thoughts down on paper, but they didn’t flow the way she wanted them to. After spending a frustrating hour one day trying to make it work, she said something to her dad, Chris James, who is the chief engineer at WBPI-TV in North Augusta. He asked her to let him look at the song and offered some suggestions which brought everything together.
“He wrote it in 10 minutes, and it’s really good,” she said.
The words needed a melody, so she enlisted the help of Evan Dickey, the worship pastor at New Life Church, where she attends.
In November, she headed to Nashville to record the finished piece. The band recorded the music at Daywind Studios in Hendersonville, Tenn., and she recorded vocals at Hilltop Studios in Madison, Tenn. Nashville guitarist Kelly Back, who played on the recording, helped write the music.
Music has always played a key role in James’ life.
“She’s loved music since she was in the womb,” said Chris James.
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If there was any question of her whereabouts as a young child, all her parents had to do was follow the music and they’d find her. They bathed her room with worship music 24 hours a day. She started taking music lessons at the age of 3.
Angela James said she’s always found comfort in music and especially loves the songs of Lauren Daigle and Tauren Wells, but she has a lengthy play list.
Although it’s just come out, the song has resonated with listeners.
“This is very encouraging as I lay in the hospital,” wrote one Facebook commenter.
The next step for James is to create a music video, which is in the works with Bryton Entertainment producing. Early plans are to film it on the beach at Jekyll Island.
James has written several songs and wants to record additional tracks. She has a Go Fund Me campaign to help defray the costs. One recording can cost upwards of $10,000, according to Chris James.
Don’t Give Up Now is available on all streaming platforms.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the publisher of Augusta Good News. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews. Subscribe to the newsletter here.
Angela is and has always been beautiful inside and out. I have watched her grow up, never knowing she had any problems. Her mother said to her how did we not know you were going through this. She said. It’s amazing what you can hide with a smile. This song has ministered to so many. Let’s help her get it out to help others