Elizabeth South's Music Blog

Elizabeth South Youth Ministry with “Interlinc”

elizabethsouth — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:23:49 +0000

Dear friends,
I am very excited to share with you some news that is very dear to my heart. The Music and Media Youth Ministry called “Interlinc” that is based out of Nashville, TN has decided to include my new “Do It Afraid” Album and videos in their YLO (Youth Leaders Only) Catalog for the month of February, 2012. They will be producing my CDs and sharing my album with over 12k youth workers around the country. I am very excited to be a part of this youth ministry along with other major christian artists. I am very thankful to the ministry for including me. As a music/drama preschool and elementary teacher, working with youth is dear to my heart. It is my prayer that the Album and Bible Study created around my “I Will Trust You” music video will touch many hearts and encourage them. Please pray with me for this to be a successful ministry. Reaching our youth today is so important. Here are a couple of links to Interlinc featuring my music ministry. This is where the album is included: http://interlinc-online.com/ylo/current_box.html
And this is a link to view the “I Will Trust You” Bible Study: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/interlinc/mvl_201104/#/42

Blessings everyone,
Elizabeth South
www.elizabethsouth.com

New “Do It Afraid” Album and Music Video (feat. Rick Florian) Available Now!!

elizabethsouth — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:44:55 +0000

This is the album cover for Elizabeth South's "Do It Afraid" Album.

DO IT AFRAID

The New Sophomore Album by Elizabeth South is Now Available! You can purchase it at CDBaby and Elizabeth South’s Website in digipak CD form with lyrics. You can also download it on iTunes!

Visit http:///www.elizabethsouth.com, http://www.cdbaby.com/elizabethsouth4, or iTunes at: http://tinyurl.com/4373dan Please note that if you order a Physical CD, you will get a Lyrics Booklet, a beautiful CD design, and higher quality WAV files than what you can get on iTunes. Order your copy today!

About the Album: Elizabeth South is a singer/songwriter who is also a full-time elementary music and drama teacher. She pursues her goal of a worldwide music ministry with as much passion as she always devotes to her teaching.

Elizabeth’s debut soft rock/pop album, “The Mysteries of Our Minds,” which she co-wrote with her producer Billy Smiley (White Heart), explored the eclectic styles of theater, spirituality, romance, ballad, and soft rock. Her successful radio single, “Have Faith” made an impact in the Christian music world after landing a top spot in Christian Radio Weekly.

“Do It Afraid” is Elizabeth South’s long anticipated Christian sophomore album. The inspiration for the song and album title, “Do It Afraid,” came to her after she surprisingly developed stage fright several years ago after going through a difficult annulment. One morning when she was terrified of a particular upcoming performance, she read a devotional and book written by Joyce Meyer that was called, Do It Afraid. She was immediately inspired to write the song, “Do It Afraid,” after reading that devotion and the book. She sat down at the piano that very morning and started writing the verse to the song, which led her down the road to recording this new album and song!!

In Joyce Meyer’s book, Do It Afraid, she shares the true life story of Elisabeth Elliot’s fear of returning to the ministry in Ecuador after her husband, Jim Elliot, had been killed by the very people they had ministered to. She was paralyzed by the feelings of fear and every time she tried to go back into ministry, her fear stopped her. Then a friend told her something that set her free. Her friend said, “Why don’t you do it afraid?” She then followed that advice and went back to evangelize the Indian tribes of Ecuador, including the very people who had killed the one she loved.

Many times we think we should wait to do something we feel called to do when we are no longer feeling afraid. The concept of “no fear” has become a popular motto. And while that is a wonderful idea, many of us have a difficult time getting rid of those feelings no matter how much we pray or believe. But if we wait until we no longer feel afraid, we may accomplish very little for God, others, and ourselves. So even if you feel afraid, go ahead and do what God has called you to do, knowing that He will always be with you, even if you have to do it afraid!

Since writing and performing this song, Elizabeth has found strength in the song while facing her own ongoing fears. And in return, the song and album has already been an encouragement to many other people as well. Elizabeth has a degree in Music Therapy and is finding that she is able to practice this field through her music even though she is not practicing it as an official career.

Elizabeth released her first single, “I Will Trust You,” off the “Do It Afraid” album about a year before this new Album’s release by filming a Music Video for it, releasing it as a Single, and gaining significant Radio Air time. The single was on the Billboards twice for most added to stations. It is still continuing to make an impact today through her second Music Video for this song that can be found on her Youtube page at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6Vhf8HPWHg&feature=channel_video_title. Elizabeth is very excited to have her “I Will Trust You” Music Video and the new “Do It Afraid” album featured in the http://www.INTERLINC-online.com Music Video Loop and YLO Youth Leader’s Catalog this coming year!! Reaching youth groups through her music along with being an elementary music/drama teacher is a very important combination to her.

Elizabeth’s latest Single off the “Do It Afraid” album is called, “Don’t Give Up on Your Love.” Her third official Music Video was filmed in Nashville, TN for “Don’t Give Up on Your Love.” The single was released a few weeks before the New Album was released. However, the song is also being offered on the “Do It Afraid” Album as a Bonus track because the song expresses a pop/rock/electronic dance style that is a different genre that the rest of the album. However, the lyrics to the song fit very well into the “Do It Afraid” theme of the album. Many listeners loved listening to all of her soft and beatiful songs, but kept encouraging her to do an upbeat rock song as well. So Elizabeth chose to write a song in a style of music that she enjoys. “Don’t Give Up on Your Love” was programmed by Joel Wild and the electric guitar part was played by George Cocchini (DCTalk). The Music Video is the visual inspiration for the “Do It Afraid” digipak design. You can watch the new music video now:

Elizabeth South’s fourth Official Music Video, “Do It Afraid” was released November 1st with the Album’s release. Elizabeth is very excited about this Video because she was able to have Rick Florian, one of her all time favorite Christian singers from the rock band White Heart, appear in the Music Video with her. Here is a link to the video:

Also, it is noteable that a few of the songs on this album could be used as Worship songs in churches. “I Will Trust You,” “Higher,” “Fall to My Knees,” and “Holy, Holy Holy” fall very well into that category.

In conjunction with Elizabeth’s amazingly pure and beautiful voice, Billy Smiley, who also sang and played acoustic guitar, put together a great cast of Nashville TN musicians and engineers including Rick Florian—vocals (lead singer of White Heart—duet with her on “Do It Afraid” ); Blair Masters—piano and synths (Casting Crowns, Mercy Me); Ken Lewis—drums (Michael W Smith); Matt Pierson—bass (Michael W, Smith, Natalie Grant); Anthony Sallee – bass (player for White Heart & played on Elizabeth’s cover of “Desert Rose”); Scott Denté—acoustic guitar (Out of the Grey); George Cocchini—electric guitars (DC Talk); Brennan Smiley—guitars (Charity Von, Di Stasio); Greg Hagan—guitars (Little Big Town, Katinas); Joel Wild (programmed “Don’t Give Up On Your Love”); and Billy Whittington—mixing engineer (Vanessa Williams, Amy Grant, Twila Paris)—to totally create the right environment for her voice to shine through.

Elizabeth South and Billy Smiley co-wrote all the songs on the “Do It Araid” album except for “Desert Rose” (cover song from White Heart), “Holy, Holy, Holy” (written by Mark Swayze), and “Still” (Elizabeth South co-wrote this with George Cocchini).

Elizabeth pours her heart and inspiration into every song on the album. Her Music Therapy background has also found a home in her music, being both healing and uplifting. Her voice has been described as mysterious, magical, soothing, and angelic. Elizabeth hopes that you will enjoy not only listening to the beautiful songs, but will also be inspired, uplifted, and encouraged!

Do It Afraid – Lyrics

elizabethsouth — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:59:40 +0000

Do It Afraid (official lyrics)

written by Elizabeth South and Billy Smiley

Verse 1:

When I’m afraid, when I’m discouraged

These little steps I must take

When I’m alone and when I’m uncertain

That You’re with me every day.

When I want to run away and can’t bring myself to stay

And do what You want me to do

So many people crying

When will I find courage

To do what You’ve called me to do?

Chorus:

I don’t want to be the one who loses

Even now it’s never too late

I don’t want to be the one who waits

Until I don’t feel afraid

I don’t want to be the one who chooses

Every time to walk away

‘Cause I know that You’ll always be with me

I’ll just have to do it afraid

Verse 2:

When I am lost, when I am trembling

These steps of faith I will take

And when I obey in spite of my feelings

You’ll do amazing things

When You open doors that I need to walk through

There’s nothing impossible to do

This is the album cover for Elizabeth South's "Do It Afraid" Album.

Don’t Give Up on Your Love – Lyrics – Elizabeth South

elizabethsouth — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 06:35:51 +0000

Don’t Give Up on Your Love – Lyrics

written by Elizabeth South and Billy Smiley

Intro:

Don’t give up on your love (4x)

Verse 1:

I see the look in your eyes

A blank disguise

You’re simply frozen,

You’re hypnotized.

You gotta take a stand

When the doors slam

Don’t let anyone

Make you lose your ground.

Pre-chorus:

Don’t give up

Don’t give in

Find the freedom that love can give

Don’t give up

Don’t give in

Fan the flame of the fire within

Chorus:

It might drive you crazy

It might make you feel

like you’re numb inside

It might turn you upside down

Make you feel like you’re

Losing your mind

Don’t give up

Don’t give in

Find the freedom that love can give

Don’t give up

Verse 2:

You’ve got that cynical look

You’ve lived by the book

You wonder if love

Has passed you by

Don’t believe all the lies

Don’t compromise

You simply got to renew your mind

Bridge:

Love will keep you running

Always keep you turning

Love will keep you yearning

Don’t you ever give up

“Don’t Give Up On Your Love” (New Single) & Album Release Date

elizabethsouth — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 03:02:36 +0000

Elizabeth’s New Single, “Don’t Give Up On Your Love,” is being released as a Single, but will also be offered as a Bonus track on her New Upcoming “Do It Afraid” Album. Even though Elizabeth explored various styles of music on her debut and new album, this song expresses a pop/rock/electronic dance style that is a totally new genre for her. Many listeners love listening to all of her songs, but kept encouraging her to do an upbeat rock song as well. So Elizabeth chose to write a song in a style of music that she enjoys. “Don’t Give Up On Your Love” was programmed by Joel Wild and the electric guitar part was played by George Cocchini (DCTalk). The song expresses an idea that Elizabeth has been wanting to share for a long time of never giving up on the things in life that are important to her such as love, goals, dreams, and perseverance. She has often felt that temptation to give up on things due to road blocks. In this song, she encourages her listeners to “Don’t give up, don’t give in, find the freedom that love can give.” She encourages listeners to step forward in spite of fears, setbacks, and doors that may slam, to renew the mind, even if it might sometimes be difficult. Her third Music Video for this song, “Don’t Give Up On Your Love,” also directed by Ben Pearson and edited by Derek Pearson, is visually industrial and cool. . . but it is also visually appropriate and a good influence for youth today. The Music Video is the visual inspiration for the “Do It Afraid” digipak design. You can watch the new music video at: www.youtube.com/elizabethsouth or visit her website at: http://www.elizabethsouth.com.

Elizabeth will be releasing her New “Do It Afraid” Album November 1st, 2011. Her inspiration for this album and the song came after she surprisingly developed stage fright several years ago. One morning when she was terrified of a particular upcoming performance, she read a devotional and book written by Joyce Meyer that was called Do It Afraid. She was immediately inspired to write the song, “Do It Afraid,” after reading that devotion and the book. In Joyce Meyer’s book, she shares the true life story of Elisabeth Elliot’s fear of returning to the ministry in Ecuador after her husband, Jim Elliot, had been killed by the very people they had ministered to. She was paralyzed by the feelings of fear and every time she tried to go back into ministry, her fear stopped her. Then a friend told her something that set her free. Her friend said, “Why don’t you do it afraid?” She then followed that advice and went back to evangelize the Indian tribes of Ecuador, including the very people who had killed the one she loved. Many times we think we should wait to do something we feel called to do when we are no longer feeling afraid. The concept of “no fear” has become a popular motto. And while that is a wonderful idea, many of us have a difficult time getting rid of those feelings no matter how much we pray or believe. But if we wait until we no longer feel afraid, we may accomplish very little for God, others, and ourselves. So even if you feel afraid, go ahead and do what God has called you to do, knowing that He will always be with you, even if you have to do it afraid! Pre-Order the New “Do It Afraid” Album now at: http://www.elizabethsouth.com

New Upcoming Album!

elizabethsouth — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:24:59 +0000

Dear friends and fans,
I am so EXCITED to share with you this exciting news: my new “Do It Afraid” Album is finished and coming to you soon in 2011!! It’s been such an incredible journey since the release of my first album, “The Mysteries of Our Minds,” and I had a blast working with Billy Smiley again for this new project! Your support means the world to me. I can’t thank enough those who backed my project through my Kickstarter campaign and all the pre-orders! I raised all I pledged and more!!

I look forward to releasing my 2nd Song Samples Video of the Album through Youtube when the Album is released. But since I absolutely can’t wait for you to hear these new songs, you can hear and purchase one of my singles from the new album called, “I Will Trust You,” on iTunes and watch the Music Video.

If you would like to read information about the Title and meaning behind the “Do It Afraid” album, please visit my Journal.

You can also read a wonderful article that was posted on my new album. Click here to Read Article

- Elizabeth South

Download the Elizabeth South iTunes App and be a Top User!

elizabethsouth — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:15:10 +0000

Dear friends and fans,
You can Download my FREE iTunes App for iPhone, iPad, & iPod by clicking here and become a Top User.”

How do you become a “Top User?” There are several ways:

1. By writing on the “Wall” of the App (you can use your twitter or facebook accounts to do this and chat with others on the wall). And sometimes I even reply back myself if you ask me a question!
2. Listening to my music or purchasing music from the App
3. Writing “Comments” in various places on the App such as the videos, songs, news, etc.
4. Clicking the “Like” button on songs, videos, etc.
5. “Sharing”anything on the App.

I’m looking forward to this and hopefully reading posts from users on my iPhone Wall.

~Elizabeth South

Elizabeth South’s 2nd Music Video – I Will Trust You :-)

elizabethsouth — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 22:10:13 +0000

Elizabeth South has uploaded her brand-new official 2nd professional Music, and is excited to share it with everyone!!! The response has already been wonderful! In just a few months, the video has received over 22,000 views and over 400 wonderful comments!! Thanks to everyone who supports her music and this new song.

“I Will Trust You,” is Elizabeth’s new National Radio single off her new upcoming 2011 Worship album! This song is currently close to hitting the Top 25 in Christian Radio Weekly!

The video was filmed in Nashville, TN, and directed by the Dove Award Winner, Ben Pearson, who did the video for Michael W Smith called “This is Your Time,” dedicated to Cassie Bernall. He also filmed a movie called,”The Second Chance” and is currently working on a new film for a New York Times Best seller called, “Blue Like Jazz.”

Please check it the video, comment, give her a thumbs up, favorite, and share it with all of your friends! It is because of your incredible support that Elizabeth has already had great responses and has continued to see her youtube sub/friend numbers growing. Thank you SO much everyone!

www.elizabethsouth.com

Food-Aid Benefit Concert for Haiti with Elizabeth South

elizabethsouth — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:16:17 +0000

Food-Aid International and Elizabeth South partner together to raise money for Haiti.

Visit the Invitations: Myspace: http://events.myspace.com/Event/View/7729151 or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=158359840849383&ref=mf

It’s been 9 months since the catastrophic earthquake shook Haiti. The need to feed Haitians is still great as thousands are still homeless. So, Food-Aid International, Inc., a Raleigh-based non-profit is hosting a benefit concert to raise money to help feed more people in Haiti.
After the earthquake, Food-Aid International, Inc., worked with the Association of Peasants in Fondwa (APF) in Haiti, to deliver and establish a nutritional meal program. Enough Food-Aid meal packs where delivered to feed over 50 women and children in need. Recently, more food was delivered to feed an additional 300 people.
The free benefit concert, which starts at 7:30 p.m., will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at Hope Cafe - http://hopecaferaleigh.com – in Raleigh. Local Triangle artist, Elizabeth South, whose music is both healing and uplifting, is the headliner. Other local artists, Dawn Michelle Williams and Josh Pepper, will also perform. Hope Cafe is located at 201 Tryon Road.
“Food-Aid.org hopes to raise $5,000.00”, said Mark Prokop, Executive Director of Food-Aid. “There are so many people in Haiti that need a nutritional meal. Food-Aid.org wants to thank Hope Cafe, Elizabeth, Dawn, and Josh for partnering with us so that we can help feed thousands of people in Haiti.” Donations will be accepted during the free concert. Sales of Food-Aid t-shirts and World’s Finest® Chocolate Candy Bars will also help to raise money in the relief effort. Tax deductable donations can also be made online at www.food-aid.org or sent to Food-Aid, P.O.Box 21062, Raleigh, NC. 27619-1062.
For additional information on Elizabeth South, go to http://www.elizabethsouth.com/. For additional information on Dawn Michelle Williams, go to http://www.dawnmichellewilliams.com/. For additional information on Josh Pepper, go to http://www.faithalways.com/.
For additional information on the fundraiser, please contact Mark Prokop:

Mark Prokop
Food-Aid International, Inc.
P: 919.403.0670
mprokop@food-aid.org
www.food-aid.org
About Food-Aid International, Inc. – Founded in October 2009, Food-Aid International, Inc. is a Christian, global, non profit 501(c)(3) organization that has joined the fight against poverty and world hunger, partnering to send our nutritious meals to other non-profit agencies to help aid in global disasters and humanitarian relief efforts. With more than a billion people around the world going hungry, Food-Aid.org was established to address this global problem by making and distributing nutritious and great tasting meal packs to those in need.
Our corporate Mission and Vision are simple: To work with a relentless passion to fight against poverty and world hunger, motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ. Food-Aid.org Vision is to serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. Food-Aid.org serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Elizabeth South’s First Music Video!

elizabethsouth — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 17:40:20 +0000

Elizabeth South has just uploaded her brand-new official First ever professional Music Video, and is excited for you to see it!

It is for the National Radio Single (Billboards/Top 30 Christian Radio Weekly), “Have Faith,” off her new album, “The Mysteries of Our Minds,” (Go to http://www.elizabethsouth.com for Purchasing links). It was directed by the Dove Award Winner Ben Pearson who did the video for Michael W Smith called “This is Your Time,” dedicated to Cassie Bernall as well as “The Second Chance” movie.

The video touches upon the theme of troubled times in life and how God will work all things for good based on Romans 8:28. Elizabeth explores one theme of hardship in life, although it can apply to any type of trial such as sickness, pain, and sadness. This theme is troubled relationships and trusting God through that by laying the hardship at the altar. Also, the theme of the Bride of Christ is explored. One thing that Elizabeth hopes for is for people to draw their own personal interpretations from the video as well – it is open for many interpretations.

Please Sub/Add her at: http://www.youtube.com/elizabethsouth and watch the video, comment, give her a thumbs up, and share it with all of your friends! It is because of your incredible support, that she has already had great responses and has seen her sub/friend numbers growing. She has already had over 9,000 views/246 Comments in just a few weeks on the video!! Thank you SO much for your support in Spreading the Message of this song to bring encouragement to many people! You are awesome!!