Prophet Newz: When did you become a Christian or were you raised in your faith?
Deidra Hughes: I was raised in my faith… but I can remember being saved at the age of four.
Prophet Newz: Why did you decide to get into Christian music?
Deidra Hughes: When I realized that God had called me to the ministry through song, I promised Him that I would use the gifts and talents He gave me to bring Glory to Him.
Prophet Newz: Has it been easy getting into the industry or have you faced obstacles?
Deidra Hughes: I think most anybody in the industry has faced obstacles. Especially when called to ministry. Yes, I have faced some obstacles, but nothing that the Lord has not brought me through.
Prophet Newz: Do you have a target audience?
Deidra Hughes: I feel like the ministry that God has called me to is targeting the church and the families in it. The church is only as strong as the family and if we are to reach this lost and dying world we need to heal the broken families first. Our youth are hurting and many times as a result of their home environments. My prayer is that God would bring restoration to broken relationships, between man and wife, and between parents and children.
Prophet Newz: Is there a song on the new album that has a special meaning to you?
Deidra Hughes: I carefully chose each song on my album. The songs mainly consist of Praise and Worship so they each have their own meaning. When I chose these songs, all though I didn’t write them, I wanted a CD that would be Praise to the Father and encouragement to the church.
Prophet Newz: What is the most touching story you have heard from a fan as a result to your music?
Deidra Hughes: Since I have been singing the songs off this new album the most touching thing I hear is not that I have a nice voice or that they like the song, but that they felt the presence of God. I don’t want to sing for praise to myself… when someone else can feel the presence of the Lord you know that He is pleased.
Prophet Newz: Do you write your own music or lyrics and if so where do you look for ideas or inspiration?
Deidra Hughes: I have really just begun writing my own music and working with others on how to develop that talent. I mainly look for ideas based on my own experiences or based on what the Word tells me about those experiences. You can’t really know about something unless you have gone through it.
Prophet Newz: Do you think you will stay ministry and worship based in your music, or do you see yourself going into Contemporary Christian music in the future and why?
Deidra Hughes: You know I have really thought about that and I think I will always be ministry and worship oriented because that is who I am, but love the style of contemporary music so I plan to do both. I really like a Southern Contemporary feel of music J
Prophet Newz: Would you ever want to have your music in the mainstream or secular arena?
Deidra Hughes: As long as they didn’t alter any of the wording I wouldn’t mind. I know I said I felt lead to the church but if someone wanted to play my music in a mainstream area I would be honored. Who would be opposed to spreading the gospel?
Prophet Newz: Do you have a band that plays with you in performances or are you on your own?
Deidra Hughes: I like to take a Keyboard player with me when I can and my husband plays drums and percussion. For the time being that is what I use but I eventually want to travel with a full band.
Prophet Newz: Do you think you will go on tour with other bands in the future?
Deidra Hughes: I hope so! I have had the opportunity while traveling with TRUTH and other artists and it is a really fun experience.
Prophet Newz: What are your goals for the future?
Deidra Hughes: To begin writing for my next album and booking for the one that will be available online April 15th.
Prophet Newz: What do you like to do for fun in your free time?
Deidra Hughes: I am a wife and a mother as well as a singer so there really isn’t much free time. When I do have a moment I love to shop J I know I am a true female! I like hanging out with my husband and spending my free time with him. He travels with the organization World Vision so we have very busy schedules.
Prophet Newz: Do you have other jobs or is music your only support?
Deidra Hughes: For me… music is it. I always wanted to be able to take care of my children at home for as long as I could. I wanted to have the opportunity to raise with our values before sending them to school and thankful music allows me to do both. I really am blessed to be able to do two things that I love very much. I won’t say that it isn’t challenging at times but when you have a family, what job isn’t?
Prophet Newz: If you were not doing this for a living what do you think you would be doing?
Deidra Hughes: Honestly… I really love fashion! I would probably be a cosmetologist or something.
Prophet Newz: Are your single, married, have children?
Deidra Hughes: I am married to a wonderful husband of 5 years and 2 gorgeous little girls.
Prophet Newz: Does your family support you?
Deidra Hughes: Absolutely one-hundred percent! Eventually we want to all travel together….
PROPHET NEWZ 2008
