The Story Behind The Music

Get a sneakpeek on

Sonya's Upcoming

Music Albums

Rainbow of Promise

Coming Soon!

My Kickstarter Project!

Hello world

My name is Sonya Marlene, and it has been my lifelong dream to create my own songs since youth. I have been singing since childhood and started writing my own songs since early teen years. Today, I plan to publish my first 10 songs I have written for my first music album "God's Hands/Rainbow of Promise". My music is electronic, trance, techno, new age, and progressive house. I have written my own lyrics and composed the music as well. So why donate to this project? I will tell you a little more about myself and the goals I plan to accomplish with this. Aside from the fact that have dreams, what is the purpose of those dreams, why do I dream them? There are a number of answers to this question. All of us desire a meaning, purpose, and direction. Yet some look for it in fame, some look for it in money, and some may even look for it in worldly pleasures, but never really find that special something that can fill the void. I, myself; nearly fell into the same trap. Throughout the days of my youth, I had sought out with tears to make these dreams come true, and yet they seemed so far and out of reach for me. I would foolishly compare my life to the life of others. I would look at other young people my age and younger just starting their music careers. Sometimes I would question God, “Why them and not me?” I would get backlash of all the disappointments I had to face. Sometimes I would hear a voice telling me ‘no’. But the truth is, my life is not theirs, and theirs is not mine. I had to come to grips with the fact and accept it. Maybe God had an even greater purpose for me to serve. But before I could realize that, there was one thing that had to take place first. For so many years I had big dreams of becoming a solo artist, and break into the music industry. I had the talent, I had the looks, I even had the voice, but it seemed that there was more to being an artist then just that. You had to be connected to the right people. You had to be at the right place at the right time. But how was that going to happen for me? I neither had the knowledge, nor the resources to get started, and all seemed hopeless to me because of my financial situation. Yet I did not let that stop me from pursuing these dreams. I continued to write songs. There was so much I wanted to share. Even throughout my high school years, I participated in talent shows in art contests, and yes, I got some audiences that enjoyed what I produced, but all other odds seemed to be against it. I never got noticed or promoted by professional producers or agents, and I didn't know of anyone that could supply me with any resources to get my music out there. As I got older, the question finally arose, "What could have been?" My hopes and dreams began to shatter before me. At the age of 18-years-old, I moved away from my family in the middle of a cold and dark world full of confusion. It was then that I began to seek God for guidance. I did not want to be lost and confused, not knowing what direction I should take. Once I gave my life over to God, he asked me to put all of my hopes and dreams in his hands, and to seek his will above my own. So I took my broken dreams and put them into his hands. Little by little, he began to put the pieces back together. It wasn't until then that I got the revelation. I realized that God was the one who held my hopes and dreams in His hands all along, and that he wanted to use me for a greater purpose than I ever imagined. He wanted to take my talents and abilities and use them for his purpose, to further his kingdom. There is no greater purpose than that! As soon as a firm foundation was placed in my life, which is exactly what needed to happen first; God began to show me how to use the talents he has given me to share his wonderful message of hope to the world, and to touch the hearts of many through the anointing! At 19 years of age, I entered my manga art in the Character Counts Contest of 2002 in Chavez County. I won first place in the art division. I began to realize that it wasn't too late to do what I've always dreamed! If you would like to take part in this project and this purpose, here are the things your donation will be paying for:

Mixing

Mixing is basically tinkering with everything you have recorded to complete your songs. You'll do things like drop in effects, adjust fader, EQ your tracks and so on. Think of mixing as putting the puzzle together. You're putting together the parts of what you have recorded, making sure everything hangs together right, and putting some finishing touches on things. When you're done mixing your songs, you should be pleased with the way the song sounds and feel confident that you don't need to add anything musically.

Mastering

Mastering is adding sparkle and shine to your music. In a very basic sense, when you master your album, you're making sure that song one doesn't blow out the speakers while song two is barely audible - in other words, you want the levels of the songs to be similar and you want a general sense of cohesiveness to your recording.

The Recording Studio

The recording of the vocals in a professional manner. Your donation will help me purchase the right equipment for the job to get the best sound possible.

Other Vocals

Hiring professional singers to be the background voices when needed. I don't want to be the only voice on my album, although I will be the main vocalist. I will also be using virtual singers.

About This Project

I am – a dreamer, singer, song writer, and music composer. I have been writing my own songs since age 14. About 4 years ago, I was able to get a hold of some music creating software for the first time. Though I didn’t think I could do it before, I was finally able to electronically compose my very first songs. It has taken me years to get this far, but a dreamer doesn’t give up, even if it takes a lifetime to accomplish! My music album will be composed in genres: electronic, new age, techno, trance, deep house, and progressive house. Think of this as my personal testimony in a song, or ten! I have ten full-length songs ready to publish, and some remixes on the side. I have a goal to visit Fort Worth, TX and meet with the Avalon Rehearsal Recording and Multimedia Studio to put a professional touch on these songs. This includes: adding the vocals in a professional recording studio, mixing, and mastering professionally for the best quality possible. I have been anticipating this dream since 1998, and I think it is time to bring it to pass and be a blessing to the world. So I’m asking for support in funding this music project so this dream will finally come true this year! Once we get this established, we will be able to hold concerts, events, and create even more great music for others to enjoy! The following songs I will be included in the 1st album:

1) Calm the Storm
2) Dream of Zion
3) God's Hands
4) Light in the Darkness
5) Lord I Need Your Love
6) My God Will Never Forget Me
7) Rainbow of Promise
8) Someday I'm Going To Fly
9) There is no Disguise
10) Where is Love

Music Video Gallery

© 2013 by Sonya Marlene Tanner. All Rights Reserved.

For all those who don’t know me, a question may come up: “Why would people want to pay money to allow someone like me to publish a music album?” So allow me to take a minute to explain, why me, why you, and why now?

WHY ME?

First of all, it’s important to understand that this dream isn’t just for me, but it is for all who will be blessed by it. Don’t you think it’s about time to take the world of electronic music to the next level? I believe in this dream. And for all those who do as well, my desire is to provide more of a variety of genres in the Christian Music industry as well. I plan to take this project even further in the future by creating many more electronic style music albums just like this one featuring trance, techno, progressive house, ambient, and more. It is important to create songs that are for more of a purpose than benefiting ourselves, but also those around us. And there is so much value in producing something that is going to shine a bright light in a dark world. I would also like to let people know about the word of my testimony. That’s what these songs are all about, bits and pieces of the little things God has done for me, my life's experiences, lessons learned in life, and so much more! This is also about what he can do for others! I desire for the messages produced in these songs to be both encouraging and inspiring. People are looking for a real meaning, purpose and direction. They want something they can call their own! Let us show them where it’s at. If God’s word is true, then his work is important. So is the experience that comes with it. Time and time again, people have been blessed by singers who are in it to be a blessing to others. I’m here to inspire others to live for Christ, and to bring this music anywhere people are open to what He has for them!

WHY YOU?

Because without your support, I couldn’t do it. Though I’ve written my own songs, I have no record label, as I am in independent artist. I have no corporate contracts, yet I have been able to successfully build this dream with these two hands. However, breaking into the music industry, getting published, and getting heard requires financial investments that I simply do not have the resources to provide. Dreams are not a matter of chance, but a matter of choice. I know that if you can dream it, you can do it! And if this thing is financially supported, it will help open the door of success for years to come! Every donation will bring this dream a step closer to becoming a reality. Your financial help will give me the ability to publish these songs and create even more great music that many will be able to enjoy for years to come, even throughout the world. As a reward, you will be able to hear more great electronic style songs in the future done by independant artists just like me who have a great message to share that will be beneficial to others. I would like to share as much of this investment with my supporters as possible!

WHY NOW?

Building this dream has not happened overnight. It required much hard work and dedication, and although I did not have a chance to do what I’ve always dreamed in the past, all those years weren’t a complete waste. There was a preparation process that needed to take place first. Without a firm foundation, a building would collapse. In the same instance, without God’s foundation, the storms of life would have destroyed my dreams. I believe that God is going to do more in 1 year than all the 33 years of my life! As a child of God, I have grown to a whole new level in my walk with Him. I have been born again for 14 years, and it just gets better with every passing day. The more I grow, the more my music grows, and the more I am able to follow His lead to do His will above my own. God’s timing isn’t always our timing, and that is sometimes the hardest thing to realize. But when he does it, it’s always at the right time! As a singer, songwriter, and spirit filled woman, I believe I now have that firm foundation needed to do exactly what He has called me to do! I have also made a few valuable contacts that will be able to help me make this music album the best it can possibly be! For 14 years of preparation has taken me to this point, everything is coming together the way it’s meant to, at the right time. So now is the time! You can take part in helping me continue in this dream! For me, this dream has developed far beyond just becoming a successful song writer, singer, or performer. I realized that God was the one who held my hopes and dreams in His hands all along, and that He wanted to use me for a greater purpose than I ever imagined. He wanted to take my talents and abilities and use them for His purpose, to bring forth His influence in the world. There is no greater purpose than that!

© 2013 by Sonya Marlene Tanner. All Rights Reserved.

Risks and challenges

I realize there will also be challenges that I will have to face in the future of this dream. The success of this project will be based on two things: The steps I will be taking to get this album produced once it is funded, and the people that will be reached as a result! With that I will be faced with 2 challenges:

1) We are living in a day when every form of wickedness that can be thrown at young people is being thrown at them. The spirit of this age seeks to destroy all godly influence. And as this world grows darker and darker, we must still stand for Him with boldness. And in this we will often stand alone. We’ve got to get used to it. It may not be the popular opinion, but the message of salvation is still the same. Although many may not see it yet, He is the one who holds the answers to what the world is searching for. I don’t necessarily believe that music, in and of itself; can change the world. But I believe that it is one of the factors that can be used to help change the world. And in this we can help bring forth a godly influence that will inspire others to turn back to God. Getting this into the hands of those who will appreciate that purpose will be a challenge. It is important to find the right audience to bring the message to: those who are open, those who are hurting, those who need to hear the gospel, and those who are believers.

2) Once the project is funded, I will getting more education on how to spread the word about the new album. Talent alone will not mean you become successful in the music industry. You have to know the pros and cons, what works and what doesn't work. How to promote your music and breaking in will be a challenge.

Fortunately for me, I have the firm foundation placed in my life that will enable me to move forward and become successful! Along with those that will be helping me, may it also be a blessing to you as well. You will be taking part in helping me spread the good news and the word of my testimony!

In the middle of a world of confusion and darkness, now is the time for God's children to shine brighter than ever before!

Purchase Sonya's New Single or Donate! 

Thank you for all of your support!