This year’s Praise in the Park concert, sponsored by Radio One, has a steaming lineup of talented artist waiting to fill the canal with smooth tunes electrifying enough to bring the audience to their feet.
Praise in the Park will be held July 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Canal Walk near Buggs Temple.
Danetra Moore is known for her appearance as a finalist on BET’s “Sunday Best” reality singing competition series. Surrounded by family musicians, singers and preachers, she has found her calling through music.
Recently signed by Tyscot Music and Entertainment, her first album titled “Light in the Dark” gives listeners a taste of the ups and downs she has overcome. This California native, who now resides in Atlanta, has had her fair share of opportunities such as singing backup for national recording artists such as Angie Stone, Kirk Franklin and also “The Monique Show.” But she can also relate to everyday people who climb mountains after the storm has passed.
The Recorder had a chance to sit down with Moore preceding her appearance at this year’s Praise in the Park event to discuss her new album.
Recorder: How has your experience on “Sunday Best” prepared you for the opportunities you’ve experienced?
Moore: It has helped me stay well rounded in the midst of craziness. We were taping two shows a day and we would learn the songs a day before we performed them. Prior to the show I had been use to the lights, camera, action environment as a traveling background singer but the competition aspect was still new.
Your album releases in September. How did you create the title “Light in the Dark?”
I actually had the title of my album way before Sunday Best and way before being signed and working on my record. It came about one afternoon when I was sitting in my apartment and I literally had nothing. I had no furniture and two plastic cups. I remember talking to God about my dreams and envisioning myself after the storm and the struggle, winning awards. I was practicing my acceptance speech and ‘Light in the Dark’ just hit me. God gave it to me and it explains the title of my life. In every dark situation I had to find the light, the things that keep me going. I’ll always want to remain positive and optimistic no matter how dark it is. You control your environment and atmosphere. God gave us that power.
Explain the connection you have with your first track “Only God Can.”
That was one of the last songs I wrote on my album. I initially didn’t start out thinking I would write the majority of my records, because we have solicited writers and producers, but in the end I wrote almost my entire album. We just released a video that mirrors things that have happened in my life. I did get kicked out of a place and all I had was $1.72 to my name. I was going through a rough period where I’d just lost my sister, my great grandfather and people who I thought were my friends. I knew that giving up wasn’t an option. God came down and let me know that there was nothing I could do because only he could. That song is my testimony.
How do you continue to stay motivated and do what you love despite your past struggles?
I use my Mom and God as my source of strength. I focus on making it for my family. I feel as if I have a great call and responsibility.
What are some personal and career goals you have for the next few years?
Of course I think it’s every artists, song writer or producer’s dream to have a Grammy. I definitely would like one, or two, or three. I want to have a clothing line and establish a children’s foundation. I have younger siblings and I found that children deal with the same things adults deal with, such as depression, suicide and peer pressure. A lot of times they don’t have anywhere to turn or can’t talk to their parents. I want an outlet for the community.
What are you hoping to get from your experience at Praise in the Park?
I would like everyone to hear my new music. I will be preforming songs I haven’t done before. Ultimately I want people to leave encouraged and inspired.
What is something that you would like those reading to know about you that may not be the obvious?
No matter what’s going on I’m always going to laugh. The other day I was on the phone with my mom crying and talking to her and then I just started laughing at myself. I am also very frugal. I do my own hair and makeup and I learn everything on YouTube. Why pay someone when I could do it myself?
