Interview with June Rochelle
June 2006, BlackGospel.com (By Christopher Heron)

BLACKGOSPEL.COM recently shared a conversation with June Rochelle, a new artist whose talent and conviction for music and ministry has raised her blossoming profile among Gospel lovers, artists and industry observers.  Her new album – Changing Places – is garnering her critical and public acclaim (as seen with her recent nomination nod from the En Sound Music Awards for Female Vocalist and Song of the Year Awards). While her busy schedule and public appearances are preparing her for a bright future in ministry.

Our exclusive interview with June Rochelle touched on her special upbringing, her life lessons that steered her into ministry and the divine signs that God was working out His perfect plan through her life. Rochelle’s moving testimony has applications in all of our lives, whether you’re an aspiring artist or a quiet servant in your church.

Christopher Heron:  I’d love to start with the evolution of your musical career, the incredible journey that’s led you to bear witness for the Lord through song. You’ve always had a love for music. Music has shaped your life and is largely responsible for introducing you to numerous, diverse experiences and people.  Through it all, did you always feel that God was leading and preparing you to be a witness and a minister for His word?

June Rochelle:  Yes.  I just didn’t know to what extent.

CH:  And, when did you know that now was the appointed time for you to sing completely for Jesus, as you do now on your album – Changing Places?

JR:  About 5 years ago. I knew He wanted me to be a vessel for Him in a way I could only imagine.  I feel I’ve been a witness of His word since I was 12 but He was going to use me to do some things bigger than me alone. 

CH:  Through the exposure your parents provided and through your own life experiences, you’ve developed a deep appreciation for show business and artistry. What were some of your earliest memories that helped nurture your love for the stage and your love for singing? 

JR:  Watching my mother along with other notables like Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, The Clark Sisters and Diana Ross as I was growing up. Whether on TV or in concert, I was impressed.

CH:  And what was the definitive moment or experience in your life that came like an epiphany, when you realized you were called to be an artist to share a very special message of hope, happiness and deliverance through the Lord?  

JR:  When Diana Ross gave me the mic and asked me to sing in front of 10,000 people and she didn’t even know my name!  That had to be God, speaking to her heart and my mind.

CH:  As the proverb says, “Experience is golden.” What have your many treasured experiences and exposure to other gifted peoples over the years taught you about being a creative artist, an honorable public figure and a faithful servant for God?

JR:  Being exposed to great people like Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, J. Moss, Karen Clark-Sheard, my mother, and pastors’ wives has taught me how to flow in the Holy Ghost, how to be creative and how to turn yourself inside out when ministering.  When you do that, God flows through you and blesses the people.  All these people taught me how to be a vessel for God no matter what personal state I may be in.  They paved the way not only for us as artist but as servants.

CH:  Your new album – Changing Places – is a powerful project filled with inspiration, faith and relevance to today’s generation.  Give us a little insight on the evolution of this album and how the album personifies and characterizes your life, through music and lyrics, as a woman, as a Christian and as an artist.

JR:  This album is centered around my true life experiences some happy, some traumatic, some comfortable, some uncomfortable.  This album expresses real trial and error.  Sometimes as Christians, we are looked upon as perfect and that’s just not true.   We go through real life hurt, with pain and happiness.  God anointed me to capture and share with the world some of those experiences.

CH:  Finally June, please share with those seeking to know more about June Rochelle, what is your current walk with God. 

JR:  I am saved!

CH:  What do you do to stay mindful and purposed about witnessing for God?

JR:  I study the word faithfully, I pray every day and stay encouraged by fellowshipping with those that love God and love me. 

CH:  And how do you stay encouraged and inspired about your artistry and ministry, when adversity, setbacks, trials and temptations are constantly put before you?

JR:  Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers me out of them all.  No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I have to continue to say in the Word of God allowing Him to use me as His vessel in whatever way He sees fit.  If I write a song that God inspired in my heart just the way He inspired it, I have to trust that the person that is supposed to be ministered from that song will be ministered to.  This isn’t about me.  It’s about God!

For more information on June Rochelle, visit her official website at www.junerochelle.com. To book June Rochelle for any engagements or to send her your questions, comments or feedback on Changing Places, email her at sablesoulent@aol.com or by calling Wendy 615-258-1990.