Jasmine Hurtado Talks About Her New Album "Sparkle:" "When We Choose to Follow Jesus, His light Shines on Us"

By Timothy Yap Jun 06, 2015 07:39 AM EDT

Jasmine Hurtado is set to release her brand new album "Sparkle" on June 23rd via RedLabel/Dream Records. A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the age of 11, she recorded her first "Pop" album in Spanish, "Limpiame Con Tu Vida" (Cleanse Me With Your Life). She then started touring around Texas, Kansas, Colorado, Alabama, Michigan, California, and the borders of Mexico, presenting her music.

She also, recorded two music videos for her two singles, "No Hay Mas Que Tu" (There Is No One Like You) and "Dueno De Mi Vida" (Owner Of My Life). "Limpiame Con Tu Vida" was produced by Steven Monarrez, who has worked with Spanish singers Marcos Witt, Danilo Montero and others. "Dueno De Mi Vida" is the first single for this album, and was written by a three-time Grammy Award winner Juan Salinas.

In November 2012, Jasmine released her first English Christmas single "Celebrate." In February of 2013, she released her Spanish single and music video "Nuestro Dios Es Grande" (Our God Is Great). The single was a huge success and was chosen to be a part of two different projects, Vizion Jesus Vol #1, (Jesus Vizion) and Nuhbe Hits 2013. "Nuestro Dios Es Grande" was also nominated "Best Youth Song Of 2013" for AMCL Awards.

Hallels: Jasmine thanks for your time. I believe you began singing when you were only 11, how did you feel God's call to a singing ministry?

It is something I have always known and felt deep in my heart. I just knew that music, ministry, and worship was what I was called to do. I have never been drawn to anything other than this. The more I continue to seek God, the more He continues to confirm my calling.

Hallels: Prior to your new album "Sparkle," you also recorded a Christmas project in English entitled "A Sparkling Christmas"? How is this word "sparkle" very significant to you?

I love all things sparkly! Anything shiny, glittery, bright, etc., I just love. But most importantly it reflects my Christian walk. Jesus said in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." When we choose to follow Jesus, His light shines on us and through us; a light so bright it can't be dimmed. This is why the word sparkle is so significant to me.

Hallels: I believe "Sparkle" is your first non-seasonal English album. Is the recording of this album the same and different than your Spanish language albums?

I am equally comfortable singing in English and Spanish so the approach and process of recording the new project was the same.

Hallels: How did you get to work with Dream Records for this release?

The worship pastor at my church Ken Reynolds and his music ministry partner Michael Barbee planted seeds about me during the negotiation of the ResLife Worship project. It literally is a dream come true! I am so excited to work with the Dream Team on my album!

Hallels: What do you want your listeners to grasp after listening to "Sparkle"?

When they hear it, I want them to feel encouraged, uplifted, inspired, and loved. I want every listener to stand up in boldness, to not be afraid to follow their dreams, and build up the Kingdom of God.

Hallels: If you were to pick two songs off this new album that are your favorites, which would they be? And why?

This is the hardest question ever. One of my favorites is "Walk It Like You Talk It" because it really makes me think. As Christians, we're constantly being watched to see what mistakes we'll make next. We need to watch what we say and what we do. The song is also a reminder that we are representatives of the Kingdom and we need to start showing the world, not only with words but with our actions, that we are children of the Most High King.

A second favorite is "Priority". There's just so much truth to it. We all go through seasons in life where we get caught up in things that don't really matter much and we get distracted. But we must continue pressing on and making God our priority; making Him our number one and giving Him our full attention.

Hallels: For our readers who would like to purchase "Sparkle" and/or find out more about you, where can they go?

My music is available at most online/digital music stores. To learn more about me your readers can visit my website: jasminehurtado.com they will find links to all of my social media sites as well.