Azusa Pacific University Alumna Andrea Hamilton is officially releasing her new album on Feb. 1 titled, “Hope and Struggle.” It’s through this album that Hamilton embraces the trials of her past and looks to God for hope in the future.
When Hamilton was in high school she was hit with depression.
“Music seemed like the main way God was speaking to me and helping me,” Hamilton said.
Through this, she realized the ability music had to be a vessel for the comforting voice of God. Hamilton came to the understanding that her music could relate to and touch other people in times of hardship, just as it had done for her.
“Music has to communicate hope and help people feel less alone in their struggles. I made that my goal: to contribute to the world through song,” Hamilton said.
With this in mind, Hamilton dove head first into the music program at Azusa Pacific University.
“I majored in music at APU and grew a lot in my ability to network, cowrite, perform live with different musicians, and make a career game plan when I became a solo artist,” Hamilton said.
Since her graduation in 2007, Hamilton has released six albums, each infused with the comfort that she finds within God’s love. Her new album “Hope and Struggle,” parallels Hamilton’s fun, quirky personality with her intimate relationship with God.
“I pray that this album lifts people’s spirits. There’s a poppy fun lightness to the sound, but some depth to some of the lyrics as well,” Hamilton said.
Within this new album, she wants to remind people how hope and healing can be found even in extremely difficult times.
Instead of producing an album that sounds like a sermon, Hamilton wants to bring the hope that she found in the past to people in all different walks of life. Her album is not exclusive to young, Christian college students, but rather for all people who have faced hard times.
“I wanted this album to be pretty accessible to people of different faith walks and beliefs, but at the same time my values and relationship with Christ are definitely woven in the songs. I don’t think you always have to mention Jesus by Name in a song to have His Presence on it and it be something that helps people,” Hamilton said.
Instead, Hamilton’s new album reflects God’s healing power in songs which she says are about “life and love and fun.”
With her music, Hamilton encourages all people to pursue hope, and comfort in God’s love. As an APU alumna, Hamilton gives advice to students in particular.
“Study and grow and pursue your passions, know that that type of thing pleases our Father. Always involve Him, and yield to Him,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton expresses how the best privilege that we as human beings have is to connect with the Holy Spirit.
“Don’t get too busy to hang out with Him, but don’t’ beat yourself up either. Your life is a prayer, and everything you do can be worship,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton’s attitude toward hope and prayer was reflected in her big break into the industry.
“I decided to pursue music as a full-time career when I was 17. I grew up in Kansas City and wrote, slash played for a Christian pop band there,” Hamilton said.
As the band began touring, Hamilton quit all other extracurricular activities in order to take the position as the band’s booking agent. It was during this time where her love of music took off and brought her career right along with it.
While reflecting on her time as an agent for her band, Hamilton discovered the potential to make a living sharing music.
“I was all in after that,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton’s 17-year-old sense of hope is still strong within her values today as she continues pursuing her passion.
Today, Hamilton’s new album “Hope and Struggle” will be released with the intent to portray the exact message of worship and faith that she has continued to spread to her listeners since her battle with depression in high school.
The album will be released on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Youtube, and Pandora. Hamilton will also be holding TV show placements of the songs, and additional blog features or big playlist features for her listeners. She encourages her listeners to like, share, or post about her music in order to spread the word of hope and unity for all people in need of comfort, or who simply love good music. For more information, visit hopefulandrea.com.