Music has always been magic. And with the pandemic causing many people to feel uncertainty – trapped in a situation with no end in sight, it’s good to hear something that lifts spirits from time to time. If you are feeling alone, afraid, or anxious, Hazel Faith’s new album, “Renewed”, can speak to listeners about the true meaning of finding hope and finding rest in God. Sometimes, it’s best to trust the Higher Being and seek for what’s truly important in our lives.
Her music demonstrates that even in the midst of pain and darkness, we can find hope when we “renew” our connection with a higher power.
Humble beginnings
Hazel’s passion for music started ever since she was a little girl. At a young age, Hazel loved to sing and write just like most singers and music lovers. What sets her apart is how she’s always wanted to use her voice to spread and proclaim God’s word. As a Born Again Christian, Hazel has grown to love songs of praise. In fact, she was even part of a Christian band. With the influence of her family and her desire to proclaim God, Hazel knew it was her calling to sing– using her voice for a higher purpose.
As if on cue, in 2010, Hazel won the “Glee Off to Hollywood” contest where she showcased her own composition. Answering the qualms of Glee fans, yes, Hazel was THAT girl who flew to to Los Angeles and met the raved cast themself. She recalls this opportunity “crystalized” her career and, because of that experience, she was more certain of what she wanted to pursue relentlessly – singing and songwriting.
Hazel & showbiz
For Hazel Faith, it was not smooth-sailing in showbiz. In her senior year of college, she was working as a Junior Architect in a company. With projects as extras and cameos knocking at her door, she got breaks to be part of Be Careful with My Heart, Dukot, You with Me, and Showdown Manila. Despite all the uncertainty, Hazel took the leap of faith and believed everything was part of God’s grander plan.
Hazel shares that her early 20s was the best time to try and fail.
It was challenging to breakthrough in showbiz, especially with no special ‘foot in the door’ – or without the presence of connections or privileges. Projects weren’t coming in consistently and she would worry a lot about her finances. However, during those times, she laments praying to God, to shine her light of direction, or a new project to get her by. Despite the uncertain times, she maintain a deep reverence and unrelenting faith. In 2014, her song “Everything Takes Time” made it to the finals of Himig Handog P-Pop Love Song. This opened floodgates of opportunities for her, including a signed contract with Curve Entertainment in 2015. One of the most popular songs Hazel produced with the recording label is “Kinikilig” who currently runs at 3 million views.
Losing Her Fire
At one point, Hazel admits to “losing her fire” because she knew she had lost her connection with God. “People were telling me not to talk about God that much because naiinis na yung mga tao,” she shares. As a young girl, still in the process of finding herself, this took a toll on the way she viewed herself.
With the rise of social media, comes the confusion of sticking to who you really are. Many young women and teenage girls can relate. We live in a world where it’s easy to compare and feel unworthy because of all the noise of social media. Hazel was not exempted from this. Despite her beauty, pure heart, and talent, she also struggled with insecurities. She shares that it took her three years until she started to rekindle her relationship with God and work on herself.
Renewed
Just like the drive she felt during her early 20s, where she felt empowered to try and fail, Hazel created Renew – which is inspired by her re-discovery of faith and passion. Ultimately, this album aims to reignite pop music with her purpose– proclaiming God. She wants to create music that she wants to hear and jam to when she was a little girl who loved to sing and proclaim God. This is Hazel’s way of answering God’s call and following her heart at the same time.
“Trusting God has been the best experience I’ve ever made”
Despite the struggles of finding herself and fighting battles that she endured through the years, Hazel Faith continues to push forward and do what she loves. Through this album, Faith aims to spread hope and light to those who are struggling during these uncertain times. “Confession” is a Dark Pop Genre debuting last April 22. Her carrier single “Bagong Buhay” is definitely something to anticipate, coming out in May streaming on Spotify and YouTube.
To anyone feeling lost or fearful, may Hazel’s story remind us that sometimes, we need to let go and trust that there are bigger things in store for us, as long as we keep the Faith.
Connect with Hazel through,
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