Shanta Fuentes: When I stopped doing music a few years ago, it was initially because I felt greatly hurt and disappointed by what I experienced with people in the Music Industry. I did not truly know God and who I was in Christ. I figured that starting a family was all I had left and the only other thing that would bring joy, purpose and meaning into my. I actually did not miss music. The passion and desire was gone. Whenever I attempted to write a song , it was like I had "writer's block ". I did not play keyboard, I did not sing. I was just numb to all things creative. Then on New Years Day of 2016 I rededicated my life to Jesus. I started attending church again. That Summer after attending a William McDowell concert, I sensed the call very strongly for me to go into ministry through music. I start writing and singing again. All the passion and creativity came back to me. It was an amazing experience.

Shanta: In 2017, I released my first single independently, entitled "In a New Way." It was a phenomenal accomplishment for me personally. However, during the course of the 2 years from that single being released to late 2019 I was in Management contracts and pressing family matters that hindered my progress in music and ministry. But Breakthrough came in January of 2020.

Shanta: I'm so glad you asked this question! The Desert is symbolic to stagnation, lack, barrenness and struggle. As we often hear ministers refer to hard times as a "dry season", "wilderness", "the valley". Yet there are certain species of animals and plants that thrive in this harsh environment. That's so powerful and beautiful to me. Then I discovered the Desert Rose plant. So beautiful and strong , blooming amid adversity and overcoming it. I saw myself in this truth. I saw my life in this and I saw God in this.

Shanta: Wow, I love that "Lenses" is your favorite song. It's the song that got this EP going for me. Once again I was at a turning point in my life where I needed to hear from God. I was uncertain about so much and I asked God for fresh revelation and open doors for me. Then along came the idea for the song. When I first heard the production I instantly felt inspired and emotionally connected to it. It was like the instrumentation was ministering to me. I began to write lyrics about what I was feeling and experiencing at the time, while declaring by faith that better days are ahead.

Shanta: William McDowell's music and ministry really touches my heart and played a big role in me coming to Christ. I also like Francesca Battistelli, V. Rose and all the Hillsong groups. I am also really inspired by Kanye West's "Jesus is King" album and "Sunday Service Choir". I would love to work with Kanye West on a project.

Shanta: I'm thankful that my family and I are alive and in good health. I pray for those who lost loved ones and for all the negative impacts of this crisis. I would love to go on tour, when it's safe to do so. I don't have anything planned as yet, but I believe in the near future God willing.

Shanta: God has been teaching me not to doubt him, in spite of how look and feel. His timing is perfect.