Self-doubt is inevitable sometimes but, when someone struggles with anxiety, it can become chronic and amplified. Having experienced that anxiety firsthand, Canadian Christian artist Ileen Laura sings an upbeat, uplifting prayer of and for confidence in her soaring, harmony-filled new single “I Am Yours.”
“I am someone who has struggled with anxiety ever since I was a little girl,” Laura shares of her inspiration behind “I Am Yours” — which is from her forthcoming album of the same name, set for release early Summer 2022. “My friends know me as a ‘worrywart’ and I am in a constant battle with myself over self-doubt.
“I wrote ‘I Am Yours’ about this struggle, a little reminder to set aside the opinions of others and focus on the one opinion that matters, God’s.”
The song begins with tinkling piano and strings that build just the right amount of drama. With her signature crystalline, beautifully lilting voice, Laura narrates the story of being at a low point, mired in feelings of depression and shame:
I’ve taken the longer road to get here
I’m down on my knees I’m singing a prayer
And oh those days that I felt that I couldn’t measure up
And oh those days that I felt that forever wasn’t enough
The chorus starts with a resolute “Well, I am yours!,” and then cue in some gorgeous backing vocals that morph into a journey of harmonies — from soothing “Oooohhs” to sophisticated, intricate layering — all punctuated by elegant string and trumpet accents, driven by an infectious beat.
Recorded at Robeter Productions in Woodbridge, Ontario, and produced by Peter Wellington and Robby Riggs, “I Am Yours” was inspired by the Bible verse 1 Peter 5:7 — Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. The soar to the song was wholly intentional.
“Peter and I wanted the music to sound upbeat and uplifting because after all, the thought of stripping away our anxieties, self-doubt and fears while choosing to live in freedom with Jesus by our side is liberating and should be shouted from the rooftops,” Laura says.
A passionate mother of two, wife, and believer in Christ, Ileen Laura is a Toronto-based singer and songwriter who thrives on creating powerful and moving Christian music inspired by her deeply meaningful life experiences. Her previous single “Sit Beside Me” dealt with the shifting of responsibilities she and her husband undertook to re-prioritize her music career, ultimately bringing them closer. In 2010, she released the full-length album Mindful Conversations. She has opened for Walk Off The Earth and Justin Nozuka, and has performed at the Scene Music Festival. She is excitedly anticipating the release of her second album.
