Award-winning gospel artist Angela Moss Poole has already established herself as one of gospel music's most compelling voices, scoring Billboard chart success with songs like "My Help" and "Speak to the Mountain." But with her new single, Fragrance, she's taking listeners somewhere quieter and deeper. Rather than chasing bigger production or louder moments, Poole offers an intimate invitation into wholehearted worship, reminding believers that true praise is lived out through daily surrender. In this exclusive interview, she reflects on the inspiration behind Fragrance, what it means to become a "living sacrifice," balancing ministry with success in the music industry, and why investing in the next generation of Christian artists is just as important as writing hit songs.
Listen to the song here.
Q: For readers who may be meeting you for the first time, who is Angela Moss Poole, and what has been the journey that led you to become an award-winning gospel artist, songwriter, and producer?
Angela Moss Poole: At my core, I'm simply a worshipper who loves God and loves people. Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I have never viewed it as just a career. I've always believed it is a ministry. It is a way to encourage people, point them toward Christ, and remind them that no matter what they are facing, God is faithful.
My journey has been a little different because God has allowed me to serve in several areas. In addition to being an artist, I'm an educator, CPA, business consultant, and the founder of the Institute for Music Business. Those experiences have shown me that our calling is not limited to one profession. God uses every gift He places in our hands when we surrender it back to Him.
I have been blessed to see songs like My Help and Speak to the Mountain connect with listeners across the country. I'm grateful for every chart milestone and every award, but those things are not what define success for me. The greatest reward is hearing that a song helped someone find hope, strengthen their faith, or experience God's presence. That is what continues to inspire me to write.
Q: Your new single, "Fragrance," is a beautiful call to wholehearted worship. What inspired this song, and what did God place on your heart as you were writing and recording it?
Angela Moss Poole: Fragrance was born out of spending time reflecting on what Scripture says about our worship rising before God like a sweet aroma. We often think of worship as something we do during a church service, but God reminded me that worship is really the way we live. It is reflected in our obedience, our humility, our love for others, and our willingness to surrender every part of ourselves to Him.
As I was writing, I sensed God inviting His people back to His presence. We live in a world filled with constant noise and distractions. Throughout Scripture, whenever God's people faced uncertainty, He continually called them back to worship. That became the heartbeat of this song. More than creating something people would listen to, I wanted to create something that would lead people into His presence.
Recording it felt less like making a record and more like participating in a worship experience. There were moments in the studio when we simply stopped and worshipped. My prayer is that listeners experience that same intimacy with God when they hear the song.
Q: The song speaks about becoming a "living sacrifice" before God. What does that kind of surrender look like in your own daily walk with Christ, especially in an industry that often celebrates success over devotion?
Angela Moss Poole: Surrender is a daily choice. It means beginning each day by asking God, "How do You want to use me today?" before asking what I want to accomplish. It means remembering that my identity is not found in awards, chart positions, or accomplishments. My identity is found in being His daughter.
The music industry can encourage you to measure your worth by numbers, followers, or recognition. Those things have their place, but they can never become the foundation of who we are. I have learned that obedience is more important than popularity and that faithfulness is more valuable than fame.
Being a living sacrifice also means allowing God to shape my character just as much as my gift. I want people to experience Christ through my life, not just through my music. My prayer is that when people encounter me, they remember His presence more than they remember my name.
Q: You've enjoyed significant success on the Billboard charts with songs like "My Help," yet "Fragrance" feels much more intimate and reflective. Why was it important for you to create a worship song that strips everything back to simple devotion?
Angela Moss Poole: I believe we are living in a season when people need God's presence more than they need another performance. My Help was a declaration of God's faithfulness, and I will always be grateful for how that song connected with people. Fragrance comes from a different place. It is quieter, more personal, and more reflective. It invites people to pause and simply be with God.
One thing that has always stood out to me in Scripture is that worship often comes before breakthrough. Before the walls of Jericho fell, there was praise. Before Paul and Silas walked out of prison, they worshipped. Before Jehoshaphat saw victory, he sent the worshippers ahead of the army. Worship is not only our response to what God has already done. It also positions our hearts for what He desires to do next.
That is why this song felt so important. My hope is that people will not simply listen to it. I hope they will respond to God's invitation to spend time in His presence.
Q: In addition to your music ministry, you've founded the Institute for Music Business and lead your own label, 141st Lane Music. How has God called you to invest in the next generation of artists, and what legacy do you hope to leave beyond your own recordings?
Angela Moss Poole: I believe success is not only about what we build. It is about who we build. Through the Institute for Music Business, we are helping young people discover that creativity can become both a career and a calling. We teach songwriting, music production, entrepreneurship, and the business side of the music industry because I want emerging artists to be equipped spiritually, creatively, and professionally.
Leading 141st Lane Music allows me to continue creating music with purpose while helping develop artists whose work carries hope and truth.
When I think about legacy, I do not immediately think about awards or recordings. I think about lives. If someone says years from now, "She believed in me before I believed in myself," or "She helped me discover God's purpose for my life," that would mean more to me than any accolade. I want my legacy to be measured by the people I have encouraged, mentored, and equipped to fulfill their calling.
Q: As "Fragrance" ushers listeners into a deeper place of worship, what's next for you? Can fans expect more new music, ministry opportunities, or other exciting projects in the months ahead?
Angela Moss Poole: Absolutely. I believe Fragrance is the beginning of a beautiful new season. There is more music on the way, and I am excited to continue sharing songs that encourage people to draw closer to God and experience His presence.
I am also continuing to grow the Institute for Music Business by creating opportunities for young people and aspiring creatives to develop their gifts and build sustainable careers. Watching students discover their purpose is one of the greatest joys of my life.
Along with that, I will continue ministering through worship experiences, concerts, speaking engagements, and community outreach. Whatever platform God gives me, my prayer remains the same. I want everything I do to leave behind a fragrance that brings glory to Him and points people to Jesus.
