Today marks the release of John Patrick Adams’s new single, “I Made It”. The song is a beautifully poignant reminder that we can make it against all odds, with God. “I Made It” gives an immediately audible embrace of peace and tranquility. Anyone can relate to the song’s transparent lyrics of hope and triumph.

Rachel Cotton is the featured vocalist on the song. Her voice is unmistakably unique and rich. After hearing “I Made It”, I had to find out who Rachel Cotton was and find out more about her. I was able to catch up with her this week and ask her a few questions about the song, the process of her ministry and some of her greatest influences.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

John actually picked up on it, but Whitney Houston is a big one. He asked me if I was influenced by her. There are six of us; five girls (my sisters), including myself, and one brother. I’m number five of the six. We grew up singing in the church. I wanted to sing lead and my oldest sister said, “You can’t sing”. So, I wanted to prove her wrong.

My mom’s voice is really anointed too. So her and my sisters are big influences too. We grew up listening to a lot of Shirley Caesar.

Is there any artist of today that you think could be the next Whitney or Shirley Caesar?

As far as females, Maranda Curtis’s voice is unreal. Brian Courtney Wilson’s ministry is amazing too. He does a great job of merging the soulfulness of music with what’s current and going on today.

How does “I Made It” speak to you specifically?

When I first got the song, I was honored to do it. I was listening to the lyrics and trying to find out what the message was for me. I believe songs have a personal message for everybody. It’s very relevant to everything I have going on in my career. I recently got my administrative certification (in the teaching field). The job search process is not what I thought it would be.

I’ve made a name for myself in the district but the jobs aren’t necessarily coming along. That song reminded me of what’s to come. Even if I’m not there yet, I need to celebrate where I am. It reminds me of all the trials I’ve been through. Plus, it tells me to remember it’s not about me and what I want. It’s about going through the process. God has a message for all of us.

Do you have any rituals or things you like to do before ministering a song?

Just really spending a lot of time with the song; listening to it and making a personal connection. I actually go into my garage. The acoustics in there are awesome. My family knows to let me work through the process when I’m in the garage.

How do you think Gospel music specifically has changed over the years and where is it headed now? The lines are a bit blurred now between gospel and other genres.

I definitely get what you’re saying. The lines are more blurred now. I think that speaks to people trying to ensure that their music is listened to. They are trying to reach the mainstream audience. I don’t necessarily have an issue with it because you’re meeting people where they are….as long as it doesn’t interfere with the message.

The cadence of some songs can make you wonder if they are going to the club or not. The Clark Sisters were one of the first to be played in the club. It’s all about the intentions of the artist to me.

Are there any other recordings you have coming up?

I don’t at that moment. If John calls, I’m there though. Whenever I sing, I want it to be intentional; not a performance. I realize it’s not about me. Someone will hopefully be blessed by the message. I told John that’s what I struggle with. I don’t want it to ever feel like just a performance…it’s so much bigger than that.

Check out a snippet of “I Made It” by John Patrick Adams featuring Rachel Cotton below. The single is available now on all online digital retailers.