Tony Cummings spoke to Philadelphia-based worship leader ALEXANDRIA LEVIN

Alexandria: "Our main worship leader at our church, Rob Sperti, has been there a little over a year. He works at Gat3 Studios, where I recorded the album. We were just getting to know each other and he said, 'Tell me about yourself. What are you about?' I told him it's always been my dream to record a worship album and just travel and share Jesus with everybody through my music. He was like, 'I might be able to help you with this. Let me make a phone call.' Before I knew it I flew to Gat3 in North Carolina. They heard some of my music that I was writing and right away wanted to collaborate and work together. Only God can do that! One thing after the other. That's partly why the album is named 'Amazed'. I've been in awe of what God has continued to do."

Tony: Tell me about your Cross Rhythms playlisted song, "Shaken".

Alexandria: "'Shaken' came about because this theme kept rising up in my heart saying, 'I might be shaken, but I won't be broken, because I know that God has me.' There were three of us in a room, two with guitars, and we kept playing with the idea of 'shaken but I won't break', and it evolved into something so beautiful, so powerful. That's how 'Shaken' came about. We wrote it in two hours."

Tony: Who were the other two?

Alexandria: "Rob Sperti on acoustic and John Perretti on electric."

Tony: What's the story behind "Breathe"?

Alexandria: "'Breathe' is so special to me. I remember being in the beginning of this writing process and just feeling a little overwhelmed. Everything you've dreamed of for so long coming together, full circle, at one time - it's amazing but can also be overwhelming. I was pacing back and forth in my kitchen, praying and worshipping, and I heard in my spirit, 'Just breathe. I've got you. You are not alone. I'm walking this with you. I've seen what's coming on the other side. Just breathe.' I was like, 'What!? God blew my mind again!' I just started writing. That's how that song came to life, with me pacing in my kitchen."

Tony: Did you have your children running around you?

Alexandria: "Not in that particular song. That was such a sweet, quiet moment. Sometimes I do have them running around, though. I have some recordings on my phone of me trying to get a song idea down and my four year old asking for a bagel at the same time."

Tony: How did "I Can Feel" come about?

Alexandria: "That was my first one that I wrote for this album. I remember feeling afraid and nervous to share it - because this is a new process for me, to share my originals with someone. Rob Sperti was sitting at the piano. He can play so many instruments: he has a beautiful gift. I shared it with him, feeling super vulnerable but excited to share, and he was like, 'This is the first one you wrote?' I'm like, 'Yeah. Is it good? It's OK if it's not good.' He was like, 'No, this is amazing.' That is my favourite song on the album because it's the first one that I wrote for this album. 'I Can Feel' came from a time in my life where I really needed to draw into the Lord. I felt his presence so strongly in those moments of feeling weak and down, feeling that comfort of the Lord. That's where that concept came, where it's like, 'Your love is life-giving. Your love is hope when I can't see.' That song came from those moments of desperation where you're just clinging to the Lord."

Tony: What does your 13 year old son think of what's happening to his mum?

Alexandria: "He thinks it's pretty cool. He definitely loved being in the studio with me. He was the first one to jump up and down when we saw the album cover. I love that he is old enough to understand and see everything that's happening, and know that it's all God. That, for me, is really cool - for him to be able to make that connection and see it first hand in his mom's life."

Tony: Is your husband supportive of this new direction in his wife's life?

Alexandria: "He is amazing, this man. Amazing is an understatement. He is so supportive. He goes above and beyond. Whatever is needed, he's there in a heartbeat. He says yes all the way, because he knows God has called me to do this. He's just excited to be along for the ride."