Chris Lockwood and Jason Barton are 33 Miles. After the breakout success of One Life, their first album, founding member Collin Stoddard left the trio to follow God's calling on his life to be a full time worship pastor. Now the duo (Chris and Jason) press on, having created a far richer sophomore album, Today.
While the band happily admits their country music roots, but they worked hard to bring a more distinguishable sound to the new album. What Chris says about Today:
“Nothing we can accomplish in business, no amount of education—nothing compares to Jesus,” says Chris, “But how our salvation translates to how we live today is the question. To wake up every day and make the choice to live with heaven in mind, to not let the circumstances of this day override that choice. It’s easier said than done, but getting up every day and trying makes it more and more possible.”
Magic: 33 Miles invited their friend Master Illusionist Harris III to be a part of their A Magical Christmas tour this past year. Because nothing says "Merry Christmas" like an endless scarf being pulled out of one's sleeve...
Guitar Lesson: Learn Thank You on the guit-fiddle.
The Museum took shape when singer Ben Richter and guitarist Geoffrey Ashcraft moved from Texas to Georgia and plugged into a church where drummer/programmer Josh Kirk was the janitor. Soon they were leading local worship services together and then traveling on musical mission trips overseas.
In Romania, Josh was deeply moved to be part of a large Christian gathering in a town square where communism had been overthrown in 1989. A nearby museum containing humble evidence of that revolution also left a remarkable impression. It was that particular museum that led to the band's name. Josh says, “because we hope our music and those we share it with can be the evidence that Christ has done a revolution in our hearts.”
Joined by bassist Chris Brink in 2009, The Museum is continuing its commitment to global outreach while also developing an important bond with churches across the United States. Ben’s passion for staying rooted in a spiritual community brought the group to Briarlake Church near Atlanta where it still leads worship most Sundays. Additionally, the guys have helped out at neighboring North Point Community Church’s partner Atlanta locations and around the country as well as Ben leads at the multi-site Elevation Church in North Carolina on a recurring basis.
For The Museum, reaching out to the world in need was a priority long before it had the platform that a record deal provides. Geoffrey lived in Belize for many years with his missionary family. Josh—who recently earned a commercial pilot’s license—will someday fly mission workers and supplies into remote areas. Together, the band partners with Overlooked, a company that donates proceeds from t-shirt sales to provide clean water to children in Africa, help free young girls from sexual slavery, which is a global issue, and feed victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Fact: The guys in The Museum love Yahtzee and Basketball.
(If you DVR-ed The Academy Awards, just delete the boring 4 hour spectacle. Just about anything else would be a better investment of your time.)
ARTIST OF THE DAY Jamie Grace
This Dove Award nominee is only 19 years old! Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Jamie Grace is a college student who aside from her career and touring as a singer-songwriter, is also studying children’s ministry. At age 11, Jamie Grace was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, and has since traveled the country sharing her story and faith through music and speaking.
Singing and songwriting just isn't enough for this new power player in Christian music. She aspires to act as well (especially in musical comedy). She has a secret Twitter account (@thegrapejam) where Jamie posts her thoughts on whatever she is watching on TV.
Nominations: Jamie Grace is nominated for New Artist of the Year, Pop Contemporary Album of the Year, and her song "Hold Me" is nominated for Song of the Year and Pop Contemporary Song of the Year at the 2012 GMA Dove Awards!
Free Song:CLICK HERE to download Jamie's song Revolvin' for free!
This GRAMMY and multi-Dove award nominated band is known for powerful songwriting. While the music is modern rock and anthemic - the lyrics show uncommon depth and discernment. With three full length albums and a new worship EP under their belt, the quartet from Baytown, TX shows no signs of slowing down.
Lead singer Leeland Mooring and brother Jack Mooring are joined by 18-year-old new member (and younger sister) Shelly, along with drummer Mike Smith. The latest album digs deeper into theology and belief. The Great Awakening was inspired primarily by Jonathan Edwards and William Booth - both historical "fathers of the faith."
When Leeland’s not on the road, band members continue to lead worship at the Baytown, Texas church the Mooring’s parents began pastoring six years ago. The band also serves regularly in their community’s Gulf Coast emergency preparedness programs and at a local food pantry which feeds hundreds of people each week.
It's kind of awesome to be flirting with 70 degrees in February!
Does this mean the Groundhog was wrong?
ARTIST OF THE DAY Big Daddy Weave
Formed at the University of Mobile, the quintet—Mike Weaver, Jay Weaver, Joe Shirk, Jeremy Redmon and Jeff Jones—has earned a reputation both for the musical conviction that has carried their songs to the top of the charts and for the joy and passion that have made their live performances such moving and memorable experiences.
Love Come To Life: The new song is all about not pointing the finger at the church, but being the hands and feet of Christ. Particularly inspired by James declaring "Faith without works is dead" - and DC Talk's classic "Luv is a Verb."
Big Daddy Weave is:
Mike - Songwriter/Lead Vocals/Guitar
Jeff - Drums
Jay - Bass/Vocals
Joe - Saxophone/Keyboards
Jeremy - Guitars/Vocals Album:The Ultimate Collection
This Greenville, TX band has been cranking out number 1 hits and gold and platinum albums for almost 20 years. In fact, it was 12 years ago that they wrote and recorded a song that transformed Christian music. You might have heard of the tune "I Can Only Imagine." Funny: The group’s name, “MercyMe”, originated during Bart’s time as a youth ministry intern in Florida. Bart’s grandmother would exclaim, “Well mercy me, why don’t you get a real job?” Little Known Fact: Bart Millard was a footballer in high school until he sustained an injury to his ankle. He took up choir in school as an elective and never stopped singing.
Sailing: You can join MercyMe for a 7-day cruise to the Caribbean on their first annual Rock & Worship Boatshow! CLICK HERE to learn more!
Rachel Lampa was born in Ann Arbor, MI and grew up in a tightly knit family just outside of Boulder, CO. As a family, they clung to Christ through hard times, including job losses and divorce. Through the hard times, God used Rachel's voice to inspire and bring healing. And it was her voice that landed her a Word Recording contract at the age of 14.
The next 8 years of Rachel's life were filled with recording, touring, promoting - a crazy travel schedule that stretched right through adolescence. Some of her adventures included an appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The View, ET, CNN, the privilege of recording at Abbey Road Studios in London, and a performance for the Pope in Rome in 2000.
After a few years of rest and searching, Rachel Lampa got married, started writing music again, moved to Nashville and has a new album (All We Need) out now!
Fun Fact: Rachel starred as Sally in the Christian DVD Hidden Secrets, co-starring John Schneider (from The Dukes of Hazzard).
If the world's got you feeling kicked down and beaten - let us remind you that the God of the Universe loves you desperately. There is hope and joy in Him. Join us as we focus our hearts on Jesus.
ARTIST OF THE DAY Mark Harris
After 15 years with 4Him, a collaboration that resulted in 22 No. 1 hits and 8 Dove Awards, Mark Harris has gone on to have a sterling solo career as well! As 4Him’s primary songwriter, Harris had spent years writing from a corporate perspective, making sure his words encompassed what the entire group wanted to say. Now, speaking only for himself, he was able to communicate more personal messages straight from his own heart.
In order to give his family a solid foothold on life, Mark Harris is also the Head of Worship Ministries at Bay Community Church near his home on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. That security and home base allows for more time with family - and a needed church roots system. Broken Bones: Mark's doctor told him that once a bone breaks and heals - that spot is stronger than before the break. That's where the title for his latest album came from. Fact: Before 4Him, the guys were a part of the ensemble cast of Truth. Album:Stronger in the Broken Places
More than 3 years have passed since the Chapmans’ horrific loss when on May 21, 2008 Steven’s youngest daughter, Maria, was killed in a tragic accident. Since then Steven has sensed people waiting to see how he and his family were faring in the wake of the tragedy and what the next step in his musical evolution would be.
"We feel like morning is really starting to break for us and we’re beginning to sense there is new life starting to sprout. The real morning is still yet to come when we finally get to see Maria again in heaven, but as a family and individually we’re beginning to feel like there’s oxygen coming back into our lungs." Re:Creation: The new album is a collection of new songs and re-made classics from Steven.
SCC by the Numbers:
10 million records sold
56 Dove Awards
5 Grammy’s
1 American Music Award
16 studio projects
45 career number 1 radio singles Family: His sons Caleb and Will formed their own band (CALEB) and frequently open for their father, as well as other big names in Christian music. His wife Mary Beth is an acclaimed Christian author (several books the Chapmans have co-authored). Album:Re:Creation
It's the day before the day before the weekend. So there's that...
ARTIST OF THE DAY Gungor
“The story of God has gotten bigger to me,” relates Michael Gungor, who is perhaps best known for co-writing distinguished songs like “Friend of God” and the Dove Award-winning “Say So.” “We had become ‘professional’ Christians. We got to the point where we needed to figure out how to be the church in a more honest way for us.”
It was with that attitude the The Michael Gungor band sort of disbanded. Half of them followed Michael and his wife Lisa as they moved to Denver, CO and founded a church/community of believers called Bloom. Under the name Gungor they released last year's Beautiful Things record to critical praise and after touring with David Crowder*Band and John Mark McMillan, their fan base exploded.
This past year they put together an album called Ghosts Upon The Earth. It was even more exceptional than Beautiful Things! Ghosts even garnered then a GRAMMY nomination (their 3rd!). Gungor was named Best Musical Surprise by Relevant Magazine in 2011. This year they are hard at work producing a live album/DVD based on their current tour. Factoid: The title, Ghosts Upon the Earth was somewhat inspired by the allegory by C.S. Lewis titled The Great Divorce, in which the “ghosts” of a grey town encounter a heaven that is astonishingly, even painfully, real.
Fun: Tonight Michael and Lisa will stream live from their house - play music and answer questions - via their USTREAM channel at 9 PM EST. CLICK HERE! Album:Ghosts Upon The Earth Twitter:@gungormusic
Valentine's Day is over, so what's next on the Holiday schedule? EASTER!
But that isn't until April 8th, so gear up for a long dry spell...
COMPASSION
You can still sponsor a child through Compassion International. CLICK HERE to learn more!
ARTIST OF THE DAY Matthew West
Dove award winning, GRAMMY nominated Matthew West is the songwriting darling of Nashville. A pastor’s son, West grew up in Downers Grove, Illinois and released three independent projects before signing to a major label and issuing his first studio album, Happy. The project yielded the hit “More,” which topped the chart for nine weeks and became the most played song on Christian radio in 2004. The following year, he released History, an acclaimed collection that included the hit title track and the instant classic “Only Grace.”
Then life happened. West underwent a career-threatening vocal surgery in 2007. He didn't know if he'd ever sing again. But God brought healing and fresh perspective. Less than a year after his surgery, West released Something To Say and garnered more listener and critical acclaim than ever before.
West's latest album (The Story of Your Life) is a series of songs written based on stories submitted by his fans. There were encouragement in response to heartache, confessional and their depth surprised even their own writer. West was so inspired by the stories that he is already working on a follow up in the same vein. If you have a story to share with Matthew West - CLICK HERE - and perhaps he'll use your story as the basis for his next hit song!
The Artist of the Day & Scriptural Pursuit returns tomorrow afternoon! Thanks to everyone who has sponsored a child through Compassion International. You are saving lives and bringing entire communities the Good News! As Romans 10:15 says, "..how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Tomorrow we will be hosting a Compassion International event. It will be our opportunity as a community to offer hope and salvation to many children in El Salvador. CLICK HERE to learn more.
GRAMMY Winners
CLICK HERE to see all the Christian/Gospel winners from last night's GRAMMY Awards.
ARTIST OF THE DAY Chris and Conrad
Chris Kuti and Conrad Johnson record, write, produce, and live in Lakeland, FL. In fact, they were a part of the first wave of Christian songwriters who decided to stay at their home churches instead of relocating to Nashville (like David Crowder*Band, Big Daddy Weave, Third Day, Chris Tomlin, Laura Story and many more).
Chris and Conrad came together as a duo in 2007 after being introduced to one another as solo artists and potential co-writers. Along with writing their own music, the duo wrote for other bands.
Writing Credentials: Chris Kuti wrote We Want The World To Hear for Big Daddy Weave.
Ironically, while both Chris and Conrad are accomplished songwriters, their first and biggest single (Lead Me To The Cross) was written by Brooke Fraser. The band, unfortunately, is no longer touring together. Chris and Conrad split in November, 2010.
Known for his work with New Life Church and the Desperation Band, Jared Anderson is the writer of such modern worship favorites as “Rescue” and “Amazed.” Anderson's artistry has blossomed at New Life Church, pastored by Ted Haggard. He grew up at the church, and then went away to college at Oral Roberts University where he studied music and made a couple of indie records. He eventually returned home to Colorado, and to New Life.
As his church was rocked by scandal surrounding their lead pastor, the church learned about Grace, forgiveness and delved into a closer walk with God. As they continue to rebuild, they find themselves asking new questions about who God is calling them to be.
In writing the songs for Live From My Church, Jared sought to create music that could easily be recreated by any church band. The goal was to bring to life accessible worship music for others to embrace, adapt and lead people to Jesus. Locale: Jared calls Colorado home. Album:Live From My Church Twitter:@jaredanderson Tour:Hear Us From Heaven Want More?CLICK HERE
Thursday may be the second most dreaded day of the week (after Monday).
Think about it.
It's the day before Friday. That's the day we all are gunning for. Thursday's job is to keep us from the end of the week.
But it's still a day that the Lord has made - so lets make it awesome!
ARTIST OF THE DAY Britt Nicole
A native of Salisbury, NC, Britt has always had a heart for reaching people and has long used music as the vehicle to change lives. She began singing in church at age three and by the time she was in high school, was appearing on her church’s daily television program and logged a performance at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall with her school’s advanced chorus.
Those early pursuits paved the way for her to sign with Sparrow Records in 2006. She burst on the charts a year later with her label debut, “Say It.” It was a super-fun album with surprising lyrical depth - and it earned her a slot on the Winter Jam tour that year with Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp, NewSong and Hawk Nelson where she developed a reputation as a compelling live performer.
Aside for making a name for herself in the states - Britt's pop-electronica stuff has been charting solidly in the UK. Expect a lot more from her in the future. Even in her early 20s, she's already a veteran in the new world order of Christian music.
Nomination: Last year Britt Nicole was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year. She did not win, but as they say - it's an honor just to be nominated. And honor that gives you nothing to put on your fireplace mantle - but an honor.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...
(Because rain in the middle of Winter is such a letdown)
ARTIST OF THE DAY Jessa Anderson
Jessa Anderson is a twenty-something married mom from Michigan who is living a dream right now. To be a working singer/songwriter releasing her second label offering is an overwhelming blessing. Drawing from an influential pool of strong female songwriters such as Sara Groves, Nichole Nordeman and Ginny Owens, Anderson’s music reflects a constant wrestling with the unknown and the darkest parts of humanity right alongside the gritty, everyday things that make up the human life.
Things Jessa Loves: her adorable daughter Lorelei (whose name was inspired by a “Gilmore Girls” character), Nashville, songwriting, traveling, honest conversations and missions.
Things Jessa Dis-loves: playing sports, going anywhere without her family by her side, bad days, and things out of her control.
The Newsboys have been touring the globe for nearly 25 years! The band originated in Australia, but the current line-up features as many Americans as Aussies. Two years ago long-time frontman Peter Furler announced he was burnt out on the touring life and wanted to spend time with his family, and producing from his home in Nashville. There were tryouts - rumors - and then blowing the mind of everyone who listened to Christian music in the 90s, former DCTalk vocalist Michael Tait became the new lead singer of The Newsboys. This is what is called a SUPER GROUP!
Facts: The Newsboys were formed in 1985 as "The News" in Queensland, Austrailia. There are no original members performing in the band's current line-up.
Awesome: Singing back-up on the new song God's Not Dead is none other than DC Talk-er Kevin Max - leaving this song just one TobyMac short of a reunion.
If you were routing for the Patriots, don't worry - life goes on.
ARTIST OF THE DAY Matt Maher
Over the past few years Matt Maher has made the transition from full-time ministry at his home church in Mesa, Arizona to life as a respected worship leader with an international platform.
Leaving behind the comfort and security of home is a scary thing. But by following God's call, Maher has had the chance to write some incredible worship songs and work with other gifted worship leaders such as Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Brenton Brown, Audrey Assad, Jars of Clay and Hawk Nelson.
Matt Maher's challenge to those he worships with is, "In a post Christian society, everybody is called to be a missionary wherever we are. The mission field has changed. The mission field is everywhere."
It's not the first time Matt's faith has been challenged by change. Originally he's from Newfoundland, Canada - so Arizona is a wee-bit different. And Matt's mission field is expanding. Last summer he and his wife welcomed their first child. A son, named Michael Conor.
Somewhere in Southern California, Bill Murray woke up today and breathed a sigh of relief...
ARTIST OF THE DAY Calling Glory
This four piece band started in early 2008 with one goal in mind, to write songs in response to what God has done and is doing in their lives.
"We hope that we can not only encourage the body of Christ, but also challenge them to go deeper in their relationship with Him" - front man Dana Potvin.
Calling Glory has taken Independent Christian Music by storm with over 30,000 likes on Facebook and scheduled tour dates around the east coast. The band has performed with some of the largest names in Christian Music and has played at numerous east coast music festivals, including Riverbend in Chattanooga, TN, and Ichthus Festival in Kentucky.
Want to bring Calling Glory to your church? They ask only for travel expenses and a love offering. CLICK HERE for more information.
Calling Glory is:
Dana Potvin - Vocals/Accoustic Guitar
Jones Beene - Electric Guitar
Sam Brocato - Drums
Drew Crabtree - Bass
It's Groundhog Day!
Phil saw his shadow, so I guess that means more snow-less Winter ahead.
ARTIST OF THE DAY Jeremy Camp
For over a decade Jeremy Camp has been ruling the Christian music charts. He debuted back in 2004 shortly after his first wife died of ovarian cancer just five months after they were married. She was 21. The raw reality of a tested faith was evident in every song. Since then, God has blessed Jeremy with a new family, success and opportunities to use his journey to impact lives every day through music.
Jeremy Camp's latest album is called We Cry Out. “The Lord says in Jeremiah 29:13, ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’ But we live in such a distracted society; we let the world’s noise divide our focus and our hearts. Our generation is in desperate need of crying out to God.”
Jeremy Camp By The Numbers:
Over 3-million records sold
GRAMMY nominated
Multiple Dove wins (even more nominations)
Wife: Adie Camp is Jeremy's wife and mother to their two children. She used to be the lead singer of Christian rock band The Benjamin Gate - and now does solo projects as well as co-writes songs with her husband and sings back-up for his band.
Progressive: Jeremy Camp has an official iPhone app to keep up with his concerts, videos and more.
Sometimes the middle of the week feels like the middle of the night...
Deep thoughts.
ARTIST OF THE DAY Meredith Andrews
Just a couple of years ago, Meredith Andrews was a recent college grad working as the worship leader at Chicago's Harvest Bible Chapel. But then Word records released her debut album The Invitation. And her world changed. Fast! Songs like "You're Not Alone" saturated Christian radio and Andrews found herself touring with Michael W. Smith on his A New Hallelujah Tour. Since 2008, Meredith has released two hit albums, garnered Dove nominations, gotten married and had a baby!
A native of Wilson, NC, she began singing in church when she was only six-years-old, and by the time she was in high school, she was writing songs and leading worship. Andrews went on to attend Liberty University (like our own Rodney Baylous!), majoring in family and child development. Meredith originally planned to work at an orphanage. However, during her junior year at Liberty, she felt God calling her into music ministry.
Beneath her youthful exterior and fresh-faced exuberance, Andrews is a focused artist who knows exactly what she wants to say. She creates music that serves as a personal conduit for those seeking to worship God, and she also wants to remind others of God’s desire to reach them.
Fact: Her commitment to the craft of songwriting is evident on both of her releases. Meredith wrote or co-wrote every song featured on her albums.
