It was 70 yesterday.
Tomorrow we might have snow.
Winter is exhausting.
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. And Matt should know. He moved from his native Newfoundland, Canada to the US to pursue a life in ministry. 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."
Family: Last summer Matt and his wife welcomed their first child. A son, named Michael Conor.
And The Nominees Are: Matt Maher has been nominated for 6 Dove Awards.
“My one focus and desire is to usher people into the presence of God and love on Jesus the way He deserves to be loved on.” - Phil King
Phil King is a 23 year–old musician, singer/songwriter. He began songwriting at just 9 years old. At age 16, Phil began leading praise and worship where he attended church in central California and by the age of 17 he had picked up the guitar and piano. Phil King’s passion for Praise & Worship and his love for the Lord and people are clearly evident in his music.
Some of Phil’s musical influences are greats such as: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jonny Lang, Stevie Wonder, and Eric Clapton. It's a bluesy, rock n roll, eclectic mix that makes his music sound fresh, but also familiar. Phil calls it soul. His peers agree - with Israel Houghton comparing him to GRAMMY winner Jonny Lang.
Phil is currently serving at Grace Church in Franklin, Tennessee, where he co-leads worship - and is preparing for the launch of his music career. His full-length debut is expected early Spring 2013.
They began life as a fun, pop-punk Christian rock band out of Phoenix, AZ (it's a DRY heat). Just a bunch of young guys having fun, talking about Jesus and having a blast on the road. But as they entered their twenties and began having families - life got a lot more complicated!
The band has seen several line-up changes and their sound has transitioned from a youthful pop band, to a still-fun worship band. Despite maturity, the guys still have a lot of fun. In fact, their latest EP A Whole New World is a series of covers from their favorite Disney animated films.
The Future: This summer a new full-length album is expected!
The Band:
Adam Agee
Nick Baumhardt *husband to Superchic[k]'s Tricia Brock
Jermi Hough
Rhett Walker is the son of a preacher man - through and through. Raised in the deep South, expected to behave and perform as any preacher's kid is. But when Rhett's family up and moved when he was 16 and enjoying high school - Rhett rebelled. He got involved with a rough crowd, got in fights, began to drink and do drugs. In no time, Rhett was expelled from his new high school. His folks sent him to a private Christian school where he continued to push boundaries and got his new girlfriend pregnant.
Rhett was 17 - just a Junior in high school. He was high most of the time. He had turned away from God. He had gotten his girlfriend pregnant. Reality came crashing down. And here's where Rhett Walker's story of repentance begins.
Rhett sat down with his pregnant girlfriend April and begged forgiveness. He and April got married (while still in high school). Rhett recommitted his life to Christ, threw out the drugs and by the power of the Holy Spirit began to prove his life change was the work of God.
He and April graduated high school, worked as much as they could and welcomed their first child, daughter Rileigh. Rhett began leading worship at his church. They continued to mature as both adults and followers of Christ. They had a second child, a son named Jett two years later. Throughout this time, Rhett led worship and made music whenever time afforded. His local success became regional success and eventually national recognition. This allowed him to quit working in a local factory and provide for his family with music.
The rebellious teenager became the courageous family man; those two scared kids who did everything wrong just a few years back are, by God’s grace, striving to do everything right and even counseling other couples using themselves as a cautionary tale.
Despite incredible success in 2012 and more expected in 2013, Rhett is still leading worship at his home church.
“I’m blessed with a beautiful wife and two children who have walked with me every step of the way. My faith, my family, and my country are the most important things in my life." - Rhett Walker
Bethany Dillon was only 14 years old when she first hit the Christian music charts. What had you accomplished at 14? That's what I thought. Now, in her 20's - she's a veteran of the industry, married to Shane Barnard (of Shane & Shane fame) and mother to Lucy and Haven.
Bethany and Shane make music a family event. Bethany tours with her husband, singing with the duo often, occassionally playing her music, but mostly enjoying life on the road with her family.
Bethany was born in Bellefontaine, OH - but now calls Texas home, with hubby Shane and daughters Lucy and Haven. She learned the guitar at age 10, recorded an indie album at 13 and was signed to a major Christian label at 14. She had to be home-schooled, right?
CCM Magazine hailed her as the future of contemporary Christian music... when her debut album dropped. She's worked with award winning producers Ed Cash, Ben Glover, Will Hunt and John Alagia throughout the years. Everyone describes her as an old soul. Which, I'm not sure a teenage girl would take as a complement.
Movies: Her music has been featured in a variety of movie soundtracks including Bridge to Terabithia and The Chronicles of Narnia.
This morning there was beautiful snow, blanketing the land.
This afternoon we're left with large piles of gray slush.
Mornings get all the beauty.
ARTIST OF THE DAY Kerrie Roberts
Kerrie Roberts grew up singing in church, where she'd often have to stand on a crate so that people sitting further back than the front row could see where her powerful voice was coming from! Kerrie's dad was a pastor and her mom the choir director for their church. Singing and leading worship in church was bred into her from the very beginning.
Kerrie began writing her first songs in high school, performing one during her own graduation. When the time came for college, Kerrie chose to get her degree in Studio Music and Jazz Vocal Performance at the University of Miami.
Kerrie always knew she would be a performer - but she held some day-jobs while waiting for her big break. She was an elementary school teacher and accountant before launching her music career.
TV: Kerrie's music has been featured on Fox and ABC for various promotions and TV show soundtracks.
Album:Kerrie Roberts
*Kerrie has a new album due out this April!
They say there's a chance for snow overnight.
Which means there's a chance for hot chocolate in my near future...
ARTIST OF THE DAY The Daniel Doss Band
The Daniel Doss band is just getting started and they have already had several radio hits. In 2012 they released their sophomore album through Mission House Music in Nashville.
Their motto: Christ-follower and worship leader first. Chart-topping Christian recording artists second. The Daniel Doss Band seeks to engage people at the spiritual level, and evoke God-sized encounters through worship.
Kind Words: Mark Hall of Casting Crowns says, “I have spent a lot of time with these guys and they are the real deal. Daniel’s writing is sincere, honest, and speaks clearly about God’s love and hope in Christ. Their music will impact anyone who hears it.”
Church: Currently Daniel and family is helping plant a church in Valparaiso, IN. Daniel is leading worship and his childhood friend Ben Lamb is pastoring.
The Band:
Daniel Doss - Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Kenny Davis- Drums
Will McKelvey - Electric Guitar
Bryan Wolski - BGV, Bass
Meredith Andrews was working as the worship leader at Chicago's Harvest Bible Chapel when she was picked up by Word Records. Her debut album The Invitation featured the hit song You're Not Alone that propelled her into the spotlight, landed her a tour with Michael W. Smith and multiple Dove Award nominations.
That was in 2008. Flash forward 4 years and she's now a veteran of the industry. She's got two hit albums under her belt and a new one (Worth It All) just came out today! She's won Dove Awards, toured the world, gotten married, had a baby (named Maverick - how cool is that?!) and continues to win new fans with her approachable worship music and kind spirit, evident in every show.
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.
Rave Reviews: Kevin Davis of New Release Tuesday says this about Worth It All: “This is the most spine-tingling female led worship project I've experienced and all of these songs are completely anointed, Spirit-led and emotionally captivating.This is sure to be among the top worship albums of 2013.”
This past weekend felt like Spring - but watch out! Winter comes roaring back this week.
Hot chocolate, please?
ARTIST OF THE DAY Ashes Remain
Ashes Remain’s Josh Smith and Ryan Nalepa (guitar/keys) met one summer leading worship at a youth camp located in rural Maryland - not too far from Gettysburg, PA. Over the course of that summer, Smith and Nalepa had a feeling that God was calling them to walk down similar paths. Desiring to be obedient to God’s will, Smith and Nalepa committed to pray together each day throughout the summer, asking God that if He wanted them to form a band to make His will known to them.
Months later, Smith, back in Florida, received a phone call from a church in Maryland inviting him to lead worship full time. It just so happened that the church was ten minutes down the road from Nalepa.
The band's Fair Trade Services debut What I've Become was written mostly for teenagers, from the perspective of what it is like to feel as if there is no hope, where you are your own worst enemy and ultimately what it looks like to go from that very real and dark place to one where there is hope and step into the light.
That journey from dark to light isn't always a swift one and sometimes has to be walked many times, but it is a journey that the band is familiar with and feels called to go on with their fans.
As lead vocalist Josh Smith puts it, “We’re just broken people who need Jesus.”
Sounds Like...: Ashes Remain sounds like early Kutless mixed with some Skillet. Hard-hitting rock with a heart for worship.
Need some plans for the weekend? Check out the Joy Notes!
ARTIST OF THE DAY Building 429
Jason Roy formed Building 429 to reach others with a story similar to his. He faced a hard childhood and found freedom and relief in the local church. The band's name comes from Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
In The Beginning: Back in 2005, B429 won the Dove Award for New Artist of the Year.
About the Album Listen To The Sound: “It really is the overflow of the life that we’ve lived over the last two or three years, especially this past year,” says lead vocalist Jason Roy. “I’m a worship pastor now and that has been a huge part of the lyrical content of this record. It’s about the lives that I’ve been involved with. This really does come from a much more honest place.”
After spending a lifetime growing up as a preacher's kid, attending Lee University, traveling with the Lee Singers, honing his songwriting skills, and dedicating 16 years to leading congregations in praise and worship, Jason is chasing a full time music career, based right here in the Mid Atlantic.
Jason has been featured in CCM Magazine, New Release Tuesday, The Examiner, The Christian Post, and many other industry spotlights as his album Beautiful Design takes hold of Christian radio across the country.
Don't put off today, what you already put off for the last three weeks...
ARTIST OF THE DAY All Sons & Daughters
The worship duo of David Leonard and Leslie Jordan was birthed in 2010 from Journey Church located in the Nashville suburb of Franklin, Tennessee. Jordan and Leonard met at Journey in the summer of 2009 where they began writing worship songs for their church family. Their evolution into a duo began when they started leading those songs together on Sunday mornings. Both currently serve on staff at Journey as Worship Designers in the Creative Arts Ministry.
Leslie Jordan has been leading worship since age 14, both in her own church and for churches and conferences across the United States. David Leonard grew up in Southeast Arkansas and attended college at John Brown University. While attending the university, Leonard began the Word Records band Jackson Waters. After disbanding in 2008, Leonard began touring with NEEDTOBREATHE, and completed his time with them in May 2010.
In addition to leading worship at their church and events around the country, Leonard and Jordan have lent their voices to The Know Hope Collective, the ground breaking initiative that combines worship music with stories of hope and inspiration created by Audio Adrenaline alums Mark Stuart and Will McGinniss.
Resources: Like All Sons & Daughters worship music and want to share it with your church? Now you can get the music/chord charts right HERE.
Tonight in Connecticut, a host of Christian artists, authors and speakers will be praying, leading worship and offering the hope of Christ to a deeply wounded community. It's called A Night of Hope & Healing - and is being offered free to residents still reeling from the shooting last month at Sandy Hook Elementary.
It is not a fundraiser. It is not to push a book or album. It's to tell people about Jesus - and to pray with and for them as they struggle through this dark time. I encourage you to pray for this gathering tonight.
And you can watch it this evening, live. CLICK HERE.
NEW RELEASE TUESDAY
Only A Mountain
by Jason Castro | Genre: Pop/Rock
Limitless
by Planetshakers | Genre: Praise & Worship
Still Believe
by Kim Walker-Smith | Genre: Praise & Worship
*Member of Jesus Culture
Ginny Owens is a three-time Dove Award winner, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2000 New Artist of the Year recipient, and multiple ASCAP Award winner. She has sold nearly one million albums and has topped the charts with several hit songs including If You Want Me To and I Wanna Be Moved. Her music has been featured on television shows and her concerts have impacted the lives of tens of thousands.
And Ginny Owens is blind. That has never stopped her from chasing musical perfection, though. When she sits behind a piano, music flows from her soul and the lyrics ring of Truth. Sometimes that Truth is learned through heartache - sometimes through Joy. She's just like everybody else, except she takes our collective life experiences and turns them into art.
Born and raised in Jackson, MS, Owens was discovering melodies on the piano almost before she could complete a sentence. Sunday school songs and common childhood tunes began to emerge from her fingers even as vision began to leave her eyes. By the age of three, a degenerative eye condition left Ginny completely blind.
Despite her physical challenge, music just made sense to her, quickly becoming a lifeline for both understanding and communication. Songs provided a window into a world Ginny couldn’t see, but they also offered an outlet for her to express her own thoughts, dreams and questions.
Ginny took some time off of touring to go to school in NYC, where much of her new album finds it roots. She says, "One of the greatest lies we tend to believe is that we are unimportant and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. But grace changes that."
Isn't It Ironic: Ginny Owens has her own Instagram feed. Look her up: blindchickphotog
It's that time of year again - when we all look forward to filing our taxes (hooray!)...
ARTIST OF THE DAY An Epic, No Less
The story of An Epic, No Less began with Todd Larson. Todd was aware of God's calling on his life to lead worship - but he fought it. He refused to play Christian music because he felt it wasn't cool enough - it didn't challenge the artist in him enough. So he played in several rock bands - not living a depraved lifestyle - but not not following God's calling either.
During a mission trip with his church, Todd found himself scraping cement off of hollow walls in a slum somewhere in Uganda. He was alone, bored and a little scared - and it was in this place that God showed Todd what praise and worship really is. His heart was forever changed - and his determination to answer God's call.
With his best friend, drummer Daniel Chancellor - and Daniel's wife Hannah, they formed An Epic, No Less. All three were committed to worship and also to exploring musically what that might sound like. Their sound is certainly a different take on praise and worship - a musical genre dominated by acoustic guitar and a G, C, D chord progression. But as determined as the group is to create lovely music - they stand on one simple goal: to help people in worship and prayer.
The Name: The band's name comes from a John Eldridge quote, “..because they knew the Christian life as an epic, no less than the greatest myths the world has ever known.”
About a Song:Mercy Light emerged from the Biblical account of the request of Moses to behold the glory of God. The chorus voices that desire. “You’re my mercy light, in the darkest night. All I ask, don’t hide Yourself from me.”
In The Band:
Todd Larson (Voice/Piano)
Daniel Chancellor (Drums)
Hannah Chancellor (Piano/Voice)
Britney Stutz (Violin)
Neil Endicott (Guitar)
Awesomesauce: Although MTV doesn't have much to do with music any more these days - apparently their website still spotlights up and coming bands - and AE,NL go their video for Mercy Light posted! That's pretty awesome for this unabashedly Christian band!
Today's Focus on the Family was very challenging to me.
An annoyingly healthy follower of Christ uses the Bible to demand Christians become healthier. He makes great points. But it is still kind of annoying.
If you want to hear it again, tune in at 6:30 PM. Or CLICK HERE.
ARTIST OF THE DAY Christy Nockels
Christy Nockels was born in Ft. Worth, TX as a seminary baby. She grew up in Oklahoma as the daughter of a pastor and a piano teacher, which infused her heart early with a love for both music and God's word.
In the mid-90s, Christy and her husband Nathan toured the world leading worship, recording albums and winning Dove Awards as the band Watermark. In the mid-2000s the Nockels ended Watermark to help plant a church in Atlanta, GA with Pastor Louie Giglio. Passion City Church was born out of the Passion movement - that the Nockels helped found with the Giglios and Chris Tomlin..
So at this point Christy is a loving wife, mother to three, worship pastor at a mega-church, music teacher to scores of young worship leaders, a leading member of the award winning Passion worship team (also featuring Chris Tomlin, Kristian Stanfill, David Crowder and many more) and has taken up recording incredible solo albums (produced by her husband) as well.
Oh, and in her spare time she writes and publishes poetry.
She's so awesome it is stirring up envy in my very soul.
Joel and Luke are brothers. And they have five other siblings as well. One of whom is Rebecca St. James. Though born in Australia, they were raised in Nashville, TN and on the road with their concert promoting father and Christian music superstar sister. They were literally born into the music industry - like royalty.
The duo's debut album has scored radio hits, award nominations and been featured on multiple TV shows. So far the band's music has been heard on: The Vampire Diaries and Drop Dead Diva.
Luke says, “We want to deliver a message that is about believing in something much bigger than oneself. You can confidently go through the ups and downs in your life because you know that life isn’t all about you and what you do but rather the hope and salvation of Christ.”
Exposure: for King & Country is the musical guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno - tonight! Congrats, guys - that's huge!
It's already the middle of the week - don't waste another day holding a grudge.
ARTIST OF THE DAY FFH
In The Beginning: FFH was orginally called Far From Home. Formed by Jeromy Deibler and Brian Smith in 1991 - the band added two more members: Jennifer Deibler (Jeromy's wife) and Michael Boggs. Working independently, FFH produced and released six albums, while maintaining a productive touring schedule. Ultimately, the quartet signed with Essential Records.
Brian Smith transitioned into other ministries and Michael Boggs launched a solo career, though still participates in FFH recordings. At the heart of the group is a family who has faced tremendous hardship. The Dieblers took time off from music in 2006 to serve in South Africa. While abroad, Jeromy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
FFH is back to business - having released several more albums since 2008. Their latest release is a bit of a departure for the stylistically-poppy group. The Way We Worship spotlights Jennifer's voice more than Jeromy - and has a rustic, almost-country charm. The concept of the album was born our of Jennifer loving to sing lullabies to her children, Hutch and Hope Sadie-Claire.
Home: The Dieblers make their home just outside of Nashville, TN - where they lead worship at Fellowship Bible Church when not touring with FFH.
Just like Moses, Jason Gray has become a leader in his field despite the odds stacked against him. He grew up as a chronic stutterer in an abusive home, but through the Grace of Jesus Christ, struggles to make his music about loving people.
Jason Gray is from Minnesota (Ducks fly together!). It's cold in Minnesota. He spent six years in youth ministry before going into full time music ministry in 1999. Besides writing and performing his own music, he has collaborated with many other artists including Sara Groves, Andrew Peterson, Joel Hanson, Jason Ingram and more!
His latest album is all about reaching those who feel cast asside. “With all my songs, I want to be conscientious of the person who feels like an outsider, excluded because of their pain. I hope by acknowledging difficulty, heartbreak, and pain that I can cast a line for them to hold onto and be drawn in.”
The first full week of January is underway. This is going to be a long month of holiday food withdraws...
ARTIST OF THE DAY Moriah Peters
Fresh out of high school, Moriah Peters followed God's prompting to Nashville, TN and recorded an album that has already produced two hit singles! Her original plan was to immediately head to college in pursuit of a psychology degree with a music minor - then grad school to become a lawyer. Even though she's enrolled at Grand Canyon University - her music success might put college on the back-burner for a while. Unless her mom demands that she take time off of touring to focus on her class load...
Moriah Peters is stunningly beautiful - but don't let her love of dresses and high heels fool you. She says she's an unabashed Tom Boy who would pick football over a mani/pedi any day of the week!
Family: Moriah is of Mexican/French descent. So she loves food and has a great relationship with her family. She testifies to a strong relationship with her earthly Dad and Heavenly Father in giving her extremely high standards when it comes to dating and also her solid self-esteem. Also, you can't grow up in a Mexican/French/American household without having a love-affair with food! Moriah loves to cook and says her best memories are in the kitchen and around the dinner table.
Pet: Moriah has a baby box-turtle named Sushi. Because turtles are really low maintenance.
Dan Macaulay is a Canadian transplant, leading worship at a church just outside of New York City. Having shared the stage with the likes of Mandisa, The Katinas, Avalon, Starfield, Kevin Max, Paul Coleman, Darrell Evans and more, Dan is no stranger to the road. But with a heart for the local church, and as a worship pastor at his home church in Greenwich CT, USA, Dan endeavors to keep his ministry grounded and relevant; focused on serving pastors and worshipers.
As an independent worship artist, Dan Macaulay raised funds for a new album through the fundraising website called KickStarter.com. With 125 financial partners, he was able to fully fund the recording and production of a new album! Very cool!
Plus Michael W. Smith came into the studio to help record a cover of a classic MWS song. Imagine recording a song by one of your heroes as he stared at you in the recording booth. Yikes!
Canadian Radio: Dan Macaulay had 2 songs (#62 and #98) on Canadian Christian Radio's Top 100 songs played in 2012!
Accolades: Dan's new album From You For You racked up five GMA Canada Covenant Award nominations (Canada’s Dove Awards) including 2012 Praise & Worship Album of the Year.
I mean, if it's gonna be this cold, there should be snow - right?
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.
History: 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. It was in 2011 when she received her first Dove Award nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year.
Abroad: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.
Songwriting: Britt Nicole "write[s] whatever's in [her] heart." Each song finds its roots deep within life experience. Her hit All This Time stems from the heartache of her parents' divorce. Stand is about rediscovering God's strength in your time of weakness.
Personal: This past July, Britt married Joshua Crosby (Drummer, Producer and Writer). Congrats!
Day 1 of Healthier Living... this is easily the longest day of the year.
ARTIST OF THE DAY Sidewalk Prophets
Sidewalk Prophets was born out of Anderson University when two music loving Christians named Dave Frey and Ben McDonald connected. And although the mid-westerners don't consider themselves a worship band, they do say that they are perfectly content to play more worship music than original recordings during their concerts.
It's a goal they have for their daily lives - integrate worship in all ways possible! That is what motivates them to tour 150+ dates a year, sleeping in closets, and missing family. They are grinding out their calling and God is blessing them with success.
History: A demo tape landed them in a campus talent contest, which somehow connected them to Audio Adrenaline's Will McGinniss, landing them an opening gig for Audio Adrenaline and Jeremy Camp even before they were signed to a major record label. The rest of the story has been lived out on the road, in churches and anywhere that will have this dynamic worship team.
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 By The Numbers:
Over 3-million records sold
GRAMMY nominated
Multiple Dove wins (even more nominations)
Family: Adie Camp is Jeremy's second 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.
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