Friday, August 30, 2013

A new weekend is here!
AND it's a long one!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Rend Collective Experiment

Rend Collective Experiment is an eclectic collective of multi-instrumentalists from the North of Ireland. An inherent desire for something spiritually substantive in our increasingly artificial world is exactly what brought the movement of friends together. United by a common purpose, these twenty-somethings began exploring the intersection between God, life and community.

After years in Ireland, the band felt the call to step out again into the unknown as the core 5 of the collective felt they were being called to reach more people. They have now grown into an international success with major tours with Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Tenth Avenue North and Lecrae under their belts.

Their heart is to bring not only a fresh approach to congregational worship, but also a heart and message through the spoken word, partnering with church leaders like Francis Chan, Louie Giglio and Shane Claiborne for their tours.

Album: Campfire
*Josh Note: This is hands down one of my favorite worship albums of ALL TIME!

Twitter: @rendcollective

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Build Your Kingdom Here



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Thursday, August 29, 2013

Make Thursday awesome.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Tenth Avenue North

Tenth Avenue North was born when Mike Donehey and Jason Jamison met at their Christian collge, Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida.  The duo began writing and performing songs together, recruiting Jeff Owen to play guitar.  Getting some experience underneath their belts, the new band began booking themselves in churches and youth camps from Florida to Colorado.  When they weren't in class, they were making music.

Debut Dove: Their first year out as a band, 10th Ave. North won the Dove Award for New Artist of the Year (2009)!

Golf:  The band hosted their first ever golf tournament this summer, enlisting musical friends tobyMac and NeedToBreathe to raise funds for a good cause - and rock some awesome golf outfits.

Album: The Struggle

Twitter: @tenthavenorth

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: The Struggle with chalk



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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

It's got that Middle of the Week smell...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
33 Miles

Chris Lockwood and Jason Barton are 33 Miles. After the breakout success of One Life,  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, making music, leading worship and growing their faith.

    “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.”

Chris and Jason raised the money to produce their latest worship album through Kickstarter - relying on their fans and faith instead of dealing with a record label.  The album came out this month, so looks like they hit their goal!

Album: Let It Be Glory

Twitter: @33miles

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Let It Be Glory (A Sneak Peek at the new album!)



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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Already bogged down with homework?
This too shall pass.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Overcomer
by Mandisa | Genre: Pop/Rock

Inland
by Jars Of Clay | Genre: Pop/Rock

All In
by Stellar Kart | Genre: Pop/Rock

Hope is What We Crave (Live CD/DVD)
by for KING & COUNTRY | Genre: Pop/Rock

Love & The Outcome
by Love & The Outcome | Genre: Pop/Rock

This is Life - Part 1, 2 & 3 - For Our God & King
by Chris Sligh | Genre: Pop/Rock

Brady Toops
by Brady Toops | Genre: Americana/Folk

Keeps On Changing
by Seth Condrey | Genre: Praise & Worship

By Your Blood
by Fuzed Worship | Genre: Praise & Worship

Crave
by Crave | Genre: Praise & Worship

Bridgecity
by Bridgecity | Genre: Praise & Worship

Maranatha! - Heart Of Worship - Grace
by Various Artists | Genre: Praise & Worship

Music From The Motion Picture: Grace Unplugged
by Various Artists - Soundtracks | Genre: Pop/Rock
*Featuring AJ Michalka, Jamie Grace and more!

Father of Lights: Music Inspired by the Film
by Various Artists | Genre: Praise & Worship

All Things New
by Gordon Mote | Genre: Country

Eventually
by Lexi Elisha | Genre: Country

Sleep Sound In Jesus (Deluxe Edition)
by Michael Card | Genre: Inspirational

Love Loud
by The Browns | Genre: Southern Gospel

Gospel's Best Choirs (Green)
by Various Artists | Genre: Gospel

King Kulture: Stop the Traffic
by Rapzilla.com | Genre: Rap

Scarecrow
by Decyfer Down | Genre: Rock

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Karyn Williams

Karyn is the eldest daughter of Orlando Magic Senior Vice President and founder Pat Williams. After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, Karyn felt a calling to head to Nashville to pursue a career in music.  Armed with nothing more than big dreams, a trusting heart, and unrelenting determination, Karyn took the leap of faith and left home for Nashville, TN and a musical dream.

"..Christian music is the music that has always moved my heart and made me want to use my voice to draw people closer to the Lord. I used to sit in my room for hours listening to the lyrics of songs that I loved. I guess I was studying songwriting before I realized it.”

Family: No stranger to the world of adoption, Karyn is an artist partner with Holt International, the adoption agency through which eight of her brothers and sisters joined her family.

Kind Words: Michael Tait, who sings with Karyn on her new song Hey There describes Karyn's voice as "pure HONEY!"

Album: Only You

Book: The Takeaway

Twitter: @karynwilliams

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Ordinary Angels



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Monday, August 26, 2013

Every new beginning comes from some other Sunday's end...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
tobyMac

So let's say you were once a part of the biggest Christian group of all time. You won 4 Grammy's - sold over 8 million albums - and could build a house with all of your Dove Awards.

What do you do after that?

Well, if you are tobyMac, you go on to have an insanely successful solo career!

Once the mastermind behind dcTalk, now the front man for a traveling circus of musicians - tobyMac just doesn't know how to quit. He's a producer, a song writer, a talent discoverer - a dad, a husband, and perhaps one of the best ambassadors the Christian music industry could ever hope for!

Solo-Sales: As a solo artist, apart from dcTalk, tobyMac has sold over 3 MILLION albums.  Add that to his dcT haul and the man has sold over 11 MILLION ALBUMS!

Family Ties: Toby and his wife have FIVE children!

Album: Eye On It

Twitter: @therealtobymac

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Me Without You



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Friday, August 23, 2013

A new weekend is here!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Lincoln Brewster

Born and raised in a small town in Alaska, Brewster’s childhood was spent in a broken home. It was an environment darkened by his stepfather’s violent behavior and alcohol addiction. An environment from which Brewster and his mother sought solace in music.

As Brewster bonded with his mom through music, he began mastering a variety of instruments —including a stunning prowess on the guitar. It was this incredible talent that caught the attention of mainstream labels, landed Brewster a “gig” playing with rocker Steve Perry and earned him a mainstream record contract by age 19.

But God had other plans. After attending church with his high school sweetheart and now wife, Laura, Brewster yielded his life to Christ. Filled with a new passion and purpose, Brewster walked away from the promise of rock stardom to take a job at his local church. He also signed a Christian recording contract and leads worship around the world when touring.

Songs You Know by Lincoln Brewster:
Today Is The Day
God You Reign
Everlasting God
Salvation Is Here
The Power of Your Name

Albums: CLICK HERE

Twitter: @lincolnbrewster

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Today Is The Day



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Thursday, August 22, 2013

Make Thursday awesome.

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 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.

Album: Reckless

Book: I Still Believe

Twitter: @jeremycamp

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Reckless



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Wednesday, August 21, 2013

It's got that Middle-of-the-Week smell...

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.

Not only is Mark Harris continuing his musical career, but to give his family a solid foothold on life, he's 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.

“I believe that songs can make a difference when someone hears them at the right time. Because I’ve seen how songs impact people, I just can’t leave this behind." - Mark Harris

Fact: Before 4Him, the guys were a part of the ensemble cast of Truth.

Album: Stronger In The Broken Places

Twitter: @markharrismusic

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: When We're Together (Featured in Courageous)

Mark Harris - When We're Together (From The Movie COURAGEOUS) from mark-harris on GodTube.

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Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Do you also hear the Jaws theme every time someone says "back to school"?

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Beautiful Name
by Amanda Noelle - Dance

1 Girl Nation
by 1 Girl Nation - Pop

Let It Be Glory
by 33Miles - Adult Contemporary/Country

Fast Lane EP
by Natalie Villa - Pop

The Ongoing Concept
by Saloon - Hard Rock

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Aaron Shust

Aaron Shust is first and foremost a worship leader. In fact, he wrote his first hit songs for his church. My Savior, My God was destined to be more than just a local favorite on Sundays. That song topped six different charts at once on its way to becoming the most played song of 2006 on Christian radio!

After living in Atlanta for ten years, in early 2010 he and his wife made the decision to pull up stakes and and move their young family back to Aaron’s Pennsylvania hometown. In less than a year, he was invited to take on the role of worship leader in the church he had grown up in.

The past few years have been an emotional rollercoaster for the father of three young sons, yet amongst the challenges there have been miracles with each trial and tribulation.  Aaron's second son, Nicky, was extremely ill as an infant and then when their third son, Michael was born, they faced a new set of challenges. He had a heart condition and was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.

“I feel like every day is an adventure. Every day presents a challenge. How do we tackle this one? How do we approach this one? The answer is by the grace of God. In everything that comes our way, whenever we start to find ourselves overwhelmed, the mighty hand of God reaches down and picks us up.  I feel that. His hand sustains us and we feel very lifted.”
- Aaron Shust

Album: Morning Rises

Twitter: @aaronshust

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Cornerstone (Acoustic)



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Monday, August 19, 2013

The Joy Ride is ON!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Gungor

Michael Gungor is an award winning song writer - having co-written "Friend of God" and Dove Award winner "Say So." But his experience in the Christian music industry left him feeling like a "professional Christian." His band was becoming disillusioned and yearned to follow God more honestly and passionately.

As Gungor’s idea of God and social responsibility evolved, so did his idea of church, so he and his wife moved to Denver and eventually founded a community of believers called Bloom.

The Sound: Gungor defines their musical style as Liturgical Post-Rock: a blend of musical styles that is at it's essence Church music.  A style that has earned them 3 GRAMMY award nominations.

The band has a new album on the way this September and here's your chance to get a sneak peak of the title track:


Album: I Am Mountain (Due out September 24, 2013)

Twitter: @gungormusic

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: The Earth Is Yours



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Friday, August 16, 2013

Happy birthday to me!
SIGN UP for our Birthday/Anniversary Club!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Matt Maher

Matt Maher's career has been one lived in transition.  He moved from Newfoundland, Canada to the US in order to follow God's call to a life in ministry.  He planted himself as a worship leader for a church in Mesa, Arizona.  There may not be a place more polar opposite of Canada than Arizona.  Over the last several years, he transitioned to life on the road as a touring artist and wandering worship leader.

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.  Those songs have earned him nearly a dozen Dove Award nominations AND 2 GRAMMY nominations!

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."

Lord, I Need You:  Matt's latest single is about internal submission.  “The whole idea of being dependent on God is just really counter-cultural,” says Maher, “but I think that’s sort of at the heart of the Gospel—the way of freedom is through surrender.”

Family: Last summer Matt and his wife welcomed their first child. A son, named Michael Conor.

Album: All The People Said Amen
* You can listen to the new album in its entirety RIGHT HERE!

Twitter: @mattmahermusic

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Hold Us Together (Live)



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Thursday, August 15, 2013

Tomorrow is Josh's birthday.
It probably should be a national holiday.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jonny Diaz

Jonny comes from a family of overachievers. Both he and three of his brothers went to Florida State University on FULL BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIPS!  FSU has a tremendous reputation in the world of college baseball - these guys are talented - Two of them went pro!  In fact, Jonny's brother Matt plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates! But a year into college, Jonny found his calling was music and not playing ball. Turning away from a full ride, he focused on what God called him to do - and it is paying off in spades!

From the beginning of his music career, Diaz’s desire has been to write songs that entertain, encourage and challenge fellow believers.  Jonny Diaz on writing songs: “I attempted to break free from some of the traditional confines of Christian music, but I couldn’t get away from the fact that most of my songs revolve around my relationship with Christ. He is the focus of my life and I find it impossible to honestly record my emotions and my journey without including Him."

Album: Jonny Diaz

Twitter: @jonnydiaz

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: More Beautiful You



Video: ChickFilA


What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?

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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Hump dayyee!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
The Sonflowerz

The Sonflowerz are a British-American sister duo.  They got their start in 1999 when Elissa Leander began writing worship songs. (She was only 14!) Encouraged by her youth pastor to form a band with her sister, Becca, they began performing at various venues across Colorado. The act’s first album, You Remain was released in 2002. Their sophomore effort, Alive in You, was released in 2005.

Good Company: The Sonflowerz have shared the stage with: Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Kutless, Barlow Girl, Needtobreathe, Sanctus Real and Phil Wickham.

Girls: The Sonflowerz' vision is to inspire young women to live boldly and beautiful for Christ. The sisters have joined LifeWay Women and author/speaker Vicki Courtney for “You and Your Girl”, an event that has reached 18,000 moms and daughters in 22 churches, including a nationwide simulcast with 66 hosting sites.

Family: The girls have always been close - and since they were both engaged at the same time, they decided to have a double wedding ceremony.  Convenient since many of their relatives live in England and only had to make one trip.

Finance the Future: You can help the girls put together a new album, go on tour and release a book - all through KICKSTARTER!

Album: By Faith

Twitter: @sonflowerz

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Love Walked In



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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Mid-August already...
Do you also hear the Jaws theme every time someone says "back to school"?

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Evening:Morning
by The Digital Age
*The album has a worship song for every hour from sunset to sunrise.

Radiate
by Tricia (*from Superchick)

Revival
by Soulfire Revolution

Strong God
by New Life Worship

Into the Light: Life Stories & Live Songs (Deluxe)
by Matthew West

The Living Years
by The Issacs

Up Close and Personal DVD
by The Issacs

Lead Me To the Cross (Worship)
by Various Sparrow Records Artists

Feed Your Soul
by Christa Wells

Glorify
by Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir

Fortunate Fall
by Audrey Assad

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Nicole C Mullen

Nicole C Mullen started her music career as a background vocalist/dancer/choreographer. But her talent went far beyond support. She wrote "Redeemer" and the Jaci Velasquez hit "On My Knees."

Both hits were named Song of the Year at the Dove Awards. With that distinction she joined the ranks of Gloria Gaither and Michael W. Smith as the only songwriters to ever have two songs honored as the Song of the Year.

Plus: She was the first African American to ever win a Dove Award in the category!

When NCM began the writing process for Captivated, she set out to craft a funk album - but God had other plans. As she began writing and recording it became evident that Captivated would be a worship album. Nicole had shied away from making a worship project up to this point, not wanting to be trendy, but authentic.

Let's Dance: Nicole is putting together a Christian music themed dance-work-out DVD.

Album: Captivated

Twitter: @nicoleCmullen

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Redeemer



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Monday, August 12, 2013

David Wilson is in the driver's seat this afternoon!
So buckle up!
Seriously, he's a terrible driver... (jk)

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Bebo Norman

Jeffrey Stephen "Bebo" Norman is from Columbus, GA. He was originally involved in Young Life Ministries and gained a considerable fan base by performing at the summer camps there. He made friends with the members of Caedmon's Call and toured with them for years.

Back before it was fairly normal for independent artists to be successful, Bebo Norman sold fifty thousand self-made copies of his first record (1996) at coffeehouse shows, out of his trunk and online. Now, as a recognized singer/songwriter in the Nashville-Christian community, Bebo Norman still keeps a low profile. He likes to quietly do his thing, without the trappings of the limelight.

Bebo's newest album just released this past Spring - Lights of Distant Cities - and it features his latest hit song The Broken.  It's also his last album.  Bebo announced earlier this year that he would be retiring from the music business.  At least for a while.

Album: Lights of Distant Cities

Twitter: @bebonorman

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Sing Of Your Glory



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Friday, August 9, 2013

Hey!
Thanks...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Christ For The Nations

Christ For The Nations is an international, interdenominational organization which exists to train and equip men and women with the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit and with a lifestyle of worship, to reach the nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Roster: Worship Leaders Nicole C. Mullen, Kari Jobe, Russ Taff, Tommy Walker, Kevin Jonas and many more have been both trained and equipped to spread the heart of worship around the world through Christ for the Nations.

Christ For The Nations Institute (CFNI) started out with a group in 1972 called the "Luminaires" and quickly broke into multiple focused groups of ministry. Every year, since 1974, Christ For The Nations has been producing live album recordings that are created out of the students, staff, and alumni's hearts. Some of the music that has come out of Christ For The Nations include songs "As The Deer Panteth For The Water" by Marty Nystrom, and "When I Think About The Lord" by James Huey.

Providing resources for the completion of church buildings, caring for orphans, supporting the nation of Israel, humanitarian relief efforts, establishing and strengthening international Bible schools and the distribution of Christian literature. On top of that multi-layered ministry is the CFNMusic label, producing modern worship music and training worship leaders to carry the cause of Christ around the world.

Album: Uncreated One

Twitter: @CFNMusic

Worship Conference: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Blood So Beautiful



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Thursday, August 8, 2013

Happy Friday Eve!

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.

Enough, Already!: In her spare time she writes and publishes poetry.

Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 37: 4-6 - “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn and the justice (or vindication) of your cause like the noonday sun.”

Album: Into The Glorious

Twitter: @christynockels

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: We Glorify Your Name (Passion 2013)



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Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Hump dayyee!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
The Afters

When The Afters broke out onto the scene, it didn't seem like anything could stop them.  Their music was fun, their attitudes were joyful and nothing could slow them down!

But life's circumstances quickly changed everything. After losing their longtime friend and manager to a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer, two band members decided to part ways with the band, and then there was a life-threatening car wreck, followed by a new member of the band losing a close friend just one week after joining the group.

It was a rough season of change for The Afters. Holding on to their faith and their passion for making music has kept the band focused throughout the mess of it all.  Through the pain, faith grew in abundance and that is definitely the message behind their sophomore album, Light Up The Sky and the more recent Life Is Beautiful.

Ancient History: The four original members of The Afters met while working at a Starbucks together.  The band's original name was Screaming Mimes - then they changed it to Blisse.  Thankfully a producer talked them into the The Afters.

TV: The Afters' music has been featured on television shows and promos for shows on almost every major network and various cable shows as well - including Grey's Anatomy, Rachel Ray, Dr. Phil, The Biggest Loser, Army Wives, You Deserve It, October Baby, So You Think You Can Dance, Americas Got Talent, The Hills, The Vineyard and more!

Album: Life Is Beautiful

Twitter: @theafters

Tour: CLICK HERE
*October 17th The Afters will be in Georgetown, DE!

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Lift Me Up



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?

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Tuesday, August 6, 2013

My birthday is next week.
I can't win a blizzard cake, but you can!

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

The Worship Sessions
by MercyMe | Genre: Praise & Worship

Sunny Days
by Tammy Trent | Genre: Pop/Rock

We Believe LIVE
by One: A Worship Collective | Genre: Praise & Worship

Greater Than
by Tye Tribbett | Genre: Gospel

Wrongdoers
by Norma Jean | Genre: Hard Rock

Random Foolishness
by Darlene McCoy | Genre: Comedy

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Sonicflood

There have been (at least) two different Sonicfloods.  The first, fronted by Jeff Deyo, from 1997-2000.  The second fronted by Rick Heil beginning in 2000 to present day.  It's a sordid tale how one band has had like 30 members and 12 different sounds...

The original Sonicflood began life as Zilch - the travel band for the greatest Christian group of all time, dcTalk.  Mark Lee Townsend was the lead singer during the Zilch years.  The band made a habit of leading worship as the opening act for dcTalk's concerts.  They were just having fun, but became a fan favorite - so much so that dcTalk's label gave them their own record deal.

That's when Jeff Deyo stepped into lead singer duties.  The band changed their name from Zilch to Sonicflood to symbolically say "this is a new beginning in our service to God." They compared the name change to when Saul became Paul in the Book of Acts.  But it really did become a new band.  Most of the guys from Zilch went on to become producers and VPs for record labels - while other musicians joined the team in a rotating door of gifted musicians.

In 2000 the band fell apart.  There was no true leadership and disagreements about how the band should sound - if they should continue focussing on worship music - and who would get royalty checks, since many people participated in the writing and performing process.  Deyo resigned - as did others.  Rick Heil (former bass player for Big Tent Revival) become the new lead singer and Sonicflood was rebuilt from the ground up by their record label.  It was messy.

The Name Game: The band's name comes from Revelation 19:6, "Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns."  The original band name (Zilch) came from a Monkees song.

Original Album: SonicFlood

Twitter: @SONICFLOOd

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Hero Zero (from the Zilch days - Warning: it's weird)



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?

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Monday, August 5, 2013

"A whole new world!" - Aladdin on Mondays

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Peder Eide

Peder Eide has led Christ-centered praise and worship for youth conferences, festivals, camps, churches and any other venues students and their families have gathered for over a third of his life. For Peder, it's all about effective communication as we draw closer to God and closer to one another.

His passion is for teaching families to worship together and to truly learn the power of praying for one another. He works to unite parents and children, siblings, and spouses - all in worship. Instead of separating the generations for worship, he aims to bring everyone together, blending many styles of music so that no one feels left out.

As an active artist/spokesperson for Compassion International, Peder is humbled to have seen thousands of third world children sponsored through his ministry. He has also experienced the joy of his own family sponsoring many children.

Peder, along with his wonderful wife Sherri, have further invested in the needs children by internationally adopting two beautiful kids of their own, Makenzie and Teshome. Combined with their three biological children: Taylor, Allison, and Ethan, the Eide's have truly seen the goodness of the Lord.

Big Dreams: Peder dreamed of being on the PGA tour - and plays golf whenever time affords.

Album: Rescue

Twitter: @pedereide

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Come To The Rescue



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?

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Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!

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Friday, August 2, 2013

Everybody's working for the weekend...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Rhett Walker Band

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.
His girlfriend was 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

Album: Come To The River

Twitter: @rhettwalkerband

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Simple Man (Acoustic)



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?

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Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!

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Thursday, August 1, 2013

Welcome to August!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Mat Kearney

Mat Kearney grew up playing soccer with his little brother in Eugene, Oregon.  He rode an athletic scholarship into California State University where he majored in literature.  But while in college, Mat liked to party.  He says, "I discovered the depth of depravity, the bleakness of that lifestyle. It just wasn’t working. I finally started understanding there must be more to life."

In the midst of the partying - guess who came knocking... "God found me when I was at my lowest point. That was the first time in my life when I really felt like I understood who Jesus was- it was more than knowing about Him, I felt like He met me in that time and place."

As Mat focussed on music, he and long time friend and producer Robert Marvin moved from Oregon to Nashville, TN - and that's where he and his wife Annie call home to this day.  While Mat is an outspoken Christian and many of his songs deal directly with faith issues, he's experienced some crossover hits in the secular market as well.  He likes it that way because it broadens his audience and gives him the freedom to include love songs to his wife on his albums.

One "t": Due to a nurse's error on his birth certificate, Kearney's first name is technically Mathew (instead of Matthew).  His mom never attempted to legally change it, so he's just rolled with it.

Album: Young Love

Twitter: @matkearney

Instagram: CLICK 4 PICS

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Ships In The Night



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?

JOIN THE TEAM!
Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!

LISTEN ONLINE
CLICK HERE for Joy 102.5!