Christian Rock

The Death of Album Art

2012-01-18T17:22:00.000-08:00

With the advancement of digital music and online sales, album artwork is a dying breed. Some experts are predicting that consumers will soon only be able to purchase music digitally, and that physical copies of albums will not be available anywhere. With predictions of record labels moving to selling only digital copies in the next five years or less, one can safely assume that album artwork will slowly fade away.

I grew up in the compact disc age of music. I remember when I first started getting into Christian rock. I had to buy most to all of my albums online. There wasn’t a big record store or a Christian bookstore close to my house where I could buy music. Many times my purchasing decisions were based on two things: an album cover and what I knew about a given band.

I love buying physical copies of albums. I do have an iPod and I regularly buy music on iTunes. But, for my favorite artists, I always purchase a physical copy of their work. I know I have stood by cds longer than most. Maybe I am old school, but I love having something to hold in my hands while experiencing music. I think there is something powerful and nostalgic about physical albums. I love getting a brand new cd in the mail, listening through the entire record, reading the lyrics, and studying the album art. I even read the Thank You notes in the back. To me, buying and listening to music is an experience. Physical copies of albums are a great way to help me digest new music, and really sink my teeth into it.

A band’s artwork has the potential to tell a story right alongside the music. Not only can music be creative, but the album artwork can be equally as creative and compelling. Graphic artists and musicians have the power to really make an album come full circle with unique artwork, a creative layout, and professional photographs. Bands and artists have so much freedom and creativity in how they choose to lay out their physical albums. Where are you going to place the lyrics? Are you going to have photos of the band? Are you going to use other people or models in the photos? Are you going to create graphics that tell a story alongside the lyrics? There are so many questions that bands can tackle within album layout and artwork.

Music will never die. It doesn’t matter if it’s in a physical or digital form, music will always be around for enjoyment. But, the one thing that digital music will destroy is album art. Yes, some albums let you download the art or see the album cover. But, let’s be honest. Who actually looks at it? Who looks at an album cover on their iPod or looks at a downloadable PDF file of the artwork. Even me, who loves to dissect the album art, doesn’t even do that. Don’t get me wrong, I am not arguing against digital music. With our huge advancements in technology, digital music is the next logical step from compact discs. Just like cds were an upgrade from cassette tapes and tapes were an advancement from records, digital music is the next technological step. But, when music fully turns to the digital format, musicians and artists will lose their creative artwork. Maybe, in the future someone will think of a way to share artwork besides a small PDF file of the album cover. With all the advances in technology, who knows?

I will embrace the new digital format. It may take me longer than most, but I will learn to love digital music. It’s obvious that this is where the musical world is headed. However, I will miss the experience of an album, the experience of studying the music, the lyrics, and the art. I am looking forward to the new age of music, but cds will always be my music medium of choice.

Top Anticipated Albums in 2012

2012-01-04T18:17:00.000-08:00

2011 is over and it’s time to take a look at another year of music. This list is my top ten anticipated projects for 2012.

10. Nine Lashes

Nine Lashes is poised to release World We View on February 14. Discovered by Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch, the group’s debut album on Tooth and Nail Records will feature a modern rock sound reminiscent of 12 Stones and Decyfer Down. The band’s first single, “Anthem of the Lonely,” has already been very successful on Christian rock radio, including a peak at number one on a couple of different charts. With guest vocals from Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter, this album will be a must have for any hard rock fan.

9. The Letter Black

I was a big fan of The Letter Black’s debut album. I loved the dual vocals between Sarah and Mark Anthony, and “Believe” is still one of my all time favorite songs. Two years after the release of their debut, The Letter Black is gearing up for their sophomore record. According to Sarah Anthony, this record will be heavier than their first. “We are going to still have some songs like “Hanging On By a Thread,” that everybody loves. But, we are going a little bit heavier like “Wounded,” with a little bit more screaming here and there.”

8. Demon Hunter

Not only will Demon Hunter be releasing a new album in 2012, but this year also serves as the tenth anniversary of the band. It has been ten years since the release of their debut self titled record. Even though Demon Hunter has seen a couple of member changes over the last couple of years, it’s still safe to predict nothing short of greatness from this metal juggernaut. While you are waiting for some new metal music, you can check out Demon Hunter’s latest video for “LifeWar.” It will blow your mind.

7. Children 18:3

Coming in at number seven is the punk rock siblings from Minnesota. With two great punk albums under their belt, Children 18:3 is returning for arguably their most important record to date. They are easily one of the best bands on Tooth and Nail Records, and their first two albums will be tough to top. Little to no information has been released about the new album, but you can check out some studio updates from the band on YouTube.

6. Worth Dying For

One year after the release of their album, Love Riot, Worth Dying For is returning with a brand new live album. Featuring ten new tracks and some fan favorites off their previous record, Worth Dying For will be bringing back their usual rock worship style. So far, Worth Dying For has released two songs. The group released a music video of “The World Can’t Take It Away,” and they released a live version of “Savior” on Itunes. With a live sound and a couple of new vocalists, this worship record will definitely be one to pick up.

5. House of Heroes

I truly believe that House of Heroes is the most underrated band in Christian rock music today. Each new album and each new concept idea brings another fresh take to this alternative rock group. Their self titled album was almost flawless, The End is Not the End blew me away, and Suburba was another rocking album. For House of Heroes’ next record, lead vocalist Tim Skipper has already announced that they have 21 completed songs. Obviously, not all of these songs will make it on the next record, but if House of Heroes has that many songs to choose from, this could be another flawless album.

4. David Crowder Band

This new album will definitely be a bittersweet moment for the Christian music community. Give Us Rest or (A Requiem Mass in C [The Happiest of All Keys]) will be their final album as a band. After numerous records and addictive worship hits like: “Foreverandever Etc…,” “Come Awake,” “Open Skies,” “No One Like You” and “SMS (Shine),” I will be sad to see this band leave. With an astonishing 34 songs on their final album, the David Crowder Band will be leaving the music industry not with a whimper, but with a bang.

3. Flyleaf

With heavy hitting rock anthems, meaningful lyrics and an occasional scream by Lacey Mosley, this group knows how to make great music. If you haven’t heard either of their first two albums, you should drop everything and go listen to them right now. They are that talented. So far, their new album has been almost shrouded in secrecy. Flyleaf has entered the studio to work on some new tunes, but no word yet on when new music will be released.

2. Thousand Foot Krutch

Late in 2011, Thousand Foot Krutch decided to leave Tooth and Nail Records and pave the way as an independent band. Trusting in their very loyal fans, TFK launched a Kickstarter campaign to help with production costs. Within a day, the band raised its goal of 40,000 dollars, and to date the group has raised over 100,000 dollars. As a thank you to fans, Thousand Foot Krutch released a brand new song from their new record entitled “War of Change.” Stylistically, this song brings back some old school Thousand Foot Krutch with a mixture of hard rock and even a little rap. After hearing the first song off The End is Where We Begin, this record will be a definite competitor for album of the year.

1. Skillet

My number one pick is Skillet. A lot has happened since the release of their latest album, Awake, in 2009. The group had an explosion of popularity and had to replace long time guitarist Ben Kasica. Even though it is still way too early to know anything about their new record, many questions still arise. Is Skillet going to change up their sound like previous records, or are they going to stick to their latest hard rock formula that has gained them so much popularity? Also, will new guitarist Seth Morrison make an impact on the style or sound of the group? Finally, what can fans expect from the vocals? Will Jen Ledger or Korey Cooper add some extra vocals to the new album? Since it is still early, we will have to wait for these questions to be answered. But, panheads can rejoice because 2012 marks another Skillet album release.

Overall, here is my list of ten albums that I cannot wait to buy in 2012. Here are a few more bands to look out for. These groups will also be releasing new music in 2012.

Manafest

Kutless

The Almost

Write this Down

Fireflight

Stellar Kart

Sent By Ravens

P.O.D.

Top Christian Rock Songs of 2011

2011-12-17T10:47:00.000-08:00

This is Part 1 of my top 20 songs of 2011. This list features songs 20 through 11.

20. Dark Horses – Switchfoot

This song is about the underdogs in the world; specifically, children who are forced into hard situations. According to lead singer Jon Foreman, this song is about kids fighting homelessness. “For me, that song the “Dark Horses” is all about the homeless kids back in San Diego, specifically the ones who are being helped out by Stand Up For Kids. It’s always nice when you have a song you are passionate about singing night after night that has a deeper meaning than simply another verse and another chorus.” Below is the official music video for the song.

19. Alligator Sky – Owl City (Adam Young)

Like most to all of Adam Young’s songs, the interpretation of “Alligator Sky” is wide open. When listening to it, one could pick out many different meanings or themes. For me, I really think this song is about chasing your dreams. Even though you are filled with fear and anxiety about the unknown, one should still faithfully chase their passion. With a guest appearance from rapper Shawn Chrystopher, “Alligator Sky” is definitely a new direction and style for Young. I really love the music video for this song.

18. One More Try (Piano Version) – Wavorly

On their new EP, Wavorly released two different versions of “One More Try.” They recorded an upbeat, pop version and a melodic, piano version. To me, the song gains so much more depth and emotion by having just a piano melody. Plus, vocalist Dave Stovall really shines on this version of “One More Try.”

17. Our Love Saves Us – Blindside

On their new album, Blindside experimented with a couple different musical styles and sounds. The lead single on the album, “Our Love Saves Us,” is much slower and even softer than the usual hardcore sound of Blindside. The official video is a great representation of the song. The music video shows how love will always conquer fear.

16. Never Too Far Gone – Seventh Day Slumber

On their latest album, Seventh Day Slumber mixes together elements from some of their previous records. They throw in their radio friendly rock sound, as well as some slow worship covers. The catchiest rock song on the album, “Never Too Far Gone,” speaks about God’s unending grace. This song is a great reminder that no one is ever too far from Christ.

15. Valleys – Close Your Eyes

This is probably one of the most honest songs on my list. “Valleys” is about constantly failing, messing up and living life down in the valleys. However, even though the band is brutally honest in this song, they still offer hope to the listener. As the song draws to a close, vocalist Shane Raymond screams, “your love reminds me, that though I am broken, I am still standing. I'm still screaming.” Close Your Eyes has always been honest in their music, and this is a very moving, hardcore punk song. Here is the official video for “Valleys.”

14. Faceless – Red

“Faceless” could be one of Red’s hardest songs in their career. According to guitarist Anthony Armstrong, this song is about being empty and hollow on the inside. “You find that the world has kind of gotten itself in your head, and turned you into something that you were never really meant to be. This song is kind of about a person screaming out with that realization, I’m hollow and faceless. I need to do something about this.” I love this homemade lyric video for the song.

13. Book of Secrets – Eleventyseven

“Book of Secrets” is a fast, pop rock song all about hidden secrets and mistakes that ultimately lead to a failed relationship. Even though the lyrics almost have a negative connotation, Eleventyseven still adds their usual upbeat, pop style of music. This video features the song as well as the cover of the Quota EP.

12. Paralyzed – As I Lay Dying

“Paralyzed” is an intense, metal thrill ride. This song is filled with As I Lay Dying’s usual guitar solos and guttural screams. “Paralyzed” is an overt statement of faith, in which Tim Lambesis screams that true life only comes when we die to ourselves. Below, is the official lyric video.

11. Right Here – Ashes Remain

This is my favorite song on the new Ashes Remain record. Told from God’s perspective, “Right Here” is a perfect reminder of God’s unfailing love. Musically, this song has great transitions between acoustic guitars and hard rock melodies. This video features the album cover as well as the song.

To see the top ten songs of the year, you can go to Part 2 here.

Top Christian Rock Songs of 2011 Part 2

2011-12-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

This is Part 2 of my top 20 songs of the year. If you missed Part 1, you can check it out here.

10. Get Well – Icon For Hire

Brutally honest, “Get Well” is a bold statement about not settling for the lies and hurt of this world. Add in some electronic melodies and an addicting rock sound, and Icon For Hire has created a real, headbanging hit. I love the official music video for “Get Well.” The group uses a very simple story, but it fits the song perfectly.

9. Brain Damage – I Am Empire

I Am Empire’s debut centers around lead singer Austin Lyons’ father, who abandoned him when he was young. “Brain Damage” proudly proclaims that the sons and daughters of broken homes are light in this world. The official music video definitely highlights Lyons’ eccentric and unique vocal style.

8. One Shot – Hawk Nelson

For Hawk Nelson’s latest album, the band decided to return to their original pop-punk roots. Probably the catchiest song on the record, “One Shot” is a great reminder that our time on earth is brief; we only have one shot at life. Here is a lyric video for the song.

7. Alive In You – 7eventh Time Down

“Alive In You” probably has my favorite lyric of the year. In the song, the members of 7eventh Time Down proudly call themselves Jesus freaks. According to lead singer Mikey Howard, “Alive in You” is an overt declaration about the power of Christ in the lives of the band. “It is kind of a culmination of what God has been doing inside the four of us over the past eight years touring. It is our declaration and soapbox of this is exactly why we are doing what we are doing. It is because of Jesus.” Take a look at the official music video.

6. Oh the Depths - Wolves at the Gate

The post-hardcore group, Wolves at the Gate, recently released their debut EP on Solid State Records. The closer on the EP, “Oh the Depths,” is a powerful form of screamo worship. Throughout the five minute song, the energy and passion from the band keeps building until they reach a powerful climax. This song gives me chills every time I listen to it. Wolves at the Gate are literally screaming for Jesus.

5. Black Tattoo – FM Static

“Black Tattoo” is about a girl struggling in an abusive relationship. Trevor McNevan sings about her wrestling with fear and guilt as she attempts to escape the abuse. Beyond that, I also think this song has a great message for everyone to never be ashamed. Just like wearing a solid black tattoo, FM Static encourages listeners to be bold about their faith and beliefs. Here is a lyric video for “Black Tattoo.”

4. Make A Move – Icon For Hire

Featuring aggressive vocals alongside a mixture of breakdowns and hard rock beats, “Make A Move” is another great song from Icon For Hire. A powerful, rallying cry, this song urges the listener to make a move and stand up for their beliefs. This is the official music video for the song.

3. Take It Out On Me – Thousand Foot Krutch

Coming in at number three is one of my all time favorite Thousand Foot Krutch songs. “Take It Out On Me” speaks about letting go of bottled up emotions. According to Trevor McNevan, this song is told from someone else’s perspective. “‘Take It Out On Me’ is a song I wrote from a perspective of talking to someone that I love, whether it is your best friend, your wife or someone in your family. Whether it is from the way we grew up or from stuff we have been through in our life, some of us carry a lot of baggage. Anger, pain and a lot of these emotions we keep them bottled up sometimes, instead of dealing with it in a healthier way basically.” This is another hit song from Thousand Foot Krutch.

2. Reach – Peter Furler

Earlier this year, I was really excited to learn that Peter Furler was returning to the music industry. His first single off the album, “Reach,” is pop worship at its finest. Furler sings about the amazing love of Jesus Christ, and how he is constantly reaching out to us. With back up vocals from former Newsboys vocalist and bassist, Phil Joel, Furler has created a close to perfect song. Below is the official music video for “Reach.”

1. Savior – Worth Dying For

My number one song of the year is from the rock worship group Worth Dying For. “Savior” is a great example of edgy worship. With metal screams, dual vocals and hard rock beats, Worth Dying For has created an intense, honest worship anthem. I wish I had a better video for my number one song. This simple video does not do my number one pick of the year justice.

I hope you have enjoyed this look at my top 20 songs of 2011.

My Top Ten Christian Rock Albums of 2011

2011-11-19T13:37:00.000-08:00

10. Until We Have Faces – Red
Rating – 3 ½ Stars
Top Tracks – Feed the Machine, Faceless, Who We Are

With this new album, Red seems to retain most to all of their rock elements from their first two records. The two best songs on the album, “Feed the Machine” and “Faceless,” would fit perfectly on their two previous records. But, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing just yet. Red knows exactly who they are as musicians. They have a very polished hard rock sound that throws in a couple of ballads to keep things interesting. Even though they make very little strides from their first two records, Until We Have Faces is still a solid addition to your hard rock library.

9. With Shivering Hearts We Wait – Blindside
Rating – 3 ½ Stars
Top Tracks – Monster on the Radio, Our Love Saves Us, Bring Out Your Dead

In 2007, Blindside decided to take a break from the music industry. During their hiatus, the Swedish rock group focused on spending time with their families, performing a few overseas dates and deciding if they still wanted to record music. After rumors of a new album for a couple of years, Blindside finally released With Shivering Hearts We Wait. On this new record, Blindside really changes up their sound. They stay true to their hardcore style on a few songs with their usual screaming vocals and driving guitar riffs. But, most of the album features a very radio friendly version of Blindside. On “Our Love Saves Us” and “Monster On the Radio,” the group adds some new electronic sounds, and really embraces a softer side. With all that said, was the wait worth it? Was the four year hiatus, and six years between full length albums worth the wait? It all depends on who you talk to. Some might miss the old Blindside, and some may embrace their new sound and style. But, I believe the wait was worth it. The album wasn’t perfect by any means, but this is Blindside’s best work since About A Burning Fire in 2004.

8. What I’ve Become – Ashes Remain
Rating – 3 ½ Stars
Top Tracks – On My Own, Without You, Right Here

If I could describe this album in one word, it would be redemption. Almost every song features the story of redemption and coming out of a place of no hope. “On My Own,” speaks about the failures of fighting battles on our own without God. “Without You,” is easily the most moving song on the record in which lead singer, Josh Smith, cries out to God to save his life from emptiness and loneliness. My personal favorite is “Right Here.” The song is told from God’s perspective, and is a great reminder to us how much God loves us. Overall, the lyrics really shine on this record. Their modern rock sound is solid, and does a good job of accompanying Smith’s powerful vocals. But, the overt message that each song carries is the highlight of the album.

7. Sugarfist - Eleventyseven
Rating – 4 Stars
Top Tracks – Wasted, Milk the Lightning, Book of Secrets

Eleventyseven has been around for a couple years making fun, synthesizer filled, punk rock music. This album is no exception. From singing about college girls to the pitfalls of being in love to the spread of addiction, the topics on this album are vast. Even though most of their songs on this album are very catchy, I did find myself missing some of their older, and more overt, faith based lyrics on songs like “Reach That Far,” “Love In Your Arms” and “It’s Beautiful.” With that small complaint aside, musically Eleventyseven has never sounded better. They have been playing around with their synthesizer/electronic punk style for a couple of albums now. This is the first album in which I really feel that they have mastered their sound. This is simply a great, fun, punk rock album to listen to, just don’t expect any overt, faith based songs.

6. Kings – I Am Empire
Rating – 4 Stars
Top Tracks – Brain Damage, Heart Attack, Take Me Away

A loose concept album, I Am Empire’s debut centers around lead singer Austin Lyons’ father, who abandoned him when he was young. With themes of anger, loneliness, redemption and forgiveness, Lyons freely sings about the positive and negative emotions he experienced after his father’s desertion. Vocally, Lyons definitely has one of the more unique Christian rock voices. Lyons’ high pitched tone, and almost whiny screams make for a unique style of vocals. Add to that a solid, straight rock sound, and I Am Empire easily delivers a very strong debut.

5. My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go – FM Static
Rating – 4 Stars
Top Tracks – My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go, Black Tattoo, Breaking Me Again

For their fourth album, FM Static has decided to embrace a more top 40 style of pop music. With huge guitar hooks, cheerleader vocals and even a couple of raps, FM Static really mixes up their sound. Lyrically, this could be FM Static’s most thematic album to date. Some of the songs, such as “F.M.S.T.A.T.I.C.,” “Hey I Want It” and “Cinnamon and Lipstick” are fun, pop anthems. But, the rest of the album could be their heaviest lyrically. “Black Tattoo” is easily the highlight of the album, in which McNevan sings about a girl wrestling with fear and guilt while trying to escape an abusive relationship. “Lost In You” is a rather unique FM Static song in that it is a pure, worship tune. “Last Train Home” and “Breaking Me Again” are simple songs about wrestling with your faith and allowing yourself to put your whole life in God’s hand. Even though this album has the side project moving in a different direction both musically and lyrically, FM Static still sounds impressive.

4. Crazy Love – Hawk Nelson
Rating – 4 ½ Stars
Top Tracks – Crazy Love, One Shot, My Next Breath

For their last couple of records, Hawk Nelson has experimented with their sound. But, on their latest album, Crazy Love, Hawk Nelson returns to their original pop-punk roots, similar to their Letters to the President debut. Inspired by the book Crazy Love, this album at times is almost a worship style punk album. “Your Love is a Mystery” speaks about God’s awesome and sometimes mysterious love, “My Next Breath” is a slow, worship ballad and “We Can Change the World” is a rally cry for Christians to fully live out their faith. Throughout their career, Hawk Nelson has rarely been shy about sharing their faith through their music. Their latest album takes their overt message to a whole new level.

3. Scripted – Icon For Hire
Rating – 4 ½ Stars
Top Tracks – Theatre, Make A Move, Get Well, Off With Her Head

If you mix together mohawks, synthesizers, Paramore and Skillet, the result would be the band Icon For Hire. Musically, Icon For Hire’s debut album has a radio friendly, fast paced style that mixes breakdowns, electronic beats and pop melodies. However, the vocals from lead singer Ariel Bloomer easily carry this album. Not to say that the music is bad by any means, but her strong and impressive voice definitely sets the band apart. Even though Icon For Hire is brand new to the Christian rock scene, this group is going to be around for a long time. With strong vocals and a fast paced, momentous sound, Scripted will have you rocking for days.

2. On Fire – Peter Furler
Rating – 4 ½ Stars
Top Tracks – Matter of Faith, Hold On, Reach, All In Your Head

I am a huge Newsboys fan. I remember way back in middle school when I first saw them in concert. Since then, I have been hooked to the Newsboys and the vocals of Peter Furler. When Furler left the group a couple years ago, it is safe to say that I was heartbroken. But, when I heard that he was returning to the music industry as a solo artist, I couldn’t have been more excited. With this new album, Peter Furler has never sounded better. His short break from the music industry really seemed to revitalize his passion and love for music. His unique vocals beautifully compliment the pop worship sound that he has perfected over these many years. “Reach” is easily the catchiest song of the year. “Matter of Faith” and “Hold On” are great songs of hope and inspiration during a desperate situation. “All in Your Head” and “Faster and Louder” are stamped with Furler’s fun, pop style. This is just a great, great album. All I can say is, welcome back Peter Furler. Welcome back.

1. Love Riot – Worth Dying For
Rating – 4 ½ Stars
Top Tracks – Savior, Through Your Eyes, Closer, My Glorious

The best description of Love Riot is edgy worship. On Worth Dying For’s sophomore album, the group features everything from metal breakdowns and screams to electronic beats to pure, piano ballads. Even though the music is very diverse and spans multiple genres, the heartbeat of the album remains the same. The mission and heartbeat of Worth Dying For has always been worship. So, it doesn’t matter if they are headbanging to metal screams, or simply pouring their heart out to God with just a piano melody, Worth Dying For is still worshipping and praising Christ. I think that is really, really cool. If all that wasn’t enough, the band also features a short sermon, a very strong rap during “Stir It Up” and Trevor McNevan makes a guest appearance. With this album, Worth Dying For has easily turned worship music upside down.

I hope you have enjoyed this look at my Top Ten Christian Rock Albums of the year. This list would not be complete without honorable mentions. These albums were very solid but ultimately did not make it into the top ten.

Empty Hands and Heavy Hearts – Close Your Eyes
Alive In You – 7eventh Time Down
All Things Bright and Beautiful – Owl City
Vice Verses – Switchfoot
Patterns – Run Kid Run

Also, here are my Top five EPs of the year.

1. The EP – Wavorly
2. A Whole New World – Stellar Kart
3. Awake and Remixed – Skillet
4. Relient K is for Karoake Part 2 – Relient K
5. Hanging On By A Thread Sessions, Volume 1 – The Letter Black

Trevor McNevan Interview

2011-11-08T20:15:00.000-08:00

Thousand Foot Krutch has been a staple in the Christian music industry for nearly a decade. Fronted by Trevor McNevan, Thousand Foot Krutch has released five full length albums, sold over 800,000 records and scored 11 No. 1 Christian rock singles. The group also recently released a special fan themed version of their latest full length, Welcome to the Masquerade, which serves as a thank you to their long time fans. The album features Welcome to the Masquerade in its entirety, as well as pictures of fans and three unreleased songs. In his spare time, McNevan also fronts the pop punk side project FM Static, alongside TFK’s drummer Steve Augustine. The group released their fourth album entitled My Brain Says Stop But My Heart Says Go earlier this year. On November 3, 2011, I had the chance to speak with Trevor McNevan about Thousand Foot Krutch’s new fan album, the new musical style on FM Static’s latest record and TFK’s decision to leave Tooth and Nail Records.

Webb: You guys just released a fan edition of Welcome to the Masquerade. What inspired you to release a fan themed album?

McNevan: We just feel so blessed to have the support that we do. Honestly, we had three bonus songs that we loved from the last record. We wanted to save them for something special. At the end of the day, we felt so humbled by the support. In the meantime, before this new record is out, we would love to put out more of a thank you and appreciation to the fans, have a fan edition with those three bonus songs on it. Also, have them [fans] send in pictures of themselves wearing the masks on the record, so that we could make a collage inside the artwork. That’s what we did. It’s been a really cool thing.

Webb: Could you tell me a little bit about the story behind each of the three new songs that you released with it?

McNevan: Yeah man. “Shook” is a song that is a hard-hitting, high octane kind of tune that was originally going to be a single off the last record. I think a lot of bands put out B-sides and rarities that will hold people over until a new record comes out. We really wanted to put out something that we believed in just as much as any single that we put out or any song on our record. So we kind of held off, so that we could put something like that on this new edition. It’s about the craziness and commotion, from my point of view, that my life feels like sometimes. I know it’s something that everyone can relate to in their own way. Just kind of needing my faith and trust in God to keep me centered, especially in those crazy storms. Sometimes it seems like everyday. That song is just about my need to be grounded. I guess a bit of a humble statement about I am not strong enough to do this on my own.

“Take It Out On Me” is a song I wrote from a perspective of talking to someone that I love, whether it is your best friend, your wife or someone in your family. Whether it is from the way we grew up or from stuff we have been through in our life, some of us carry a lot of baggage. Anger, pain and a lot of these emotions we keep them bottled up sometimes, instead of dealing with it in a healthier way basically. Letting it out, talking about it and being able to seek counsel and share. This song is kind of from the point of view of talking to that person, and saying listen, ‘Don’t do all of these things. Take it out on me.’ It’s more of God’s heart of saying give your burden to God on this. Take it out on me if you want to, but don’t drink yourself to sleep. It’s not so specific to say those things, but the general idea is talking to that person.

“Anyone Else” was a song I actually wrote for the Daughtry record. It’s the only time that’s ever happened on one of our records where I have written for someone else, and then we ended up wanting to use it. We kept it for our stuff. It meant something to me as more of a classic love song when I wrote it to pitch for him. It still rings true for us. It’s definitely more of a traditional love song than TFK usually does. It’s a little platonic too in a sense that it is open to the listener; whoever that is to you, whether it is a friend, a loved one or on a spiritual level something to do with your faith. It’s more of a traditional love song.

Webb: You are in the studio right now mixing your new album. I know it is still early, and you can’t release a lot of information. But, could you give a little preview of the new album?

McNevan: Absolutely man. The new record is called The End is Where We Begin. That title rings true to us in a lot of ways. We’ve been through a lot of transition as a band in the last year, from getting new management and switching that up, to finishing our record deal. We really said no to all of the offers that we got in as far as signing another deal. We just felt like this was something we wanted to do ourselves. We really wanted to do it independently, and be able to connect with people on a closer level than we can when we are on the label. We have chosen to do that. Yeah, we are literally doing this one on our own. We feel like in the state of the music industry right now, we didn’t want to be still handcuffed. We wanted to be able to put out music more often, more reasonable and reasonably priced. Give away free music if we wanted to, and just have the options to do those things.

The End is Where We Begin definitely stands true to that. With the state of music right now, that title really speaks to me as far as that and the transition that is going on in music. On a spiritual level, [it] always kind of made sense to me with the idea of die to self. That’s the title. This new record, I am so excited about it. It’s got some fresh flavors for TFK. It also has some songs that bridge what we have done on our last record to this one, kind of doing that stuff a little better. There are a handful of songs on this that I felt really inspired to go back to our roots a little bit. There’s a little old school influence of TFK on a couple of these [songs] that we are really excited about, and had a lot of fun with too.

Webb: Do you have a tentative release date for it yet?

McNevan: We are hoping either the last week of March or the first week of April is the tentative release date.

Webb: If you could sum up the new record in one word, what would it be?

McNevan: That’s a great question. What’s the word I am looking for? I would have to say insane [laughing]. It’s loud and crazy, but it is also beautiful.

Webb: You mentioned this a couple questions ago, but I thought I would hit on it. Does that mean you are no longer with Tooth and Nail, and you are an independent band?

McNevan: We are indeed man. Tooth and Nail has been incredible. We love them. They are still family and they always will be. But, we have been thinking and praying about it for awhile. We were very blessed to be in a position where we had deals from all the labels. That was a great spot to be in. But, at the end of the day, we just felt the need to grassroots a little more. We want to do it bigger and better, that’s for sure. It won’t affect any of those things. We just want to connect with people a little closer again than you are able to sometimes when you are in those situations. Just be free to release music in the fashion that we want to. If we want to release music sooner, we can. We can put out EPs; we can give away some free music here and there if we want to. Our fans have supported us, and that is such a humbling situation. They have supported us with such a strong hand, that we want to give back. This will allow us to do that a little more.

Webb: Since you have been on Tooth and Nail Records for a quite a few years, are you nervous about this new phase or are you excited about hitting the music industry on your own as a band?

McNevan: We are excited about it. Yeah, there is a little bit of nerves in there. It’s a risk and a new frontier for us. I work with bands all the time and these labels all the time outside of TFK. The guys do other things as well. We’ve been fortunate enough to learn a lot about this business through the years we have been in it. You learn how it runs, what it needs to run and who you can trust. We have been very blessed to find the right people to be able to do that with them. We are excited man. We are definitely trusting that people that connect with this band can work with us on this, and we can do it together. That is what we are most excited about.

Webb: Is FM Static going to stay with Tooth and Nail?

McNevan: We haven’t made a decision as of yet. As FM Static, we finished our deal with Tooth and Nail as well. It’s kind of up in the air.

Webb: Speaking of FM Static, I do want to ask you a couple of questions about your side project. You released your new album earlier this year. I absolutely loved it. My personal favorite song on the record is “Black Tattoo.” I was wondering, when writing the song, how did you come up with the symbol of the black tattoo to represent the song?

McNevan: I actually have a pretty substantial black tattoo. On my right arm below my elbow, basically the size of a pretty legit wristband, is a solid black tattoo. I got thinking about this song and just the idea of it. That played into it. I hear this all the time when people ask you questions about your tattoo. You kind of realize that if you are going to get a solid black tattoo on your arm, it is a bit of a statement. It’s not something that you take very lightly. So, that’s what it was kind of symbolizing in the song. It was more of a statement.

Webb: I also want to mention the song “Lost In You.” Do you view that song as a worship song?

McNevan: Yeah. There is no right or wrong here. But, I think a lot of Christians look at worship as Matt Redman or Chris Tomlin, which is traditional worship and incredible. I shouldn’t say traditional worship; it sounds bad to say that. I mean those guys are out of the box in a lot of great ways. I love what they do. I think worship comes from the heart. To me, for FM Static or TFK, some of these songs like “Breathe You In,” “This is a Call” and a couple songs on our new record, those are worship songs to us every bit as much as “Blessed Be Your Name” and some of the classics.

Webb: You guys changed up your sound a little bit on this new album. What was the inspiration to go with a more Top 40 sound than your previous FM Static records?

McNevan: I think with pop music in general, that genre can have some bad connotations to it. I have just always been a fan of huge hooks and pop rock, from the Beach Boys to the Beatles and all that good stuff. I think it’s whatever you feel inspired to do at the time. It wasn’t really a conscious decision to change the sound. It was more of let’s take what we are doing and re-skin it a little bit for this record, and have fun with it. I came up listening to a lot of hip-hop, and I love a lot of the old school stuff. Yeah, I think the influences and the programming and loops, kind of felt natural. It made sense timing wise too.

Webb: I know you have worked with some hip-hop artists like Manafest and KJ-52, and you even had a little bit of a hip-hop on the new FM Static album. Do you ever want to put some more hip-hop stuff in your music, whether it is Thousand Foot Krutch or FM Static?

McNevan: Yeah, it’s funny. It’s something that is very honest to me. When I was 13, I actually did a full on rap demo. At the time, it was a tape [laughing]. It was a rap tape, which sounds hilarious. When I was 16, I put out another record. The drummer for Three Days Grace was in my band. We kind of grew up in the same town. That one was half hip-hop and half rock. I started getting more into the rock stuff when I was like 15 and 16. The little town that I grew up in only had a classic rock station. That was it. I grew up listening to mostly just hip-hop. Between those two influences, it kind of drove that. I have always been rhyming. It has always been something that meant a lot to me, as much as singing does. I think it is honest to say that it could very well come out on this TFK record a little bit. A little old school TFK love.

Webb: Do you ever find it hard trying to balance your time between Thousand Foot Krutch, FM Static and even your personal life?

McNevan: Yeah, it’s a bit of a constant juggle. Those things are part of my passion. They are what I feel drawn to, and just love to do. I am very blessed to have an incredible wife who is very supportive and understanding. It is a constant juggle. To be totally honest with you, of getting some healthy time that you need for yourself once in awhile, [having] the habit of being a good husband and as a perfectionist trying to do what I love the best I can. It’s a juggle man. But, thank God he is stronger than I am.

Webb: Have you thought about doing any music videos for Welcome to the Masquerade or My Brain Says Stop But My Heart Says Go?

McNevan: Yeah, we talked about some for the new [FM] Static, and there has been no decision made yet. I think because there has been so much transition going on with the label with TFK. It was bypassed a little bit. We will see what happens there. But, with the masquerade record with TFK, we actually did record a video for “Fire It Up.” We didn’t like it. Long story short, it wasn’t what we signed up for. We didn’t want to put it out. I think it was released. The label did release it on a soft release kind of thing. I am sure you can find it on YouTube. It was not something that we intended to portray that song. We ended up not really being able to [do a video] after that. I wish we could. That is one thing that I would love to go back and do on that record, but unfortunately I don’t think it is going to happen. Now that we are free there, maybe we can put something out and not have to explain it.

Webb: As a musician, which do you like better? Creating songs in the studio, or playing a live show?

McNevan: I honestly can’t really pick one. I love writing songs. I love working in the studio. I do it all day long, even when I am not with the band on tour. But, you can’t beat live. It’s something as TFK, and for all of us, it’s a big part who the band is, and who we are as people. The record is one thing. That’s really the other side of us is our performance and what we do. We give it 200 percent, and just love the live aspect of it. You can’t beat live as long as you have a chance to do it. But, I do really love the studio aspect, and it’s just a different pace.

Webb: Speaking of your live show, do you have any touring plans in the future with Thousand Foot Krutch or FM Static?

McNevan: FM Static, no. With making this new TFK record, it has been impossible to find time to tour that one [FM Static album] right now. But, hopefully in the future. With TFK, we are doing a lot of spot dates, a lot of fly in dates right now. We just got back from Switzerland and Germany. Yeah, we have a bunch of U.S. shows coming up here, and we just finished a Canadian tour as well. We are heading out in March and April with Red and a band that I have been working with for a couple of years that is just coming out called Nine Lashes. It’s going to be great. It’s going to be an awesome tour.

Webb: I know this is a little bit of a loaded question. But, I was wondering how do you think God uses rock and roll to win people for the kingdom?

McNevan: I think music has always been a major communicator to all of the generations really. I think, when I look at how music speaks to me as a person and how it communicates to me, I connect with it. I always have. I think a lot of people connect with music in their own way. Some people can receive something through the message of a song or through the lyrics of a song, that you couldn’t just walk up and tell them. They wouldn’t take it from you that way. But, it could be communicated to them or to their hearts through music. So, it’s not like someone is sitting there trying to preach at anyone. But, the heart of it is that you talk about life and what you are going through, just the way you see it as a songwriter in your songs; no matter what you believe and what your faith is. Yeah, we are Christian guys. That is our faith and our lifestyle. I am writing about the stuff that I am going through and the way that I see it. Talking about God, life, love and sometimes hate, just real life. I 100 percent believe that music can communicate, not better than anything else, but in a different way.

Webb: Since you have been a musician so long, could you talk about one or two things that you have seen change in the music industry over the years?

McNevan: One of the big things is a glaring issue in the music industry right now. That is one of the reasons why we are so excited to kind of be able to do this on our own. It has just become almost impossible to sell music. Without pointing any fingers, just obviously a mass amount of people are stealing it and not buying it. That is the most glaring one. It affects all of us as artists. I see a lot of it everyday, from the biggest artist to the brand new ones. It affects us all in a massive way the amount people are stealing music. When you do that, you are not supporting the artist. Just as someone who loves music, I really hope that people can support it in that way again or realize how much they are affecting it. It is just like movies or anything else. It takes money to put a record together and a movie together. Those budgets are becoming slim to none. If you love music, support it. I would encourage you to.

Webb: In a little bit of a different note, you have collaborated with a ton of artists over your career, writing, producing and even doing some guest vocals. Do you have a favorite collaboration or one that really sticks out in your mind?

McNevan: They have all been fun. I have a blast working on music with people, and feel honored to work with the artists that I have. Some of them have been like a day, and some of them have been months and months. I’d have to say the ones where I got to spend more time with [are my favorites]. We just have more memories, and more fun times in those projects. Hawk Nelson, getting to work with those guys for so many years, with those first few records. They’re still family. Those guys are incredible. Manafest is a good, good friend. I love all of that stuff. Working with Toby was a lot of fun. I just think about Toby as a person. He is definitely one of those guys who is the real deal. I remember sitting there when I was tracking his vocals for a demo we were working on. Just sitting there and thinking, ‘wow this is so funny. When I was in youth group, I would probably be freaking out right now [laughing].’ You have those moments. But, I feel blessed and so fortunate. God is so good.

Webb: Do you have an all time favorite Thousand Foot Krutch or FM Static song?

McNevan: Man, that is a tough one. I love them all. I really do. With TFK, I can’t even pick one. FM Static is almost as hard. I think because the record never really got as much push, and it is just a heartfelt song to me about a family member. I think the song “Tonight” off of our second FM Static record called Critically Ashamed. Yeah, I would have to pick that one.

Webb: You have already mentioned this a little bit already. Besides your new album and your upcoming tour with Red, do you have any other plans in the future with Thousand Foot Krutch?

McNevan: There are a million things going on with this new stuff that we are doing. We are going to be doing a huge pre-sale campaign coming up. Offering tons of different packages, from all sorts of merchandise packages to early listening and early downloads of the record before it actually comes out to a private listening party to a Skype call. We are just getting really creative, and having fun. Like I said, just more ways to connect with people and getting to share this with them. Yeah, that is going to be coming out in the next few months before the new record comes out. We will probably have a new single out in January. I really hope you guys dig it. We are excited. We have got a second wind.

Webb: Do you have any last comments that you want to share?

McNevan: I appreciate your time. If anyone gets the chance, you can check out thousandfootkrutch.com. That would be fantastic. Also, you can check out Live At the Masquerade. We released a live CD and DVD. We actually released that independently. Just really encouraging people to check it out, it’s a great live portrayal of who we are. We brought tons of fire, and got crazy. It was a blessing.

Below, is the official lyric video for Thousand Foot Krutch’s song, “Shook.”

Band Names

2011-10-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

For this next post, I want to specifically talk about band names. When people interview bands, or when fans ask a band a question, so many times they ask for an explanation of the band name. Sometimes the band will have a serious response and a great story about the band name. Other times, the name came from a joke or even a video game. In this post, I want to give you some explanations from bands. I want to share with you the stories and meanings behind six different band names. You may already know the stories behind some of the names, but there might be a few that surprise you.

1. As I Lay Dying

The Grammy nominated metalcore group, As I Lay Dying, actually got their name from a novel. According to lead singer Tim Lambesis, the band is named after a William Faulkner novel titled As I Lay Dying.

“We got the idea from the name. I wouldn’t say that there is a correlation in the meaning of the book and the meaning of the band. We stole the name from there. It’s kind of depressing, but I guess it’s well-written. It’s not my style of novel. Coming up with a name is a lot harder than it seems. At the time, it was the best name that we could think of,” said Lambesis.

2. Family Force 5

The crunk rockers from Atlanta, Georgia, definitely have a humorous side to their band name. The first name for the band was Phamily, but the group soon changed their name to Family Force 5. During an interview with Jesusfreakhideout, Soul Glow Activator compares their name to a giant robot.

"Family Force 5 sounded like a big giant robot, basically. We're a family, we're a force to be reckoned with and there's five [of us], but I'd say there's a way better description and it's that it sounded like a big Voltron robot,” said Soul Glow.

3. Kids In The Way

Kids In the Way actually started writing and recording music before they even came up with their band name. Lead singer, Dave Pelsue, admits that their name came from a lyric in one of their songs.

“There's a lot of different meanings. We named the band Kids In the Way after the song We Are. The chorus says, ‘We are kids in the way.’ We wrote the song before we named the band and kind of took it from the song. We just liked the meaning of the name. In the song, it's talking about a generation of youth - or anybody, really - that is willing to stand up for what they believe and do what they know and feel is right no matter what anybody else says. It kind of has a negative connotation to the title, but it's kind of a sarcastic thing. Like lots of times society would view us as being in the way simply because of what we believe. If that's what they want to say and if that's what they want to call us, then we'll gladly accept that. That's where the Kids In The Way comes from,” said Pelsue.

4. The Letter Black

Formerly known as Breaking the Silence, The Letter Black was signed to Tooth and Nail Records in 2009. After realizing a mainstream band had already received rights for the name Breaking the Silence, the group decided to changed their name to The Letter Black. Mark Anthony, guitarist for the group, admits that the name of the band came from a joke.

“It came out of a joke between our manager and Paige Hamilton (of Helmet). We were coming up with band names and were just tossing names around and Paige just threw it out saying, ‘Why don’t you just call it The Letter Black? It doesn’t have to mean anything.’ And it stuck,” said Anthony.

5. Flyleaf

The female fronted rock band, Flyleaf, has dominated hard rock music in the last couple of years. Similar to As I Lay Dying, the name of the group was inspired through literature.

"A flyleaf is a blank page at the beginning of a book and at the end of a book where people take notes and write dedications and stuff. It's that moment of clarity just before the story begins and that moment of clarity just after it ends. So it's just like before you're born, and just after you die," said lead guitarist Sameer Bhattacharya.

"The moment of clarity I guess is, the Bible says that, ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you in the womb’ and so it's like that moment with God and then the moment after you die when you meet God," said lead singer Lacey Sturm.

6. Hawk Nelson

According to lead singer Jason Dunn, the inspiration for the band name came from an old school video game.

“Well when I was about 14 years old, there was this video game I played called Too Extreme on the Sony Playstation. It was like an extreme sports game - like skateboarding, snowboarding, bike riding and like all those kinds of things. And before you could play, you had to create a character name. And that was the name I made random off the top of my head. I'm like Hawk Nelson. I ripped the first name off of Tony Hawk. Nelson I got from a boot, a repair place in our hometown, Nelson Boot Repair. That's where it came from. Little piece of my childhood, don't you know,” said Dunn.

7eventh Time Down Interview

2011-09-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

Hailing from Mount Vernon, Ky., the members of 7eventh Time Down are poised to take the world by storm with their overt message of Christ. The group signed with the major, Christian label BEC Recordings, which houses many well known Christian acts including: Jeremy Camp, Kutless, Hawk Nelson and Manafest. Their debut album, Alive In You, was recently released on Sept. 13. Featuring southern guitar hooks, worship anthems and infectious lyrics, 7eventh Time Down has crafted a memorable and moving debut. On Sept. 20, 2011, I had the chance to speak with the lead singer of 7eventh Time Down, Mikey Howard, about their new album, the band’s ministry, and the craziness of touring.

Webb: For those who don’t know you guys, could you give me a brief history of the band?

Mikey Howard: Well, we all grew up together in a small Kentucky town, Mount Vernon. Austin and I first met playing in Little League T-ball together. We were just friends, and we knew each other throughout school. In middle school, we started our first band. It was a typical cover band; we played Third Day, Big Tent Revival, Supertones and just whatever we liked to listen to. Eric was also in that band with us. Cliff didn’t come along until about seventh grade. I met him playing football for our middle school team. Yeah, we just grew up playing music together, and playing sports together. That is kind of how we got our start. After high school, we decided to go full time into the music ministry, and hit the road.

Webb: So what inspired you to play music full time?

Mikey Howard: For me, it was surrendering more to ministry at a younger age, and realizing the gifts and abilities God has given me. So it just seemed natural to pursue music as the ministry that God had for me. What inspired me most was honestly the Jesus story, to go out and further the kingdom. Music was the vehicle to do that because that was the one thing that I felt confident enough in to go out and stand in front of people. But, as far as being in a band and 7eventh Time Down, there are a lot of bands that inspire us, DC Talk, Third Day and that kind of thing. But, the heart and soul of the band has always been ministry first, band second. Not to be too Sunday school, but definitely the inspiration and heart that drives behind what we do is without a doubt the Jesus story. Furthering that story, and just helping grow the kingdom by doing what we do best together. That is being 7eventh Time Down.

Webb: Your debut album just released a couple of weeks ago. How excited are you for this release of this album?

Mikey Howard: Man, we are absolutely excited. It has been so awesome. In a way, it feels like a new beginning. You kind of feel like you are starting all over. It’s just exciting, overwhelming, humbling, those are all the best words that I could use. Humbling is the absolute best word that comes to my mind, just knowing that God has ordained this. Allowing us to do this at this time for his purpose is just awesome. It is unbelievable, super awesome.

Webb: I do want to talk about a couple of your songs. The title track and first single is “Alive In You.” Could you tell me a little bit about the story and meaning behind the song?

Mikey Howard: Yeah man. That is probably the first song that we started writing for this record. It is kind of a culmination of what God has been doing inside the four of us over the past eight years touring. It is our declaration and soapbox of this is exactly why we are doing what we are doing. It is because of Jesus. This is why we are doing it, and this is why we choose to be away from our families. This is why we travel all of over the country. It is not for self glory; it is not for a big production on a big stage somewhere. It’s not for the recognition of 7eventh Time Down, but it is completely and totally in the name of Jesus. That is why we are alive. That’s why we breathe. That is why we sing. It is kind of our declaration of that to the world. In hopes, listeners will hear that and be inspired to want that same relationship with Jesus.

Webb: For me, my favorite lyric on the whole album is on that song. I love the part where you sing, “a Jesus freak till the day I die.” I love that lyric that you guys wrote.

Mikey Howard: Yeah dude. We get a lot of comments on that lyric. That was one that we were in the studio tweaking the final lyric. It was one of those things when we were like, ‘man is it cheesy? Are people going to think we only put it in there because of the whole Jesus freak movement?’ But, honestly that song “Jesus Freak” by DC Talk really helped shape the way that I followed Jesus at an early age. It gave me the okay to be bold about Christ in school, and with my friends. It carried over into my adulthood. My wife is the same way. My family is bold about Jesus. Just all of us, my band, and everybody that we know that song really impacted us as kids to want to change the world for Jesus. For us, that lyric just had to stay in the song. No matter what negativity it brought from certain critics, it had to be in there because that is just who we are.

Webb: I totally agree. I think your message is definitely bold in this album, and especially on the last song, “Rusty Nails.” Could you tell me a little bit about the story of “Rusty Nails?”

Mikey Howard: That is a song that we really didn’t know if it would end up on the record or not. “Alive in You” was the first song that we specifically wrote for this record, but “Rusty Nails,” was one of the first songs that 7eventh Time Down ever wrote as a band. It was one of those songs that our friends and fans that have been following 7eventh Time Down for a long time already knew. That song is a real humble response to the cross and to the Jesus story specifically. It is really just a humble way for us to respond to that amazing transformation story. It was the last song that we recorded for the record. It was one of those ones that we were like, ‘as long as this song has been around, it doesn’t matter. As many times people have heard it, it doesn’t matter.’ We felt like this song had a message. It had something to say to the masses. Being this was our first national release, we felt like it needed to go on there. The lyric and the message behind this song needed to be heard.

Webb: How would you guys describe your music to an average person who has never heard you before?

Mikey Howard: It is just a really big, bold sound. I hate to get too specific on what we sound like with people, but I tell people that we sound like Daughtry, or maybe an amped up version of Jeremy Camp. It is just good rock and roll music with a real strong Jesus message behind it. I think a lot of Third Day fans even like our sound because we have a little of that southern draw to our music. It is just a good blend of rock and roll.

Webb: You have already touched on this a little bit. But, besides the overt message of Christ, are there any other messages that you want to convey to listeners?

Mikey Howard: Yeah, I mean there are tons. I think most importantly what I would love to say to people that are listening to our music is we hope that it inspires you first, if you are on the fence about Christ, to become believers. What more could a band like us ask for? For people’s lives to be transformed through our music because of the Jesus story. I think second, for people who are already believers, our prayer is that their story would not end there. We pray and hope that through our music that they are inspired to actually step into the way of Jesus, and actually living like Christ in the world. Not just believing in him, and not just being okay with their eternal destination. As good as that is, and as much as we affirm everything that the Bible has to say about eternity, salvation, the cross, Jesus and the resurrection, [we should] know that Christ also died so we could live like him in the world. So that this world could be changed here and now, and give people hope in this world and this life. That is woven throughout our album and our lyrics. Hopefully, [we] just want to inspire people to live like Jesus in this world.

Webb: Now on a little lighter note, do you remember where you were and what you were doing the first time you heard 7eventh Time Down on the radio?

Mikey Howard: Yeah dude. It’s a little tricky because you have Iphone apps now. I had heard it on the Iphone apps a lot. But, actually being in the car and just randomly coming on the radio, I was actually with the entire band. We were on tour, and we were driving through Texas. We just had the radio on; and sure enough out of nowhere, ‘a brand new band from Kentucky. This is 7eventh Time Down with “Alive in You.”’ We just started screaming like little girls [laughing]. We were just so excited, everybody was cheering. We could barely even hear the song on the radio because we were so excited. It was a really neat experience; it was definitely overwhelming.

Webb: How did you guys first get in contact with the major label BEC Recordings?

Mikey Howard: I think we had put on a showcase for a bunch of labels in Nashville. This has been awhile back. Basically, a lot of record labels from Nashville and across the country came to check out what we were doing and our music. We played this showcase, and afterwards it was the first time we had ever met anyone from BEC and Tooth and Nail. That is what kind of started the relationship. Shortly afterward, we just really liked them [BEC Recordings], and what they were doing in the industry. They seemed to really know what to do with a rock and roll band. With the success of Kutless, Jeremy Camp and Thousand Foot Krutch, they seemed to know what to do with the rock acts. We had played with a lot of those bands, Kutless in particular. Just having the chance, before we were on the label, to see the ministry mindset behind Kutless, and also seeing that spill over into BEC. They are just incredible people. To get to be a part of that family has just been awesome. Anyways, I kind of got off track, but after the showcase we talked to a bunch of different labels. We ended up picking them [BEC Recordings], and that is kind of how it happened. They picked us; we picked them.

Webb: What was your feeling when the signing day came with BEC Recordings?

Mikey Howard: Man, it was absolutely awesome. Our day was probably a little more unique than others. I think our families for all these years had enabled us to have our ministry. They have enabled us to do what we were doing. I think our families kind of felt like they were passing the torch to BEC. Now, BEC was going to be the one that enabled us to do our ministry on a much bigger level. Naturally, all of our families, my wife and my little girl, came. Our parents came, and we just took a big entourage down to the office there. We signed the paperwork and took pictures. It was incredible. It was an emotional day. It just felt like it was a testament to God’s faithfulness to us as followers of him. Just feeling like years ago God had put this in our hearts to do this on a national level, and then [we] had struggles over the eight years of touring. You have questions along the way like, ‘did I really hear God’s voice? Was this God telling me to do this? Was I dreaming? Was I making it up?’ Then to have it finally happening was just, again, a testament to his faithfulness. He keeps his promises to his people.

Webb: You have already mentioned a couple of your influences: DC Talk, Third Day and Kutless. Are there any other bands past or present on BEC Recordings or Tooth and Nail Records that you guys really look up to or draw influence from?

Mikey Howard: Sound wise, I really love TFK [Thousand Foot Krutch]. They are just a big sounding band. Melodically, we don’t really jive. We are not the same melodically. But, musically I just really like the way their records sound, and how bold their cds sound. I really draw from them. Vocally, for me Jeremy Camp is a huge one. In high school, I used to drive around blasting his records and singing them at the top of my lungs. He really helped with little things like the diction that I have, and the way that I say certain words. He was a big influence for me personally. Obviously, Kutless is a huge one. We definitely draw a lot from their past records. That music is kind of what we grew up on, so it was just natural that we would draw from that.

Webb: Also, you guys just released the brand new music video for “Alive In You.” Could you tell me a little bit about that process of making the video and your experience working on the project?

Mikey Howard: It was awesome. We worked with a really cool director named Austin Upchurch. He is another Kentucky boy; he is from Somerset, Ky. He did a fabulous job. That was really my first rodeo with a music video. I had never attempted to do something like that before. So, I didn’t know what we were getting into. I probably got up around 4:30 that morning. We had our first, I don’t even what you call it, our first call to be there which was about 5:00 o’clock that morning. It literally went all day long. There were green screens, lighting and cameras; it was just absolutely unbelievable. They shot our music video with the same type of camera that they shot “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “The Book of Eli.” I didn’t even want to breathe around the camera. I felt like if I touched it, it would break because it was so expensive. It was just awesome having all those people there working hard to get the right shot. You would literally spend like hours setting up lighting, and shooting this big, long scene. Then, it would be all for four seconds in the music video. It was really cool to see how it all came together. I kind of knew when we shot the video that at the end I was going to turn to dust. When we shot it that day, I was like, ‘how in the world are we going to make what we just shot, make me look that I turn into dust?’ Sure enough, it was unbelievable.

Webb: I want to talk about your band name for a minute. Why did you guys decide to put the number seven in your name?

Mikey Howard: Just to be different. There are not too many people who spell with numbers. It just kind of seemed like a cool thing to do. The seven is kind of that iconic thing for a band, and it just made sense. For us, we just liked it. Give people something to chew on, and wonder, ‘why did they do that?’

Webb: Yeah, it definitely makes it stand out. When it is beside a bunch of different band names, that seven really pops out.

Mikey Howard: That’s the thing, there are a ton of other bands out there that have the seven thing going on. For us, it was just trying to separate ourselves. We have had that name since we started the band. We have gained a lot of traction with the name. So, we didn’t want to change our name, just because other people had sevens in their name. We thought, ‘how can we make ourselves stand out, and not change our name?’ That was what we came up with.

Webb: Thinking about touring for a minute, how do you guys balance having family lives at home, and all the responsibilities that come along with being a full time Christian band?

Mikey Howard: Man, that is the toughest part. Just like I was telling you a minute ago, when I first called you, I was literally driving my daughter to the babysitter. It is just tough, but I guess it is no different from what other people experience. I am a dad, and dads go to work. That is what you do. Unfortunately, my work keeps me away for longer periods of time. You have to make sure that you are on your phone with your wife everyday. Make sure you are praying together, and talking about scripture together. It makes you want to be more open. You share all of your thoughts, and you really have to talk more. You almost have to communicate more than people who see each other everyday. The good part about it is when I am home, I’m home. When I am home, I am 24/7 with them because I don’t have anything else to go and do. So, that part is pretty cool. It seems like there are fewer distractions when I am home. For the most part, when I am home, we eat together and pray together. It is just a little different, and you learn to adjust. You have to have a wife that absolutely rocks, and mine does. She is incredible; she definitely makes it where I can keep doing this. She is awesome.

Webb: While you are on tour, how do you have your personal quiet time when you are sharing such a tight space in a van with a bunch of people?

Mikey Howard: Iphones are a blessing [laughing]. I have an audio Bible, and I have a couple of different Bible apps that have different reading programs. You just do it. I am sure a lot of people think, ‘man, the guys are having a blast in the van. They are probably laughing the whole time.’ That is not always the case. We are tired, and everybody has their own designated area in the van. You just chill out and make time for it. You make time for what is important. You just do it and get in the word. The cool thing about us is that it makes for good van conversation. I might have read something in Colossians, and two days ago Eric might have been in Proverbs. You are sharing all that stuff, and it makes for good conversation and encouragement.

Webb: You guys have toured and shared the stage with quite a few big bands in the Christian scene. Do you guys like doing any pranks with other bands on tour?

Mikey Howard: We try not to get in involved with too many prank wars. But, I will tell you this. Pillar started a prank war with us a few years ago, and we won pretty big. It started off with them calling us and telling us that our sound man was in the hospital. That he had fell and hit his head at one o’clock in the morning. We get out of our hotel beds, and drive to the hospital. Obviously, he is not there. So, we end up calling them [Pillar], and telling them that he is not here. They are like, ‘the ambulance just left here; he will be there in a second.’ We just kept waiting, and no ambulances came back. Finally, we drove back to the venue, and they busted out laughing. Anyways, that kind of started it. The whole tour we went back and forth. But, we told them, ‘no matter what happens between now and the end of the tour, we guarantee that we are going to win.’ The last night of the tour, we jacked their trailer up on cinder blocks. [We] took the wheels, and hid them all over the venue. Spray painted it, Christian vandalized it pretty good. We did a few other pranks during the show. They have these things that we call ego risers, where bands stand up on them. Basically, we made an exact replica out of poster board. They stepped up on it, and it collapsed underneath them. All that came in one night.

Webb: Since you guys have been touring for so long, do you have any crazy stories to share from the road?

Mikey Howard: Dude, there are crazy things that happen all the time. Back a few years ago in Texas, we were running low on money. We pulled into this parking lot of a hotel because they had wireless internet that was free. So, we decided to sleep in the van because they had internet. Cliff and I, we ended up sleeping on top of the van that night. When we woke up the next morning, there was a cop car sitting next to us. [The cop] had a camera phone out snapping pictures of us, just dying laughing. Then he drove off when we woke up. That was a pretty funny one. We have had axels break off while we were driving down the road. We have had wheels fly off, transmissions die, rear ends lock up, all kinds of crazy stuff.

Webb: Looking ahead to the future a little bit, what are your plans? What can fans expect from you guys in the near future?

Mikey Howard: We are doing a tour in October with another new rock band called Ashes Remain. We are going to be doing a few weeks with them. We are going up to Canada and back, which is really exciting. We got to meet those guys down at Disney World a couple of weeks ago. They are some really sweet guys; we are excited about that tour. We are going to be doing a Christmas song that is going to be released to radio. We are going to be doing a Christmas tour with After Edmund, which will be fun. We are doing a few shows here and there with the Newsboys this fall, which will be cool. After the new year, we will probably do a new single off the new album. Just touring a bunch, and writing new songs for the second record.

Webb: Any last comments that you want to share?

Mikey Howard: I think for us as a band, we just want people to feel like a big family. Get to know us on Facebook and Twitter. Come out and see a show. Share with us what God has been doing in your lives, and we would love to share with everyone else what God has been doing in us. We just want people to take ownership of 7eventh Time Down. We want to be the people’s band. We love everybody, and we want to share the gospel of Jesus with everybody. Also, inspire everybody to do that within their own communities. That is when we are going to see a change in this world, when everybody starts living like Christ.

Below, is 7eventh Time Down’s official music video for the song, “Alive In You.”

Ashes Remain Interview

2011-09-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

Before being signed to Fair Trade Services in 2010, Ashes Remain played together for nearly a decade. The group released their major label debut album, What I’ve Become, on August 23. On their debut, Ashes Remain tackle the subjects of desperation, hope and redemption. Drawing from a wide range of influences, everything from 3 Doors Down to Circa Survive, What I’ve Become is fueled by the band’s accessible, rock radio sound. On September 1, 2011, I had the opportunity to speak with the lead singer of Ashes Remain, Josh Smith, about their debut album, traveling in a 1987 school bus and his inspirations as a musician.

Webb: Before I talk about your debut album, I was wondering if you could give a very brief history on the band.

Josh Smith: Yeah man, no problem. I moved to Maryland in 2002. I am originally from Florida. But, before I moved up here, I worked at a camp in Maryland for four summers. That is where I met our rhythm guitar player Ryan Nalepa. He and I really believed that we were supposed to do something in music together. We committed to pray about it daily. I was looking for God to open a door for me in Maryland. One year after the camp was over, I moved back home. A couple months later, I got a call from a church up here [Maryland] that was looking for a full time worship leader. It was about 10 minutes from where Ryan lived. We kind of took that as a green light from God, and just got things underway.

Webb: Were you guys touring for many years before you got signed to Fair Trade Services?

Josh Smith: We were. This September, we will be a band 10 years. Probably for the last four or five [years] we were touring regionally, and then we finally started touring all over the country on our own. That was actually part of what Fair Trade liked about us.

Webb: Was it ever tough for you guys touring that long while being an independent band, or was it something that you knew God was calling you to do?

Josh Smith: It’s both. I think we always knew that this was what God was calling us to do. It can still feel tough. But, when you know you are being obedient, you kind of just push forward and wait for his provision.

Webb: Looking ahead to your debut album that was just released, what was your feeling on the release date of What I’ve Become? Relief, joy, excitement, anxiety?

Josh Smith: Honestly, we couldn’t be more excited about it. Like you were saying, we have been in the business for so long. We never had anybody backing us up. Having the label behind us, and all the things that are going on right now is just exciting.

Webb: Listening to the album, I felt like one of the major themes was redemption, and coming out of a place of no hope. Was that theme intentional in the writing process? Did you want to tackle that theme on this album?

Josh Smith: We really didn’t aim for it; but with every song that we wrote, it just seemed to be where our heads were at. I think it comes from touring and talking with people at shows, and just seeing that that is what this generation is dealing with all across the country.

Webb: I do want to specifically talk about a couple of songs on the record. Your first single “Everything Good” is really different from the rest of the album. It is very positive and it almost has a worship style feel to it. So I was wondering if you could tell me a little bit about the story behind the song “Everything Good.”

Josh Smith: Yeah, we wrote that song in a grocery story parking lot with a guy named Paul Alan. We were just sitting around talking about the different stories in the Bible, like Paul being in prison and literally singing praises from behind prison bars. It’s talking about how so many times in our faith in America, we run into people where life isn’t perfect. Things aren’t going their way and they think that God is out to get them. In the Bible, we just see the opposite of that so many times. God leads us through valleys and tragedies to just make us who he wants us to be. That was kind of the thought behind that song. Even though the world is falling apart around you, instead of blaming God, just realize he is God and taking you through that journey.

Webb: Also, I think one of the most powerful songs on the record is “Without You.” Could you share the story behind that song too?

Josh Smith: Yeah, absolutely. The chorus kind of says it all. That song is just about realizing that life without a relationship in God is completely useless and empty.

Webb: What is your favorite song on the record? Is there one that you are most proud of or one that means the most to you?

Josh Smith: Oh man. It changes week to week. Right now, I really like the song “End of Me.” That one is really speaking to me, and is really fun to play live.

Webb: Can you tell me a little bit about the album title What I’ve Become? Is there a certain meaning or message that you wanted to convey to listeners with the title?

Josh Smith: What I’ve Become, when that came through my mind, it was just thinking about as a Christian coming to a place in your life where you have drifted away from who you were supposed to be and who you were meant to be. Just realizing in that moment that you are not the person you are supposed to be and not even recognizing yourself.

Webb: Musically, you have been compared to other Christian rock bands like Kutless, Seventh Day Slumber, and Decyfer Down. Do you like the comparison to some of these bands; do you welcome the comparison? Or do you just want to say we are our own band with our own sound?

Josh Smith: Comparisons don’t bother us. We are not aiming for that. We are not trying to sound like any other band, but that is the way music is. There is nothing new under the sun. Any time you write a song or put out an album, no matter how unique you think it is, someone is going to find a way to compare it to something else that is already out there. So, we are not offended at all.

Webb: I saw that you guys travel in a 1987 Ford school bus. Can you tell me a little about this bus?

Josh Smith: Yeah, it is a 1987 Ford school bus with no air conditioning, no heat, and only goes about 50 mph. But, it has also been a blessing to us. We don’t hate the bus [laughing]. We are excited to have it. For the past five years, we have been touring all over the country. We have gotten to play in 27 states. We couldn’t have done that without the bus. We did the van and trailer thing for awhile. But, [in the bus] we put six bunks in, two couches, and all of our equipment goes in there. It allowed us to tour a lot cheaper because we didn’t need hotels wherever we went. It opened up a lot of doors for us to play a lot more shows.

Webb: Since you have had this bus for awhile, is it something that you definitely want to keep or are you ready to move up to a tour bus?

Josh Smith: [laughing]. I don’t think we are in a hurry either way. If the schedule demands it, the money is there and it all makes sense, we would get another bus. But, I feel like we are almost in The Karate Kid [laughing]. This bus has taught us so much. It has taught us a lot of patience and a lot of just gratefulness. I don’t know. That is a good question. If the timing is right, we would probably get a new bus because our schedule is getting a lot busier than before. We are having to cover a lot more miles a lot faster. The 50 mph is literally becoming an issue. We are having 600 miles between shows over night. That is just hard to keep up.

Webb: Now talking about tours, do you have any upcoming tours or festivals planned for this fall?

Josh Smith: For the fall, we are doing a tour with a band called 7eventh Time Down out of Kentucky. Those dates are starting to come in now. I know we are going to be in Canada, Ohio, Michigan and North Carolina. We have a lot of cool one off stuff that we are doing that is pretty exciting. We are getting to play in Virginia. We are getting to play with Thousand Foot Krutch and Switchfoot in September. So that is cool. In the spring, we are pitched for a couple of different tours, which we won’t know for a couple of weeks now which one we will land on. We are just trying to keep it moving. Stay out there in front of people with the record being so new, and just make some new friends.

Webb: Would you say maybe the most important part of your band is touring, meeting people and talking to fans every night?

Josh Smith: For us it is. But, it is hard to say what is more important. Without a record and without radio, touring is next to impossible. It is so hard when no one has ever heard of you in any town you go to. You are lucky to have 50 kids show up at any show. It is so important to have the record out there and have the radio behind you. We have never had that before. It is so crazy to go to towns now and to hear kids singing along to “Everything Good,” and singing along to our rock single, “Come Alive.” It is so cool. For us, the most fun part is definitely touring. Writing a recording is a blast, but there is nothing like getting on the stage, and just living it out.

Webb: Since you guys have been signed and you are gaining a lot of momentum, do you find that it is harder to have that one on one time with fans? Do you find that it is harder because you now have more fans wanting to talk with you?

Josh Smith: I can see the difficulty growing, but right now we are still okay. It is still pretty attainable to sit down one on one with people. I hope that it always is on some level because that’s who we are. We are not the band that wants to hang out in the green room, and come out and play the set; then get on the bus and leave. We are the band that wants to know people and share life with people. So, we will fight for that.

Webb: I saw on twitter that you called your fans Ashes Remainiacs. Is that name going to stick? Do you want to keep calling your fans that name?

Josh Smith: That is 100 percent up to the fans [laughing]. That is something that I said one day when I was in a goofy mood. If they go by it, that is cool. If they don’t, I am not offended [laughing].

Webb: I do want to talk about one music industry topic. Are you guys okay with selling music online, and just the thought that we are okay with whoever picks up our album. Or do you guys like having people buy the actual physical album?

Josh Smith: Oh no, we are fine with online sales. I mean, I think the industry has shifted so violently. Physical record sales are down so much, and digital sales are up so high. I don’t really see a lot of bad in it. I mean I am a guy that has to have the physical copy of something, but there are times when it is just simpler to go ahead and download something on my phone or on my computer. So, I don’t mind it, and I can appreciate it. The way I look at it, any way someone wants to get our music into their hands, I am honored.

Webb: Thinking way back, what inspired you to become a musician?

Josh Smith: I grew up in a musical family. My dad was a country musician. He lived in Nashville in the 1970s and put out a record. He got opportunities to go on tour and do all these things, but he was a family man. He pretty much walked away from the business. He always played on the weekends, and did whatever he wanted for fun. My brother also played in the band with him. My brother Robert, when I was 15 and he was 26, he landed a gig at Disney World. He was in a house band at one of the places at Disney World. He died in a car accident on the way home from a show. I just remembered it impacting me deeply. Up until that point, I was the kid who always sang in the shower. But, it was never something that I wanted to do. That was when I was 15, within a couple of years by the time I was 18 or 19, I really started to grow this desire to play. I started learning guitar chords, and just couldn’t put it down. That’s when I realized that it was becoming more of a calling and a passion than a hobby. Then I quit college and started a band.

Webb: Looking ahead to the future a little bit, what is the goal or goals of the band in the next few years? What do you guys want to achieve?

Josh Smith: You know a lot of people shoot for the moon, and maybe I should. If we become a stadium rock band, that’s great. But, if we can just sustain ourselves, if this can be our ministry and career for life, I am a happy man. If I can keep the lights on at home and do well enough there, then I have no complaints.

Webb: Any last comments?

Josh Smith: Man, I just appreciate your time. It is very humbling to me that people care to talk to us now. So, I just appreciate it.

Criticism of Christian Rock Part 1

2011-08-16T18:20:00.000-07:00

As you know and have read on my blog posts, I am a long time fan and supporter of the ministry of Christian rock. But, the more I have studied this genre, the more I have found that there are people against Christian rock and even Contemporary Christian music. In many websites, YouTube videos, and books, there are pastors, writers, and youth leaders speaking out against Christian rock. Some even go as far as calling it satanic and dealing with the occult.

For my next two posts, I want to set the record straight. In these posts, I will be answering some of the biggest criticisms of Christian rock music. I want to dissect Christian rock and use the Bible, my opinions, and the opinions of Christian musicians to show you that Christian rock is bringing praise and honor to our Lord.

The first criticism is that Christian rock is an oxymoron. An oxymoron occurs when two contradicting terms are combined into one. Critics believe Christianity and rock and roll are two contradicting terms, thus Christian rock is an oxymoron.

According to dictionary.com, the definition of rock and roll is, “a style of popular music that derives in part from blues and folk music and is marked by a heavily accented beat and a simple, repetitive phrase structure.” This definition simply states the meaning of rock music. There are no religious, Christian, or non-Christian implications in this basic definition. Some people and musicians have taken this definition a step further and made rock and roll into a lifestyle, not just a type of music. Some people associate rock music with drugs, alcohol, sex, parties, anti-religious beliefs, etc. This type of lifestyle has nothing to do with the style of music a musician plays. Yes, there are rock musicians that engage in this lifestyle, but there are also rap, country, and pop artists who engage in this lifestyle. This lifestyle is simply an occurrence in secular rock music, it is not the definition of rock music. Rock and roll is simply a style of music, just the same as saying gospel, country, hip-hop, or jazz is a style of music. Music by itself has no religious or lifestyle implications; music is amoral.

Plus, to fully understand this criticism, one must look at music within a vacuum. When studying if music has any religious implications, one must strip everything else away. Meaning, take away the band members, their beliefs, and take away the lyrics. So, all you have left are the notes on a page. No matter how you look at those notes, there are no religious beliefs or lifestyles attached to them. Only when you add the band members, their beliefs, and the lyrics of the song is when music takes on belief systems and moral or immoral lifestyles. Therefore, Christian rock is not an oxymoron because rock and roll is a style of music, not a lifestyle. You can play rock music without engaging in an immoral lifestyle.

The next criticism is that an entity like a band cannot be Christian. To be a Christian, one must be a follower of Christ. Some argue that a band can’t be Christian. A band is a thing, and a thing cannot follow Christ. I agree, only humans can be Christians. Things like a band, or a computer, or a television can’t be Christian. But, the members of a band can be Christian, and their music can point people to Christ. If you want to get very technical with words, then yes a band cannot be Christian. But, for me, I believe a band can be Christian if the members pass three, simple criteria.

The first one is very simple: are you a Christian? I know this point seems obvious, but to be a Christian musician, Jesus Christ needs to be your personal Savior and Lord. Yes, I know the Christian rock industry is not perfect and there are people in the industry that are not Christians. I know that, and I accept that. But, for the truly honest musicians, you first need to be a born again Christian before you can be called a Christian musician.

Second, I believe the musician’s lifestyle also defines you as a Christian artist. The type of music you play is not what defines you as a Christian, but the life you lead before Jesus Christ and others is what defines you as a Christian. Now I am not saying go out and judge every single musician you see and say, “They’re a Christian, this band isn’t Christian, this musician is a Christian,” and so on. I am not saying judge Christian musicians. In the Bible, it specifically states in Matthew 7:1-2, that you should not judge others or you will be judged by God accordingly. God tells us to judge what is right and wrong, not the validity of someone’s faith and how they present their faith to others. That is for God and ONLY God to judge. What I am saying is the musician’s lifestyle should be a major factor in deciding if this band is Christian or not. It should be very evident in the musician’s life whether or not they are a follower of Jesus Christ.

The final criteria, I believe, is lyric based. There are really two major types of lyrics in the Christian rock scene. The first type of lyric is worship lyrics. These lyrics are pure worship songs unto God. The main focus of these songs is bringing praise and glory to God. The second type of lyric is issue based. Most Christian rock bands, since they are geared toward teenagers and young adults, talk about issues that are occurring in teenager’s lives today. When it comes to subject matter, most bands have a wide variety that they choose from. The subjects can be everything from prayer and witnessing, to alcoholism and cutting.

You may ask, “How can singing about alcoholism and cutting be Christian?” There is a very fine line that Christian bands walk when singing about these subject matters. Most bands choose to sing about these subjects because kids are dealing with these subjects everyday. Most bands believe that they can reach out to kids and witness to them by meeting them wherever they are. They want to show teenagers that even though they are alcoholics, or they are cutting themselves, or they are thinking about suicide, God still loves and cares for them. With this subject matter, there is one major difference between Christian rock bands and secular rock bands. Secular rock bands glorify these subjects. Secular bands glorify alcohol, drugs, sex, and suicide. On the other hand, Christian bands are showing kids that these life choices are wrong, but God still loves and cares for them. That is one major difference between secular and Christian rock music.

If you want to get very technical with words, then a band cannot be Christian. But, if you look at the beliefs of the band members and study the lyrics of a song, I think you can safely label a band Christian.

Next, two of the most popular criticisms of Christian rock music deal with drums and melody. First, some critics of Christian rock say that you can’t use drums to praise God because 1. This instrument is not mentioned in the Bible. 2. Drums are used in voodoo worship services.

First, I totally agree. I could not find once in the Bible the mention of drums. Critics use the Bible verse Psalm 150:3-5 when talking about drums. It reads: “Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and flutes. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.”

Their argument is that drums are not mentioned in this verse. I agree, drums are not mentioned in Psalm 150. But, there are many other instruments that are not mentioned in this verse or in the Bible including piano, organ, guitar, and bass. There are only a limited number of instruments mentioned in this verse. But go back and read it. It does not say that you can only praise and worship God with these instruments. It simply says praise him with these instruments. This verse doesn’t prohibit the use of other musical instruments. It is inferred that you can bring glory to God with other instruments. Also, in this verse, many percussion instruments are mentioned. Timbrels and cymbals are percussion instruments, just like the drum.

The second part is that critics believe that the origin of the drum was for voodoo and satanic services. Personally, I know very little to nothing about voodoo and satanic services. Could people in those services use drums to worship Satan, absolutely. But does that mean drums, in and of themselves, are bad or evil? Absolutely not!

Let me explain it like this. God created the universe and everything in it; thus He created music. He also created man, and man has the ability to use and practice music. Since God gave man a choice and free will on everything, including worshiping Him, man has the choice to play music however he chooses. This includes all instruments and types of music, not just drums. Therefore, people can use a drum or any other instrument to praise God or they can use an instrument to bring glory to Satan. Instruments in and of themselves are not evil or immoral.

As Christians, we shouldn’t look at things in this world to shun. Yes, there are things explicitly told in the Bible that we should not do. But, there are also many things not mentioned in the Bible. Just because something is not mentioned in the Bible does not make it bad. We should look at anything whether it is drums, music, movies, television, or whatever, as a chance and opportunity to bring glory to God! Not as something we should shun.

The next criticism is beat and melody. Most of the time, these are used as separate criticisms, but I am going to lump them together for now. Most critics say Christian rock is bad or evil because it emphasizes the beat and that there is no melody. Before we can dissect this criticism, we must look at each of these definitions. According to definitions.net, the musical term beat means, “marking the time division or an accent for music during performance.”

A beat is in every form of music, everything from classical piano to heavy metal. Every piece of music has a beat. The time signature for each piece of music describes the beat. The top number represents how many beats are in a measure of music, and the bottom number represents the note that gets the beat. For example, if the time signature said ¾, this would mean that there are three beats in a measure and that the quarter note represents one beat. I don’t want to take too long going into great detail about this. But, if you want more information, you can definitely find it online. What I am saying is that every song, every piece of music, and every genre of music has a beat. Whether it’s a hymn, or a classical piano piece, or a Christian hard rock song by Skillet, every piece of music has a beat, and every piece of music emphasizes the beat.

Next is melody. According to dictionary.com, melody is, “a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence; or tune.” Some also say that melody can mean the sweetness of the tune. Most critics say that rock music emphasizes the beat and discards melody. They say music must have melody, and since rock music has no melody, it is not really music. Every song has a beat, and I agree rock music does emphasize the beat stronger than other genres of music. But that does not mean rock music discards melody. To have melody in a song, you simply need to have a succession of notes that make a tune. That’s it! The other definitions of melody are the sweetness of the tune and the pleasing sounds of music. That, in my opinion, is in the ears of the audience. Just because you don’t find any pleasing sounds in a type of music, does not mean that other people will not find a sweet or pleasant sound in that same type of music. With this criticism, there are two things to remember. The beat is in every type of music, not just rock music. And melody is in every type of music, including Christian rock!

The next criticism is that Christian rock songs are ambiguous. Some bands do not come out and say Jesus or God in every song. Since God is not mentioned, critics say that Christian music is ambiguous, and it is not very clear what the song means or who the musicians are singing about. As I said earlier, bands either talk about issues of today or they sing worship songs unto God.

To tell you the truth, for me, very few songs in Christian rock are ambiguous. If you listen to the lyrics, in most songs you can tell very easily what the song is about. Plus, you can go to the band’s website or social media pages, you can go to YouTube and watch their interviews, and you can read reviews from music critics to find out even more information about the meanings of songs. Some bands, like Disciple, even list Bible verses that go along with each of their songs. If you study most songs, the meaning is easy to find.

With that being said, I will admit some songs are ambiguous. But, they are ambiguous for a reason. Some bands like to leave the meanings of songs up to the listeners. Many artists want to allow the spirit of God to minister to people in different ways and to connect with people on different levels.

Finally, a lot of bands use a more poetic form of lyric writing that uses lots of imagery, metaphors, and symbols. Christian bands use these to minister to non-Christians. They use images, themes, and symbols that both Christians and non-Christians can understand and relate to. By doing this, people can be impacted and moved. Jesus Christ did the exact same thing in the Bible. Jesus mainly taught through parables. Just like a short song, Jesus used a story to minister to people in a way they could understand.

If you are ever unclear about the meaning of a song, do research. Use the internet, research the band, and the specific song. Talk to other people and ask them what they think the song is about. These are so many great ways to find the meaning of a song if you are ever confused.

The final criticism in Part 1 is that Christian rock music does not make a joyful noise to the Lord. Critics believe this for a number of reasons: the music is too loud, the lyrics are ambiguous, drums are evil, etc. But as for me, I definitely believe that Christian music glorifies God and makes a joyful noise.

I actually thought about this statement for a long time. I kept thinking to myself, what is a joyful noise? What does God consider a joyful noise, and how can I make a joyful noise when praising God? I kept coming back to two answers: sincerity of the heart and that the music seeks to glorify God. It doesn’t matter what you are singing, whether it is Christian rock, contemporary Christian music, hymns, or gospel music. But what does matter is whether you are singing with a sincere heart. It doesn’t matter if you sing bad, good, loud, soft, scream, or whisper. What matters is if you are sincerely offering this song up to God, giving praise to Him. I think that is what makes a joyful noise to the Lord. So, if you are sincerely offering a Christian rock song up to God, then I believe you are making a joyful noise.

This is Part 1 of me tackling the major criticisms of Christian rock. In Part 2, I take a look at tattoos, long hair, bands playing in bars and clubs, and critics calling Christian rock satanic. To see Part 2, click here.

Criticism of Christian Rock Part 2

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Here is Part 2 of me looking at the biggest criticisms of Christian rock music. I want to dissect these criticisms and show you that Christian rock is bringing praise and honor to our Lord. If you missed Part 1, you can find it here.

The first criticism for Part 2 is about a musician’s look. Some Christian rock bands today have tattoos and they have long hair. On these two subjects a lot of critics stand firm. Critics believe that Christians should not have tattoos or long hair. First, I want to talk about tattoos. In today’s society, tattoos are very prevalent in both secular and Christian societies, especially in Christian rock. Many members in Christian rock bands today have tattoos. When talking about this issue, critics like to quote this passage of scripture from Leviticus 19:28. It says, “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD.”

That is a pretty straightforward passage. I totally agree that it reads that you should not have tattoos. But, let’s take a little deeper look at this passage, and see the true meaning behind it.

Once again, like any other passage in the Bible, we need to take a look at the surrounding verses as well as the entire Bible to fully understand each verse. Let’s take a look at Leviticus 19:26-31. It says, “You shall not eat anything with the blood, nor practice divination or soothsaying. You shall not round off the side-growth of your heads nor harm the edges of your beard. You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD. Do not profane your daughter by making her a harlot, so that the land will not fall to harlotry and the land become full of lewdness. You shall keep My Sabbaths and revere My sanctuary; I am the LORD. Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.”

In this passage, God is specifically speaking about pagan, religious rituals. Each of these acts would lead the Israelites away from God and toward false Gods. One of the pagan rituals in Biblical times was the use of tattoos. So, the word ‘tattoo’ in this passage is totally different than tattoos of today. Nowadays, tattoos are used as body art or decoration. Today, getting a tattoo is a form of self-expression; it is not a pagan or cultic, religious ritual like the Biblical times.

Second, the Old Testament laws were meant to point the Israelites to God. When Jesus Christ came and died on the cross, Jesus wiped away all the old laws. We no longer had to keep following every little law in order to get close with God. Now we only have to accept Him as our Savior and Lord. Certainly, though, if we accept Christ it will change us, as we seek to honor Him with our lives. Part of the choice of getting or not getting a tattoo for a believer should be, “does this honor my Lord?”

Finally, tattoos can be a form of evangelism and witness. Many Christians in today’s world get Biblical and spiritual tattoos in order to be a witness. For example, the lead singer of Skillet, John Cooper, has a large tattoo on his forearm that says forgiven. This could be an entrance into a conversation about Jesus Christ forgiving us of our sins, if a non-Christian engaged Cooper about his tattoo.

With all this being said, I do want to say that you should not come to a decision about getting a tattoo lightly. You should take time and think hard about whether or not this practice is right for you personally and spiritually. I think a person should also carefully think about why they are getting a tattoo. Is this about drawing attention to one’s self or are we genuinely trying to be a testimony of Christ?

If you would like some more information on tattoos and the Bible, click here.

Many critics also dislike the idea of long hair. Many musicians in the Christian scene do have rather long hair. Critics like to quote the Bible verse, 1 Corinthians 11:14, which reads, “Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him.” Just like the tattoo verse, this pretty blatantly says that long hair is a disgrace. But, once again, we must look at this verse in context.

In the Corinthian culture long hair was a sign of feminism and even homosexuality. When writing to the Corinthians, Paul was reminding the church to protect their testimony and witness. Paul was telling the Corinthians to guard themselves against things that might hurt their testimony. He was not saying long hair was necessarily bad or evil; it was just a cultural issue at the time. Second, when Paul was writing to the Corinthians, the church was having divisions on some issues. In his letter, Paul talked about how certain issues should not divide the church, including the length of your hair.

All in all, in 1 Corinthians 11:14, Paul is simply stating that long hair is bad, only because of the culture of the Biblical time period. He is also saying that the length of your hair should not be an issue that divides the church.

The next criticism of Christian rock is that Christian music should not be played in bars or clubs; it should only be played in the church. Critics of Christian rock certainly believe this standpoint. But, I totally disagree. First and foremost, I do believe Christian music should be played in the church. I think this should be the first place Christian music is played. Should it be the one and only place, absolutely not. I believe this for two reasons. First, the church is not a building. The church is wherever people have gathered to worship the one true God. It says in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them.” The church is wherever Christians come together to worship God. Church is not a building with a steeple; it is a fellowship of believers that come together. Therefore, we can sing Christian music wherever we are, not just in a church building.

Second, sadly, the world is not in church on a regular basis. Sadly, the world is in bars, clubs, and concert halls. For that reason alone, bands choose to go there so they can minister to non-Christians. In an interview, Sameer Bhattacharya, a guitarist for the Christian hard rock band Flyleaf, said this, “We go out to the bars and things like that, because that’s life. That’s the world. We know we are not supposed to go to church and preach to people there because they already know. So we are supposed to go out there and love. That’s our job is to love our God and our neighbor. People in these places are our neighbors. No one’s out loving anyone anymore. Everyone is just condemning people. We are so far away from the church Christ intended and Paul fought for.”

Bands today are going to bars and clubs so they can evangelize to those that are hurting and who have never met Christ in a life changing relationship. Christian rock bands are meeting people in this world wherever they are, and sharing Christ through music.

That thought brings me to the next criticism that Christian music should not be used to evangelize, it should only be used to bring praise and worship to God. I totally disagree with the statement that Christian music should only be used to praise God, and not evangelize to the lost. Yes, the number one purpose of music should be used to glorify Christ. But that shouldn’t be the only purpose. Why can’t Christian music be used to evangelize? Evangelizing to the lost is a form of praise and worship to God! God rejoices when we bring people to know Him. One example of music evangelism is in Acts 16:25-34. Paul and Silas were singing praise hymns to God in prison. They weren’t singing songs in the church, they were singing in prison! Later on in the story, a jailer and his family were saved and baptized through the ministry and overt praise of God. Their singing, along with God’s miracle of the earthquake, helped lead a family to Christ. Once again, music can and should be used to not only praise God, but also evangelize to the lost.

To sum it up, Christian rock bands are only fulfilling the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus says to the disciples, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus doesn’t say sit in your church building and hope someone comes in. He says go out into the world. Meet people wherever they are in life, and share the gospel with them.

This final criticism is the one that bothers me the most. Most critics say that Christian rock bands are satanic. I am fine if you don’t like Christian rock. I know quite a few people that don’t like Christian rock music. I am fine with that, it doesn’t bother me one bit. But, what does bother me is when people come out and blatantly judge someone’s faith, and say that they are not Christian simply because of the type of music they play.

In Matthew 7:1-5 it says, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.”

God specifically says do not judge or you will be judged by Him accordingly. God does tell us to judge what is right and wrong, but not the validity of someone’s faith. When you accuse Christian rock as being satanic, you not only accuse the style of music, but you accuse everyone who is associated with that genre as being a Satan worshiper. You are judging their faith based on the style of music they play.

My biggest question is how can a genre of music that encourages us to love our neighbors, that lifts praise to God, and that seeks to offer the gospel to the lost, be satanic? Is Christian rock perfect? No. But if Satan was in control of Christian rock, why would he want to lift up the name Jesus? Why would he want Christian rock bands to praise God? If Satan was in control of Christian rock, he would want the bands to glorify him, and not glorify Jesus. I believe Jesus uses Christian rock everyday to reach people. I firmly believe this. Satan takes no part in Christian music.

Finally, I just want to urge people who are critics of Christian rock to carefully consider what they are saying and how it impacts others. I know Christian rock is not perfect, and it has its flaws. But, as Christians, we should be very careful about criticizing the ministry of others. Jesus says in Mark that whoever is not against us is for us. Mark 9:38-41 says, “ ‘Teacher’ said John, ‘We saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.’ ‘Do not stop him,’ Jesus said. ‘No one who does a miracle in My name can in the next moment say anything bad about Me, for whoever is not against us is for us. I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in My name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.’ ”

God is urging the disciples to stay as one body of believers. We should not judge each other’s faith and ministry. But, as a body of believers, we should be out in the world, gaining people for the Lord. As Christians, we should lift each other up, not tear each other down. Instead of spending all of our time and energy complaining, arguing, nitpicking, and judging each other’s faith, we should be out in the world reaching people for Christ.

By doing these two blog posts, I am not trying to tear down the faith of those who disagree with me, or to claim that I have all the answers. I just wanted to share with you Biblical truth, along with my thoughts and opinions. If you believe deep in your heart that Christian rock is wrong, that is fine. Stay away from Christian rock music and don’t listen to it. I will not judge you at all if you don’t agree with Christian rock. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. But, if you push your opinions and beliefs on others, I will definitely stand up and speak because your opinions have now crossed over into the territory of judgment. If you really study the Bible, there is no proof Biblically that Christian rock is wrong or evil. I firmly believe Christian rock musicians are bringing honor to our Lord, and reaching people for Christ every single day.

Top Ten Debut Albums

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For this post, I want to do another Top Ten List. This time, I want to take a look at the top ten debut albums of the last ten years. This list includes a number of different artists and genres within the Christian rock scene.

I do want to mention the criteria that I used to compile this list. First, this list is completely subjective, every album and piece of criteria was created by me. Second, this list only includes major label, full length, debut albums. I know that most Christian labels are independent and not part of major labels, but I am including bands on major labels within the Christian market. Plus, I am only choosing full length albums. I am not counting debut EPs, or independent releases in my list. Finally, each of these albums have been released in the last ten years.

10. Blueprints for the Black Market – Anberlin (2003)
Top Tracks – Readyfuels, Glass to the Arson, Naïve Orleans

I will freely admit that there are a lot of bands from Tooth and Nail Records on this list. For the last ten years, Tooth and Nail Records has dominated the Christian rock world by investing in a ton of up and coming talented artists. This album and group is no exception. On their debut album, Anberlin creates a sound that is both catchy and infectious, but also very diverse musically and lyrically. Musically, this album features everything from soaring anthems to guitar solos to even some pop songs. Lyrically, each song really seems to have its own unique story. Anberlin touches on a wide range of subjects including: changing the world, the differences between males and females, and they even cover a song originally recorded by the Cure. This album marked the beginning of a very successful career for Anberlin. Five albums and a major record deal later, Anberlin is still making great music for fans to enjoy. On their debut, Blueprints for the Black Market, Anberlin proves that they know how to create memorable songs that will get stuck in your head for days.

9. Attention - Philmont (2009)
Top Tracks - The Difference, I Can’t Stand to Fall, Setting Off

Philmont’s debut album is very straightforward. Attention features overtly Christian lyrics with a pop punk sound. I will admit, they don’t make any huge strides in Christian music. You can probably argue that you have heard a lot of their music and sound from other punk rock bands. But, that doesn’t make this album bad by any means. Philmont knows exactly who they are as a band: pop punk music mixed with overtly Christian themes. They know how to perform this very, very well.

8. What Are You Waiting For? - FM Static (2003)
Top Tracks – Something to Believe In, Definitely Maybe, Three Days Later

FM Static is the side project of famed Christian rockers Trevor McNevan and Steve Augustine of Thousand Foot Krutch. Their debut album is filled with eleven, fun, pop rock songs that are the perfect addition to your summer collection of music. Love, relationships, and simply having fun are the main themes that run throughout this record. To tell you the truth, the serious themes on this debut album are few and far between. The only songs that come remotely close to serious moments are Crazy Mary and Something to Believe In. FM Static’s fun attitude is definitely something refreshing in today’s serious Christian music world. The only downside to this album is the length; it clocks in right around 30 minutes. What Are You Waiting For? features so many good songs within a short amount of time, the listener is left wanting more.

7. Albatross - The Classic Crime (2006)
Top Tracks – The Fight, The Coldest Heart, Say the Word

One of the most overlooked bands in Christian rock today is The Classic Crime. In their short history, they have released three albums and an acoustic EP. Sadly, they were recently dropped from Tooth and Nail records, and their new album will be released independently. Nevermind their history, I want to talk about their amazing debut album. Mixing modern rock with some pop and even emo influences would probably be the best description of this band and their debut. Surprisingly, The Classic Crime has a great talent of going from a modern rock song with soaring screams to a pop influenced song reminiscent of old school Fall Out Boy. This is not only an underrated debut album, but an underrated band.

6. Crashings - Falling Up (2004)
Top Tracks – Broken Heart, Escalates, The Gathering

All the members of Falling Up were very young when their debut album was released. The band was created when they were still in high school, and they were signed shortly after graduation. Almost all of the songs on Crashings were written when the members of Falling Up were still in high school. Because Falling Up was so young when they made and recorded this record, you probably wouldn’t expect a polished or mature sound. But, by mixing hard rock, rap, polished vocals, and including guest appearances from Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter and Jon Micah Sumrall of Kutless, Falling Up’s debut is anything but amateur.

5. Letters to the President – Hawk Nelson (2004)
Top Tracks – Letters to the President, Every Little Thing, Right Here

Released in July 2004, Hawk Nelson’s debut is perfect summer fun. Like some of their pop punk predecessors (Relient K), this band chooses to speak about their faith through unique songs and lyrics. Every Little Thing talks about falling in love with a girl who is very passionate about her faith, the title track speaks about the many, many problems in this world, and Take Me serves as a pure, worship cry out to God. Plus, mixed in between these overtly Christian themes are fun songs about relationships, moving to California, and going to late night movies. Letters to the President proved to be a very successful album for this group, and helped fuel their career as a band. Since their debut, Hawk Nelson has not only moved into the forefront of Christian pop, but to the forefront of Christian music.

4. Hanging On By A Thread – The Letter Black (2010)
Top Tracks - Hanging On By A Thread, Believe, There’ll Come A Day

Since signing with the Christian rock label Tooth and Nail Records in 2009, The Letter Black has gained extraordinary exposure for such a young band. Comprised of Sarah Anthony, Mark Anthony, Matt Beal, and Taylor Carroll, The Letter Black plays roughly 150 shows a year, and has graced the stage with Thousand Foot Krutch, Skillet, Disciple, Red, and Decyfer Down. Their debut, full length album, Hanging On By A Thread, features a fusion between Skillet and Evanescence. The Letter Black beautifully offers a hard rock album mixed with dual vocals between Sarah and Mark Anthony, as well as driving rock and roll melodies. The definite highlight of this album is Sarah Anthony’s vocals. Throughout the album, her vocals are very polished and crisp, yet she has enough vocal ability to pull off hardcore screams. Soaring vocals mixed with hard rock melodies make this a great album.

3. Flyleaf – Flyleaf (2005)
Top Tracks – I’m So Sick, All Around Me, Sorrow

Flyleaf's debut is definitely the most popular album on my list. This album easily went platinum by selling over one million records. With major hits like I’m So Sick and Fully Alive, as well as touring with major secular rock bands Seether, Korn, and Stone Sour, Flyleaf quickly became a huge force in the rock music scene. Lead singer, Lacey Mosley, has one of the strongest voices in Christian music today. Flyeaf’s lyrics are filled with passion and intensity, and Mosley, who is only 4’11”, easily delivers these feelings and emotions with her voice.

2. Business Up Front, Party In the Back – Family Force 5 (2006)
Top Tracks – Love Addict, Kountry Gentleman, Replace Me

Unique and crazy would probably be the best way to describe this band. Fusing crunk rock with rap breakdowns, pop culture lyrics, and high energy, Family Force 5 took the Christian rock industry by storm with their debut release. Not only does Family Force 5 produce songs that will have you dancing for days, they also feature a unique style of lyric writing. Family Force 5’s songs feature a long list of wild and crazy subjects including being raised as a country gentleman, ex-girlfriends, drama queens, and being addicted to love.

1. Children 18:3 – Children 18:3 (2008)
Top Tracks – LCM, Search Warrant, Homemade Valentine

Children 18:3 is a band fueled by goth make-up, dual vocals, and raucous punk rock music. Rarely do I give an album five stars. I have only given four Christian rock albums five stars: Horseshoes and Handgrenades by Disciple, Dear Diary by FM Static, Comatose by Skillet, and Children 18:3’s self titled debut album. Children 18:3 is comprised of three siblings: David, Lee Marie, and Seth Hostetter. By playing together for nine years before they released their debut album, the three siblings compliment each other perfectly on each song. These three siblings have the maturity level and sound of seasoned music veterans on this record, not of a debut band. This record took me completely by surprise, and it could even be labeled as perfection.

I hope you have enjoyed this look at my Top Ten Debut Albums. If you haven’t heard of some of these groups or maybe you are looking to pick up some new Christian rock tunes, these albums are a great place to start.

The Letter Black Interview

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The members of The Letter Black pose for a picture in the Ichthus Press Tent on Friday, June 17, 2011. Photo by Marc Webb.

Since signing with the Christian rock label Tooth and Nail Records in 2009, The Letter Black has gained extraordinary exposure for such a young band. Comprised of Sarah Anthony, Mark Anthony, Matt Beal and Taylor Carroll, The Letter Black plays roughly 150 shows a year, and has graced the stage with Thousand Foot Krutch, Hawk Nelson, Skillet, Disciple, Red and Decyfer Down. The band released their debut, full length album, Hanging On By A Thread, on Tooth and Nail Records in 2010. The band also released the first of three special edition EPs in March 2011. The first EP, Hanging On By A Thread Sessions Volume 1, featured two unreleased songs, and a remix of their hit song, “Fire With Fire.” On June 17, 2011 at the Ichthus Festival, Marc Webb had the opportunity to speak with the members of The Letter Black about their ministry as a Christian band, their favorite song to play live, and about their next full length album.

Webb: How many years have you played at Ichthus now?

Sarah: This is our third year.

Webb: Are there any bands that you are looking forward to seeing today [at Ichthus]?

Sarah: It’s funny because the Christian industry is kind of small in that everybody plays the same festivals. So we know everyone.

Mark: We are looking forward to it because a lot of our friends are playing tonight.

Matt: It is like a family reunion.

Taylor: I am happy to see Family Force 5. I like their show; they are good friends of mine.

Sarah: We love Thousand Foot Krutch, Skillet, Disciple, Red; we have toured with all of them. It will be cool to hang out with them again, and see them.

Webb: Mentioning Skillet, you have toured with them a couple of times now. Did you learn anything from them about touring or playing live shows?

Sarah: Yeah, seeing their show definitely challenged us to help step it up with our stage presence, show and performance. They are really, really great people. What you see is what you get with them.

Webb: Do you view your band as a ministry to people who may never set a foot in a church?

Sarah: Yes, that is actually our whole goal. There is a time and a place to be in the church, and we get that. There are a lot of bands that do that fantastic. Our goal, like you said, is to reach the people who would never go into a church, that look at Christians as stupid and judgmental. We want to go to places that no one else would go and love on them. Show them the love of God.

Webb: Have you gotten a lot of cool opportunities to witness to fans?

Sarah: Yeah, all the time. We aren’t the band that goes on the stage and preaches. We definitely let the words of the songs speak for themselves. They do very strongly. So, a lot of times what happens is people will come up to us at the merch table. We always go out afterwards. We will talk to them, and they will have questions. Or they will hit us up on our Myspace or Facebook, and message us. We have a lot of stories about how a song has changed their life. I can’t even count the number of people that have said that they have literally stopped themselves from cutting their wrists to kill themselves or shooting themselves in the head. Literally saving lives with this song. It is crazy.

Webb: What would you say is the hardest part about being on the road constantly?

Sarah: I think missing everything back home, missing your family, missing weddings.

Matt: Missing birthdays, missing anniversaries, missing holidays.

Sarah: That is really tough. But, if this is what God has called you to do, you have to do it. He knows what he is asking of you. That is a lesson that took a while to learn. I would be like, “God don’t you know that I am missing this. Do you see what you are doing to them?” He is like, “Don’t question me. I have called you to do this. I will give them strength.”

Webb: What is your favorite song to play live?

Mark: Wow, that is tough.

Sarah: I think everybody will have a different one.

Mark: Mine is the first song we come out to; it is called “All I Want.” It is like a rock song on steroids. That is mine.

Taylor: I like playing “Hanging On By A Thread” because Mark does this riff that I like to play to. It is just really fun to play too.

Sarah: I like “My Disease” and “Wounded.” Those are fun.

Matt: My favorite is “Believe.” I get this fun, little bass riff to play. I get to punch my bass in that song, brutal.

Mark: That is my favorite bass song. Like 100 percent, that is the coolest bass song.

Webb: How did you connect with Tooth and Nail a couple of years ago?

Mark: They offered us a tour in 2008. A couple of their bands broke up. They asked us like two weeks before we went to do the tour. That’s when we started building a relationship. For us, they were the best fit. They get the dark and crazy side of this. [laughing]

Sarah: They get the heavy rock and roll. [laughing]

Webb: You have already released your first EP this year, Hanging On By A Thread Sessions Volume 1 EP, when can we expect the other two?

Sarah: I think the next one is coming out in the beginning of July, and then the one in the fall we are still waiting to see when they want to release it. But, it’s only available on iTunes and at the shows. So it’s very exclusive.

Mark: We are playing one of the ones that come out in July tonight [Ichthus].

Sarah: Yeah, we are playing a song on the July EP.

Webb: Are you releasing more brand new and unreleased music on each of the EPs?

Mark: We are doing like one remix on each one. Also, they will have all new songs, either songs that didn’t make our last record or all new songs.

Webb: Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or one that always seems to speak to you?

Sarah: Mine is, “Be still and know that I am God,” which is in Psalm 46. That one is always nice to remember. Our life is very, very crazy. For instance, today we have yet to sit down and relax a second. You know what, every once in a while you have to make sure to take the time out to be still, and remember that God is God. That is my favorite.

Taylor: Mine is said a lot differently in a lot of translations. But, mine is, “He who is without sin cast the first stone.” That should speak to everybody. We are all sinners, but we should not live in sin. But, we should constantly try to get out of it every day. [That is] my prayer and accountability.

Mark: Mine is 1 Corinthians 15:55. It is, “Where O death is your sting.” Just kind of letting me know that death has no victory. Over my body it does, but not over my soul.

Matt: Mine is John 14:6. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father but by me.” It just says no matter what you are going through, if you look to Jesus you will make it through. If you rely on him as your strength, he will lift you up. He will pull you through no matter what.

Webb: I know every single person has a different story about when they came to know Christ. I was wondering if each of you could share your personal testimony about how you came to Christ.

Sarah: I was born and raised in the church. My dad was a pastor. But, because of that I saw a lot of the dirty stuff that happens in churches, a lot of the hypocrisy and a lot of the behind the scenes stuff. It really messed with my head. It made me think, “If I couldn’t trust these people who are Christians that are supposed to be good, godly people, then who the heck can I trust?” So, I shut down. I started cutting my wrists and drinking, a whole, big, stupid part of my life. I was actually in church because I was singing. Not because I wanted to be there, but because I liked singing. The pastor was talking about forgiveness that night. I finally broke down and knew that that was holding me back. I was holding bitterness inside and unforgiveness, so I finally broke down and asked for forgiveness. I forgave the people that hurt me and my family. Since then, I have been doing the band thing and living for God.

Matt: Mine starts with my dad, my biological father. He didn’t show up to sign my birth certificate when I was born. Through my teens, I started really struggling with being lonely. Feeling like nobody really cared. I just went out and tried to find it in parties, alcohol, and girls. I got on this worship team with the church where we all met. God just kept working on me. I was invited on the team unsaved. He just kept working in my heart over time. I just kept making choice after choice to change from this sin or that sin. It just finally happened where I completely surrendered my life to Christ.

Taylor: Well, I said the sinner’s prayer a bunch, and asked Jesus into my heart when I was little. I wasn’t living the life though when I was a teenager till I went on this youth trip. There was this crazy counselor named Jowdi. He was from Spain. He was always like, [with a Spanish accent] “Taylor, when we get up early in the morning, we are going to do push-ups with the kids.” I was in shape; he was always wanting me to lead the pack of kids to do push-ups with them. I was like, “This guy is really not right upstairs.” He is making these kids do push-ups two hours earlier than we need to be doing them. He was doing jumps off of a cliff on a snowboard, and hurting himself a bunch. He basically showed me that Christians are not boring. I always thought Christians were boring people that just judged people. He kind of mentored me and showed me a whole different side of things. I started getting in the Word from then on. God just spoke to my heart that I should go out, play music, and lead hurting kids to Christ.

Mark: I didn’t go to church. I wasn’t raised in church. I went to youth group when I was in eighth grade, and I got a real bad taste of church. So, I turned and really resented Christians. I hated Christians. I didn’t want anything to do with them or God. I will go to Hell; I didn’t care. I knew I was going there. My mom kept praying for me from the church that the three of us: me, Matt, and Sarah met in. The pastor kept showing me love. They needed someone to play guitar. So, I wasn’t saved playing on the worship team. The pastor asked me if I was saved. Like Taylor, I said the sinner’s prayer, honestly probably 60 times. I mean, who wants to go to Hell. But, that was my thing, but I never meant it. It was New Year’s Eve, I didn’t say a prayer. I just gave my heart to God, and that was when everything changed.

Webb: Finally, is it too early to give us a preview of your next full length record?

Sarah: Expect it to be a little bit heavier. A little bit more rocking. We are going to still have some songs like “Hanging on by a Thread,” that everybody loves. But, we are going a little bit heavier like “Wounded,” with a little bit more screaming here and there.

Mark: Just pushing the boundaries.

Sarah: We are just trying to up everything this year.

Below is the official music video for The Letter Black’s hit single “Fire With Fire.”

The Savvy Interview

2011-06-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

Through extensive touring, energetic live shows, and a powerful message, The Savvy has slowly built a dedicated and thriving fan base. Bandmates Joe Stockton, Korey Shrum, and Chris Duke, describe The Savvy as, “high energy rock and roll.” In 2010, the group released their debut EP entitled Kill The Noise. Produced by famed producer James Paul Wisner, Kill The Noise was fueled by rock anthems and soaring vocals. On June 17, 2011 at the Ichthus Festival, Marc Webb had the opportunity to speak with The Savvy about releasing new music, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the challenges of touring.

Webb: First off, how many years have you played at Ichthus?

Joe: I think as a band it is our fourth year. It is our third consecutive year, but we played a long time ago.

Webb: Could you tell me a little bit about the story of playing at Ichthus this year?

Joe: This year, we are not playing as much as we would like. But, we are promoting a lot, and making the best of the spot we got. It’s not the best slot that we’ve had, but we are making the best of it. We are hoping for a good turnout.

Webb: Did you guys come here [Ichthus] back when you were in high school and middle school as fans?

Chris: Oh yeah, for sure.

Korey: Totally. I came with First Baptist of Somerset a long time ago.

Joe: I used to come with a youth group. It wasn’t my church; it was one of my buddy’s churches. I used to go with them every time for like two or three years. Then we started playing.

Webb: Do you remember any shows from when you came as a fan that were really memorable?

Joe: Yes, two. The first one was Noggin Toboggan. They are not around anymore. I think they only played one year I went. They played on the old school Deep End [stage]. They got me into punk rock music, three piece just straight up really fast. I think that same year I saw House of Heroes for the first time. I thought they were just fantastic. I am still a fan of that band.

Webb: What is it like for you guys coming here as a fan and now getting the opportunity to play on stage?

Korey: It is kind of surreal.

Joe: Honestly, the funny thing is that a lot of our friends are in bands that play here, and we are actually fans of our friends’ bands. It is kind of the same as it was, but we play. We are still psyched to see as many bands as we can while we are here. In a sense it is very different, but it’s also the same.

Webb: You guys changed your name a little while ago. Your name was Nineball, and then changed the name to The Savvy. What was the reason behind the name change, and what is the meaning behind your new name, The Savvy?

Joe: The reason we had to change our name was basically legal reasons. There was one Nineball with the trademark, but there were hundreds of other Nineballs without the trademark that I guess we were competing with. It just made sense to change it. Actually at the time, we were talking with a lawyer and a label. They were like, “If we signed with them, we were going to have to change it.” We decided to not sign with them, but changed our name anyway to avoid that conflict in the future.

Webb: So are you happy with your new name, or do you miss Nineball?

Joe: Honestly, I never liked Nineball [laughing]. The founding member of the band, he actually left the band four years ago. He named it when we were like 14. People were like, “Eight ball, what?”

Korey: Tell them what it was going to be: Blue Duck.

Joe: It was between Nineball and Blue Duck. I guess Nineball was a little better than Blue Duck.

Webb: How would you describe your music to an average person who has never heard your music before?

Korey: Fun, energetic.

Joe: High energy rock and roll. I guess our live show is what a lot of people really like. A lot of energy, a lot of water. Fun, high energy rock and roll.

Chris: I think people can just tell that we enjoy what we do when they come watch us. I think that makes it a good experience for them.

Webb: You recorded a cover of “Thriller” by Michael Jackson a couple of years ago; can we expect any more covers from you?

Joe: Oh, I am sure. I was actually just thinking about it today. There is a song called “Because” by the Beatles that I would really like to do. I don’t think it is very well known, so that probably wouldn’t be the best idea. There are a few that we have played live that would be cool to cover. I would like to do a White Stripes cover. I am sure there will be covers. Kids love covers.

Chris: We are a fan of many other bands.

Joe: Last October, we did a cover of “Monster Mash.” So yeah, there will be more.

Webb: Kill The Noise has been out about a year, have you started working on new music yet?

Korey: Oh yeah.

Joe: We actually have been doing a lot of writing and demoing. I have a home studio. We are not going to release any stuff that we do in our home studio. That is kind of where we build the songs. A couple of weeks ago, we just did five brand new ones [songs].

Korey: We are letting them sit.

Joe: I would really like to pump out a good 20 songs before we pick anything. As far as releasing them, we are kind of rethinking the idea of releasing an album, and possibly trying something new; like releasing more frequently, maybe two songs, A-Side/B-Side kind of thing. Do that throughout the year, instead of just releasing one album, sitting on it for an entire year and releasing another. But, nothing is really finalized with that.

Webb: Is it too early to give us a preview of some of the songs, how they sound musically and lyrically?

Korey: The first song on our new set is a song called “Pretty Disease.” It was on that Halloween EP. It was just kind of a rough demo. We got a lot of good feedback from it. I remember I was working at Chipotle in Nashville. Some kid came up to me and was like, “I like your tattoo.” I said, “Thanks.” He was like, “Are you in a band?” I was like, “Yeah.” Then, he asked about who we were, and he was like “I totally just got your Halloween EP, and was so stoked on ‘Pretty Disease.’” We have had a lot of good feedback from it.

Joe: I think a lot of the newer stuff lyrically and musically is a little bit more mature than our last EP [Kill The Noise]. Our last EP was pretty polished, just straightforward.

Korey: This one is a little grittier.

Chris: A little more out of the box. Just in general, kind of off the grid, I guess.

Korey: A little more interesting.

Joe: A little less pop rock, I guess. But, I wouldn’t say it is going to be so weird that you couldn’t hear it on the radio.

Webb: Are you looking at producers yet? I know you worked with James Paul Wisner; are you looking at working with him again? Are you looking for someone new?

Joe: I think we are going to try somebody new. We actually have been talking with the guy who did our cover for “Thriller.” We just really clicked with him. We are going to talk to him a little bit more. I don’t think we are ready to make any decisions.

Korey: There are a lot of good people that we would love to work with.

Joe: It is a matter of budgets. We loved working with James. I think we want to look for somebody who is a little bit more organic with the way they put stuff together. Like with drums, to where what you track is what you hear on the record.

Webb: So are you wanting a more live kind of feel?

Chris: Sure, just more raw [feel].

Korey: We want something that is a little more like our live show. We get so many compliments on our live show; that it would be good for kids to come and see us, and then take something home that sounds like what they just heard.

Joe: I think a lot of that comes with just finding the right guy that can pull that out of you. Being in a vocal booth and singing on stage are two different worlds completely.

Webb: You mentioned that you start your songs in your home studio. Could you expand a little bit on how you create a song and the writing process for songs?

Joe: Yeah. I think it is a little different for all of us. Korey is the newest member of the band. He is pretty new to songwriting. He will write a lyric and then hum a melody to it. He will sing that to me, and then I will put that on a guitar. For me, it kind of works the same way. It kind of comes in like either a specific guitar riff in my head that I will build a song around, or a lyric that I put melody to like “Man that’s a cool line. That has got to be a hook in a song.” I will put a melody to it, and then I will jam on the guitar until it builds into a song. Sometimes Chris will come to me with a chorus or a riff. I will start to build around that, and vice versa. I can come to them with something and they can build around it.

Webb: That’s awesome. It is something that a lot of bands don’t do. Most bands don’t have the entire band in on the writing process.

Joe: It is kind of a new idea for us. It just makes us all more proud of the final product.

Korey: It makes it more personal; it is something that kids definitely grab on to. I think that we all go through different things. There are different things that kids could relate too that maybe some other kid couldn’t relate too; like the way Joe is feeling or the way I am feeling, and then we put it into a song.

Webb: Have you ever thought about recording any music videos?

Joe: Yes. Actually, if we were to go through with releasing two songs at a time, whatever that A-Side is we want to try and put a video to it. Every two months have a video come out. I think music as a whole right now and the way that kids are, is kind of going for a more visual round. When I was a kid, all I needed was the song. I would just jam it all day long and all night long. Nowadays, kids are going straight to YouTube, “Oh I like this song, let’s go to YouTube.” If there is no video, then they are like, “Well whatever, I will find another band because there are hundreds of thousands of bands out there.” That’s definitely something we want to look into. It’s actually something I have talked to your brother [Matt Webb] about.

Webb: What would you say is the hardest part about being on the road constantly?

Joe: The hardest part about being on the road constantly is the fact that nowadays a lot of kids would rather be on their computers at home than be at rock shows. It can get disheartening. We play some really awesome shows, but at the same time in between those awesome shows there are some really dead shows. It is kind of hard to keep your head up sometimes. But, I mean I guess we have been doing this for five years, and we are still going. So, I guess we keep our heads up. I would say the hardest part for me is just those shows that kids don’t make it too for this reason or that.

Chris: It is frustrating [sometimes] to try and get people to care about something that you care about.

Webb: On the other hand, what would you say is the best part about being on the road?

Joe: For me, it used to be playing those awesome shows where the kids are just vibing off of your energy, and singing the words back to you. Now though, I really like connecting. Even if we go to a city and there is a group of two or three friends that we make. Those friends remain friends, I think that is my favorite part. Just making friends and meeting people.

Korey: I think we are all people persons.

Chris: People people [laughing].

Korey: People people [laughing]. For me, definitely just meeting new people. I think I am the one most eager to just meet new people. I think making new friends in different cities, and remaining friends like Joe said is probably one of the best things.

Joe: From a band that has been touring for so long, I think we have just as many really close friends across the United States as we do at home. That’s really cool. Even if there is that show that was not that good, we get to go to our friend’s house afterwards and just hang out. Grill out or whatever, and it is kind of worth it at that point.

Webb: Looking way back, what inspired each of you to become musicians? Was it a certain band, event, person, or instrument?

Joe: I have a really funny answer and a really serious answer [laughing].

Webb: You can give both [laughing].

Joe: When I was really little, my mom got me “Ninja Turtles On Tour” on VHS. I watched it all the time. They had these big fake guitars. I went to my grandpa’s house, and he cut out a big, fake guitar out of a tree for me. I just played the heck out of that thing. They wore these cut-off jean jackets with sparkles all over them. I was like, “Mom, I want sparkles on my clothes [laughing].” After that, I guess my mom saw that I was really into music. She would just jam like “Phantom of the Opera,” and my dad would jam stuff like Michael Jackson to Van Halen. I was surrounded by music. For me, I guess that is just where I ended up.

Chris: My brother has been a drummer. He is older than I am. He started playing drums before I even thought about it; I was more of the sports guy. One day, I just kind of decided to give it a shot. Sit down, and see what happened. He ended up teaching me some stuff, and I just kind of fell in love with it.

Webb: I am sorry to interrupt you, but you have a huge spider on you.

[Chris quickly flips the spider off his leg; it flies straight at me.]

Chris: Holy! I hate that. I am so sorry. Thanks for telling me.

Joe: Yeah, good looking out.

Korey: I was just watching it crawl up.

Chris: You didn’t say a word?

Korey: I was going to flip it off, but then you threw it on him [laughing].

Webb: I don’t think it is on me.

Chris: I think you are good. Anyway, my brother inspired me I guess. I just gave it a shot, and fell in love with it.

Korey: I remember getting my first cassette tape ever from my friend Tristan. It was Michael Jackson. I think that lit a fire underneath in me. Always going to the lake with my mom back home. She was always jamming music, and really soulful music and country music. That has always been a part of my life for sure. I joined the road with these dudes like four years ago. I did merch for them for a year. Actually, our old bass player ended up quitting. I didn’t know how to play. I was like okay, I will learn how to play bass. Joe taught me how to play bass on the road, and I have been going ever since.

Webb: As a musician, which do you like more, playing a live show in front of fans or creating songs in the studio?

Chris: That is just two different worlds.

Joe: That’s a good question. I think it just depends on my mood. As of lately, it feels so good to play. Our last guitarist actually left the band in December, and I had just been singing. I kind of got thrown back on guitar. Whenever I started playing guitar again, I don’t know what happened, but I really reconnected with that instrument. Ever since then, live shows have been as fun as when we started playing.

Korey: I think just because I am so new to creating songs that I would say live show, just connecting with people.

Chris: Yeah, I am kind of the same way. I have been playing live shows longer than I have been writing music. So that was kind of my first love. But, I love song writing. It is therapeutic almost. It is just a different kind of thing.

Webb: What does the rest of 2011 look like for you guys. What can we expect from The Savvy for the rest of this year?

Korey: We have some more festivals.

Joe: We are playing Cornerstone and Lifest. I think we have another southeast tour coming up in August. But, for the most part we are going to focus on getting new stuff. Getting new songs, finding the right producer, and putting a plan behind when we are going to release it [new music]. That will probably be our biggest focus for the rest of the year.

Marc Webb interviews The Savvy in the Ichthus Press Tent on June 17, 2011.

Photo by Jeremiah Massengale.

Blindside Interview

2011-06-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

They have released six albums, toured with major secular rock groups like Linkin Park, Papa Roach, and AFI, performed live on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” featured in the P.O.D. music video for “Boom,” collaborated with Smashing Pumpkins lead singer Billy Corgan, and were featured on World Wrestling Entertainment. However, in 2007, Blindside decided to take a break from the music industry. During their hiatus, the Swedish rock group focused on spending time with their families, and deciding if they still wanted to record music. After four years, Blindside returned to the music industry in 2011, with their latest album, With Shivering Hearts We Wait. On June 16, 2011, I had the chance to speak with Blindside’s guitarist, Simon Grenehed, about their new album, the band’s silence during their hiatus, and about Blindside’s special relationship with the United States.

Webb: First, I felt like your new album was very diverse musically. You guys incorporate some new stuff, especially with adding stringed instruments, and a couple of songs are very radio friendly. But, you also stay true to your hardcore sound with the screaming vocals and driving rock songs. With all that said, did you intentionally want to stretch yourselves musically on this album, and have a diverse sound?

Simon Grenehed: I think when we make music we don’t really have a plan from the start. The one thing that we did have this time was that we wanted a really good production that sounded pretty powerful. That is why we contacted Howard Benson and his team. We have been working on this record and writing songs for more or less five years. Over that time, we have been going back and forth a little bit; but I think we narrowed it in, in the last year to what we wanted to do. Musically, we just found a direction that felt fresh for us. It is always like that for this band. We just try to follow our heart and see what comes out. This time we have had a little bit longer to work through that process. We were very happy with the response that came out.

As far as the extra string material, that was a dream for us to incorporate it into this record. It just came together in a great way. We actually recorded all the strings in Sweden, after we were done recording. We are very happy with how it came out. As far as diversity, we write the music that comes out, and just go from there.

Webb: Besides being a lyric in one of your songs, what was the inspiration to the album title of With Shivering Hearts We Wait?

Simon Grenehed: I think the whole wait thing for us has been very much. There was supposed to be a record in 2007, but it didn’t come through. The shivering hearts part I think in some ways defines our faith, just the expectation and adventure that it is to have a faith. I think for us it has been almost a scary thing to jump in situations that you are not used too, and just trust God in what is going to come out. So I think it sums it up in this title what this band is about at this point.

Webb: One song that really caught my ear was the hard hitting song “Bring Out the Dead.” I absolutely loved it. I was wondering, what was the inspiration or story behind the song?

Simon Grenehed: I think musically it has riffs that just came out and they drive the whole song. It is the same riffs over and over. Lyrically, I’m not the lyricist in the band, but I know it’s about dealing with your inner demons. Everybody has something we are ashamed about. At some point, you have to confront yourself, and confront it in front of the higher power. Sometimes it is scary to let go of these things that kind of hurt you. But, in some ways it defines who you are as a person. It is a tricky subject, but I think it is something that probably everybody can relate too.

Webb: Could you talk a little bit about the album’s artwork? The artwork really seems to tell a story right alongside the lyrics.

Simon Grenehed: We basically told the guy who did all the artwork to listen to the music and read the lyrics, and just see what comes out. Once we started hearing his plans for it, we definitely felt that it was representative of the music and the visual thing we were going for.

Webb: Do you have a favorite song on this album, or one that you are extra proud of?

Simon Grenehed: I think it is still kind of new. For me, personally, the first song on the album; as a guitar player, I have been working on that song for a couple of years. I had that riff. When I first brought it in, they [Blindside] knew that it was something good, but they didn’t know what we should do with it. I just had the vision in my head, and kept rolling with it. Once we got the strings in at the end that just really made the song. That one, I am excited about. Also, a song that we have been starting to play live is a song called “Withering.” There is a vibe on that song that is really interesting, and a lot of things are happening musically as well. Those two, I think are my favorites right now.

Webb: You mentioned that you took a long time on this album writing and recording. So in the recording process, which do you prefer: taking as long as it takes to get the album great like you did on With Shivering Hearts We Wait, or do you like working under a tight pressure or deadline?

Simon Grenehed: I think there are pros and cons for both. The album, About A Burning Fire, we wrote and recorded in almost one or two month’s time. The good thing there is that we really just worked hard, and let ourselves be open with ideas. It is a weird thing with music. When we write, we don’t think too much before; we just go in and try ideas. So, we will play stuff at home, and you don’t really know if there is a song in there. When you get to the rehearsal place, it could be either dead or the next great thing for the band. That doesn’t really matter, if it is a long process or a short process.

I think after Great Depression, the last album, we did go into a mode. It was kind of hard to come out of. It was a little bit darker. We kept writing songs and they were along those lines still. It was probably meaningful to have enough time to instead of doing Great Depression Part 2, you really try to reinvent yourself and see what the next step is. We probably needed the time do that.

Webb: I do want to talk about your break a little bit. Was it intentional to keep the fans in the dark about what you were doing during your hiatus?

Simon Grenehed: Yes, I think so. This society right now, if you don’t put out a record every year or every two years, there is a lot of pressure to just keep banging out stuff. For me personally, I was kind of tired of that thing. When I was growing up, if I found a band, it took awhile before you figured out who they were and what they were about. There was some kind of magic in that.

Now, you know when a singer goes to the bathroom basically because of twitter and everything [laughing]. I think we felt like we didn’t want to come up with news unless we think it is something worth telling. But, I think now that we have our record out, it is more interesting to keep people updated. We weren’t afraid to keep people in the dark about what was going on. We just felt that it wasn’t something that people needed to know about.

Webb: Did you ever think about calling it quits?

Simon Grenehed: Yeah, of course. For us, being in a band and also having families, we have mostly built our fan base in the States. It is a big step to go over there and spend time away from your families. We didn’t have a record deal for awhile. It was very hard to motivate for your family, to go on a tour and see if we came back with the rent. I think as far as the band goes, we needed to step away a little bit and find our own identities. Also, we needed to figure out if there was more in store, and if we could contribute anything more. We prayed about it for a long time and discussed it. At the end, we felt like we had more stuff that we could do. I think it was a good decision, after having done this record. We really felt that we had more. Even when this record [With Shivering Hearts We Wait] is done, we still have the inspiration to write more.

Webb: One thing that a lot of bands have trouble with is keeping the same members. I think it is really cool that all the original members from Blindside have stayed in the band. What is the secret for you to keep all of the original members in the band?

Simon Grenehed: I think for us it has been a mutual respect. We have always tried to listen to each other, and also listen to the families’ needs. We are four very different individuals. But, somehow when we get in a room together and make music, we just love it. We feel like it is a gift. We learned to play together. I don’t think we could even keep going as a band if we lost one member. In some ways, we feel like this has and will always be the band and lineup.

Webb: I know you have toured all across the world, everywhere from the United States to Australia to South Africa. Do you have a favorite country that you have toured in?

Simon Grenehed: This is also something that I want to say about the hiatus. A lot of people thought after the Great Depression, that we just took a break. But, that was the period we did tour in some of those countries. We have fallen in love over and over with different countries. But, the States is where we felt like this band was something to do for real. I think we have gotten so much love from the United States. That is definitely the place where we want to go play again, and meet all of our friends again. So, that is the place that is very close to our hearts.

Webb: What does the future look like for Blindside? Are you guys going to jump back in head first into the music industry or are you going to take it slow? What can we expect from you in the near future?

Simon Grenehed: Right now, we are pretty busy. We try to keep things going on the web for people that do not live in Sweden. We are coming back to the States for a tour in September. That tour in the United States will decide a lot of things. We are up and running again. We are very excited about it. I don’t see us stopping or taking it too slow. What we did before of touring 11 months straight, that is not going to happen again. But, we are definitely going to try to move as much as possible.

Webb: Do you have any last comments?

Simon Grenehed: We are just excited to be back. We are looking forward to coming over, meeting all of our friends again, and playing some good rock and roll music.

Heaven Awaits

2011-05-31T12:02:00.000-07:00

I admit, as a Christian, death is a hard subject to tackle. Death hurts. We never want to see our loved ones in pain, nor do we want them to leave us. But, sadly, death is a part of life for everyone. I did not want to write this blog post to depress you or make you sad. Instead, I wanted to write this post to give you hope and peace. When our friends and family pass on, it hurts. But, if they had a personal relationship with Christ, we can fully know that they are with our Lord and Savior. I will freely admit that I don’t have all the answers about life and death. What I do know is that God is on the throne, and he is with us every step of the way.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
Psalm 46:1-2

I have four songs that I want to share with you. Some of them speak about the death of a loved one, while others simply sing about entering heaven. Each of these songs deal with the subject of death, but each of them also inspires to bring hope and peace to the listener.

The first song is from the pop/punk band Hawk Nelson. I Still Miss You is off their third album, Hawk Nelson is My Friend. This song is very personal to lead singer Jason Dunn. Dunn sings about missing his grandmother who passed away from cancer. Even though Dunn did not understand the timing or even the death of his grandmother, he still trusted in God’s perfect plan.

The second song is Smiling Down by the band Pillar. Here is an excerpt from lead singer Rob Beckley talking about the inspiration behind the song. To see the full interview with New Release Tuesday, click here.

“This song was inspired by two different couples who were both dealing with the tragic loss of their children. One family in particular, the Cleary's, who had two small boys, lost their 18-month-old son, Zander, when he accidentally drowned in a swimming pool during a church gathering.

Shortly afterward, they wanted to take their older son, who was 4, out to the burial site so at least they could say, "This is where Zander's going to be." On the way out there, their 4-year-old was pointing to the clouds and shouting, "Mommy, there's Zander!" His parents replied, "No, Zander's gone." They were trying to help him cope with the loss, because that was his little buddy. But he kept pointing to the sky, so they pulled the car over and took a picture - which is still on their camera - just so they could prove that they didn't Photoshop it. As they looked up into the sky, to their amazement, they saw the most incredible, pristine outline of an adult holding the hand of a little child. The boy said, "Look, there's Zander. He's with Jesus." After they took a picture of this image, they looked back up, but it was gone.

Now, I was one of those guys who was like, "Oh, yeah, you saw the Virgin Mary in the wood grain of a door!" Some people look for something in everything. But this story had such an impact on me. When I heard their testimony, I thought: You know what? You're right. Zander's in heaven, he's holding the hand of Jesus, and he is smiling down on you! We can find great comfort in knowing that he is now with Christ. This song is told from a perspective of a loved one who has gone on to be with Jesus,” Rob Beckley, lead singer of Pillar.

The third song is off Skillet’s latest album Awake. Here is Lucy by Skillet. As John Cooper said, “This is a sad song, but it’s also about second chances…It is meant to bring hope to people, meant to bring a peace to people. All these things are hard and they affect you and they are real, but there is a God who loves you.”

The final song I want to share with you is Come Awake by the David Crowder Band. This song is off their amazing album, A Collision. The entire album of A Collision is a response to a tragedy of a dear friend to the band. Kyle Lake, the band’s friend and pastor, was tragically killed while adjusting a microphone during a baptism. Come Awake is such a powerful song not only about death, but also rebirth within Christ Jesus.

Everyone is affected by death and hard times in their life. But, God promises that He is always with us.

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31

Peter Furler Interview

2011-05-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

As a member of the Newsboys for 22 years, Peter Furler has sold over seven million records, scored 25 number one singles, and released 15 full length albums. But, in 2009, Furler decided to leave the Newsboys and sell most of his possessions, including his home and his shares in Inpop Records. Furler then moved to Florida and pursued his passion for art, as well as continued to perform and write music. On May 5, 2011, I had the chance to speak with Peter Furler about his upcoming solo record, the Christian rock industry, and his favorite Newsboys album of all time.

Webb: First, your debut solo album, “On Fire,” will be released on June 21. Could you describe the sound of the album musically and also some of the important themes or messages within the album?

Furler: Yeah, you know obviously I have made quite a few records. I have a certain sound that I kind of shape. That could be good or bad for some artists, I guess. I just kind of try and make music that I like. You just hope that there are some people out there that agree with you. There is not a big formula; there is not a thing where I sit down and go, ‘Well I am going to sit down and do exactly what I have done before.’ When I am making a record, I don’t listen to a lot of music. Actually, I don’t listen to that much music period. Mainly because when I sit down to write, I just get this hunger to hear music. So I begin to write what I want to hear. This record is more up tempo than I thought it was going to be, which is good, because usually it is hard to write great up tempo. So it’s a very joyful record; it is full of encouragement, and things we all need. But, yet it has the sound that I am known for. Obviously it is me singing and playing the instruments. It is basically what I did before, but at the same time it does sound fresh and new. The freshness really came from the place I am at in my life more than a certain guitar amplifier.

Webb: After all the major success that you had with the Newsboys over these last couple of decades, did you feel any pressure making this record?

Furler: I think the pressure is really within yourself as a songwriter. Somebody asked me the other day, ‘What are my expectations?’ To be honest, they have already been met. So from here on out, it’s all good. But, the pressure that really came was just as a songwriter and as an artist. You always want to write, but you don’t want to regurgitate what you’ve done before. But, at the same time, you don’t want to leave behind and make a conscious decision to put aside the good things of the past. It really came down to making sure the songs that were on it were up to par, if not better than what my previous work had been. It wasn’t a pressure of commercialism, but it was more of a pressure of why put it out if it’s not stronger, or deeper than what you have done before.

Webb: With that said, do you think this is some of the best work of your career?

Furler: You know every artist when they are making a record have to believe that, but the people will decide that. There are certain songs that I have written in the past, “He Reigns,” “Shine,” “Something Beautiful,” that were definitely moments. They come as you keep at it. This is a record that I have just kept at it, and I do believe there are some songs on this record that can hold up to them.

Webb: Thanks to Rick Hoganson, he sent me a live stream of your new album a couple of days ago. I had the honor of listening to it. I will say that it was really powerful. I absolutely loved it. But, one song that really caught my ear was the song “Psalm 23.” I was wondering when you were writing new music, did you want to specifically write a song based around a Bible verse or chapter in this case, or did this song kind of come about spontaneously?

Furler: That’s a good question. It was really a little bit of both. I have had it in my head for a few years. I feel one of my gifts is the gift of melody and song. The Bible talks about singing to each other songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. I have sung a lot of spiritual songs; I have sung some hymns in my life. This was more of a psalm. Over the years with melody and even growing up in church, so many scriptures were put to melody. They were the ones you always seem to remember. When you go and play a concert, isn’t it amazing how the whole crowd can sing the words of a song. But, sadly, if you said to somebody, ‘can you recite Psalm 23?’ That’s a tough gig. You know, can you quote a section of Isaiah? Those things take an effort. But, when you put them to melody, all of a sudden they become easier. I felt to do that as a songwriter a few years back. This was the first of hopefully a few. But, it also did happen in a spontaneous way. I sat down and it really just came. It wasn’t something that I worked on. It came very quick, which is usually how some of the best songs come. Yes, it is one that I am really proud of, and then again I didn’t have a plan for this record two years ago. Not even a year ago. As a songwriter, you just keep writing songs. I don’t know what the future holds as a soloist, or as whatever, but as a songwriter as long as I am alive, that is my gift. So I just continue to stir that up. These songs on this record, and songs like “Psalm 23” were just the continuation of my life as a songwriter.

Webb: You mentioned that this album wasn’t planned, so I was wondering what inspiration or event made you want to get back and start writing music again?

Furler: Well, I think realizing what I was not meant to do. My first year or so leaving the band [Newsboys] was helping the band make the transition. That was a big task, and that kept me busy. That was a great task, and one that I enjoyed. It was kind of like handing over a church. You want it to do well. You want the lads to move on, and go to bigger and greater things. For me, that was a full time job. Then, once that was done, I found myself in a place of okay what am I going to do with the rest of my life? I actually just enjoyed not knowing. Which for some people might be horrifying, but for me it was thrilling. For me, my schedule was always planned out back at that time. I really just relished in not knowing what the future held. But, in that time I did a bit of painting and some creative things. After that year, I began to get back to writing songs. I am also working on a project with Steve Taylor at the moment. So, that’s where I began to realize this is what you do. Just because you made a shift of how you do it artistically, doesn’t mean you stop doing it. I think it’s when I began to look at other options, and ask, ‘what do you do?’ Do I get a nine to five job, or do you buy a business and run that? All these things begin to run through your head. As you run to them, you know that this is what God has called you to do, to be a songwriter and musician. So, that was good clarity for me. It doesn’t matter what level it is on, because you don’t do it for certain levels or achievements. You do it for the love of creating something out of nothing. Obviously things that encourage people to A. Search out for Jesus. B. To know Him better or just to encourage people in that walk with Him.

Webb: This next question is a little loaded. I am a huge fan and supporter of Christian rock music. I was just wondering what are your thoughts on Christian rock as a whole, and also how do you believe God uses Christian rock to win people for the kingdom?

Furler: Well, I think it is through the words, that is the difference. We are the one genre that is defined by our words. It is not really about the sound. I believe God gives gifts to all men, which we know that as Christians. I actually think there are two types of music. The Bible talks about the tongue and how it has the power of life and death. Whenever we have gossiped or bagged somebody, afterwards if we have a good conscious or a normal conscious, we can feel just as if we have eaten something bad. Yet, when we praise people and speak good into their life, we feel energized. We are kind of eating the fruit of that. So, really there are two types of music. One is full of life, and one that is full of death. One is full of truth, and one is full of lies. Sometimes I have heard quote, unquote Christian music, and I was like, ‘well I am not sure about that.’ Yet, it is under a certain format, or a certain record label. Then other times, you hear something that is not made necessarily by someone who is openly Christian, but yet you hear and you go, ‘that’s just truth.’ That’s why we do have to be careful what we listen to. What we listen too is that we are sort of eating it in a sense. The Bible talks about that, to be careful to what you put in front of your eyes and ears. So, I think that is the difference. To answer your second question first, that’s really what it is. It is something that there is power in it. It is in the words, and when there is truth in it. When it is the truth of God’s word, then that’s what it does. It has an effect on people; it has an effect on hearts and minds and emotions. That is what music is about, you know. It does have an effect on those things of a human being. So, it is important what is being said, that it is truth. You know, everyone has different levels of what type of music they like, stylistically and lyrically. Then there is something there for everybody.

I think as far as the industry, I am not a real spokesman for the industry. I don’t feel like I am one of the gatekeepers. But for me, the thing that I do notice is, being in it for quite awhile, technologically speaking we are at a time now, which is a great thing for Christian artists. Most Christian artists are operating on a budget, probably on about one-tenth of what a mainstream act could operate on. But, for the first time in history, and you would understand this being in radio. We can actually record stuff for one-tenth of what it would cost to make a record. It still costs a lot to mix one, to get that done right. But, as far as cutting tracks, you can buy a Mac laptop now. It comes with a free program. GarageBand, that’s what I write with most of the time. GarageBand has as much stuff as we made Step Up to the Microphone with. Yet, if I was to go and buy that gear and buy all the gear we used for Step Up to the Microphone, it could have been two or three hundred thousand dollars. That’s where things have changed. That’s why you can listen to Christian radio and for the first time sonically it is competing with the others. In the old days, it would take a week to get a kick drum sound. Now, you can knock one up in a couple of hours.

Webb: Moving in a different direction, your first major concert was about a week and a half ago at Easterfest (April 23, 2011). Did you have any nerves or anxiety for this concert being that it is the first concert that you are not in front of the Newsboys?

Furler: You know I did. I had moments, but I kind of put them aside too. It was an adventure, and I love adventures. I love the unknown. I would definitely be lying if I said I didn’t. I had some moments, but they weren’t lasting moments. They were ones that I had to keep putting aside; I had to keep putting them into another part of my mind. So I had moments of oh my goodness, I am heading out here. I don’t have the lads [Newsboys] with me. I had a great team with me. I had Seth Mosley, Brian Dexter, and Tim Wilson from Me in Motion, who are great players. I also had my wife, Summer, playing keyboards, which was brilliant. The band was brilliant. When I listen back to it, one of the road crew recorded it; I think I was the one that made more mistakes [laughing]. Nervous, I don’t know, just maybe had to blow a few cobwebs out. A lot of it came back too. It was my first full show in two years. But when you do it for 22 years, there was stuff that just came back automatic. It didn’t happen until I was actually on the stage. But, it ended up great. The fans were brilliant, and the crowd was very welcoming. It ended up being superb and a great night.

Webb: I wanted to speak with you about your wife, Summer, getting the opportunity to play with you. How did you guys keep that secret for so long?

Furler: It is a little harder to keep secrets this day and age, isn’t it? I think because we were relishing in it and enjoying it. The two of us would be in our house. I have a studio in my house. We would be sitting and she would be working through chords of the songs. I was too. It really helped me as a refresher because I was in the middle of making On Fire, this new solo record. My mind was split two ways. I even had to re-remember certain songs. Putting certain songs in the set, and working out songs we should play. It was a lot of fun. We just had fun doing that. She did great.

Webb: Is she going to continue to play with you on tours, or was this kind of a one time thing?

Furler: I hope she does, but I got to see if I can afford her. [laughing]

Webb: [laughing] Does she have expensive tastes?

Furler: Oh yeah, she likes the best keyboards. No, she is very humble, and she really enjoyed it. For her, it was a real thrill. Just seeing her being thrilled, thrilled me.

Webb: So, what was that like for both of you in that you have been a part of the Newsboys for so long playing live shows; what was it like having her share your onstage ministry with you?

Furler: That’s what really made it more special I think because it was family. Playing with the lads [Newsboys] before was like family. In a lot of ways, a band is a lot like a family. So, it definitely felt very natural.

Webb: Do you have any upcoming tours that you have planned?

Furler: [I am] working on a few things for the fall. I have a couple of festivals coming up, one in Minnesota and one in El Paso, Texas. A few festivals and a couple of other things that we are looking at. But, looking at the possibility of doing a promo tour in June for the record, and then also something in the fall.

Webb: When touring, are you going to just be playing songs from your solo album, or are you also going to perform some classic Newsboys songs?

Furler: At Easterfest, I did a bit of both, and I enjoyed it. It felt like a good blend because it felt like it was me. “He Reigns” is a song that I wrote and sung. It felt very natural to be doing that, and at the same time doing some new stuff. If I went to see me in concert, I would probably want to hear me sing some of the old and some of the new. That is how I kind of think.

Webb: When thinking about touring, what is one thing that you cannot leave home without?

Furler: Probably my keyboard player now I guess.

Webb: I can understand that 100%. I do have one Newsboys question for you. This is one that I have been wanting to know a long time. I am a big Newsboys fan. I have all of your albums; I absolutely love them.

Furler: I appreciate that Marc.

Webb: I was wondering; do you have a favorite Newsboys album, and a favorite Newsboys song of all time?

Furler: I don’t know, that’s a tough one. I don’t really go back and listen to my music, which probably seems strange to some people. I don’t really go back and listen to any of it. So I would have to go back and listen to see what has held up. As far as songs, “Something Beautiful” is a song I really love. I still love performing that live. “He Reigns” is really something that I enjoy performing live. And then there are songs like “Breakfast” that have their own kind of thing going. But, yeah, I don’t know if there is a favorite record. Maybe, Go, I really enjoyed that. That is probably more for personal reasons as a singer. I really began to enjoy singing on that record more than previous records. I felt like I started to find my voice there.

Webb: The final question, do you have a memorable Bible verse that always moves or speaks to you?

Furler: Isaiah 40 is one that I think about. I have memorized that, and that is one that I quote during concert. It has been one that comes to the top of my head right now.

Webb: Do you have any last comments?

Furler: No man, I appreciate what you are doing, and I wish you the best in the future. I would love to meet you someday, and say ‘hi’ to all of your listeners. I appreciate all of what you are doing.

Below, is Peter Furler's first single entitled, "Reach." Furler's debut solo album, On Fire, was released on June 21, 2011.

Cover Songs

2011-04-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

For this post, I want to take a look at cover songs. I want to show you five cover songs performed by Christian rock bands. Just in case you don’t know what a cover song is, I will give you the official definition. According to the Free Dictionary, a cover song is “a recording of a song that was first recorded or made popular by somebody else.”

The first cover song I want to share with you is Ordinary World by Duran Duran. Red performed a version of this song on their second album, Innocence and Instinct. Interestingly enough, when the band first started working on the cover version, they didn’t even want to put it on their record. “The reason we started arranging it was just for something we would do live. But the label pushed for it and we said that is fine put it on the record but just don’t make it a single. So the label just pretty much thought it should be on the record so I think we met in the middle,” said former Red guitarist Jasen Rauch. Not only did Red put this song on the album, they also recorded a music video for it.

This next song is probably the most interesting and odd choice for a cover song. Hit Me Baby One More Time was originally recorded by Britney Spears. In 2009, the Christian metal group, August Burns Red, decided to do a cover of the song for the compilation album Punk Goes Pop 2. When I first heard about August Burns Red doing a cover of Britney Spears, I was really skeptical about how it would turn out. But surprisingly, August Burns Red released a really good cover song.

Third, is the song Free Fallin by Tom Petty. The Almost recorded a cover version of this classic rock song in 2010 for the compilation album Punk Goes Classic Rock. I have to say, this could be my all time favorite cover. The Almost adds a more upbeat style to this song, and I absolutely love it!

This next song is a cover of Eye of the Tiger. Originally performed by Survivor, this song was featured on the Rocky III soundtrack. MercyMe performs a cover of this song for their youtube videos entitled the Cover Tune Grab Bag. Besides this song, MercyMe has also covered songs such as Thriller, Dead or Alive, Ice Ice Baby, Stayin Alive, and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. This cover version is really funny take on the original song.

The final song is Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2. This song was covered by the Christian hard rock group Pillar. Pillar released this song on the limited edition of Where Do We Go From Here and the album In the Name of Love. I was also skeptical about a cover version of this song because I love the original by U2. But, all in all, Pillar does a great job on this song.

I know that some people do not agree or even like cover songs. For me, I love cover songs when done right, and I also hate cover songs when they actually embarrass the original artist. I wanted to share some videos of bands paying homage to some of their favorite artists (or maybe least favorite in August Burns Red’s case). I think these covers definitely do the original songs justice. I hope you have enjoyed this look at Christian rock cover songs.

Relient K Biography

2011-03-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

Since 1998, Relient K has been a staple in the Christian music industry. Through many member changes, three gold albums, two Christmas records, a Grammy nomination, two Dove awards, and performances on Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, and numerous television shows, this group has exploded in popularity over the last ten years. Throughout their history, Relient K has been known for their pop/punk sound fused with humor, witty lyrics, and Jesus Christ.

Relient K first formed in 1997 in Canton, Ohio with Matt Thiessen, Matt Hoopes, and Brian Pittman. Drummer Stephen Cushman later joined the group. The band is named after Matt Hoopes’ old car, which was a Plymouth Reliant K. After an independent album, Relient K caught the attention of Gotee Records, and released their first album on Gotee in 2000. The self titled project features Relient K singing fun, punk rock songs mixed with many pop culture references including Back to the Future, Marilyn Manson, and even staples. The first video is of the song My Girlfriend. This song is about Marilyn Manson and MTV. But more specifically, it is about a girl who is corrupted by the world around her. The official music video is a funny take on the song.

Shortly after their debut album, drummer Stephen Cushman left the band, and Dave Douglas filled his position. In 2001, the group released their second album, The Anatomy of Tongue in Cheek. This album once again was filled with many humorous songs and pop culture references, but it also included many soft, spiritual tracks. From meaningful worship ballads to the Sadie Hawkins Dance to even criticizing Christians for fighting among themselves, this album featured a little bit of everything lyrically. Five years after the release, The Anatomy of Tongue in Cheek was certified gold. Pressing On is the second track on the album. This song is about pressing on through the hardships in life and striving to be with Jesus Christ.

In 2003, Relient K released their third album entitled Two Lefts Don’t Make a Right…but Three Do. This album mixed together elements from their first two albums: pop culture references and meaningful worship ballads. From mood rings to pink tuxedos to college kids, this album was filled with funny and comedic takes on the world. Plus, like their previous album, Relient K also embraced their serious side with songs such as Forward Motion, Trademark, I Am Understood?, and Getting Into You. For Two Lefts, Relient K released multiple album covers featuring different vehicles in car crashes. This album was also certified gold. The song I want to share with you is the lead track entitled Chap Stick, Chapped Lips, and Things Like Chemistry. This simple and fun video features the band performing the song and taking care of the elderly. Overall, Two Lefts was probably the most pivotal album in Relient K’s career. After this record, Relient K slowly disregarded humor and comedy in their lyrics, and embraced a more mature punk rock sound.

Shortly before the release of their next album, Mmhmm, original bassist Brian Pittman left the group. Filling his shoes was former Ace Troubleshooter member, John Warne. Jon Schneck also joined the group to play guitar, banjo, and bells. Mmhmm was released in late 2004, and in less than a year was certified gold. Arguably Relient K’s most popular album to date, Mmhmm spawned two very popular singles: Be My Escape and Who I am Hates Who I’ve Been. It was also the major label debut for them on Capitol Records. On Mmhmm, Relient K fully embraced a mature sound. The group definitely progressed from their previous efforts, and the album really shines musically and lyrically. This next song is one of my all time favorite songs by Relient K. Who I am Hates Who I’ve Been is a song about a person regretting their past choices.

Three years after Mmhmm, Relient K was poised to release their next album. Five Score and Seven Years Ago pays homage to the beginning of the Gettysburg Address (Four Score and Seven Years Ago). The album title also comes from the fact that this record was their fifth album, and their debut was released seven years earlier. Featuring a mixture of emotions, happiness and cynicism, this album had it all emotionally. The Best Thing and Must Have Done Something Right are pure, pop, love songs. Other tracks like Devastation and Reform and I Need You are simple cries out to God asking for help. This album also ended with a rather unique song entitled Deathbed which features Jon Foreman, lead singer of Switchfoot. The eleven minute song details the life of a man who is near death. In my opinion, this is Relient K’s most unusual, but also most fascinating song to date. Shortly after the release of this album, Relient K experienced tragedy when their tour bus caught fire. Thankfully no one was injured, but the group did lose personal items, including Matt Thiessen’s laptop computer which held 100 unfinished songs. The next song is Must Have Done Something Right. The video features a very cool concept about a relationship and a soccer ball.

At the end of 2007, Relient K went through another member change, as well as a musical shift. Long time drummer, Dave Douglas, decided to leave the band in December of 2007. He was replaced by Ethan Luck, former guitarist for the O.C. Supertones and Demon Hunter. In 2008, the band released a double EP entitled The Bird and the Bee Sides. The first of the two extended EPs featured 13 brand new tracks. Relient K also delved into some brand new music with this EP, dabbling in pop, ska, and even country music. The second EP featured B-sides of their former albums. This EP had acoustic tracks, demos, and a few unreleased songs. Their latest album, Forget and Not Slow Down, was released in 2009. Even more than their previous record, Relient K separated themselves from their earlier punk rock sound. Featuring mostly straight rock music with many intros and outros, this album was vastly different than previous works. This album also featured many guest musicians including Aaron Gillespie of the Almost and Matt McDonald of the Classic Crime. For me, I definitely miss their old, witty lyrics mixed with punk rock music. But, there is still a lot to enjoy with this record. This was the first full length album that the band did not release a music video.

Relient K has also released two Christmas albums in their career: Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand in 2003, and Let it Snow, Baby…Let it Reindeer in 2007. Both of the albums featured classic Christmas songs with a punk rock twist.

Relient K has not announced any new music or upcoming albums. But, the group will embark on the Vans Warped Tour this summer in 2011. I want to end this biography of Relient K with one of their most popular songs of all time: Be My Escape. Off the Mmhmm album, this single went gold in 2005. Also, this song boosted the band’s mainstream popularity by becoming a hit on MTV. Here is the official music video for Be My Escape. I hope you have enjoyed this look at Relient K’s career.

Christian Hip Hop

2011-02-26T17:00:00.000-08:00

For this post, I want to take a look at the genre of Christian rap, also known as Holy Hip Hop. Christian rap is really defined as rap music with an evangelistic goal. Rap music consists of a vocalist that uses spoken or chanted vocal style. Most rappers today also incorporate some level of singing vocals into their music.

Christian rap is a relatively new genre, beginning in the mid 1980s. The first Christian rap album was Bible Break by Stephen Wiley, which was released in 1985. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, other notable rap artists arose including DC Talk, Kirk Franklin, and T-Bone. DC Talk is arguably one of the most popular Christian groups of all time.

In the last decade, Christian rap has exploded. There are numerous artists both in the Christian and secular markets. Now, entire record labels are even devoted to Christian rap. Recently, other hip hop genres have emerged and are slowly becoming more and more popular. Rap rock is definitely a growing trend in which artists fuse rap with driving rock songs and singing vocals.

The first artist I want to share with you is Manafest. His albums are more rapcore and rap rock than any other hip hop genre. Originally from Canada, Manafest is currently signed to BEC Recordings. His music is slowly becoming more popular in the

United States

. But in Canada, he has already received awards and nominations in the Juno Awards and the Canada Covenant Awards. The song I want to share with you is off his sixth album The Chase. Avalanche is all about hitting rock bottom. Your whole world is crashing around you, like an avalanche, and all you can do is pray to God for strength.

Second, is Group 1 Crew. The unique feature about Group 1 Crew is that they have three vocalists: two male rappers and a female vocalist. They are relatively new, only released two albums since 2007. So far this group is not widely popular, but they are slowly becoming very prevalent on Christian radio. The song I want to share with you is off their second album, Outta Space Love. Please Don’t Let Me Go is one of my all time favorite Hip Hop songs. This song is about the power of God’s love.

The third artist is Tedashii. Another relatively new artist, Tedashii has released two albums since 2006. He is also a member of the Christian rap group 116 Clique. Tedashii is unique for having a deep rapping voice. The song I want to share with you is called Make War, off his second album Identity Crisis. The beginning of the song features a clip from pastor John Piper. Make War is a rally cry for all Christians to stand up and make war against sin and Satan.

The fourth artist is KJ-52. KJ-52 is Jonah Sorrentino’s stage name. He has released a total of seven albums since 1997. KJ-52 is known for collaborating with many rock musicians and vocalists including: Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch, Rob Beckley from Pillar, Jon Micah Sumrall from Kutless, Toby Morrell from Emery, and Kevin Young of Disciple. The song Run For Cover is off his album KJ-52 Remixed and features vocalist Trevor McNevan. Featuring driving guitars and a hard beat, this song is about standing up for your faith in Jesus Christ. Plus, it has a lot of great pop culture references.

Fifth is probably the most famous Christian rapper, TobyMac. Toby started his career with DC Talk. After the group broke up, TobyMac began a solo rap rock career. His solo career has been very successful, releasing four albums with numerous Christian radio singles. His live album even received a Grammy award. Boomin is off his third album Portable Sounds. This song features a driving rock sound mixed with clean and rap vocals. Boomin is really a party song. It describes the members of TobyMac’s band and how they have a good time rocking for Christ.

The final rap artist is Lecrae. He has released five albums on Reach Records. He is also a member of the Hip Hop group 116 Clique alongside Tedashii. Lecrae’s fourth album, Overdose, garnered much popularity and peaked at number sixteen on the Billboard 200. The final song I want to share with you is called Don’t Waste Your Life, off of his third album. The title pretty much sums up the main theme of the song. Choose to live your life for Christ, instead of wasting it on worldly things.

I hope you have enjoyed this look at Christian Hip Hop music. If you enjoy this genre, some other artists to check out are Rapture Ruckus, John Reuben, B.Reith, and 4^th Avenue Jones.

Christian Hard Rock

2011-01-28T18:08:00.000-08:00

For this post, I want to take a look at Christian hard rock and present a few bands in this genre.

First, hard rock is a very loose genre. This means that hard rock music sometimes mixes with genres like alternative rock and metal. But, most people describe hard rock music as having an emphasized lead guitar along with a rhythm guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums. Vocally, much of hard rock features loud, raspy vocals with occasional screams. Musically, hard rock is both loud and aggressive. Hard rock is also known as post-grunge and alternative metal.

Hard rock began in the 1960s out of Blues Rock and Garage Rock. Bands like The Who and The Rolling Stones helped create the genre of hard rock. Hard rock reached its peak commercially in the 1970s and 1980s with bands like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, ACDC, and Bon Jovi. Since hard rock music is loosely defined, most of the hard bands of the time were labeled with other genres like heavy metal, glam metal, and blues rock.

In the 90s, one form of hard rock became very popular. Grunge rock exploded with the band Nirvana, while other bands also paved the way of grunge rock like Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam. In the 21st century, a new wave of hard rock music has emerged: post-grunge and mainstream rock. Bands like Three Days Grace, Seether, Nickelback, Shinedown, and Hinder are the new wave of hard rock.

Like many mainstream acts, Christian hard rock features emphasized guitars with driving rock songs. Most Christian hard rock bands choose to talk about issues of today and they also sing about Christian themes. For this post, I want to share with you six bands that are making waves in the Christian hard rock scene.

The first band is Thousand Foot Krutch. They have released 5 albums since 2001 on Tooth and Nail Records. When they began their career, they were a rap rock band. But over the last few years they have turned into a hard rock band. The song I want to share with you is called E For Extinction, which is off their fifth album Welcome to the Masquerade. E For Extinction is about how people put on masks and camouflage to hide their inner feelings and emotions from people. This song is also named after a 1960s X-Men comic.

The next group is Falling Up. They have released six albums since 2004, including a greatest hits album. Falling Up broke up as a band in early 2010, but made an announcement a few months later that they were back together. Most of Falling Up’s early work was hard rock music fused with driving piano. But, in their last couple of albums they have turned to a more experimental rock sound. Here is one of their early hard rock songs. It is called Moonlit. Most of their song lyrics are a little vague and open to interpretation. To me, this song speaks about how we should let go of our sins, secrets, and pain to God.

The third group is 12 Stones. They have been a band since 2000. They have released three full length albums and an EP since then. 12 Stones has had a lot of popularity in the secular market. They have had songs featured on WWE, soundtracks for Elektra, The Scorpion King, and Daredevil. Lead singer Paul McCoy was also featured as the back up vocalist for the breakout song for Evanescence called Bring Me To Life in which he won a Grammy for best Hard Rock Performance. The song I want to share with you is called Lie to Me off their album Anthem For The Underdog. This song speaks about a broken relationship; this could include an intimate relationship, family member, or someone you simply look up to. Lead Singer McCoy sings about how this person has messed up and it has greatly affected him and his beliefs.

The fourth group is Pillar. They have released eight albums since their formation as a band in 1998. Like Thousand Foot Krutch, they also started out as a rap rock band. After their first couple independent albums, they transformed into a pure hard rock group. They have also been nominated for one Grammy for their album The Reckoning. The song I want to share with you is off their latest album, Confessions, called Whatever It Takes. This song is about falling away from God and doing whatever it takes to get back with Him.

The next band is Red. They are a relatively new band, only released two albums since 2006. But, their first two albums have garnered huge success. Both albums were grammy nominated. Red has also dominated radio charts with nine consecutive number one singles. Their third album will be released on February 1, 2011. The song I want to share with you is off their second album called Innocence and Instinct. According to guitarist Anthony Armstrong, Death of Me is all about actions. “The song is really a regretful introspective moment, where you realize that your own actions have led you down a path you never wanted to take. You are the one who keeps tearing yourself down in some kind of vicious cycle that never seems to end,” said Armstrong. I love the concept behind this music video. It is really really cool.

The final group is Kutless. They have released ten albums including two worship albums, two special editions, and a live album. Two of their albums have also gone gold. Kutless’ name is a reference from Romans 6:23. The band says the name derives from Jesus taking away our cuts, therefore we are Kutless. The song I want to share is off their fourth album. Shut Me Out is about standing up for your beliefs in Jesus Christ and not letting anyone shut out your voice or opinion.

I hope you have enjoyed this look at Christian hard rock music. If you like this genre, here are some more hard rock bands to check out: Skillet, Decyfer Down, The Letter Black, Fireflight, Kids in the Way, and Day of Fire.

Top Anticipated Albums in 2011

2011-01-04T11:34:00.000-08:00

2010 is over and it is time to take a look at another year of music. This list is my top ten anticipated projects for 2011.

10. Decyfer Down

Early in 2010, the band announced that they were beginning to write new songs. And in Fall of 2010, the band posted numerous videos of them in the studio. There is no official word on how the album will sound musically or vocally. But if the few short clips on their youtube video is any indication, this album will most likely be harder and faster than their previous works. I also think this album will be a great measuring stick for lead singer TJ Harris. On their last album, Crash, Harris was rushed in as lead vocalist after Caleb Oliver surprisingly left the band. This could be an album that rocks musically, as well as a breakthrough album for vocalist TJ Harris.

9. Falling Up

In January 2010, Falling Up announced that they were taking a permanent break from music. I was devastated by this news. I have followed Falling Up’s career, and loved every album that they have released. But, all hope was not lost. In October 2010, just nine months after their breakup, the band announced that they were returning to music and entering the studio in early 2011. Right before the band announced their breakup, they were released from their record label Tooth and Nail Records/BEC Recordings. This new album will be strictly independent. They have also asked their fans to help fund this album. Due to an outpouring of love and generosity from their fans, Falling Up has already passed their goal of $10,000. The band promises that this album will be a fusion of sounds from their albums Crashings and Fangs.

8. Owl City

Coming in at number 8 is Owl City. I personally loved Adam Young’s debut album Ocean Eyes. From songs like Fireflies to The Saltwater Room, this album took me on a really fun ride. Owl City first went into the studio in early spring 2010, and planned to have a release date in December 2010. No word on why the album has been pushed back, but hopefully it will be released soon. Young also promised that this album should stick pretty close to Ocean Eyes musically; he promises that he is not changing his sound any time soon. Another good reason to look forward to this album, Matt Thiessen of Relient K was a collaborator.

7. Spoken

In 2008, Spoken was released from Tooth and Nail records. Spoken was subsequently picked up by the smaller label Alien Patrol. They have not released a new album since 2007, but a new independent record has been rumored for a couple of years. But, now the rumors are finally over. Late in 2010, the band announced that they were working on new music, and released a brand new song called Dagger. You can check out the single on Itunes. Listening to the new song, Spoken has never sounded better. There is no official word on any more new music or a release date, but I will be eagerly awaiting new music in 2011 from these guys.

6. Run Kid Run

Run Kid Run entered the studio in Fall 2010 to work on their third album. This punk rock group is definitely going for the home run ball on this one. This album will be produced by Matt Thiessen of Relient K and famed producer Mark Townsend. Aaron Gillespie has also stepped in to do some guest vocals. The band has promised to also add some new sounds to their music. Vocalist David Curtis promised that you will hear bells, tuba, and strings. Tooth and Nail Records founder Brandon Ebel said, “The new Run Kid Run record is going to blow minds.”

5. Aaron Gillespie

No one was more shocked or saddened by the news last year that Aaron Gillespie was leaving Underoath than me. Many thought that he would make The Almost his full time band, but few imagined him releasing a solo album as well. Coming on March 8, 2011, Gillespie will be releasing a worship album entitled Anthem Song. Aaron Gillespie has been a part of a number of worship songs in the past with Underoath and The Almost. Songs like Some Seek Forgiveness Others Escape, Too Bright To See Too Loud To Hear, Amazing Because It Is, and Hands have all featured Gillespie’s unique take on worship music. “I love that God wants us to know Him, that we were put here as missional people to serve God and point others to Him,” said Gillespie. You can hear the first single on the record, We Were Made For You, on Gillespie’s official facebook page.

4. Red

Red has been rocking the masses since their debut album in 2006. They have dominated Christian radio for the past four years in that they have nine consecutive number one hits. Red promises to push their rock sound to the next level on this album. Lead singer Michael Barnes promises that this album will be, “a combination of our first two records, but on steroids.” This is also the first album featuring new drummer Joe Rickard, formerly of the Wedding. The album, Until We Have Faces, will be released on February 1, 2011.

3. Hawk Nelson

Coming in at number three is Hawk Nelson. Hawk Nelson is preparing to release their fifth album in seven years entitled Crazy Love on February 8, 2011. The band has already released two songs, Crazy Love and Skeletons. If these songs are any indication of the album, Crazy Love will be much different than their past works. “Part of this truth talk is us growing older and wanting to sing about what's real to us,” states bassist Daniel Biro. “The truth topics make Crazy Love the most different from past records; we are definitely more overt about faith this time. We're not scared about the truth in our lives, and it's satisfying to be real like that.” Fans will also have the chance to purchase a special two disc set. Along with Crazy Love, fans will be able to purchase The Light Sides. The Light Sides will feature acoustic versions of Hawk Nelson’s previous hits.

2. Family Force 5

Since their last full length release in 2008, Family Force 5 has released a ton of new music. They released two albums in 2009, a Dance or Die remix album as well as a Christmas record. In 2010 they were featured on the Hot Topic expanded edition of the Almost Alice Soundtrack and they recorded a cover version of the song Bulletproof for Punk Goes Pop 3. But, now it is time for their third full length album. The band made an announcement that they were in the studio recording new songs in late 2010, but no other announcements have been made. No word yet on the release date, or the style of the new record. But, if it’s Family Force 5, you know this will easily be one of the top records of the year.

1. FM Static

Finally, at number one is FM Static. Since 2003 Trevor McNevan’s side project, FM Static, has delivered three albums filled with catchy pop punk music. Their previous album, Dear Diary, definitely featured a new side of the band in that they released a concept album about a boy telling his story through diary entries. No word yet on if their new album, planned to be released on April 5, 2011, will be a concept album or not. The band has released the track listing and the title track My Brain Says Stop, But My Hearts Says Go. You can check out My Brain Says Stop on their official facebook page.

Overall, here is my list of ten albums that I cannot wait to buy in 2011. Also, here are a few more bands to look out for. These groups will also be releasing new music in 2011.

Devil Wears Prada
Switchfoot
I Am Empire
Icon For Hire
Eleventyseven

Top Songs of the Year

2010-12-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

This list includes my top 15 songs of 2010. This is part 1 which features songs 15 through 8.

15. Impossible – Anberlin

This song is the first single released off their latest album Dark is the Way, Light is a Place. Like most of the album, this song is all about relationships. According to lead singer Stephen Christian, this song is about the hardships in love. “Love is a friction, a chemistry. We need to fight it out in a good way, not with threats of leaving, but to, in love, find an understanding," said Christian. This video is the actual music video for the song. I absolutely love this video, the slow motion effects are insane.

14. For Those Who Wait – Fireflight

This is the title track from Fireflight’s latest album. This powerful song is all about someone who is going through a difficult time and wondering where God is in this situation. But, this song reminds us that God’s time is not our own, and His timing is perfect. Lead singer Dawn Michele describes the song as, “We say to God that we’ve been praying and waiting for Him to show us what comes next and it is excruciating. Somewhere along the way rocks get thrown in our path and I think God is using those things to push us along and teach us to have faith. God wants to mold us into who He wants us to become before we reach that final destination.” The official video for this song is really powerful, it might even make you cry.

13. Catch Myself Catching Myself – Underoath

This next song is a really dark but powerful song by Underoath. Spencer Chamberlain sings about being chased by addiction and temptation. These dark thoughts are haunting him, and he believes the only way to escape them is by destroying them through fire. This song is speaking about freeing yourself from temptation and addiction. The best part of this song is the vocals. After Aaron Gillespie’s exit from the band, Chamberlain picked up the clean vocals as well as continued doing the screaming vocals. His vocals on this song are absolutely superb. The video features the song along with lyrics through a video slideshow.

12. God Save the Foolish Kings – House of Heroes

This is another great song released by House of Heroes. Like so many other songs by them, this track takes a unique experience and ties their faith back into it. God Save the Foolish Kings is about a gang fight between two rival gangs: lions and kings. In this song, one member of a gang finds God through the experience. The official music video is a superb visual adaptation of the song. Also featured in the video is Stephanie Smith, who provides back up vocals in God Save the Foolish Kings.

11. Something Holy – Stellar Kart

Coming in at number 11 is a worship song by Stellar Kart. The album, Everything is Different Now, was a loose worship concept album. Something Holy is definitely the stand out track on record. This song speaks about how we as humans were born to be a part of something huge. We were meant to be a part of something holy. The video is a really cool homemade video featuring the lyrics of the song.

10. This Awakening – Sent By Ravens

This hard hitting song speaks about crying out to Jesus Christ. The band sings about falling desolate in a hopeless situation and falling into Jesus Christ’s water. Throughout the song, water is really a metaphor for Jesus’ love. Sent By Ravens wants to fall deeper into God’s water (love and grace). This is a really cool song off Sent By Ravens’ debut album. The video features the album cover along with the song.

9. Hanging On By a Thread – The Letter Black

This is the title track off their debut album. This song is very similar to This Awakening by Sent By Ravens. This song is another desperate cry out to God. This song is about Hanging on to God by only a thread. Yet, through this hopeless situation, The Letter Black still finds redemption and resolution through their perseverance in hard times. This is the official music video for the song.

8. You Will Remain – Philmont

After they were dropped from their label earlier this year, many people, including myself, thought this band was through with their career. I was especially disappointed because I loved their debut album. But, nonetheless, this band proved that they could still make great albums without a major label. In the fall of this year, they released an independent EP that was funded primarily through the donations of fans. You Will Remain was the first single released off the album, and I think it is the best song on the EP. This powerful song speaks about how no matter what we go through or the struggles we face, Jesus will always be there right beside us.

To see the top 7 songs of the year, You can go to part 2 here.

Top Songs of the Year Part 2

2010-12-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

This is Part 2 of my top 15 songs of the year. If you missed part 1, you can check it out here.

7. Cover Your Eyes – Children 18:3

This punk band is known for their hard hitting melodies, dual vocals, and fist pumping anthems; Cover Your Eyes is no exception. From the very first beat, this is an in your face punk rock song. Cover Your Eyes is all about standing your ground, and not running from fear or adversity. Children 18:3 know how to rock, and this song is no exception. Below is the official music video for the song.

6. Renegade – Manafest

This next song is from the Christian rapper Manafest. This song is off his latest album The Chase. As the title suggests, this song is all about feeling like a renegade to Jesus Christ. This song tackles the feeling of sinning, but still having the courage to say, “I’m not a renegade. I’m not the enemy. I’m still a good person at heart.” What puts this song over the top is the guest vocal work by Trevor McNevan, lead vocalist for Thousand Foot Krutch and FM Static. With the fusion of McNevan’s vocals and Manafest’s raps, this anthem packs a hard punch for its listeners. Below is the official music video for the song.

5. We Shot the Moon – Write this Down

Coming in at number 5 is the best track off Write this Down’s self titled debut album. Featuring insane hooks, polished vocals, and hardcore screams, We Shot the Moon is easily one of the top songs of the year. This song uses the metaphor shooting the moon in cards to real life. Shooting the moon is a risky strategy in many card games in which the player attempts to get the highest possible amount of points. Write this Down uses this idea in their song. They are laying their lives out on the line and attempting a risky move in the game of life, and hoping to come out on top. Plus, this song has one of the catchiest chorus’ of the year. It will get stuck in your head for days. Below is the album cover, plus the song.

4. Dear X, You Don’t Own Me – Disciple

This was the first single released by Disciple of their brand new album, Horseshoes and Handgrenades. According to lead singer, Kevin Young, this song is all about tackling our addictions, struggles, and pain, and releasing their power over us. “The Bible says sin has no more control over us when we are born again, we are a new creation. Sin can’t enslave us or manipulate us anymore. So this song is written to our past, dear pain, dear shame, dear hate and dear anger. We are saying to those things you used to have me, own me, and manipulate me but you don’t own me anymore,” said Young. Below is a really cool homemade video of the song.

3. Parallels – As I Lay Dying

This is the only metal song on my Top 15 list. As I Lay Dying is a band filled with phenomenal musicians. Each and every member is a true professional at their instrument. Lyrically, this song is about how we as humans, are comatose people. We are hungry and malnourished, while being in a comatose state. The only way to set us free from this, is the love of Jesus Christ. Below is the official music video for the song. The music video tackles a different subject matter than the song. The video takes a look at a fictional world where technology and machines control humans.

2. Believe – The Letter Black

This really powerful song by the Letter Black is off their debut album on Tooth and Nail records. Featuring dual vocals from married couple Sarah and Mark Anthony, this hard hitting rock song serves as an anthem for all Christians. Believe speaks about standing up for Jesus Christ, even in the toughest of situations. Below is the official music video for Believe.

1. Eternity – Disciple

This is Disciple’s second song in my top 5. This is easily the most powerful song of the year in my opinion. As the title suggests, this song is all about eternity. It is about spending eternity with our Savior Jesus Christ. The song speaks about how we, as Christians, will one day leave this world, and enter glory. For me, I don’t think words can accurately describe how powerful this song is. Take a listen below.

This list took me a long time to make because there were so many memorable songs in 2010. But, overall, I hope you have enjoyed this look at my top 15 songs of the year.

My Top Ten Christian Rock Albums of 2010

2010-11-24T12:29:00.001-08:00

10. Disambiguation – Underoath
Rating - 3 ½ Stars
Top Tracks – In Division, Catch Myself Catching Myself, A Divine Eradication

This is the first album without original drummer and vocalist Aaron Gillespie. Taking his place is former Norma Jean drummer Daniel Davison. On this album, vocalist Spencer Chamberlain not only performs the screams but the clean vocals as well. With the member changes, Underoath offers a much different album than some of their previous works. Musically, this band is top notch. They always seem to have an organized chaos to their music. The downfall to this album is the vocals. Spencer Chamberlain is a phenomenal screaming vocalist. Sadly, though, he does not have the power to carry the band with clean vocals. In the top tracks, Chamberlain does a pretty good job on vocals, but Underoath is not the same without Gillespie.

9. Kill The Noise – The Savvy
Rating – 4 Stars
Top Tracks – Real Good Feelin, Fame, That’s My Jam

Number nine is Kill the Noise by the band The Savvy. This entire rock record features in your face lyrics, rocking guitars, and pounding drums. Though this record only features five songs, each one is carefully crafted to give the listener a full rock and roll experience. This young indie band knows how to put together a great album. The only downside to this album is the length, less than twenty minutes, but The Savvy makes up for it by offering five amazing songs. If this had been a full length album, Kill the Noise would easily be in the top five.

8. Suburba – House of Heroes
Rating - 3 ½ Stars
Top Tracks – God Save the Foolish Kings, Independence Day for A Petty Thief, Constant

After releasing a full length album and three EPs last year, House of Heroes is at it again with their fourth full length album. Like their past albums, the band finds creative ways to sing about their faith with witty lyrics, fun songs, gang vocals, and fast guitars. What makes this album such a fun listen is definitely the lyrics. From finding God after a gang fight to a pure worship song, this album has it all lyrically. Suburba is not as groundbreaking as their last album, The End is Not The End, but overall this album is definitely worth the money.

7. Everything is Different Now – Stellar Kart
Rating - 3 ½ Stars
Top Tracks – We Shine, Something Holy, Rescue

Everything is Different Now is a mix between a cover album and a worship album. Every song on this album is a true worship song, plus the album offers four cover songs (We Shine, Spirit In The Sky, You Never Let Go, and Until My Heart Caves In). There were many rumors about Stellar Kart doing a cover of Yellowcard’s song Only One, but that track did not make it on the album. Overall, this is a very solid album from Stellar Kart. The major downside is so many cover songs. I would have enjoyed more original songs on this album. But, all in all, this is a very solid album from the band.

6. Our Graceful Words – Sent By Ravens
Rating – 3 ½ Stars
Top Tracks – Trailers vs. Tornadoes, Salt and the Light, This Awakening

This debut album from the newly signed Tooth and Nail band blew me away. This hard rock group packs a hard punch. From the first screams on the song New Fire to the moving ballad Salt and the Light, this album has it all: blazing guitars, passionate vocals, and moving lyrics. Even though they are a relatively new and young band, this album has all the fixings of a seasoned music veteran.

5. Rain’s A Comin’ – Children 18:3
Rating - 4 Stars
Top Tracks – Cover Your Eyes, The Cruel One, Stronger

In 2008 the Christian music world was blown away by Children 18:3’s debut album. After two years of speculation about a sophomore album, Children 18:3 returned with Rain’s A Comin’. In reviewing their first album, I gave them five stars. Even though Rain’s A Comin’ is not as good as their debut, this is far from a sophomore slump. The first three tracks mirror their debut album with their hardcore punk rock sound. But the main difference between their first two albums is the lyrics. The title track screams about the coming of change in this world, The Cruel One pays homage to One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Oh Bravo features a dad consoling his daughter after a talent competition, Wonder I features the band thinking about heaven, and Lost So Long ends the album in a phenomenal way. The only downside to this album is the use of instrumental tracks. There are two instrumental tracks, and both of them feel really out of place, especially the last song The Last Laugh. With that small complaint aside, Children 18:3 proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Christian music scene.

4. Write this Down – Write this Down
Rating – 4 Stars
Top Tracks – Alarm the Alarm, Despite Your Valor, Redemption, We Shot the Moon

This album took me completely by surprise. Both the mixing of vocals between screaming and singing and the instrumental work are phenomenal. Besides vocals and instruments, this band really separates themselves from other Christian groups due to the diversity of this album. Literally, there is something for every fan of rock music. The band features a variety of songs from the genres screamo, alternative rock, acoustic, and even some punk mixed in. Plus, a lot of these songs will get stuck in your head even after only one listen. Alarm the Alarm and We Shot the Moon will have you singing for days. This is definitely the surprise album of the year.

3. The Chase – Manafest
Rating - 4 Stars
Top Tracks – No Plan B, Avalanche, Renegade, Fire in the Kitchen

This is another surprise album. Manafest has put out five rap albums since 2001. Some of his songs have dabbled in rap rock music (Impossible and So Beautiful), but this album takes it to another level. A major part of this album is the use of guest vocalists. Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch and FM Static lends his vocals and hard rock style for three songs, and Dustin Anstey is featured on two songs. These guest vocalists help add even more rock elements to The Chase. The amazing aspect of this album is the fusion between rap vocals with edgy rock music. The result of this fusion is a head-banging glory fest of rock anthems.

2. Hanging On By A Thread – The Letter Black
Rating – 4 ½ Stars
Top Tracks – Hanging On By A Thread, Believe, There’ll Come A Day, Best of Me

The Letter Black, formerly Breaking the Silence, signed with Tooth and Nail records last year. After releasing a debut EP, this debut full length album finds the band coming into their comfort zone. A fusion between Skillet and Evanescence, The Letter Black offers a hard rock album mixed with dual vocals between Sarah and Mark Anthony, as well as driving rock and roll melodies. The definite highlight of this album is Sarah Anthony’s vocals. Throughout the album, her vocals are very polished and crisp, yet she has enough vocal ability to pull off hardcore screams. Soaring vocals mixed with hard rock melodies make this a great album.

1. Horseshoes and Handgrenades – Disciple
Rating – 5 Stars
Top Tracks – Dear X You Don’t Own Me, Eternity, Deafening, Worth the Pain

I have only given five stars to three previous albums: Dear Diary by FM Static, Children 18:3, and Comatose by Skillet. This one definitely needs to be added to the list of five star albums. I bought this album with the special preorder deal that Disciple was promoting on their website. With this deal, you receive some special merchandise, an immediate digital download of Horseshoes and Handgrenades, as well as seven bonus tracks not featured on the album. First, you know you have a great album on your hands when even the songs not featured on the record are great. When really good songs are not on an album, you know the album has to be spectacular. Second, each song is carefully crafted lyrically, vocally, and musically to offer to the listener emotion, faith, and passion. Disciple has always been a band very open about their faith, and this album is no exception. Eternity, a song about the glorious moment when we go to heaven, is a very powerful and emotional song. Dear X is one of the most intense songs ever recorded by the band. Finally, Worth the Pain wraps up the album in an inspiring manner. This song urges the listener to persevere through hard times because they will be better for it in the end. Overall, this album will blow you away. If you only purchase one album of 2010, this is the one to buy.

I hope you have enjoyed my look at the Top Ten Christian Rock Albums of the year. This list would not be complete without honorable mentions. These albums were very solid but ultimately did not make it into the top ten.

For Those Who Wait – Fireflight
Dark is the Way, Light is a Place – Anberlin
Smoke and Mirrors - Lifehouse

Rock and Roll Christmas Part 2

2010-11-13T17:46:00.000-08:00

If you would like to check out Rock and Roll Christmas Part 1, you can check it out here.

For this post, I want to once again share Christian rock Christmas music with you. To see part 1, which includes Christmas music from Relient K, Sent By Ravens, FM Static, and more, click here.

First, is the song Mary Did You Know by Kutless. This popular Christmas song was written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene. This version by Kutless was released on X Christmas. This powerful song is told from Mary’s point of view. The song asks if Mary truly knows the importance of Jesus’ birth.

Next, is the famous Christmas carol, Silent Night, by House of Heroes. This song was released on their Christmas Classics EP. In this video, House of Heroes deviates from their usual alternative rock style, and presents an intimate, acoustic version of this beloved classic. Vocally, this band really shows off their unique talents in that every band member sings in this song, not just the lead vocalist.

Third, we are now going to turn our attention to some Christmas metal music. For several years, August Burns Red has been a staple in the Christian metal scene. In this video, the band presents a metal version of Carol of the Bells. Unlike their other songs, this Christmas classic does not feature screaming vocals. The band presents to us a metal instrumental version of Carol of the Bells.

The final song takes a different spin on Christmas music. This song is actually a love song by the band Capital Lights. His Favorite Christmas Story is about a young man who falls in love with a girl while dancing on Christmas Eve. After that night, the couple does not meet again until fate brings them back together one last time.

I hope you have enjoyed these two looks at Christian rock Christmas music.

Rock and Roll Christmas

2010-10-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

For this post, I want to share with you a unique part of Christian rock. Every year, many Christian bands and artists put out various Christmas albums and songs. But, these songs are not your normal everyday Christmas carols; these songs are Christmas classics with a rock and roll twist.

The first video is by Relient K. This animated video features the song Sleigh Ride. In Relient K’s career, they have released two very popular Christmas albums: Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand, and Let it Snow Baby…Let it Reindeer. This music video features the story of one rabbit’s love. To impress his love for a female rabbit, he and his friends decide to borrow Santa’s sleigh for the night.

The next song is Christmas, Baby Please Come Home, by Anberlin. This song was first recorded by Darlene Love in 1963. The cover version by Anberlin has been featured on 3 cds: Lost Songs, X Christmas, and Happy Christmas Volume 4. This song is about one person missing their significant other on Christmas, after their relationship went sour.

Third, is a music video by The Almost. Little Drummer Boy was featured on their No Gift to Bring Holiday EP. In this video, Aaron Gillespie and The Almost bring a modern flare to the classic story of the Little Drummer Boy.

Next, is Christmas Shoes by FM Static. This song was originally recorded by NewSong in 2000. This powerful Christmas song features one boy attempting to buy a gift for his mother. She is on her deathbed, and the little boy wants her to look good when she meets Jesus. This heart-wrenching song is what Christmas is all about.

The final video is a podcast from Hawk Nelson. Jason Dunn and Daniel Biro attempt to spread Christmas cheer to a neighborhood.

I hope you have enjoyed this first look at a rock and roll Christmas.

Christian Metal and Screamo Part 2

2010-10-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

This is part 2 of my look at Christian screamo and heavy metal. For this post, I simply want to share with you more bands, songs, and lyrics from these genres. If you want to see me describe and go into detail about the history and questions surrounding these types of music, or if you want to hear music by Demon Hunter, Underoath, Becoming the Archetype, or August Burns Red, click here for Part 1.

The first band I want to share with you is I Am Terrified. This is a Christian screamo group from Birmingham, Alabama. They have released only one album to date, a self-titled EP in 2008. This band is driven, “by the desire to give God straight-up worship, and to show the love of Christ to every kid we can possibly reach,” said guitarist Jeremy Folse.

The song I want to share with you is called Heaven Knocking Hell Rising. This powerful song is all about the return of Christ and Jesus saying to his people, “You’re Welcome.” To view the lyrics, click here.

Next is the Christian metalcore group For Today. They have released three full-length albums since 2005 on Facedown Records. According to their lead singer, Mattie Montgomery, the band’s ministry and mission statement is rooted in the belief in Jesus Christ. “This has nothing to do with music and everything to do with our faith in Christ,” said Montgomery.

The next song is entitled Saul of Tarsus (The Messenger) off their second album Portraits. This song is all about standing up for Jesus Christ and preaching His name to the world. To view the lyrics, click here.

The third band is another Christian metalcore group called Haste the Day. The name of the group is derived from the old hymn It is Well. The band has released six albums, with over 250,000 albums sold to date.

The third song is off the title track of Haste the Day’s third album entitled When Everything Falls. This song features the former vocalist of the band, Jimmy Ryan. This powerful song is all about standing firm in Jesus Christ when the threat of temptation arises. To view the lyrics, click here.

The next group is a legend in Christian heavy metal. Living Sacrifice formed in 1989 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Since 1989, they have released seven full length albums and one greatest hits record. Here is what a few other Christian metal and screamo musicians had to say about this group.

“Living Sacrifice has been a huge influence on me, musically and spiritually. From very early in my youth, when I first started taking an interest in heavy music, Living Sacrifice stood out as a band that displayed a greater level of skill, songwriting ability and professionalism. They are one of those bands that you can count on to continually release amazing material,” said Ryan Clark, lead singer of Demon Hunter.

“Living Sacrifice was one of the first Christian heavy bands to be respected outside of the Christian scene. They definitely helped pave the way for our band's crossover,” said Tim McTague, guitarist of Underoath.

“You can hear Living Sacrifice's legacy in the entire generation of bands who've come after them. And those bands still haven't caught up,” said Tim Lambesis, lead singer of As I Lay Dying.

The song that I want to share with you is In Christ off their album In Memoriam. This simple song speaks about our lives, as Christians, in Christ. To view the lyrics, click here.

The final band I want to share with you is the Devil Wears Prada. This group originated in Dayton, Ohio in 2005. Since their formation, they have released 3 albums, and their latest album, With Roots Above and Branches Below, peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Top 200. Guitarist/vocalist Jeremy DePoyster believes the mission of the band is to bring glory and honor to Jesus Christ. “Every effort we make is for one reason, and one reason alone: our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. We support many bands with many different goals, but we feel that this is what God has called each of us to do. I don't expect everyone to agree with that, and that's fine, but I like to think of 1 Corinthians 10:31, ‘Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,’ ” said DePoyster.

The final song I want to share with you is called Hey John What’s Your Name Again? This song is about someone who is obsessed with their image, fashion, and popularity. In the song, the band is telling this person that they will hope and pray for them. To view the lyrics, click here.

I hope you have enjoyed this look at Christian metal and Christian screamo music. This last video is a fun video featuring the lead singer of Living Sacrifice with his daughter. It shows that even a little girl can sing with the best of them.

Testimonies

2010-10-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

For this post, I want to share with you four different testimonies from people involved in Christian rock.

First, is Toby McKeehan. He is known for his stage name TobyMac. Mckeehan was in the popular Christian group DC Talk for 11 years from 1989 to 2000. After the group announced a hiatus, TobyMac began his solo career. Since 2000, Toby has released 4 albums. Between his solo career and DC Talk, Toby McKeehan has sold over 10 million records.

When Toby was 12, his mom faithfully brought him to church every Sunday morning. One Sunday was especially important because the youth pastor invited McKeehan to a church camp. While at the camp, Toby accepted Jesus Christ.

Second is Jeffrey Gilbert. Gilbert is the current drummer for the Christian hard rock band Kutless, and he is the former drummer of Seven Places. Gilbert was raised in a Christian home. His parents came to know Christ shortly before he was born. Gilbert is very thankful for his parents’ testimony and raising him in a loving, Christian home.

Next is Jeremy Camp. Camp fell in love with a young woman named Melissa Henning. Soon after Camp discovered his newfound love, Melissa was diagnosed with cancer. After temporarily beating her battle with the disease, the couple got married. While on their honeymoon, the newly weds learned that the cancer had returned and she only had weeks to live. After five months of marriage, Melissa Henning lost her battle with cancer. Through these tough times, Camp learned about the true meaning of worship.

This next video also features Jeremy Camp speaking to a crowd. This video is about his life after Melissa and her battle with cancer. He remarried with the former lead singer of the group the Benjamin Gate, Adrienne Liesching. Camp has also been blessed with two daughters. In this video, Camp looks back at his experiences.

This final video features lead singer Peter Furler speaking to a stadium full of people. Furler shares his powerful testimony and leads an altar call for people to accept Jesus Christ.

Once again, I hope you have enjoyed these powerful and moving testimonies.

God's Song

2010-09-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

“God, you are amazing and perfect in all ways. I am ashamed for the times that I think I know better than you. Please forgive me of my pride and selfishness. Please lead me to find forgiveness from those I have hurt.”

This is a quote taken from a blog by the lead singer of As I Lay Dying, Tim Lambesis. I just wanted to start this blog with a prayer of humility. This post is once again all about bands becoming humble and offering themselves up to God to be used by Him. This post is all about the overt ministries of Christian rock bands.

The first band is Flyleaf. Lead singer Lacey Mosley believes she is a role model for girls. Lacey believes she can be an inspiration to many young women to stand up for their beliefs. The band’s mission is to please God. They don’t want to please the world or the church but to please Jesus Christ, so that when they get to heaven they can hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The second band is The Almost. I have two videos to show you from band. The first is called True Christianity. This video features lead singer Aaron Gillespie speaking about the true meaning of Christianity. He believes the secret in reaching people for Christ is love.

The second video has Gillespie speaking about God’s song. He says this song of worship has been going on since the beginning of time and will continue until the end. Gillespie’s goal for The Almost is to be a part of that everlasting song, even if it is only a small blip on the radar.

The fourth video is of the band Spoken. This band has a passion for rock and roll and an even bigger passion for Jesus Christ. Spoken believes as long as Jesus wants to use them for rock and roll, they are willing and open to follow His call.

I wanted to do this post to show some opinions besides mine. Throughout this blog, I have been talking about Christianity and rock music, and how these subjects come together and co-exist. I wanted to present a post that went beyond my beliefs and show you what Christian musicians had to say about their own music and their beliefs in Jesus Christ.

I believe this final video sums up not only this post, but also my entire blog. This video features the lead singer of the hard rock band Disciple speaking to the crowd. This live video features Kevin Young speaking about a witnessing opportunity he had with a bouncer. Kevin Young used this story to help witness to the crowd and lead them in prayer.

Women In Christian Rock

2010-09-06T17:37:00.000-07:00

This week I wanted to talk about a new trend that is developing in Christian rock music. This new trend is women. Yes, the role of women in the Christian rock scene is not only becoming more prevalent, but more and more popular. Today, some of the biggest Christian rock acts feature women as vocalists, bass players, guitarists, and drummers. For this post, I want to focus on some of the biggest and most popular Christian rock bands that feature female musicians.

Lacey Mosley - Flyleaf

The first group is Flyleaf. Since the release of their debut album in 2005, this group has grown exponentially in international stardom. Their first album has sold over one million records and their sophomore album, released in 2009, debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200. Lead singer, Lacey Mosley, has one of the strongest voices in Christian music today. Flyeaf’s lyrics are filled with passion and intensity, and Mosley, who is only 4’11”, easily delivers these feelings and emotions with her voice.

The song I chose to share with you is called Sorrow. This song is off Flyleaf’s self-titled debut album. Lacey Mosley said this about the meaning of the song. “On the secular side, there are people who deal with depression because they feel empty. On the Christian side, there are people who deal with depression because they feel alone with their Christianity or because they mess up. That’s the spirit we’re combating when we play it. The promise in the end is, 'Joy will come.' "

Tricia and Melissa Brock - Superchick

Superchick is a pop rock band from Chicago, Illinois. Their debut album, Karaoke Superstars, was released in 2001. Since then, the band has released four more albums on Inpop and Columbia Records. To date, the band has sold over 700,000 records. Superchick is fronted by the Brock sisters. Tricia Brock is the lead vocalist, and Melissa Brock is the back up vocalist and guitarist. Superchick’s music is fueled by driving guitars, pounding drums, soaring vocals, and upbeat lyrics.

This next song is called Cross the Line. This anthem is all about standing up for your faith, crossing the line, and living like everyday is your last.

Superchick - Cross The Line

Sarah Anthony - The Letter Black

The Letter Black is a hard rock band from Pennsylvania. Before they were signed to Tooth and Nail Records, the band was known as Breaking the Silence. After years of touring as an independent band, they were soon noticed and signed by Tooth and Nail. The band then changed their name and released their debut full length album in May 2010. Over a short period of time, The Letter Black has gained notoriety through major tours with bands such as Decyfer Down, Skillet, Hawk Nelson, and Thousand Foot Krutch. Like Lacey Mosley, Sarah Anthony fuels the band’s music with passionate lyrics, piercing vocals, and even gut-wrenching screams.

This song is the first single released off their debut album. It is the title track called Hanging On By A Thread. This song is a cry out to God to save us from pain and suffering.

The Letter Black - Hanging On By A Thread (Official Music Video)

Dawn Michele and Wendy Drennen – Fireflight

Fourth is the Christian rock group Fireflight. This group has two female rockers: Dawn Michele as the lead vocalist and Wendy Drennen as the bass player. Throughout all three of their major label albums, Fireflight features music that pierces the heart through lyrics, musical ferocity, and the vocals of Dawn Michele.

This song is the title track off their second album entitled Unbreakable. This song is all about being unbreakable. By having Jesus Christ in our hearts, we as Christians, cannot be defeated or broken down.

Korey Cooper and Jen Ledger – Skillet

Skillet is a staple in the Christian music industry. They have been a band since 1996 and they have sold over 1.6 million records worldwide. Since the release of their third album, Invincible, Skillet has featured two female rockers. Korey Cooper plays guitar, keyboard, and sings some back-up vocals, and for seven years Lori Peters was the drummer. In 2008, after Peters decided to leave the band, Jen Ledger soon joined the group. Awake was the first album Ledger played drums and sang back-up vocals.

The video I want to share with you is called Awake and Alive. This song is off their latest album Awake. This video features both live shots and behind the scenes video from the band.

Females are becoming more and more prevalent in the Christian rock scene. In today’s music, women are joining men to create some amazing music. Women are slowly becoming a dominant force in Christian rock. If you want to see some more Christian female musicians, check out these bands: Ilia, Children 18:3, Inhabited, Group One Crew, Eisley, and Icon For Hire.

Christian Pop Punk

2010-08-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

For this post, I want to mainly talk about punk rock music and pop punk in particular. Before we can take a look at pop punk music of today, we first need to take a look at the roots of punk music. I won’t go too much into the history of punk rock, but I will give you a very quick overview.

Most believe the true origin of punk rock music is unknown, but they believe the genre did begin in the early 1970s. The first bands that did make punk music popular were groups like the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, and The Clash. These bands featured music that was fast, had short songs, used basic instruments like guitars, bass, and drums, and featured lyrics that were rebellious, political, and anti-establishment.

Over the last few decades, punk has evolved into many different styles and sub-genres. Many different genres came out of the punk revolution of the 70s including emo, hardcore, pop punk, Celtic punk, grunge rock, and the list goes on and on.

But for now, I want to stick with the sub-genre pop punk. About.com describes pop punk as, “being marked by a radio friendly sheen to their music, but it still retains much of the speed and attitude of classic punk rock.”

Pop punk did not gain commercial success until the 1990s with bands such as Blink 182 and Green Day. Since the 90s, pop punk has exploded with many secular bands finding mainstream success including bands like Simple Plan, New Found Glory, Fall Out Boy, Yellowcard, All American Rejects, and Good Charlotte.

When it comes to Christian pop punk, many secular musicians and artists disregard the thought of Christian punk. Christian punk features the musical qualities that made punk popular, but most Christian bands do not share the beliefs, or lyrical content of many of the early punk bands. Punk rock was founded on being rebellious and against established society, and since many Christian punk bands do not take this view, some musicians disregard this Christian genre. But, nonetheless, Christian punk is out there, and it is making waves in the Christian music scene.

Like many mainstream acts, Christian pop punk features upbeat and catchy rhythms but the one major difference is lyrical content. Most Christian pop punk bands choose to talk about issues of today and they also sing about Christian themes. Love songs also play a major part in Christian pop punk music. Most musicians do sing many songs about love and relationships. For this post, I want to share with you six bands that are making waves in the Christian pop punk scene.

The first band is Stellar Kart. They have released five albums since 2005, including a greatest hits album. Stellar Kart's sound has evolved over these past few years from being a straight pop punk band to releasing a pop worship album in 2010. This first song is off their debut album and it is called Life is Good. This song is a simple pop song talking about the beauty of heaven.

The next pop punk band is FM Static. This band is actually a side project of Trevor McNevan and Steve Augustine from the Christian hard rock band Thousand Foot Krutch. Over the past couple of years, FM Static has released three albums and they are planning to release their fourth in early 2011. The song I want to share with you is called Definitely Maybe off their debut album. This is probably their most recognized song to date. Like many other Christian pop punk songs, this is a love song.

The next group is Hawk Nelson. They are arguably one of the most popular groups in Christian music today. This Canadian band has released four albums on Tooth and Nail Records. This next music video is of the title track off their latest album Live Life Loud. At hearitfirst.com, bassist Daniel Biro described the song. “Live Life Loud is really about encouraging our fans to do just that. To live your life loud, to embrace all that life brings your way and experience every moment of it to the fullest extent.” The music video takes a comedic look at a competition between the members of Hawk Nelson and a group of older men.

The fourth group is Philmont. They are a relatively new band. They released their first EP and full length debut album last year in 2009. Both were released on Forefront Records, but the band is currently independent after their departure from the label. One thing this band is known for is their self-made music videos. They have made five videos for the songs: The Difference, Back Down, Another Name, I Can’t Stand to Fall, and My Hippocratic Oath. You can view the music video for the song The Difference on my blog post Top Ten Music Videos. The video I want to share with you is of the song Back Down. This song is about not giving up and not backing down. Once again, like all of their videos, this video is self-made by the members of the band.

This next group is an independent band called Eleventyseven. They have released three albums to date, including their last album, Adventures in Eville, which was released last year in 2009. Eleventyseven loves to talk about pop culture in their music. In some of their songs they sing about topics such as MySpace, Conan O’Brien, proms, and twelve step programs. This next song is called MySpace and it is about some of the pitfalls of social media.

The final group I want to share with you is by far the most popular group in the Christian pop punk genre. It is Relient K. Since their major label debut in 2000, Relient K has released six studio albums, two Christmas albums, a B-sides album, and four EPs. Relient K has three gold albums and they have currently sold over two million records. The song I want to share with you is off their fourth album, Mmhmm. The song is called Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been. The song is about a person who hates who they have been in the past and ultimately who they have become. In the song, Relient K is crying out for forgiveness and help to change their current and past lifestyles.

Relient K - Who I Am Hates Who I've Been

Once again, the main difference between secular punk bands and Christian punk bands is definitely the lyrical content. Musically, Christian pop punk bands are the same as secular bands, but lyrically Christian pop punk definitely has much more positive lyrics. These are not all the Christian pop punk bands out there. I just wanted to give you some of the most popular examples of this genre. If you would like to hear some music by other Christian pop punk bands you can check out these artists: Capital Lights, Amber Pacific, Last Tuesday, MXPX, Olivia the Band, Everyday Sunday, Run Kid Run, and Slick Shoes.

Skillets, Panheads, and Rock and Roll

2010-08-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

Throughout their fourteen year career, Skillet has been a staple in Christian rock music. They have released eight albums, two of which were Grammy nominated. Skillet has sold over 1.5 million records worldwide, and their last two albums, Comatose and Awake, were certified gold. Skillet has also been widely used in the media today. Their songs have been featured in many television shows, video games, and films. Skillet’s music has been used on such shows as Joan of Arcadia, America’s Next Top Model, One Life to Live, WWE, MLB World Series, and Sunday Night Football. Skillet has also been featured in the video games: Guitar Praise, Rock Band, and Rock Band 2. Their music was also used in the trailers for the movie Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.

But, before their immense success, Skillet was formed in 1996 in Memphis, Tennessee. The founding members were John Cooper, Ken Steorts, and Trey McClurkin. John, Ken, and Trey were in different bands before Skillet, and they decided to start a side project. They named the side project Skillet because their band was like putting a bunch of ingredients in a skillet, mixing it up, and then seeing what would come out. To this day John Cooper still laughs at this name, and he claims that he still does not like the name of the band.

After being a band for only a couple of weeks, the band received major interest from the label Forefront Records. Soon after, they released their self-titled debut album on Forefront/Ardent Records. On this album, Skillet mainly played grunge rock music. This album was not huge on the album sales chart, but it was well received. For this record, Skillet made three music videos for the songs Gasoline, I Can, and Saturn.

This first music video is of the song Gasoline. This song is all about having God come into our hearts and consuming us. The video features a man trapped in a caged jungle, along with live shots of Skillet playing.

Skillet’s second album, Hey I Love Your Soul, came two years later in 1998. Skillet is known for constantly changing their sound musically from record to record. Unlike their debut grunge rock album, their second record featured a much lighter alternative rock style.

This next video is of the song More Faithful. This ballad is a simple song all about God’s faithfulness.

After the release of their second album, Skillet went through a number of member changes. Ken Steorts left the band and Kevin Haaland took his place as guitarist. John Cooper’s wife, Korey Cooper, also joined the band as keyboardist and back-up vocalist. Their third album, Invincible, once again featured another shift musically for the band. Invincible was more of an electronic album than anything they had done before. Shortly after the release of Invincible, Trey McClurkin left the band and Lori Peters filled in as new drummer.

Their fourth album was released less than a year after Invincible. Ardent Worship is a live album featuring the members of Skillet leading a worship service. The album features ten songs, five were written by Skillet, and five were covered from other musicians. This is Skillet’s first album where no music videos were recorded.

Skillet’s next album came in 2001. This was their third album released in a year and a half. Alien Youth proved to be their first huge hit. The album peaked at 141 on the Billboard 200, and the title track went on to be a number one single on the Christian radio charts. This is also the first album that featured Ben Kasica on guitar; he replaced guitarist Kevin Haaland.

The concept for the video Alien Youth is the band performing in the middle of a street. This song is all about the youth of America standing up for their beliefs in Jesus Christ and having a major impact on the world. Here is the music video for the number one single Alien Youth.

Skillet’s sixth album came out two years later in 2003. Collide is known as Skillet’s heaviest album. Unlike previous albums, this album features heavy guitars, driving bass, and a pounding drum beat, with very little electronic rock mixed in. Lead singer John Cooper is also known for screaming on multiple songs in this album. Collide did not do as well on the Billboard 200 as previous albums. It maxed out at 179 on the Billboard 200, but it did reach number five on the Heatseekers Chart.

This next video is of the hit single Savior. This video features two boys and their abusive father. In order to escape the pain of living at home with their father, the boys flee to a park.

Comatose was released three years later in 2006. This album is by far Skillet’s most important, popular, and influential album to date. Comatose debuted at number 55 on the Billboard 200 and it later went gold, by selling over 500,000 units. Skillet released six singles from the album, and two more Comatose cds were also released. A deluxe edition was released along with a live Comatose record. This album was also nominated for a Grammy award.

Comatose definitely proved to be another diverse album from Skillet. Collide dabbled in orchestra music along with hard rock, but this album dove headfirst in that concept. Many of the songs feature string instruments, including violin and cello, along with the driving hard music that has made Skillet so popular. For me personally, this is probably my all time favorite album. From start to finish, the album absolutely blew me away. I have never heard a perfect album before, but this record definitely came as close as possible to perfection.

Two years after the release of Comatose, drummer Lori Peters announced that she would be leaving the band permanently. She was replaced by eighteen year old Jen Ledger from England.

This music video is of the fifth single off the Comatose record called The Older I Get. This song is about John Cooper’s strained relationship with his father. After Cooper’s mother died, John and his father had a very hard time getting along. This song is all about the repaired relationship Cooper had with his father. This video features behind-the-scenes shots of the band recording the album Comatose. It is also the last video that features Lori Peters as drummer.

Skillet’s latest album, Awake, was released in August 2009. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling over 68,000 copies in its first week. In less than a year, this album went on to be certified gold. Skillet currently has three music videos for this album: Hero, Monster, and Awake and Alive. All three videos are doing very well on youtube. Hero has over 9 million views, Monster has almost 12 million views, and Awake and Alive has around 300,000 views.

This is the first album that Skillet did not make a drastic leap musically. For all their past albums, they always switched up each album musically. For Awake, Skillet mainly stuck to the same formula that made Comatose popular: using string instruments with driving hard rock melodies. This was also the first album that featured Jen Ledger on drums as well as back up vocals on the songs Hero and Awake and Alive.

This music video is for the song Hero. Lyrically, the song talks about how we as Christians should stand up for our beliefs and become true heroes in today’s world.

Skillet has also lent their talent to the Christian kids TV Show Veggietales. They were featured on the Veggie Rocks cd along with many other well known Christian rock artists including: Audio Adrenaline, Newsboys, Relient K, Sanctus Real, Superchick, O.C. Supertones, and many more. Skillet recorded the song Stand Up for the Veggie Rocks album.

Skillet has toured with many popular groups in the secular and Christian markets. In the secular market, they have toured with bands such as Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Shinedown, Puddle of Mudd, and Creed. They have also toured with many well known Christian rock bands including: Red, Disciple, Thousand Foot Krutch, Flyleaf, TobyMac, The Letter Black, Decyfer Down, and Hawk Nelson.

Skillet is known for having a very close relationship with their fans. Skillet is active on many social networking sites including Facebook and Twitter. They also have a special name for their fans. Skillet calls all their fans, panheads. Finally, Skillet is known for their podcasts. Skillet records many podcasts, throughout the year, that feature behind the scenes content of the band. All of these videos can be seen on Skillet’s youtube channel. Here is an example of one of Skillet’s behind the scenes podcasts.

For the last 14 years, Skillet has defined this generation of Christian rock music. Through many member changes and album releases, Skillet has been a staple in the Christian market. John Cooper said it best in the chorus of their hit song Awake and Alive when he described his faith as a Christian. “I'm awake I'm alive. Now I know what I believe inside. Now it's my time. I'll do what I want 'cause this is my life. Right here, right now, I'll stand my ground and never back down. I know what I believe inside, I'm awake and I'm alive.”