New Music For the week of 10-26-09

Love 89

Group 1 Crew – Our Time

From the album: Ordinary Dreamers

About G1C: A self-professed entertainer, a pop diva, and a bona fide producer: that’s the makeup of breakout urban

sensation Group 1 Crew, three everyday Latinos who rose above their circumstances and the middle-of the-road to become one of the most exciting aggregates in faith-based music.

Ordinary Dreamers, the trio’s anticipated second album for Fervent Records, shatters any and all preconceptions created by their out-of-the-box, Dove-winning debut, Group 1 Crew, to position itself as

one of the most unordinary offerings of the moment—an amalgam of rhythm and rhyme that takes the best of urban pop and hip-hop and turns them upside down.

Produced by Christopher Stevens and Andy Anderson, Ordinary Dreamers is a snapshot of three

visionaries encouraging others to never be complacent with the status quo, but to continually press

forward and propel themselves towards the next plateau in their lives.

Indeed, that’s a posture that Group 1 Crew—members Manwell, Blanca, and Pablo—have upheld since

they first came together for Bible studies several years ago, a path to spiritual growth that eventually

evolved into a promising career in music and ministry.

“We’re still ordinary people, but we’re doing extraordinary things,” Manwell says. “That’s an oxymoron, but it’s made so that the dreamer mentality can be on typical people’s minds. Nobody’s born a rock star. Nobody’s born famous. It’s just normal people who’ve done amazing things and are now esteemed for those amazing things. We feel that’s everyone. Everyone has that possibility.” Granted, Group 1 Crew didn’t always have it all together as far as their own dreams and aspirations. Once a confused adolescent who’d much sooner get in trouble and roll with the wrong crowd than use his God-given gift to entertain, Manwell finally realized his potential when he gave Christ a shot. “I put the mic down as soon as I got saved, and for a year I just studied my Word and got into the Bible,” says Manwell, a former seminarian. “I figured, ‘I’ve got to know what I’m talking about.’ I can’t just be like a lot of artists who just regurgitate what they’ve heard.”

For her part, Blanca’s sole desire growing up was to be the next Mariah or Whitney. Since she had the pipes, she tried out for every talent show imaginable—yes, even American Idol—only to hit brick walls

and become plagued by thoughts of insecurity.

“A lot of the times I feared I wouldn’t make it,” says Blanca, the group’s soulful leading lady. “I got the feeling that I wasn’t getting what I wanted, that I wasn’t moving forward. Once I got saved it was a big difference because God just showed me that he had a plan from the beginning. Everything just came together as soon as I started singing for him.”

Meanwhile, Pablo’s epiphany about a better tomorrow came, of all places, while working the cash register at his friendly neighborhood Wal-Mart. He was a musically inclined knob-turner since a young age, but he didn’t quite know how to turn his gifting into a living.

“One day it hit me,” says Pablo, a one-time music production student at Full Sail. “I wondered, ‘What if I do end up in Wal-Mart for the rest of my life?’ For some reason, I just let doubt come in and I was looking around at people who had been working there for 15-20 years. I was like, ‘I know that God has something more for me.’”

Today, on the verge of yet another breakthrough with Ordinary Dreamers, Group 1 Crew wants their combined testimonies and victories to be a catalyst for all the dreamers who happen upon the group’s music.

“It’s telling our fans, ‘There’s no difference between you and us,’” Blanca says.

From the disc’s first downbeat to the last lingering note, Ordinary Dreamers is the stuff dreams are made of. From a musical standpoint, Group 1 Crew and their collaborators spared no expense in making a spellbinding follow-up, a tightly produced party that finds the trio having the time of their lives, while carving a niche of their own in music—Christian, mainstream, or otherwise.

Top-notch beatmaking is the bedrock of such numbers as “Movin’” and “Gimme That Funk,” two dizzying, multi-layered romps that see Manwell, Blanca, and Pablo serving as masters of ceremonies to some of the biggest party-starters of 2008. The celebration continues with the horn-dabbed “Critical Emergency,” a song that wraps a serious message in a swath of disco, soul, pop/rock, and R&B. Shifting gears, thick guitar riffs and a plodding vibe punctuate “Keys to the Kingdom,” an uplifting piece that encourages listeners to lift up their heads and wait for the day when the sons of glory will be revealed. Elsewhere, the soaring “Closer” gives Blanca a chance to strut her stuff and get in touch with her inner pop songstress, while the easygoing, guitar-laced “Tonight” is as comforting and reassuring as a pop tune can get.

Not ones to shy away from experimentation, Group 1 Crew try their hand at new things with “iContact,”

“I See You,” and “Live Out Loud.” In its own way, each composition is an indication of how much the trio has matured—no matter if the choice dressing is electro-pop, jazz-inflected urban stylings, or synthheavy techno funk.

But for all of its diversity and through-the-roof production values, Ordinary Dreamers is only a stepping

stone for the threesome. From passion to passion, from glory to glory, Group 1 Crew hopes to continue

to march onward and upward, seeking not earthly recognition but an even deeper understanding of what

matters most.

“In the minute success that we have as a group, it’s never what you thought it’s going to be,” Manwell says. “So honestly I don’t think money is going to do it. I don’t think a Grammy is going to do it. I don’t think any of that is really going to hold water. It’s not like a pessimistic look. The reality in what I’ve seen is that true joy and fulfillment come when you’re on point with the Lord.”

Pablo adds, “Now that we’re all living in that dream that we’ve all wanted to achieve, now it’s just become an even bigger dream, a bigger passion to use music as a stepping stone to advance the Kingdom and empower the generation that’s coming up behind us.

Lyrics: Before I even start the day

Before distractions come my way

Before it ever gets crazy

I gotta have our time

I want to be close to you

So you can bring me back to the truth

Cause the only way I'll make it through

I gotta have our time

I love the moments when you freeze my clock

And in the middle of the day

Then we go and take a walk in the park

You never want to be apart from me

Cause you hold me so close to your heart

Our time

To get away

Your time

To be alone with me

My time where I can hear you say

Everything I need to get me through the day

Our time

To bring it back to one

And this is your time

To show me your love

And this is my time

To learn to trust

I know that I need it so much

Our time

Oh oh

Bring it back to the

In the middle of my doubt and fear

In the middle of my pain and tears

I know you want to meet me hear

So we can have our time

I can share anything with you

And I'll always be the same to you

Everyday you want to make me new

We gotta have our time

And when I feel the tick tock chasing me

I just got to make a pit stop constantly

Cause you know it's what I want and what I need

Just to bring me back to the place

Where my eyes can see

Lord I believe

You're all I need

I gotta have you everyday

I won't take a step till you tell me what's next

Show me the way

Above The Golden State – I Am Loved

From the upcoming album releasing 1-26-09

About ATGS: For Michael Watson, songwriter and lead vocalist of Portland, Oregon- based band Above the Golden State, there has never been an inkling of doubt as to why he is doing what he is doing. In no uncertain terms, he explains:

“Music is from God and for God. And I believe God is raising up a new generation of young musicians who want to see music being used for its original purpose—to glorify God.”

Lush, moving, and wildly infectious, you can sense that there is something beyond the ordinary surrounding Watson and his songs. Though admittedly he is a relative newcomer to the industry, his sound echoes with a seasoned quality that is rare. It takes only a thirty-second visit to the band’s Myspace page to experience it … accessible pop melodies with layers of instrumentation, driven by acoustic guitar but lifted by drums and various keys and programming. But don’t let the singer/songwriter tag lead you astray. These are not self-indulgent dirges, or art for art’s sake. The songs on Above the Golden State’s debut are as uplifting as they are accessible, as worshipful as they are radio-friendly.

Watson explains, “One of my favorite quotes is from renowned pastor and author A.W.Tozer: ‘The esteem of the world isn’t worth the effort.’ That sentiment describes my focus with this music. I know the only thing that carries on to eternity is God being glorified in and through us by the grace of Jesus, so we’ll put all our energy toward that.”

Watson’s journey began with unlikely circumstances. He was studying at Calvary Chapel South Maui when a good friend in another popular music act slipped his demos to an A&R representative with industry powerhouse Sparrow Records. Soon after, Michael received a random phone call from Sparrow. That was all it took.

The song demo that landed him a record deal— “Sound of Your Name”—has become the first single on his self-titled debut. And it’s more than just an obvious single; it is evidence of anointing. Watson proclaims, Towers fall and Kingdoms crumble. Mountains bow and the earth will tremble at the sound of Your name. The strong man falls to Him who humbles. The plans he made were bound to stumble, and only You remain.

From a lyrical standpoint, Watson balances the vulnerable and the personal with the scriptural. His musical formula combines heartfelt verses with down-to-earth choruses driven home by solid, universal Biblical concepts. On “Loud and Clear” he deals with the idea that worship is not just about singing, but about living: Life is an offering inside of this heart beat. Today is a new song,. Every verse is a new thought. Every breath is a chorus. My life is ascending. And on “Gaze Into Your Eyes,” he reflects again on Tozer and his work The Pursuit of God: In front of me is the figure I long for. I will turn to see no one else. I’m consumed by Your grace and wonder. I’m finding You as I loose myself. Every word is deeply spiritual and will not just provide the backdrop for a memorable sing-along but will also leave you reflecting on the state of your soul.

Watson is backed by Brook Mosser (drums) along with Tim Aylward (keys), and all three are familiar to the music scene. Each of the guys has partnered at one time or another with everyone from Telecast to Falling Up to Kutless to Shawn MacDonald to Paul Wright. This is a seasoned crew, to say the least, and one that complements each other through shared sonic experience.

When asked about goals, Watson simply states that he wants to go as far as heaven will take Him. With such a unique live show, though, it is not hard to imagine that Above the Golden State’s sphere of influence will expand quickly. One part worship, one part pop show, and one part spoken interaction, Watson and company plan to give audiences plenty to take home with them, beginning this fall as part of Starfield’s “I Will Go” tour .

“Above The Golden State has no desire to bring glory to itself but to join in with you and everyone else to glorify God together. We know not to find our worth in anything other than Jesus Christ. We are in this together. We are the church, the body of Christ; this music is to fix the ‘gaze of our soul’ on Jesus, our Hope of Glory! These songs are meant to be sung in the heart and mind of the listener, like a soundtrack to our lives.”

See the band getting ready for the new song:

Decemberadio – Be Alright

From The Album: Satifsied

About Decemberadio: Ask anyone who has ever been to a DecembeRadio show to describe the experience and you'll get an enthusiastic barrage of comments about the band's blistering stage show, an adrenaline-fueled rock spectacle that leaves audiences nearly breathless. Yet intertwined among the searing guitars and anthemic choruses, the heart of the band shines through on every note. It's that unwavering commitment to spread the Gospel that defines the essence of DecembeRadio and reverberates throughout their sophomore set Satisfied (Slanted Records).

"God has called us to do this and we know that," says guitarist Eric Miker. "Every time we play a show we hear how our songs have impacted people. We've had people come up to us after the show and say, 'This song is what made me realize that no matter what it was that I was going through, I could turn back to God.' They just need to hear the words."

Few bands more effectively fuse music and ministry than this Virginia-based foursome. Miker along with lead vocalist/bassist Josh Reedy, lead guitarist Brian Bunn and drummer Boone Daughdrill burst onto the national scene with their self-titled Slanted Records' debut in 2006. The project was nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album and earned the group four Dove Award nominations, including nods in the Best New Artist category and Song of the Year for "Drifter." That night the band claimed their first Dove Award when DecembeRadio was honored for Rock Album of the Year, an impressive feat for a new band.

Their winning streak continued at radio where "Love Found Me" and "Dangerous" heated up rock radio airwaves while "Drifter" and "Find You Waiting" became back to back Top Five hits in the CHR format and won fans among AC listeners as well. "Dangerous" became the theme song for the Discovery Channel's "Hazard Pay" program and was used in the CBS-TV drama "Cane." DecembeRadio was named Breakout Band of the Year at the Rock Radio Summit and were the only Christian act touted among Billboard Magazine's 2006 "Artists to Watch." Christianity Today named them Best Band of the Year and Best New Artist.

Needless to say, there's a heightened level of expectation surrounding Satisfied. The band confesses to feeling a little nervous as they headed into the studio to work on the new album. "There's definitely a lot of pressure," admits Bunn. "At the same time, we know we're doing this for the right reasons and God's going to take care of us. So we went into the studio, and we did what we love to do best. We just tried to make great music and have fun doing it. It's as simple as that."

Daughdrill agrees. "God started to show us...that He is working in all of us. New ideas, new lyrics, new riffs just started coming out of nowhere. All of a sudden we had a couple of really cool songs, and that got us really excited about this new album. All in God's timing!"

DecembeRadio recorded their sophomore effort at Atlanta's famed Southern Tracks studios and once again turned to producer Scotty Wilbanks. "It just goes so much deeper than just being a producer. Scotty is like a brother to us," says Bunn. "He really is like the fifth member of the band you could say. He understands what we want to do and where we want to go musically. We grew up on a lot of the same things and listened to the same music; but at the same time, it's nice because he's a keyboard player and we're a more guitar-driven band. It's good to get that different perspective from somebody who's not a guitar player. He brings us balance and helps us stay true to who we are."

"While recording the new record," says Josh Reedy, "we tried to ask ourselves a few questions: 'Who are we and what are we trying to say?' The song 'Satisfy Me' not only represents who we are musically but how we feel spiritually as a band. You can never be satisfied with who you are alone. You'll come up short every time. The relationship we have with God is the only thing that will ever satisfy us. Music will never satisfy us, nor money, fame or any of those things. Being satisfied by Christ is the reason we're here on this earth. To satisfy is exactly what He died to do. The music, lyrics and soul of this record as a whole are about not being afraid to be who you are. Be satisfied."

As they began writing and recording their sophomore effort, the band felt a new sense of confidence in their musicianship and a feeling of creative freedom. "We started finding out that we had grown so much as writers and as a band," says Reedy. "We were having the most fun that we've ever had in making this music and that's the way it should be."

That creative energy and sense of fun leaps from the speakers when listening to Satisfied. "Gasoline" is like a musical Molotov cocktail, filled with fiery guitar and Reedy's blazing vocals. Bunn cites it as one of his favorite songs that the band has ever recorded. "It's about the revival that we feel when God changes our lives and it burns like gasoline," he says. "It's just a rockin' song. Sometimes I really feel the love of God and I get excited about that; that song sounds like what's inside me."

Daughdrill says there's a very celebratory feel to the new record. "[There is] the peace and joy that only Christ can give and it's the reason we do what we do. A lot of these songs are about love, hope and enjoying this awesome life that God has given to us. It's a celebration!"

In addition to the unbridled rock anthems, Satisfied includes "For Your Glory," a beautiful worship song with an instantly memorable melody. "Look for Me" is a gorgeous ballad that reminds us God is always there for us no matter what we're going through. "Find You Waiting," which has already become a top-charting hit at AC and CHR stations, was inspired by tragic circumstances. "A close friend of ours named Chris was battling cancer and cancer took his life," says Miker. "His wife really relied on God and remained strong. That really touched our lives--her whole outlook and perspective."

DecembeRadio has toured relentlessly the past two years, most recently opening for Third Day in the spring of 2008. The band has an intriguing dynamic on stage. Though they definitely have that powerful rock 'n roll stage presence, they also have a unique ability to be accessible to the fans. There's a bond that's forged between the guys and the crowd that erases that unseen barrier between artist and audience.

"People connect with how real you look them in the eye whether you're rocking out or you're getting them to sing along with you," says Reedy. "When they feel they are a part of the show, a part of the band or just a part of that song, that is what we strive for when we step on that stage."

Miker says their live show had considerable impact on how they made the new record. "We learned more about our fans and what they like," he says. "We learned a lot about what works best live, and we wanted to make sure all the songs work great live. We just wanted to make music that the fans like."

"We want to share with the world what Christ has done for us and for them," says Daughdrill. "I feel like God calls us all to be a light...we have a choice in how we respond to that. Hopefully we can be an encouragement to others, letting them know the satisfaction we've found in Christ as we rock 'n roll for Him."

Adds Reedy: "God wants to bless us all and take us places that we never thought we'd go, and that's exactly what He's been doing with us. We're just happy and blessed to be where we are. We're enjoying the journey."

Abandon – Safe In Your Arms

From The Album: Searchlights

About Abandon: "An electric pulse you can’t escape." That sparkling description of the omnipresent God jumps out from the lyrics of “Providence,” one of six energy-gushing songs off the self-titled debut disc by new San Antonio rock act Abandon. The poetic phrase could also describe the band’s sound, a steady rush of uncommon creativity that has both modern flash and worshipful depth.

Take it from EMI CMG Director of A &R Chris York, who signed Abandon to Forefront Records. Sitting in a restaurant last spring, his attention was drawn from a nice dinner over to the club next door where five young men were pounding out their U2-meets-The Killers tune about a force that rules the human race . . . the hand of providence.

“It’s definitely the strangest way I’ve discovered a new band,” he admits. “I could hear these guys playing on the other side of the wall, and it sounded really, really good.” Critics agree. Abandon’s recent EP was called “the next big thing . . . a stellar introduction to the group” (The Christian Manifesto) and built up buzz about how “the future looks bright for Abandon” (JesusFreakHideout.com). It also earned the band ranking among the “Best New Artists of 2008,” according to ChristianityToday.com.

The band’s story is indeed providential. Brothers Josh and Justin Engler had moved from their home state of Indiana to Texas while in high school, where they met Dave and Stevan Vela, cousins, at church. Gelling by jamming in the worship band, they felt a growing desire to write original music together as well. But after tracking a song at a local studio and playing some shows at secular clubs, there was still a desire to put more purpose into their performances.

“We needed to find our vision,” says Josh, Abandon’s singer and primary lyricist. “So we prayed about what we were doing and felt led to book a tour of churches and youth camps into the Northwest. We had no real experience doing this and just used the Internet to make contacts and Google maps to chart our course.”

Along the road, Abandon befriended a band involved with the Seven Project, an outreach that visits schools to talk with students about seven different issues—sex, drugs, violence, alcohol, making good choices, etc. The conversations are nonreligious, but the weeklong process culminates with an off-campus rally and concert where faith is freely discussed.

“We have stayed involved with that program since then as well, and it has helped us to see better the needs of young people and stay focused on reaching them,” says Josh.

The music on Abandon does indeed reach out with a rare blend of non-alienating spiritual commentary and artistic relevance. Produced by Chris Stevens (Sanctus Real, Shawn McDonald, Delirious?), the set conveys classic Bible truths in a fresh voice (Peter’s denial in “Providence”), fashions vulnerable prayers into memorable, soaring alternative pop songs (“Be Alive in Me”), and praises God while wearing the creative influences of The Beatles and Coldplay on “All Because of You.”

There’s an especially discernable unity in Abandon’s playing that comes from the guys writing their music together. The scrappy-then-sublime interplay between rhythm and lead guitarists Justin Engler and Stevan Vela is a language unto itself. On “Here Waiting,” drummer Dave Vela and newest member/bassist Bryan Fowler hold down a steady beat that allows Josh Engler to passionately paraphrase what God would have us know: This world is crazy and it’s not the safest place to be . . . come with Me.

That theme of danger and hope shines throughout the album. Radio single “Hold On” depicts a struggling teenage girl from a broken family. Hold on. Someone will find you. Look for the searchlights, Engler assures her with his controlled, contagious yelp. Additionally, the message of thinking less about self and more about God points to the meaning behind Abandon’s name as well as its stellar closing track, “Atmosphere.”

“It’s all about the atmosphere of God, the electricity of His presence,” says Josh. “I must decrease; He must increase. Healing happens when you’re in the atmosphere of God.”

With its forthcoming release, Abandon, an electrifying live act as several YouTube clips can attest, will keep building its story on tour throughout 2009.

“We’re excited to talk with people about faith and relate to them on a musical level,” Josh concludes. “We love to see people changed, to bring peace and hope. At the end of the show, if people have more hope, we’ve done our job.”

Abandon: a band on mission.

Lyrics: I’m in a dangerous place

No direction within

I feel lost in myself

Trapped in my skin

It’s a critical state

In my mind I can tell

That the future looks dim

If I don’t get some help

I am lost without You

Safe in your arms

When I’m weak, You carry me

I am safe in Your arms

You’re my strength, You’re my safety

Lookin’ back on the years

All the blood, sweat, and tears

There were times it was hard

And I fell apart

You’re the light at the end

On the road, You’re a friend

When I wanna give up, You keep showing up

I know I’d be lost without You

With You I’d never walk alone

I know where I belong

‘Cause You carry me

Life 88.3

Matt Redman – This Is How We Know

From The Album: This Is How We Know

About Matt: Matt Redman is married to Beth and they have four children; Maisey, Noah, Rocco and Jackson. Based in Atlanta they are part of a team starting ‘Passion City Church’ with pastors Louie and Shelley Giglio. This is the third church plant Matt has been involved with, having previously been on the team for Soul Survivor,Watford, and The Point in the UK. Says Matt, “We are so grateful to be at Passion City Church right from day one – it’s going to an amazing adventure. We’ve been part of the Passion team for several years now – and have so enjoyed journeying with Louie, Shelley, Chris and all the guys. The thought of planting a local church together is massively exciting.” Co-writers on the new album include Beth Redman, Chris Tomlin, Jonas Myrin and Matt Maher. In these new songs perhaps the most prominent theme is the faithfulness of God. Says Matt, “I’ve been trying to write songs of ‘stability’ – truths that we need to sing about in times of uncertainty. Life can seem very shaky – and recently there’s been this big economic downturn, which has added to the stress of so many people’s everyday lives. But we worship a God who is unshakeable. Everything else may change, but He remains the same. He is steadfast and certain. When all around is sinking sand, He is the solid ground we can stand upon.”

One More Thing: This fall Matt will be on tour with Casting Crowns. The 'Until the Whole World Hears' tour will visit over 40 different cities around North America. Says Matt, "I'm really excited to be teaming up with Casting Crowns for these night of worship. I've seen the impact their songs have had in so many people's lives, and I hope that by joining our songs, hearts and voices together we'll have some very special evenings of worship all over this nation."

Lyrics: This is how we know

This is how we know what love is

Just one look at Your cross

This is where we see, this is where see how love works

For You surrendered Your all

This is how we know

That You have loved us first

And this is where we chose to love you in return

For You so loved the world

That You gave Your only Son

Love amazing, so divine, we will love You in return

For this life that you give, for this death that You have died

Love amazing, so divine

We will love You in reply, Lord

And our love will be loud

Our love will be strong

Our love should be hands and feet

That serve You in this world.

So let it stay true, and let it endure

That You will be glorified and worshipped and adored

King Jesus, we love You, for we have been loved

King Jesus, we love You, for we have been loved

King Jesus, we love You, for we have been loved

King Jesus, we love You, for we have been loved

We have been loved

Naomi Carroll – All That Matters

From The Album: Becoming

About Naomi: take a brief look into the mind of singer/songwriter, naomi carroll, and you'll find she is far from normal. some would say reflective and inspirational, others might say musing and introspective. no matter the angle, naomi is as real as it gets. breaking away from the expected, naomi effortlessly defies the stigmas of image and conventionality. from her personal life-long battle with weight and self-esteem issues, to her diagnosis with depression in 2003, the hallmark naomi carroll is an unfolding transformation and continual journey toward "free in christ" thinking. far from the "cookie-cutter" artist, she embraces daily the mountain of faith and without shame admittedly wrestles with finding new ways to climb to the high places. her contemplative hearts desire is that along the way onlookers into her life and story will be encouraged to relate her tale to that of their own, and relate her god to their lives for an unprecedented and eternal change. her spiritual journey began at age 9 and by age 11 she was writing and performing original songs. she has since become an accomplished songwriter and often collaborates with her husband, marty. along her musical pathway, she has shared the stage with artists such as bill gaither, the martins, by the tree, judy martin hess, phillips, craig, & dean, among others. after 5 years on the road in full-time pursuit of a music career with her brother nathan, naomi now finds herself desiring to breakaway and redefine her quest for music, home and faith. with a new album on the horizon and newness in spirit, naomi is on her way. if compelling and intimate worship is what youre seeking for your next event, a night with naomi carroll is a memorable concert experience like having a conversation with a good friend. she is seasoned to sing and speak for women's conferences, as well as solo performances. with pertinent realness she has the ability to open her heart and lead a crowd to a safe place in the presence of the lord. her story will take the listener on a walk down the pathway of becoming and encourage all to reach out beyond our scars for healing. real, broken, relevant, and hopeful. this is naomi carroll.

Lyrics: Vs1) There are so many things in life that matter

Too many things I take for granted every day

And often times I don’t ask often enough

How have I done with my time today

I need to have a conversation

I need to get through

I need to hear from You, Oh

Chorus) And I can hear You above the crowd

The empty chatter

And I can hear You above this town

With all that clatters

And I can hear Your still small voice

And it’s all that matters

Vs2) It’s like sometimes through life I am sleeping

I never seem to have the time I really need

But I want to run awake within life’s playground

To find You now and stop this hide and seek

I need to have a conversation

I need to break through

I need to hear from You, Oh

Chorus)

Bridge) Sometimes it’s clear that You are near

But sometimes it’s like You disappear

Though I cannot see You around me

I can still hear You loud and clear

Above the crowd

And I can hear You above this town

New Music For the week of 10-19-09

I'm back on track (This is actually the last few week's new stuff)

New Music Week Of 10-19-09

Love 89

Relient K – Forget and Not Slow Down

From The CD: Forget and Not Slow Down

About Them: Relient K played its first gig in December 1997, back when Matthew Thiessen and guitarist Matt Hoopes were still in high school and tooling around in the latter’s Plymouth Reliant K, which inspired the band’s name. The group recorded its first demo the following year with producer Mark Lee Townsend, who has worked on each of the band’s subsequent full-length albums (although Five Score And Seven Years Ago was largely produced by Howard Benson).

In the ensuing decade, Relient K has released five full-length albums (of which three have been certified Gold), five EPs and a Christmas collection, toured incessantly, scored a string of hit singles, a Grammy nomination and two Dove awards, and performed on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and numerous other national TV shows. The Los Angeles Times praised Relient K for “its smart blend of punk pop and power pop, weaving together influences as diverse as the Beach Boys, Blink-182 and Fountains of Wayne” while Spin noted: “Few bands play punk-influenced modern rock as proficiently.” But the band’s quirky sense of humor remains intact and there’s a fresh excitement about the future.

Lyrics:

How many times

Can I push it aside

Is it time I befriended all the ghosts of all the things that haunt me most

So they leave me alone

Move on with my life

Be certain the steps of left and right don't fight the direction of upright

I'd rather forget and not slow down

Than gather regret for the things I can't change now

If I become what I can't accept

Resurrect the saint from within the wretch

Pour over me and wash my hands of it

It's time to decide

Which is out of my mind

Cause it'll be me unless I put some thoughts to rest and leave some faults behind

I'll watch the glint in my eye

Shine off the spring in my step

And could be blinding depending on the amount of you that I reflect

Cause I could spend my life just trying to sift through

What I could've done better but what good do what ifs do

Oh oh

Oh oh

There's something I should tell you now

The Letter Black – Best Of Me

From The Album: Breaking The Silence

About Them: With over 150 shows a year under their belt, opening for the upcoming Skillet/Hawk Nelson tour, and a growing legion of fans, The Letter Black debuts on Tooth and Nail with a single that will not disappoint! The female-fronted band from Pennsylvania got their name The Letter Black from "going through different chapters in our lives and each chapter representing letters of good and bad times. Some letters in our chapters, we are happy to share and others, we are not so proud of. The Letter Black reminds us of the past mistakes we've made and helps us to learn from them."

The single, "Best Of Me" from their upcoming release due this fall produced by Toby Wright (Korn, Alice In Chains, 3 Doors Down) is "...a prayer to God, saying even though I'm a bit rough around the edges and am still learning to grow in God and trust Him, He still loves me. And because He Loves me the way He does, I'm going to give Him my all and give Him the best me that I can give" explains lead singer Sarah Anthony.

Lyrics: If I could find yesterday

I would take you back to where I'm coming from

Cause you can see the way

All these scars have kept me runnin

Chasing down the past

But I'm all done

I'm turnin back

I swear, you're the only reason I keep breathing

I swear, you keep on giving me the reason to keep believing

Finally I'm worth it

Though I'm not perfect

It still feels right

And I keep on givin

Tryin to make a difference

In my life

I don't know another way to show

Everything I can be for you

You're all that I'll ever need

I'll give you the best of me

If I could read tomorrows mind

I would know exactly where you're taking me

If I'm gonna slip away

Or if I stay and give you all my trust

You will keep me safe

I know you wont let me fade

Oh I'm not leaving, no

I won't be turnin around

I wanna know you, now

Your love it wont let me down, no

Seabird – Don’t You Know Your Beautiful

From The Album: Rocks Into Rivers

About Seabird: "These songs are about real life struggles, relationships, losses, bittersweet goodbyes and finally having the courage to tell your childhood sweetheart you love her." says Aaron Morgan. "We want to invite the listener to share the emotions, victories and defeats we all experience as normal everyday people." And with lyrics so honest and vunerable, it's hard not to. "There is a redemptive quality present in this record, even in the darker moments." explains frontman Aaron Morgan. "We hope this record will be an oasis for those who are left thirsty by years of heartache."

If you asked them what their hopes are, Seabird would say, "To be approachable, and to write songs that people can rely on." Bottom line, they want to connect with their audience. "We want listeners to remember that there is always something worth fighting for, and someone around to help keep our heads above water." For the guys of Seabird, it's a poignant message that continues to play on repeat long after the music stops.

Lyrics: Don't you remember

You were happier when you were younger

Things were so simple, yeah

‘Til the day he walked out on your mother

But now you blame yourself

Because you're by yourself

And you feel like it’s not gonna change

You're crying on the floor ‘cause you can take no more

You're looking for a way to escape

And all this time saying you were fine, and everyone's to blame

When there you are, you and your broken heart

It’s written all over your face

Don't you know, don't you know that you're beautiful?

Yeah

Don't you know, don't you know that you're beautiful?

I see you laughing, but I know inside that you're crying

Just tell me what happened and when things went wrong

We'll try to make sense of it all

Please don't blame yourself ‘cause you’re not by yourself

I've been right here all along

Don't have to be alone because you've always known

Forever your heart is my home

Can't you see what you mean to me?

Can't you see what you mean to me?

Plumb – Hang On

From The CD: Beautiful History

Story: *Inspired by a survivor of Hurricane Katrina, originally written for a documentary film called the Nashville 9…this song has become my own personal anthem for life. To never give up hope. God will never leave or forsake me. He will not give me more than I can bare…he will always be the added strength I need to get through any adversity I may face. Is. 41:10 states very clearly. ‘Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’

Lyrics:

I’m so stubborn

That’s how I got here

So alone

Feels like forever

I wanna swim away

And breathe the open air

But I feel so afraid

Then I hear you say

Hang on

When the water is rising

Hang on

When the waves are crashing

Hang On

Just don’t ever let go

I’m so hungry

How can I stay here?

Starving

For what I hold so dear

Like a hurricane

It takes everything

From me

Wake me from this dream

Hang On

When you’re barely breathing

Hang on

While your heart’s still beating

Hang on

Just don’t ever let go

Three days

Or thirty years

So hopeless

Its doesn’t matter

Don’t say its too late

If you blink your eyes

The sun is rising

The sun is rising

Life 88.3

Needtobreathe– Lay Em Down

From The Album: The Outsiders

Lyrics: Come down to the river Come and let yourself in Make good on a promise To never hurt again If you're lost and lonely You're Broken down Bring all of your troubles come lay 'em down All you sinners And the weak at heart All you helpless On the boulevards Wherever you are now Whatever evil you've found Bring all of your troubles And come lay 'em down We're all tied to the same old failings Finding shelter in things we know We're all dirty like corrupted small towns We'll bring our troubles We'll bring our troubles lay 'em down All you rich men And the high above All those with And without love All you burdened Broken down Bring all of your troubles Come lay 'em down

See The Video:

Seven Stories Up – Hallelujah

From The Album: Falling

About Them: "Honestly, Seven Stories Up is more than just a band. It's a movement of worshippers towards the God of all creation," says Andy Rocker [lead singer/frontman]. "It doesn't really matter what name you give it, or what genre you try to classify it in. We simply want to be people who desire to worship God and help others do the same thing."

Since the summer of 2002, Andy Rocker knew that he had a life of full-time ministry ahead of him. Though he tried his best to avoid it, there was no stopping what the Lord had put into motion. For four years he honed his skill and spent countless hours practicing guitar and taking vocal lessons. What finally put him over the top was his year-long stint in 2004-2005 living in Seattle, Washing leading worship for a small church plant. "It's quite different in the Northwest. People are different. They don't want anything but you. No frills, no masks, just you. I learned a lot about myself during that year, and the Lord taught me that worship has very little to do with me and A LOT to do with Him. When I finally realized that, ministry became a lot clearer and I became much more focused."

Rocker has been traveling all around the U.S. leading worship for various youth groups, camps, conferences and festivals since returning to Atlanta in 2005. In October of 2007 he teamed up with record producer Jason Hoard [Fee, John Waller] and released his first full-length project "This Is My Song." Just a year later he signed with EMI-CMG distributed record label VSR Music Group. Not long after signing came the decision to mold the sound that Rocker had developed over the years as a solo artist into a band. Though the group [Seven Stories Up] may be fairly new to the general public as a whole, this is not a collection of inexperienced musicians. To be honest, there's nearly 30 years of experience on stage at any given time. "It's an interesting dynamic," states Rocker, "the Lord has just been giving me these amazing relationships and friendships with really talented musicians who desire to use their talents to worship Him."

On May 19th, Rocker and the guys released their debut project with VSR, a 6-song EP entitled "Falling." When asked about the inspiration for the title of the project, Rocker had this to say, "We must daily understand that we cannot live this life and be who God desires for us to be by our own strength. We simply must 'fall' into grace and let Him live through us. We cannot love like He wants us to unless we have His love flowing through our veins. Paul put it this way, 'If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal' [1 Corinthians 13: 1]."

The group is excited to see what the future holds. "We're just ready to do more ministry," concludes Rocker, "whatever that looks like and wherever that takes us, we're open to what God has in store." Be on the lookout for this band of worshippers traveling through your city or town. You won't want to miss a chance to see them live!

Lyrics: God of heaven,

Glorious You reign on high

Great redeemer

Lord we come to glorify

And to sing of

All the wonders You have done

Lift your voice

Sing this louder

Hallelujah to the King

To the Name above all names

He alone is the One

Who is worthy of all praise

Lift your voices lift your hands

And in adoration sing

To the King returning

God of heaven,

Glorious You reign on high

Great redeemer

Lord we come to glorify

And to sing of

All the wonders You have done

Lift your voice

Sing this louder

Hallelujah to the King

To the Name above all names

He alone is the One

Who is worthy of all praise

Lift your voices lift your hands

And in adoration sing

To the King returning

He's returning

I know He's returning

Hallelujah to the King

To the Name above all names

He alone is the One

Who is worthy of all praise

Lift your voices lift your hands

And in adoration sing

To the King returning

New Music for the week of 9-21-09

Love 89

Phil Wickham – Safe

From The Album: Heaven and Earth

About the Song: The message of 'Safe' relates to many and never gets old. It speaks out to those that are hurting, those that are going through tough things in their lives. It's a reminder that the God who brought sight to the blind and brought the lame to their feet is the same God who holds you in His arms today. It's my sincere prayer that the simple message of 'Safe' would resonate in people's hearts. I wrote it after a moving conversation I had with a man who told me his story. It was a story of God's faithfulness during a struggling time, and how God can turn things that seem so grim into things that give Him glory. I'd love to tell it to you personally sometime. Anyways, think of all those that Jesus healed and saved while He was on earth from great tragedy, sickness, and even death. It gave people all the more reason to praise Him!

I am so honored that Bart Millard, who has become a good friend and is the lead singer of MercyMe, is a guest vocalist on 'Safe!' This wasn't planned, it just kind of happened and I'm thrilled with the result. In a way, Bart gave me my start so to speak, when he believed enough in what the Lord was doing through my music to take me out on a MercyMe tour when I was just starting out. Now, three albums later, it was an amazing feeling to bring him into my sphere of things. I'm always amazed with how good that guy can sing!" - Phil Wickham

Phil telling the story:

Chasen – On And On

From The Album: That Was Then, This Is Now (Out February 2010)

About Chasen: Chasen here, and the guys and I have had the chance to meet some of you, but for those who we’ve not met yet, Evan, Aaron, and I just wanted to say hey and introduce ourselves a bit. We really got our start in the church, writing praise and worship choruses for Sunday services and youth group events. A few years back, we put together an independent CD of some songs I had played at summer youth camps, and the rest, I guess you could say is history. As I write this, we are hard at work in the studio putting the finishing touches on a new record called “That Was Then, This Is Now” that will release mid February of next year on our new label home – INO Records! We are really excited to join up with them. The songs on this record are a long time in the making, and we are so excited for everyone to hear it! The first song you’ll be hearing on the album is our new single “On and On.”

We feel like a new band and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. If we’ve already had the chance to meet… thanks for your support, and if we’ve not met yet… we can’t wait to!

Chasen tells the story behind the Song:

Casting Crowns – Until The Whole World Hears

From The Album: Until The Whole World Hears

Behind The Song: "The song comes out of John. John the Baptist was a voice crying out in the wilderness. The things that he said were like upside down in the world he was speaking into, and it cost him his life. So speaking out in the wilderness is never popular, but in the body of Christ we’ve got to do it in love. We’ve got to get out there, we’ve got to talk, we’ve got to speak truth into the world we live in." -- Mark Hall

Lincoln Brewster – Salvation is Here

From The Album: Today is the Day Deluxe Edition

About the Album: Before I make a record, I ask myself, ‘What’s the goal? What do we hope people will take away after listening to it?’ The goal behind this album was a desire to encourage people and to energize them. I wanted to make a CD that reminds us ‘Today is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.’ And that ‘Everywhere I go Your love surrounds me,’ and ‘God, You do reign.’”

Brewster continued, “I think these are things we need to be reminded of every day. So for me, it’s a call to action to be encouraged, be uplifted, step outside the walls of the church, and let God’s glory shine through you.”

See the story behind the song:

Life 88.3

Steven Curtis Chapman – Heaven is the Face

From The Album: Beauty Will Rise (Out November 3)

See Steven Share his heart:

That's all for this week, Thanks for reading...

New Music for the Week of 8-31-09

Love 89
Thousand Foot Krutch – Forward Motion
From The Album: Welcome To The Masquerade
What’s been happening: The Canadian band Thousand Foot Krutch started by lead singer/songwriter Trevor McNevan will be releasing their fifth full-length album "Welcome To The Masquerade" this fall. They have sold over 620,000+ albums and have shared the stage with bands such as Switchfoot, Tobymac, and Skillet. This fall they will be hitting the road on the Creation Fest Tour alongside Jars of Clay, Audio Unplugged, B. Reith, FM Static and This Beautiful Republic.

Recently, Thousand Foot Krutch won the Taco Bell's Feed The Beat contest. As a result, they have been featured on the Feed The Beat site along with a free download. In addition, the band was given the opportunity to perform at the 2009 X Games and have their song "The Flame In All Of Us" featured on ESPN and ABC to promote the 2009 X Games.

Song Meaning from Trev: The song is about realizing the importance of working together to accomplish change. We all need to put our differences aside and truly rely on God.

The Wrecking – Sound Of the Resistance
From The Album: The Catalyst EP
About The Band: The Wrecking is defined by an unparalleled drive for what is deeper. Musically, emotionally, and spiritually this band communicates on a level that is undeniable. Commonly referred to as perfectionists in their obsessive pursuit of sonic excellence and explosive execution, The Wrecking has cultivated a truly unique sound that is readily accessible. By interlocking hook-driven rock with urban grooves and futuristic adventurism, The Wrecking has emerged from the East Coast music scene as a critically acclaimed powerhouse.
Explicit sincerity as musicians as well as people has allowed The Wrecking the ability to seamlessly navigate between Christian and mainstream venues with instant credibility and great success. As drummer Darren Elder explained in a previous interview, "Christ has changed my life and the lives of all the guys in the band, and we are so thankful for that, that's the essence of what the songs are about. We truly respect what anyone believes and want to be sensitive to that, we just want to say, Hey, His love is beautiful and it sustains us".
This passion which was sparked in 2001 burns with an ever increasing blaze. Having released two formidable independent recordings and with a reputation for an exacting live show, The Wrecking is poised to release some of the most buzz worthy songcraft emerging from today's alternative music scene. The Wrecking's new album Abolition Strategy is now available.
Life 88.3

Kari Jobe – Healer
From The Album: Kari Jobe

Young girls dream about becoming lawyers, fashion designers, nurses or mothers. Kari Jobe knew at 10 that she would be a worship leader.

Raised in a Christian home with a father who was a traveling minister, Kari began singing in church when she was only 3. She remembers her mother playing worship music in the house while growing up and even recalls the constant tug inside her toward worship. “I remember hearing a worship song that applied perfectly to a family that I knew and I knew then that I wanted to write songs like that for hurting people… songs that someone could speak to the Lord when they can’t find the words.”

Through high school and college, Kari watched God set the path before her as she began leading worship in various places. She spent time studying at Oral Roberts University, Christ For The Nations and Dallas Baptist University, where she finished her psychology and Pastoral Ministries degree. After graduation, she was hired by the Southlake, Texas-based Gateway Church (Dallas), her home church of six years. It was an opportunity that caught her off guard. “I thought, ‘Are you sure? Me be a pastor?’ But once again God was right on. I saw how God networked my life through ORU, Christ For The Nations and Dallas Baptist, giving me the tools to not only be a worship leader but a pastor.”

A featured worship leader on Gateway Worship projects, Living for You and Wake Up the World, Kari Jobe releases her self-titled debut through Gateway Create Publishing and Integrity Music on February 10, 2009. Produced by Ed Cash, the album contains a collection of worship pop/folk songs written by Kari Jobe as well as co-writes with worship leaders/songwriters Chris Tomlin, Paul Baloche, Mia Fieldes, Ed Cash and Klaus Kuehn.

The album Kari Jobe features new versions of the popular “Revelation Song,” “No Sweeter Name” and “My Beloved” in addition to new songs of worship birthed from her life and journals. The deeply personal “You Are for Me” is one of Kari’s favorites. “This song is gut-wrenching for me. There are times you are so broken that all you can do is sing over yourself with words like, ‘God is for me.’ But I believe it is one song that people can use to remember that God is for us. So who can be against us?”

Songs of intimate musings are balanced with songs created for shouting. The buoyant “Everyone Needs a Little” bubbles with expressions of love, joy and hope for all and “I’m Singing” conveys a simple happiness of heart in vocal praise to God.

“This album is about hope and life; it’s about lifting the broken off the floor and singing love over them,” says Kari. “The songs create intimate moments and outward shouting, and it’s my hope that these songs find the broken and lift them to a place of praise to God for what He’s done.”

Whether leading worship at Gateway or in other settings around the country, for Kari, the work of ministry always comes back to people. “I am moved by people’s lives and stories, and I am amazed by who God is and who He says that we are. Music becomes a way to minister to people in times of trouble, to lead them to the feet of Jesus who can bring peace, life, hope and healing.”

Tenth Avenue North – Hold My Heart
From The Album: Over and Underneath

The story: "I wrote 'Hold My Heart' with two friends, Phillip LaRue and Jason Ingram. Phillip and I at the time were both going through separate situations, but a really rough time. [We were] just grappling to understand why God would let certain things happen. We had lunch that day and we were talking about it and the conclusion we came to is really what the bridge says. It says, 'There's so many questions without answers, but your promises remain.' Basically what that is saying is you know what? Sometimes we aren't going to get the answers we want, but we still have God's promises and the tough part of that is when Jesus said to us, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you,' but your whole world feels like he's done exactly that, it is no small thing to hold onto the truth and cling to that truth. 'Hold My Heart' is a psalm. It's like Psalm 13, it's saying, God I'm clinging and holding on and I just don't know how much longer I can go, so come and hold my heart. - Mike from Tenth Avenue North

-Tenth Avenue North Was named New Artist of the Year at the 2009 Dove Awards

NoiseTrade Widget

New Music for the Week of 8-24-09

Life 88.3

Matt Papa – Open Hands

From The Album: Your Kingdom Come
About the Album: On his sophomore studio release, Matt Papa expands the Kingdom way beyond its conventional musical territory. The North Georgia-based worship leader melds his skill for songwriting with seemingly disparate influences to create a full-gamut experience of Biblically-inspired emotion. While fans of Papa’s previous work will no doubt find more to love on electrifying worship tunes like “To the Least of These” and “Here Am I, Send Me,” listeners will also hear a deeper integration of Matt’s classical, indie-rock, and classic rock influences on Guitar-Hero worthy tracks like "We Will Shine" and "Hallelujah, Our God Reigns."

Lyrically, Your Kingdom Come stands out simply because it never falls back on the same tired clichés that plague the modern worship genre, but instead, Papa brings a remarkably missional perspective even to his songs of praise. And while most of YKC reflects Papa’s roots in worship-leading, a few songs take on a unique prophetic tone reminiscent of Keith Green. The in-your-face “Woe to You” scorns the shallowly religious with the same scolding boldness of the New Testament and “Prepare the Way” channels John the Baptist with its disruptive call to repentance.

What really makes this album endearing though (other than the simple fact that every song is actually good), is how many times it can inspire and convict one to surrender full allegiance to the Kingdom of the coming King, Jesus Christ.

About Matt
In an industry where recording “artists” commonly pay top-dollar producers to create a sound for them, Matt Papa shines all the brighter as one of the rare, raw musical talents. Whether shredding on guitar, crafting a melody on piano, or pouring out his soul vocally, Matt brings something truly fresh and creative to this ever-commercializing art.

What’s more is that Matt actually has something to say. Whether between songs in a concert or through writing his lyrics, Matt delivers a clear and persuasive message to move his listeners toward the graces of God. Recently, though, the complacency and resulting decline of the church in America has inspired a more prophetic tone to Matt’s words. "The American church today looks more like the fast food business than the Bride of Christ – both are producing overweight people. You get your Happy Sermon and then go home and do nothing because the great commission is ‘for missionaries.’ God help us," says Papa about the state of the Western church. And it becomes apparent that Matt’s fiery zeal for God is well directed by the teaching of Jesus when one observes his off-stage affinity for helping the poor and reaching out to the hard-to-reach.

While growing up in the Bible-belt state of Georgia, Matt was deeply influenced by the church group he attended as a youth. God had opened his eyes to the gospel of Christ by the age of 12, and, though struggling through his parents’ divorce at age 14, he picked up a guitar and began leading the worship music for his youth group.

On the heels of a college music degree, Matt released his self-titled debut album, which was quickly picked up by SPIN 360 Records (a div. of Maranatha! Music) and released nationally as You Are Good, to much critical acclaim.

Now at 25, just before the release of his sophomore studio album, Matt has married Lauren Papa. The pair now call North Georgia home.

Matt Introducing Himself:


Big Daddy Weave – We Want The World To Hear

From The Album: What Life Would Be Like
About Big Daddy Weave: Big Daddy Weave entered the studio for the fifth time in their decade long career with a singular mission – to create a collection of songs that might somehow communicate the word placed on their hearts to the hearts of those who hear it. It might have been easier to simply try to recreate the success of their previous hit songs, such as “Every Time I Breathe” or “Audience of One.” Instead, the band set out to craft the most ambitious and varied album of their career by doing what they’ve been doing all along – refusing to compromise while stretching the artistic boundaries of what a Big Daddy Weave record is supposed to sound like.
When asked to describe their fifth album, What Life Would Be Like, guitarist/singer/songwriter Mike Weaver characterized it as being “all about expectations.”
“We all grew up in church,” Mike explains. “That is awesome, and I’m thankful for it, but there is also some baggage that comes with that. We grew up hearing people talk about grace, but there seemed to be an unspoken law that said, ‘but you also have to do this, this, this, this, and this.’ Nobody ever said it out loud, but I saw how people who didn’t do ‘this, this, this, this, and this’ were treated. Now truly, you will know a tree by its fruit, but that’s not grace. With What Life Would Be Like we are ripping up our old expectations to get to a place where we can receive the heart of God.”
That ripping up process started during the latter part of 2006 with the release of their highly acclaimed project, Every Time I Breathe, continued through their hectic touring schedule on the Broken and Beautiful Tour with Mark Schultz, and culminated with their recent trip to impoverished villages in Ecuador where they saw first hand the impact of their association with relief organization, World Vision.
“God used that trip to re-ignite the fire in us as a group,” Mike says. “We haven’t been the same since we got back. There is a passion that hasn’t been there before, and we know we will never see the potential unleashed as long as we hang on to our old ideas of what life and ministry and being the church is, rather than letting God just come and ‘be’ in us. It’s kind of like somebody put resuscitator paddles on our hearts. I think the Lord really broke our hearts over who He loves, and that’s everybody.”
After enduring a proverbial ‘dark night of the soul’ during the first half 2006, when Mike says trying to write a song was like pulling eye teeth, the Dove-nominated band began to experience unprecedented creativity. “We’ve been doing this for ten years, and it would be really easy for it to get old and stale,” Mike declares. “But it was like a revival was going on in us. Last time the songs came out of the driest place ever. This time it was so much fun! I have written more songs than I have written in my life.”
While Every Time I Breathe encouraged people to view every moment as a chance to live in response to the greatness of God, What Life Would Be Like celebrates that response.
“Sometimes I think we put the cart before the horse,” Mike muses. “We want to see folks act like they’re changed, maybe even before God does the changing. But if a tree is healthy, fruit just grows naturally. It’s not a forced endeavor, but it doesn’t happen all at once. It’s a life long process. God is as much concerned with every step of the journey as He is with the destination. These songs were born out of seeing just how badly we still need Jesus. What Life Would Be Like is a call to me and to everyone else who is sick and tired of same-old-same-old, to learn how to let Jesus live through us.”
It is that revelation, combined with the heightened amount of collaboration on the new songs, that makes What Life Would Be Like the climactic culmination of Big Daddy Weave’s first decade together.
“You Found Me,” the opening track, is a splendid overreaching metaphor for the sonic scope of What Life Would Be Like. The song begins with Big Daddy Weave’s trademark goodtime guitars embellishing Mike Weaver’s breathy vocals layered over a bed of thumping drums and driving bass. The tune segues seamlessly into the soul-stirring title track with its subdued synthesizers and chiming guitars. While “What Life Would Be Like” is unmistakably Big Daddy Weave, the song unexpectedly veers into emotionally-charged lyrical territory. Co-written by Waterdeep’s Don Chaffer, the song explores our expectations of holiness and grace, and the chasm that seems to exist between those two theological concepts.
It is these types of aural experiments that lift What Life Would Be Like to dazzling new heights, whether it’s their impassioned cover of the Phil Collins’ classic, “Another Day In Paradise,” or the carefree, summertime waltz, “Blue Skies.”
While subtle lyrical details paint vivid mental pictures in the minds of the listener, ultimately it is the characters that are the souls of these songs. There is the parent who has gone on before encouraging their child in the poignant, “From Here.” There is the repentant husband who has just finished fighting with his wife in the confessional, “Right With You.” There is the man with the calloused heart, passing by the least of these with less than a twinge of conscience in the aforementioned “Another Day In Paradise.”
With What Life Would Be Like Big Daddy Weave has taken a giant step forward both creatively and conceptually. While it hasn’t been an easy road to get to this point, the guys insist this next chapter in the band’s evolution has drawn them closer than ever.

Big Daddy Weave is: Mike Songwriter/Lead Vocals/Guitar
Jeff Drums
Jay Bass/Vocals
Joe Saxophone/Keyboards
Jeremy Guitars/Vocals

***Mike is still on The 90 in 09 weight loss Challenge with the help of Talk Radio 760’s Dr Asa Andrew. Check his progress at http://bigdaddyweave.com/90in09

Third Day with Lacey Moseley of Flyleaf – Born Again
From The Album: Revelation
Tai Anderson on the song: "That's a very Christian expression, 'born again,' but it's become a cliché also, but this song, like "Revelation", sort of digs beneath the cliché. It's actually what born again is supposed to mean, that experience and that feeling of getting a fresh start. What a great sentiment! I think that's a sentiment and a feeling that people need to experience." - Tai Anderson

About Third Day: Multi-platinum-selling rock band Third Day has played to millions of fans in numerous sold-out arenas around the world. It’s garnered 25 No. 1 singles across multiple formats—not to mention armloads of Grammy and Dove Awards. Yet the band’s willingness to struggle openly before fans and critics alike to unearth its identity, purpose and mission stands as Third Day’s most valued accomplishment during its first decade together. Backing up the band's ascent, Billboard magazine noted the act is "not only one of the best Christian bands of the '90s but one of the best rock bands, period.”

Third Day has clearly weathered the difficult climb from obscurity to success, but the band is hardly suffering from over-confidence or complacency. In fact, the band’s eleventh album, Revelation, addresses that very issue head-on. Rather than lean back in a figurative easy chair, Third Day challenged itself immensely, shaking up its direction and reasserting its place as a rock band of enormous depth and passion.

“Our career is like a dream I didn’t even know I had,” drummer David Carr says. “It’s gone beyond anything I could have dreamed of.”

Influenced by the Southern rock of Lynyrd Skynyrd and other artists such as U2 and Rich Mullins, Third Day were originally formed by vocalist Mac Powell and acoustic guitarist Mark Lee. The duo added bassist Tai Anderson and drummer David Carr from another local band, and recorded some demos. Third Day's live shows gradually built a loyal fan base, and just after lead guitarist Brad Avery joined, the band signed to Gray Dot Records. Their eponymous debut followed in 1996, with Conspiracy No. 5 appearing a year later. In 1999 Third Day returned with Time, and the next year Offerings, a collection of new and live material, came out, followed in 2003 by its companion, Offerings II: All I Have to Give. That same year, the American Music Awards tapped them with a nomination in the Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist category. For their fifth studio album, 2004's Wire (which was followed shortly after by Live Wire), Third Day returned to their rock & roll roots, a trend they kept up for 2005's Top Ten hit Wherever You Are, which came out in CD/DVD format the next year. After the release of the holiday album Christmas Offerings in 2006 and the compilation Chronology the following year, the band announced the departure of Avery in February 2008. Despite the loss, Third Day soldiered on, releasing Revelation in July of that year. The album was produced by Howard Benson and featured appearances by Chris Daughtry and Lacey Mosley. Third Day won the American Music Award in 2008.

Love 89

Chris Tomlin – Sing Sing Sing
From The Album: Hello Love

About Chris and the new album: It’s time to say ‘hello,’ again, to love.

With so many worldly distractions, it’s easy to loose sight of what’s most important. Chris Tomlin recognizes this and desires to reacquaint us with the one fundamental element that’s become all too elusive. He explains, “The thought I’ve had running through my head is that it’s time to introduce ourselves to love again. People need to be reminded that what we’re here to do is to love God and love people. Worship is a relationship of love. It’s our love of God and our love of people.”

Tomlin doesn’t find a great amount of value in hashing over his musical journey again and again. It’s not that he’s disinterested, it’s more that he’s much more interested in the present.

“I want to talk about what’s right now,” says Tomlin, the singer/songwriter/worship leader/Texas native/three-time Gospel Music Association male vocalist of the year/two-time GMA artist of the year/two-time GRAMMY nominee/most sung Christian artist in the United States. (Sorry, Chris…we had to recap it all somewhere.)

Tomlin’s present revolves around this new set of songs titled Hello Love, his fourth studio record for sixstepsrecords/Sparrow, and the continuation of what Tomlin believes is the direct calling for his musical talent, creating songs for the church.

He’s unapologetic about that, as well. “I feel a responsibility to use that talent, because God’s given me a gift to connect people with God,” Tomlin says. “So I try to write songs with those people in mind. I try to open worship up to everything it can be, not just my personal preference, but what can it be for a person sitting in an office, or a mom driving her kids to school, or a teenager in high school? .How can I bridge all those generations and try to grab something that can help them worship and communicate with God?”

The result of Tomlin’s internal questions, and the elements that make his music so instantaneously powerful, are found yet again on Hello Love. Simple choruses fraught with great beauty weave themselves seamlessly into the listener’s worship mentality, giving new songs like “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “You Lifted Me Out,” “Praise The Father, Praise The Son” and “Exalted” both a sense of immediacy and a tone of timelessness.

It’s finding that balance of time and place, of rote cadence and vertical awareness that Tomlin the songwriter spends the most mental energy on, so that Tomlin the worship leader/performer (not to mention the countless others who will use the songs in a worship setting around the world) can use to connect.

“I always come to songwriting always thinking about God and people. There’s something that is stirring in me about God, so how do I get that out so that it’s maybe a voice for everybody? How do I write that so it can be sung by anyone anywhere? I love it when people think, after the first time they’ve heard a song, that they can really sing it,” Tomlin says. “At the end of the day, what’s going to last is who’s causing people to say and sing, and that is response to Him. Worship is responding to God for who he is, what he has done for us, and that’s what we’re trying to do with these songs: help people respond to God for who He is and for what he’s done in their lives.”

Tomlin is quick to give credit where credit is warranted, pointing out the aid of producer Ed Cash and co-writers like Cary Pierce, Louie Giglio, Matt Redman, Matt Maher and fellow band members Jesse Reeves, Daniel Carson, Travis Nunn and Matt Gilder in crafting some of the powerful moments on Hello Love. There was even some help from a random band from Ireland, though maybe not the one you might think.

“I was in Belfast and this band called Bluetree opened up for me. I heard part of a song they played, and I fell in love with it,” Tomlin says of the track “God Of This City.” “They gave me an old demo of it and I thought ‘this is exactly what we’re trying to believe at Passion.’ There’s unbelievable power in that song, and then I heard the story of how they wrote it.

“These guys were in Patia, Thailand, one of the top places in the world for human trafficking, a very dark place,” Tomlin continues. “They were in the city, just hanging out, looking around, and were introduced to a guy who owned one of the bars. The guy found out they were a band and asked them if they wanted to come play. They said ‘sure,’ so they got up and played nothing but worship songs for two hours in the bar.

“In the middle of that set, God gave them this song, saying ‘greater things have yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this city.’ It was a real prophetic song, and what I think is worship leading at it’s best, in the midst of the darkest place, there’s a light,” he says. “Cities aren’t bricks and mortar and streets and buildings. Cities are people, and they can be a small tribe of people or a massive group of people. This song is speaking hope that God’s story is still being told and is still going strong. We’re hopefully encouraging people to step into that story and let God do amazing things in their lives.”

Stories, and even the individual words that help convey them, are an important component of what Chris Tomlin aims to accomplish with the songs on Hello Love. The album’s debut single came from Tomlin’s desire to focus a worship song around a specific word. “I’m really excited about ‘Jesus Messiah’, because Messiah is a word that I’ve been trying to figure out how to put in a song for a while,” he says. “It’s such an amazing word for who Jesus is, and you hardly ever sing that word. But it really pronounces that he’s not just an historical figure, but he is the Son of God, the sent Savior.”

Many of the other tracks on Hello Love were given birth through similar purposeful motives, Tomlin says. “We’re starting to get this history of taking the older hymns and revitalizing them, hopefully bringing them back to a younger generation. So with “All The Way My Savior Leads Me,” here’s a song that’s a couple hundred years old and we just restructured the melody and lyric to make it a little more modern. I feel like it’s a powerful benediction song for this record.

“‘I Will Rise’ is special in that [sixstepsrecords/Passion Conferences founder] Louie [Giglio] challenged me to write a song that people can sing in the midst of grief, standing at one of the hardest places of their life. A song of worship people can sing at funerals of those who believe,” Tomlin continues. “We wanted a song that gives hope in the midst of the grave, of death. Through Jesus, the grave is overwhelmed and death doesn’t have any more power. It hurts, but in the end, there’s victory for those who are in Christ.”

“With ‘Love’, I wrote it with Cary Pierce, and then Ed Cash said it would be great to make this a more ‘world music’ kind of sound. I felt that way, too, and we thought ‘what if we had an African children’s choir on it?’” he says. “We get a text not too long after that saying the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda was in Nashville with a day off the same week we were recording that song. I couldn’t believe it. It was one of those things where God just said, ‘Here you go. I’m making the way.’ It’s just beautiful to see these orphan kids, and to watch them come into a studio and just light the place up. It was more of God breathing wind into what this music is about, the heart of what worship is.”

If you look at it a certain way, reintroducing oneself to love is exactly what we’re doing by entering the heart of worship. Tomlin hopes the purposeful way in which he and his compatriots have crafted this fresh set of songs will translate into the listeners’ own set-upon journey to that heart.

“Worship, in itself, is not a religious word. Everybody worships things, whether they realize it or not. It doesn’t mean they’re worshipping God; most people aren’t. It’s a natural thing to give value, to give worth to something or someone,” Tomlin says. “That’s what we’re trying to do through this music, to help people give worth and to say there’s something in life that matters most. There’s one thing that’s more beautiful, more famous, more amazing than anything else. We’re trying to help people realize that He is Jesus Christ.

“I know that it’s easy to get anyone into the mechanics of worship and the lip service of worship. But it’s all about your heart, and your heart can be so far from God and you just go through the motions. When it just becomes about the reflex or routine, it’s dead,” he continues. “You have to engage your heart and be moved to the core of who you normally are. That’s when the worship becomes real.”

And that’s exactly when you rediscover your brand-new relationship with love.

Hello Love.

See the song live, African Style, From Johannesburg:

The Glorious Unseen – The Hope That Lies in You
From the Album: The Hope That Lies In You

About the Song: This song is to call people out of the fear and depression coming from what’s going on in the world today. This song comes from a place of knowing that our hope comes NOT from the government - or from the church - or any other institution besides God. So we call out to them - "Where are you optimists??" - "We need your strength in this!" We want to remind people of the hope that lies within each person - and within us as a "community" if we just join together.

As we move along in the song, we move towards turning to God to find hope. "Through all the questioning, you've been the hope in me! Despite uncertainty, you've been the only constant thing!"

As this song comes to a climax - we call on God to "Come down - we need your hope to come down!!"
-Ben Crist (Lead Singer)
About The Band: Like so many college students have during the course of their studies, The Glorious Unseen’s frontman Ben Crist also struggled with that one big question while attending Nashville’s Belmont University: What am I supposed to do with my life?

If figuring that out wasn’t already complicated enough, Ben was in the midst of a breakup with his first serious girlfriend, while his home church was enduring an equally excruciating split of its own. Left without a community of believers to connect with and desperate desire to connect with God, Ben began to feel disoriented.

In the midst of the chaos, there was some unexpected good news, though. After finding out that his former youth pastor started a Sunday night small group for anyone seeking community, Ben wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but gave it a chance anyway.

Meeting in a living room with 10-15 people, the experience certainly wasn’t church as usual. But something authentic was happening there that forever changed the course of Ben’s life. In fact, because of that little Sunday night community of believers, Crist wound up becoming a worship leader by accident.

“When I showed up, everyone was just really honest—really authentic in direct pursuit of God,” Ben says. “There was no fluff. No schedule. No agenda. We didn’t pass an offering plate. It was refreshing because we were just getting together to connect with God in worship.”

As the word got out about what was happening, these unconventional meetings frequented by the hipster contingency. lovers of hardcore, skateboarding enthusiasts and everyone in between eventually moved to a larger location in downtown Nashville. And later when the group’s regular worship leader eventually moved on, Ben was appointed the new worship leader, something he’d only done occasionally in a small group before.

“I’ll never forget the first night I ever led worship. I was scared out of mind, but excited at the same time,” Ben shares. “All I remember is that I poured out my heart in worship, but I was a little self conscious because I didn’t think my voice was very good. My previous musical experience was mostly in hardcore and emo bands. But I felt like the Holy Spirit showed up, and it was a really intense night with this brutally honest worship.”

As Ben grew in confidence as a worship leader, he began penning his own praise songs. “I thought, ‘Well, I have this musical outlet, and people kind of like it, so I’ll write something of my own,’” Ben shares. “When I first wrote those songs, I didn’t sit down with the intention of writing a congregational worship songs. I just wrote what was on my heart.”

But when Ben played one of his new songs for a guy who attended their makeshift church, he encouraged Ben to play it for everyone right away. “So finally I decided to play that first song, and everyone really connected with it,” Ben remembers. “The type of worship we were doing was different from everyone else out there because we had such a different audience. And before long, I had six or seven songs that I eventually recorded only to distribute among the people of the church.”

Ben’s music wasn’t about to have a small audience for long, however. Once a representative from Tooth & Nail, stumbled upon a copy of the EP, he knew this was worship music that would resonate with a unique audience.

“Personally, I grew up on Delirious. It was the first worship music that really touched me in a heavy way. I was like, ‘Woah, this incredible. It’s so intense.’” Ben recalls. “Delirious really gave me a new vision that worship can really be cool. And with these songs, I felt like this was music that even kids into Underoath and hardcore music could worship to. That’s where I found my musical niche.”

Now under the moniker of The Glorious Unseen, Ben and his band, which includes guitarist Ryan Stubbs, bassist Ben Harms, drummer Jon Todryk and pianist Patrick Copeland, have written a new collection of authentic reflections on the ups and downs of the Christian life.

“I have to sing what’s honest to me,” Ben shares. “And that’s exactly how I write the lyrics. I’m not trying to write corporate worship songs—just my honest thoughts to God, and somehow when that comes out, it’s worshipful.”

Summing up the theme of the album is the hopeful title track, “The Hope That Lies in You.” Serving as a battle cry of optimism in our increasingly pessimistic world, Ben wants to encourage listeners to not to live in fear and isolation—even when the media is saying everything is a disaster.

“If you sit and listen to the news, it’s very, very depressing. You feel like you don’t even want to leave your couch because there is no hope outside,” Ben says. “It gets us in a mode of isolation. But when we’re out there worshipping, everything is alive. God is alive—and moving. So I envision this song as a reminder of the hope that lies in us as believers—and the hope that lies in God.”

Building upon this idea, “All Around” also serves as a poignant reminder that even when everything around us may seem like it’s crashing down, we’re still alive in God. “There are times in our lives when He’s the only one we can lean on,” Ben shares. “When we’re not allowed to rely on anything else, this is when we grow closer to Him.” Also serving as an anthem to the questioning soul is “Heavy Hearted,” the album’s first single that juxtaposes a happy, melodic sound with pensive, thought-provoking lyrics. “Whether we’ve grown up in church or are relatively new in the faith, we all feel like we’re under God’s judgment sometimes—whether that’s accurate or not,” Ben shares. “Maybe we feel like God doesn’t like us. Or that He’s disappointed in us. Heavy hearted is how we feel when we’re struggling or dealing with various addictions we go back to time and again.”

Yet in those heavy hearted moments, Ben wanted to remind listeners that there’s still Hope in the midst of them. “When we forget about our addictions, the problems we’re having and our cyclical sin, God is taking us back in the midst of this stuff,” Ben says. “It’s ultimately a celebration of God accepting us as we are—even in these heavy hearted moments. And I love being able to sing that because I’ve been there.”


Really Cool Video about where the band’s music comes from:

What the other bands Say:

Thanks as always for listening and reading!

New Music for the week of 8-17-09

Only one new tune for this week, Love 89's got it and the guy needs no introduction:

Listen this Friday when we premire the new Toby Mac Song