Anomaly Tour Review

  After the wild success of Lecrae's new album Anomaly reaching #1 on Billboard charts, he set out on his nation wide Anomaly tour with Reach Records label mate and 116 member Andy Mineo, along with DJ Promote. The Anomaly tour came to The Deltaplex in Grand Rapids, MI on October 30th. I was able to attend the show and write a review. My review of the tour is below!

Winter Jam 2015 Line Up

Winter Jam announced the line up for the 2015 Winter Jam tour today!! I am very excited about this line up... I mean Skillet, Family Force 5 and Jeremy Camp?? It's gonna be EPIC!! 

The Classic Crime Interview

  The Classic Crime has had a lot going on recently, from signing with BadChristian Music, to working on an anniversary album for the bands 10th anniversary. I wanted to catch up with lead singer Matt MacDonald and ask him about the new album, as well as get a little history on the band.  My questions are in white, and Matt's answers are in blue. 

We Are Leo Interview

I got a chance to catch up with David Duffield, lead singer of We Are Leo. I asked him about how the band got started, what he is passionate about, and also about their brand new album Fightback Soundtrack!! Which is a fantastic album! You can read the review of Fightback Soundtrack here. 

Interview With Matthew Parker

Michigan native, Matthew Parker recently signed with DREAM Records new Electronic Dance Music label, called DROM. He just released his first album on the label, titled Shadowlands. 

I got a chance to catch up with Matthew and ask him some question about the new album and how he got started making music. Along with some other random questions just for fun! My questions are in white and Matthew's answers are in blue.

We Are Leo - Fightback Soundtrack Album Review

  We Are Leo announced that they had signed to DREAM Records back in March. The band released their sophomore album Fightback Soundtrack today! I was a fan of We Are Leo's previous release Hello, so I was excited to hear that they were releasing a new album.

Disciple - Attack Album Review

  After nearly two years, Disciple released a brand new album on September 23rd, titled Attack.

  Since Disciple's previous album was released back in 2012, the band has been through a lot of changes. Mainly changes in line up with nearly all of the former members leaving the band, except for lead sing Kevin Young.

Interview With PJ Anderson

PJ Anderson is a Christian singer/songwriter hailing from Nashville, TN. He just released his new album titled RISE today. I had a chance to catch up with PJ, and ask him a few questions about the new album and how he got started as a musician. The interview is below! My questions are in white, and PJ's answers are in blue.

Matthew Parker - Shadowlands Review

DREAM Records started a new branch of their label called DROM which specializes in EDM (Electronic Dance Music). One of the first artists to release an album through DROM is the up and coming, Matthew Parker. 

  

Boiling Point - More Album Review

Boiling Point released their new album More tomorrow. I had a chance to ask the band some questions about the new album in an interview I did with them, which you can read here.

Boiling Point - Interview

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to a new up-and-coming Christian alt. rock band, called Boiling Point. Their new album More, releases tomorrow. So I thought I'd take this opportunity to ask the band a few questions about how they got started, and what we can expect from their new album. 

Charis Book Review

***THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ***

While browsing through the Christian bookstore, the cover of Charis caught my eye. I had no clue what it was about, I simply liked the cover. After flipping through it a bit I was really intrigued and wanted to check it out. So I reached out to Preston to see if I could review the book... and here we are!


After I received the book I dove right in, excited to get started reading it (I actually read the book within 2 days!). Once I really dove into the book, I knew I was in for a ride, because in the very first chapter Preston brings up the story of Jeffery Dahmer. Now I won't go all into detail of the story and the lesson along with it, because I really want you to just buy the book! However, I will tell you that from chapter one, within the first couple pages even, I knew Preston wasn't playing games and this wasn't just another book about Grace.


Throughout Charis Preston takes stories from the old testament (you know that dusty, confusing, beginning half of your Bible) and points out how much it is all soaked with God's grace and His love. I have always struggled with the old testament because it's not all sunshine and rainbows (well there is that one rainbow), but there is some tough stuff in the old testament. Reading this book has helped me to look for the grace in the old testament and it is everywhere!

Thousand Foot Krutch - Oxygen:Inhale Album Review

Back in 2012 Thousand Foot Krutch released The End Is Where We Begin which was the first album that they released as a newly independent artist. Now a little over two years later they come back with a new album titled Oxygen: Inhale which was released independently on August 26th. 

Group 1 Crew - #Faster EP Review

Group 1 Crew has been through quite the transformation with both Pablo and Blanca leaving the band. Now it leaves only Manwell Reyes as the only original member, with 4 new members added to the roster. You can watch Blanca's video announcement on leaving the band here.

One Thousand Gifts Book Review

I had the opportunity to read and review Ann Voskamp's best seller "One Thousand Gifts". I had seen the book all over, in every Christian bookstore that I go to. So I wanted to get a copy to read myself and see why the book was so popular. 

My first impression of Ann's book was that it was kind of lengthy and overly poetic, I didn't see why it was so popular... just being honest here. However, after reading more I realized what the book was really about. The slogan that goes along with book "A Dare To Live Fully Right Where You Are", led me to believe that the main message of the book would be about getting more involved in church, and serving where you are, that type of thing. Which isn't bad, but it is kind of over preached in Christian "self help" books, in my opinion at least.

New Music Feature: Alma

 Today, I would like to introduce you to a pop/soul singer and songwriter named Alma. She is originally from Madison, WI but currently resides in Chicago. I had the chance to check out her music and thought it was unique, so I thought I would ask her some questions to learn more.

My questions are in white, Alma's answers are in yellow.

New Music Feature: Aaron Moon

Today, I would like to introduce you to a rap/hip hop musician named Aaron Moon. 

  I discovered Aaron's music this spring when I attended a battle of the bands event that he was performing at, along with the band Fallwell. I was really impressed by the bands performance, so after the show I reached out to Aaron about being featured on the blog. 

Rock The Island 2014 Giveaway!!

Rock The Island is back this year, with one of the best line-ups that they have had. Lecrae, Kutless, Francesca Battistelli, J.J. Weeks Band and more! The festival is in Saginaw, MI and it's FREE for everyone 21 & under, and only $15 for those 22+. 

David Lind - Under The Sun

Check out this new song by David Lind called "Under The Sun". If you like it, then be sure to share it with your friends. Also, you can get a free download of "Under The Sun" along with a couple more of David's songs HERE.

You can connect with David on:

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Instagram

Thousand Foot Krutch Announces New Album

NEWS SOURCE: Hoganson Media

Modern rock favorite THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH announces its first new studio album in over two years, OXYGEN:INHALE, which is set to release independently worldwide Aug. 26 on TFK Music and with marketing, sales and distribution through Fuel Music. With the album being produced now by TFK frontman Trevor McNevan and longtime collaborator Aaron Sprinkle (One Republic, Anberlin, Pedro the Lion, The Almost), TFK is once again engaging the "TFK Army," fans of the band that they prefer to call their "friends and family," for a goal-driven PledgeMusic campaign.

Kings Kaleidoscope

Hailing from Seattle, Washington is a modern worship band called Kings Kaleidoscope. I got a chance to ask front-man Chad Gardner a few more questions about the band, how it all got started and what they are working on now. 

Family Force 5 Announces New Album "Time Stand Still"

Word Entertainment:

May 28, 2014

Alternative Pop/Rock band Family Force 5 is set to release its first studio album in three years, Time Stands Still, Aug. 5, 2014 from Word Entertainment.  The highly anticipated, 15-song recording features the first song and lead video, “BZRK,” which is available to download beginning this week from iTunes as part of the album pre-order campaign at http://smarturl.it/timestandsstill.  Released May 23, the “BZRK” video has already been viewed over 217,000 times at http://smarturl.it/BZRKVideo.

Fly A Little Higher Book

Fly A Little Higher is the story of Zach Sobiech, writer of #1 hit single "Clouds". Written by Zach's mom Laura, the book is about Zach's life, his battle with cancer, and how he inspired people through it all.

Zach's story really touched me because he was only 18 when he passed away, which is how old I am right now. So I can connect with the story a lot in that way.

Shelly Moore - Unraveling Album Review

Shelly Moore is singer/songwriter based out of Raleigh, NC. Shelly recently released a new album titled "Unraveled". I got a chance to check out the album and I was really impressed. I typically lean more towards male vocalists, but I thought I would give Shelly's music a shot anyway. I was surprised by how much I actually liked this album!

Deception's End

Today I would like to introduce you to a band from Illinois called Deception's End. They are a Christian Rock / Praise and worship band. I was able to ask them a few questions so that you can get to know them better. Also make sure you check out their music on ReverbNation.

What Have You Been Listening To Lately?

I always love discovering new bands, or even just new songs by artist I already know. So I am curious... 

What have you been listening to lately?

  Below are some of the songs that I have been listening to lately. Maybe you will find a song that you have never heard before out of my list below, or maybe not. Either way I hope you enjoy the music!

Samantha Crawford

Today I would like to introduce you to an up and coming Christian R&B/Soul artist named Samantha Crawford. 

I had the opportunity to ask Sam a few questions about how she first got started creating music and what inspires her. You will also learn some interesting random facts about her, so make sure you check it out!

Sumerlin Interview

Sumerlin recently released a new album titled "Runaways". They also released a new music video for their song "Breaking Out". I got the chance to ask guitarist Logan Tudor a few questions about the band and their new album. Check it out! 

Shonlock Interview

Shonlock released his new album "A Night To Remember" last week. I got a chance to ask Shon, about the new album as well as how he got started, and what God has been teaching him lately. Check it out!

Satellites & Sirens Interview

Satellites & Sirens released their new album "One Noise" this week. I got a chance to ask the band a few questions about the new album, and how it all got started. Check it out!

NEEDTOBREATHE Release New Music Video For "The Heart"

Today NEEDTOBREATHE debuted a new music video for their song "The Heart". This song will also be on the bands new album "Rivers In The Wasteland" which is set to release April 15th.

You can connect with NEEDTOBREATHE on: 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Shonlock - "A Night To Remember" Review

Today Shonlock released his sophomore album titled "A Night To Remember". I was able to preview this album and write a review, my thoughts on the album are below.

Modern Day Cure

Hailing form Saginaw, MI is an up and coming Christian band called Modern Day Cure. I came across this band after promoting an event that they were going to be playing at. I checked out their music (as I always do) and I was really impressed. 

For being relatively new to the scene, the band seemed put together and professional! I wanted to share about the band in case you have never heard of them, and I'm telling ya, keep an eye on Modern Day Cure because I could definitely see them going places! 

Micah DeMass

A couple of weeks ago I was browsing through artists on NoiseTrade, and I came across Micah DeMass. I checked out his music and I was really impressed!! The songs seemed very genuine, and they sounded really good. I was particularly impressed by Micah's song "Satisfied". After listening to more of his music I was very intrigued, so I contacted Micah to learn more. I ended up interviewing him, and I wanted to share the interview with you today! 

City Harbor Album Giveaway

City Harbor released their self titled debut album last month. I got a chance to check out the album and review it, I was really impressed (you can read the review here). Now I have the pleasure of giving away 3 brand new autographed copies of the album! For your chance to win, simply click HERE and enter your info!

Kynge

Today I want to introduce to you a new artist called Kynge. 

"The name Kynge is actually an old English spelling of the more modern name King. My "real name" is Ronald Mills Jr. I think that a person's name says a lot about who they are, and surprisingly a lot of people don't know what their names mean. So, long story short, my name literally means, "wise counselor/ ruler, mighty..." 

The Royal Royal

Brother duo from Canada, The Royal Royal are releasing their second album tomorrow called "The Return of the King". 

I was able to review their debut album a couple years ago, and I thought it was pretty good. You can read the review HERE.

You can get "The Return of the King" on  iTunes.

If your not familiar with The Royal Royal's music, you can listen to their song "Every Little Bit of Praise" below. 

You can find The Royal Royal on:

Facebook | Twitter | Website

Northern Abbey

Northern Abbey is a creative solo project started by Nick Lambert. If the name Nick Lambert sounds familiar, it may be because he is the guitar player for the popular Christian rock band, Falling Up. That's right, Falling Up!! 

I had the chance to ask Nick a few questions about his new side project Northern Abbey, and also how he got started playing with Falling Up. I hope you enjoy the interview, and make sure you check out Northern Abbey's music! You can listen to and buy Northern Abbey's music on Band Camp.

Skydive Sunrise

I wanted to introduce you guys to a new band called Skydive Sunrise. After listening to their music and reading more about the band I was really impressed.... 

Then I found out that Skydive Sunrise's new EP was all done by one guy, now that intrigued me! He played the piano, guitar, drums, tracked the lead vocals and harmonies all separately and then put it together! I wanted to learn more about Skydive Sunrise, and I thought you might want to know more too, so I arranged an interview to learn more.  

Interview with Loftland

I had a chance to catch up with Dominic from Wisconsin dance/pop band Loftland, and ask him a few questions about their new album, touring and how it all got started.

Loftland - I Don't Want To Dance Album Review

Today newly signed DREAM records artist Loftland, released their debut album! I was able to preview this album, and give you my opinion in the review below.

Elliott Powell - Songs of Ascent Review

I was recently able to interview Christian musician and Presbyterian pastor, Elliott Powell. You can read my interview HERE. Elliott also just released a new worship EP yesterday. I was able to preview this EP and my opinions are below.

Interview with Elliott Powell

Elliot Powell is a Christian musician, as well as an ordained Presbyterian Pastor. In this interview I was able to catch up with Elliott and get to know more about him and how he got started playing music. 

City Harbor Self Titled Album Review

Hailing from Nashville Tennessee, Molly Reed and Robby Earle make up the new pop/worship band City Harbor. The band released their self titled debut album today! You can even get it on iTunes!

TLisa - God Of Love Album Review

TLisa, which stands for Terri Lisa, has been a worship leader for the past 7 years and now she has released her first album titled "God Of Love".

Winter Jam 2014 Concert Review

Winter Jam is Christian music's largest annual tour, with 10 bands for only $10. I have been to Winter Jam many times in the past, but I must say that I have never been as excited about a WJ line up as I was this year! 

 Newsboys + Lecrae + Tenth Avenue North + Thousand Foot Krutch = EPICNESS!!!

Saginaw Spirit Faith Night Hockey Giveaway

New giveaway! We are giving away 2 tickets to Saginaw Spirit's hockey Faith Night!! Musical guest  Noelle Garcia will be performing, along with speakers, Former Detroit Lion, Eric Hipple, & Bishop Joseph Cistone. You can enter the giveaway HERE.

Tooth & Nail Announces Return Of Anberlin

Courtesy of Tooth & Nail  SEATTLE, WA  – January 17, 2014

Tooth & Nail Records announces the welcomed return of Anberlin with the band’s re-signing and release of their new and final studio album due out this summer. In support of their final studio album that is currently being recorded, Anberlin will set out on a final worldwide tour to say thank you to all of their loyal fans. Yet to be announced shows will include USA, Canada, Brazil, UK, Netherlands, Australia, Singapore and Philippines with more countries to be announced. The band will also be a part of the massive 2014 Vans Warped Tour celebrating the tour's 20 years as one of the largest summer festivals.

Top 10 Albums of 2013

2013 was a great year in music! With new music from Skillet, Lecrae, Jeremy Camp, Icon For Hire, Andy Mineo and more. I have compiled a list of my top 10 favorite albums of 2013. They are the albums that I connected with, and grew to love throughout the year.

#10 "Reckless" by Jeremy Camp