KJ-52 Friday Freestyle

I am a HUGE fan of KJ-52 (if you didn't know). He is a really cool guy, with alot of talent and an amazing message. If you don't know who KJ is check out his Facebook Page. KJ also does this really cool thing on Friday's called Friday Freestyle. Now the name pretty much tells all, but I will still explain it. Basically on almost every Friday KJ will tweet on post on Facebook saying that it is time for Friday Freestyle. Then you tweet him back or comment on his post and give him a random topic to rap about. He takes the first four (so you have to be fast) and then he raps about it and posts a video. The tricky part is you don't know what time on Friday he will ask for topics, it could be anytime! This is one of my favorite Friday Freestyles, it is very funny.

Hyland - This Love Is Free - Music Video

I recently came across this video while watching a Christian music video TV show and I really like the sound of the song and the message. I hope you guys like it.

Shonlock - Never Odd Or Even Review

Shonlock released a new album on called Never Odd Or Even. Cool random fact I noticed when I got the album is that Never Odd Or Even backwards is still Never Odd Or Even.

I love the style of music on this album it has a Rap/Hip Hop style. The only bad bad part about a Rap/Hip Hop album like this is all the songs are good but they all kinda sound the same, so to listen to the whole album all the way through isn't as good. The album starts off with the catchy song "Something In Your Eyes". I love the beat in this song it also has a techno sound that sounds alot like the music you would hear on mainstream radio. The second song on the album is "Could U Be" this song is a little slower but still has a good sound. The third song is "Hello" and I love the sound of this one. It reminds me of something you would here TobyMac sing, which makes sense because Shonlock is part of the Diverse City Band. The fourth song is "Simple Man" and I absolutely love the sound of this song, it is probably one of my favorites. It has a good beat and I love how fast the rapping is! The fifth song is "Bet Ya House" and I also love this song. It is very upbeat and it has a part when a group of girls sing/cheer and clap, it sounds really cool. This song would be awesome in concert!

The sixth song is "Set It Off" this song is upbeat like most of the other songs on this album but it just isn't quite as good in my opinion. The seventh song is "You Act Like" and this song is a slower song. The slower song is good though because it helps to make more of a variety of sounds on the album so I like the slower songs. The Eighth song is "Cheers" and this is another slower song but it has a good sound with good lyrics. The Ninth song is "Scarred" is a little bit slower but it is more upbeat than the two songs before it, so it is kinda a medium song. I didn't like the sound of this song as much because it repeats the chorus alot, but it has good lyrics. The tenth song is "Monsta" and this one has a cool sound with good lyrics. The thing I loved the most about this song is how is seemed to keep building up to the chorus, I love when songs do that. The eleventh song is "Q2GO" and this song has a good sound. I love the name Q2GO because in the lyrics of this song they sing "I'm waiting on my Cue To Go" (aka Q2GO). The twelfth song is "Get Free" and it is a medium song. (haha that is my new way to explain the song) This song is more Rap than Hip Hop and like most Rap songs the lyrics are really good. The last self-titled song on the album is "Never Odd Or Even" I like the beat in this song. The sound of this song is okay but I love the lyrics. All in all "Never Odd Or Even" is a great album that I would recommend to fans of TobyMac and Lecrae. I would give this album a 4/5 stars.

Track List
   1. Something In Your Eyes
   2. Could U Be
   3. Hello
   4. Simple Man
   5. Bet Ya House
   6. Set It Off
   7. You Act Like
   8. Cheers
   9. Scarred
   10.Monsta
   11. Q2GO
   12. Get Free
   13. Never Odd Or Even

I received this album free to review but all opinions are 100% mine.

Hundredth Blog Post Giveaway!!!

I have reached my hundredth blog post and so I want to do something special for you, my dear reader. So I decided to do a giveaway! Now I have done giveaways before but this one is a little different, because I am giving away 4 prize packs with stuff from Hawk Nelson and Justin Lookadoo.

The Grand Prize is a copy of Hawk Nelson's new album Crazy Love (which comes with their acoustic CD the Light Sides) and a Signed 8x10 poster of Hawk Nelson.

The Second Prize is a brand new copy of Justin Lookadoo's book 97. This is one of my all time favorite books!

The Third Prize is a copy of Hawk Nelson's Summer EP and a Large I Heart Hawk Nelson T-Shirt.

The Fourth Prize is another copy of Hawk Nelson's Summer EP and a signed Hawk Nelson Postcard.

To Enter all you have to do is leave a comment telling me what your favorite post is that I have done so far. 

For Extra Entries you can:

1. Like The Christian Music Junkie on Facebook
2. Blog about this giveaway. Please leave a link to your blog so I can check it out.
3. Follow me on Twitter @Drummin_4_Jesus
4. Post about this giveaway on your Facebook page. You may do this daily just make sure you leave a separate comment every time you do so. Also I need you to give me a link so that I know you did it ;)
5. Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect.
6. Tweet about this giveaway. You may also do this just make sure you leave a separate comment every time you do so. You can use this sample tweet if you want:

2 Celebrate @Drummin_4_Jesus 100th post, U can enter 2 win stuff from Hawk Nelson & Justin Lookadoo. http://goo.gl/uWnoi

Please make sure that you leave contact info in at least one of your comments so that I can contact you if you win. This giveaway ends August 22nd at 8pm EST. I will send the winners emails and you will have 48 hours to reply or I will have to choose a new winner.This giveaway is only open to people in the United States or Canada, Sorry. If you have any questions feel free to email me thechristianmusicjunkie@gmail.com.

The Winners have been randomly selected and contacted!

Nate Marialke

When I went to The Big Ticket Festival I watched alot of bands on the Indie stage. One band that I thought was really good was Nate Marialke. I loved the sound of the music and the lyrics were just amazing. I thought he was so good that I bought his CD. I will be reviewing the CD soon, I have just been busy with it being Summer and everything. Anyway, I wanted to show you guys his music video "Rest". Please comment and let me know what you thought of it.

If you liked that song please comment and let me know. You can find Nate on Facebook so be sure to check that out and "Like" him. Also I am coming up on my 100th post so be on the lookout for something really cool!

Unity Festival Concert Ticket Giveaway and Barlow Girl Interview

I am giving away a set of 4 one day tickets to The Unity Christian Music Festival. Some of the bands playing at the festival are Switchfoot, Newsboys, Anthem Lights, Matthew West, Stellar Kart, VOTA, Kutless, Michael W. Smith, Barlow Girl, Tenth Avenue North and many more. You can check out the schedule of all of the bands Here. The festival is at Heritage Landing in Muskegon MI on August 11 - 13. August 10th is Unity Christian Music Festival's FREE DAY. No Cost, No Tickets, No Problem. (Yeah just made that up) On the FREE DAY Barlow Girl, Kutless and Reilly will be there.

To Enter the giveaway all you have to do is leave a comment telling me what band that will be at Unity Christian Music Festival you want to see most.

That is it! Pretty easy, right? Also make sure that you leave some form of contact info so that I can inform you if you win. The giveaway ends at 9pm EST on Sunday July 31st. If you have any question feel free to email me at thechristianmusicjunkie@gmail.com. Make sure you tell your friends!


I also had the honor to ask Barlow Girl a few questions....

My Questions are in Blue and the answers are in Orange .

Alyssa, the bass/piano player and leader vocalist of BarlowGirl, answered these.

1. Who inspired you to play music? 

We grew up in a musical family. Dad was a musician and mom made us take lessons.


2. Where is your favorite place you have played and why?
It's always hard to pick just one but Holland was probably one of our most memorable experiences and our first show outside of the U.S


3. Being a musician with a lot of fans, how do you do to keep yourself humble?

We surround ourselves with people who knew us before music and who love to make sure our heads don't get big.


4. If you had one day where you could do anything, anywhere, what would you do?

 Lauren- swim With Dolphins in Bora Bora
Becca- scuba dive in the great barrier reef
Alyssa- I'd star as Millie on Broadway in Thoroughly Modern Millie


5. When you aren't playing a show or traveling, what do you enjoy doing?

Staying home spending time with family and just relaxing


6. What is one of the strangest things that has happened while on tour?

Trying foods in different places has been interesting. Becca even tried chicken heart in Brazil. Lauren did not approve.


7. Will you give us a couple of examples of how God has shown up in your life, when times were maybe dark or you were discouraged?

This question brings up hundreds of stories cause throughout our entire lives there have been countless times God has revealed Himself in the midst of our need. Staying desperate for Him is the key- in good times and in hard times.


8. Do you have any advice for someone who wants to be a musician?

Practice, be willing to work hard. Don't ever make fame your goal, you'll always be disappointed. Just be called and let God take you where He wants.


9. What is one thing that you wish you would have known before starting a band?

Eating a full meal at midnight on the bus is never a great idea.


10. How do you keep God your focus? 

We are fully aware that our lives and ministry will fall apart if He is not the center- knowing that has kept us determined to make Him our #1 priority.

TV One Life

I wanted to share with you guys a couple videos off my favorite TV show, TV One Life. The first one is a funny video that they made, it is one of their "Extremely Safe Stunts".

Funny, right? They also interview bands on TV One Life. This video is an older video but it is my favorite because it has an interview with one of my favorite bands, Thousand Foot Krutch! Enjoy.

Don't you love Steve's (the drummer in the middle's) hair!

Ok so now you know that the show is funny and they interview awesome bands like, Thousand Foot Krutch, Skillet, Newsboys and many more. But TV One Life also has a great message on each episode that really speaks to youth. If you like these videos make sure that you check out TV One Life's Website to see what stations they are on, so that YOU can watch it on TV. Also you can Follow them on Twitter and make sure you like their Facebook Page.

Interview With Tour Manager Johnny Ellett

I have a really cool interview for you guys. I have been very blessed and have been able to interview quite a few bands, but today I have a very special interview with a Tour Manger named Johnny Ellett. I hope you guys enjoy this interview and I hope that you are encouraged, who knows....maybe after you read this interview you will decide that you want to be a tour manager.

Johnny Ellett

My questions are in Orange and Johnny's answers are in Grey.

1. How did you become a Tour Manager?

You could say I was in the right place at the right time, but to say that, I would be lessing the power of the holy spirit. Looking back on how I ended up where I am, I see a series of random events that are not so random in the end. I'll start with my passion for music. I led worship for my youth group for 4 years. After that, I moved to Nashville, TN to study Marketing/Music Business at Belmont University. I did an internship. I met a friend. We played music together. He started working for a band called Building 429. A month after graduating, I was asked to Assistant Tour Manage for Building 429. Nine months after that, a band called Tenth Avenue North asked me to come work for them, where I have resided for the past year. On paper, it seems like a logical step 1, step 2, step 3 and I got the job, but it wasn't. There were a lot of little, subtle things that where seen and unseen that have led me to tour managing. One thing that I have learned through my journey is that God's dreams for you are bigger than your own and if you allow the holy spirit to lead you, you will be amazed at the things you get to do in life. By the grace of God, I am a child of His, who happens to make a living tour managing.

2. What is your favorite part of your job?

I enjoy getting to travel, meeting new people and experience new things. I think my favorite part of my job is just being a part of creating a memorable experience for the fans.

3. What does a typical work day look like?

A typical work day is about 16-17 hours long. We always start off with a 'walk through' of the venue. We see where we are loading in, where dressing rooms/catering/production office etc. are located. We connect with the promoter/venue/runners and discuss the days activities. Shortly after the walk through, we mark where everything is so people know where to go and begin loading in all the equipment. Load in and set up usually takes all morning. Once the equipment is set up, we have sound checks. Before the show, the band will usually have a meet & greet or Q&A with fans. Then the show happens. After the show, we undo everything we did in the morning. Throughout the day, I check in on the band/crew and make sure everyone is ok and make sure they are where they need to be, when they need to be there. Occasionally, we get a little break to play some basketball.



 4. What is the hardest part of your job?

Having to tell people no. On occasion, a tour manager will have to play the "bad guy". Now I believe you can say no, and still be a nice guy, but sometimes requests come in that are just not feasible or someone believes one thing should be done one way and someone thinks it should be done another way. It's usually the tour managers responsibility to resolve the problem, which can leave someone unhappy. A lot of times, there is a solution that works for all parties and everyone is happy. I find great joy when I get to be a part of finding that solution. I sometimes joke that all tour managing is, is creative problem solving. 

5. What tips do you have to keep God your focus?

Community. Surround yourself with people who believe the things you believe. If that is a youth group, a small group or a few friends that you meet once a week to talk about stuff, do it. Invest in it. Don't be afraid to tell each other your struggles. Build each other up.

Also, something that I have been trying recently, is in the morning before I check e-mails, facebook, twitter, I read one chapter in the bible and pray for a few minutes. I hate reading in general, but when I start my day off with talking to God and reading a little, my walk is stronger, bolder and God is my focus that day. If I don't, my struggles are harder and I've gone through a day forgetting why I am really here on this earth.

If you like twitter, follow @dailybible. It tweet's a verse a day. When I see it, I take a moment to pause and pray.

The Meaning Behind Skillet's Song Lucy

I just found this video today and I have always wondered what exactly the song was talking about. I knew that it was obviously about the loss of a girl named Lucy, but I didn't know the whole story. So if you are like me and want to know the whole story check this out.

Press Play - NY2LA Music Video

If you haven't heard of the band Press Play they are a Christian pop/rock band from Los Angeles, CA. They have a fun upbeat sound with great lyrics. NY2LA is one of my favorite songs by Press Play, so I thought I would share it with you guys.

Now if you like sound of Press Play make sure that you check out their new album "World Anthem" that comes out September 27th. Also check them out on Twitter and Facebook.

Red - Feed The Machine Music Video

Red just released a new music video for their song Feed The Machine.

I am having some trouble with blogger, so I can't put the video on here. But you can go here and check out the video for yourself. I thought it was awesome, but leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Anthem Lights Never Say Never

My friend Jay posted this video on his blog and I though it was hilarious, so I wanted to share it with you. This is Anthem Lights cover of Justin Bieber's song Never Say Never. This is what happens when the guys from Anthem Lights and their friends Kelsey and Ty get bored. It is really funny!

The Illusionist

Almost two weeks ago I to got to the Big Ticket Festival. It was an absolute blast! (A review of the Big Ticket is coming soon.) Anyway I got to see this guy Tom 'The Illusionist' Coverly. He had some amazing illusions, but he had an even greater testimony. I wanted to share a video of one of his illusions that he did with Barlow Girl with you. Enjoy.

Sojourn The Water And The Blood Giveaway

I am giving away a brand new copy of Sojourn's album "The Water And The Blood". To see what I thought of the album, you can read my Review.

Mandatory Entry: For the mandatory entry you must leave a comment and tell me what your favorite band is. It's that easy. Also you MUST leave some form of contact (Email, Twitter, Etc.).

Extra Entries:

1. Comment on my Review of Sojourn's The Water And The Blood album. (Make sure that you leave a comment on this post telling me that you commented on my review.)
2. Like The Christian Music Junkie on Facebook
3. Like Sojourn on Facebook
4. Follow @Drummin_4_Jesus on Twitter
5. Follow @sojournmusic on Twitter
6. Comment on any of my other posts. (leave a comment here telling me that you commented on another post.)
7. Blog about this giveaway
8. Tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet Daily, but please leave a separate comment each time you do so.) Sample Tweet:

Enter 4 chance 2 win Sojourn's CD The Water & The Blood from @Drummin_4_Jesus Ends 7/15
U have a Great chance 2 #WIN http://goo.gl/Zgu6I

Please leave a separate comment for each of the extra entries. These extra entries will result in ONE extra entry for each thing you do. If you already do any of these things leave a comment telling me. Remember you MUST leave some form of contact so I can contact you if you win. The winner will be randomly selected July 15th 2011 at 9pm EST. The winner must reply to winning email or tweet within 48 hours in order to receive the prize. (Only entries from the United States and Canada, please.) If you have any questions, feel free to email thechristianmusicjunkie@gmail.com

This giveaway is now closed and the winner has been emailed!

We Are Leo

Ok so I am sure that most of you have heard that Ben Kasica (Skillet's old guitar player) has left Skillet. He is now working more with Skies Fall Records. I found this video today about a really cool band that is actually signed with Skies Fall Records. I got to see this band play live and they put on a great upbeat and encouraging show. In this video Ben tells us a little bit more about Skies Fall and We Are Leo. Enjoy, and make sure that you check out We Are Leo on Facebook and Twitter.