Friday, April 6, 2012

Independent Artist Of The Week: Lightswitch

This weeks Independent Artist Of The Week is "Lightswitch". I actually didn't find "Lightswitch", they kind of found me. They followed me on twitter and so I checked out their music, and I really liked it. If you want to know more about the band you can read their bio which I posted below.


"In most cases out in the country things tend to be rather quiet, but in the small town of Wilson Wisconsin, that’s not exactly the case. On most farms you may hear an occasional moo, or the crow of a rooster, but rarely do you hear the beat of drums or the sound of the electric guitar. However on this little ranch just about the time when things start to quiet down for the evening, and the neighbors “hit the hay” for the night, windows start to rattle and the animals begin to wake to the blasts of music sounding out across the plain. A group of four brothers with sleep as the last thing on their minds begin to revise the atmosphere with a new energy. 


 Their humble beginnings as a band started with the blare of old beat up guitar amps, and the sounds of a piano, and the beat of an old rusty drum set, marking the start of a new era, the infant stages of a band now known as Lightswitch. In the year 2001 they played their first gig in a local theater in the small town of Spring Valley WI, From there, they went on to play for churches, youth groups, and many local events, steadily gaining popularity.

 In their more recent years they have expanded their borders and are now performing nation-wide for events both large and small. The four brothers come from a large family of nine children. Abraham, the oldest of the nine and the leader of the band, had the desire to play music at a very young age. He was the first to step into the world of music, and soon after his brothers followed him. When Abraham was 12 years old he started playing the keyboard for church services, from there he took it to the next level and began singing and writing his own music.

 Gabe was 14 when he started playing electric guitar. In his early years he would spend hours at a time with his guitar, going up and down scales, learning new bar chords, and creating new sounds. Gabe’s enjoyment for music and his passion for God is the fuel behind his talented guitar playing.
When Moises was 7 he started playing drums on an old beat up drum set in a corner of the basement where his creativity inspired a new beat almost every time he picked up the sticks. Even when he was away from his set, the rhythms in his head would come out on spoons, kettles, pencils or what ever he had in his hands at the time. His unique and skilled beats are a major contributing factor to the bands originality.

 Sam being the youngest in the band, picked up the bass when he was 8 years old, and hasn’t set it down since. With his outstanding ability to learn at such a young age, he quickly developed the skills it took to become a phenomenal bass player. The brothers worked hard at their music, and after much time and dedication, they came out with their first album, released in the year of 2007. The band has progressed over the years, and their desire to serve God through their music continually grows stronger each time they take the stage.
 Known and loved by many people for being accessible and personable with fans, Their goal is to help people of all ages realize that God loves them and has a plan for them, while encouraging them to live an uncompromising life for God, in a compromising world. The band’s trend setting style of music and their gentle, yet uncompromising message of faith explains why this band has captured the ears and hearts of all ages, ethnic, and social statuses, playing to one of the most diverse audiences of as independent band."
Now it is time for the music!!! Below is the official music video for "You Are The Way" by Lightswitch.



Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Tenth Avenue North's New Album

Tenth Avenue North recently announced that they are releasing a brand new album this summer titled "The Struggle". Below is the official message from Tenth Avenue North's very own Jeff Owen.



It’s been a long time coming.  

The title of our next album will be “The Struggle.”
We’ve sent the final mixes off to get mastered, then we pick the wrapping paper, bundle her up and send her off to your local record store. Expect a release on August 21st.
We called this project “The Struggle” from the like-titled track because we felt this best represented the collection as a whole. From life to death, birth to final rest, this life is a struggle. We have a disposition to trials and tribulations in this world, but the one thing we don’t have to work to earn is grace. Most of the songs come from: coming to reconciliation, dealing with how God drawing you to himself can bring hurt and pain, and prayers of deliverance. 
“Hallelujah we are free to struggle. But we’re not struggling to be free. Your blood bought and makes us children- so children drop your chains and sing.”

We began working on this album last January. We spent countless hours writing and demoing in my house, and in various locker rooms wherever we played on the road. We recorded the voices of over 750 fans in 12 cities while on tour to really bring a tangible reality to what we were writing. We toiled over recording the right parts and mixing the songs perfectly so our fans would hear the best music we could produce. There’s been tears, arguments, leaps of joy, countless emails, and everything in between.

What we have is what I think is the best work this band has done since I’ve been graced by their presence 8 years ago in a field by the water is South Florida. Since the release of "The Light Meets The Dark," we’ve lost a member, but gained two. We’ve grown more than we ever have in the past. We’ve learned so much and come so far. God willing we’ll continue to make music. 
I just want to say thank you to everyone who believes in this band. Thank you for seeing Christ in us rather than a band of struggling misfits. 
Looking forward to the future, my friends.
-jeff

FREE Willet EP Download

Do you remember last weeks Independent Artist Of The Week, WILLET? Well I just found out that you can download their 6 song EP for FREE!!! All you have to do is enter your email and zip code!



You can go to WILLET's website to get your free download. Also while I was on the band's website I seen that they are trying to raise money to play at the 2012 Olympics! On their website it says:

"If you were given the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus at one of the world's most popular events in 2012, would you say yes?

Willet has been invited to perform and share the gospel at the 2012 London Summer Olympics through a partnership with YWAM. The band will not be paid for this performance, and has to cover the expenses for flights to London. However, continuing our message of "Love On The Outside" this year, we have answered the call with "YES" and are trusting God for his provision. (Maybe Jeremy can even challenge Michael Phelps in the swimming pool?).

Would you consider joining with us to advance the gospel of Jesus to the nations in 2012 by making a donation to send the band into London this summer? If so, click here to make an online donation."






Monday, April 2, 2012

KJ-52 - Dangerous Review

Although I don't really like to call KJ-52 a Hip Hop veteran, in some ways he is. Considering tomorrow, April 3rd, KJ is going to be releasing his 7th studio album "Dangerous". Now a quick warning before I start the review....I am a fan of KJ-52, but I will do my best to not be biased.


The album starts off with the fun dance song "It's Goin Down", featuring Canton Jones. After seeing KJ-52 in concert a couple times I can easily say he has the most fun show I have ever been to, and this song was made for an energetic and fun concert experience! With an electrifying sound that makes you want to dance, this song will be a hit at concerts! Next up is the song that I am sure a lot of people are excited for, "They Like Me" featuring Lecrae. This song is really good, although I was hoping for more of a dance sound similar to the previous song, I still loved this song! This song deals with the racial issues in the church, with different perspectives from KJ and Lecrae.

The next song "Superhero" talks about the ultimate superhero, who helps us when we need Him. KJ uses references of other superhero's and their powers, to and a comic twist to this song. Next is the self titled song "Dangerous". This song is a bit slower with more singing, which helps to make the song even more powerful. This song has the typical rapping of KJ-52, but it also features some singing by KJ and I was slightly surprised at how good it sounds.The next song "Facemelt" has more of a rock sound with some rap mixed in. I love rock anthem kind of sound that this song has, and the beat that is running through this song is killer!


The next song on the album is "Shake Em Up" featuring Thi'sl. The chorus of this song is quite catchy, after hearing once it was stuck in my head! The lyrics of this song talk about God shaking you up and reminding you to live dangerously for him. The message of this song is the common theme through out the album. Also I think the mix of vocals with KJ and Thi'sl added a lot to this track, and I really enjoyed it. The next song "Do The Bill Cosby" featuring George Moss has the same kind of vibe as KJ's song "Tweezy Dance". Although this song doesn't exactly have a message, I still love it! Once again I know this song would be awesome in concert. This song is funny and funky, just what I was looking for. Plus George Moss and KJ are awesome rapping together.


When the next song "So Far Apart" starts who hear the voice of Emily from "Shine Bright Baby", and it actually threw me off a little. This song has a lot of singing on both parts so its not quite as much rap but I like it, not my favorite on the album but still good. The next song "Brand New Day" brings an exciting electronic sound to the album. I would say that this song is one of my top songs on the album. This song is a very hopeful and encouraging song. The next song is "Speed That Light" and it features Rhema Soul. This song is a thrilling techno infused song, that talks about how we as Christians are suppose to be the light of the world.

The next song "That Was My Life" features Dre Murray. This song has some cool effects but the main focus is the lyrics which talk about KJ's life before he was saved by the grace of God. Also a little side note towards the end of the song there are some killer guitars! The last song on the album is "Go". This song is another exhilarating dance song, with an awesome beat! This song has more singing, but that definitely doesn't mean its slow!

I was pleasantly surprised by this album, I expected it to be pretty good considering it's KJ-52, but it was better than I expected. Although I haven't heard all of KJ's albums, of the ones I have heard I would say that this is the best. I thought that "Dangerous" had the perfect mix of  meaningful songs and then just fun songs. The over all sound of the album is better than previous albums in my opinion. I really enjoyed this album and I think you will too! I would easily give "Dangerous" 5 stars!


Saturday, March 31, 2012

Giveaway Winner

The winner of the Dave Barnes giveaway has been randomly selected and the winner is....Evan! Congrats Evan on winning the album. Also to enter you had to tell me what your favorite music video was and so without further or do.....the winners favorite video is, "Let It Fade" by Jeremy Camp. You can watch the video below, and also be on the lookout for some other great giveaways coming soon! To stay up to date on the latest news, make sure you like The Christian Music Junkie on Facebook.

FREE $2 Amazon MP3 Credit (ENDS 4/1)

You can get $2 in Amazon MP3 credit for free, but you have to do it quick because the offer ends tomorrow night! All you have to do to get the credit, is go here and enter the code HITUMBLR.  Then you can use your $2 in MP3 credit to buy any songs you want! I got "Dum Dum" by Tedashii and "Letters To The President" by Hawk Nelson. What are you going to get? Feel free to comment and let me know! You must redeem the credit by 11:59 p.m. PST on April 1, 2012. Limit one promotional credit per customer.
 
Thanks Justin at Justin's Christian Music Spot for the heads up!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Who Will Be Hawk Nelson's Lead Singer?

After Jason Dunn announced that he would be leaving Hawk Nelson to pursue his solo career with his band Lights Go Down, fans wondered who would be taking the place of the lead singer?


Well recently Jonathan Steingard (center right) has hinted on his twitter page, that he is going to be stepping up as lead singer of Hawk Nelson. He has sang for his solo project's September Satellite & The Natural Anthem, and he sounds really good so I am excited to see what is in store for Hawk Nelson. Jonathan also said that he has been working on writing some new stuff for the band. I will keep you informed as more news unfolds.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Independent Artist Of The Week: WILLET

For this weeks Independent Artist Of The Week I chose WILLET. They are a Christian rock band from Westminster, Maryland. Below is their biography from their Facebook page.
 
 
"After being raised in a Christian home with years of music lessons from their father, 3 brothers from Maryland (Jeremy, Justin & Jordan) started a rock band in 2006, touring simply under their last name, Willet. Since that time, the band has been touring full time (performing over 150 shows per year), recorded and released 6 studio albums, sold over 20,000 records, won independent music awards, an...d landed several independent #1 radio singles. In addition to releasing all albums worldwide, the band has delivered worship songs for congregational use in North America through CCLI.

Although many considered the band “successful” in the music industry, these achievements took second place to the main focus of the group. Through Willet tours, over 2,500 'Food for the Hungry' children living in extreme poverty have been sponsored & the band has led several trips to Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda & Haiti to visit the children. In addition, Jeremy and his wife, Kathleen, lived in Haiti for a year (2009-2010) where Kathleen served as a community development facilitator during the January 2010 earthquake.

At the end of 2010, the band started an organization called 'The Hunger Strike' as a way to respond to physical & spiritual needs around the world. This organization became an official partner of 'Food for the Hungry', staying true to the vision to respond to God’s call “until physical and spiritual hungers are ended worldwide”. Willet as a band continues to tour the world, but now also has office space located in Westminster, MD for Hunger Strike staff.

In 2011, the band added Tyler Klusmann from South Dakota as a studio & touring drummer. The band's latest release is 'Love on the outside EP.' (2012) produced by Grammy Nominated, Aaron Gillespie (Underoath, The Almost).
 
New E.P. "Love on the outside" (produced by Aaron Gillespie) available on 4.3.12 as a FREE DOWNLOAD @ www.willetonline.com".
 
 
Now check out WILLET's new lyric video for their song "Love On The Outside".
 
 
 

Robbie Oster - My King Review

Independent artist Robbie Oster released his first album "My King", at the end of 2011. Robbie's passion for music started at an early age, playing the drums. He then went on to lead worship in different churches, which helped to develop his musical passion. Robbie is "very excited to share the album with the public and hope that the music serves as inspiration that no matter what, there's always hope."



After listening to the entire album, I thought that it was pretty good. There were parts that were a little rough around the edges for example, in some parts you can tell it is an independent release, just because the quality doesn't sound quite as good. Although for the most part the music was good, there were some parts that I thought didn't quite fit, but then there were others that I thought how did they come up with that! I would say that I enjoyed the album the most towards the end.

Robbie's vocals on the first couple songs didn't work as well for me, because it kind of seemed like he was trying too hard to hit some of the notes. The songs towards the middle and at the end of "My King" were really good though! All throughout the album I loved the hopeful lyrics, and to me lyrics are a HUGE part of the music. So with that being said I would give this album a 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Track List

1. One Chance
2. My King
3. If It Wasn't For You
4. In Your Hands
5. Heaven
6. Lead Me
7. One True Love
8. Faithful One
9. You're Beautiful
10. Freedom
11. Broken Melody
12. Reflection

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Independent Artist Of The Week: A Beautiful Oblivion

For this weeks Independent Artist Of The Week I decided to try a different style of music, so I present "A Beautiful Oblivion". They are a Christian Symphonic MetalCore band.
 
 
"A Beautiful Oblivion, (ABO) is a group of 5 Guys who have a passion for music and strong desire to share the hope they have found in Jesus Christ. Their faith is shown very strongly in the name of the band. The definition of Oblivion is this: The official overlooking of offenses, or pardon. In the bands name, this is referring to the beauty of Jesus’ sacrifice for us through the pardoning of all o...ur past offenses. He knows who we are, and everything we have done, good and bad. While knowing this, He still loves us and died for our sins. This act is truly , “A Beautiful Oblivion”!

ABO started 4 years ago and since then has gone through changes to make it the band it is today. The band consists of Cody DeGraff on keys, synth, and clean vocals / John Edwards on lead vocals/ Justin Hausman on lead guitar and clean vocals vocals / Jameson Trudel on Bass / and Gabe Klingman on drums. As a band, they are always writing new music and pushing their musical talents to the limits and are not happy to just stay the same. In their live performances this shines through with the level of energy and passion that is displayed. The band also has a mission with the lyrics written to sing of God’s grace and how they constantly fall short of His glory; but though His love it empowers them with the motivation to be good and faithful servants to Him. While at the same time showing His love to everyone whom they come in contact with. This is the core of who they are as a band, and what they hope to represent to others. They live this mission out, at shows or anywhere else you might see the guys, taking time to just chat and get to know different people and stories they may have. This is how they connect and stay grounded. The guys’ mission as a band is to reach out to listeners using their music as a tool to minister the teaching and love of Jesus Christ.

Just recently they recorded and released an EP “Secrets She Wrote” which tells of the story of a girl who goes through many trials in life. She struggles with various circumstances and tragedy, she even contemplates suicide. In the end though, after all she thought she had is completely stripped away, she hears God call her name. She listens to the voice of Grace, and in the end finds she has been given more than she could ever dream." - A Beautiful Oblivion's Facebook page
 
Below is A Beautiful Oblivion's song "Silence Screams So Loud". Let me know what you think. If you have any suggestions of Indie bands I should feature, or even just a style of music, let me know in a comment or send me an email at thechristianmusicjunkie@gmail.com.
 
 

FREE Album From A Beautiful Oblivion

There is a small hardcore Christian rock band called "A Beautiful Oblivion" that is giving away brand new copies of their album "Secrets She Wrote". Below is what they posted on their Facebook page.



"You want OUR ALBUM FOR FREE!!!???

Okay so here is the deal!:

1. get one friend to "LIKE" our Facebook page
2. send us your email
3. send us your zip code
4. Tell us what state you live in.
Do all that, and we will send your our album "secrets she wrote" for FREE!!!! Do it all! and FREE ALBUM FOR YOU!!!!

... Please send us a email letting us know you did the above - abeautifuloblivionband@gmail.com

Love you!!!
Keep rocking!!!"
 
 
I am not a huge fan of the hardcore metal sounding music, but I listened to a couple of their songs and liked what I heard so I am going to be getting a copy of their new album! To get your copy, follow the steps! Step 1..... get a friend to "like" their Facebook page.
 
 

Evan Craft Interview

Evan Craft releases a brand new album on Tuesday called "Giants". I reviewed the album and thought it was awesome, you can read the review here. I also got to ask Evan a few questions about the new album, plus some background history on how he got started as a musician. Below is the interview, my question are in white and Evan's answers are in blue.



Can you give us a little background history on how you got started as a musician?

My dad bought me a guitar for my twelfth birthday. Shortly after, my youth group needed someone to step up as a worship leader and my friend Beau and I decided to give it a shot. God really blessed us and inspired us in those years.


Who are some of your musical inspirations?

Jimmy Needham. He has great melodies and wonderful chord structures, as well as deep and insightful lyrics displaying a thirst for God. I am a huge fan! Besides Jimmy, I grew up on DC Talk and Hillsong. I love John Mayer’s blues live recordings, too.


What would you say is the main message that you are trying to convey
with your new album "Giants"?

Obstacles happen. I’ve found myself up against things that are too difficult to deal with by myself and it is God who always gets me through. Zechariah 4:6 talks about how God’s Spirit will do what might or power cannot, whether it be healing a broken heart or inspiring a generation. God is bigger than any giant.


If you could tour with any band, who would it be?

Jimmy Needham again! I am pursuing this right now actually. Matt Kearney and Parachute are close seconds.


What is the best piece of advice that you have been given?

Not to compare myself to anyone else. God gave me a purpose and it is my own; different than the other six billion people on earth.


If you had to choose, what would be your favorite song on the new
album "Giants"?

My favorite song is “Reclaim”. It is the last song I wrote on the album and it is all about God’s heart to take back for His kingdom what the enemy has stolen; the innocent, the lost, the abandoned, the oppressed. God is using you and me to fight for them today. The song was overwhelming to write and it is humbling to be used as an instrument for God.


Where is your favorite venue that you have played at? Why?

Grupo Unidad Church in Tijuana, Mexico. We played for thousands of locals who were singing and dancing. I’ll never forget it. It was a great way to end a month long mission trip to Tijuana.


What music have you been listening to lately?

I love Spanish music! I’ve been hooked on a Spanish band, Jarabe de Palo. I also really love Hillsong’s Spanish worship albums.


Five Random Bonus Questions

1. What is your dream vehicle?

Any Audi. I love the way they look, and it would be a huge upgrade from what I drive today. Or a motorcycle.


2. If you had one day to do anything, anywhere, what would you do?

I would spend it venturing through a big city in South America or see Machu Picchu!


3. What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

I hitchhiked in France to go see WWII sights. I only made it through half of my plans though.


4. What is your favorite season? Why?

I love Christmas time, but I wish Los Angeles had a bit of snow.


5. If you could be a character in any movie, who would you be?

Liam Neeson in Taken. I want to be able to protect my future daughter like he did in the movie.


Is there anything you would like to add?

I hope everyone who hears the album gets to enjoy “No Hay Nadie”, the bonus song. It is a sneak peak of what is to come in the future!


You can find out even more about Evan on Facebook and Twitter.

Evan Craft - Giants Album Review

Signed to Dream Records, pop / rock musician Evan Craft releases his brand new album "Giants" on March 27th.


The album starts off with the fun song "The Sky Is Falling". I love the beat of this song, and I think it would be really cool in concert. I really like the lyrics in "The Sky Is Falling" when it says "Would you catch me if I fall / Cause I would hate to lose it all / And were you always with me all along". The next song "Fight Or Flea" is a short acoustic song, that acts like an intro to the self titled song "Giants". This song is one of my favorite songs on the album, I love the message it has plus the sound! The message that I got out of "Giants" is to not be intimidated by the giants in your life and instead stand up to them, like David and Goliath, because the bigger they are the harder they fall.

I absolutely LOVE the next song "Get Up". It has a great groove with an awesome beat, that you want to clap along with or at least tap your foot along with! I can already tell this song will be on repeat on my iPod. The next song "Broken Heart" has guest vocals by Qis Walker & Lauren Thurston. With the female vocals and also the rap, it adds a couple other dimensions to the song, which I thought was very cool. This song is one of my favorites on the album because of all the different sounds! The next song on the album is "Reclaim". This song has a good sound, but the best part in my opinion is the lyrics, that talk about the day when God comes and takes His kingdom back.


The next song "Human" also has some guest vocals, but on this song the guest vocals are by Jonathan Thulin. This song is a little slower with piano, but once again the lyrics are great, "The disease that plague the weary / Cut their life span/ Am I not thinking clearly / How is this God's plan /....... /And you say /......./ I know you think I'm late / But now you shine like gold / Here you are I have been waiting for you". The previous songs have leaned more towards the pop sound or a worship sound, but the next song "Fighting Gravity" is more of a rock song. Although this song doesn't seem like it totally fits with the other songs, I thought it was a good addition to mix things up a little.

Things slow back down with the next song on the album "Lay Me Down". This song is a great worship song, with the lyrics but also with the sound, it just has that worship feel to it. Like you should turn around and then you would see a group of people just praising God. The next song "Clarity" is more of an upbeat and fast paced song. This is yet another one of my favorite songs on the album, because of the energy it has and it is just exciting! The last song on the album, "No Hay Nadie" is a bonus song that is a preview of what is to come with Evan Craft. This song is in Spanish, which I thought was amazing! Although I am not fluent in Spanish, I thought this song sounded awesome, I just can't tell you what the lyrics are about! Although I know the name "No Hay Nadie" means "No One".

Although there were parts of this album that weren't perfect, I still loved it! I think that this album has the right blend of fun and energetic songs mixed with great vocals. "Giants" also has a good solid message throughout the entire album, which is very much appreciated. I really enjoyed this album, and in a lot of ways it reminded me of Tenth Avenue North, with the feel the music and lyrics had. I would give this album a 4.5/5 stars.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Proclaim Church Software Giveaway

*THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED*

I had the pleasure of reviewing the church presentation software Proclaim. Now I get to giveaway a month of the service to one lucky individual!


To Enter: All you have to do to enter is send me an email at thechristianmusicjunkie@gmail.com with your name, and you will be entered to win! It's that simple!

The winner will be randomly selected sometime after 3pm on Friday April 6th. They will have 48 hours to reply or another winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to EVERYONE not just in the U.S. and Canada!!!

Proclaim Church Software Review

Proclaim is a computer software for churches. This software enables churches to organize their service and it gives them the tools to make it even better. I got to try out this software and now I am letting you know what I thought.


I don't have a lot of experience with church presentation software, but I love to design things on the computer and put together video slide shows, so I thought I would give this a shot! I was a little overwhelmed at first with all of the different options that Proclaim has, but I quickly picked it up and started to design my own church presentation.

One thing I noticed as soon as I started was that the software does a lot of the thinking for you. When you put something in your presentation Proclaim makes sure that it fits the best it can, and that it is the right size. You can customize and adjust the stuff if you want something different, but you shouldn't need to. Another helpful thing is that when you enter something in once, like you church name, or song name, you don't have to keep typing it in; the software puts it where it thinks it should go....and its usually right!


Another great feature Proclaim has, is that your tech team or worship team can all collaborate on the same project, yet they can be on different computers. I think that would be really helpful when it comes to getting every ones opinions and input without having to having to go to a lot of meetings.

You can add almost anything to your presentation including a countdown to the beginning of the service, a welcome message, song lyrics, pictures, videos, event reminders, bible verses and more. One thing that I thought was really awesome was that Proclaim can send information out to the smart phones in your congregation. With each slide you get the option to set a quote or scripture to send out to phones in the audience! Isn't that awesome!


I would recommend Proclaim to almost all churches and definitely don't forget that you could use it for your youth groups, events, children's ministry and much more! To find out even more about Proclaim and to buy your own software, visit their website.