- http://www.hearitfirst.com/tobymac
 TobyMac is more than just your run-of-the-mill triple threat. On one hand he ranks among the most successful artists in Christian music history in terms of radio success, sales power and critical acclaim. On the other he is universally recognized as a creative force, an artistic maverick and a prophetic voice for racial reconciliation, social justice and a fierce devotion to faith and family. On the third hand, he's the most humble and approachable merchant of cool on the scene today. Yeah; that's three hands. Some things defy common logic.
Obviously, when it comes time for a new TobyMac record to drop there are a lot of people paying attention. His rampant eclecticism and consistent excellence have set the bar very high, and on his third solo outing, Portable Sounds, he does not disappoint. An increased commitment to melody and soulful singing abounds, while his now trademarked rock/funk/hip-hop side hits deeper grooves and catchier hooks than ever before. On February 20th, the man Christianity Today called "one of the fifty most influential evangelical leaders in America" sets a new standard with the release of Portable Sounds.
His solo career took off from the first notes, with two GOLD albums, six Number One singles, two Grammy nominations and widespread critical acclaim. But to hear TobyMac talk about the passion and drive he has for this, his third solo outing, it sounds like all that was just the wind-up, and Portable Sounds is the pitch. The artist, producer, songwriter, industry leader and father of five was not the slightest bit interested in going through any motions. "Passion for my art drives me so long as I feel the Most High breathing new songs through me. I committed on this project that when writing and recording I will never rely on what has worked in the past and never fear what hasn't. The canvas is blank and the colors are endless."
As a result, a new lyrical flavor developed on a few of Portable's tracks. "I wanted to write a few songs that were simply prayers," he adds. "Over the years I have noticed some consistency in what I appeal to God for, like... ‘Help me remember what this is all about...God I don't want to be that jaded man. I don't want to be that hardened artist. I want to remain soft in your hands, so that you can shape me into a vessel that you can breathe through.' I've been in multiple bands and on the road for a while, playing the same venues, visiting the same radio stations, working with the same label. My fight is to remain fresh, unjaded, where I'm not looking through hollow eyes, but I'm looking at things like they're new again. I expected amazing things while recording this record. I'm not talking about sales or first week numbers or critics. I'm talking about people's lives being touched by this music God is breathing through me. The wonder of it all remains and at any moment I want to be transported into uncharted recording waters not relying on my own understanding. That is why I continue to be passionate. I'm forever counting on what He'll do."
The resulting album is the most dynamically diverse collection of TobyMac songs yet. "Made to Love" opens the set up with its inspirational lyric and irresistible melody and is followed by "Boomin'", a huge rock / funk/hip-hop spectacle in the tradition of his best jams. The diversity continues with generous helpings of edgy funk-rock driven tracks, ("Suddenly," "I'm For You," "Fly,") groovy disco / reggae pop ("One World," "No Ordinary Love,") and richly textured pop "All In," "Face of the Earth," and "Lose My Soul." It will thus come as no surprise to see more mature pop music listeners in the TobyMac club alongside his younger and seemingly inexhaustible die-hard fans as this recording dives to lyrical depths from the guy known to ignite the party.
It's all part of the plan. "I'm always trying to fill in the void," he insists, "especially stylistically. There are certain things I enjoy about doing a record that's diverse; I just enjoy it. I want something that hits hard, and something that grooves. Sometimes it's both of those together and sometimes they are separate. Sometimes I want something that speaks to the whole human race or I may drop something that speaks to the church."
He's just as intentional about the sounds used to convey those sentiments. With musical reference points set on the magical time in urban music when disco was dying and funk was being born, TobyMac, along with his main producer Chris Stevens brought in authentic horn sections and strings to add genuine color to the already funky tracks. "Bands like Parliament, Sly and the Family Stone, The Gap Band, Earth Wind and Fire, The Commodores and Cameo were all in the back of our minds in this production," he reveals.
"I almost called this record A Soundtrack to Life," he reveals. "This is a record of thoughts moving through me, and music that best supports and enhances those ideas." His blue eyes gleam when he's in the zone, and with absolutely humility he knows that he is. "This is what it is, and I love it. It's who I am." It's a recording that is heart and soul, street smart and gritty, yet vulnerable and honest. It's the rallying cry and the confession, the strength and the weakness; "Portable Sounds" is real life. |
- http://www.hearitfirst.com/hawknelson
 Everybody needs a friend. From the modern phenomenon of social networking websites like MySpace and Facebook to the classic comfort found alongside special schoolmates and work buddies, we're always looking for someone with whom we can laugh and cry.
Since 2004, music lovers have enjoyed a real camaraderie with rising pop-rock band Hawk Nelson, helping the quartet sell nearly half a million albums, land personal appearances on major television and motion picture projects, and gain high-profile song placement ("Bring ‘Em Out") with NBC's NFL Sunday Night Football campaign.
Elsewhere, Hawk Nelson has found friends on tour with tobyMac and MxPx and at the Women of Faith's Revolve events for girls, rocking Christian radio hits like "The Show," "Take Me," "California," "Letters to the President," and "Everything You Ever Wanted."
Now the true bond of friendship between the group and others continues to strengthen, mature, and be more overtly celebrated than even before with the Canadian-originated act's greatly anticipated third Tooth & Nail release, Hawk Nelson Is My Friend.
"Going into this record, we sat down and thought about how we've always had this mentality of not so much winning fans as making friends," says born frontman Jason Dunn. "We want to be clear that we're all about being on the same level as the audience."
"The album title is also what's printed across the front of our most popular tee shirt," adds quintessentially friendly Hawk Nelson bass player Daniel Biro. "And there's a little joke in there, because so many people still think ‘Hawk Nelson' is some guy's name."
To be fair, that mix-up happens a lot less these days. In fact, the band's good name helped recruit some cool new compadres for the recording of Hawk Nelson Is My Friend. For the first time, the guys worked with top producer David Bendeth (Elvis, Paramore, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus), tracking at his New Jersey studio. And in addition to writing with longtime friend Trevor McNevan from Thousand Foot Krutch, Dunn and Biro also met and wrote with Matthew Gerrard (High School Musical, Hannah Montana), Our Lady Peace lead singer Raine Maida (Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson), and ‘80s pop star-turned-hit songsmith Richard Marx ("Right Here Waiting," Keith Urban).
Refreshingly, Hawk Nelson doesn't rest on its youthful success and had no problem reaching past previous formulas to create something uniquely enjoyable for its audience.
"We don't want to be that band whose record sounds just like the last one," Biro explains. "It's great to work with people who have so much experience and can help us grow."
In a raucously poetic sort of way, Hawk Nelson Is My Friend opens with first single "Friend Like That," a pounding rocker with fuzzy, spiraling guitars and fist-pumping Hey! Hey! Hey! Ramones-like shouts. Seeking Heaven's guidance and earthly alliance at the same time, the song declares, I need somebody on the inside, somebody who can set me free . . . Make some noise if you feel this way. Anybody got a friend like that?
Dunn explains, "So many people are struggling today. Most of all they need a friend, and we believe everyone has a friend in Christ."
"More and more we're realizing the difference that Jesus plays in our lives," echoes Biro. "A few years ago, when the mainstream TV and movie connections began to happen, I thought we'd have to watch what we said. But most often, our faith seems to leave a positive impression on whoever we meet at concerts, in the studio, wherever."
Deeper into the record, electrified new anthem and sure favorite "Arms Around Me" finds Hawk Nelson touching on social and spiritual issues of regret and forgiveness, thankful for God's mercy and the friends who are, Always near me, even when it's ugly.
Like its loyal audience, Hawk Nelson shows clear signs of growth on new songs like "One Little Miracle." Co-written with Marx, the track captures a perfect pop moment that blends innovative playing, great melodies, and a strong belief: One little revolution could turn it all around, back to the kingdom we once knew; just a little bit of me and a little bit of you . . . one little miracle to get us through.
"Not the Same" marks a clear step ahead in the band's artistry as well. Although Hawk Nelson's early punk influences (Green Day, Blink 182) are still evident, this richly textured song about the past represents a progression into mellower yet no less passionate musical territory that is matched by the lyrical declaration of we're onto something new.
Essential to the all-around appeal of Hawk Nelson Is My Friend are the contributions of guitarist Jonathan Steingard and drummer Aaron Tosti. In talking about cuts like "One Little Miracle" and "Not the Same," Biro describes the remarkably dynamic and highly melodic and muscular guitar parts as being "so good I could cry." And it was Tosti who set the energetic tone for the entire record, laying his confident, seasoned rhythms down first alone in the studio when a time crunch required the rest of Hawk Nelson to stay out on tour with a fill-in stickman.
For all of their adventures thus far, Hawk Nelson's members attribute any good fortune to "the hand of God in our lives" and still see themselves as "four guys trying to make it," says Dunn. "We'll always be working toward that, trying to write the best songs possible."
Hawk Nelson Is My Friend most definitely lives up to that goal. Their friends will love it. |
- http://www.hearitfirst.com/brandonheath
 Brandon Heath likes the little moments.
Those opportunities to observe, process and act upon what he witnesses in the world surrounding him are the primary traits of a great songwriter, something Heath continues to showcase on his second Reunion Records release, What If We.
Even the album's title grew up out of one of those little moments, a conversation Heath was having with a mentor that sent the Nashville native, now Houston resident, spinning off into thought.
"Every part of that phrase, ‘what if we,' is important," Heath says. "I don't even look at it as incomplete – dot, dot, dot – because the ‘what if' part is about possibilities, obviously. But the ‘we' part is saying, ‘let's do this together, let's not do this alone.'"
"One of the things that bothers me about this world is that we're all in this for ourselves. We're looking out for number one. I don't want to be alone, I want to live life with other people. God even says it's better to join together in service to Him."
Community is at the very core of who Brandon Heath is both as a private person and public figure. He shares this idea with friends and followers alike, both of which have grown considerably since the release of his 2006 debut project Don't Get Comfortable which produced national touring and multiple radio hits, including the No. 1 blockbuster song "I'm Not Who I Was."
Heath has garnered professional accolades, to be sure, with the success of songs like "I'm Not Who I Was" also generating the steam that earned him multiple Dove Award nominations in 2008, including taking the trophy home for New Artist of the Year. He was also nominated for Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year for "I'm Not Who I Was."
Heath has also been able to take that public platform and merge it with his heart for community, working with Young Life, Blood:Water Mission, Restore International and unofficially many other human rights agencies on the larger global scale, even turning his attention to trials near his hometown of Nashville. After parts of the city and surrounding areas were ravaged by a string of tornadoes in April 2008, Brandon quickly organized a highly-effective benefit concert for the storm victims, evidence of living big in the little moments.
But even as success as an artist started to come his way, Heath knew that his personal, creative satisfaction was always going to come in the form of his songwriting. And where many new artists get caught up, for good or ill, in the swirl of activity surrounding that first record, Heath buckled down and maintained his focus on the talent and skill that brought him to the table in the first place.
"One of the things I think was good about the season around the last record is that I didn't stop writing," Heath says. "Going out and singing songs every night was kinda something I initially dreaded, but I loved it way more than I thought I would, which is why it took me so long to become an artist because I wasn't sure I wanted to perform for a live audience."
"But my first love is songwriting," he continues, "so I wrote and wrote and wrote. I wrote with my favorite songwriters, and I wrote with some people I had always wanted to write with but was too afraid to ask. I put myself out there a little bit more this time."
Heath, both working solo and together with co-writers, wrote more than 40 songs in preparation for What If We, and of the 11 that finally made the cut, it's fascinating to take a look at how many deal with those little moments -- moments of loneliness, of triumph, of questioning, and of longing.
Heath admits the process of collaboration with people like Jars of Clay's Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Stephen Mason, and Matt Odmark, plus award-winning writers Jason Ingram and Chad Cates, helped draw out and sharpen those individual moments. "I think the great thing about collaborative songwriting is that you can take some of their life experiences and meld them with your own, and come up with some truly original thoughts."
And so songs like "Give Me Your Eyes," about God letting us see the world as He sees it (which was born out of yet another little moment opportunity, people-watching at an airport) and "Sunrise," about holding out hope through what seems to be one's darkest period, and "Fight Another Day," about identifying those situations where seeing trouble through to the other side is the best option, grew up out of those collaborations, taking Heath's ideas and observations and sharpening them for maximum impact.
"There are things I wanted to say on this record that I wouldn't have been able to without the help of another writer. In turn, you're getting to help support them in what they do, but you're also bettering your own art in allowing other people to help mold what you do," Heath continues. "The other part of songwriting is relationships, and I think that's what the human experience is all about. So what better place to draw from than relating to someone in a room? You inevitably get into a conversation about the song that you're writing, and you get these great moments."
On the sonic side, Heath and producer Dan Muckala cast the course for What If We with a purposeful groove, letting Heath's voice convey both story and emotion as primary instrument, but also paving the way for a certain kind of sound. That intentional sound came out of what Heath was feeding himself, from a pop culture perspective, as the songs were coming to life.
"We had some songs that had a real Brit-rock feel to them, but I had been watching all these movies that were set in the West, dark movies like There Will Be Blood and 3:10 to Yuma. These films showed a period in our country where society was still figuring out wealth – oil, gold, land – and what order was going to look like, because we were still civilizing ourselves," Heath says. "Dan and I both started thinking, let's put something that sounded a little more American on there, let's put more growly guitar on it, more Stratocaster than Rickenbacker."
Tracks like the autobiographical "Wait and See" with it's updated country shuffle, the power pop of "Sore Eyes" and the crunchy anthem "Trust You" line up right alongside What If We's quieter material, like the abject love songs "London" and "Listen Up" and the album's emotional core "No Not One," co-written with Christy Nockels, formerly of Watermark and current Passion worship-leader.
"I love Christy's voice," Heath says. "It has always compelled me and I've always wanted to write with her. When it comes to Christian music, I think any conversation about vocalist-of-the-century has to have her in it."
It's relationship experiences like these that have led up to this moment in Heath's career. "All great ideas start with the phrase ‘what if we'," Heath notes. "If anything, I love a title that's a good conversation starter, but can catch people off guard. It is a little bit left of center."
But it's those times of being left of center, of being just a bit off kilter, or outside the comfort zone of the everyday, that make us stop, think, and take stock in the little moments all around us.
It makes us wonder...what if we... |
- http://www.newsongonline.com
 A touring legend and Christian radio hit-maker, NewSong is a Dove Award winner and GRAMMY nominee. The group has garnered 20 No. 1 singles, seven Dove Award nominations, numerous songwriting awards, and five of the Top 100 Christian radio singles of the past decade.
In 1994, they launched the first-of-its-kind Winter Jam Tour Spectacular concert series – multi-artist, ticket-less concerts that give thousands the opportunity not only to hear incredible music but to also hear the gospel message. Over 311,500 fans attended the 34 dates of the 2008 Winter Jam Tour Spectacular. Over 53,000 people made decisions for Christ and over 4,300 orphans were sponsored through Holt International's Children's Services "Waiting Child Program," a monthly sponsorship program that brings sustaining hope and support to orphaned, abandoned or vulnerable children awaiting full-time adoptions.
NewSong has hosted some of Christian music's all time greats on past Winter Jam Spectaculars, including, MercyMe, Steven Curtis Chapman, Newsboys, tobyMac, Jeremy Camp, Audio Adrenaline, Relient K, Tait & Sonic Flood and helped break such new artists as Todd Agnew, Building429, Matthew West, and Hawk Nelson.
NewSong was initially founded in the early 80s when original members Eddie Carswell and Billy Goodwin along with several others served as the "house band" at their local church. Throughout the years, numerous talented artists have become NewSong "alumni" before launching successful solo careers of their own. Among those alums are Russ Lee, Charles Billingsley and Michael O'Brien.
Their holiday anthem, "The Christmas Shoes," became a #1 mainstream radio hit and inspired a New York Times-bestselling book by Donna VanLiere and CBS Movie of the Week. The album of the same name was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album in 2003. |
- http://www.hearitfirst.com/francescabattistelli
"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us."—E.M. Forester
So, what do you want to be when you grow up?
It's a question that takes many people years and years of trial and error and self-discovery to figure out. But for singer/songwriter Francesca Battistelli, her mind was made up when she was only six years old. After seeing "The Secret Garden" on Broadway with her parents, the decision was ultimately a no-brainer. "There was just something about live theater—especially musical theater—that has always resonated with me," Francesca says. "So I thought that was it. I was going to be Mary Lennox in ‘The Secret Garden'."
Of course for anyone who knew her family, Francesca's passion for life on the stage wasn't all that surprising, given her mom and dad's extensive theater background. In fact, they'd met when her dad was the assistant conductor for the traveling production of "The King and I," while her mom played Anna, the show's female lead.
Like any girl with dreams of grandeur, Francesca knew carving out her own path in the ultra-competitive arts world wasn't going to be easy. But with her Broadway aspirations in the back of her mind and an insatiable work ethic, she stayed focused. Instead of signing up for the typical extracurriculars like cheerleading or sports, Francesca's life revolved around dance lessons and musical theater training.
And when Francesca was 15, she put her skills to good use in an all-girl mainstream pop group in Orlando, an experience that helped pave the way for what she does today. "We traveled all over and performed at Hard Rock Live and House of Blues a couple of times," Francesca recalls. "It was good for what it was because it tied together two things I loved: singing and dancing."
But when the gig eventually ended, Francesca says she was thankful for an opportunity to clear her head. "Not long after, I recharged my batteries by going to this youth ministry that I absolutely loved," Francesca shares. "It was there where the Lord really captured my heart for Christian music. I started playing guitar and really longed to bring something authentic to the scene that even non-Christians could listen to."
Armed with her passion for writing and hope for a hurting world, Francesca put pen to paper and crafted heartfelt, personal reflections on life and faith for what's now her major-label debut, My Paper Heart. Inspired by everyone from the jazz greats her dad introduced her to as a kid, to contemporaries like John Mayer, Sara Bareilles and Nichole Nordeman, Francesca set out to write "soulful pop music that someone pops in the morning and says, ‘Now I can start my day, I feel encouraged.'"
One of the first tracks Francesca wrote upon moving to Nashville, her first single "I'm Letting Go," not only highlights Francesca's expressive vocals but her overarching desire to encourage her peers not to settle for anything less than what God has for them.
"I'd just moved to Nashville, and I was sort of letting go of everything that someone can at 22 years old," Francesca shares. "And it's far better and different in more ways than I could've expected. There's a line in the song that says ‘I feel like I'm falling/And that's what it's like to believe.' Walking in faith is like free-falling, yet that's the best place to be. But so many of us are afraid to do that."
On the title track, Francesca tackles another universal fear—the fragility of the human heart. "This has been the hardest, scariest, most rewarding year of my life. I have known sorrow, and I have known joy," she shares. "God has spoken quietly the words of His heart, and He has shown me colors in the grayest hues of winter. He has sung songs over me in solitude, and He has never let go of my fragile, paper heart. He knows every corner of it—the tattered, torn, and untouched places. He knows the songs that move it, the words that pierce it, and the people He uses to change it. I am forever safe in His hands."
And while pouring out your heart doesn't always come easy for some, the songwriting process has been both cathartic and fun for Francesca. Describing it as "the most fun she's ever had professionally," Francesca's enthusiasm can't help but find its way into her music. In fact, whether she's talking about the spirited, funk-laden title track or the buoyant, accept-yourself-as-you-are anthem "Free to Be Me," Francesca bookends her commentary with "I really love this song. It's so much fun to sing." And that pervasive joy, along with Francesca's adventurous musicianship and relatable songwriting make My Paper Heart an impressive debut.
But even more important to Francesca than offering up a collection of catchy songs for the masses is speaking a message of truth and purpose.
"Ultimately, I want to be an encouragement as an artist and a fellow believer," Francesca says. "The Lord has continually called me to do things that are outside my comfort zone, whether it was accompanying myself on guitar for the first time in front of seasoned players or packing up and moving to Nashville last year knowing hardly anybody. Still, He's never left me, and He constantly shows me that it's worth it. I have parents who pray and encourage me to be bold and to take bold steps for Christ. I don't think that's common enough in the Christian culture. We have these big dreams, but many aren't willing to take the steps to go after them. Yet this is the moment. We're not promised tomorrow. So today's the day." |
- http://www.hearitfirst.com/tonynolan
 Tony's passion is "helping people get it about God's great love and salvation!" Tony recently served as Tour Pastor and Gospel Communicator for the Casting Crowns Lifesong Tour and Winter Jam; the largest Christian concert tour in America.
The tours crossed the U.S., visiting more than 119 cities and experiencingover 87,000 public professions of faith in Christ. Tony's love for Jesus and people is evident every time he speaks. An innovative Gospel communicator, Tony uses his wacky humor and passion for Christ to help people connect with God in a life-changing way. Recognized among the country's most influential Christian communicators, Tony speaks to more than 800,000 students each year though radio, TV, conferences, festivals, concerts, and church events.
An outspoken advocate of contemporary Christian music, Tony partners regularly in concerts and conferences with artists such as Casting Crowns, Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Mercy Me, Rebecca St. James, Joy Williams, Barlow Girl, Lincoln Brewster, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Relient K, SuperTones, Skillet, Pillar, Delirious, Toby Mac, and Building 429.
Tony is an author and producer of several popular teaching resources. He wrote the cutting-edge devotional book, "Faith Fuel – A Refueling Journey." He has also produced several popular DVD and CD resources, including LIFELIFT (featured on the Grammy award winning LifeSong DVD); LOST – Seeing and Seizing the Love of God; Spiritual 911 – Getting God's Help to Deal with Stress, Tests and All of Life's Mess!; and Steps – How to Walk and Not Stumble in a World that Tries to Trip You Up.
Before becoming an itinerant evangelist, Tony served on staff as college and singles' pastor at First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Georgia. Tony is a graduate of The Criswell College for Biblical Studies in Dallas, Texas. He lives in Woodstock, Georgia with his wife Tammy and their three children, Christy, Wil and Bradly. |
- www.hearitfirst.com/pureNRG
 From their energetic live performances to their deep-rooted desire to spread the gospel, pureNRG personifies the phrase "Faith in Action." The youthful trio burst onto the scene last year with their top-selling Fervent Records debut, rapidly becoming one of the most popular young acts in both mainstream and Christian circles.
pureNRG has become a favorite on Radio Disney and have logged a tremendous number of miles on the road—first as the opening act on Jump5's farewell tour, and most recently on the Winter Jam tour with MercyMe, BarlowGirl and Skillet. The group---comprised of Carolyne, Jordan, and Caroline---debuted last year with a self-titled CD and followed with two DVD releases that showcased not only their vocal skills, but also their amazing acrobatics and complex choreography.
The momentum continues with "Here We Go Again," the trio's sophomore release on Fervent Records. "It's high energy and it's also something that you can let your kids listen to," says Carolyne, describing the group's music with a directness and candor that seems older than her late tween years. "With my mom, if we want a CD, she has to check it out first and I think parents will feel very at ease with the CD and the songs because of the message and the energy. They know their kids will be having fun, but also listening to good music."
It's that combination of high-octane energy combined with lyrical integrity that lies at the core of pureNRG's success. Each member of the group brings a diverse skill set to pureNRG. They've all been involved in dance since the age of three and are all engaging vocalists who know how to deliver a great pop song with enviable style and panache. Most importantly, they are committed young believers who are active in church and their community.
In recording their second CD, the group once again enlisted producers Rob Hawkins and Mark Hammond, who steered the group's successful debut effort. Though none of the group members are even old enough to be sophomores in high school, they were suddenly faced with the possibility of one of the most feared phenomena in the music industry—the dreaded sophomore slump.
"We put it out of our minds because we were looking for the same kind of songs," says Jordan of the group's If-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it mentality. "When we started listening to songs for the new album, we were so in awe of how many great songs there were."
"Here We Go Again" opens with the buoyant title track, a high-energy tune with a catchy chorus that is an instant sing along. "Any Which Way" continues the good time vibe, and Jordan cites it among his favorites on the album. "It's saying to give yourself to God and to let Him take you wherever He wants you to go, and that's what we do," he says.
The female members of the trio are enthusiastic about the light-hearted anthem "Girls Can Change the World" and also cite "BFF" as another fun favorite they think their audience will relate to immediately. But as much as they shine on up tempo fare such as "Get Up" and "Like," the trio aren't afraid to slow it down and deliver a meaningful ballad. Among the album's highlights is a beautiful cover of the Nicole C. Mullen classic "Call on Jesus."
"I was really nervous doing it because I really love singing that song and I love Nicole Mullen," says Carolyne. "The producer and I would pray before every pass while recording it in the studio."
The group plans to incorporate the song into their live shows. "It's definitely a worship song and we want to incorporate worship songs into our set," says Caroline. "It's going to be cool."
pureNRG has a unique ability to take a song and make it their own. In addition to the new songs, the trio also revives a couple of pop chestnuts, bringing a 2008 update to such timeless gems as "That's What Friends Are For" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." They also deliver a youthful take on the Matthew West hit "More."
When they aren't on the road, Jordan, Carolyne, and Caroline attend school and are active in church activities. "We go to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays and it's like a normal school," explains Carolyne of the school they attend that caters to home-schooled students. "It's fun because we get to have school friends and be like normal kids. We usually go on the road Thursdays, and we just stay organized with our school work."
Being a member of pureNRG is a lot of work, but it's a mission the young members totally enjoy. "My most favorite part is when we learn the choreography," says Jordan of the hours they devote to rehearsing new routines. "I love doing something new and fresh."
pureNRG's stage show is totally engaging and the music both entertains and inspires. There's no denying the fun factor these three young artists bring to table, yet each one will readily tell you, there's so much more they want to offer. "We came here to teach kids and people about Christ and turn people's lives around," says Jordan.
"Our music is really fun and high energy most of the time," adds Caroline, "but we feel our relationship with God has changed our lives so much that we need to share that. We can also have the high-energy music that the mainstream has, but we can also spread God's name. That's what we feel we're here for."
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- http://www.hearitfirst.com/stephaniesmith
 When Stephanie Smith got her first glimpse of the father she'd desperately missed all of her 14 years, her heart was in her throat. She waited breathlessly as he shook hands with her mother, greeted her brother Matt, and finally turned to Stephanie. But his next words were anything but the healing she'd dreamed of for so long. "This must be Priscilla?" he asked.
The powerful story of Gotee artist Stephanie Smith might have played out very differently for someone less open to the hand of God. The young rocker with the big voice chose to surrender her sorrows to His glorious alchemy. The result? The eleven rocking tracks of Not Afraid, a debut overflowing with encouragement and solid pop rock anthems, all written or co-written by Stephanie. Not surprisingly, a theme of empowerment runs through the youthful, edgy album, sure to reach deeply into the audience Stephanie cares for so passionately.
Stephanie's own compelling redemption story drives the hope-drenched lyrics and gutsy honesty of Not Afraid. In a style as radio-friendly as today's top charters and with a message equally timely, Stephanie pours her road-tested strength into songs of affirmation like the fiercely-delivered, "Superstar," her raw vocals reminding the hopeless of their worth. Soaring pop-rock track "Beauty" is just as uplifting, its compassionate message directing toward peace within. Sprinkled liberally within the infectious rock hooks and crunchy rhythms of Not Afraid are much needed messages of affirmation and solace, sure to encourage a hungry generation. Smith and producer Jamie Moore have clearly given much thoughtful attention to the immaculate arrangements but the album's artful, expressive lyrics are equally captivating. Chris Stevens, best known for his work with Tobymac, Sanctus Real, Paul Wright, Ayiesha Woods, Group 1 Crew, also added his production work to the standout "Renew Me."
And don't think it's only about the message. One listen to the thick guitars of the powerhouse title track will set you straight on that. Stephanie is a rock chick at heart, vocally stretching out in a big way over its crisp rhythms. The catchy breakup song packs a strong emotive punch, reminding us all of what relationships are really about. She covers one of her life's most central relationships in the stunningly vulnerable album closer and hidden track, piano ballad "First Words," telling of that first encounter with her father. Movingly sharing of her ‘first wound' and its aftermath, she ultimately expresses the healing power she found in forgiving, a central theme on Not Afraid.
Stephanie's first meeting with her father was at the funeral of her grandmother. He was not expected to attend, but when Stephanie saw the 6'5" tall, broad-shouldered man with the dark, slicked-back hair through the hallway of the funeral home, she knew immediately she was gazing at her father. She describes it as "seeing a fairy tale character come to life."
In telling this story that she knows God will use to help many others, Stephanie now recognizes her father's error as a slip of the tongue due to nervousness. But at 14 she didn't see it that way. "I had invested so much thought into him, and wondered for so long what that day would be like," Stephanie shares. "All I could think was that he didn't know my name, and I was so wounded. I felt like I lost my innocence with this first wound."
In the aftermath of that meeting, Stephanie processed a great many life lessons about the power of right choices. Following a spiritual reality check she experienced through the rock band she joined during college, a fateful door was opened for Stephanie to travel overseas. "I ended up going just a few months later to Guatemala on a mission trip. If anyone is struggling with pride or self-righteousness," she laughs, "you need to go haul cinder blocks up a mountain. The hard work will cure you!"
That was only the first part of the plan for Stephanie's redemption. Immediately after her return she had to ask her father for financial help to stay in school. As scary as it was, it was the first step to the ongoing restoration of the relationship. "The first time I met with him, I could feel this supernatural love for him seeping from my pores," she exclaims. "I didn't know where it came from, but it felt like freedom to me, and I thought, ‘wow, this is what forgiveness is. At that point, I really understood the choice it is to forgive and love."
In embracing that vital life lesson, many doors were opened to the young girl who was discovering in her music a deep sense of calling, including a life changing four month trip to Africa to serve the poor where she spent one month living on the equivalent of one US dollar a day. Shortly after her return she accompanied a friend to a contest where the winning act would go on to play at AgapeFest. In that momentous choice, Stephanie had unwittingly stepped right into the plan of God. After winning the spot, she met her childhood idol, TobyMac, who, spotting her abundant talent, advised her "don't take the first deal that comes your way." Those words came back to haunt him when she initially turned Gotee down! Thankfully, she soon realized the good fit between them and the stunning debut Not Afraid followed soon after.
It all comes full circle in Not Afraid, an album thoughtfully crafted to deliver the goods both sonically and spiritually to an audience Stephanie feels deeply connected to. Strongly aware of how the Lord has woven together her gift of music with her passion to serve and help meet the needs of others, she ministers regularly with Soles4Soles, a Nashville-based non-profit that facilitates the donation of shoes to the hurting worldwide. She also has a long-standing relationship with the Pure Freedom founders, having been present at their very first sexual purity retreat, back when she was 13. "I still wear my pearl around my neck today," she shares, "and it's been neat to come around full circle and now partner with them." Ten years later, Stephanie, a young woman who has come to truly understand the value of relationships, continues to speak and perform at Pure Freedom conferences.
Of all of Stephanie Smith's accomplishments, her most significant growth shows through the clear maturity of Not Afraid, both musically and spiritually. She has chosen to spin her history into energetic pop rock that uplifts and encourages, and will be especially accessible to young listeners. Sharing the story of her ‘first wound" and its aftermath, she ultimately expresses the healing power she found in forgiving. It's a word in season for the many hurting teenagers in Stephanie's audience, and she bravely explores the experience more deeply in her Youth Specialties/Zondervan book releasing this spring, titled like her gutsy album closer, "First Words."
We all have choices to make, some more difficult than others. Checking out Stephanie Smith's Not Afraid is one of the easy ones. When the potent pop-rock album debuts in December 2008, its empowering message will lead listeners onward to their own good choices and healings. "My generation celebrates wounds, instead of celebrating the healing we can have in Christ," says Stephanie. "But my story is not a sad one anymore. It's a story of redemption." |
(Playing Select Dates) - http://www.hearitfirst.com/theafters
 The desire to escape mediocrity and embrace the very best that life has to offer suddenly hits you. It comes like a wonderfully dramatic epiphany. It is clear the time has come and a decision must be made. You know the status quo simply will not do. It is this powerful transformation that lies at the core of The Afters' sophomore release Never Going Back To OK (INO/Columbia Records).
The Texas-based band was propelled into the national spotlight with their INO/Sony Music Label Group debut I Wish We All Could Win. The project spawned the swirling, melodic hit "Beautiful Love," earning the band an enthusiastic following when the song was selected as the theme track for MTV's "8th and Ocean". "Beautiful Love" was also the most downloaded track of 2006 on the iTunes Inspirational charts.
"On the last record there was a common thread of hope that came out in all the songs," vocalist/guitarist Brad Wigg. Never Going Back To OK seems to reflect transformation. I think a lot of the songs are talking about moving forward, of becoming who we are meant to be."
"It's been an eventful three years, that's for sure," says drummer Marc Dodd of the musical odyssey that has become the band's busy life. They've poured their life experiences into the new music and Dodd is excited about sharing the songs on Never Going Back To OK "The title track encourages people not to just go through the motions, but to try to make an impact on the world and help someone change their perspective on how life can really be."
For The Afters, life as a band began at a Starbucks in Mesquite, Texas where lead vocalist Josh Havens and vocalist/guitarist Matt Fuqua served up coffee and plotted their entrance onto the music scene. They recruited Dodd and Wigg and began performing under the name Blisse, earning a reputation as a potent live act with an arsenal of catchy pop/rock anthems.
The Afters signed to INO/Sony Music Label Group in 2005. When their debut disc started to create a buzz, their partnership with Columbia Records helped propel their career to the next level, setting the stage for Never Going Back To OK. "I feel like we all came in feeling more experienced as musicians," Havens says of the band's approach to the new disc. "We had more song ideas to pull from being out on the road. We discovered who we were as a band. I think being together nearly every day for a couple of years, we really developed our sound and I couldn't be happier with this album."
Fuqua agrees. "We really took our time writing this record. We really believe in every single song. That was really important to us."
The band credits veteran producer Dan Muckala (Backstreet Boys, Mandy Moore, Nick Lachey, Brian Littrell) with helping them create a sophomore album that is even stronger than their acclaimed debut. "He would push us to write better songs," says Havens of their producer. "He challenged us in ways that we've never been challenged before. I feel that that is a really big difference on this record. I think he took a lot of ownership on this record because he really loved the music as well and spent a lot of time working on it with us."
Never Going Back To OK again features all the components that made The Afters previous collection a hit--the memorable melodies, compelling lyrics, skilled musicianship and Havens' engaging lead vocals. Yet as Havens stated, the band was challenged to step it up on this new release and with one listen, it's obvious they not only met, but exceeded that challenge. Whether on pensive ballads such as "Ocean Wide" or potent tracks like "Keeping Me Alive," the band demonstrates the chops they developed over the past three years of relentless touring.
"It is definitely a lot more diverse than our last record," says Havens. "There are songs that rock harder than anything we've ever done before and then there are songs that are softer and more emotional than we've ever done before. I think the selection is much broader. I hope this is one that people will really enjoy." On the lighter side, there's "MySpace Girl." "That's definitely out of the ordinary for us," Fuqua says of the song, which was inspired by a friend who met a girl at an In and Out Burger in LA, got to know her better via MySpace and wound up marrying her. "It's kind of a tongue and cheek song. It's a really fun song." Whether singing about a romance that sprouted at a burger joint or exploring the complexities of life's most vulnerable moments, The Afters never shy away from exploring every facet of life's amazing journey. "We want to transform and figure out what life is all about," says Dodd. "That transformation process can be a good thing."
When that process inspires music this good, it's a great thing. |
(Playing Select Dates) - www.hearitfirst.com/barlowgirl
 How Can We Be Silent
For some people it takes a lifetime to discover their true voice. After all it takes time to be still, listen to what God is giving you to say, and then craft a way of effectively sharing that message with others. On BarlowGirl's new album, How Can We Be Silent, it's obvious the sisters are confident in sharing their faith with the world and boldly delivering the messages God has placed on their hearts.
After all, how many Christian artists, especially female artists, would have their cover photo shot in a boxing ring? One look at the poised young women on the CD cover and it's easy to see Alyssa, Lauren and Rebecca Barlow have grown into beautiful women, but the depth and maturity that permeates every track on the album has nothing to do with appearance, and has everything to do with the wisdom that comes from spending time in the Word of God and having that dedication reflect itself in one's art.
"Our goal in so many of these songs is to say there's victory no matter what we face in this life. God does have victory," states Alyssa. "There is a hope in the midst of the darkness. I think that was one of the biggest things we wanted to get across. No matter what we are facing, if we continue to stand in God's strength, we will see Him win the battle."
The sisters have never been timid when it comes to standing up for what they believe in. Stereotypical images of Christians being weak are contrary to the Barlow approach to ministry. "We're very battle-oriented in our family. I think it may have intimidated a lot of people," admits Alyssa, the middle Barlow sibling. "As Christians we so often think we're on the defense and we're not. We think we're these weak people that can't stand up and I think the point we have tried to get across is that we are the offense. Be the one at the frontline! Look at the God we serve; He definitely isn't on the defense. God is the one pursuing. We've said, ‘God, we're going to just stand with You where You're at and You're not near the back. You are right up front going forward, conquering for your Kingdom.' That's where we want to be."
Becca enthusiastically agrees. "There's so much power in knowing that you are fighting for God. I hope that people get a new taste of what Christianity is. I hope the world gets to see a new way that Christians are living as passionate, powerful people. They aren't just sitting back watching the world unravel; they are doing something about it. They are trusting and praying and they are warriors."
Being bold about their faith is a stance that the siblings took early in life. The trio began performing with their father, Vince, as the backup band supporting his music ministry. But even before the sisters moved to the forefront, they became well known to Christian music lovers courtesy of the Superchic[k] hit "Barlow Girl," a song the band recorded as a tribute to the sisters and their stand for sexual purity.
In 2004, BarlowGirl made its bow with a self-titled debut on Fervent Records. The trio's compelling vocals, skilled musicianship and insightful songwriting soon made them one of the most successful acts in Christian music. The hit single, "Never Alone," was the longest running No. 1 song on Radio & Records' Christian Hit Radio (CHR) and Christian Rock charts. BarlowGirl became the best-selling new Christian artist of 2004.
The group's momentum continued with the release of Another Journal Entry in 2005, which spawned the hit singles "Let Go" and "I Need You to Love Me." The latter tune spent a record 13 weeks at No. 1 on the CHR charts, making BarlowGirl the second most played CHR artist of the year, just behind Sanctus Real.
On How Can We Be Silent, the siblings again deliver a thought-provoking set of songs. From the hopeful declaration of "I Believe in Love" to the inventive boxing metaphor in "One More Round," BarlowGirl musically pushes the envelope and lyrically delivers strong, substantive songs that challenge their other believers. Many of the songs came as a response to things their fans were sharing with them after concerts.
"People would come up to us after the shows and in just one minute share their broken life with us," Becca says quietly recalling stories of abuse and other struggles. "We'd try to give them a verse and some hope, but we feel like we need to reach these people more than just the short time that we see them after the show. Most of the songs are birthed out of that, wanting to give hope to these people."
Becca cites "One More Round" as one of her favorites on the disc. "It was inspired by a teacher we heard on a Focus on the Family radio broadcast" she recalls. "He was an ex-football player and he talked about boxing and how our spiritual life is like being in a boxing ring. It doesn't matter how many times we are knocked down, we need to get right back up, pick right back up and keep following what God has for us."
Lauren agrees. "We just want peace. We want everybody to be happy, but I think God has shown us in our life that this world is a battle. This life is a battle between good and evil. It's not just a battle physically; it's a spiritual battle. We as Christians have to fight. We have to fight against the things of this world that are trying to drive us down. So that is what that boxing ring symbolizes: To fight and to not give up."
Another very empowering anthem on the album is titled "The Guy Song." "We're very passionate about speaking into guys' lives," says Alyssa. "Because we're a girl band, a lot of people assume we're just for girls and that's something that we've always tried to challenge from the beginning. This song is for the guys. The world is also targeting you to bring you down, to get you to let your guard down, and put images in your mind that are going to take a toll on you. This world is doing everything to bring down the men, but a lot of men stood up and changed the course of history for us. Our goal was really just to say to the guys in our audience: ‘You could be that man and you are that man! Stand up and take your place and take what God has for you!"
The first single, "Here's My Life," is one of the girls' favorites because it is so personal. "I love that song!" enthuses Lauren, the youngest sister. "That one hits really close to home. We cried as we were writing that because we wrote it for our family, for our nieces and nephew. Sometimes when we're traveling, I think ‘Why can't I just go home?' but this is our calling. This is what God has created us to do. So saying goodbye to those things that we love so much, we know that the calling is so much greater than the sacrifice ever will be. We find comfort in that and strength in God during the lonely times."
On "How Can We Be Silent" the girls once again team with producer Otto Price. "He's the most amazing man. I love him, love him, love him," gushes Lauren, summing up the sentiments of Alyssa and Becca as well. "He brings so much life to our albums. We come in with songs as the foundation of a house and Otto is like the decorator. He brings so much flare and flavor to all of our songs."
The album's title, "How Can We Be Silent," comes from the in-your-face challenge the girls issue in the hard rockin' "Million Voices." "This would definitely be one of my favorites just because it's an anthem for our generation," says Lauren. "We're standing up. We're not afraid to fight for what we believe in, and we're not going to back down. This is who we are. God has put so much in us, we can't shut up about it. How can we be silent when we have so much truth? That title is to challenge our generation: You can't be silent anymore."
Lauren, Alyssa and Becca Barlow refuse to be silent. They are ready to fight the good fight and lead others of their generation into the battle. The songs on "How Can We Be Silent" are powerful anthems of victory and hope. "Lyrically I think the issues are a little deeper and a little heavier," admits Alyssa, "but we are comfortable speaking heavy things. We are more comfortable in speaking the deep things because I think we've seen the benefit of it over the last three years. We know what our audience is going through and the things a lot of them are dealing with. We know what's going on and we're so excited to be able to present a message like this."
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(Playing Select Dates)- www.hearitfirst.com/familyforce5
 There's a delicate balance between the intertwining worlds of artistry, entertainment and humor, but for dance-derived alternative rockers Family Force 5, it's an ecstatic equilibrium that remarkably illustrates all three elements. With tongue firmly planted in cheek, the Atlanta-based five-some are just as likely to get the party started as they are to escort audiences into an alternate reality. Even so, the band never compromises album creativity, while simultaneously hearkening back to the days of massive spectacles on tour.
The group's sophomore release, Dance Or Die, oozes with over-the-top illustrations, charging out of the gate with funky rhythms, percolating club grooves, undeniably infectious hooks and instantaneous sing-a-longs. Imagine an inventive evolution of the band's eye-opening debut, Business Up Front, Party in the Back, blended with Prince getting down at a Daft Punk concert where Michael Jackson busts out the moonwalk in the center of the dance floor.
"Listening to Family Force 5 is like lighting a cluster of firecrackers in your mouth," offers guitarist Derek Mount (known to fans as Chap Stique), recommending a spin of Dance Or Die over that daredevil antic. "This album provides a connection and an escape, and it's guaranteed to make your booty shake and your head bang. It's greasy, slimy and soupy, yet still very slick and shiny at the same time."
Indeed, the disc is replete with rippling rhythms, assaulting electronics and a raucous rock ‘n roll underpinning, but beyond these sonic elements, there's also an all- encompassing futuristic vibe. From the sci-fi synth textures of "Fever" to the thrash-tinged robotic rocker "Radiator" to the ultra contagious title track, consider this project to be the musical version of Mad Max meets 2001: A Space Odyssey.
"The last record was a straight-up party, but we always said the second would be sweaty rock n' roll music," stresses front-man/guitarist Solomon Olds (Soul Glow Activatur), who co-produced the project with Joe Baldridge (Beck, Jewel). "The album title and imagery transport the listener into a dire life-or-death situation. Each song unites that urgency with a danceable beat, so get to steppin,' or you'll be extinct."
Fans will have to fight to survive during the band's live show, an unrelenting rush of delightfully uncontainable madness that has become Family Force 5's bread and butter. "We encourage fans to dress up in costumes, whether it be a killer whale, a big chicken or a Skeletor outfit," urges Chap Stique. "Family Force 5 realizes that most people think rock n' roll is about trying to be cool, but to us, there's nothing cooler than when people let go and end up stealing the show by break dancing in helmets or body-slamming each other in Lucha Libre masks."
Placing their lives and relationships at risk, the members have committed themselves to an arduous touring schedule, averaging 250 to 300 days on the road per year. The band is in the midst of a full-fledged summer run on the Vans Warped Tour, and will follow with a solo headlining trek, both equipped to supersede any prior concert experiences. In addition to members thrashing the stage wearing matching futuristic spacesuits, expect to see the Family Force 5000, a massive drum machine they personally invented that, at first glance, looks more like the next NASA launch computer than it does a musical instrument.
"It is the only fully-functional giant drum machine in the universe. It's a six-and-a-half-foot tall, 760-pound juggernaut of pads, knobs, and switches that inhales electricity and exhales lightning," announces Soul Glow Activatur. "The Family Force 5000 started as a joke three years ago. Then we mentioned it to a friend, who happens to be a wizard in electronics, and he was able to bring our sci-fi idea to life. The fact that we have a huge, light-up, chunky machine on stage is pretty cool, and it adds to the robotic rock element of this season."
Outside of their industrial explorations, members continue offering fans content in a variety of entertainment mediums as an additional means of appreciation for listeners' unwavering support. Take, for instance, the steady stream of audio blogs, recently issued as the iTunes compilation Blingin' Blogs Volume 1 (which finds the players offering a series of ghetto shout-outs and poking fun at pirates, to name a few). There's also the ever-expanding online collection of The Really Real Show, a Spinal Tap-esque video library of stories from the road, spanning a broad comedic spectrum from bus brawls to single men's support groups.
Even with all the joyous insanity stemming from Family Force 5's camp during the two years between projects (which also included first place in Yahoo's "Who's Next?," several Energizer-sponsored extended slots on last summer's Warped outing and countless reader's choice awards), the eclectic quintet also persevered and endured through many adversities. Amidst tough financial times, the toil of the road, and label limbo, the band's grassroots fan base and determined work ethic fueled its highly storied course.
Armed with a do-it-yourself paradigm and a diversified entertainment enterprise, Family Force 5 is primed for intergalactic conquest. "'Dance or Die' is an unconventional arsenal of ultimate dance floor anthems," declares Family Force 5000 player/keyboardist Nathan Currin (Nadaddy). "We're at war. Dancing is our weapon, and our party is ready to pull the trigger."
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