Spotlight of the Month IS BACK...SKILLET

Honestly, I'll admit I have a major soft spot for this band, but putting that aside I find it nearly impossible to not add Skillet to Shedding Light's HOF list by spotlighting them.

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Very rarely does a band have the success Skillet has had in the Christian industry for as long as they have. Forming back in the late 90's out of the ashes of a couple disbanded groups, John Cooper and Ken Steorts would form a band that has lasted longer than many thought would. The band has seen hits in 3 different decades, 5 lead guitarists, 3 drummers and the addition of Korey Cooper just before the turn of the century to play keyboard.

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With all of those changes a couple things have stayed constant in the group, John Cooper and their purpose. That purpose of bringing Godly music into a genre and a segment of society some view untouchable. The approach John and the band take to performances, interviews and life in general is very consistant. They've been known to take the stage with bands outside the Christian "bubble" and even some would say are even just downright evil. Skillet however doesn't back down from an environment to show people their abilities God has given them and let their actions speak louder than any sermonette that could take place inbetween songs.

The success which Skillet has seen is unparralleled by many, however some would argue the mainstream success of bands like Switchfoot and Thousand Foot Krutch are intertwined with Skillet in that they have broke through barriers that seperately they wouldn't have (other bands have assisted as well like P.O.D., Pillar and others..as many of you reminded me)

I've been lucky enough to have seen Skillet twice in my lifetime, and wouldn't hesitate to see them again if they came back to my neck of the woods. Their shows are electric, energizing and just inspirational in so many different ways. Their music is powerful in both message and ability, something that the audience can't help but get addicted to. So if you ever have a chance to check out Skillet live, DO IT! You would only regret not.

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Honestly, I could discuss Skillet for a lot longer but I'd rather you just go explore them for yourselves. Enjoy!

Update time

Over the coming weeks I'll be re-vamping the lists of artists I recommend as well as bringing back the spotlight of the month. Time to get this site back up and running like many of you have requested. Again if you have any ideas or thoughts on what you'd like to be addressed here please email them to tylanmiller (at) gmail (dot) com

Outside of the recommendation lists and the spotlight of the month I'll also be putting up pictures of what is in my "headphones" presently. These photos will stretch down the right side of the screen.

God Bless

Man....some amazing new stuff out there!

I just wanted to share real quick some of the new stuff that has been getting tons of play time on my mp3. Some of these are brand new, others a little more aged; no matter what they are great!!

First, Andy Mineo-Formerly Known. This album was available for a free download!!!! Couldn't believe the record company and Andy decided to do this! Can't stop playing it over and over again. When it comes to rap skills he's there, when it comes to guest appearances it battles the albums from Lecrae and Tedashi! Check it out NOW!!!

Needtobreathe-The Reckoning. THEY DID IT AGAIN! I thought Outsiders was great, and it was, but man this album stands alone yet again as an amazing one!! You cannot claim to be a Needtobreathe fan if you don't own some if not all of the songs on this album!

Seven Glory- Oh Michigan! (other album is Invitation) This is a small town band from Valporaiso, IN that I was blessed to meet in Indianapolis with my churches youth group. Amazing guys, and great stuff! Check out this lesser known band with big ability!

David Crowder Band-Here for You (deluxe edition). This one is more or less for the song Shadows, which Lecrae makes an amazing guest appearance on which makes this song my favorite David Crowder Band song.

Been awhile so here's a snapshot right now....

Alright...been way too long I know. But sometimes I think I get discouraged and let life take hold too much!

For this post I'm going to share with you what I'm listening to presently. If you were to search my itunes or media player (at work) this is what you'd find is getting a lot of playing time lately.

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-JJ Heller: What? I know right!? Tyni is digging some JJ Heller for sure! She's got such an awesome sound to her! She's similar to the secular artist Christina Perri in you can picture her playing at a huge concert venue or some hole-in-the-wall coffee shop down the street. Her music is so open and pure it seems. Her latest album "When I'm With You" might just be the first album in a while to give me this feeling: It sucks you in so smoothly and effortlessly that you don't even notice how much you like the album till it's over and you don't hear it anymore. You gotta check her out ya'll! If I were to recommend some single songs obviously you have What Love Really Means but some other good ones IMO are: Tell It Again, Boat Song, Love Can Make You New, No fight Left and Until You Came Along.

-Anberlin: Really any album, from any time period has been creeping its way into my ear right now. While maybe not a forward Christian band, the members have stated they are followers of Christ. They produce music where you can sense that, but maybe not necessarily know that. Still great ability, great sound and a great listen.

-Geeda: The new Christian Rap artist to my collection, and WOW! Lecrae is still my top guy but man does Geeda ever give him some competition. His music is so crisp, lyrics are amazing, messages on point and the whole package just screams amazing! He will catch the ear of believers, non-believers and those in between.

-Needtobreathe: They always creep in, especially songs from the album The Outsiders.

-Remedy Drive: Actually loving some Rip Open The Sky right now, it's their first "successful" album under the name Remedy Drive. Check it out if you like their newer stuff!

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-Philmont: The album is, Attention, and it is good. See for yourself!

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-Alright this next one I realize comes from way LEFT FIELD, and I realize that they aren't a Christian band. I even realize they might be the complete opposite of a Christian band, but I love me some Blind Guardian, Nightfall on Middle Earth. Just incase there is another Lord of the Rings nerd out there like me this album is the Silmarillion put to music (albeit heavy metal, but some is very mellow and melodic).  Just thought I'd throw it out there, because it is true it has been getting some play time.

The Price YOU Pay!!!

So it’s been awhile since the last post…apologies for that. Lots need done, first and foremost the August Spotlight artist will be up by Monday at the latest. I’m also in the process of building a playlist that will include the music of recently discussed artists or the active spotlight artist, allowing you to get snippets of the artists without having to fork over any of that hard earned dough of yours!

Speaking of dough, let’s discuss the payment of artists…a topic I’m asked quite a bit by people. “How much does it cost you to bring in band “X” compared to band “Y”?” Well location is pivotal, bands will come anywhere if you pay enough, however if you can catch them while traveling close by price plummets; especially if it’s an open date they’d be show less on otherwise.

The sad fact though is in the world where artists can get their music across the world with one click, it’s getting tougher and tougher to get out doing shows. It’s EXPENSIVE! Not only does the band have bills, the band members have personal bills, travel expenses on idle days and then GAS! With expenses going up across the board it’s getting harder and harder for bands to do shows for affordable prices. Even brand new artists that years ago you’d been able to get for maybe $100-$200 is now $400 and that might not even include lodging or food expenses you may have to cover. As a promoter this is an incredible uphill battle. You can bring in an amazingly talented artist but unless they’re HUGE it’s tough to get people to spend even $10 on a ticket. I’ve learned over the years that if you don’t have an artist in the upper echelon of their industry you better plan on cheap ticket price, which means you either need sponsors or have a real ability to sweet talk towards lower prices. Now my location, Northern Indiana, isn’t necessarily the Christian Music hot bed so that does play a factor.

The sad truth is though, this is just going to keep getting harder and harder as fuel, travel and all other expenses keep going up! Band’s prices will have to rise in order to pay their bills, which means you need deep pockets or big sponsors in order to put together a show that will both fill up with people and not cause you to lose money!

Just a quick thought from my noggin.