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.

(courtesy of Googleimages)

-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!

(courtesy of Googleimages)

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

(courtesy of Googleimages)

-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.

Just a thought rolling through my skull...

Does anyone else find it amazing that in the Country music world no one bats an eye if an artist says a prayer or sings a song about Jesus, God or anything Christian oriented? Have you noticed it’s the last remaining mainstream genre in which gospel themes are intertwined in the genres roots. Almost every year at least one song rises to the top of the Country music charts that proclaim something about God.

Now I’m not saying country is for everyone or that you should go out and became a big Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith or Little Big Town fans (although there are far worse artists out there!). What I’m stating is simply an observation. An observation which I think is worthy a few brain tickling moments. What makes it so acceptable in Country music, but not say rap?

To state it point blank, mainstream rap music’s purpose/core/ideas are everything that is opposite of God, same can be said for mainstream rock music. Now DO NOT think for a moment I’m stating every rock or rap group/artist out there is a horrible individual or that their goal of their music is to pull people from God; does it pull you to him though?

Country music has found that balance of sharing honest, entertaining but yet spiritual experiences. Yes there are songs like Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On, that have no spiritual backing at all and are obviously just centered around stupid humor. Unlike other mainstream genres though, Country music has a song that mentions God or spiritual undertones for every song that doesn’t…just awesome if you ask me.

Another thought about Country music which maybe expands upon this is as follows:

You pull up to a stoplight, a 20 something year old guy pulls up beside you blaring his  ___________(insert genre) music. You can insert metal, tecno, rap or rock music and I think if we’re honest with ourselves we all know we judge without even consciously trying to.  Stereotypical thoughts about the guy’s character have already slipped into our mind due to viewpoints on each genre that we’ve been conditioned to, even though there are Christian forms of each genre. However, now insert Country. What are you thinking now? You may be thinking hick, hillbilly, redneck…but it doesn’t have the same negative character stereotypes that other genres have. That in and of itself has to state something about the genre…not saying it’s good or bad just making a note.

Well, my thinking out loud…eh…in writing is now over. Just something for ya’ll J to think on.

Why do you support rap Tyni?

There is type of music which is by its nature forceful and passionate. It perhaps above all other genres wears the beliefs of the artist on its sleeves and because of that attracts hundreds of thousands to it. Passionate, honest and a sound which can’t help but turn heads…what more truly could one ask for?! If you haven’t guessed yet, I’m of course speaking of rap music. While what I have said is true, there is a stigma about rap which circles it like vultures do to road kill. That stigma is what keeps many people from grasping it, and it’s precisely the reason why the Church is so hesitant to accept it. Yeah Christian Rap has infiltrated the Dove Awards and is sold at many Christian stores but a bunch of believers are still hesitant about the genre.

                I get asked a lot about “why do you love Christian rap” or “how did you get introduced to it”? I can remember when I first discovered Christian rap. I was at the local Christian book store with my mom, dragged along yet again; I was completely over the store visit the moment we walked in but wandered over to the cd section anyways. I was looking over the genres when Hip Hop caught my eye and I was like, “Wait a second…what?”  You see Bone Thugs, DMX, Eminem and others were what everyone listened to and I had found myself listening to them whenever possible, and had grown to like the rap sound. I knew my mom would never let me get DMX or any other secular rapper’s cd, but she’d have to let me buy one if it at this Christian store right? I mean DMX prays on like every single record and even thanked God when receiving an award…has to be Christian right? Yes, I was that naïve…or perhaps that hopeful. Well DMX wasn’t there, neither was Bone or Eminem…but there was this CD that caught my eye. The artist’s name was T-Bone which had the possibility to be good. I grab the demo cd and pop it in their cd player…well it wasn’t as catchy as DMX but it did have pretty good beats and the guy could definitely rhyme.

                From that day on I started buying every single Christian Rap cd I could get my hands on. However, I experienced a lot of judgmental glances at the store from people whenever I’d purchase one. I even had a cashier at the local Christian bookstore look at the cd I was buying and asked if I really thought it was Christian? I couldn’t believe it, here I was trying to fight the norm by listening to the style of music I liked but not secular…definitely tarnished my idea of the “slow worship listening” believers. Even some of my family would give me downward glances when I’d pull into family get-togethers with Christian rap blasting out of my speakers.

                That’s the stigma which surrounds rap though. No matter what is behind the lyrics of the song, if someone hears rap they only assume its listeners can be nothing good. Skeptically naïve is how I view that thought now, although it is very understandable based on the image rap music has projected. Although, I’m a 25 year old white boy (couldn’t resist throwing that in) who isn’t ashamed to blast my Godly rap music…you know why? Because I’m unashamed of it, just like I’m not ashamed to admit I blast Brandon Heath or even Rich Mullins as loud as I can too! ßTALK ABOUT TURNING HEADS, TRY BLARING RICH MULLINS AND ALL EYES WILL BE ON YOU HAHA! Both genres speak TRUTH, one is just more Christian acceptable; while rap is raw emotion and even confrontational at times. Christian rappers hold nothing back and make the struggles with sin feel more like a battle than its other Christian counterparts.  Which is precisely why we should embrace it! Our non-chalant way of being Christians have gotten us where? We have more division in the Christian churches than ever before…we can’t even agree upon basic biblical truths…and we’re losing our identity as being Godly with every pastor accused and convicted of sexual immorality of some kind!

                We must make war on our sinful natures, God said the Christian walk isn’t necessarily the easy one so why do we try to make it seem like it is all rainbows and unicorns? It’s not. It’s a daily struggle, a fight which if you’re not careful it will KO you in a matter of minutes! It’s this fight which I feel Christian rap hits on harder than any other Christian genre out there. They convict you by their honesty, relate to you with their stories, teach you how to live and rejoice with you in God!

                Now I understand Christian rap just simply isn’t for everybody, but God is and if you believe in the same God as I do you know he can do all things, touch all things and use all things! Even rap..

One love, One way, One God

Your Bro,

Tyni

July Spotlight

The July spotlight of the month has been added to the Spotlight page (to the right)!

The band that is Anberlin...

               Recently got a hold of some Anberlin albums to take a closer look at and was surprised with what I found. First off this is a talented band. I’ve always had a soft spot for bands with amazing guitarists that alone could entertain; Joseph Milligan, lead guitarist, fits this to a T! The musical ability of the band should go without question as I wound my way through New Surrender (2008 Album) and the big hits off of Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place (2010).

(courtesy of googleimages)

                Anberlin a basic 5 piece act with a 6^th (touring member) for live shows is one which has been around since 2002 when they signed to Tooth & Nail Records. Albums have been pumping out ever since but one question has swirled; is Anberlin a Christian band? While some bands flirt around that edge afraid to commit either way Anberlin seems to know what they believe. I’ll let drummer Nathan Young’s quote answer the question, “The thing is, some bands that are trying to get out of the Christian market, they get bummed out by questions about it. I don’t really mind it, because I’m a Christian, and I’m okay talking about it. With the whole term ‘Christian Band,’ I don’t understand how a band can be Christian. We get the question, ‘Is Anberlin a Christian band?’ and it’s like, yeah, Anberlin is—as humans.” 

                Young doesn’t believe a band can be Christian which makes sense, as only soul bearing beings can be Christian, but the collection of human beings in a band can either reflect that or not. Stephen Christian, lead vocals, has been heard stating he doesn’t care who listens to their albums, “[My Faith] affects every single aspect of my life, but I’m not a preacher, I’m an entertainer.” That my friend is what it boils down to. While Anberlin may not preach the gospel during their shows I’d have to say yes they’re a Christian band, just not your Third Day or Casting Crowns type.

                Their music is honest and at times like in Feel Good Drag they wear their failures on their sleeves, which is refreshing and “ministers” to the audience whether they realize it or not. That’s what people sometimes forget, ministry is not only done from behind the pulpit or through preaching the gospel. Some of the most inspirational ‘God moments’ I’ve experienced has been through music. Music can trigger a connection to your thoughts like nothing else, and at times bring about conversations with God that otherwise wouldn’t have occurred.

(courtesy of googleimages)

                So fear not the quandary of Christian or not with Anberlin. Their music is honest, true to their lives but nothing you should be so concern you enough to write them completely off. However, I will give a tiny bit of warning that some songs are left for interpretation which doesn’t always keep songs blatantly okay. Younglife is one of the examples that come to my mind in that it talks about being entwined all night with a “lover”, now this lover may be a spouse but it doesn’t make it clear either way. So concern is needed there, but again these cases are rare and like stated before they are just real life experiences that Christian decided to write about.

Some great quotes from the band are here: http://blog.beliefnet.com/gospelsoundcheck/2009/01/anberlin-on-being-christian-an.html

(Quotes from Wikipedia, where exact references can be foudn for each)

Two amazing acts first hand!

              In my line of “work”, and by work I mean unpaid passion for putting on Christian concerts I’ve been blessed to meet some bands first hand and actually form some relationships with a few. This past Father’s Day I was blessed to host 2 amazing bands, both in their own right ready to break through. Philmont was the headlining band, but for first let me discuss Thank You & Goodnight.

              Everywhere you go there will be those garage bands that can be found no matter where you’re located at. Some of these actually possess musical ability, but most of them aren’t worthy of any more than being an outlet for the people involved. There are though, a few that possess the musical ability and so much more. In steps Thank You & Goodnight, a local band to my area, out of Fort Wayne, IN. When hearing about this band from someone at work, I was like “Yeah sure I’ll check them out” but never intended to do anything. Bored one night and still needing an opening act I decided to check out TY&G’s myspace page to check out a couple tracks. Wow…these guys are good…wait this can’t be them I actually like their stuff! Check them out at www.myspace.com/thankuandgoodnight.

                I quickly contacted Brock Andrews the creator and lead singer of TY&G and booked them. During the show I couldn’t believe how good they were for being so new to the game. Brock has a true knack for writing, which came through quite vividly. One such song is “Making Out”, which sounds terrible but it is a play on words about how to get through hard times with your spouse. Brock said that it was a song he’d wrote in reflection of his own life with his wife for only a few short years. While the band is still independent and trying to get a foothold in the Christian music industry, Brock stays positive that God will provide whether it is as a band or him as a solo act (which with his writing ability would work).

                Now onto the headliner for the night Philmont, a high energy 5-piece act that is sure to grab the attention of every audience. I was extremely pumped to see Philmont in person, but was utterly amazed when I finally did. I know spending some time with Forefront they’d be polished some, but being now independent I was curious to see how they were. They were amazing! Not only did they perform great they proved they are an up and coming Christian Rock group that has made it already and is ready to blow up! Their songs are catchy, honest, strong, intuitive and just overall blessed. Their sound brings you in, their energy entertains you and their honesty wants you to know more.

                I was purely exhausted just watching them on stage for an hour run around, head bang and belt out lyrics that would intimidate most. Scott Taube the lead singer and creator of the band is clearly ahead of his years in the music game. His character is without question and it was awesome to get to meet the woman behind the man, as is wife was with him on the show schedule. It is clear that Scott and the band member are not in it for the money, but the experience God is allowing them to take and I have a feeling it’s a ride that isn’t up quite yet! Check out Philmont and you’ll be sure to hear some amazing stuff, and if you feel like an amazing concert where you’ll be exhausted just watching try to see them the next time they come through!

Come and Live

I just wanted to take a quick moment to bring light to an amazing new label in the music industry! Come and Live is an amazing label re-doing the who industry....IT'S A NON-PROFIT ONE!!! That's right they're doing it strictly for ministry! Come and Live started by a Chad (if I remember his first name right) Johnson who broke away from Tooth & Nail after years of service. You can read and learn more about Come and Live at their website (www.comeandlive.com). The lineup they've built up is awesome, and not what you'd expect from a ministry minded label. I figured they'd primarily be no-named acoustic or small town acts but Johnson stuck to the same genre Tooth & Nail is geared towards. Each bad is of the Christian Rock style and are far more talent than one would expect to find!

Below are pictured two of the acts that have seemed to catch my ear, but the list includes many many more that I've since added to my listening palette.

Ascend the Hill (googleimages)

Holding Onto Hope (googleimages)

I'm hoping to deal with this label in the future and encourage one and all to check out the label and it's artist list! God is at work with this label!

OWL CITY- Assumptions Crumbled Like Jericho's Walls

              There are times when assumptions can almost make you miss out on the best things in life. I nearly missed out on my wife because when I first saw her at college I thought there is no way she’d even consider me. I was not the most amazing male specimen and had always had a pony keg covering my “6-pack abs” even though I was involved in every sport possible my whole life. She was a tiny thing, blonde, amazing smile and gorgeous eyes…but I got up the courage to approach her even though I assumed it a futile mission. Well here we are more than 4 years later and just celebrated our 1 year anniversary. I tell you this story because assumptions can block us from pretty amazing stuff…in step Owl City.

                Owl City busted in to the music world in an enormous way, Fireflies dominated every chart for a time and reached quadruple-platinum level. It was this musical success that made me I guess just assume it was another secular band experiencing fame and nothing more. I enjoyed Fireflies and even downloaded the mp3 for my iTunes but never really researched or looked into the band (a rare thing I know). Well not too long ago I heard this song called Galaxies on a local Christian radio station and the first thought that crossed my mind was, “Man, about time someone captured the Owl City sound in the Christian realm.” Little did I know I was listening to Adam Young and his amazing abilities to produce every part of what is Owl City. I knew instantly I had to get a hold of “his” stuff and check it out.

                Young is Owl City, and when I say ‘is’ I mean it. He is credited as Owl City’s lead vocals, programming, keyboards, piano, synthesizers, guitars, bass guitar, drums, percussion, vibraphone, and accordion. The man does it all, and only utilizes others mainly for live performances as it would look a little weird with just one guy on stage produces such an elaborate sound. Elaborate is just one word of many someone could use to describe Owl City’s stuff. It’s dance mixed with pop, punk, rock, synth, and pretty much whatever else grabs Young’s attention and he feels could add another layer to each songs. The vocal parts are hard to judge as it appears pretty apparent that some kind of synthesizer is utilized, but it appears Young is a blessed vocalist as well.

                The thing that catches my ear the most isn’t the music or vocalist abilities; it is the unique lyrics Owl City produces. Young isn’t shy about his Christian faith but he is similar to Family Force 5’s approach to music, feels music should be enjoyed and entertain the mind. Young does this through well thought out lyrics that don’t hinder one’s walk with God at all, and are filled with positive thoughts and major implications of the presence of God around us. Some people criticize musicians that choose to not use the words God or Jesus every sentence, but try telling me that Owl City isn’t Godly and I’ll just laugh and say that’s a shame because you’re missing something special.

                If you haven’t checked out Owl City you need to do so, and to be honest I recommend the new album All Things Bright and Beautiful  be the type of album you listen to from beginning to end; as I found myself unable to push the next button at all. Other projects or singles to look for would include obviously Fireflies which was on the album Ocean Eyes (a good album as well). Young also produced an amazing cover to In Christ Alone that was released October 25, 2010 on his website. Just to think that one little assumption may have kept me from this band, I wonder how many others are out there I’m missing out on!?  Add some Owl City to your collection and let the musical refreshment begin!

Rend Collective Experiment

     This spotlight group is sometimes classified as eclectic, special, soothing, calming, passionate, folkish and just unique. Rend Collective Experiment is a sound all to themselves unique. The band is from Northern Ireland but their anticipated Stateside debut, Organic Family Hymnal is being well received. Gareth Gilkerson shares on their artist agency’s website the following about their name, “Everything we do is growing in a natural, non-manufactured environment. Rend was a student movement representing numerous churches, and the ‘collective’ grew out of that. The songs came from an organic environment, searching after the heart of God. We wanted to reflect what God was doing and teaching us, and offer that up for the rest of the world to hear.”

(courtesy of googleimages)

     Organic Family Hymnal features the heart of the group put into music as Gilkerson described. David Crowder even lends a little collaboration on the song Faithful, but songs like You Bled or Come On will catch your attention just as easily. I’ve always loved that acoustically centered sound that you’d expect to hear walking through those small shops at some old quiet shoreline town or what a coffee house would invite to perform…and Rend Collective Experiment is exactly that. I find myself putting them on cool mornings when I got a cup of coffee in the early mornings or when I just want that quiet unwinding (something I do way too sparingly).

     The amazing thing about RCE is that they have so many people co-existing in the group…which adds so many layers to their music that listening to them is almost like working your way through the layers of a fancy dinner. There are actually about 15 of them in the collective and it truly just depends on the night for who is there, with only 4 being the ever present ones in the group. I found myself loving the songs where the lady in the group step forward and sing, or when they go unplugged with a guitar and use their voices and a variety of percussion instruments to invent amazing sounds.

(courtesy of googleimages)

      Put simply their unique style will slowly grow on you, they won’t get you hooked immediately but the more you listen to them the more you will want. Check them out when no other genre seems to fill the musical desires, as their sound is a niche few others fit into

June Spotlight Artist

The June Spotlight artist is done and posted on that page (you can find it to the right side of your screen -->)

One love, one God, one way...

Your Bro,

Tyni

Thoughtfulness on the secular vs Christian debate...

     So, as many of you know I reviewed Christina Perri's new album Lovestrong. this past week partly due to my wife insisting I check it out. Well the hilarious part of it is that she's refusing to read my review because she feels I think every musician out there should be a Christian singer and have songs only about God. Well...yeah in many ways that is exactly what I think, but that doesn't mean only songs that sing God's praise are worth listening to. Just like in life you can reflect God in how you act in all situations...and songs are simply situations put to music. So yes the situations handled in songs can either be handled Godly or un-Godly...but that doesn't mean that they worship God throughout with arms held high. Let me give an example. Penguin, a love song on Perri's album I reviewed with high regards. It doens't say God in it once or sing his praise in words, but it does sing of a love for another person in a way that only God can inspire (as we love only because he first loved us). Or how about those inspirational songs that we play when we've hit a bump in the road in life and are a source of encouragement...as long as they don't proclaim anything unGodly I'm all for them.
     The only gray area in music in my opinion are those songs that sing of just true to life emotions. It is here where artists don't always care to point the listener in the right direction, instead simply produce what they know will sell. We see this when artists produce songs that share tragedy or some life experience that flips their world. Instead of pointing towards a new day or times getting better, they focus on the pain, revenge or hopelessness. That to me makes them not worth listening to, but others may encourage the listenter to get up after a downfall, or point towards the daylight that is bound to come...in those cases I see nothing wrong with the song even though it necessarily may not be singing of God. God would want us to encourage one another through life's problems, and if an artist is doing that I don't think God would have a problem with it...however you couldn't really peg the artist or song as "Christian" I guess.
     But that Christian-or-not arguement is one that people can have until their blue in the face...however I've always had a simple solution. As corny as it sounds picture yourself driving down the road with God riding shotgun (I know, imagine the looks you'd get!) and a song comes on....if your first thought is to look over at God to see if he approves or if something inside of you says "oh man I gotta change this" it's more than likely not God-pleasing. It is that pleasing to God that I believe should truly make our decisions about songs or artists we support...and not worry if they say God or Jesus in their songsa certain number of times.

Just my .02 for the day....one love, one God, one way.

Your Bro,

Tyni

Christina Perri-Lovestrong REVIEWED IN DETAIL

              Okay, so here’s the first mainstream, secular, not-labeled-Christian CD review I’ve done. I got asked to do this review by my wife as she likes Christina’s sound and wanted me to give it a listen…I pray she takes this wellJ. Now let me preface this by saying a band doesn’t have to be Christian to produce good sounding songs, as a matter a fact the secular realm for a long time was so far ahead of Christian you could tell by the sound, however that gap is closing rapidly. Non-Christian artists can make good songs as well, granted they’re not going to be songs that get you closer to God (typically) they can be inspirational or motivate people to overcome things…albeit if not directly relating to God.

Photo Courtesy of Googleimages

                With that said let’s tackle this album one song at a time. Opening song Bluebird starts off by using “hell” as the 3^rd word in the song. Now Perri doesn’t use it in a fashion that constitutes malice or even evil behind the song…at first. As you listen to the song the refrain;

How the hell does a broken heart

Get back together when it’s torn apart

Teach itself to start

Beating again ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba

                is played time and time again as you learn this song is a frustrated song about a broken heart…and that hell is much more laced with anger and may we even say hatred towards this heart breaker. The use of hell doesn’t shy me away from the song, but it does constitute not playing with little ears around…I mean would it have been so hard to just say How does a broken heart…

                Next song Arms has a great sound and starts off great, proclaiming unexpected love from someone. This is a song I relate to because my wife always says she feels at home in my arms, which is what this song is about that feeling it seems…however it has a lot of doubt to though with lines like I’ll never let our love get so close and I believe that it’s easier for you to let me go. Those lines make this song perhaps the representation of the confusing nature of falling in love, which is something we all can relate to. We want the other to see through us as Perri says, but also we’re afraid to let it get that close. This song in my opinion is definitely okay, and truly doesn’t proclaim, say or hint at anything I would be against.

                Bang Bang Bang brings in the third song with a bang J. Unfortunately, the only thing going bang is the bitterness and desire that this heartbreaker, maybe from Bluebird, is going down and it seemingly celebrates it. Now I’ve been at the point where someone I loved turned on me and I desired nothing but bad things for them…doesn’t make it right though. This song serves no purpose other than that ill-feeling you feel for an ex that has done you wrong…and to be honest I’d rather not re-visit that bitterness, because it just brings out the thoughts I shouldn’t have towards someone. Bitterness and anger should be buried not sung about, and compassion should be what we pray to have.

                Distance I feel may be one of the best written lyrics on Perri’s album although its story does have one small concern for me. To me it’s the ballad of a girl whose boyfriend loved it when they were still falling for each other and everything was new…but now is as the song says, And you (him) keep waiting to save what we had. I feel this song speaks to a lot of women mainly because the majority of guys hate to get that close, and let’s be honest most guys are pigs and once love is entered in the way you act and treat your significant other should change exponentially. I found it a little off though that the singer (the girl) seems to know this about her man but in her naïve love she refuses to accept he may never feel the same way…which is why she Make sure to keep my distance, Say I love you when you’re not listening. I feel this song is very real and honest…however I would at the same time encourage a girl feeling like this to speak up and accept it may end it. This is my second favorite song on the album though because Perri sings of true emotion, without throwing in ill-hearted bitterness or unnecessary swear words. Thumbs up on this one.

No, I can’t take one more step towards you

‘Cause all that’s waiting is regret

And don’t you know, I’m not your ghost anymore

You lost the love I loved the most

                Easily the headliner of the album Jar of Hearts starts very powerful and sets up the passionate song that is to follow.  As big as this song got in the mainstream media…I’ll be honest I wanted to dislike it. I wanted to come up with a reason, but if you take this song for what it is, it is a very empowering song for women everywhere in an abusive relationship. Perri sings so passionately it makes you wonder if this “guy” she’s singing about is from real life and she truly does have scars on her heart (would explain the broken heart theme so far). Perri unlike in a few other songs is staying strong this time and taking a stand against the guy this time. When I listened to this song for the first time I pictured different women packing up and leaving their bad relationships behind. Some were walking, some were driving and others taking the bus. I think Perri does well in this song, even if unintentional. Girls can and should listen to this song and realize no man should miss treat a woman and if they do, don’t let them add your heart to their collection. Take it back, leave and never look back. Thumbs up again…ugh oh that’s two now.

                Mine is just weird. Talks about the singer having a secret and how the person the secret is about calls late at night drunk: What’s with all the late night liquored phone calls? This song to me seems to be this person may have another but he calls the singer when drunk and it’s her little secret…he seems to want to be with her, but she keeps stating I can’t love you…to be honest I’m not sure if infidelity or just drunkenness is what this song is about. Either way it is catchy and if you don’t pay attention to the confused lyrics it’s got a nice sound…but too many unknowns for me to do a thumbs up…turn it to the side I guess.

                I do like how Perri put an Interlude in her album…many artists no longer do this. The crazy thing is it’s beautiful…I’d love to know if Perri had any part in it (piano maybe?). It’s a quick 50 second thing of beauty.

                I’m happy to say Perri doesn’t keep going to nowhere, which is where Mine was heading. She instead brings the album back up with Penguin. Now this song is my favorite on the whole album. I love this love song, and Perri delivers such raw emotion but in a graceful and acoustic ballad. Great song, great words and just a great love song overall; thumbs up to this one as well.

                Miles starts out and I was thinking oh man another great love song, but I’ll give props to Perri for surprising me. The third verse states;

And these are words

I wish you said

But that’s not how it went

‘Cause you gave up on us in the end

                it is a sad revelation in the song. It goes on to state I can’t make it on my own, what a terrible thing to say. The song accomplishes the fact that it tugs at your love strings, but then cuts them. Right when Perri could have pointed towards hope or may I say God…she says she can’t go on. While yes we all feel like that when faced with times like this for a moment, it wasn’t a good move to put it in a song…there are too many girls out there that already feel they have to have a guy no matter how bad they are, this cultural idea of not being able to do it alone is to blame.

                The Lonely, Sad Song and Tragedy finish out the album with even more somber, sad and hopeless songs…with just a hint of strength in Tragedy vowing to never allow any of this to happen again.

Honestly, Perri seems to have grabbed a hold of every bad romance she’s ever had and written songs about them. The passion is there and at times seems to be dripping through the speakers it’s so apparent. However, there is a ton of helplessness expressed and it seems like no light is on the horizon far too often. She doesn’t even sing about strength from others let alone God. With that said there are some decent songs on here, but I feel some are just plain negative with all the hopelessness present throughout them. Christina Perri however does have a very nice voice and is unique in her delivery.

I myself wouldn’t have purchased the album, but there are a select few songs on the album I feel are worthy of listening to. The others just skip over, and DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM IF YOU ARE DEPRESSED, RECENTLY DIVORCED OR BROKEN UP…OR IF YOU’RE BITTER TOWARDS AN EX. This album receives an orange light of caution from myself, mainly because of its overall hopeless feeling expressed; however it does have a few songs that at the least are worth buying individually. Will I be adding it to my personal collection no (doesn’t point to God or hope for that matter at all), but would I think it terrible to see a fellow brother or sister with it in their iTunes…not at all.

Please remember this is my opinion yours more than likely isn’t the same, take what I say for reflection or anger. Either way thanks for reading.

One love, One God, one way,

Your Bro,

Tyni

Why do we put God in a box?

     Had a unique conversation with some people 2 weeks back that got me thinking pretty much every moment my mind had a free moment. I kept coming back to the fact how can you put God in a box. Now I realize I haven't posted in a while and I apologize that this post isn't a CD or Artist review (working on 3 right now so be patient) but this is something I feel we all need to think about and come to grips with. God is beyond all of our comprehensions...so why do we still think He can't use all types of music for his glory!!!!??? Being in the line of show promoter for our small venues our church is blessed with has allowed me many a chance to talk music with both those with faith in God and those who don't. It amazes me that my biggest musical arguements have occured with those with faith then those without.

     Many of us realize God can use all types of music to reach people and all types of music can be biblically based and point towards HIM! That is done through the lyrics in a song not the type of music. Did you get that? Lyrics make a song Godly or not, not how many thrashing electric guitar players are involved or whether the singer(s) have dyed yellow hair and tattoos all over them. Is the song lyrically God pleasing...if it is how can we say it isn't Godly? By saying it isn't Godly your saying "God you can't touch rap music or rock music or metal music...you're not powerful enough." Pretty ridiculous huh? Yes there are those of us who flirt with the edge between secular and Christian music way too much and to the point where maybe you shouldn't listen to rap, as an example, because you can't find it within yourself to be honest with your soul and only listen to Godly rappers. If that's the case I say more power to you, it takes a bigger man or woman to admit their downfalls and take measures against them.

     But to write an entire genre of music off as unGodly is almost as ridiculous as going back in time and telling God, "Don't waste your time with Saul...you can't reach him." To those churches and fellow brothers and sisters who hold to the belief some music is unGodly....I ask, no I beg you to re-evaluate that thought process.

     I'm the first to admit that there are times in worship or service that certain music doesn't fit, but in life all music fits. Check out the lyrics laid down by rap artist Lecrae and I guarentee you he will change your thoughts on rap...then check out Thousand Foot Krutch or The Letter Black and rock music will be changed for you as well.

     May God forever be the God even all our minds together cannot comprehend, and we as brothers and sisters embrace the fact he cannot be pushed back or kept in a box.

One love, one God, one way.

Your bro,

Tyni

Deitrick Haddon.....Church On The Moon (review)

Wow…honestly is all I could think when I pushed the play button and set back to hear an artist I’d sadly never come across until this year. Deitrick Haddon is a blessed lyricist and singer who until a couple weeks ago I didn’t even know about! After pushing play you hear a scene where Deitrick finds himself in the year 3000 and discusses how the Christian World has fallen apart except a few pockets of those holding to the true faith. He is heading towards the moon and you hear him tell his spaceship to put on his ‘ridin music’…and the last words we hear is the spaceship saying, “Now inserting, Church on the Moon…Show Stopper.”

                Show Stopper is the first song, and Deitrick sets the foundation for his album with an amazing song that is both catchy and powerful…I find myself desiring to listen to it over and over again, unable to skip it when it pops up on shuffle. It is a blessed song declaring that God is the true hero of the stage, and he is the only one capable of truly being a show stopper! The song’s beat keeps your feet tapping, head bobbing (perhaps) and the lyrics keep you singing along every time. Deitrick invites you to come and hear of this ‘show stopper’ that causes people to praise uncontrollably.  There’s absolutely no slowdown as we head into the next song Power…a challenge of sorts to those listening to stand up. Deitrick being a native of Detroit is no stranger to rough times and environments, as he states throughout the song about how he had to walk by faith through the battlefield of life and only God made him pull through. Power is one of those repetitive songs that some people may get turned off by the chorus being only a few words that just repeat, but the verses have that R&B/Gospel soul that balance out the song nicely and make it a strong follow up to Show Stopper.

Image thanks to Googleimages

                Midway through the album Deitrick focuses on forgiveness and finding hope through trials in the songs One More Chance, Bended Knees and Forgiven. It’s a neat part of the album as those three tracks set up the one to follow, Mighty God. It’s almost like after the other 3 songs all that is left is to praise God, and Mighty God does just that with choir singers throughout providing the body and depth of the song (reminded me somewhat of Kirk Franklin).

                There is one song however that in my honest opinion will make any Christian heart sing along with every passionately-pleading-love soaked lyric that leaves Deitrick’s mouth. Well Done is a song all about the phrase that every Christian should strive to hear their Lord and Savior say someday to them as they enter those pearly gates. It is that phrase that makes me wake up every day vowing to be the man He demands of me. However, simply wishing to hear those words isn’t enough, we need strength to accomplish that feat…enter You Are My Strength a song which comes directly from Deitrick’s heart. A song that shows how when you boil life down, God is everything; your strength, heart, shield, sword, joy, love…your all. It is because He is all of that, that we can even begin to be the man or woman God has commanded us to be. HE IS OUR STRENGTH!

                There is one song which Deitrick tries to provide encouragement to those young men and women finding themselves in situations that make God seem so far away (teenage pregnancy, drug abuse…). Baby You’re A Star is almost Deitrick’s plea to those who fit into the categories to not give up, and re-iterate to them the depth of God’s love for them.

                Skipping forward to ‘Save Somebody’ we get to hear the blessed Damita Haddon, Deitrick’s wife, do background vocals as well as parts of the verses. The song to me shows how Damita and Deitrick’s love is so deep they are willing to do anything for each other and their purpose is to save each other. The song doesn’t stop there though, it explains how your love for one another should be the other’s fuel to do ministry to others. *This love mirrors that of what God’s love for us is!*It was a little sad not to have Damita on more tracks as her voice is very easy on one’s ears, but perhaps that is to come on future albums.

One of the coolest songs is the title track, Church on the Moon, which is a “future” celebration of the church holding service on the moon! The song even has cuts from what might be said during that first service, if the church ever sees this day come to fruition in the future. It is a song of pure celebration, and one that you may find you self clapping or tapping along while you’re envisioning God’s people united together on the moon, just worshipping. The song’s location being next to last may strike some as odd, but it is fitting as Deitrick took you on a journey and it’s almost like the culminating celebration of the album. However, Deitrick apparently didn’t want to completely end the album without stripping away everything except for the most important person…Jesus, which he does in the ending track Jesus Is Coming, a passionate gospel song you can picture a huge choir singing up on stage as the congregation all stand and raise their hands in praise!

                As you go through the CD Deitrick will entertain you as well as make you reflect upon what your life’s purpose and direction is. You will hear club bumping beats, synthesized vocals, passionate worship songs and at times find yourself amazed at the vocal range you’ll hear. Unique compositions and the vast range of different sounds will allow this to become an album you’ll find yourself revisiting for quite some time. Deitrick’s blesses all who listen to his album, and I had no red flags or concerns pop up in my listening to it which leads me to easily recommending it to all ages. I find it refreshing to find an artist who has been involved in the industry for a while still able to re-invent themselves to the times with every album. Allow God to bless you through Deitrick Haddon and pick up his new album, “Church On The Moon”.

RATINGS: (1-5, 5 the best)

LYRICS/SONG WRITING: 5- here…more so his delivery then creative writing earns this 5.

MUSICAL ABILITY/SOUND: 4.5-He has an amazing sound, but I know some are going to say uses synth sounds almost too much….others are going to love it though.

VOCALS: 5-Perhaps his biggest strength.

X-FACTOR: 4

One Love, One God, One Way...

Your bro,

Tyni

Oddly enough they're musicians....not preachers!

                So when I got into the concert/event coordinating role at my local church I never knew so much thought needed to go into a planned event. It wasn’t nearly as simple as finding an act, paying them and being done with it. However, the one thing I apparently knew I had to do was choose with each event what the purpose behind each one was, whether that be an up in your face ministry outreach event, community concerts or fund-raising events. I’ve always entered each concert with a set idea of what we hope to accomplish, and to be honest we’ve primarily focused on providing nights where Christians and non-Christians can be ministered to. The acts we host are going to strengthen the faith of those that have it but also minister/plant a seed to those who don’t have any in a way to not scare them away from God.

                I had a conversation with a youth minister from another state the other day that wanted to know about a band I’d worked with before. He was concerned about what type of night do they provide via their concerts…and more specifically what type of ministry do they do during their show. It caught me a little off guard when, I basically gave a rundown of the band’s normal show (have worked with them many times) and how the message they share via their songs and the times where they just talk to the audience are very powerful…and he said well how much of the Gospel do they preach? I was a little confused and I asked like what exactly are you wanting? Well it became apparent they desired an act that would for maybe 15-25 minutes just preach to the audience. Now while there are acts out there that are like this, Jeremy Camp in my opinion is one of the greatest at being both musician and a minister to his audiences. This band in question though wasn’t the same, they focused more on the message they provided to speak the Gospel to the audience, and let God work through their performance and brief stories told both spoken and sung. Well…sadly I think the gentleman on the other line wasn’t hearing what he wanted and is leaning towards cancelling the concert….which is fine but it brings me to the point of this blog: You cannot expect musicians to be ministers.

                Some musicians can do both, but a lot of the musicians in the Christian industry are that for a reason…it’s how they feel God has called them to proclaim their faithßaka minister to those who hear them. When I book a band I know what they prefer to do and would never expect anything more from them, and if I want more it’s up to myself to either provide a secondary act (whether another band/speaker) or not sign the band to perform and go with another act. It should never come down to trying to make a band do what they may or may not be comfortable with. It has nothing to do with them being ashamed of their beliefs…it has more so to do with that God has blessed them with sharing their beliefs in a slightly different way.

                Just a word of advice from one concert/event planner to those who do the same thing also. One love, one way, one God.

Your bro,

Tyni

Remedy Drive examined/reviewed

Artist: Remedy Drive

CD: Daylight is Coming (Expanded Edition)

To kick things off with this review let me state I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this band perform 4 times and have been the host/promoter 3 of those times. Remedy Drive was originally started by 4 brothers from Nebraska, and from a very early stage in their career it was apparent they were blessed musically and had the desire to minister through it. If you research this band you may find some questioning what exactly the brothers believe, but this has more to do with their childhood as their family had ties (believe Father was involved) in the group/movement known as the Assembly. I’ll be honest I’m not 100% familiar with all the teachings of the movement but I can state that I feel Remedy Drive music reflects nothing that isn’t scriptural and is Christ centered through and through. The band, although some previous ones exist, really have two cds that have been a success. Rip Open The Skies was the start of the band making it, and Daylight Is Coming showed they had made it.

The success of Daylight Is Coming was immense, receiving Dove nominations and touring schedule expanding rapidly the 4 brothers found themselves entering an extremely busy way of life. The year of Daylight Is Coming saw Remedy Drive go from a lesser known Christian rock band to regularly play time on radio stations across the states. The Olympic Games at Vancouver even showcased the song “Hope” on one of the commercials used for the advertisement of the games. It was at this time where the stress of touring started weighing heavily upon some of the band members and the first signs of the end of Remedy Drive (as we used to know them). It wouldn’t be till late 2010 that the brothers Dan, Paul and Phil would perform their last show. Speaking with David, the only remaining original member and brother, it was apparent that it weighed and continues to weigh on him heavily about whether he can “re-create” what he had with his brothers with new members Dave Mohr, Corey Horn, and Timmy Jones. He said many nights he lies awake prayerfully looking to God to give him the strength and direction to make the “new” band a success.

I can safely say that as long as God stays at the forefront, this band will be blessed. It is impossible to put into words a Remedy Drive concert, and most of that comes from the act that is David Zach. David’s pure energy and passion for what he does seem to explode into the crowd through awesome piano skills, sweat dripping energy, acrobatic piano-playing headstands and the spoken words he uses in all his shows. It is that last one that is the most indescribable. There comes a time in every RD show I’ve witnessed where David stands up and speaks from his heart to the audience about the only hope we have in this life, God. As you listen it is quite clear that it isn’t David speaking to you, but God using him to speak to you…and it is this that makes Remedy Drive what it is. In my opinion David’s concerns about the band’s future, while understandable, are not needed. I truly believe that Remedy Drive is going to be a power player in the Christian music industry for years to come as long as David’s desire stays where it is right now.

As for the CD, Daylight Is Coming, it is a work of art and with the expanded edition is even better now than before. Right from the first track, Stand Up, it apparent you are about to hear something special in the coming tracks. David Zach shows his vocal range in the first song and you can hear that the band is blessed instrumentally. Perhaps one of the first things you notice about the band is the amazing lyrics and how well written the CD is. Daylight, Hope, All Along (biggest hit on CD) and Guide You Home are a few of my favorites that showcase David Zach’s writing abilities, which play a part in nearly every song on the CD. The CD’s theme is geared around the idea that no matter where we are in this life, cling to God…and wait. Sometimes we find ourselves in times where it seems we’ll never get out of the darkness, Daylight Is Coming though proclaims to the listener that fear not, for the dawn is going to break and the darkness shall lift if we just have faith! What more of message can you ask for in a CD? But to simply cling to faith is only half of it, and the rest is praising Him who created us. Remedy Drive, whether intentional or not, uses a subtle way of praising God in that they don’t necessarily use “God” in their songs. Instead they write their songs as if they are along with God and communicating directly to Him, which creates an amazing and intimate connection between the listener and the One the song is centered on…God! Some would say this is wrong, why wouldn’t they want to proclaim the name Jesus and God in every song as much as possible? Well, to that I simply say…listen. Listen and you will hear the passion and worshiping heart of the songs which resonates stronger than merely using the word Jesus or God in their songs.

Overall the CD is very well polished and will surely entertain you from track 1 clear through the end, which is rare for me to do but I was hard pressed to skip songs the first few times through. If you like what you hear, I would strongly encourage you to go see them live, as their show is one that no one forgets attending! Simply put Remedy Drive is a band that is blessed, and we can simply sit back and enjoy…and pray God keeps using them for years to come!

*Keep an eye out as the revamped band is set to come out with new stuff as soon as they can! You would be doing an injustice to yourself not to check it out when it becomes available…One Love, one Way, One God!

 Ratings for Remedy Drive:

(ratings on scale from 1-5, 5 being the best)

Lyrics/Song Writing: 5...some of the best stuff out of a newer band in a while!

Musical Ability/Sound: 4...not a 5 only because the band is revamped and finding exactly what they want to be now again.

Vocals: 4...David is talented, but would be nice to have other members chime in at time.

X-Factor: 5...it's hear, just a matter of how long it will stay.

Your bro,

TYNI