Kari Jobe Interview Part 1: Insight Into the Creation of New Album 'Majestic'; Maintaining Grace-Filled 'Church-Like' Worship Every Night

Article originally for BreatheCast. See original here.

Recording artist and worship pastor Kari Jobe recently spoke to Breathecast about her new album Majestic, her experiences on tour, her feelings on the Grammy's, and being a light in the darkness through her ministry.

Jobe will be releasing Majestic along with an accompanying live DVD on March 25, and will embark on her tour with the Rend Collective Experiment on February 27. Jobe spoke of her excitement for the new album, and gave an insight into the writing process she went through in creating the new album.

"I've been a worship leader for over 15 years and grew up leading worship. It just made sense to do a live project and just write for the church and to do songs that are more congregational, just with people in mind that are going to be singing these songs in church," she said about the thought that went into the songs.

Expanding further on the amount of time spent writing this album, she mentioned how her contributors were key to the completion of the album.

"So having relationships with Tomlin and Matt Redman, and some of the Hillsong crew like Ruben Morgan and the Bethel Crew; just amazing songwriters and worships leaders, helped me write for this project. I wrote for about two years for this album so, just working hard on making sure these songs worked for church."

It is easy for Jobe to communicate through worship because of the love she has for it. Worship music is something that flows out of her very being, and she has captured it perfectly, especially when creating a new album.

"Leading worship is my number one passion. You know when you are full-on passionate about something, it doesn't even feel like work. I just wrote for two years out of relationship too. Got together with friends and was like, 'Hey you want to write with me for this album?' or 'Do you just wanna write a worship song?' I wound up having around 50 songs to pull from this project. So it's special too, because there wasn't a lot of pressure. The Lord was just really faithful to help me have good songs that were ready to go for this project, so it just felt like fun."

Jobe also gave an insight into her experiences on tour, and she explained that her concerts are like "big nights of worship" where she wants people to enter into a church-like atmosphere to feel the presence of God.

When pressed on this "church-like" feeling, and how she could possibly stay in that mindset every night, Jobe offered an honest look into her relationship with God and music.

"Worship is so important to me. I love to be in the presence of God. Even on the tough nights, once you get in the presence of God, nothing else matters. God always shows up," she revealed.

She continued, "In my humaness, I might say, 'Lord please help me' but He always shows up. When two or more are gathered in His name, He is there. You kind of get this grace for it once you're out on the stage and you're going and his presence comes and you're like, 'Oh, this is why I do this.' Other than that, I love who I travel with, that's important, having friends and family support."

Sanctus Real Interview with Mark Graalman

This is interview was originally done for The Christian Post. Read the original article here.

Christian rock band Sanctus Real has been pumping out heartfelt powerful music since they got signed in 2002, and now with their latest release, Run, they are ready to show the rest of the world what they are doing.

Founding member and drummer Mark Graalman was able to chat with the Christian Post about the new record, multiple tours, Dove Awards, the future, and hitting the studio.

The band just embarked on The Run Tour last week, which will run until November. Graalman said this tour is perhaps the most ambitious for the band because they will be incorporating a lot of different functions into the show. Ultimately it will be a unique fan experience.

"We come up with ideas on how we want the show to look. We set up at a rehearsal warehouse type place in Nashville. We bust through three days of rehearsal and make any changes in the set list we want to make," he said. "It's going to be a really different show for us … particularly in the area of audience participation. How do we make the audience literally a part of the show? … I'll just say people need to have their drumming skills brushed up on."

Sanctus Real says the album title of Run does not necessarily mean they are running from anything, but rather running forward and on to the future. The other meaning could be running to God as well, but there is no sense of running for escape.

When asked about the symbolism of the circles on the album cover having to do with the theme of running, Graalman said, "[The] circles look like they are chasing each other. It just felt like run to us," before explaining the cover was one of almost 20 that was offered to them. A woman named Sarah came up with the designs for the band, and the abstract circles were what they felt was best for the record.

Going with the second theory of the title Run, Graalman traces music back to God and our constant pursuit of Him.

"Music is the most powerful way to express any kind of message. I think music was created by God as a gift to us. A sort of language to use as a way to get back to him. Throughout the scriptures music was mainly used to worship God with. It's meant to bring him glory," he said before explaining he feels making music is a human's way of reconnecting with the Father.

Sanctus Real recently released their video for the track "Run," and Graalman said although the video was simple, they were looking more to make an impact on the listener, rather than have an elaborate sequence of events.

"We'd prefer to have some sort of storyline going with it. Tricky part is coming up with a storyline and then executing it. The goal … getting the message of the song to be as impactful as it can be and just hit
that place in the heart we're trying to hit," he said.

The new album has also been nominated for a Dove Award. The band previously won in 2005, but things were very different back then. Sanctus Real had different members, a different sound, and their heads were in a different place.

"Obvious changes have been lineup changes. Matt, Chris, and I are the founding members. New bass player, added a fifth member. It's technically a different band in that record. We've grown a lot in our singing, and just trying to say what we want to say," he said, including that they are just trying to make art, and not hold themselves so high. "We were grungier when we were younger, and def have been all over the map since then. [We've] been able to experiment musically over the years."

Graalman said the band has been in a constant evolution in sound and in growth and maturity.

"When you're a young band everything is new and fresh. You can't help but evolve. Put out a record and do all these tours 200 days a year, and you are in this writing space and recording music. So you are constantly playing music, and eventually you just get better at what you do. You get a lot more practice and hours under your belt. Another big thing that changes is musical influences as you start to grow up. I certainly don't listen to the same stuff when I was 18 when the band started and now at 35.
What you want to hear plays a big part for what you want to hear. People could hear us grow up."



Graalman says the band approaches song writing in generally two ways. Sometimes the band just gets together and jams out on one guitar riff and everyone adds a part.

"Matt (singer) will hear melodies vocally and just sing along to it, and for whatever reason that turns into lyrics. Themes pop into his head of what this music sounds like and what it's trying to say. Then he starts writing lyrics to what we're doing," he said.

In other occasions, Graalman said Mark Hammit will come to them with things he wrote at home. They have also worked sessions with a few other songwriters in Nashville.

He even hinted that Sanctus Real would be back in the studio after a winter tour to start a record in January.

"We'll go a week at a time and record three or four songs at a time and take a break. Always writing throughout. Hopefully by next spring or summer we'll have a new record ready to go," he said.

When asked how the band has anytime to write with such an extensive touring schedule, he said they are "really intentional with time." Between balancing life, and being married with children, they prioritize family over the band.

"Rock n' roll won't be there when it's all said and done-- family will," he explained.

Lastly, Graalman wants Sanctus Real fans to know about Compassion International. The band had always talked about joining the organization to see what impoverished kids live like around the world, and they were given that opportunity this year.

Hammit and Graalman went to El Salvador and met children they were sponsoring, and got to see what life is in third world country.

"It's a hard experience to see that there really are people who live like that … very eye opening. Puts your priorities in a better place," Graalman admitted.

He said his bandmate Hammit said it best, "It's help me so much to be able to see who we are fighting for."

Catch Sanctus Real on tour this fall and check out Run on iTunes.

Dustin Kensrue Interview on His New Project 'The Water & Blood'

This interview was originally done for The Christian Post. You can view the original piece here. 

A little context to the story...This was a dream interview for me. Thrice is my favorite band of all time, and Dustin's songwriting ability amazes me, so this was truly an honor for me. There is a second part to the interview that I will post later.

Dustin Kensrue traded in his heavy rock chords and vocals as the frontman of Thrice for stripped down emotive and powerful church music as the Worship Pastor of Mars Hill Church in Bellevue, Washington, and is releasing his first album, The Water & Blood, on October 1.

Although Kensrue has released solo albums before, this is his first record comprised strictly of corporate worship songs to be sang specifically in churches. 

"At Mars Hill music we are really trying to write music for the local churches to sing," Kensrue told the Christian Post. "We want to proclaim and celebrate the gospel in the sense of what God has done through Jesus Christ. We are here because of what Jesus has done. He's called the church into being. There's freedom in that and there's a lot to be celebrated.  

Kensrue shared that writing worship music was a bit of a process for him as he always shied away from it in favor of what he was doing with his band or solo projects.

"I originally did not want to have anything to do with it for a long time. I grew up leading worship in my junior high group. I started playing guitar; I could barely play but none of the other leaders and kids could play, so I ended up leading. I was kind of fed up with it and frustrated. I had a real chip on my shoulder about it. It wasn't a healthy response," he revealed.

As a member of Thrice, Kensrue and his bandmates were known for challenging themselves musically as they put out eight albums of varying sound and themes. This time around however, the call to worship was a challenge issued by God Himself.

"I guess God challenged me on that. I told my wife I would never be a worship leader. He [God] trained me up to see it differently, and stop complaining from the sidelines. He brought me to where I'm at now."

Kensrue however, is grateful for all the work he was able to do with Thrice. Being in the band allowed him to portray a message through his music to "impact the broader secular world." The band was never labeled Christian, but it is quite evident in Kensrue's lyrics as to where his focus and devotion belonged to.

He now would have to use his gift for fluid and masterful songwriting and storytelling to capture the might of God, while also creating a song that many voices can sing out together. 

"I really think the only difference should be that the music has a different purpose and function. We should be making good art, we should be doing our jobs well wherever we are. The way that we do those jobs should point to the excellency of Jesus," he said. "I really want these songs to be centered around the cross, and [I'm] writing with a purpose that this song needs to work well in corporate worship."

Kensrue also says there is a stigma that comes with Christian music. Sometimes people will not listen to it simply because of the label. It is because of this that he is appreciative of his time and ability to reach people while spending 14 years touring and recording with Thrice.

"I ended up having an impact in the broader secular world" he said regarding his decision to communicate a message through a non Christian forum. It showed in the music as well.

Thrice songs such as "Like Moths to Flame," chronicled the feelings of shame after Peter denied Jesus, and "Come All You Weary" touches on resting all heartache and burdens on the Savior – and those are just a few.

The importance of the power of music is not lost on Kensrue as he understands the opportunity to now minister to people who may have not ever listened to worship, but will now because of his history with Thrice. 

"Music is something that has a lot of repetition...you hear a sermon once or twice, read your favorite book two or three times, favorite movie... How often do you listen to your favorite song? Maybe hundreds – a thousand times in a life time. If that song is true and helpful and good, it has a profound impact on the way you see things. Especially worship songs. This is the reason why we need to have great corporate worship songs." 

He continues, "I don't want them to just be tools for other worship leaders. I want them to be amazing worship art so that people will want to listen to them, therefore have spiritual transformation."

Perhaps Kensrue's newest song, and the big single off of The Water & Blood, "It's Not Enough," is the perfect example of music as art. The song leaves the standard convention of what a worship song is and allows Kensrue to explore a bit more of his roots while opening himself up to the Lord. 

"That song was originally going to be a Thrice song that I never got around to finishing. The song should work on either record because it is true and engaging on a different level," he said.

The video is powerful as well. It is a continuous shot of his face as he walks for what seems like forever with a background of events happening all around the world behind him. It is simple and to the point, but gets the message across crystal clear.  

"There's something kind of engaging and uncomfortable and inviting by this lopped off shot. I thought it was compelling and would work really well with this song in particular. I think the main point was to capture the face to face to excentsiate the lyrics which adds another layer to challenge the listener of what's going to be talked about," said Kensrue.

He came up with the idea of the video while at the gym. He said he was walking in step with the song while on the treadmill, and the idea hit him. 

Kensrue is well known for the emotion and passion he puts behind singing some of his most emotional songs. "It's Not Enough," is no different, and when asked about it he quoted Dr. Bryan Chapell, "If the manner does not match the message, the manner is what we will believe."

In other words, he means, being engaged with the song makes the story powerful because it puts yourself in the characters place. "[It's like] Entering into the story and inviting others into that."

In the foreseeable future, Kensrue plans on continuing to lead worship every Sunday at Mars Hill Church. He also has a couple of musical endeavors in the works. 

"As crazy as it sounds, I plan on putting another worship album out within a year. I've got two other records I want to make that are outside the church. One being a follow up to Please Come Home and one being something totally different. I don't know when I'll ever get to those. I have songs for it, I just need to finish them," he said.

He also offered a glimmer of hope for Thrice fans that are missing their favorite band since going on hiatus earlier this year.

"There's definitely a future for Thrice I just have no idea what it looks like or when it looks like. I think it'll definitely be a couple of years before it even begins to make sense. I look forward to the day in whatever form we start doing stuff together again. There's just so many factors, I can't say with any certainty or what that looks like. I love playing with those guys, and it would be a blast to do it again and it will be extra fun having had time away from it because 14 years straight is pretty intense."

The Water & Blood releases on October 1 off of Mars Hill Music/BEC Recordings.

Newsboys Interview with Drummer Duncan Phillips

Did this interview for the Christian Post. Enjoy, and be sure to check out the original at - http://global.christianpost.com/news/newsboys-restart-with-drummer-duncan-phillips-christian-music-should-be-better-interview-104080/

As legendary and pioneering Christian band the Newsboys get ready to release their 17th album, Restart, tomorrow, the Christian Post had the opportunity to speak with longtime drummer Duncan Phillips on the messages of the album, why Christian music as a whole is lacking, and why Restart is the best Newsboys album ever made.

Christian Post: The new album Restart has been quoted by the band as 'taking music one step further.' How is that?

Duncan Phillips: I think on this one in particular we really wanted to go outside of our box because I think... we kind of felt that Christian music is really the only type of music that is sort of gauged on its lyrical content rather than the art of the music. This is fine, but unfortunately the downside is I think music is kind of second fiddle for the lyrics – I really believe that the art itself has suffered. It's second rank, and that's one of the complaints we hear from a lot of people. The music art just isn't there, and I would have to agree with them about that.

This one [album] we kind of went on purpose and said, look if that's the complaint that people who listen to CCM and Newsboys [have], let's have a genuine look at this and see what we can do about it. So we chased the best producers we possibly could and we chased the best songwriters we possibly could. Just because we are in band doesn't mean that we are the best songwriters, and I know we've had a lot of success with our own songs over the years but we thought, 'let's just get the best.' There's guys out there who will never be on the stage but at songs they are absolute geniuses. Let's see what we can do if we get some world class songwriters to collaborate on this project. I really believe we got a superior product. I can unequivocally say, that it's the best Newsboys record we've ever penned and recorded.

CP: What are some of the themes and messages that you are trying to convey on Restart?

DP: We didn't do it on purpose, but there is a theme throughout the record of, God chooses his people to do His will, and we aren't going to be able to hide in our subculture. We are not going to affect the world hiding in a cave and waiting for God to return. He's not going to return because I think He chooses to do His work, and if we ain't going to do it, He'll just sit around and wait for the next generation to it. He chooses to use you and me, and maybe it's for our betterment but the fact that he does, tells me we have to reengage with the culture. The culture over the last 50 years has degraded to a point where we have a 20 year-old girl at the VMA's strutting around basically naked telling everyone if you're to be anyone that she's got to act in a certain way. This generation has lost its heroes and people to look up to. As a band we want to rengage our culture, and have a real positive effect. Obviously the enemy is having a positive affect on our culture and I think it's time that we jumped in not to be apart of it, knowing who we are and having courage to do the great commission. 

CP: Why do you think music is a powerful tool for the gospel?

DP: I think the thing with music, it can bypass you in your conscience and affects someone right down into their soul and being. I'm a drummer and rhythms and grooves really get me going. A lot of times I don't even know what a certain song is singing about. One time someone asked, 'What's your 10 favorite songs,' and then someone in the band said, 'Have you ever heard the lyrics on that song?' and I'm like 'No, I love the drums on that song.' Then when I actually read the lyrics I died because I can not believe I've been singing this song in my brain the whole time, and that's what the lyrics have been. That proved my point, that a lot of the time the art of the music is such a powerful force that it can actually bypass the conscience. It could work for the good, and it could work for the bad. Through the medium of music God does wonderful and mighty things and I really believe God has done that in the past.  

CP: The new single is "Live with Abandon," what have the reactions been like so far? 

DP: It's amazing. I was talking to Michael this morning. He said the feeling on this record is how he felt when Jesus Freak hit. He knew with Jesus Freak that he had something amazing, but they weren't quite sure what because obviously a hit is not a hit til it hits. But he has that very same feeling, that sense of anticipation and so far the reaction has been amazing. I think people are really genuinely blown away. We want to give a product that kids are proud of, and I don't want them to hide their Christian music. Something they'll only listen to when no one else is in the dorm room. I want it to stand up stylistically, and as far as the art side of it goes, against anything out there, and I think it does. I'm incredibly proud of it, and once this kind of gets into the airwaves and people get the record, it'll be something that they can use as a tool.

CP: Why have the Newsboys been able to last so long? From 1985 to the present.

DP: We've always been very proud of who we are as a band, and very proud about not being a Christian version of someone else. That's one of the major complaints of CCM in general, you know whatever is happening at the time, two or three years later, stylistically the Christian music industry will kind of do their Christian version of it. I believe Christian music should be better. We shouldn't be copying one another, and this album, that is what we did. I'm incredibly proud of this record. I think it's going change the face of our fans, but hopefully changes the face of CCM in general.  

CP: Stylistically the Newsboys have covered many different genres of music as the decades have passed. Do you think it's because of the different lead singers or just how Christian music has evolved over the years?

DP: I think it's everything. Every record is like applying for your job over. Every record is an opportunity to say, 'Hey, here we are.' We hope you like this rendition. With the change over to Michael in 2009, that gave us this incredible opportunity to try something musically that we hadn't done before, and it's a risk, and it's scary, but I think any band that stands the test of time has been through any one or two restarts. They've kind of been through a realigning of who they are. Because if you keep making the same record, you are going backwards I believe. Getting a new lead singer is a stretch, going from a bald white guy to a black guy with hair, that's a massive monumental change in the band. Michael is such a world class talent, that he really allowed the band to go forward and to kind of do the record like Restart. 

CP: Michael was no slouch either. His former group DC Talk was fairly popular (Sarcastic)...

DP: Oh my God yeah. DC Talk was kind of a band that revolutionized Christian music at the time. There was nothing like DC Talk at the time. I remember it, there was just this massive moment of, 'oh my gosh, where did these guys come from?' They really raised the standard of what Christian music had been up to that point and time. And I really believe with Michael this record that the Newsboys have done that again. At least from what we've done before, we've set the bar pretty high. I think you have to legitimately and constantly working on getting better on every level of what you do. 

CP: What's the craziest thing that has happened to you in your 20 years with the Newsboys?

DP: There's so much to go on. I've probably forgotten half of it. You travel the whole world, you might play 150 dates a year. There's stuff that happens all the time and because you live in that world, a lot of times you don't even remember this stuff. We were younger and we crazy, and it takes a bunch of crazy to do what we do I think. We used to ride motorbikes all over the country, we had dirtbikes, paintball back in the day. Off hand I can't remember one particular thing. I mean the road life is crazy, you go from town to town, you're meeting people all the time. Your bus is breaking down, your gear is breaking down... One time back in the day our drum riser that spins around got stuck upside down, and that was a funny moment because I didn't know whether to keep on going or to stop. But being the pros we are we kept on going, and I finished the set hanging upside down until some guys came and got me and unbuckled me and carried me out of the thing. That was years and years ago, that doesn't happen anymore. 

CP: What's your favorite classic Newsboys song to play?

DP: Since Michael's joined the band, we've had so many hits off of these last three records, that we're only playing like three records, like three songs from older stuff. "He Reigns," we play that which is a really nice moment. I think "Something Beautiful," and kind of a throwback to Michael's heritage, "Jesus Freak," out here for a couple of years now, and that's always a nice moment because it puts a bow on the collaboration between Michael and the Newsboys and where he's been. With this Restart record we may even get rid of those. Going out in the future we may not play any of the classic stuff  unfortunately. But the great thing is that we have so many new great songs that we want to play and want people to hear. 

Interview with Christian Artist TobyMac (Full Transcript)

I originally wrote this for the Christian Post. http://www.christianpost.com/news/tobymac-on-christian-hip-hop-his-new-tour-and-being-a-jesus-freak-99479/

Christian hip-hop, rock and pop superstar artist TobyMac helped shape the foundation of Christian music and how that music can infiltrate the mainstream with his unabashed proclamations of Christ through his music, books, and philanthropy work.

The artist, who's real name is Toby McKeehan, began his career in 1987 with DC Talk along with Newsboys current vocalist, Michael Tait, and Audio Adrenaline current vocalist Kevin Max. Together, these three were among the most successful gospel acts of all time, making albums that mixed genres such as hip-hop, soul, and gospel. They later on experimented with grunge, alternative, and contemporary music until their hiatus in 2000.

Since then TobyMac has made quite a name for himself as a solo artist, winning virtually every award possible and selling lots of records along the way, all while praising Jesus at every stop.

You have won several major awards this year. Which of these has been the most meaningful to you?

It's always hard to surpass a Grammy Award. It's kind of the shot heard round the world when it comes to music. It's not just a United States thing, it's beyond. Anywhere you go whether it be Africa or Jamaica, if you win a Grammy Award, people recognize that immediately. A Grammy Award winning artist just gets people's attention, and there's a reason for that, its a different standard.

I will say I've been up for I don't know how many between DC Talk and my solo career, I've been up for American Music Awards and I've never received one ever, probably swing and a miss 10x but I got one this year and that was awesome. That was an amazing time, and it means so much because it was voted in by the people that listen to music, the fans.

The K-LOVE awards, because it was the inaugural year, that did mean a lot to me because that's the people who listen to Christian music, and to choose me as Artist of the Year, I was truly honored and humbled.

Since your days in dc Talk each one of your albums has had a different sound. How do you continue to reinvent yourself, and how have you evolved as an artist since going solo?

I think I'm moving...I'm a pop artist leaning towards hip-hop definitely. I think for me it's like one of those things where there's a river moving, and it is called music. I feel like I am part of that river, I'm not  separated from it. I like to move with music. It's not necessarily reinventing myself as much as it's just moving along the river of music and where it's going where the drum sounds change and the tempos change, just choosing to be a part of that rather than stop and get off at a certain river bank and stay there. I want to keep moving with it.

How do you feel music is a great communicator of the gospel?

I think music is what you choose to make it. You can bring any message you want in music, and everyone is bringing some message in music. Even if it's a message just to have fun, or have a party. Like Macklemore's current song, "Same Love," he's obviously telling us to stop judging homosexual people, and that's what he's saying in the song. Music has always been there, there's always been messages in music. There's something being said whether it's love people well, or whether it's be angry, and I think it's natural to me to choose to tell people about Jesus with my music because that's the most important thing to me. Something about his love, or something about the attributes I've learned in God's word is going to come out in my music. It's when I'm at my best, it's the centerpiece of my life, it's the center of my life, so when I write it just kind of flows out even when I'm writing a song about somebody who got hurt or failed in a way or stumbled and fell, I'd write a song like "Get Back Up," to remind them that forgiveness is there for them. God's love is there for them.

There's been a lot of school shootings, tornados, hurricanes, etc, what would you say to someone who has experienced tragedy?

I would say, God's love is bigger than anything you are going through. I think that we go through things that turn us to him. Sometimes it's beautiful and sometimes it's really tough, but if we turn to Him, I think we'll find comfort in His arms.

How does it feel to be a pioneer of Christian music, and where would you like to see Christian music move to?

Hip-Hop is dear to my heart, I started out a rapper and have become sort of a rapper/singer, always leaning to hip-hop beats, always leaning to hip-hop culture. It's part of me. I wouldn't call me a flat out hip-hop artist because some people might be up in arms, but hip-hop is part of what I do, part of where I've been since I came into this industry. I will never deny, I will always embrace it. I will always wear it like a badge of pride when it comes to my musical passion.

I think there are so many artists out there who are expressing their faith through hip-hop and their beliefs through hip-hop, and I find more and more mainstream artists talk about their love for God through hip-hop. But then there's a movement that's happening with Lecrae and those guys that are making people just stop and notice. We've always had some great hip-hop groups along the way from Grits to any other groups in the 90s and 2000s. To me they are doing it and they're not compromising and people are stopping and noticing and appreciating them for what they do. It reminds me a little bit of when dc Talk, when I wrote Jesus Freak and dc Talk wrote Jesus Freak, I think people recognized it for how bold the statement was. There was no watering it down, there was no underlying message. It was a bold message and a blatant message, and that's the way I see Lecrae and those guys. They are not two stepping this thing or half stepping, they are not treading lightly on this Jesus thing, and I love it.

Three of the biggest groups in the 90s, dc Talk, Newsboys, and Audio Adrenaline. Michael is in Newsboys, Kevin is in Audio A, where's dc Talk? (three band tour)

I think Talk is in a little bit of each of each of these groups. Dc Talk is in three forms I guess.

You never know my man, you never know. I don't think any of us are opposed to it. Just waiting for the write timing and hopefully everything works out and something like that can work out. Nobodies against it, everybody's open to it.

Tell us about the ERACE Foundation and Camp Electric.

The ERACE Foundation is something we started a long time ago with dc Talk and we've always been about trying to create dialogue between races where there's situations and problems. Sometimes we'll go in different campuses and just promote dialogue. We'll bring an author with us who's written a book about racial reconciliation and we'll try to make it not like a professor student situation but just promote dialogue for people who have questions. For people who have this burning question for people of a different race. It sort of dispels some of the stuff people fear about the other race. Or maybe it's just on a lighter note, we've just always tried to have been intentional about bringing different people together and appreciating different races, and appreciating different cultures and sort of cherishing them instead of wonder or be fearful of or hate on. So just try to love the way God loves or try to flex the beauty of his artistic handy work and the colors of our skin.

Camp Electric is something that was started by a few guys and after the first year I just saw the beauty of it and trained up a whole new future of people who love God and want to make music. I quickly became a partner and became an advocate of it and began to play it. I play the shows every summer at the camp. We have three different locations this summer which I'll play all three. I teach a songwriting class there, and I get to share with campers on how important it is to align yourself with what you do and surround yourself with people who will encourage you in your face walk and ask God to breathe songs to you. I really started delving into that a few years ago, and I think it's love speaking into this next generation of God loving musicians.

If you could leave any sort of legacy on this earth, what would it be?

I think it would be, I man that loved God with all my heart and that acknowledged God in the songs he wrote, and loved his family and lived what he sang about.

Who are your top 5 emcees dead or alive?

I think Rakim. I like some old school junk. KRS-One. I know it's on the lighterside, Whoodini. I know they weren't about conscious rhymes but they taught me about how to mix singing with rap. They would always have the singing, 'the freaks come out at night, how many of them are friends.' You know they really taught me something more than they were some kind of conscious emcees. Q-Tip. I mean I know it's real controversial, but it's hard not to say Jay-Z. I mean I would say I put Jay-Z and Kanye right there. I know some people would kill me for saying that. Jay-Z for his changing the game and Kanye for his experimentation. I have to say a byline to all that. I do not agree with everything they say. I do not like the vulgarity. I always get the clean version, and I do not suggest that anybody go out and buy it because there's a lot that they talk about that I don't think is good for younger ears, lets just keep it at, I don't agree with everything they say and I don't agree with everything they say for my life. I  respect their gifts. Their abilities to rhyme.

Ability plus heart, I'd put Lecrae on that list. It's easier for you to listen to him because I feel like our hearts are in the same place because we desire the same things generally.

Anything else you'd like to add or talk about?

I'm doing a tour called the Hits Detour with a lot of different artists on it. Mandisa, Brandon Heath, Jaime Grace, Chris August, Capital Kings. That will be going out in November/December in the West Coast and will end in February.

Spoken Album Review for 'Illusion'

Finally the wait is over! Hard rock band Spoken is back, and they are bringing the noise with their newest release, Illusion.

Prior to Illusion, which will be released on February 12th, Spoken hadn't released an album since their self-titled in 2007. However, that time gap hasn't been all idol time, the band has been working on the album since 2010.

"We've always been a band that tours nonstop, and we live in three different states. Writing music is sometimes difficult with that equation. There's been a little time between records, but we've never slowed down as far as being a band. You can expect better songwriting on the new record. We approached this record differently than we have the other records. We did the new record with Jasen Rauch, (Brian HEAD Welch, Disciple, RED, and more)," said singer Matt Baird in a previous interview on here.

'Illusion' Cover

Spoken has always been a band that has varied in styles musically. Their first couple of albums were rap/metal reminiscent of Rage Against the Machine, while their next few were more post hardcore before naturally maturing to a refined metal sound. Illusion takes the best of their previous formulas and infuses it with poppier hooks and catchier choruses.

Illusion kicks off with powerful guitars on "Stand Alone." The verses are yelled as Baird is forcing them through a controlled and synchronized scream to go with the music. The chorus then switches to more of a melodic section before he flips it back to screaming.

"Beneath the Surface" starts off very much like the first track; with dual guitars blazing and screaming vocals. Following the same formula as "Stand Alone," the chorus features sung vocals. There's a cool little underwater effect placed throughout the song that adds just the right amount of filter 'beneath the surface.'

The next track in "Don't Go." Heavy guitars open up, but the verses are more of an aggressive singing. The chorus is layered with strong melodies, "Close your eyes and remember me the way I was before...Just stay with me and we can weather the storm," powerful lyrics.

"Through it All All" is the first song on the album that switches gears and also their first single. It's a bit mid-tempo and has a nice blend of guitar work and what sounds like subtle piano or guitar. It positive with a message with the hook proclaiming, "Though our hearts have been broken, we've been burned by the flame/We will rise from the ashes again!"

"More Than You Know" showcases a poppier side of Spoken. The vocals are a bit whispery at times, and again are layered with fantastic harmonies. Overall it's just a solid song touching upon the subjects of self worth and self admittance.



Flowing perfectly from the last track, "Remember the Day" has a soft tone but a big feel. The recording itself has a grand quality, heavy guitars and booming vocals. Spoken does a superb job in capturing a "rock ballad" with this one.

Bang, que the noise, "Shadow Over Me" adds the jolt back into the album after the two-track lull. Adversely, this song is the first time where Baird screams over the chorus and sings the verse. The bridge into the drop out/outro is nicely done as well.

To sum up the song "Accuser" simply... it's heavy. Everything about the song is gut punchingly heavy and it's awesome, especially the metal breakdown part towards the end!

"Take Everything"is a track that could probably be another single because it has a very commercial sound, and a clear relatable focus. "My heart is yours for the taking," could be about a girl or in the case of Spoken's Christian roots, a reference to the forgiveness of God.

"Tonight" slows it back up and is about feeling alive and making a declaration of change and using one moment, 'Tonight,' to transform and "leave it all behind." A great message of encouragement in an easy package.

Next up is the softest track on the album, "Calm the Storm." Again, another powerful song with an inspirational chorus. "Be the hope when the world is crashing down/Come wrap your arms around me/Calm the storm inside me." The song is a cry out to God for his comforting touch to get through any situation.

The title track, "Illusion," finishes up the album with a burst of energy just like in the beginning. Back is the screaming, back is the harmonic melodies, and on come the gritty guitars. "Illusion" matches "Stand Alone" musically as it follows similar guitar patterns, and even starts the same with the faded in sound. The song ends with Baird's chanting as guitar feedback overcomes it.

Through and through, this album is a great welcome back for Spoken. The production is great, the vocals are on point, and the heaviness is brutal with some solid standard rock tracks sprinkled in. Illusion takes the listener through ups and downs as far as sonically, with bouts of heaviness, ballads, and midtempo coming in clusters. Spoken has certainly evolved through the years and with this latest transformation, they are going the right way.

Love and Death 'Between Here & Lost' Review Brian 'Head' Welch

Love and Death's Between Here & Lost is an inspiring foray into the world of former Korn member Brian "Head" Welch's mind and past demons as he transitions into a Christian. The message conveyed through the album is about finding a way through being stuck between complacency and misdirection.

The album opens fittingly with the lyrics, "Wake up sleepy wide awake!" as Welch screams of not giving up on "The Abandoning." This song has a killer melodic chorus with lots of harmonic layers. A great start to the album.

The second track is a cover of Devo's "Whip It." However, that's where the similarities end; this version is amped up with crunchy guitars and grungy vocals. Love and Death truly made this song their own; not to mention a guest vocal appearance by Spoken's Matt Baird.

"Watching the Bottom Fall" is about falling for the same lies and promises we make to ourselves and yet still expecting to have a different result. The bridge into the last chorus has a nice flow to it as it changes up slightly.

This song is very personal and deep for Welch as reflects over a death in his life and while the song is mostly heavy the chorus mellows out more into a heartfelt angst free cry of sorts. "By the Way" is LaD's version of a rock ballad.

"Meltdown" opens with brutal guitars into Welch's signature deep songy whisper that he so often uses on verses which then leads into a growling mini breakdown before the chorus. Later on into the song it completely drops out into a chanting and soft bridge before kicking the adrenaline back in.

"Disaster" focuses on the Welch's inner turmoil with God as he feels sometimes he is left to fend for himself. He's not blaming God, but rather asking Him why He allows periods of loneliness to occur. Some of the highlights of this song is the instrumentation. The drums are great and the cool effected guitar riff over the chorus fits perfectly.

Next up is "I W8 4 U" featuring Mattie Montgomery of For Today. He contributes some heavy screams to the track as he blasts lines "Tell me you lost it, tell me you lost it." It makes the song feel like it's up in your face, a very nice touch.

"Fading Away" goes back into the theme of lies and encourages all those who fall for them to "Lie down and let go" before they fade away.

"Paralyzed" opens up with synthy guitar sounds reminiscent of the work he used to do in Korn. It's easy to see why this song was chosen as a single. It's one of the more catchier tunes on the album, and would appeal to a good spectrum of rock fans as it has multiple changing styles to it.

"Chemicals," which was also selected as a single and had an EP of the same name may very well be the best track on the album. It's crazy to hear how Welch gets his voice so low on parts like, "You're the killer and I'm the kisser." The song rings out almost as if it were an anthem for what the band stands for.

The final song on the album is, "Bruises." Everything about "Bruises" is powerful and hauntingly beautiful. The keys and light guitar work compliment Welch's mellowed out soft singing. It picks up for a little bit within the last minute of the song but never enters into the realm of brutality like the other tracks. The best part of this song are the lyrics. "Show us how to live/How do we forgive...Show us how to die/How to give our lives/Living sacrifice."

Overall Between Here & Lost tells a story of a broken man looking for a change. "This record was birthed from trials, tribulations, pain, suffering, anxiety, depression, and drama. However, we came out on top and the end result is a very real, raw & honest record," Welch said to antiMusic.com. With that being said, the album encompasses everything we'd expect, awesome nu metal heaviness with a positive message and amazing musicianship. Love and Death is just scratching the surface of their musical journey, and I can't wait to see what's next.

Freestyle Fam Review of 'Undisputed: Revenge of the Fallen Tracks - EP'

Freestyle Fam, Freestyle Fam, Freestyle Fam...where do I begin.

Freestlye Fam is made up of one part nasty sound of the streets emcee (Quest the Wordsmith) and one part metaphor slinging rapid fire lyricist (Redeemed).

This duo is deadly on the microphone and I challenge any emcee to step up their rhyme game and hop in the cypher with these guys.

I'm privileged to call these guys my friends, and even more privileged to introduce you to their sphere of influence God inspired message in their music.

Undisputed: Revenge of the Fallen Tracks was dropped on August 18th of this year and showcases five superbly written and performed tracks.

The first track "Undisputed" kicks in heavy with the drums as Quest lays down a slick verse attacking the rap game and representing what he's about and what Freestyle Fam is about over the chorus. Then Redeemed kicks in with an intense verse focusing on his crew's skill for taking down the average rapper and challenging everyone else to step up.

"Where Do We Go" brings down the tempo and gets serious as Quest talks about negative opinions towards his music and his craft and how he is sick of judgment coming from people who's thoughts don't matter. In his world the only person who matters is God. Redeemed touches on the monotony of what rappers on the radio spit and how it's manufactured and fake. He urges them to try and walk in his shoes.

"License to Rhyme" opens with the chorus whispered and a dope sample. For the first and only time we see Redeemed open up a rhyme. After his verse the chorus comes back stronger with female vocals singing on what is real hip-hop. Quest then flows in smoothly and drops knowledge per usual with an impeccable flow. The track is a good little mid interlude for the album.

The next track is the softest of the bunch with the beautiful piano and hummed vocal layers throughout.  "Sad Memories" aims to hit the heart as Quest goes through the motions of a person trying to find himself in the grand scheme of life. Redeemed questions his inspiration in music as he struggles to deal with saving souls and his gift of rap as a tool to minister his message of forgiveness, love, and salvation while others supposedly doing the same fail.

The last song on the EP, brings the noise back and this time with a special guest, Rkitect. "Savages" lives up to its namesake and delivers the most brutal of punchlines and metaphors as the main purpose of the song is to just swag out and make the listeners pay attention. "I'm a rhymin' man/I write with an iron hand/With a diaphragm hot enough to melt Iron Man in a frying pan." Yeah...about that. Everyone on this track brings it and takes this song to another level.

Overall Freestyle Fam released a solid EP. This is their third release and second EP, but for me it also marks progress. The Fam added a little bit of full song structure and full beats into their repertoire. Their first mixtape,  Lyrical Onslaught, was just that, killer rhymes and words but at times lacking a solid overall song/single. They are there. Keep it coming!

Get the album here - https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/freestyle-fam/id502698650

http://www.freestylefam.com/

Remember to keep checking the site for their First&15 series of songs!

Rap/Rocker Manafest Proves Life's Worth Fighting For in His New Release

Tell us about your newest release, 'Fighter.'
We had a lot of success on the record before [The Chase]. Sometimes you expect people to know about your next release…but it takes time to build something. It's an exciting time, we are going on radio, touring and it's connecting. It's reminding me that nothing happens over night.

You've been through a lot of things in your life. Is 'Fighter' a reflection of your life?
Yeah, for sure man. Just like I kind of turned the music upside down, so has my life. It's a reflection of everything I've gone through. More than a physical fight, it's the storms of life and the junk that happens everyday.

What's a message you can share for people "Fighting" in real life after Hurricane Sandy?
I was thinking about. We just have to enjoy everyday life and not take anything for granted…Never quit. I know, when I've been in those dark places you want to quit. That's why it's good to have inspirational materials around me. No matter how many times I've fallen down, I always got back up. I think New York is a great example of that because of 9/11 and everything surrounding that. America is a great example of just a country that has taken their hits and hasn't quit and is an inspiration to so many people around the world.

Your style has evolved over the years, was this intentional or did it happen?
When I look at the first EP I did, there was always a rock element and a singing element. I just think with the latest stuff, The Chase and Fighter, it's definitely more rock lenient, more singing. It's the music that connects with my fans the most. Still rhyming on some newer stuff though.

What sound do you consider yourself and how would you pitch your music to someone who doesn't know about you?
I always like to give a band comparison, a lot of people say, "We don't sound like anything else you've ever heard." You listen to it and it has a Beatles flare with a Pink Floyd mixture or whatever. You always sound like someone. My comparison I get the most is Linkin Park, P.O.D., Rage [Against the Machine], Beastie Boys, and Eminem growing up. I'm influenced by those guys for sure.

Can we ever expect to get a purely hip-hop album from Manafest?
Under the monicker of Manafest I won't do a hip-hop record but I would consider doing a side project of an all hip-hop record.

What's your favorite track off of 'Fighter' and what's the fans favorite track so far?
"Human" is my favorite track. I love the lyrics in there, the music and the hook, and the production for sure. That's definitely my favorite song. It's funny that sometimes radio and publicity can dictate what people hear the most you know what I mean because maybe some songs are connected on a mass basis so it's hard to say what the fans like. But I'd say the biggest song is going to be "Human" as well.




Tell a little about your up coming tour with Saving Abel and what are you most looking forward to?
We are just playing some markets and playing some places we never played before. It's going to be new fans and people, and even a band we've never gone out with. It will just be cool to expose the music to a group of new people. you don't want to expose yourself to the same people, you have to get the music to more places. Hopefully there will be places like, "Hey come back here again."

Who are your top 5 greatest emcee's dead or alive?
Eminem, Jay-Z, I think Q-Tip is pretty dope, KRS-One, and I'm going to say a group. They were one of my biggest influences when I got into rap, EPMD.

What's the best rhyme YOU ever wrote?
I'm really happy with the verses in "Everytime You Run." I think I really hit it, you know, they aren't really lyrically aggressive but I just feel like I really communicated a good message and came off really well and painted a good story. If I was going to compare with Eminem's story to "Stan" because he communicated a message to so many people. I feel like I did that in a similar vein.

Anything else you'd like to add?
We are shooting more music videos, touring, and I'm releasing my first book that I've been working on. It's going to come out next year telling my whole story. It's going to be a motivational biography plus tell all stories about the music industry and I think my fans are going to be stoked whether they are my fans or not.

http://www.manafest.net
http://imafighter.net
http://www.facebook.com/manafest
http://www.twitter.com/manafest
http://www.youtube.com/manafest

Interview with Matt Baird of Spoken

Who are you, what do you do, and how important is music to your life? 
My name is Matt Baird. I sing for the band Spoken. Music is extremely important to my life. I feel that God gave me a small amount of musical ability, and I've dedicated my life to serving Him with music.

How has Spoken changed as a band from the mid 90s until now, and was the growth inspired by YOU as a band, or the ever changing music scene?
We listen to all kinds of music, we've had several band members over the years, and our tastes in music have changed. We feel like we are in a place musically that shows all sorts of influences. We play music we'd like to listen to.

Many fans don't know about Spoken's rap/rock roots. Do you guys still perform any of those songs from the first two albums?
(Haha) We haven't played those songs in several years, but we loved playing them at that time. It was current, and we enjoyed that time of our career.

Matt Baird

Did you consider yourself a rapper, or just a versatile vocalist who rapped? Do you still have some rap bars left in the tank?
Oh no, I never claimed to be a rapper, and didn't desire to be. I just happened to really like bands like Rage Against The Machine, P.O.D., Downset, and 311. It just came across in our music. And there's absolutely no rap left in the tank...

Many online places say once signing to Tooth & Nail you guys hit your stride with 'A Moment of Imperfect Clarity.' In my opinion I think your biggest progression as artists was 'Echoes of the Spirit Still Dwell.' How do you feel about this album and am I on the right track, especially since you re-released it?
I'd agree with both opinions. "Echoes" was a pivotal point in our career. It was an album of prayers put to music. Tooth & Nail was a great chapter for Spoken. We entered the studio basically a new band. Jef (guitar) and I were the only original members at that point. The new guys (Aaron, Brandon, and Ryan) were  a HUGE part of the writing process. It was all around a great process. As far as re-releasing "Echoes"... it wasn't available on itunes, so we decided to have a label called Alien Patrol release it digitally. I've known the guys over there for 15 years or so. It was a good way to promote the label, and to get the record on itunes.



Spoken's last two releases were pretty different from each other, was this intentional or the way the music flowed?
All of our records have been written based on our place in life, whatever we were feeling at the time, whatever we may have been dealing with. We've always wanted to be stretched musically. Nothing was intentional on those records as far as "let's make this record different."

After prolonged breaks from making music like you guys are currently on, was it tough to get back in the studio, and what can we expect from the new album?
We've always been a band that tours nonstop, and we live in three different states. Writing music is sometimes difficult with that equation. There's been a little time between records, but we've never slowed down as far as being a band. You can expect better songwriting on the new record. We approached this record differently than we have the other records. We did the new record with Jasen Rauch, (Brian HEAD Welch, Disciple, The Wedding, RED, The Letter Black). Jasen basically became a band member (not an actual member) throughout the two years of writing and recording this record. It was a perfect fit for the band that we are now.

On some of your earlier music, I almost consider your music to hardcore worship. Where do you draw your inspiration for your lyrics and how much is God's hand in your lyrics?
In Spoken, inspiration comes from anything and everything. There are songs on the new record about God, confusion, bitterness, love, performing live, Evil, etc. God is a part of our lives, so He will come through no matter what. There are times when all of us wish Jesus would walk in the room, put his hand on our shoulder, and say "It's going to be ok." There's a song on the record about exactly that.  There's a song on the record that is written about the tornado that hit Joplin MO last year.

What would you tell someone who won't give Christian themed music a chance because of the "label" and do you find it difficult to be original and yet Christ centered at the same time? 
If music is good, it's good. If a band is terrible live, writes terrible songs, sings about terrible things, and act terrible....I'd say don't listen to that band.

What is in the immediate future for Spoken, and is their anything the fans should brace themselves for?
The new record is done, we have tours lined up, and there are several things that will be announced soon. We'll see you on the road.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Thanks for caring about Spoken - Matt Baird.

Current Lineup  

Matt Baird - vocals 

Oliver Crumpton - Drums

Ryan Pei - bass 

Skype Interview with Indie Rapper Playdough

TheSIBandGuy has a chat with indie rapper Playdough, over Skype. This is his second interview with him, read the first one below.
http://thesibandguy.blogspot.com/2011/04/interview-with-rapper-playdough-and.html




Check out some of his music videos below!

Fireflight Album Review for 'Now'

The alternative rock and female fronted band, Fireflight, have been churning out inspirational heavy rock for a few years now since their hit single "You Decide" exploded on the scene. After a string of successful followup albums, they are now a mainstay in Christian rock.

Fireflight has grungy elements to them, with thick crunching guitars and heavy leads mixed with belting vocals and softer harmonies. Their newest release, Now, does a perfect job of showcasing all of these elements while adding something completely original to the mix.

The first track, "Stay Close," is a very strong opener with a big chorus and excellent harmonies throughout. It has a nice heavy feel yet mixes well with the poppy vocals.

"Ignite" has an intro reminiscent to early Linkin Park and has great instrumentation throughout. The chorus has a superb back and fourth between main vocalist Dawn Michele and background vocalist, Justin Cox.

"Escape" does exactly what the title says. It takes the listener away from the heaviness of the previous songs. It is a power ballad of sorts with a nice drop out for the bridge.

The next song keeps the pace light, and really highlights Michele's voice. The song has a powerful message of God's love and speaks on how when we think He's not there, He's right there in the midst of trouble.

The slow and poppy, "Keeping Me Alive," talks about how God's love keeps us going through life. Immediately following is the uptempo and catchy, "Stronger Than You Think," as Fireflight brings back the gritty guitars as they sing, "I am stronger than you think, you'll never get the best of me."

"Prove Me Wrong" follows up with a mid tempo catchy riff and vocals. However, the following track, "Dying For Your Love," is one the best songs on the album.

The intro is heavy and then slows down for the verse. The chorus lands somewhere in the middle as both vocalist alternate between singing. The outro is heavy hitting, sounding more like alt/grunge rockers Breaking Benjamin. 

The softest song on, Now, is "Rise Above." The song is a straight pop song that sets to move and inspire.

"Now," the title track is a great way to go out on the album. The cool synth opening along with the mixed heavy guitars make the song worthy of a single.

Overall the album will not disappoint. If you are looking for some heavy music with softer female vocals and an occasional rock ballad; Now is the perfect thing for you.

Christian Rock Going Mainstream

A recent report has been released about the current state of the music industry, and among the list of sub-genres to look out for was Christian rock.


The New York Times compiled the list, which included the "most promising options" for someone looking to escape regular "Top 40" music, and engage in a micro-genre of new music.

The article credited Christian hard rock band Skillet's, Awake, as being the longest running album on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart at 121 weeks.

Other Christian releases they tote are Sleeping Giant's, Kingdom Days in an Evil Age and Seventh Day Slumber's, The Anthem of Angels.

Christian Rock has come a long way and has encompassed every foreseeable genre of music from hardcore to gangster rap.
Some of the biggest bands of the early 90s were semi-Christian bands like Creed, Evanescence, and Lifehouse each scoring huge hits individually.



Semi-Christian puts the band in a category that promotes the music as for everyone, but suggests Christian and positive elements as some or most of the members are Christians.

Band's that are around now that fall in this category are: Paramore, Flyleaf, Thrice, and Family Force 5.

Sarah Baldini, an avid music fan, says she enjoys Christian music but also sees why some may stay away from it.

"Christian music has a tendency to be cheesy and simply unappealing to the secular audience and often even the Christian audience," she said. "I know that I have had periods of time where I would listen to only z100 [New York Radio Station] simply because of the variety in style of music. There are amazing Christian artists out there but there are certainly not as many options as there are in the secular genre."

Mike McNichol knows that some of the bands out there sneak in references about God that can be left up to the listener.

Referring to the band Thrice, he said, "Although he discusses themes he makes an effort to be vague about it so anybody can interpret his songs without needing religion.

He continued, "My favorite song [In Exile] is most likely about going to heaven but I pretend it means something else."

Recommended Christian Hard Rock Bands:

UnderOath (Melodic Metal/Screamo/Hardcore)
MxPx (Punk Rock)
Project 86 (Nu Metal)
Haste the Day (Hardcore)
Blindside (Nu Metal/Post Rock)
Comeback Kid (Hardcore Punk)
Thousand Foot Krutch (Rock/Punk)

Recommended Christian Hip-Hop:
TobyMac (Rap/Reggae/Pop)
Manafest (Rap/Punk)
KJ-52 (Rap/Hip-Hop)
Freestyle Fam (Lyrical Hip-Hop/Underground Rap)
Playdough (Underground Rap)
T-Bone (West Coast Hip-Hop/Mainstream Rap)
Lecrae (Southern Rap/Underground hip-Hop)


Original article by me from the Christian Post