A month ago, we shared what our UTR Critic's Panel thought were the top "gourmet albums" from the first 6 months of 2011.  We've put them to work again, to help identify just some of the best individual gourmet songs from the first half of the year.  So start your iTunes shopping spree now!  To stay consistent with the last list, songs qualified if they were written by a Christian artist and were released between Nov. 30, 2010 and May 31, 2011.   "Piece Me Together" by Arthur Alligood  A hair-raising prayer from the weak and weary. "God's Wing'ed Horse" by Buddy & Julie Miller The creative couple once again license their …

In 2008, those familiar with the name Ben Shive likely saw him accompany Andrew Peterson in concert.  He was also building up some Nashville street cred (if there is such a thing) as a budding producer, top-notch arranger, and reliable studio musician.  In that year, Ben also released his debut album The Ill-Tempered Klavier, which was a jaw-droppingly amazing CD -- those who have it (like myself) cherish it as one of the best album's in their collection.  In fact, Christianity Today gave that record 5-stars and called it one of 2008's best albums. With almost every noteworthy debut album comes lofty expectations for the follow-up.  Most of the time the …

Last month, over 1,000 people converged on Shakori Hills, NC for the first ever Wild Goose Festival.  Calling it unique is an understatement.  While most Christian-based festivals are largely built around an entertainment experience, this fest was much more layered and complex in vision and strategy.  The 4 basic tennants of the gathering were spirituality, justice, music, and art.  The event founders are open that the event is rooted in a Christian tradition, but also clearly state it was "open to all regardless of belief, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, denomination, or religious affiliation."  I've been processing the event for the last month and want to share my personal "good, bad, & ugly" …

She's one of my all-time favorite singer-songwriters... and she has a LOT of midwest fans.  If you're anywhere within driving distance of Chicago, you'll want to make this exciting event next month -- the largest concert UTR has ever sponsored.  I'll be emceeing the night, and the money raised goes for a very worthy cause.  So I hope to see you for a terrific night of gourmet music! Under The Radar welcomes.... SARA GROVES in concert with Shawn McDonald and Melody Olson Sunday, August 14 - 7:30pm (doors open 6:30) Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church 155 W. Brush Hill Rd. - Elmhurst, IL 100% of proceeds benefit local ministry My Joyful Heart TICKET INFO: $50 …

I really like the creative piano-based pop/rock sounds of the pride of Independence, KY – Seabird.  What I like even more is that in the half-day I got to hang out with them, they didn’t carry the swagger of an spotlight-hungry band.  Instead, they were very humble, down-to-earth guys who tried to break down the imaginary wall between musicians and fans.  Here was just some of my conversation with band leaders (and brothers) Aaron & Ryan Morgan: DT:  When did you guys form as a band? Seabird:  I [Aaron] had been writing songs for awhile, just for myself, not intending to play them for anybody. Our original drummer heard my songs …

May 30, 2000 was an important day in my life.  It was my first date with my future wife.  We sat in the bleachers of Wrigley Field and talked about our stories, the road we've been on, our likes and dislikes -- all that fun stuff.  Laura asked the dreaded question: "What music do you like?"  In the fragile beginnings of a new relationship, the answer to this question can be a deal breaker.  Plus I had the the awful challenge of trying to explain the many different styles of music that I enjoy.  I can still feel my legs shake with nerves as I muster up these words: "Well, I …

UTR is sponsoring 3 Chicago-area performances by New York-based singer-songwriter Melanie Penn.  Her debut CD Wake Up Love was a stand-out record in 2010, and she's currently in the studio with producer Ben Shive recording her sophomore album.  Melanie will be in Chicago for a couple of days - so if you're in the northern half of Illinois, make sure to visit one of these events.  [Make sure you send this link to any Chicago-based friends or family too.]   Tuesday, July 12, 2011 - 7:00pm Lee, IL  (near Dekalb) - House Concert A wonderful outdoor front-porch concert!  $10 donation requested. For full information, CLICK HERE. Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - …

Under The Radar brings you a unique opportunity to host an intimate living room concert with amazing singer-songwriter Eric Peters!  Imagine being able to invite a couple dozen of your friends and family over to enjoy an hour of gourmet music.  His stories will make you laugh, cry, and will basically change your world forever (no pressure Eric). What in the world is going on? UTR is sponsoring what we're calling the "In Your House Tour."  We've held a bunch of promotional concert events in and around our home base of Chicago.  This tour allows us to go to other areas of the country and introduce people to UTR in a …

At this midway point of 2011, it’s easy to tell that this year might end up being a high-water mark of some of the best musical art developed by Christian songwriters.  We have enlisted the wise counsel of our 9-member UTR Critics Panel to start the discussion on some of the best “gourmet music” to hit our ears over the last 6-months.  There’s no way this can be an exhaustive list – even just the 9 of us had a wide variety of nominations.  So we’ve selected several of the recommended gourmet albums that are worth a closer listen. Disclaimer:  The two objective criteria are (a) that the music was created …

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to notice that the music industry is reeling. Earlier this year, Business Insider published an article called “The Death of Music Industry is Much Worse Than We Thought.” In it, they share that between 2000-2009, CD sales dropped an unbelievable 79%. Even more surprising was that Digital Music Sales dropped 47% between 2005-2009. Overall music sales are down 64% in the last decade. Granted, there are some bright spots in the Industry. The fact that indie music is on the rise and that new creative barriers are broken each year is a really good sign. However, I can’t help but think that the overall Music …

I love being a dad.  It’s one of my favorite roles in life.  There’s almost a Gandalfian wizardry about it.  I have the privilege of creating magical moments with my children – ones that imprint lasting memories and ones that teach some of life’s core lessons.  Do my kids drive me crazy at times? Sure.  Do they wear me out to the point that I continue to watch an average TV show because the remote control is too far away to retrieve and change the channel or turn on my DVR?  Sometimes.  But at the end of the day, I love being a dad. I recently interviewed singer-songwriter John Waller – …

As I have conversations about some of the most thoughtful and inspiring music being made, the name Andrew Peterson keeps popping up as a frequent reference.  And it doesn’t shock me one bit.  Andrew is one of the most inspiring songwriters to my life personally.  But it does raise an interesting question: What kind of art and music inspire Andrew?  In my most recent interview with him, I asked Andrew to share about some of the music that he is drawn to.  I knew that he would typically reference his close circle of songwriting friends in Nashville (a.k.a the Square Peg Alliance), so I challenged him to think beyond that group.  …

While we normally focus on gourmet music made for adults, this week we’re giving our attention to the best in under-appreciated children’s music.  Randall Goodgame is the co-founder, alongside his good friend Andrew Peterson, of the Slugs & Bugs music ministry for kids.  What started as a side-project has now developed into a full-time ministry.  I recently caught up with Randall and we chatted about his passion for sharing children’s music.

 DT:  What is the mission in writing and performing Slugs and Bugs songs for children?
 RG:  For me the inspiration is the same as when Andrew and I first started writing these songs to put together the first record. We …

Two friends and I buzzed an apartment none of us had visited before. We were greeted with a smile and given enough space to climb the narrow stairs to our destination: the Jenny & Tyler house show. Upon entrance we surveyed the space. A cacophony of chairs indicated all of the apartment's seating had been crammed into a single room for the event, most of them facing the window nook which held the acoustic duo's instruments: a couple guitars, a mandolin, glockenspiel, and a suit case with... is that an air hole cut into it? Yep. That's gonna be the kick drum. I'm excited. We crammed in and made polite conversation …

A short while ago, I got to finally meet a guy who I’ve kept tabs on for over a decade.  Singer-songwriter John Waller has an interesting story to tell about his ups and downs in the music business.  Right now, these are exciting days for John. He has just released his 3rd solo album, and will soon be welcoming his 5th child into the family.  Here’s part of his conversation with me: DT:  Your band in the 90’s According to John had an acoustic rock sound.  Was it a bit ahead of its time? JW:  I don’t know . . . a lot of people said that and I think it’s …

Last December, I was first introduced to a new song Eric Peters had written called "Don't Hold Your Breath."  The story behind that song was posted here in January.  And watch out VH1...  this is the first professional music video of Eric's career:   Don't Hold Your Breath by Eric Peters from Patrick Gines on Vimeo.   The song was written for a short film When The Waters Rise.  The film's maker, Patrick Gines, has given UTR listeners permission to view the 8-minute film:WEBSITE:  http://vimeo.com/patrickgines/when-the-waters-risePASSWORD:  13bth2010  

I’ve been a fan of Christian radio for decades.  It’s been a tool God has used in my spiritual development.  It even shaped my vocational path.  However, I can no longer honestly say I love Christian radio.  In fact, at times I even loathe it.  What’s changed?  Is it the music biz? Is it the format rules? Is it just my own perspective that has grown?  Maybe all of the above? We recently invited some truly smart and honest music lovers to share any open comments they had for the Christian radio world (in general).  We had dozens of responses from all over North America!  I wish we had space to …

On April 16, 2011 Downhere and Rush of Fools came to a little church in Palos Hills, IL and put on an astounding show. Downhere was simply incredible. The four-piece band (bass player Glenn Lavender missed out due to the birth of his child that day, so Rush of Fools’ bass player filled in) was more than just a group of musicians sitting on stage and singing their songs. They talked to the audience. More than once I wished that church were like this concert. The two lead singers (Marc Martel and Jason Germain) traded off talking, but after the intermission, we mainly heard about Jason’s love for the poor in …

Have you ever traveled on an airplane without thinking the big “What if” question?  If you have, you are both much more trusting and confident than I am.  I’m not the type of person that thinks about death a lot.  In fact, I try to discipline myself to avoid thinking about death, maybe because it’s such an easy place to go, and rarely a healthy place to let our minds wander.  Yet in the last week, I flew 8 hours round-trip to L.A., and I can honestly tell you that I pondered “What if this was my final day on Earth?” no less than a dozen times.  Something about shooting through …

One of our most requested bands on Under The Radar is the recent Grammy nominee Gungor.  They are helping to pave a new path of artistic worship music that is delighting critics and music lovers.  In fact, the UTR critics panel named their Beautiful Things CD as one of the Top 11 Gourmet Albums of 2010.  I recently interviewed frontman Michael Gungor, and here’s part of our conversation: DT:  When did you first begin leading worship? MG:  Our first band was leading worship in the 2 and 3-year-old class. They didn’t have anybody to sing songs for them, so we’re like, “We’ll do it.” We were kids. We’d go in there …