The year was 2007.  I was on a steady diet of fast-food Christian music – not that it was all bad – but the kind of non-stop radio friendly happy-go-lucky tunes that gives that greasy post-Quarter Pounder feeling.  Being involved in the radio biz, I could tell you who won the Dove Awards, which albums were certified gold, and what songs had hit #1.  I was a card carrying member of “The Industry.”

That year was a difficult one for my family.  We welcomed our 3^rd beautiful child into our family, but it was a difficult road getting there, with several pregnancy complications that tried us spiritually and emotionally.  To make matters worse, I was a leader in a church that was taking several wrong turns – a church my family ended up leaving that summer – yet another drain on our spiritual and emotional lives.

For most of my life, music has been one of the key ways that God has connected with me.  This early summer day in 2007 was no different.  I was enjoying other people’s music collections through iTunes shared network playlists.  Yet, this day I was in the mood for something more pensive.  I decided to give one guy’s collection of Andrew Peterson albums a spin.  I had only intended on it being background music.

I had been aware of Andrew Peterson’s existence, but since he wasn’t in the “CCM Industry” scene, I rarely heard his name mentioned anywhere.  I even owned a couple of his albums, but never listened to them.  As I worked at my desk listening to his songs on this iTunes playlist, one tune stopped me in my tracks.  I froze.  I listened.  I was awed by the beauty of this song.  I hit repeat.  I listened again.  In stillness, I started to cry.

The song is called “Lay Me Down” from Andrew’s album The Far Country.  It is far from “Butterfly Kisses.” It’s not a song designed to invoke tears.  It was an awakening in my soul to beautifully penned art.  I was discovering music that wasn’t radio-friendly, but could touch my heart and shake me to my core.

I fell in love with Andrew’s music that day, and I had many similar experiences with other songs of his.  In fact, God used his music that summer of 2007 as a healing salve on my life.  It’s amazing to think that less than 3 years later, Andrew and I are on a first name basis, I’ve interviewed him a couple of times, and promoted 3 concerts.  He knows I am huge supporter of him… and his talented friends, who also write music that – although it will never top the charts – can connect in the deepest parts of our souls.

Eventually, this would lead to the launch of my current radio program, where I hope to share that blessing I received in 2007 by offering up some “gourmet music.”  In fact, on the next episode of “Under The Radar” (available 3/19/10), I play that inspiring Andrew Peterson song that started it all, “Lay Me Down”. 

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written by Dave Trout