The Cornerstone Music Festival has a reputation all its own.  It started in 1984 by Jesus People USA as a place for fellowship, entertainment, education, edification.... and music.... lots and lots of music!  Having lived my whole life in Illinois, I was quite aware of Cornerstone's existence, but for one reason or another was never able to attend.  That all changed earlier this month.

Cornerstone is one of the largest (and THE most eclectic) Christian rock/music festivals in the world.  Thousands of people from all age groups, ethnicities, & backgrounds descend each year to a 500 acre patch of land in Bushnell, IL.  I had fair warning to expect some sensory overload.  I did learn that Cornerstone is far less an event and more so an experience.

Here are my top 4 reflections on my very first experience at the Cornerstone Music Festival:

1.  The event is better organized than I was expecting.  The amount of staff and volunteers needed to keep the environment safe, clean, and on schedule is simply staggering.  You can tell that much of the help has been doing this for years and years. I had heard that the event is put on by "hippie" types, so I was surprised to see such a smooth operation in action.

2.  Within seconds of arriving at Cornerstone Farm, I was washed over with a stress-free vibe.  I've been to concerts with just ONE band where I would see several people completely stressed out about the sound, the lighting, the ticket sales, etc.  I can't remember seeing 1 organizer, leader, or volunteer stressed out.  It's a laid back atmosphere... and that tone is present from the top down.

3.  Self-expression is highly encouraged.  I was a guy with short hair, no tattoos, wearing a t-shirt and blue jeans.... and I felt like a corporate, white-collar old fogey.  Cornerstone has always attracted people on the fringe of Christian society.  So if you have dreadlocks, piercings, a pink mohawk, hemp clothing, or black fingernails - although you might deal with acceptance issues at a local church - you will be firmly right at home at Cornerstone.  And if you want to begin your journey of self-expression, there are at least 2 tattoo and body piercing facilities on the grounds.  And if you like expressing yourself through art, besides the 15-hours/day of non-stop music, there is also an artist village where you can display paintings and sculptures and fellowship with other artists.

4.  Music is the centerpiece of Cornerstone -- always has been and always will be.  In under 5 days, about 300 bands played on over 20 stages.  There is music happening all around you, all the time.  With that many artists converging at the fest, you are bound to be introduced to new artists you've never heard of before.  Prior to Cornerstone, I had not heard the music of The Farewell Drifters, The Jox, Gabriel Kelley, Dignan, and several others.  Plus you can see artists that normally don't hang out at your traditional Christian music fest -- like Over The Rhine, The Wayside, Eastern Block, Deas Vail, Eisley, and mewithoutYou.

Episode #90 of UTR is dedicated to the artists I saw live at Cornerstone 2010, or music recommendations given to me by festival attendees.  Plus we have exclusive videos, a photo gallery, and a Cornerstone contest to check out on our site.  Visit the UTR Facebook Page to find even more Cornerstone exclusives.

Next week, one of my all-time favorite singer-songwriters Andrew Peterson releases his 7^th studio album, Counting Stars.  I must admit, upon first listen, I was under-whelmed.  I’m happy to report that my perspective has changed after letting the music “soak in” a bit.  I had an almost identical experience with Sara Groves’ latest CD Fireflies and Songs, which didn’t wow me at first, but eventually became one of my favorite albums of 2009. 

After my first couple of listens to Counting Stars, I watched an interview where the album’s co-producer Ben Shive shared, “Before we started the record, we wanted it to feel like a familiar room painted a different color.”  That quote really helped me appreciate this album.  When Ty Pennington takes his sledge hammers into a bedroom and creates a completely new design, there is an immediate WOW-factor that’s experienced in the first few seconds of the big reveal.  Ben’s quote helped me realize that the art is in the subtlety.  Andrew didn’t need to reinvent himself musically, sonically, or lyrically.  And although the lack of re-design concedes the immediate “buzz”, the more Counting Stars lingers with you, the more you feel the warmth, peace, and comfort that only a familiar room can bring.

I can say without a doubt, Counting Stars is one of the best albums of 2010, and again proves that Peterson is one of the best Christian songwriters of our generation.  Now, taking my critic hat off, here are my almost-Twitter-sized personal thoughts about each song: 

Many Roads – This opening track causes me to ponder God’s providence, and I also find myself thinking about how much Andrew’s music has blessed my journey in recent years.  [Resembles:  “Let There Be Light”]

Dancing in the Minefields – So much truth in so little time.  I cannot be reminded enough of the covenant aspects of marriage.  Written like a proverb, this should be required listening in all pre-marital classes!  [Resembles:  “Don’t Give Up On Me”]

Planting Trees – A beautiful call to “sink into all that matters.”  I am challenged to reflect on John 15.  We often want to grow and bloom for the benefits it gives us.  But trees and their fruit don’t serve themselves, but rather their purpose is to “spread their branches out and bless someone.”  [Resembles:  “Window in the World”]

The Magic Room – I love nature… once or twice.  But I am so fickle that God’s creation which at one time dropped my jaw can soon be lost in my been-there-done-that attitude.  I am reminded to never lose the wonder (or shut my ears) to how God communicates through nature.  [Resembles:  “Invisible God”]

World Traveler – The older I get, the less I know of God.  He becomes more mysterious, more undefined, more undiscovered.  I want to join Andrew in his adventure of exploring the mystery of God!  [Resembles: “Little Boy, Heart Alive”]

Isle of Skye – Written for his daughter, this song gently reminds me of the incredible blessing my 3 children are to me and how I am a better man for their influence in my life.  [Resembles:  “Canaan Bound”]

God of My Fathers – Psalm 90 starts with, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.”  I need to look back to reflect on His faithfulness, and look ahead to the legacy I am responsible for.  [Resembles:  “All The Way Home”]

Fool With a Fancy Guitar – This song is where my heart is at right now – “It’s easy to let all this bitterness smolder.”  Yet even in my anger, my lies, my loneliness, and despair, Christ has chosen me as His ambassador.  [Resembles: “Good News”]

In The Night – Classic Andrew Peterson.  This song of hope and longing for renewal makes allusions to several Bible stories.  Likely my favorite from Counting Stars.  [Resembles: “Love is a Good Thing”]

You Came So Close – For anyone who has had to talk a friend off the proverbial ledge, this song is quite personal.  I am ultimately encouraged that forgiveness and redemption are stronger than sin.  [Resembles:  “Hosea”]

The Last Frontier – This is the most personal song on the album, and Andrew’s honesty draws you in.  I often times wonder if I am losing my spiritual sensitivity, which is why I connect to his opening line “Why don’t the mountains make me cry no more?”  [Resembles:  “Silence of God”]

The Reckoning (How Long) – The closing track is one of Andrew’s most upbeat cuts of all-time.  The song is full of questions, reminding me that life is often times confusing, and our longing for redemption and restoration is a very good thing indeed.  [Resembles:  “The Far Country”]


To be fair, I likely won’t ever consider this higher than The Far Country, which is not only my favorite AP album but one of my all-time favorites from any artist.  That said, I can easily grade Counting Stars a solid A.  All “gourmet music” lovers should add this CD to their collection immediately.

-Dave Trout

Our Critics Panel is at it again! They've each picked out a diverse selection of the top gourmet individual songs released in first half of 2010 (between 12/1/09 and 6/1/10). Here are some of their choices (songs appear in no particular order):

Dave Trout

• “Control” – JJ Heller
• “The Reckoning (How Long)” – Andrew Peterson
• “Not Alone” – Hark the Herons
• “Ordinary Day” Melanie Penn
• “Miracle” – Robbie Seay Band

 

John J. Thompson

• "Conscience Killer" - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
• "Beautiful Things" - Gungor
• "The Call Me Blood” - Eastern Block

 

Kevin Davis

• “Miracle” - Robbie Seay Band
• "Lead Me" - Sanctus Real
• “Grace Amazing” - Jimmy Needham

 

Russ Breimeier

• “No Robots” - The Arrows
• “God Gave Me You” - Dave Barnes
• “Better than a Hallelujah” - Amy Grant
• “That’s Exactly (How I Like It)”  - NewWorldSon
• “Psalm 13 (How Long)” - Sojourn

 

Andrew Greer

• "Trapped Under the Ice" - Cadillac Sky
• "Can't Help Myself" - Sandra McCracken

 

Rachel Buchanan 

• “He Reigns” - Kathleen Reynolds 
• “Your Holiness” - Brandon Bee
• “Daylight “ - Jake Rye
• “Forever Friend” - Brian Bates

 

Amber Bolton

• “Moving Backwards” - Ben Rector
• “Dear Heart”  - Sanctus Real
• “Kingdom and a King” - Robbie Seay Band

 

What do you think of these choices? What do you have on your list that we might have missed? Let us know in the comment section below! UTR #88 & #89 highlight some of these songs so make sure to check them out!

We’re putting our Critics Panel back to work! This time we had them pick out a few of the top gourmet albums from the first half of 2010 (released between 12/1/09 and 6/1/10).  Here are some of their choices (albums appear in no particular order):

Dave Trout

• Andy Gullahorn – The Law of Gravity
• Gungor – Beautiful Things
• Melanie Penn – Wake Up Love
• Tyler James – It Took The Fire
• Sandra McCracken – In Feast or Fallow

 

John J. Thompson

• Gungor – Beautiful Things
• Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Beat the Devil’s Tattoo
• The Farewell Drifters – Yellow Tag Mondays
• Eastern Block – Past Palace
• Fair – Disappearing World

 

Kevin Davis

• Sanctus Real - Pieces of a Real Heart
• Robbie Seay Band - Miracle
• Starfield - The Saving One
• Adie - Just You And Me
• Jimmy Needham – Nightlights

 

Russ Breimeier

• Dave Barnes –  What We Want, What We Get 
• NewWorldSon – NewWorldSon
• The Arrows – Make Believe 
• Jennifer Knapp –  Letting Go
• Sojourn - Over The Grave

 

Andrew Greer

• Sandra McCracken - In Feast or Fallow
• Petree - Weakness Makes You Beautiful 
• Cindy Morgan - Some Glad Morning:Hymns 

 

Rachel Buchanan

• Brandon Bee - Surrendered EP
• Aaron Crider - The Change
• Jake Rye - Jake Rye

 

Amber Bolton

• Tenth Avenue North - The Light Meets the Dark
• Seabird - Rocks into Rivers
• Sanctus Real - Pieces of a Real Heart
• Chasen - That Was Then, This is Now
• Ben Rector - Into the Morning

 

What do you think about these choices?  What did we get right... and what did we get wrong?  Let us know in the comment section below!  Also, check out UTR #87 as we highlight a lot of these albums.

In January 2010, I was able to do a 2-week promotional tour with singer-songwriter Eric Peters.  About a week prior, he finished writing a new song that he debuted during our tour.  I asked Eric to give us the story behind “Old Year of Denial”:

Yes, it’s been good to be able to try and write a little this year. 2009 for me and for so many other people in America - in the world - was just a very frustrating, disheartening, sort of a hopeless, despairing year. It just felt like there was a dark cloud over the entire year and for me professionally ‘09 was just the worst I’ve ever had – worst year I’ve ever had career wise, just trying to book shows and get work… it was what it was. And so this song “Old Year of Denial” is me saying “Sionara 2009. I’m glad to see you in my rear-view mirror,” as are I’m sure many people.  So, it’s a song about just being present in our day and in the moment, and me just being grateful for the chance to not only live another day, but to get to sing another day.

Here’s the lyrics for “Old Year of Denial” by Eric Peters:

There’s so much to be thankful
And so much to be forgotten
There’s no perfect secret to the things that bring us joy

So ha ha to the old year
Goodbye to the cold fear
Gonna cry when I need it
Gonna smile when I need it
Goodbye denial

My mind is a wanderer
Slips off into a false world
Never stopping for a minute to take a good look around

So ha ha to the old year
Goodbye to the cold fear
Gonna cry when I need it
Gonna smile when I need it

I’m gonna live like a living soul
I’m gonna write it on my wretched bones
And stop waiting for happily ever after

Ha ha to the old year
Goodbye to the cold fear
Gonna cry when I need it
Smile when I need it
Laugh… Goodbye denial, goodbye


On this week’s Under the Radar, Eric Peters takes over the steering wheel and picks all the music.  Plus we share the world premier of the song “Old Year of Denial.”  Check out an exclusive video performance of that song and a special Eric Peters autograph giveaway on this site.

With Father’s Day barely in the rear view mirror, I’ll admit that it’s nice to get that proverbial pat on the back from the family.  But as a wise radio station manager once told me, “You can never outgive your kids.”  Yes, so true!  Even though parents give up time, energy, money, and freedom to care for children, it can’t compare to the love, fun, joy, and newfound purpose a parent receives in return.

As a dad of 3 children, I know first-hand the weight of responsibility a father carries.  My kids learn a lot more through my everyday actions than I care to admit to.  And not just the times I interact with them, but just by them observing how I respond to everyday life.  If I freak out over bad weather, they’ll probably learn to do the same.

Case in point… my 5-yr-old son Sammy carries my personality.  From his love for music, to his sense of humor, to his cravings for salty snacks -- he's my spitting image.  Poor soul, he has even inherited my love for the woeful Chicago Cubs!  And when he's in public, being admired for how funny, intelligent, or adorable he is -- my heart swells as if I myself were receiving the admiration.

Do you think that maybe our Heavenly Father wants us to be His spitting image?  Those times that we are representing Him well, I'm sure it puts a smile on His heart.

But the temptation is to wear a fake spirituality so that it looks like we're close to God.  How could God want me to walk with authenticity when I’m so flawed and scarred by sin?  And there’s God, speaking to me through my children once again – the real life parable before my eyes. 

Of course He loves me unconditionally.  Of course He accepts me, flaws and all.  Of course He’s cheering for me.  Of course He wants me to be transparent – no hidden corners of my life.  Of course He wants to impart His character in me and help to bear His fruit in my life.

In celebration of Father’s Day weekend, this week on Under the Radar I’m playing creative songs about the joys and woes of being a Dad.  Check out UTR episode #84 for songs by Andrew Peterson, Sanctus Real, Jill Phillips – and interview clips about fatherhood from Andrew Greer and Eric Peters.

 

The most-played female artist on Under The Radar is also one of my personal all-time favorites, Sara Groves.  Even with a sore throat, she was willing to sit down with me for an interview, which was one my 2010 highlights.   


DT:  Besides UTR naming Fireflies and Songs the #1 Gourmet Album of 2009, you’ve had a lot of praise from critics and fans alike.  How does all the positive attention feel?
Sara:  Anytime I finish a record, the most I can do is feel that I did the best that I could. That sounds very cliché, but that’s it. After that, whatever happens, I have to kind of let that go. I think this record has been really special because I did disclose so personally about marriage and friendship and everything that people reciprocate in that way – sharing back personal things. I think music just taps into something in all of us that goes beyond maybe what the spoken word can communicate. So, I think my favorite response has been along the lines of marriage. We’ve just had a lot of couples or individuals come up and say, “This really helped us recognize something in us,” or “We were in this place and felt like we’re not alone or we can get through it.” So I think those kinds of things are always incredible and a huge honor to get to put a voice to somebody's experience

 

DT:  How do you balance being a full-time musician and full-time mom?
Sara: Three things I’ll say. First of all, I have a lot of help. Second, I don’t have to do what everyone else is doing in addition. I think a lot of people think about how busy they are and they look at my life and they think, “I couldn’t do that too.” What we have to do fills our days in a way that’s right.  Third, I say “no” a lot. Over the years we’ve said no to things that killed us to say no to. But we look at our kids a lot. They’re our barometer if we’re keeping a healthy pace or not.  We don’t always do it well. I will say that.

DT:  Do you have any thoughts on what the word “worship” means to you nowadays?
Sara:  Man, worship. Well first of all, you know I don’t think its cliché or old to say I think you can worship in a myriad of ways. Everything to me… I even try to wash the dishes that way.   I even wrote a song about washing dishes on the last album called “Setting Up the Pins” and it was like, how do I take hold of even the simplest tasks, kind of in that Francis Schaeffer kind of thinking, that God is there in the midst of the most ordinary parts of our life.  …One song that’s had a huge influence on my thinking of worship has been Jon Foreman’s “Instead of a Show” from one of his solo EPs.  The lyrics say, “Away with your noisy worship, away with your noisy hymns/ I stop up my ears when you’re singing ‘em/ Instead let there be a flood of justice/ An endless procession of righteous living.”  Man, that’s a powerful song. It’s not about going through the church motions, but about being the hands and feet of Jesus.

DT:  What’s the story behind your new song “Like A Lake”?
Sara:  Yes that was about forgiveness. I started to write a song about Rwanda, the forgiveness that we’ve seen there is unbelievable. I remember the first trip that I took, heard about a woman who would go down to the prison and she would implore the men “Confess to these crimes that you’ve done.” And after going week after week, a young man stood up, 16 years old, and said “If I confess to killing your family, will you forgive me?” You know she did not see who had killed her five children and her husband, but she knew in that moment that this was the boy. She went home and she just prayed and cried and mourned and grieved. She came back a few weeks later and said “If you will confess that you have killed my family, I will forgive you.” And three years later under pressure from humanitarian rights groups they had to set some prisoners free and back into the population. He was set free and he came to this woman and said “Your forgiveness was the greatest gift that was ever given to me.” And she said “Where will you go from here?” He was 19 at this point and didn’t know where to go. She said “Stay here and work on my farm.” He worked on her farm and a couple years later she adopted him as the heir to her property. So you hear a story like that and you’d think that that was unique but it’s not. It’s not unique in Rwanda. And they are really pushing for truth and reconciliation – to really use forgiveness as a weapon to not have genocide again. So I started writing this song about that. At the same time I had a friend going through an extremely painful divorce. Just watching him I thought “You know, if I write a song about Rwanda, they’re going to think ‘That’s overseas; that’s not here’.” We have a little lake (a glorified pond) behind our house and I was looking out over it and I just thought, “Isn’t this just such an amazing picture of God that He takes and takes and takes, just swallows up all this hurt.” You can’t imagine what God sees and knows and yet he extends forgiveness to us - unbelievable. And I thought about all the things that fall into a lake over time and how it changes the surface of the bottom and yet the surface on top stays keeps this openness. Watching this friend extend forgiveness through his divorce, I just thought I want to write a song that captures more of the personal feelings, also drawing on my own experience with hurt. When I’ve been hurt, everything in me wants to curl up into a ball and just harbor this pain. My heart gets so tight. But Lord, help me just be open like a lake. So that’s the heart of that song.

 
DT:  Your songwriting is so connected to real life.  Are you always analyzing life?
Sara:  Inside, my mind is constantly just worrying, which is a blessing and a curse. It’s what makes me a writer - I think and have to get things out verbally - process my life with songwriting. But it can be crazy up in here sometimes. I feel like I spend a lot of time trying to just like quiet and I don’t know if that makes any sense but to really take in. I’m constantly making connections. I always want to connect everything, that’s almost a compulsion with me to connect everything. But I feel like that is part of the gift that God’s given me is to. I never see anything by itself. I always see it anchored in all of history, in all of the Bible, in all of the story, the narrative. So one little thing can take me back to the prophets and Moses or just my grandmother or soup. So that’s sort of if I were to define myself, like my existence as like, I’m constantly reading and talking. I don’t know - i’m constantly input, input, input, all these connections and it can be kind of exhausting. But I enjoy that. I like to live that way.

 
DT:  What makes you tick in everyday life away from music?
Sara:  Well, my family. My kids are everything to me. We have a lot of fun as a family – we play a lot. Me? I’ve got great girl friends. In my family - I’ve got two sisters and we’re very close. I love to talk. Troy says if talking were an Olympic sport I would be a gold medalist. I enjoy conversation. I hope it’s not always one sided. I also like listening. I love people - interacting with people.

Sara Groves was our special guest on Episode #82 of “Under The Radar”. And look on our site for your chance to win a Sara Groves 8-CD discography (available until 6/25/10)!

A few months ago, I received an email from an Under The Radar listener that said, “[One] genre of Christian music that is COMPLETELY under the radar is Holy Hip Hop, or as I prefer, Lyrical Theology… I understand that this genre might not fit within the show, but take it from me, it's worth checking out. Now I'm a total Andrew Peterson, Andy Osenga, low-key, acoustic, indie kind of guy, but the messages in these songs are awesome.”  After floating the idea (and getting a positive response) on Facebook, we decided to produce a podcast-only all hip hop episode of UTR.  To help give us an inside scoop on this budding genre, I interviewed Chicago-based gospel rapper Katalyst.  Here’s some of our conversation.


DT:  What is your overall impression on the gospel hip-hop scene of late?
Katalyst:  Christian hip-hop, holy hip-hop, gospel rap – overall as  a genre – thing that is working is the Gospel going forward. Most of the artists, especially the top artists involved with this, are really big in presenting and articulating ideas of the Bible, truths of the text throughout Christian history and of course the Bible to a people group that might not ever listen to Chris Tomlin or Jeremy Camp or Casting Crowns.  They would be open to intellectual thinking about Jesus in a different light if it was presented to them in their cultural context. So that’s really our goal – to have culturally relevant music – for our culture, that’s hip-hop.

DT:  Over the years you’ve been rapping, how have you developed as an artist?
Katalyst:  My first album was called "Death by Design" - I did it all by myself.  This time around we started a record label called Legacy Music, just learning about the business side of music. Now, I'm working on my second album. The first album, I was just writing; I would get a beat and I would say "Oh, that music sounds good" and I would write something to it. Now I have a very clear, focused vision of what I want this album to be like, to sound like, what the storyline is, and where I want it to take you sonically. I'm becoming more of an actual artist, not just someone who can rap or make a decent song. I would read about different classical musicians. When they wrote songs, they weren't just writing stuff that sounded good, but if they wanted you to feel sad, they knew this type of song would make people feel sad. Different poets would try to convey what was on their heart… I think I'm growing in that sense. I'm taking writing classes online, just studying about different writers and finding out how I capture what I'm trying to say in a very creative, artistic way that allows the listener or the viewer to get what I meant, to understand what I was saying, to feel what I was feeling in that moment. It's a challenge but it's something I think is necessary for growth as someone whose living is expressing myself to other people.

DT:  Can you mention a few names who are leaders in gospel hip-hop scene?
Katalyst:  Lecrae, that’s my boy; he's my mentor. He's one of the best in any genre poetically. He’s so versatile. He can rap fast, he can rap slow. His messages are clear in their point and he has a way of knowing whats out culturally now.  Sho Baraka is a genius. Creatively, I don't know if there's anybody else who is as creative as Sho.  Trip Lee and Tedashii, they’re both on Reach Records with Lacrae and Sho Baraka.  In Chicago, there’s a guy named Decipher who has a twisting sound.  On the west coast, there’s guys like Propoganda and Odd Thomas.  All different types of rap, but all equally talent.

On Tuesday, May 25, Under The Radar drops our special hip-hop bonus episode with special guest Katalyst.  If you’re brave enough to listen, make sure to let me know your thoughts!

I'm not sure I have fully grasped the news that Delirious? decided to retire in late 2009, after 17 years of making music and leading a worship movement.  If you think back to what praise music was in 1992 (think "Shine Jesus Shine" or "We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise"), you can begin to understand the impact this rock band from England had on the worldwide church -- almost from the get go.  This week is the release of the DVD/CD Farewell Show: Live in London, celebrating the two things that make Delirious? most special, their magnetic live performance and their top-notch catalogue of songs.

In just the first 4 years of the band's existence, they wrote and released songs that were being sung around the globe (and likely will be for decades to come) -- songs like "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble", "Shout to the North", "I've Found Jesus", and the worship classic "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever."  For over a decade beyond that, they would add an amazing array of anthems, radio hits, and congregational songs -- like "Majesty", "Rain Down", "Deeper", "My Glorious", & their crowd-pleasing "History Maker."

Which all leads us to November 29, 2009.  After a farewell tour in the US & UK that Fall, it was on this date that Delirious? played their final concert at a sold-out Hammersmith Apollo in London.  They played for 3.5 hours that night, and much of it is now available for your listening and viewing pleasure.

Overall, I have to give this DVD some of my highest praise.  In the Christian music world, this is hands down the best full-length live concert video I have ever seen.  Everybody involved gets a pat on the back from me.  So allow me to start doling out some at-a-boys:

• The camera work was incredible -- I'm just guessing that it must have been a 7 or 8 camera shoot.  They didn't just give you the birdseye view (ala American Idol), but they had several camera shots from crowd level, really making you feel like you were there in person.
• The editing and directing were as high of quality as you would see for a concert video of a U2 or Madonna.  You were allowed to experience the event -- from the light show, to the expressions on the bands faces, to the emotion of a crowd in genuine worship.  Kudos to this team for catching a true highlight moment of a fan literally standing on the shoulders of the crowd, and the band just thinking it was hilarious.  Martin Smith (lead singer) later in the concert gave his trademark megaphone to that very fan.  They did a great job capturing that moment, and made the right call to keep that in the final product.
• The sound engineers were out of this world!  I have a critical ear, and I could not hear one audio mistake.  Recording a live concert in a large venue is no small feat.  There was not one awkward feedback squeal, one poorly mixed vocal, or one hint of audio distortion.
• The band performed their hearts out and were as tight as you can possibly be.  These live songs are performed so well, that on the audio CD you forget you're listening to live recordings.  They are choosing to leave on top, and this DVD shows that they are clearly at the top of their game.

I have very little negative criticism of the DVD, but I do have these teensy-weensy minor points worth noting:

• The filming was done very artistically, which I appreciate.  There were just a few random shots that felt a little out of place -- even when looking through an artistic lens.
• I overall liked the fast-paced nature of the production, but some of the editing at times was a bit trigger happy.  Sometimes sticking with one shot for longer is what works best.
• While of course the focus needs to be on the band, the production could have used more crowd shots -- more individuals singing along, worshipping, showing emotion at the farewell.

The most important element was catching the emotion of this legendary band saying their thanks and farewell.  There was a lot of emotion in those moments, and this DVD captured them amazingly.  If you are a die-hard or even just a casual fan of Delirious?, this DVD will leave you with a deeper appreciation for one of the greatest bands of our generation.  I can easily award Farewell Show: Live in London an A+.  In the Christian music industry, this DVD has set the bar as the new standard of excellence in live concert video.


-----------------------------------------------
written by Dave Trout

Imagine yourself a director of the NBC show Saturday Night Live.  The skit you need to prepare for is called “Christian Conversation” – and it involves 3 Christian couples going out to eat at Cracker Barrel after their church service.  Now, my one big question for you (the director) is… what clothes will you have your cast wear to represent these Christian couples.

I began to wonder why – almost without fail – the SNL cast would likely be wearing outdated sport coats, outdated hairdos, and other attire that would look straight out of the 1970’s… or even the 1870’s. Yes, we’re talking about parody, but that’s still an exaggerated expression of real impressions.

You will probably never see Christians portrayed on SNL wearing a spiked hairdo, a Fender guitar t-shirt, modern dark-rimmed glasses, or (heaven forbid) a tattoo.  In the world of parody and stereotypes, why is a Christian almost never allowed to look… normal?!

Let’s take it a step further.  What are the stereotypes of how a Christian speaks, acts, votes, uses technology, cares, helps, loves?  Is it just a bad rap?  Is it the big, bad “liberal media”?  Or are Christians too often leaving a bad taste in people’s mouths?

The other day, I was reading in the book of Colossians about another kind of fashion statement – not so much what’s on the outside, but still what will leave a lasting impression.  Here’s Colossians 3:12-15 from The Message:

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.  Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off & doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.

I underlined all the words that should define a life changed by the Gospel.  This is the overall impression the world should have of Believers.

On this week’s Under The Radar, I’m playing a song by Above The Golden State that also shares how the love that Christ Followers share can truly change the world.  As the above passage says in the NIV, “…over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”  It’s easy to point the finger.  Let’s start with ourselves.  I can’t say my wardrobe comes close to those underlined words.  Yes, I am too often a part of the problem.  My prayer is that over time, my life will more and more reflect a Gospel-changed life.  How about you?

We've all seen pictures of the devistating flood that has ravaged Nashville.  We've also seen in the past how difficulty and hardship seem to birth some outstanding art.  I'm sure we'll hear a lot of songs that were inspired by trials of this last week.  Little did I know that the first song (to my knowledge) to emerge comes from a UTR friend.

I met songwriter Erika Chambers at an event we were hosting in Nashville in early March.  She has a bubbly - almost infectious - personality, and was a true encouragement to our staff.  She even made a cameo in one of our video blogs!

In early 2010, Erika was inspired to write a storm related song.  In what she calls a "God thing," Erika finished recording and mixing the song about 48 hours before the rain started pouring on Nashville.  On May 5, Erika released the new song "Won't Be Shaken By No Storm."  You can LISTEN TO THE SONG for free, or you can download it for any donation -- which will support the United Way's relief efforts in Nashville.  It's a great tune, worth listening to and sharing with friends.  Way to go Erika.... the UTR & ReFrame Media family is proud of you!


LYRICS:  "Won't Be Shaken By No Storm" - by Erika Chambers

I built this house with my own two hands
I built this house with hands of my brothers
Built this house on a firm foundation
It won’t be shaken by no storm

Oh the wind and rain, they try to overtake us
The wind and rain, they wanna bend and break us
But we’re saved by a firm foundation
And won’t be shaken by no storm

I built this house on a promised land
I built this house through the tears of my mother
Built this house though our hearts were breakin’
It won’t be shaken by no storm

Oh the floods they come, their waters risin’ high
But I won’t run, no I’ll stay safe and dry
Inside this house, it’s on a firm foundation
It won’t be shaken by no storm

I built this house with my own two hands
I built this house with hands of my brothers
Built this house on a firm foundation
It won’t be shaken by no storm

Abraham Lincoln once said, “I regard no man as poor who has had a godly mother.”  Consider me a very wealthy man.  My mom, Linda Jean Trout, has been called “an angel” – and I completely agree.  More than anyone else in my life, she has been the best model I’ve had of someone walking with Jesus.  She also is a family –first person, and has raised 5 children who are all now married and serving the Lord in various ways.  Speaking of marriage, my Mom & Dad have been a great example of perseverance and faithfulness, and this summer will be celebrating their 43^nd wedding anniversary.

Like most of our mothers, she’s someone that I have often taken for granted in my life.  Because my siblings are spread out over 17 years, she was a stay-at-home mom for over 35 years.  I don’t think I will ever fully grasp what that has meant to our family, or the many other sacrifices she has willingly offered along the way.  But I’ve wondered why my appreciation and respect for my mother keeps growing – long after I’ve moved out of the house, gotten married, started raising my own family.

A few months ago, I was interviewing singer-songwriter Randall Goodgame in our studios, and I asked him to share his thoughts on his mother.  His answer also put words around my own sentiments.

My mom is amazing!  She is my biggest fan. She loves me more than I ever knew… until I had my own kids. Once I had my own kids, I told my mom and my dad, “Wow, now I know how much you love me.” I never knew before then.

Well said, Randall.  My thoughts exactly.

But there’s another mom in my life who “wows” me every day.  My wife Laura is also a stay-at-home mom.  I know she works harder than me and gets far less praise.  I see our God honored as she treads through each ordinary day.  My 3 kids will likely never grasp the depth of love that their mom has for them.

What an example of Christ’s love!  My prayer is that my kids grow up, eventually move out, and start families of their own, they will see more clearly how much their mother meant to them and made their lives fuller.


In celebration of Mother’s Day, the current episode of “Under The Radar” features music that celebrates the most under-appreciated  people in this world, Moms!


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written by Dave Trout

One of my favorite songwriters today is one of the rarely-recognized, under-appreciated singer-songwriters of our time.  Andrew Osenga is the founding member of The Normals and was a 6-year member of Caedmon’s Call.  He recently released his 6^th solo album, Choosing Sides, and is doing a long string of solo concerts for the first time in his career.  I sat down last month to catch up with Andy.

DT:  Where did the inspiration for your new album Choosing Sides come from?
Andy:  Choosing Sides is pretty much just a culmination of the songs I wrote over the last year and a half. I stopped touring in the year 2009, and was just home all year, just working in the studio and being able to see my kids and my wife everyday which is really necessary. I’ve toured since I was 18, I’m 31 now. So that was my year of being 30. That is where the title comes from and where the songs are out -- making decisions on who I want to be and then acting on them -- in my faith, in my family, and my friends. Not that I was wasting time before, but I wasn’t being as intentional about those things as I felt I ought to be. Because I was working in the studio all the time, I didn’t just go “I’m going to make a record and its going to be about this.” If I had a couple of days free I would work on a song. Or Ben Shive would be over playing on some other record I was producing, and if we got done a little early I was like, “Hey, will you play on this?” …and I’d pull up a song I was working on. And I love working that way. I’m probably half way through my next record, just cause I’m always doing that. I just really enjoy it -- so, that’s where the record came from.

DT:  What’s it like to get out and do solo concerts this year?
Andy:  Well, I’ve always traveled.  I was in The Normals for about 4 & 1/2 years, I was in Caedmon’s Call for 6 years, and that’s been the bulk of my touring.  For 11 years, I’ve always been in a big group of people. On my own I’ve done maybe 20 shows in that 11 or 12 years where it’s just me and a guitar. I always made records just because I love doing it. And they were always just for me.  Caedmon’s would always let me play a couple songs. And then last year when I came off the road & told Caedmon’s I wasn’t going to be traveling anymore. You know, nobody really quits that band, it’s somewhat like a family, so I was just like “I’m going to sit it out for a while.”  I had some stuff scheduled, some time a few months ago and a lot of things had opened up, and I was like “What am I going to do with that time?” I had just put a record out and somebody asked “Why don’t you play some shows?” And I was like “Well… maybe.” So, I just put it out on Twitter, asking, “Would anybody want to help me do a couple shows?” There was this overwhelming response. I just took them on their word and figured out where everybody was that said “Come here” and I put it on the map and was like “OK, I can...I can make that work..Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Chicago...Ok I can hit those together.” I thought, maybe I would go do 5 or 6 shows, which by the time I did the math, I said “I just booked 25 shows… and I did it all through Facebook and Twitter in about 3 days!” [laughing] I’ve never played my songs this many times in a row. It’s been awesome. When you play and when you always roll with 10 or 20 people and you’ve got 4 busses and lights & sound – that’s really fun and I have have been blessed to be a part of those kind of things. It’s kind of what you dream about when you’re in high school playing guitar in front of your mirror and I’ve gotten to do that.   Doing it with people that I love, and play music that I love -- it doesn’t get any better. But when I was thinking about hitting the road this time, I want to do just the opposite. No expectations --  I just want to go to your town and play some songs. So, in the 25 shows, I’m doing 3 photo studios, a pub, 5 or 6 churches, 5 or 6 coffee houses, 8 or 9 living rooms, & a library -- just wherever you will have me. I have 3 guitars, some t-shirts, CD’s, & a suitcase that I can fit in my Toyota… and let’s go. And it’s been fun!

DT:  What’s the story behind your new song “What I Know Now”?
Andy:  That song came out of an experience where I was just surfing the web & found this story of some tragedy. In the picture on the page there was this girl who was involved somehow and it was this girl that had gone to my church when I was a kid and I had not seen in 15-20 years.  Her name wasn’t mentioned in the article. And I was so sad because I didn’t know it either. The things that had happened to her in her life were awful for her to be in this position. I was just thinking... my friends & I who love Jesus -- she was there in our lives and we obviously did nothing. I was just really sad about that, just hoping to do better the next time. Then the second verse is about an older man that I know who’s caught up in looking like everything’s great. That’s just exhausting, and it kind of alienates everybody - he wants so desperately to be loved and approved and tries so hard to show that he’s worthy that it’s kind of hard to hang out with him. You just want to be like “Dude, it’s okay - just let it go. You don’t have to be perfect. Nobody’s asking for you to be perfect, Jesus did that for you. Just be yourself.” The moments I had to tell him that I didn’t. I’m just looking at those places of regret. I’m glad I can be forgiven for my inaction in those scenarios and also I hope that I can learn from this and act next time. The love of God is not a passive thing – it’s an active thing. And if it works in us, it needs to be working in us. We need to be seeing ourselves doing, acting. Not that that’s why God loves us or why He approves of us – it’s not. But because he loves us and approves of us we’re compelled to live like that’s the truth. I like that song. I enjoy the way it turned out.

DT:  How have you enjoyed your experience doing some house shows for the first time?
Andy:  It’s been fun.  I’ve never done a house show until last month, but I have friends (like Andy Gullahorn) that do them all the time. Jon Troast is from Wisconsin and I’ve played on a bunch of his records.  I just think he’s phenomenal.  And I went to a house show that he did in Nashville, after knowing him for years and never seeing him play live.  That was so fun. I never, ever would’ve thought that would be fun. As audience members, my wife and I thought, “That was awesome. That was way better than standing in some smoky room which is where you normally go see a band play.” It was just super fun -- he took requests and people asked questions… and I want to do that. So recently I’ve ended up playing songs from my catalogue that I totally forgot. I made a two notebooks -- one of songs I reasonably know, and one of just songs that I’ve written that I have no idea how to play. I’ve written hundreds of songs and so a few people have called for things out of the “big” notebook, and I’ve attempted some of them. I’ve had a great time so far.

DT:  Help me make sense of this.  Who oh why did you do an ‘electric’ version of your song “Swing Wide the Glimmering Gates”?
Andy:  [Laughing] Blame Cason! Well, I put that song on Letters to the Editor and it’s just two high strung acoustic guitars. That song was really dear to me the moment it popped out. Like “This one’s special!” But when I’m in Nashville, I have a band who I play with who are awesome. They’re mostly former road guys who have real jobs -- which generally means they’re always in town. They are so good. And so we would play that song as a band, because I’m not going to stop in the middle of our rock and roll show and do this acoustic number. We came up with a really cool arrangement. Then Cason Cooley – who was in The Normals and is in Sixpence None the Richer, we’ve been fest friends for 12 years -- he had heard us do that and he had some ideas. So we just ended up doing another recording of it.  That was our one tracking session for this record. We had a couple guys and we did three songs in a day, and it was so fun. We really wanted to do a “Peter Gabriel” sort of version, cause it’s this epic song that has this tiny recording -- which I love the intimacy of that.  Then we were like, “Yeah, but what’s it hinting at?” So we went for that. If you don’t like one, you can hopefully like the other.

DT:  What’s are your pastimes and hobbies away from music?
Andy:  Yeah, thats a good question. Music is my hobby, for sure, which is one of the fun things about it being my job, because I get to justify buying guitars. I really like science fiction. [laughing] I’ve taken up running, that’s fun. I have two little girls, so... I’d love to read. I’d love to just sit and read Hemingway and Arthur Clark, but that doesn’t happen anymore. Maybe that will happen again in ten years -- I don’t know.  Right now, I’m either in the studio playing guitar, or on the road playing guitar, or I’m at home playing “Pretty Pretty Princess.”  And I love it! Aside from that I’m really involved in my church and our community/ neighborhood group and I feel like most of my free time that’s not spent playing music or with my family is spent with my community.  Sometimes that means doing really difficult things. Sometimes that means helping somebody plant flowers. We’re really active in each others’ lives and that’s honestly -- besides my family and music – that’s my biggest hobby…  being a part of that group of people who I get to serve and who serve me really well.


We feature the interview and music of Andrew Osenga on this week’s “Under The Radar”.  Look on our website for a chance win an autographed copy of “Choosing Sides” and an Andy O. Pint Glass!

 

Earlier this year, we welcomed an indie artist over to our house for dinner after a concert at a local church.  We got into a spirited conversation about the fine line between opening up about one’s family back home and disconnecting with an audience because home is where you’d rather be.  I promised this artist that I would write an article and put my thoughts down (probably a tactic to shut me up that night).  So here is my open letter to artists who often travel away from home.

Dear artist friends… There is some freedom and flexibility that comes with the vocation you chose.  I, for one, have been close enough to taste the rigorous life of a traveling musician.  It is far less glamorous than what some people think.  It’s also hard work.  In my youthful ignorance, I thought artists had it made.  After all, it appeared that they only worked 2-3 hours per night, and usually only 4 nights per week.  I know now that is far from reality.  Indie artists, especially, get no rest while traveling (they are often driving themselves). They are carrying their own equipment, trying to do a bit of self-promotion with stops at churches, radio stations, bookstores etc., sound-checking, meeting with folks before and after the concerts, setting up and running their merchandise table, financial bookkeeping, writing new songs while on the road, and often times being a long-distance spouse & parent.

I concede that what you do is not easy.  Your job is made more difficult if you have to travel away from your spouse and kids.   However, I have heard more artists openly complaining (sometimes downright crabby) about how much they miss their bed, their home, their family.  So here are 7 things I would want every indie artist to know, from a fan’s perspective:

1.  We love it when you talk about your spouse and kids.  We love that you welcome us into that area of your life.  However, when you openly whine about how MUCH you miss them and CAN’T WAIT to get back home with them, it instantly puts a distance between us.  I want you to be present with us tonight.

2.  This is what you do for a living.  You chose this vocation willingly.  I don’t look for you to sympathize when things don’t go perfectly at my job, or when I’m asked to take a 1-week business trip away from my family.  Openly missing your family can be a “sweet” thing, but it’s also thin ice.

3.  Welcome to the real world.  Probably 80% (if not more) of the people that attend your concerts would say that their vocation is not easy or glamorous, and they rarely get the respect or applause that you get each night.

4.  There’s a lot to be thankful about in the here and now.  You have people that have spent money to come see you perform.  Many of these might become new fans of your music.  All are potential buyers at your merch table.  When you’re feeling down or lonely… think on such things.

5.  Facebook and Twitter is a double-edged sword.  Your fans can become your virtual friends [good].  Your fans/friends can get more of a glimpse into your everyday life [good].  You may at times use these platforms to vent about the home-sickness you don’t feel open sharing about on the stage [bad].  Your audience is now following you on a daily basis, which is a fantastic opportunity for an indie artist to grow a loyal fan-base.  However, if these words would cause a disconnect on stage, it will cause a disconnect with your online audience as well – so just don’t say it.

6.  When you share about things that are “more important” to you – could be family, or it might be your church, your community group, your relative in the hospital, or that studio session you have tomorrow morning – you inadvertently put a guilt trip on your audience for taking you away from those things.  Less audience guilt = good.

7.  We WANT to support you.  If we were looking for entertainment only, there are hundreds of other ways I could spend my time and be equally satisfied.  However, we are here because we believe in you and your mission.  We WANT you to succeed.  And guess what?  My hunch is that your family believes in you too and is content to let you go make a living.

So, celebrate your spouse and kids openly.  Tell me about the fun you have in your backyard.  But also help me believe that there is no other place you’d rather be than with these friends who are supporting you TODAY.  It warms our heart to see you cherish your family – it’s a beautiful thing.  We can assume you miss them without you even saying the words.

And even if you avoid it on stage, someone is bound to come up to you at the merch table after the show to ask, “Are you missing your family right now?”  You can be honest, but please use discernment in your words.  You can easily push that fan away if you start gushing about how homesick you are.  Facebook and Twitter are not the right places to vent either.  Saying temporary goodbyes to home life is sacrifice that comes with the vocation that YOU chose.  Embrace the opportunities before you, and enjoy THIS very moment of the journey.

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written by Dave Trout

I hate death. We all taste it every day. We’re reminded of death in every newscast. We too often witness the death of a marriage. We’ve been to one too many funerals. On even smaller scales, we see death when we flush a goldfish, discard a dried out Christmas tree, or visit a “Going Out Of Business” sale. Even when a good deal is had… I still hate death.

We can’t escape death, though we try. It reminds me of the old fable of the man who made a deal with Death. He told the Grim Reaper that he would willingly surrender when it came time to die, but on one condition, that Death would warn him with a messenger well in advance. Years and years went by. One cold winter evening, the Reaper arrived and tapped the man on the shoulder. The startled man yelled, “You’re here so soon, and without warning! I thought we had an agreement!” Death replied, “I’ve kept my part, and actually sent you many messengers. Your hair was once full and black but is now thin and white. Look at the way you tilt your head because your hearing is failing you. And you must stand close to the mirror to see clearly with your poor eyesight. Yes, I’ve sent many messengers. I’m sorry you’re not ready, but the time has come to leave.”

The reason why I hate death so much is because I can’t shake it. It creeps into my soul and turns once fertile ground into hard clay. I see the bitterness, tiredness, callousness, and anger that well up in me, and it feels like death had declared a victory over a piece of my heart.

But this is what Easter Sunday is all about, right? God emphatically declares, “I am in the resurrection business.” God can resurrect a broken relationship. God can resurrect a failing business. God can resurrect my selfish, hardened heart. The Resurrection is something that can be experienced every day.

We celebrate that Jesus has conquered Death – but I have too often only focused on the “last breath” kind of death we now have victory over. Death and all its forms has been swallowed by a Man who walked out of His own grave. Although death is a reality in this world, the power of the Resurrection is for today. As Andrew Peterson penned, “All of the Death that ever was, when you set it next to Life, I believe it will barely fill a cup, because I believe there is power in the Blood.”

“Death has been swallowed up. It has lost the battle.” – 1 Cor. 15:54 NIRV

This coming weekend, we celebrate the power of the Cross and the Empty Tomb on the UTR Easter Special.



[Artwork Credit: Kaytlin Kiqo Riis Phillips]

NEEDTOBREATHE is having a monumental year. Their music has always had mass appeal - based in the bands faith but accessible by the general public - similar Switchfoot in that way. Yet while Jon Foreman's band was playing "Dare You to Move" in arenas, festivals, and large auditoriums, Needtobreathe has been paying their dues playing in small clubs. Yet upon the August 2009 release of "The Outsiders," the band has seen exponential growth in their fanbase.

I recently saw them bring their "Won't Turn Back Tour" to a sold out House of Blues Chicago, which lead singer Bear Rinehart confessed was the largest headlining concert in the band's 10 year history. I saw them only 5 months earlier at Chicago's Lincoln Hall, which was their largest Windy City concert to date, but was only 1/3 the size of the HOB crowd. This shows the rapid growth in fan support in just a matter of months!

The concert started with Bo Rinehart strumming a banjo on the title cut of their career album "The Outsiders." The excitement level stayed high for their new song "Prisoner." When they grabbed a track from their debut album "Daylight" for their 3rd song, much of the energy was sucked out of the room. The performance was fantastic, and we even saw Beau play a guitar solo. Still, most of their fanbase is new, and can be contributed to "The Outsiders" album. Needtobreathe played more from their first CD later in the concert, which was an interesting choice.

The quality of musicianship is par none. It was a fabulous concert all-around. The only things I would be critical of are (a) being careful on killing musical momentum with some of their older songs, (b) their mid-set Beatles' cover song "Get Back" might have been a great idea on paper - and it was performed well - but fell flat with this crowd, and (c) choosing to end their main set with "Through Smoke" which did not beg for an encore. [In fact, wouldn't mind seeing "Through Smoke" struck from future concert playlists, IMHO.]

Now, let's put that behind us and focus on the highlights. Even though they having been playing large concert halls for long, Needtobreathe has a seasoned stage presence and a very tight performance. They owned the stage they were on, and it felt like they belonged there. My favorite song performances included The Outsiders, Prisoner, Something Beautiful, and Let Us Love.

In N2B signature style, they ended the night by turning off the P.A., and played a completely unplugged version of "Washed By The Water" and the Rolling Stones' cover "You Can't Always Get What You Want". These last songs really showcase their artistry and the power of Bear's voice.

All-in-all a terrific concert. Not sure if I would rate it higher than the time I saw them in Lincoln Hall last October, but great nonetheless. Overall I would give it an "A-" grade.

Visit our PHOTO GALLERY to view pictures from the Needtobreath concert at House of Blues Chicago.

I’ve had the chance to meet and interview a number of artists over the last year or so. One of the more personable and down-to-Earth artists was Laura Story. She’s likely best known as the songwriter of the huge worship anthem “Indescribable.” Here’s some of my conversation with this under-appreciated worship leader:

DT: How was the transition from being a songwriter to becoming a recording artist?
Laura: I have done three solo CD’s. The first two are independent, and this last one is with INO Records, called Great God Who Saves. I was thinking that my first independent CD that it was going to be a songwriting demo. I remember someone saying, “Just make it a little bit nicer and you can use it as a regular independent CD.” I asked what I would do with it, and they said, “You would sell it at your shows.” And I said, “But I don’t do shows! I don’t even know how to do that by myself.” So, I feel like I kind of fell into all of this. But it has been such a neat thing to get to travel around and share these songs that God has laid on my heart. The more I do it, the more I find that it’s so much less about whether I feel adequate as a singer or as a piano player. It’s so much more about God just using the gifts of His children to encourage other believers and to tell other people about Him.

DT: Are you working on any new music?
Laura: Yeah, I’m still writing and planning on doing another CD within the year. Actually, I’m taking a little break from my solo stuff to do some stuff with a group called Glory Revealed – a lot of Under The Radar types there – Mac Powell, Shane & Shane, Trevor Morgan, Shawn Lewis, Bethany Olds – just some great musicians and songwriters. When I’m not doing that, I’m still doing my own shows and leading worship at my church. So, it’s a full season, but I’m super excited.

DT: What’s your personal take on the topic of WORSHIP?
Laura: Worship seems to be the new, sexy thing for Christian radio. I don’t know why. It’s the new thing that’s cool, and that has pros and cons. You don’t want worship leaders writing for radio. But it’s cool that people riding down the road in their cars are singing songs not just about God, but to God. I’ve seen the quality of worship songs improving – maybe because so many great writers are writing for worship. It’s good, just as long as we don’t lose our focus, that these songs are an offering to God, and honestly they are resources for the Church. If they can serve in that purpose then they’re effective, and they’re great. If we get to the point where it’s too artist focused, like “Hey have you gotten the latest worship CD,” then we’re probably missing our mark there. As I’m writing for our church, I try to think, “What are the songs that our people in this congregation need to sing to God, and what are the things that God might want to say to our congregation?” Are we in a season where we need to be confessing and repenting to the Lord, or is it a season of praise? We should have – I know this sounds simple – a real sensitivity to what the Lord is wanting to say through these songs, or what our people need to be saying to the Lord through these songs, rather than “What’s the catchiest new tune or the catchiest new phrase we could use?”

DT: What are some things you like to do away from the stage & studio?
Laura: Yeah, I’ll tell you, I’ve been married 5+ years to this awesome, very good looking guy named Martin. It’s just the 2 of us right now – we don’t have kids – and we live in Atlanta, GA. We do a lot! When we’re not traveling, we’re hiking, biking, or other things. A couple Christmases ago, Martin got me this book called “50 Great Hikes in North Georgia.” We are determined to get through of those great hikes – and I think we’re on number 14 now. When I’m not traveling, and I’m not at church, we do a lot of outdoors stuff. I lead a small group Bible study of a group of women, and I love doing that. I’m in seminary at a place called Covenant Theological Seminary. So, we don’t have a lot of free time, but we’re just living life, making the most of it.


On the next two editions of “Under The Radar” (Episodes #71 and #72), we feature Praise & Worship-themed programs, with special guest Laura Story.

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

On Episode #70 of UTR, we play "What Love Can Do" by the talented Mindy Smith.  Here's a video of another of Mindy's fabulous songs, "Highs and Lows".

Mindy Smith "Highs And Lows" from Jon Grimson on Vimeo.

 

 

One of the great joys of my job is learning about terrific Christian artists that are mostly undiscovered.  One up-and- coming songwriter is Andrew Greer.  I had the chance to talk with him recently, and here’s some of our conversation:

DT:  When did you realize that you wanted to do music as a full-time career?
Andrew:  I loved music my entire life. My mother is a music educator and has been educated in music, so she infused my brothers and I with music of all sorts from an early age. And then, into high school - actually when I began going to live concerts and I began seeing the interaction between stage artists and the crowd… that’s where I first realized I wanted to do have a platform because I wanted to interact with people through music.

DT:  What led to the creation of your debut album Open Book?
Andrew:  In 2006, I went out to Wyoming for about six to eight months just to have some personal time. The purpose was to learn how to be alone with myself and alone with God and to really see God. Fortunately He did show up! Honestly, at that time I was just kind of in a personal wreck where I just needed to get clear headed. I started out at this place at the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The owners of this old historic lodge, gave me access to an old upright piano from maybe the 1930's. The Shoshone mountains, and the Shoshone river, national forests, everything was just right outside the window. And that’s really where a bulk of the record was either written or inspired by that.

DT:  What’s the story behind the song “Time Has No Meaning”?
Andrew:  Yes, “Time Has No Meaning” is a very, very special song to me - very personal. I grew up in Texas and a good family friend of our entire family, Betty Hicks,  lost her husband Gaylon a couple years ago unexpectedly. He just died from a heart attack - boom. She's close to 70 years old and they've probably been married close to 50 years. A lot of people use those kind of statistics to diminish what she was going through and the grief that she has to process through. You know, there’s no real formula for how grief hits and for how the death of a loved one will hit us and there’s no real quick remedy either. She said to me one time: "Andrew, I have all these things on my schedule book. I have lunches that I need to be at, doctors appointments, church gatherings, etc. But without Gaylon I walk around as if time has no meaning."  I thought that was such a poignant way for her to explain what was happening in her life at that very time. I just wanted to coin that into the song, that time has no meaning. I think my favorite line in that song says "Lonely is the word I barely even utter. But man I feel it every time I sit down for dinner." And I just wanted to paint a picture of what this looks like and what the grief looks like.

DT:  Finally, do you have any artists that have been an inspiration to you?
Andrew:  Yes, this is too easy. You have obviously listened to the record. Good job Dave! There's a song on the record called "Emmylou" - Emmylou Harris is the ultimate for me. Emmylou if you're listening...(laughting) She is an under the radar artist though. There are many other influences - a lot of black gospel influences and New Orleans zydeco. But I discovered Emmylou Harris after college actually - just a few years ago. That’s where the melancholy comes from as well. She is known for her sad songs. And she knows how to carry it with her voice. I wish I had that big wallowed out vibrato.


Tune in to the current edition of “Under The Radar” (Episode #69), as Andrew Greer is our special guest all hour.  Plus check our website for how you can win an autographed copy of “Open Book”!