I am so thankful for this moment. This show almost ended without warning in 2014, but it's an entirely different feeling to end this chapter on our own terms. And there are all the things we are looking forward to in our future chapters of ministry.  Plus amazing people who brought us to where we are today:  my family, our financial supporters, the Board of Directors, the artist community, our volunteers & interns, and our recent …Read More »
Episode Artists:
K. S. Rhoads, Melanie Penn, Andrew Peterson, Michael Gungor Band, Eric Peters, Julie Lee, Mark Mathis, The Vespers, Seabird, Satellite Soul

One of the main reasons why UTR exists at all is that in 2007 I "rediscovered" the music of Andrew Peterson, and it turned out to be the most encouraging spiritual balm for my soul that year. Most of my friends, family, and co-workers had never heard of him, and a flame had been lit with a desire to share this soul-connection music with others.  First, it resulted in hosting Andrew for 2 concerts.  Soon after, …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Strahan, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Moda Spira, Andrew Peterson, Chris Taylor, Andrew Peterson, Sandra McCracken, Andrew Peterson

This is the final week of our 2016 summer hiatus.  The last few weeks we have dipped back 4-5 years into the archives, and on this show we only go back 1.5 years.  Episode 304 originally aired in February 2015 and featured The Gray Havens taking over the UTR controls, including picking out all the music.  Little known fact... UTR was the place for The Gray Havens' very first radio interview!  They've been a sweet …Read More »
Episode Artists:
The Gray Havens, Shane & Shane, Jenny & Tyler, Sandra McCracken, Rich Mullins, Page CXVI, Sufjan Stevens, Katie Herzig, Phil Wickham, Melanie Penn, Andrew Peterson

In a 1992 interview, Rich Mullins shared his mission.  It wasn't to evangelize.  It wasn't to raise funds for a charity.  It wasn't to sell the most albums.  His simple mission was this: to write good songs.  Wow.  At a time when most CCM artists mearly thought of their music as a means to some other "higher" agenda, Rich knew something very few did - that if God wired you to be a songwriter and a …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Rich Mullins, Rich Mullins, Rich Mullins, Andrew Peterson, Rich Mullins, David Story, Rich Mullins, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson

There have been a couple of times in the last couple of years that I seriously doubted we would ever make it to Show #350. More than anything else, this is a moment of gratitude for me personally. I am first thankful to God that He has given me a unique passion and calling and has proven to be a trustworthy provider. I am also thankful to our generous support team who is making this dream …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Mavis Staples, Andrew Osenga, Josh Garrels, Jillian Edwards, Ben Rector, Mindy Smith, Andrew Peterson, Russ Taff , Cory Asbury, Julie Lee, Zach Winters, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

If there's one episode that deserves a 2nd spin each year, it's our annual audio countdown of the Top 11 Gourmet Albums of the Year.  Last year's list of critics' picks is an outstanding collection of gourmet music, and might make for a good entry point for someone just discovering the world of well-crafted indie music.  We feature songs from the latest work by The Lone Bellow, Josh Garrels, and Jon Foreman.  Who else released …Read More »
Episode Artists:
The Lone Bellow, Sufjan Stevens, Chris Taylor, Gungor, Cindy Morgan, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Josh Garrels, The Oh Hellos, The Gray Havens, Jon Foreman, Sara Groves, Andrew Peterson

This replay originally aired on 1/31/14, and it features all requests from UTR listeners.  Our listeners always do a stellar job at putting playlists together, and this is no exception. The show features A+ songs by Josh Garrels, Arthur Alligood, Jars of Clay, Audrey Assad, and others.  If you have a request for a future UTR, feel free to email me at Dave(at)radarradio.net.  ((Dave))
Episode Artists:
Andrew Peterson, Jars of Clay, Audrey Assad, Jonny Lang, Josh Garrels, The Brighton, Steve Bell, Ellie Holcomb, Arthur Alligood, Cool Hand Luke, Jenny & Tyler (ft. JJ Heller)

These critic pick episodes are some of my favorites.  This is another hour just packed to the gills with Grade A well-crafted songs.  Some of these songs might have even been missed by me if it weren't for the discerning ears of our Critics Panel.  Again, I'd like to thank John, Ann, Larry, Kevin, Lindsay, Russ, Matt, & Jen for their help on our panel.  And a few of the songs we play this week …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Aryn Michelle , Jess Ray, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Andrew Peterson, Audrey Assad, Joel Ansett, Nicole Nordeman, Burlap to Cashmere, Gungor, 77s, New Ancestors, Copperlily

I look forward to this episode each and every year... it's one of our longest-standing traditions.  This is the 6th consecutive year we have presented the Top 11 Gourmet Albums countdown.  This year was an exceptional year for "gourmet music" releases -- and maybe the first time ever that Sara Groves, Andrew Peterson, and Josh Garrels all released new studio albums in the same year.  It's really fun to do a show in a "countdown" …Read More »
Episode Artists:
The Lone Bellow, Sufjan Stevens, Chris Taylor, Gungor, Cindy Morgan, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Josh Garrels, The Oh Hellos, The Gray Havens, Jon Foreman, Sara Groves, Andrew Peterson

Phil Keaggy is a respected name in almost any musical circle or genre.  He is a living example of what it means to glorify God through pursuing excellence in your field or craft.  This conversation was recorded in Nashville and originally aired on July 13, 2012.
Episode Artists:
The Normals , Phil Keaggy, Brianna Gaither, Jonny Lang, Phil Keaggy, Andrew Peterson, Phil Keaggy, Phil Keaggy, Sandra McCracken , Matthew Perryman Jones, Phil Keaggy & Randy Stonehill

This is a big weekend for Andrew Peterson.  He's releasing his new album The Burning Edge of the Dawn AND hosting the Hutchmoot 2015 gathering in Nashville.  We thought we'd join in the fun and play this show that originally aired in September 2014, which features a countdown of what the UTR listeners voted as the best AP songs of all-time.  Andrew joins us the whole hour to share some instant feedback, including his thoughts on both …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson

One of the joys of this ministry is that we can find and share top-notch musical discoveries.  This week, we add 10 artists to the UTR family for the first time.  You'll get a taste of how we learn about great music: from personal introductions (Stephen Fryrear, forBrothers), from suggestions by UTR listeners (Joshua Moss, Luke Spehar), from YouTube (Harbor and Home), from recommendations by fellow artists (Angela Sheik), and from attending Escape To The …Read More »
Episode Artists:
The Asking, forBrothers, Joshua Moss (ft Annie Wolfzorn), Seafinch, Angela Sheik, Harbor and Home, Andrew Peterson, Stephen Fryrear, Nicole Kelley, Luke Hyder, Luke Spehar

This was definitely one of my favorite episodes from our 2nd year on the air.  One of the songs that really (still) stands out to me is "I Believe" by Jonny Lang.  Oddly enough, I discovered that song by seeing him perform it (alongside a full gospel choir) on The Tonight Show.  It gave me goosebumps to hear such a Christ-centered song on network TV.  All-in-all, I hope these redemption-filled songs give you encouragement and hope!  (Dave)
Episode Artists:
Downhere, Waterdeep, Andrew Osenga, Jonny Lang, Sandra McCracken, Switchfoot, Andrew Peterson, Owl City, Jason Gray, Johnny Cash, Lara Landon, Steven Curtis Chapman

These "story" episodes are some of my favorites, and I have plans to do 2 new versions of this later this year. There is something about the power of story that can help you become an even more active listener, and in turn often allows your soul to glean more from the song.  I hope that happens for you!  (Dave)
Episode Artists:
Bread of Stone, Melanie Penn, The Farewell Drifters, Lanae Hale, Andrew Peterson, Jon Troast, Phil Keaggy, Ginny Owens, Randall Goodgame, Me In Motion

I remember interviewing AP and letting him take the reins for one episode.  We had already done it with Eric Peters and Andy Osenga, and those were a hit - but I also noticed the patern that they wanted to affirm their musician friends.  So I encouraged AP to thing outside the "Square Peg" box when picking songs, and he came up with an amazing playlist that we all will enjoy.  Plus it was just …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Steven Delopoulos, Pierce Pettis, David Wilcox, Waterdeep, Melanie Penn, Johnny Cash, Judd and Maggie , Andrew Peterson, The Innocence Mission, Adam Wheatley, Mark Heard

I'll let you in on a little secret.  I actually recorded this interview the first time I met Dave & Licia Radford in person, in March 2013.  They came to the UTR studios shortly after the release of their debut EP "Where Eyes Don't Go." Little did I know this was one of their first professional interviews AND their lunchtime concert that day was one of their first public performances as a duo.  But you …Read More »
Episode Artists:
The Gray Havens, Shane & Shane, Jenny & Tyler, Sandra McCracken, Rich Mullins, Page CXVI, Sufjan Stevens, Katie Herzig, Phil Wickham, Melanie Penn, Andrew Peterson

Getting the annual pulse of the UTR Critics is a fun experience for me personally.  Not only does each member have great taste in music, but songs connect with them for a variety of reasons.  One critic picked a Ginny Owens song because it was emotional.  One picked a Chris Taylor song because of the unique style. And one picked a track by The Choir because of the poignant lyrical content.  Whenever we pool top …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Kings Kaleidoscope, Andrew Peterson, Steffany Gretzinger, Carolyn Arends, Chris Taylor, The Choir, Jason Gray, Colony House, Ginny Owens, Christopher Williams

I love celebrating milestones.  And we almost never made it to show 300, so this is worth a hearty celebration indeed.  We have played live tracks before, but mostly just from the studios at our old location.  But for this show, I wanted to feature live tracks from a variety of UTR events.  So you'll hear some songs from the old studios, some from the Escape To The Lake main stage, some from the 2014 …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Burlap To Cashmere, Julie Lee, Andrew Peterson, Levi Weaver, The Gray Havens, Jason Gray, Andrew Osenga, The Farewell Drifters, Jill Phillips, Eric Peters, Randy Stonehill

This is the first time we have done episodes like this. Hundreds of UTR listeners cast their votes on their favorite Andrew Peterson songs, and we after tallying the votes came up with this Top 14 list. I conducted this interview with Andrew at Emmaus Bible College in Iowa prior to a concert. I revealed the countdown during the interview, so we got his knee-jerk immediate reaction, which was a lot of fun.   (Dave)
Episode Artists:
Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson

This is the first time we have done episodes like this. Hundreds of UTR listeners cast their votes on their favorite Andrew Peterson songs, and we after tallying the votes came up with this Top 14 list. I conducted this interview with Andrew at Emmaus Bible College in Iowa prior to a concert. I revealed the countdown during the interview, so we got his knee-jerk immediate reaction, which was a lot of fun.   (Dave)
Episode Artists:
Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Osenga, Andrew Peterson