The roots of this episode harken back to UTR's former parent organization, ReFrame Media.  I had the privilege of hosting Judah & The Lion for a private lunch-time concert and interview back in May 2014.  Things started to explode for the band that summer, and only a few months after playing a lunch concert for 3 dozen people, they were playing on Latenight with David Letterman!  Part of the interview we did that day was to put them …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Judah & the Lion, John Mark McMillan, Josh Garrels, Andrew Ripp, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Kurt Carr & Kurt Carr Singers, Kings Kaleidoscope, Judah Lee, Ellie Holcomb, NEEDTOBREATHE, Brady Toops

When the decision was made to end production of the UTR Radio Show (our final show in this format releases on 11-11-16 but we are continuing with our mission including podcasts), we had not yet mapped out our episodes for September, October, & November.  We really wanted to end strong, and have some of the most intriguing interview guests on during our final months of the show.  I knew right away that I wanted to have Ellie Holcomb …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Son of Laughter, Ellie Holcomb, Jenny & Tyler, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors , Jill Paquette DeZwaan, Ellie Holcomb, Rivers & Robots, Ellie Holcomb, Michael Card, Jason Gray, Ellie Holcomb

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

I found out about the music of Nick Flora on an episode of UTR where Andy Osenga was the guest co-host and picked out the music.  I quickly fell in love with Nick AND his music.  He was a part of the Leonard the Lonely Astronaut Tour, did a Chicagoland UTR Tour, and this summer will be a part of Escape To The Lake for the 4th consecutive year!  He's a guy I can rock …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Andrew Osenga, Arthur Alligood, Sleeping At Last, Stacy Lantz, Eric Peters, Switchfoot, Andy Gullahorn, The Normals

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

To be honest, this episode was not supposed to happen.  We plan out our episode themes and recording schedule weeks (sometimes months) in advance, and we had scheduled to air a Christmas rerun from our archives.  But I was swept up into the holiday spirit as I dug into some of UTR's fan-favorite artists renditions of Christmas classics.  So we put in a bit of extra work, but really excited to have a brand new …Read More »
Episode Artists:
The Oh Hellos, Jill Phillips and Andy Gullahorn , Sufjan Stevens, Anthony Skinner (ft Phil Keaggy), Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Scott Riggan, Michael Card, Jillian Edwards, Sleeping At Last , Julie Lee & Mike Farris, Branches, Randall Goodgame, Benjamin Dunn and Friends

We couldn't return with a bigger bang after a 5-week hiatus than by welcoming the female artist we have played the most in the history of UTR, Sara Groves.  I recorded this interview in July 2014 at Escape To The Lake, and she had just finished recording her latest album "Floodplain," which just released on 11/6/15.  It was great to explore some of the unique process that went into the making of this new CD. …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Justin McRoberts, Sara Groves , Josh Garrels, Sara Groves, Sons of Korah, Sara Groves, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Sara Groves , Sandra McCracken, Sara Groves

Whenever we get the input of our Critics Panel, it usually results in a stellar episode.  They have worked their magic again, as they share some of the best albums to be released in the first half of 2015.  All albums by Christian songwriters released between 12/1/14 and 6/1/15 were considered.  I hadn't really "discovered" the Trent Dabbs or Riki Michele albums until this episode - and I always find some A+ music thanks to …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Seryn, The Gray Havens, Riki Michelle, Waterdeep, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Josh Garrels, Alli Rogers, Trent Dabbs, Andrew Osenga, Mat Kearney, Sara Groves, Sufjan Stevens

It is a very (and I mean VERY) rare occurance to have an indie artist catch fire and break onto a national platform, especially in Christian music.  But even though Ellie was making music for 7 years prior, 2014 was her breakout year, culminating with a GMA Dove Award for "New Artist of the Year."  We are honored that she took time out to share with us about this crazy journey - including the departure …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Christopher Williams, Ellie Holcomb, Josh Garrels, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Bruce Carroll, Ellie Holcomb, Alli Rogers, Ellie Holcomb, Steve Moakler, The Remission Flow, Ellie Holcomb

You listeners always seem to do a terrific job when called upon to pick the music.  This episode is no exception.  One of my favorite aspects is when we find out about new talent that we weren't aware of.  I'm excited that there are FOUR first time debut artists on UTR this week.  Plus you can't go wrong with some of our all-time favorite artists, like Josh Garrels, The Vespers, Andrew Osenga, and Jason Gray. …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Steve Moakler, Jason Gray, Andrew Osenga, Liz Vice, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Future of Forestry, Luke Dowler, Josh Garrels, Adam Wedd, The Vespers, Layton Howerton

After a three month hiatus, it is SO good to be back with brand new episodes. In fact, there was a moment when I wondered if we would ever present another new episode of UTR.  I am so grateful for the help and support of so many, including dozens of financial backers who were first-responders to our need. I had some time to think, "What type of show should we do for our grand return to the …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Nick Flora, Green River Ordinance, Josh Garrels, Tal & Acacia, Sufjan Stevens, Tommy Sims, Christa Wells, Ben Rector, The Farewell Drifters, Hark The Herons, Brooke Waggoner, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Waterdeep

I was introduced to the music of Jessica Campbell only a couple of months ago by UTR artist Christa Wells.  I'm really impressed with her brand of pop laced with southern charm.  I was all the more impressed when Christa and Jessica hung out with UTR for a couple of days last month.  Jessica is a terrific live performer and a down-to-earth person that will be a great addition to the artists we play on …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Chris Taylor, Jessica Campbell, Jessica Campbell, Eric Peters, Jessica Campbell, Damion Suomi & The Minor Prophets, Jessica Campbell, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Ben Rector, Sixpence None The Richer, Jessica Campbell

Nick is one of the funniest guys I know, and his personality comes through on this episode.  He did a fantastic job sharing some of his favorite music with us.  But most of all, I'm just so glad I know this guy as a friend.  He's full of sarcasm but also optimism.  He can poke fun yet be the biggest encourager.  Guest-host episodes like this can sometimes be difficult in the editing side of production …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Andy Gullahorn, Andrew Osenga, Arthur Alligood, Sleeping At Last, Stacy Lantz, Eric Peters, Switchfoot, The Normals

Episode Artists:
David Story, Griffin House, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Stacy Lantz, Randall Goodgame, Ashley Cleveland, Andrew Peterson, Matt Wertz, Sara Groves, Eric Peters, Phil Keaggy, The Gray Havens, Jenny & Tyler

Episode Artists:
Matt Brock, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Sara Groves, Andy Gullahorn, Neulore, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Audrey Assad, Citizens, K.S. Rhoads, Phil Madeira, Judah & the Lion, Christa Wells

Episode Artists:
Jars of Clay, Sara Groves, Sara Groves, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Sara Groves, Judah & The Lion, Sara Groves, Sara Groves, Seabird, K.S. Rhoads, Sara Groves

Episode Artists:
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Matthew Clark, Leagues, Susan Ashton, Pilgrim, Sandra McCracken, Fiction Family, Tara Leigh Cobble, Brooke Waggoner, The Lone Bellow, Caedmon's Call, Michelle Thompson

Episode Artists:
Dewveall, The Vespers, The Vespers, Andrew Osenga, The Vespers, Jillian Edwards, The Vespers, PFR, Tim Coons, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, The Vespers