The finish line is just in front of us -- this is the second-to-last radio program of UTR.  In the pre-show announcements we share the snapshot of why we're doing that and how we are moving forward. This week, we continue our interview with one of today's most popular Christian indie artists, Josh Garrels.  The questions this week go even deeper, and Josh is more candid and vulnerable with us than we've ever heard from …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Andy Gullahorn, Josh Garrels, Josh Garrels, Rebecca Jordan, Josh Garrels, Ben Rector, Josh Garrels, Burlap to Cashmere, Josh Garrels

We fell in love with the music of Josh Garrels in the early days of UTR, and hundreds of folks have cited us as being the place they discovered his talent.  On this episode I say "he might be one of the most important indie artists of our generation" - and that's not hyperbole. His rise in popularity and his success as an artist are revered by many inside and outside the music industry, and …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Branches , Josh Garrels, Sara Groves, Josh Garrels, Lost Dogs, Josh Garrels, Ali Rogers, Josh Garrels, The Welcome Wagon, Josh Garrels

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

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

Here's a bit of behind-the-scenes scoop on this episode.  I actually conducted this interview with The Vespers back in 2012, and for various reasons never got a chance to play this section where they picked out the music.  We originally had planned to have an interview with Eric Peters on this week's show, but his album release was delayed until June, so we will be airing that interview special on June 10.  After going through …Read More »
Episode Artists:
The Vespers, John Mark McMillan, Josh Garrels, Bellarive, Rend Collective, Mike Farris, Buddy Miller, Gungor, Marc Scibilia, Morgan Cryar, Jon Foreman

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)

One time we were on a long family road trip, and the either the only restaurant option or the only one that could be agreed upon was McDonalds.  It was on this trip that I did something I had never done before, I ate McDonald for all three meals that day.  Needless to say, when we were deciding upon restaurants the following day, the thought of eating McDonalds again was starting to turn our stomachs. …Read More »
Episode Artists:
The Brilliance, Caroline Cobb, Josh Garrels, Caroline Cobb, Seeker & Servant, Caroline Cobb, Tanya Godsey, Caroline Cobb, Rivers & Robots, Caroline Cobb

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

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

I followed the Cornerstone festival for most of my life as it was in my home state.  But I never actually attended the event until the last run, when I went to two of the last three years.  I went to the final Cornerstone in July 2012 as I watched the bitter-sweet ending to a truly historic annual event.  We quickly put together a podcast to pay tribute to Cornerstone, but I knew I could …Read More »
Episode Artists:
Ashley Cleveland, Josh Garrels, The Wayside, Karina Mia, Kye Kye , Maron Gaffron, Michelle Thompson, The Farewell Drifters, The Choir

The week after episode 228, we had Josh Garrels on the show once again - but this time we put him in charge of picking out all the music on UTR - including songs by Wovenhand, Kye Kye, All Sons & Daughters, Gungor, and more.  Plus, Josh shares an acoustic performance of "Bread & Wine" live in the UTR Studios.  Let us know what you think of the episode in the comment section below.  (Dave)
Episode Artists:
Aaron Strumpel, Gungor, Josh White, Josh Harrmony, Kye Kye, Wovenhand, Bifrost Arts, Josh Garrels, Benjamin Dunn And Friends, All Sons & Daughters, Bruce Cockburn

We've been playing Josh's music before it was "cool" to play Josh's music.  In fact, a lot of people have told us that UTR was the place they discovered Josh Garrels.  We're grateful for that because we believe in the art he creates.  We were honored to have Josh in the UTR Studios right at the point when his popularity sky-rocketed.  He's a gracious person that has a unique, honest perspective... one that has helped …Read More »
Episode Artists:
The Ocean Blue, Josh Garrels, JJ Heller, Josh Garrels, Jill Philips, Josh Garrels , Pierce Pettis, Josh Garrels, Myla Smith, Future of Forestry , Josh Garrels

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

Episode Artists:
Ellie Holcomb, Jeremy Casella, Jeremy Casella, Eric Peters, Jeremy Casella, Lainey Wright, Jeremy Casella, Over the Rhine, Josh Garrels, Gungor, Jeremy Casella

Episode Artists:
Sarah Hart, Caroline Cobb, Charlie Hall Band, Page CXVI, The Brilliance, Jill Phillips, Josh Garrels, Young Oceans, Mark Heard, Rebekah Maddux El-Hakam, Shane & Shane

Episode Artists:
Caleb, Andrew Osenga, Sara Groves, Eric Peters, Sixpence None the Richer, Melanie Penn, Josh Garrels, Rich Mullins, Andrew Peterson, The Innocence Mission