When it's time to dust off Christmas music each year, most people go back to the familiar tunes by familiar artists -- from Bing Crosby to Mariah Carey to Steven Curtis Chapman.  But finding new "gourmet" holiday music is a difficult task.  If you're looking for stuff that's not cheesy or cliche -- but might have some indie music panache, it can be hard to find because independent holiday releases don't get a lot of marketing dollars put behind them.  UTR is ready to step in and make it easy for you.  Here is our curated list of the 6 Best Christmas Albums of 2016!     1.  The Light …

Here's a copy of Dave Trout's first article published at RabbitRoom.com on 11/10/16: "Wait 'Til Next Year" I have been deeply connected to the Chicago Cubs for the last 33 years. My uncle Steve was a starting pitcher on the team in 1983-87. His father (my grandfather) Dizzy Trout was an All-Star pitcher for the Tigers, and threw a complete game victory in Game 4 of the 1945 World Series against the Cubs in Wrigley Field (that was the infamous “Goat Game”).  Therefore, there’s a slogan here in Chicago that I know all too well – which is emblazoned on the DNA of Cubs fans: “Wait ‘Til Next Year.” It has …

Robin Hood is considered a hero and a “prince of thieves” because he robs from the rich and elite and gives to the poor.  But who is the poster-boy for someone who takes from the poor to give more to the rich? Maybe a dictator like Kim Jung Un, or a slumlord like Monty Burns, or an ungraciously shrewd businessman like Ebenezer Scrooge, or a ruthless slave owner like Edwin Epps in 12 Years A Slave. Which category does Spotify belong in? I’ll just come right out and say it. I don’t use Spotify. Intentionally. The decision is a personal one, not because of lack of technical capabilities or an …

WHATCHAGONNADOOO, world of indie music... after a crowd-funded relaunched Under The Radar runs wild on you?! Brother. -- Acoustic Hulk Hogan Our first ever Kickstarter Campaign is now LIVE (thru 11/15/16), and would love to have YOU get involved as a backer. We are passionate about connecting discerning audiences with underdog artists making well-crafted faith-inspired music.  If you are familiar with Kickstarter, you know that we need to reach 100% of our goal ($13,000) or we don't get a penny. [As a backer, you register your Credit/Debit Card on the secured Kickstarter site, but your card is not charged until the end of a fully-funded campaign.] This campaign will allow us to …

In just a few days (on Oct. 13), UTR will launch our first ever Kickstarter campaign.  We have one month to raise 100% of our goal, or we don't get a penny.  And these funds are not for our day-to-day operational expenses... these are specifically to back the 2017 creative relaunch of UTR, which includes new website, new branding, increased video production, and more. We are quite familiar with Kickstarter, as we have backed over a dozen projects in the last few years.  We love seeing the fun reward tiers... and we are especially excited about ours -- because it's made possible in part because of the generosity of many …

You can hear the talent oozing in just the first few notes of her music. We have also gotten to know Tanya Godsey personally over the last few years, and we can tell you that the person behind the music is just as genuine, kind, and encouraging as the songs.  We are thrilled for the release of her third studio album Love Lines The Last Horizon, produced by Ben Shive (Colony House, JJ Heller, Rend Collective, Andrew Peterson) -- and not just Tanya's career-best work, but one of the best albums you will hear this year!  We had a chance to talk to Tanya about the making of this new music. UTR: Was music …

We are excited to announce the release of UTR's latest compilation album Live At Escape To The Lake, Vol. 2 - featuring 14 high-quality live recordings direct from the main stage at ETTL 2016 this last August.  We are releasing it for FREE on NoiseTrade.com - but tips are welcome (and helpful) and 100% goes to support UTR's ministry.   TRACK LIST FOR LIVE AT ESCAPE TO THE LAKE, VOL. 2 Da Boss - 6'10 Headed For The Hills - Jess Ray (ft. Taylor Leonhardt) This Old Guitar - Matthew Clark Field of Failures - Eric Peters Ghosts For Tinder - Giants & Pilgrims How She Floats - Joy Ike No Enemies …

UTR's next benefit concert features OH-based songwriter, author, podcast host, and worship leader Rick Lee James.  Rick was the VIP guest on episode #342 of UTR, and has garnered a lot of noteable coverage with his latest release Hymns, Prayers, and Invitations. Also opening the night will be special guest The Nicole Kelley Band. Nicole's music was featured on UTR epidose #326 (DIY Artist Debuts), and her band is from a north suburb of Chicago. The live concert will take place on Saturday, October 8th in Chicago. Admission is free (with tips welcome) - so we would love to have you join us in-person if you are in Chicagoland.  Here's the deets... RICK LEE JAMES …

In November 2008, we held a special launch concert just days before the brand new radio ministry Under The Radar hit the airwaves for the first time.  Our guest for that celebration was someone that we knew would be a core artist to our mission: Andrew Peterson.  Now we are celebrating 8 full years of media ministry.  The Lord has helped this "little engine that could" grow and reach people in ways that we didn't expect - including launching as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry in November of 2014!  So we are excited to announce that our special guest artist for our 8th Anniversary celebration is none other than Andrew Peterson! The event will include …

I walked into Escape To The Lake 2016 a bit conflicted. I felt confident that God would meet us in a special way. Yet, at the same time I knew that I wouldn't be able to shake how difficult the journey was to get here, and I knew in some ways it would likely sour (or at least limit) my enjoyment of the gathering. I won't go into all the details, but there were several moments - even as recently as 6 weeks prior to the event - that the proverbial plug was almost pulled on ETTL 2016. But thank the Good Lord, this is not a sob story... but …