New Music Tuesday:Various Artists

Have you ever purchased an album and listened to it straight through? Have you ever done it twice…or even three times?

Normally, we find the songs we like and we find the songs we like skipping. By the third listen of an album we’ve gotten into a routine of how we listen to this particular album and rarely break the habit.

Well I have something amazing to report…the last 2 albums I bought – I listen to STRAIGHT THROUGH every time. And my listens have now hit the double digits. Now don’t get me wrong, there is some great music out there and these aren’t the only albums I listen to from start to finish…but I definitely think they’re worth recognizing as I was a bit surprised myself.

Album #1: Hawk Nelson’s “Live, Life, Loud”

It’s not much of a secret that I’m a fan of Hawk Nelson. I saw them 2 years ago at The Revolve Tour and own most of their albums. But let’s face it, they’re usually a bit on the teeny-bopper side. The music is fun and light (with the exception of their occasional “dark topic” song) and leaves you with a catchy chorus stuck in your head. But their 2009 release breaks the Hawk Nelson mold. Blame it on the fact that they’re now in their 20s or that they’ve been together since 2002, but this album is the best so far. It starts with the Live, Life, Loud party starter anthem, but makes its way to instruments never heard in their songs before (think violins) and lyrics that are deeper than their usual bounce in the car sing-a-long songs. Take a listen to these samples and then purchase their album – it really is good.

Album #2: Josh Garrels’ “Lost Animals”

I saw Josh at Cornerstone 2009 and was blown away by the depth of the lyrics he presented in his new music. I’m ashamed to say that it took me this long to buy his new album. This singer/songwriter took his usual eclectic style and turned it up to new levels. With lyrics that will bring your heart to the most humble place and instrument combinations that one wouldn’t expect to hear – Lost Animals is one of the most beautifully produced albums I’ve ever heard. The songs flow together and take you on a musical journey through the depths of his soul. Take a listen on his website: www.joshgarrels.com and then go support this amazing artist.  

New Music Tuesday: Neon Horse

Sorry I missed last Tuesday – as you’ve probably read by now, I was working in the city and had little time to listen to music forget about write about it.

Anyway, I’m back on course and am very happy to announce that Neon Horse‘s second album, Haunted Horse: Songs of Love, Defiance…, was released about a month ago and it doesn’t disappoint from what I’ve heard so far!

Now if you’ve never heard of Neon Horse you’re seriously missing out in my opinion. It’s a Tooth & Nail band made up of members from other bands such as Stavesacre and Starflyer 59. Their music is unique. It slightly resembles 80s experimental rock (think Depeche Mode) but is in no way outdated. The mix of electronic rock, danceable beats and just a different sound overall is worth a listen, give them a try!

Proverb31girl & Deeflash Travel!

Seasons of life are funny. One minute I’m complaining that I don’t go anywhere or do anything and the next I’m crying out for a few days of nothing to do but veg out on my couch. So instead of complaining I’m going to try and live in the season I’m in with a smile on my face and excitement for what’s going on. Not quite sure what’s going on? Well here’s the event calendar:

• End of June-July we were at Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, IL. If you haven’t already, check out my post on our trip!
• End of July we were up in Plattsburgh, NY visiting my brother and his fiance for his birthday
• August 8th was a big day here in Dutchess County, NY. Chris turned 27 AND his EP started being sold in Beacon’s new shop Dream In Plastic. Check out more about the special Dream In Plastic music, the EP release and the store!
• August 14 – 19 I’ll be working in NYC for the NY International Gift Fair. As with all work trips, I’m praying that God moves mightly in the contacts I make and conversations I have with people from all over the world.
• August 21 – 23 we’re heading up to Maine with my family for a (hopefully haha) relaxing time of lighthouses, seafood, water & sun.
• September 11 – 12 deeflash returns to The Gates in Harleysville, PA for a night of youth, music and fun.
• September 18 – 20 we’re taking the journey to Ottawa, Canada to minister with and to H.E.A.T. Worship House!
• October 4 – 10 we’re finally taking our honeymoon trip! Although the original plan was London, we decided that the Outer Banks in NC was a much better choice for us right now.

So as you can tell, busy times are ahead but man they’re good and God is so good for giving us these opportunities to work in our giftings. Please keep us in your prayers and hey – if you have an event that you need a dj or photographer for – I think I know some people

New Music Tuesday: Britt Nicole

Britt Nicole is a fresh, young artist who decided to take the “multi path” musical journey on her first album “Say It.” She has hit Contemporary Christian songs on the radio. Songs such as You and Don’t Worry Now may sound familiar to you thanks to Christian radio stations in the US and Europe. But if you buy the full album you’ll quickly realize that there is much more to Britt than the radio allows.

Each track will bring you to a different story and a different emotion that many people can relate to. It’s not just about singing a fairly well written song to a non-aggitative beat…it’s about life and all that comes along with it, no matter who you are. With dance beats as catchy as the mainstream pop world but lyrics that will bring you to tears, this album is worth a listen…even if you’re not a pop fan. And if you like it, good news! Her second album “The Lost Get Found” will be out soon AND she’s out on tour. Give her a try!

New Music Tuesday: Zach Williams

Chris and I have been listening to the Relevant Magazine podcast lately and I must say, I’m hooked! If somehow Cameron, Mia, Jesse or Adam reads this – I just want you to know that we’re both big fans and wish you made a podcast every day! But anyway, recently they kept mentioning the musician Zach Williams. Neither of us had any clue who Zach Williams was…as you probably don’t either…so I looked him up and you should too.

Zach Williams is a new artist roaming around New York catching the ears of all in hearing distance. With a sound of a singer/songwriter meeting folk meeting rock, take a listen!

Want to know more about this noteworthy Christian musician? Check out his interview with Relevant Magazine.

Conference Frustration

I’m really frustrated with living in New York. Now before you give me a list of reasons why NY is great (probably to come from those who don’t live here)…let me explain.

Every movie, book and website will tell you that you need to be in NY or LA to make it big. So thank you, our state is overcrowded with people so focused on themselves and “making it” that we’re the rudest state in the country. But that’s not really what I’m currently frustrated with.

I’m frustrated with the fact that although many many bands, conferences and tours come to New York…not many of them are “Christian.” Now don’t get me wrong, many secular bands have Christian members, I’m not being judgemental…but I’m saying that when you do a google search for a band signed to a Christian label or even harder, a conference geared towards Christian life, often, they’re not coming here. It’s only been recently that Battle Cry and Revolve Tour are close…and even still, Revolve Tour is a trip to CT or PA. They don’t stop in NY. And women’s conferences I think are even harder to find. I once found a conference that I was insanely interested in going to…to find out it pretty much stayed in the mid-west. And the upcoming She Speaks Conference I would love to go to, is in North Carolina. It’s a conference specifically for women who speak, write, blog and lead ministries. It sounds awesome. So although I won’t be going this year…maybe one year down the line I will. For now I’ll just keep reading their blogs as they get super excited for it. Check them out! She Speaks Blog & Lysa TerKeurst.

I guess I’m hoping that 10 people will reply and tell me how crazy I am because there is a whole list of bands and conferences that come here and I’m just clueless. So go ahead, comment away

And if anyone has any power to change this, I would support your decision fully!

New Music Tuesday – The Alive Band

Well here I am being unreliable already! I promised a new music Tuesday and couldn’t get to writing a blog yesterday so this week it’s New Music Wednesday. Sorry about that! But let’s jump right in to it…

While at Cornerstone 2009 I kept hearing/reading about a band called The Alive Band. So as most Cstoners do, I looked them up in the program and discovered that they are the praise & worship band affiliated with the Breakaway Tent (the youth group/high school program). So in my head I said “well that’s nice” and moved on my merry way. Then as the week progressed, I kept overhearing what was going on at Breakaway and got curious. The music sounded really good. Really fun. Really…alive. So by day 4 of hearing their music I was singing along and decided to head to their merch table and check out what they’re all about.

The Alive Band is a youth group praise & worship band out of MetroSouthChurch in Michigan. With a sound similar to Hillsong United it’s pretty obvious that with time, we could be singing their songs in our east coast churches.  Their name stems from the title of their song “I am not Dead,” a catchy praise song that has kids shouting “I am not dead, I AM ALIVE, I AM ALIVE” – a chant frequently heard at Cornerstone 2009. With a cover of Hillsong United’s “Break Free” that I think I like better than the original and heartfelt worship with songs like “Broken” and “What Love,” The Alive Band is worth a listen.

Sounds great, but what’s the down side? Well to be honest, I think the songs are much better live. This band is packed with young adults who know how to lead great worship and truly bring God down to their listeners; and that’s something that can’t be mimicked recorded.

Their music can be found on iTunes and myspace – hope you enjoy it!

(Not Necessarily) New Music Tuesday

Tuesdays are big days in the music industry. Usually this is the day of the week that new music is released to the world. So me, as a music lover, used to love Tuesdays. But since I’ve been a christian, Tuesdays have been less exciting. I’m not a huge fan of a lot of “popular” Christian music and a lot of new bands aren’t promoted through CCM newsletters….so I’m going to try and discover new bands and talk about them on Tuesdays. Since today is Tuesday and I’ve done no research – I thought I’d start with a band that isn’t new, but is sure getting better with every release. The band is Dizmas and they’re from California. Their first release was in 2005 and to my surprise (discovering them in 2007), it was nothing like the 2007 release “Tension” which was then followed by a 10-track 2008 release which I dig more than any other. The first release is hard rock. Good…but hard. The second and third releases are a bit more my taste. It has strong lyrics and fun melodies. It’s the type of music that will have you belting out words of worship and then 2 minutes later jumping around dancing. To me, it’s a musical representation of the perfectly balanced Christian life. 3 minutes of worship 3 minutes of praise 3 minutes of struggle confessions 3 minutes of hope and faith repeat. I’m living proof that this 2008 cd simply titled “Dizmas” is the type of cd that you can put in on a rainy Tuesday morning and not even notice that you’re stuck in traffic. They come highly recommended to Christians and non-Christians alike who like a mix of pop rock, party rock, and modern worship. Check them out!

Oh the Memories…of Cornerstone 2009

So, it’s the much anticipated blog about my trip to Cornerstone. Maybe it’s not so anticipated but I’ve sure been anxious to write it. So much happened between the end of June and beginning of July that it’s actually been a real challenge to write this blog. So here we go…and I’m sure I’ll forget 50 things.

Top Moments on our trip:

• Seeing House of Heroes live again. Everytime I see them they get better and better. It touched me how genuine Tim said “thank you guys” after playing. I love when fans are truly appreciated and loved. And just a side note, Colin smiled the whole time. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a drummer smile so much. It’s so contagious.

• Seeing Bradley Hathaway upclose for his live set and then meeting him the day after.  What an amazingly true and humble guy. And soo talented.
• Discovering/visiting the Christmas Story house & museum in Cleveland, Ohio. What a surprisingly fun day.
• Talking to the guy at the Black and White Attire booth. I’m so excited to wear my new shirt. It’s such an amazing feeling knowing the company whos shirt you’re wearing and knowing the full story behind the design.
• Meeting the worship leaders of The Alive Band and getting to worship with them Saturday morning in the rain. I’ve listened to their cd 4 times already haha.
• Morning worship almost every day. It’s so exciting to be in a tent filled with the holy spirit and people craving a touch from God. Especially people from all different denominations and locations.
• Sitting around the campsite talking to my Cornerstone friends of old and new. Kairsie, Dave, Kevin, Fitzpatrick, Brooks, Tim, Joel, Adam, Dima, Jeremy, Alex, random band members of The Ember Days aannd I’m probably forgetting someone…sorry about that if I did.
• Spending hours and hours of quality time with Chris. We grow closer every year we go away. This year was even better than usual. I love you

• Watching Josh Garrels play and literally crying during his set. His music is so powerful.

• Meeting and then watching Everfound. This young band WILL be going very far if they stay close to God. They led great, genuine worship and carry a very powerful message. Please don’t turn into the Christian Jonas Brothers (haha, inside joke.)

• The music seminars with Ryot Entertainment and Traa from P.O.D. They really helped Chris and I get a focus for his next project and re-directed our vision. Then getting to talk to Traa for a while just topped it off. The future is looking SO good and exciting.
• Sneaking away to the Imaginarium to watch part of Lars and the Real Girl. Watching a movie under a tent while it’s raining was very romantic
• Learning common word mix-ups between the US and England and New Zealand. The world we live in is pretty funny sometimes.
• Sitting in the press tent listening to Grandfather Rock talk about Becky and the DCBoys haha. We learned a lot from him.
• Sitting outside with my blanket reading my bible and hearing from God. Man there is nothing like it. Then the humor of DJ Dima and I trying to light a candle for 20 minutes. Then joined by other boys. Insert a “how many people does it take” joke here.
• The fact that Tim was the only person to grab my camera and take a picture with me. It meant a lot to me – I spent the whole week taking pictures of them lol.
• Joel buying me tea when I didn’t feel good. The smallest thing really meant a lot to Chris and I. Thanks buddy!!
• Taking pictures of people doing what they love to do. I’m looking forward to sharing with everyone soon.
• And I saved the best memory for last…learning the meaning of grace. The entire week I felt God showing me, teaching me and demonstrating to me what the meaning of God’s grace is. It was everywhere and I cried every time I saw it. The true knowledge that we are who we are because of God’s grace is so overwhelming that there really are no words to describe it. I’m so amazed by the wonder and awe that our creator is.

Well..I know I have more memories to share but I’m a bit spent. If I feel the need to share more I will. Photos are on my facebook. If you aren’t my facebook friend then just send me an email or comment and I’ll send you some photos

Oh Cornerstone, how I ___ thee

Well, it’s almost that time of year. The time when Chris and I pack the car to the top with camping gear, music gear, cameras, sunblock, bug spray and Clif Bars. Yup, it’s time for Cornerstone Festival 2009! And to be honest, this has been the first year I have had mixed feelings about it. It may be because last year’s trip was sooo long and ended sooo disappointing because of Chris getting sick and us having to 1-leave very early and 2-drive 17 hours with Chris not feeling well, after a trip to the hospital in the middle of IL, late at night. But anyway, here’s my run down of the good the bad and the smelly.

The good: This is the one time of year that for a week I feel completely free to be myself. Cornerstone brings out the creativity in me, the friendliness, the joy, the excitement…and it’s also the only place I go and (for the most part) don’t judge people. Yup, I said it. I judge people. Whether I like to or not, it happens. But at Cornerstone you just expect people to look, act and think different. I mean seriously, the seminars themselves should tell you that. In one festival you can attend seminars on: what God says about gays, womens roles in the church, modern evangelism, God in movies, the music industry, song writing and poetry, witnessing to the homeless, and missions going on around the world. Not to mention the goth presence, the hippies of the Jesus Village, the sports areas, the underground tent that draws in the heavy metal fans and hardcore group right next to the kid’s tent and the artists area. It’s an amazing gathering of ALL of God’s precious creations. And we obviously cannot forget that booming Afterhours Dance Barn that Chris and I are very much apart of. Ahhh, there is nothing like falling asleep in a tent under the trees hearing the thumping of the club fused with a late night worship band with just a touch of hardcore music. And yes, I do fall right asleep haha. When you hear God in all of it, it’s amazing what music you grow to like. So what else is good? The freshness of time with God. The friends we’ve made over the years and are very much looking forward to seeing in a week. The sunsets of Illinois are 10 times better than NY. The friendliness and acceptance of the people there. The music. Ahhh the music. So many great bands playing at all times.

The bad: The shower houses are horrible. They smell. They’re crowded. The curtains to most showers are torn. And it’s hard to be pretty with no hair dryers or full length mirrors. Sleeping in a tent for 6 days.  It’s fun the first few days – then I miss a bed in a room. Being the only girl (well okay, there are always a few, but you know what I mean!). As much as I really do love the guys that we camp and hang with all week, it’s hard not having a girl to sit around and chat with. I love dance music, but it’s hard for me to be in the dance barn 4-6 hours/night for 3-4 nights. I need my acoustic rock. I need my songwriter music. And THANK GOD I have a husband that understands and respects that. I know if I wasn’t there he’d spend all of his time in the barn so I appreciate that he knows I’m not like that. But, a big part of me feels guilty for “pulling him away” from the friends he only gets to see once/year. The friends that he’s always longing for, DJ/producer friends.

So I guess overall, the good outweighs the bad and that’s why we’re going, and that’s why I’ll be smiling (hopefully) the whole time. In the end, God, his people, and my husband matter more than the selfish “bads” I’ve come up with. I’m excited for the journey, the new people we’ll meet and of course the old friends that we’ve already made. So to Kevin, Dave, Alex, Brooks, Fitzpatrick, Glow, Kairsie, Kendrick, Joel, Jeremy and to whoever else I’m missing — see you soon!!! And Kevin, if you really bring me sweet tea, you’ll be my favorite for the week haha

HOH Meets The Beatles!

Today is a very exciting day for myself and all other House of Heroes fans. Today, June 9, 2009, House of Heroes released their Beatles Cover EP. 3 cover songs for $2 on itunes. Can’t really beat that. And they’re great covers. Check it out on itunes or click the cover for more House of Heroes music! Can’t wait to see them (for the 3rd time) in 3 weeks at Cornerstone!!!

SPREADTHE(dance)WORD

Normally I blog about things going on at a specific time in my life. Well on July 7, 2006 I committed to letting Chris be “going on” in my life, for the rest of my life. So technically, this post is as relevant to my blog as any other post.

Most of you know but hey, maybe someone doesn’t. My husband, Chris, has an alterego. He goes by the name deeflash. So who is deeflash? Deeflash is a music producer, a DJ, an experimental extraudinaire and an all around talented man! The thing is. Deeflash is shy and doesn’t go around boasting about how great his musical stylin’ is. So I decided that as his wife, it should be my job to tell the world about what they’re missing out on.

So without further adu, please take the time to listen to deeflash’s latest podcast…and maybe you can even get a little crazy and subscribe to his podcast and hear it every time he records a mix! Every month is a little different musically but spiritually, it’s always the same. Deeflash does his best to deliver what God is saying to him through music. So here we go. Open up your mind, get comfy (or get ready to dance, whichever your preference!) and have a listen!

http://feeds2.feedburner.com/DeeflashsMixes

Liked a song but have NO idea how to get a copy of it? Here’s the Track Listings!
Phonique, Kiloo – No Problem – Original Mix
Timo Garcia, Ricky Stone – Driving Olivia – Fabian Argomedo Mix
Deadmau5 – Arguru – (EDX’s 5un5hine Remix)
Noel Sanger – One More Time – Club Mix
Milton Jackson, Sei A – Glasgow Kiss – Jim Rivers Remix
Sunrider – The Bomb (These Sounds Fall Into My Mind) (Electro Mix)
Klaus Hill and El Matador – Rock The Disco
Streetlife DJs – Gunn Crime
Roman Rai – Garden Roses (Shiloh Mix)
Moonbeam – Nature – Joel Armstrong Remix

A Surprising Saturday

Saturday was interesting. Paul and Angie, our friends from Ohio who recently moved to our area, were supposed to come over. They didn’t. I was supposed to enjoy a full set of the highly anticipated House of Heroes concert. We caught the last 2 songs. I was supposed to not enjoy Relient K live. But I did. It was a strange day. I was supposed to get all gitty and talk to House of Heroes once I saw them hanging out in the merch area ready to talk, but I didn’t. It was a strange day.

It’s always weird realizing that you aren’t the person you used to be. The old me would sulk all day that our friends didn’t come over. The new me sulked for a while because of the pain I knew my other half was feeling. 2 become 1 comes alive. The old me would get pissed that we missed the reason we came to the concert and left early. The current me sucked it up, smiled, and had a good time anyway…and realized that Relient K is amazingly more talented than the radio will ever let them be and their lyrics are much more powerful when sung right in front of you with the emotions the song was probably written with. The old me would be jumping up and down during the concert, getting as close to the stage as possible. The new me enjoyed being behind all of those girls and watching them be the girl I used to be. The old me would flip out at the chance to chat up her favorite band and get as many pictures as possible. The new me realized that my favorite band averages the same age as I am and they’re just some cool guys from Ohio. The new me had nothing to say, especially missing their set.

The old me would be sitting at work frantically trying to finish everything that needs to get done as quick as possible. The new me took some time out of a crazy day to sip her coffee, listen to some great worship music and write a blog.

Conclusion? Finding out who you are now is as easy as looking back at who you were and seeing how much you’ve changed. Enjoying the new you is what will bring happiness into your life and help you to not live in the past.

“It’s funny how you find you enjoy your life when you’re happy to be alive” – Relient K