Artist: Rend Collective Experiment
Album: Homemade Worship By Handmade People
Release Date: January 10th, 2012
Style: Folk / Rock / Inspirational / Worship
Label/Publisher:  Independent / Survivor, Kingsway Records
Location: Bangor, Ireland

About:

The buzz that greeted Rend Collective Experiment’s debut release, Organic Family Hymnal, included a viral “iPhone worship” video, UK tours with Francis Chan and Shane Claibourne, and a US tour with Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio. Now the next audio assault from Northern Ireland’s Rend Collective Experiment is about to launch.

Preview:

Track Listing:

1. Praise Like Fireworks
2. You Are My Vision
3. The Cost
4. Second Chance
5. True Intimacy
6. Build Your Kingdom Here
7. Desert Soul
8. Christ Has Set Me Free
9. Keep Me Near
10. Alabaster
11. Shining Star

“Homemade Worship By Handmade People” Album Preview:

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Artist: Rachel Chan
Album: Go
Release Date: January 10th, 2012
Style: Indie /  Pop
Label: in:ciite
Location: Simi Valley, CA

About:

Bubbling with groove and overflowing with beautifully crafted lyrics and tongue & cheek moments, Rachel Chan delivers a record for summer days of reflection on God and life through the innocence of a teenager. The sixteen-year-old daughter of author, speaker Francis Chan, Rachel demonstrates her own depth and maturity through her writings such as “As Close” and “You Must Love Me”… and her playful, yet honest, tune “Prove It” with a guest “rap” from her own Dad, Francis Chan. With ten new songs fit for radio Disney, will have young people falling in love with their Savior and finding where they stand on many issues such as dating and self image.

Check out the single below and write your opinion:

Track Listing:

 1. As Close
2. Prove It
3. Even Here
4. Show Me More
5. You Must Love Me
6. Still Singing
7. Lame
8. Ready and Waiting
9. You and Your Love
10. Resting in You

Listen to the single titled “Prove It”:

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Artist: Switchfoot
Single: Dark Horses
Album: Vice Verses (coming September)
Single Release Date: July, 2011
Style: Rock / Alternative / Indie
Label: Atlantic Records / Lowercase People Records
Location: San Diego, CA

About:

In the winter of 2011 Switchfoot began to record what would become their boldest record to date “Vice Verses”. On the 5th of May they gathered with producer Neal Avrin to celebrate the journey and listen to the record together.

Listen to “Dark Horses” below:

“There were so many thoughts going through my mind that night. The kind of feeling you get when you’re looking down from the top of a huge wave, full of fear and possibilities. This was our 8 record as a band but it felt like the beginning of something new.” - Tim Foreman / Bass,Vocals

“Such an enjoyable process to actually hear the record in it’s entirely” -  Chad Butler / Drums

“I was really excited to hear vice verses the album, from track #1 to track #12 and how all the songs fit together” - Jerome Fontamillas / Keyboards, Guitars, Vocals

“People ask me… how do you know when you’re done working on an album. Well i guess it’s when you can sit down as a band and enjoy listening to it” – Drew Shirley / Guitar

“We’ve made 7 records as a band. This is the first time when we’d ever actually stopped and listen to the entire album with the producer. Vice Verses is a record of tension and release. It’s an attempt to describe the polarity of the human experience. The sunlight and shadow. The highs and lows, laughter and pain, hope and fear, doubts and belief.” - John Foreman / Vocals, Guitar

Listen to “Dark Horses”:

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Artist: My Epic
Album: Broken Voice
Release Date: July 5th, 2011
Style: Indie / Acoustic / Rock
Label: Facedown Records / Dreamt Records
Location: Charlotte, NC

About:

My Epic are back with Broken Voice , an acoustic-based EP filled with beautiful misfit songs written during the creation of 2010′s Yet that didn’t quite fit with the sound of that album. Now the band has made a home for those songs, simply written then fleshed out in the studio, on Broken Voice .

Continue Reading + Listen to Full Album below:

According to vocalist and guitarist Aaron Stone, More than anything else Broken Voice is about joy. The last year of my life has been about finally learning that I don t have to fight G-d to get what I need. I don t have to prove myself to Him either. Jesus came precisely because none of my own methods would ever work. I had been striving so hard for perfection when all I ever had to do was surrender to it. I never knew where I was headed until G-d broke my will and gave me His. I never sung a song worth hearing until He broke my voice and made it His.

Broken Voice was recorded in March and April in Winston Salem, NC with Sid Mennon at Sleepwalker Studios. Sid and My Epic go back a long way, all the way to the days of recording demos, and the band wanted to pair up with him again for this EP so they could feel free to experiment with the sound. Most of Broken Voice was written at Machina House, a Christian mission house founded by the band in a poor neighborhood on Charlotte’s north side four years ago. “The seeds of these songs, musically and lyrically were planted firmly in the soil of our home community,” says Aaron. The band did spend a week in seclusion, locked away in a barn, “trying to make sense of all the parts, but overall it was a very smooth process. The songs had already taken their basic form in the living room and around the burn barrel at Machina House.”

Broken Voice will be released July 5th, and although it is an altogether different sound for My Epic, Aaron notes “This record is not a permanent departure from where we have been headed in the past but simply another focused aspect of what the Lord has placed within us.Normally it would not be possible for us to put out two records one year apart but since these songs were so different it allowed us to keep creating in a vein that hadn t recently been depleted.”

Reviews & Opinions:

“Only found out about these guys two years ago but ive been a huge fan ever since. every song is full of passion and executed perfectly from my point of view. not just the same sound as everything seems to be these days but something truly unique and enjoyable enough to throw on repeat all day. stayed up til midnight just so i could buy this and after listening im glad i did” – Ryan Anderson

“My Epic is such a small band; it pains me to think of how often the general public is filled with garbage when here sits a band blooming with creativity and shining with an uplifting message. Though this album takes a softer approach than their previous efforts, it shows that My Epic still has much room to grow and improve as a band, especially in the midst of losing two members and gain two new ones. The softer approach also allows for their lyrical content to blossom. My Epic has been and always will be a strong Christian band, and this I appreciate just as much as their creativity.” – Cameron Gainey

Track Listing:

1. Centuries

2. Beloved

3. Alone

4. Deathbed

5. Lazarus

6. Garden

7. Childbodybride

8. Doxology (Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow)

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About:

It is significant that Sojourn has released their new indie Christian album The Water and The Blood: The Hymns of Isaac Watts two days after Easter. Their seventh recording is timed perfectly to appreciate, reflect, and find more meaning in the sacred holiday.

Listen + Watch trailer:

The Water and The Blood: The Hymns of Isaac Watts takes you through hymns that have a distinct Roots/Americana feel to them while communicating a universal message to their audience. Musicians with backgrounds in jazz, country, pop, and punk rock came together for a common cause while seeking to serve the Church with meaningful contemporary music.

Since launching in 2000, Sojourn Music has recorded 7 albums of original music, including the critically-acclaimed album Before the Throne. Sojourn’s music is very powerful. The members of the band come from a church with three campuses in Louisville, with 2500+ people gathering on Sundays for worship.

The musicianship on The Water and The Blood: The Hymns of Isaac Watts is exceptional, which gives their message more of a universal touch point for those that have not been exposed to their unique brand of Christian artistry. Every word is felt on the recording because the vocals are on par with the music, making for a touching blend of spirit compelled with the belief that a positive message simply cannot be ignored.

The Water and The Blood: The Hymns of Isaac Watts is available on CD, Digital format and vinyl LP. “We’re excited to release this new collection of hymns. It’s music that comes from a real sense of community and faith, connecting emerging generations from the 300-year-old work of the father of the English hymn. We can’t wait to introduce you to Isaac Watts,” states Michael Cosper, Pastor of Worship and Arts for Sojourn Community Church.

Sojourn “Water And The Blood” album trailer:

Track Listing:
1. Absent From Flesh
2. The Water And The Blood
3. From Deep Distress
4. Compel My Heart To Sing
5. Let The Seventh Angel Sound
6. O God Our Help In Ages Past
7. Deep In Our Hearts
8. Bless Be The Lamb
9. Death Has Lost Its Sting
10. Early My God Without Delay
11. Let Your Blood Plead For Me
12. The World Will Know

Let Your Blood Plead For Me (LIVE):

Listen to the album below:

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Artist: Deas Vail / Farewell Flight
Album: Split EP
Release Date: June 7th, 2011
Style: Indie / Rock / Pop / Alternative
Label: Mono Vs Stereo Records
Location: Russelville, AR / Harrisburg, PA

About:

Deas Vail is joining forces with label-mates Farewell Flight to release a split EP available digitally on June 7th from Mono vs Stereo. Included are the lead off singles from both Deas Vail & Farewell Flight’s forthcoming albums PLUS one exlcusive b-side track from each band. Deas Vail have spent the past many months in the creative process.  They will be releasing a new full-length album on September 6 of this year,

Listen below:

Track Listing:
1. Deas Vail – Sixteen
2. Farewell Flight – Out for Blood
3. Deas Vail – Gone (exclusive)
4. Farewell Flight – Ten Steps In (exclusive)

Deas Vail “Sixteen” Lyric Video:

Farewell Flight “Out for Blood” Lyric Video:

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Farewell Flight: Website | MySpace | Amazon | iTunes | Facebook | Twitter | PureVolume | Tumblr

Artist: Sleeping At Last
Album: Yearbook: May EP
Release Date: May 1st, 2011
Style: Alternative / Indie / Rock
Label: Independent / steroid B-612 (BMI)
Location: Wheaton, IL.

About:

“It’s hard to believe that it’s already May! I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but this year has seemingly traveled at the speed of light. Along with newness of Spring comes another brand-new “Yearbook” EP! Very proud to present you with “May,” which is available NOW! Here are some details:

This EP may be the most eclectic Yearbook EP yet… We had so much fun trying out all sorts of new sounds and ideas – sincerely hope you enjoy the results!

Continue reading + Listen to full EP below:

“Pacific Blues” was written and recorded entirely with GForce Software’s gorgeous M-Tron Pro Mellotron sound library. in fact, it was recorded entirely with a brand-new M-Tron Pro expansion pack that is yet to be released! (More info to come!) We had the privilege of getting an advance version, so we went to town with it. Had so much fun creating with these sounds. To learn more about GForce’s incredible music software, click here. Very few companies on earth have the passion for what their work, as GForce does!

“Segue” is an instrumental piece which features a plethora of sounds. (That’s right, I said a “plethora”) Had so much fun on this one. Lots of rhythm! Hope you enjoy this little tangent from the usual SAL sound.

“Silhouettes” is a simple, somber and lyric-focused song. Ukulele, Bass, Bells and featuring lots of gorgeously played Clarinet (see below!)” – Sleeping At Last

Track Listing:

1. Pacific Blues / Listen
2. Segue / Listen
3. Silhouettes/ Listen

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Artist: The Greentrees
Album: Let Me Remember
Release Date: May 3rd, 2011
Style: Indie / Acoustic / Folk
Label: Mountain in the Wind Music / Tate Music Group
Location: Treasure Coast, FL

About:

The greentrees sound is open, warm and inviting. Organic/Acoustic at it’s base, but filled with energy and movement. Core members, and brothers, WT (Todd) Anderson and Gavin (GJ) Anderson are a dynamic duo when it comes to generating an exceptional caliber of musical creativity, energy and harmony. All packed with a lyrical content that delivers a powerful and inspiring message.

Continue reading + Listen to song previews:

Built on the solid foundation of Todd’s hooking lyrical content, simplistic acoustical guitar rhythms, smooth harmonica and a vocal style that captures the innocence of heart, and purity, that is the foundation of the group.  GJ then drives it home with the drums, adding a level of energy and creativity that brings it all together. Creating just the right movements, and subtlety, that creates a hypnotic wall of sound.

Top it all off by adding some other excellent musicians, specifically,our fellow brother in arms, Paul Sanders, playing his trademark style of impeccably timed and tasteful backbeats, whether it be the percussion (stripped live @ starbucks) or the full kit ( “orange leaves” video for example.),or just hitting the studio to add layers and tracks, to take it to the next level.

No matter which way it goes, you are sure to get a great album and song everytime. A musical force that has been 20+ years in the making! And still growing!! Greentrees and high tides forever!

Track Listing:

1. Learn to Breathe
2. Write me a Letter
3. Love you So Deep
4. Rain on Montgomery Street    
5. Rhythm of your Soul
6. Shining Star
7. Something More
8. In my Silence

Preview Songs:

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Artist: Brandon Bee
Album: Inside These Walls
Release Date: April 5th, 2011
Style: Rock / Indie / Pop
Label: Save The City Records / Provident
Location:Tacoma, WA

About:

The name Brandon Bee is synonymous with excellence, originality and innovation on both the artist and production side of the coin. In terms of his own work, the singer/songwriter/worship leader earned endless critical acclaim for 2009’s anthemic long player, This Is The Revolution (Save the City Records), followed by a showcasing of his stripped down and introspective side with the following year’s Surrendered EP. As a producer, the Seattle-bred Bee has worked with the diverse likes of Grammy Award nominee/Dove Award winner Stacie Orrico and Juno Award nominee/Island Award winner Matthew James; pop/rock favorites like Amber Pacific, Jaime Jamgochian and Lanae Hale; plus newcomers like Benjiman, 2009 Immerse winner Jake Brothers and indie folk-pop rising star Beth Whitney. Bee most recently produced Circleslide’s exciting 2011 CD, Echoes of the Light.

Continue Reading + Audio preview:

While it was only natural for Bee to pick up the primary production reigns throughout Inside These Walls, he also teamed with an all-star list of collaborators, including co-writes with Scott Krippayne (Jordin Sparks’ “This Is My Now”), Carl Cartee (“Glorious Impossible”) and Gabe Martinez (frontman for fellow Save the City artist Circleslide). Together, the team sought to shape a soundtrack to Bee’s observations and vast personal growth throughout a two-year tour in support of his debut disc.

Bee’s songwriting has been compared to several CCM notables, starting with Jon Foreman and Sufjan Stevens when it comes to faith-driven songs that leave the messages open to interpretation. And in the vertical vein, the praise leader’s writing is evocative of Paul Baloche or Brenton Brown, very praise-centered and congregational. No matter what their style, Bee’s songs are always autobiographically inspired.

Track Listing:

1. Everlasting Song
2. Stones On Bones
3. Bring Me to Life
4. Nailed It At the Cross
5. Radiant Sun (Give Thanks to the One)
6. Maybe It’s the Last Day
7. Hands of Yours
8. Helpless
9. Listen to My Heart
10. Weight of This Illusion
11. Whispers In Silence
12. Majesty Reigns
13. Inside These Walls

AVAILABLE NOW!

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Artist: Liam Blake
Album: You And Other Stories
Release Date: July 18th 2011
Style: Pop / Indie / Folk
Label: Helium Records
Location: United Kingdom

About:

Singer, guitarist and classic songwriter – Liam has been writing songs in the pop-folk tradition since he was 17. At the core of music is a deep sense of romance, not through sentiment but as articulate, intelligent, bitter-sweet story-telling. He is a skilled songwriter with real sophistication and these are proper pop songs, laden with hooks and refrains that make them compelling and timeless. His narrative is the landscape of the troubadour – heartbreaking, idealistic, lush – a journey through life for everyman.

Continue reading + Listen to “Gypsy Fireflies” single below:

Liam has always been drawn to the West Coast singer-song writers of the 70s. If heʼd been born earlier he would probably be hanging out in Lauryl Canyon with Crosby Stills Nash and Joni Mitchell. His other musical influences are an immense sweep – from Gershwin to Goldfrapp. He is a young dreamer and an awesome natural talent with a wonderful voice that melts every part of you.

Liam’s album ‘You And Other Stories’ will be released July 18th to coincide with a national tour and festival gigs throughout the summer.

Track Listing:

1. For Your Sake
2. Heart And Soul
3. Feather
4. Coming Or Going
5. Rush
6. Tell Me Beth, Do You Recall?
7. Simon
8. Gypsy Fireflies
9. Show Me The Way To The Sun
10. I Felt Alive
11. Sinners And Saints

Listen to “Gypsy Fireflies” single:

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