Artist Spotlight: MIKESCHAIR

With negative influences in today’s media and culture it is very easy to get lost in all of the confusion.  That’s where the band, MIKESCHAIR, comes in.  Now, when you hear of a band called “MIKESCHAIR,” you’re probably going to double check if you heard the name right.  I did to, and found out it comes from some funny experiences the band had together when they formed.  In college, the band members met, and they all lived on the same floor of a dorm, except for the lead singer, Mike Grayson.  He lived on a different floor, but all his time was spent hanging with the band and writing music, on their floor.  So, one day the rest of the band decided to buy Mike a chair so that he’d have something to sit on, when he came down (and to sleep on).  So, the name MIKESCHAIR seemed very fitting, and the rest was history. 

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Artist Spotlight: VOTA

VOTA, the band formerly known as Casting Pearls, has put out a new, self-titled CD.  It sounds like a love song to Jesus and makes you want to get up and dance.  Now if that’s not enough to like it, I don’t know what is.

Composed of Bryan Olesen (formerly of  Newsboys) on lead vocals and guitars, Case Maranville on bass and vocals, Scott Rutz on drums and vocals, and Riley Friesen on guitars and keys and vocals; they changed their name to VOTA when they kept getting confused with Casting Crowns.  And before you ask: VOTA doesn’t mean anything.  Bryan chose it because most Christian bands are expected to have “Christian” names.

The opening track, “Hard to Believe,” is one of the songs that make you want to dance, but it’s not just all pop and fluff.  With lyrics like “Lost in the dark /Till Your love dawned in my heart/You filled all the hollow/and You freed my pent-up soul” it makes you think about whether or not God has truly filled your life and affected your heart.  It makes you want the joy the singer has.

“Be Mine” may take a slower pace, but it definitely doesn’t let up on the meaning.  “How did I live life before /You took over my heart/Nothing in life I want more/To be in your arms.”  The chorus goes on to ask God to “Be mine for life.”  Never before has a song made me think about truly being in love with Christ more than this.

My personal favorite is “Love’s Taken Over.”  Leaning on God, starting over, and the power of Love in the life of the saint are reflected in lyrics like “I never wanna be alone again/Here’s my declaration of dependence/Without Your love I ain’t got a chance/Yeah Your love is life to me.”

I’ve listened to this CD about 20 times already, and I don’t think I’m about to stop.  Usually these kinds of lyrics are found in secular love songs.  It’s refreshing and encouraging to find believers singing love songs to Jesus.  I can’t think of anything I’d rather sing (and dance) along to.

To find our more information about this group check out http://www.votaband.com/.

Artist Spotlight: Steve Zuwala

If you like down-home, clear-as-crystal, award-winning country music with a Gospel message, then I highly recommend you check out the CDs of Steve Zuwala.  Being a country music songwriter and performer and spending time in Hawaii to both film and relax, Steve is not your typical cowboy.  With #1 hits like “So Help Me God, and “Heaven Knows”, Steve displays sensitivity in songwriting and meaningful performances.

While the new stevezuwala.com site is under construction Steve’s Myspace music page, shows his passion for the typical country music motifs with affection for the things of God.  His music video entitled, “So Help Me God”, and a photo gallery of himself with celebrities, including Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, demonstrates his versatility.  It is easy to understand why his tone is appreciated.  A younger-sounding, less-intonated version of Randy Travis in some regards, Steve Zuwala lets the clear Christian lyrics he writes speak for themselves.

The new release, “Forgiveness”, and the upcoming album, “Wing and a Prayer”, are sure to be crowd-pleasers.  It is his unique blend of old-time country style and a clear gospel message that allows his music to send the hearer back in time to a simpler place where back porch swings and summer afternoons made a time of reflection that much sweeter.  

To learn more about this artist, visit http://www.myspace.com/stevezuwalagospel

Artist Spotlight: Rita Springer

By Mark Bowyer 

From an early age, Rita Springer was pouring her heart out to God in song—whether she could express herself to others or not.  Rita Springer takes the rough edges of an independent, alternative praise and worship sound, and mixes it with the Godly undertones of a soulful songstress.  With simple tracks like “All I need,” and “Worth it All,” less truly is more—choosing to let the repeated phrases speak for themselves rather than complicate the songs with anything extra.

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Unsigned Hype

Written By Booker T. Mattison 
Reviewed By Rhonda Clark 

Back Cover:

I’m Tory Tyson, but you can call me Terror Tory because I bring terror to all producers and DJs.  I’m from the hood side of Mount Vernon, which is right next to the Bronx.  I’m fifteen and I already met my future wife.  I just have to get her to see it that way.

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