Artist Spotlight: Andrew Walden

By Laura Greenwood

Whether Andrew Walden is leading worship at his local church or hanging with his family and friends, there is an overwhelming presence of God in him. Andrew worked hard to release his first self-titled album in 2006, but it had limited availability. In June 2007, Andrew had a major step in his music career with the release of an EP that is available on iTunes.

And there is no difference in his music. “You broke the chains around us and gave us brand new life,” leads his self-titled EP in the toe-tapping song “You Are Holy”. Throughout this song, you are surrounded by the reinforcement of God’s love and light. Andrew’s light-hearted attitude and good-humored personality definitely shine through this fun and catchy tune, which will stay in your head for sure.  

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Artist Spotlight: Casting Crowns

By Laura Greenwood

All of the members of Casting Crowns have backgrounds in student ministry. Lead singer, Mark Hall, states “Our songs have always come from our ministry in the church,” and their new album Until the Whole World Hears is no different. On the band’s Web site, Hall talks about how many of the songs came about and how we can see God in all of them.
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Artist Spotlight: Steven Curtis Chapman

By Laura Greenwood

Steven Curtis Chapman is no stranger to the Christian music industry. His career started over twenty years ago, and since then he has been given Grammies and GMAs. He has provided many inspirational and well-known songs such as, “Dive” and “Magnificent Obsession.” Chapman is also well known as a family man, with a lovely wife and many children. However, in May of 2008 Chapman’s world was rocked to its core. His youngest daughter, Maria, was killed in a tragic accident. At only five years old, Maria was laid to rest in a ceremony filled with love, hope, and inspiration.

Following her death, Chapman released “Beauty Will Rise,” in 2009. This album is filled with songs of hope, sorrow, and remembrance. He states in the liner notes that each songs on the album had a personal influence on him and his family during their grieving process. From the title track Chapman sings, “Out of these ashes, beauty will rise.” One receives such hope out of these lyrics. “Jesus Will Meet You There” is another track, which only furthers our hope that Jesus will be there in difficult times.

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