Artist Spotlight: Evan Wickham
January 13, 2019 by Mark Bowyer
Filed under Music, Music Spotlight
By Mark Bowyer
With most people thinking of chocolates and falling in love with each other this time of year, one artist takes his music a step further and discusses the ultimate love—that love that is demonstrated by God toward man. Evan Wickham, worship leader and artist, brings his sensitivity and doctrinal maturity to the music scene in his most recent album, Above the Sky. With such great songs as “Our Deliverer,” and “He’s Alive,” a certain positive energy and emotional rush can be felt imagining the majesty described in the lyrics. Singing the tracks could be thought of as his lovely dedication back to God. Read more
Artist Spotlight: ROOTDOWN
January 9, 2019 by Brian Johnson
Filed under Music, Music Spotlight
By: Brian Johnson
It’s very rare that you’ll find a band formed straight off of MySpace, but that’s what the band, ROOTDOWN did. To add to that fact, they are a Christian band that’s main genre is reggae. You never know what kind of music you’ll hear today, and ROOTDOWN is definitely no exception. The fresh music that is made from ROOTDOWN is an example of the modernization of the music industry.
Now as I said, the band formed straight off the Internet. Zane Fischer, the band’s guitarist/vocalist came across a singer while browsing MySpace one day. The singer sparked his interest, and soon talks began between the two about starting a band. That singer was Paul “Pdub” Wright, and the pair began the recruitment process. Paul discovered a guy by the name, Jesiah, who now plays keys for the band. Of course he was also found on MySpace. Two more guys would be casted for the band, Craig and Jackson. All would meet to begin making music in the college town of Eugene, Oregon. They started off by producing an EP and giving it away for free, to get their name out. Next, they picked up Matt Salinas on guitar, and self-produced the CD, “Summer of Love.”
Artist Spotlight: Ian McIntosh
January 2, 2019 by Mark Bowyer
Filed under Music Spotlight
By Mark Bowyer
With the New Year, comes a new generation of artists. Ian McIntosh, in his early 20s, is setting the bar high for futuristic worship music. A keyboardist, Ian uses all the modern conveniences available to experiment with the newest sounds emerging from the current band trends. Head and mastermind over a team of musicians using a variety of instruments, he is a refreshing break from the traditional. Ian McIntosh challenges all the standards and erupts in a sea of impassioned patterns and magical melodies. He is a believer that true Christians in creativity will be the catalyst for bringing morality back to the industry.
On “Alive,” the recent groundbreaking release, Ian manages to mix the effortlessness of the vocals with the complexity and beauty of his own keyboard skills. Definitely ethereal, and thought provoking, Ian never ceases to amaze from track to track. The song “Faithful,” especially warrants multiple listens–having multiple band-influences, and heavy drumming, yet rewarding the listener with a clear heart-warming God-honoring chorus to replay in their mind all day. The first album, “Awakened” is more of the same, but shows Ian’s roots and original blueprints for his current enigmatic style.
Artist Spotlight: Gavin M. Cox
December 19, 2018 by Mark Bowyer
Filed under Music Spotlight
By Mark Bowyer
Thinking about people in the UK might often conjure up images of uptight, reserved, and orderly ladies and gentlemen who are prim and proper and run their lives just so. Not for the British Gavin M. Cox—or at least not judging by the photos on his Web site—this Christian artist enjoys the laid back beach atmosphere, unbuttoned shirt, and barefooted bliss of relaxation.
With over 150 songs available, Cox has remained a busy songwriter for many years. And being featured on different British TV and radio programs is a plus for him. However, what really sets him apart from other Christian artists in his genre is his versatility and overall quality. One moment his music has elements of Steven Curtis Chapman, then the next it sounds like something that Nickel Creek could have sung. Songs like “Love Lift Me Higher,” “Hold On to Love,” and “Love is the Reason Why,” all make love the ultimate goal in life. While songs like “Leap of Faith,” and “Hear My Cry,” are songs about God and to God.
Artist Spotlight: Matthew West
December 13, 2018 by Brian Johnson
Filed under Music Spotlight
By Brian Johnson
Matthew West is a remarkable artist. It’s true that this could be said of many people; however, West is one of the few that seems to continue to resonate in your mind. West hails from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Hoping to pursue a career in baseball, he pushed to earn a college sports scholarship. The Lord had other plans, though. He was offered a full-ride music scholarship from Millkin University.
His latest album, “Something to Say,” has received great attention in the music industry, for good reason. After its release, it reached number 8 on Billboard’s Top Christian albums chart, as well as earning the 159 spot on the Billboard 200. “Something to Say” is a high quality contemporary Christian album. The songs on the album allow for easy listening, while providing a clear message of faith. At the beginning of the year a new single was added to the album, “The Motions,” which has become a radio DJ favorite.
