JAMS // 09.27.13

J.A.M.S.  (Just Another Music Sample)

Every Friday, I'll try to post a list of the 5 songs that have been on repeat for me throughout the week.
Some might be brand new, exclusive, or old favorites. Check em out and don't forget to leave me a comment of what you've been jamming lately!

• "Dry Bones" (Live at RELEVANT Studios)  |  Gungor

Oh, this song. The original version of this song is already amazing, but this live acoustic version (featuring Kevin Olusola, cellist and beatboxer for a capella group Pentatonix) is PHENOMENAL.
Give it a listen--your ears will thank me.

• "White Fences"  |  NEEDTOBREATHE  |  Cercas Blancas EP

NEEDTOBREATHE always puts me in a good mood. Definitely worthy of singing along.

• "You Waste Time Like A Grandfather Clock"  |  The Myriad  |  With Arrows, With Poise

An old song but a good one, from a relatively unknown band.

• "Come Thou Fount"  |  Kings Kaleidoscope  |  Asaph's Arrows

This song has been dominating my worship playlists lately. The unique and unexpected rhythm is what gets me. Powerful song and a powerful performance!

• "Oh Captain, My Captain"  |  Levi The Poet  |  Werewolves

So this may not be what you were expecting from a Christian music blog, but this is Levi The Poet. His spoken word is amazing and this is one of my favorites.
If you ever get the opportunity to see him perform live, DO IT.


So there you have it! Week 2 of my JAMS playlist.
What have you been listening to lately? Do you have any recommendations for next week's playlist? Let me know in the comments!

Spotlight On.. Family Force 5 minus Soul Glow?

Family Force 5, one of the most popular (and rowdy) bands in the Christian music circuit at the moment, announced this morning that they are undertaking a huge lineup change.

Solomon Olds, known to fans as Soul Glow Activator, has announced that he will be stepping down from his role as frontman of the band to spend more time with his family at home.

As a release from the band (via facebook) states:

"Solomon will remain within arms reach, as he takes time to be at home with his wife and son, while also pursuing his creative ambitions of co-writing and remixing.  In addition, he will continue to be a part of FF5’s songwriting team, as we are daily creating new material that could potentially blow up your stereo speakers."

To accomodate this change, the band has declared that drummer Jacob Olds (aka Crouton) will move to fill the frontman position in the band.  Teddy Boldt, former member of bands such as Wavorly and Capital Kings, will fill in on the drums.

The remaining members of the band Nathan Currin (aka Nadaddy), Derek Mount (aka Chap Stique), and Joshua Olds (aka Fatty) will continue to move forward with new music, stating that a new album is already in the works, expected for release in early 2014.

The official announcement from the band looks promising:


What are your opinions on this change?
Discuss your thoughts in the comments below.

JAMS // 09.20.13

J.A.M.S.  (Just Another Music Sample)

Every Friday, I'll try to post a list of the 5 songs that have been on repeat for me throughout the week.
Some might be brand new, exclusive, or old favorites. Check em out and don't forget to leave me a comment of what you've been jamming lately!

• "Who We Are"  |  Switchfoot  |  Fading West EP
Switchfoot just released this EP in anticipation of their Fading West Tour (stopping in Des Moines next Thursday, keep your eyes peeled for a review!).
Whether you haven't heard of Switchfoot since their "Meant To Live" days or you consider yourself a devoted fan, you've gotta give this new stuff a listen. I'm a fan.
-Download-

• "Relentless"  |  Hillsong United  |  Zion - Deluxe Edition
This song makes me want to dance. I'm just saying.
-Download-

• "Tithemi"  |  Sleeping Giant  |  Kingdom Days In An Evil Age


I have been jamming this since seeing these guys at Sonshine Festival this summer.
Heavy worship? Yes please!
-Download-

• "Baby Boy"  |  For King & Country  |  Baby Boy (Single)
This may or may not be a Christmas song. I may or may not care.
(Spoiler alert: It is. I don't.)
The chorus is so infectious. I find myself singing this in the car, in the shower, humming it on my way to class, all the time. Besides, September is practically Christmas, right?
-Download- 

• "Where Life Will Never Die"  |  Tenth Avenue North  |  The Struggle
  The Struggle has been out for several months now, but I recently rediscovered this song thanks to shuffling through my iPod. That intro gets me every time! 

So there you have it!
Give them a listen, buy them if you love it, leave me a comment, share with your friends!

Spotlight On..Children 18:3 "All In Your Head" music video shoot

This weekend I had the opportunity to take part in the filming of a live music video for the Minnesota band Children 18:3.

©Tooth & Nail Records

The concert took place Friday, Sept. 13, at The Garage in Burnsville, MN.

"We've been talking about doing another live video for a couple months now," stated Seth Hostetter, drummer for Children 18:3. "Since we are coming to the end of our album cycle, I figured it would be perfect to put out one more video for this record for the fans--something new before new music."

The video will be for "All In Your Head," off Children 18:3's latest album On The Run.

David Hostetter, lead singer of Children 18:3, commented, "For a live video like this, you want something that is very interactive, which 'All In Your Head' has really turned into for us. [Our] live show is all about interaction and connection with the audience. Lots of kids came out and they were very willing to work hard with us to create an action-packed setting, and I'm confident that [Jason] captured that well."

Edge of Society Productions, LLC, a local video production company owned and operated by Jason Weiland, was in control of the video shoot, which will be comprised entirely of live shots from the show.

"I shy away from traditional music videos," commented Weiland. "Everyone has done every concept hundreds of times already, and most of them probably to little effect for a band. We shoot live videos. What you see in the video is what you get if you turn off the video games, get off your couch and get out to a show."

"Jason has been a friend for several years and has done video work for us in the past," stated Seth. "He has quite an eye for live shots and his editing is brilliant. I'm really excited to see the final product."

So are we, Seth. So are we. Keep an eye out for the video by staying connected with Children 18:3 and Edge of Society Productions on YouTube.