With the new year's new tours and new releases well underway, there is a lot of room for good times--on the road, on stage, and on the set of music videos. Catch up on all resulting collaborations and hang outs below.
As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,200 Christian artists, check out our exclusive
NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community.
TOP TEN TWEETS
#1 - Contrast Concerts
@TheRocketSummer: I'll be going out w/ my acoustic guitar and some black & white keys in just a couple weeks! Come hang #HEAVYANDLIGHT pic.Twitter.com/30zKPDyh (January 15)
The Rocket Summer (better known as Bryce Avary) is one of the list of Christian artists (including Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and Aaron Gillespie of The Almost) heading out to play acoustic tunes on the Heavy and Light tour, hosted by organization To Write Love On Her Arms. Check
http://www.twloha.com/ for dates and details.
#2 - Parenting Perks
@jrmeadkutless:My son has now reached a point in his life where he has asked me to refer to him as Master Skywalker. I'm totally ok with this. #starwars (January 16)
It would seem that Kutless guitarist James Mead has trained up his young padawan well.
#3 - Throwback
@derekwebb: in case you missed it yesterday: my video announcement re: 10 yr anniversary of my first album, tour & NEW album http://derekwebb.com (January 16)
For fans of Derek Webb past and present, this was a good week. In addition to a remarkably clever announcement video for an upcoming album and tour, Derek announced that he's offering his first album for free at
http://noisetrade.com/derekwebb for a limited time.
#4 - Grown Ups
@jonsteingard: Sometimes I still feel like I'm pretending to be a grown-up. Like somewhere there's homework I'm supposed to be doing. NE1 else feel me? (January 17)
Hawk Nelson's frontman suffers from being perpetually young at heart and a little lost--a condition probably not confined to rock stars.
#5 - Questionable Choices
@codydriggers: My band hasn't been together in weeks till tonight and we decide its a good idea have a taco eating contest. We shoot a video at 7am. I won. (January 17)
The Wedding worked on filming their second music video from album No Direction this week. Judging by later pictures, despite their late night decisions they were still able to move the next day... barely.
#6 - Off the Beaten Track
@switchfoot: Two new videos today! Check out a new teaser for Fading West on our site and our new music vid for The Original here: http://bit.ly/V8zcuh (January 17)
It was a good week to be a Switchfoot fan, featuring a remarkably offbeat (and much discussed) music video release for single "The Original" and a trailer for the band's upcoming full-length movie, Fading West. Click the link above to see both.
#7 - Word to the Wise
@ChadMGraham: Word of advice. Don't under any circumstances, set your clothes on a candle. Even if it might be fun to almost burn down your fiancés house. (January 18)
Chad Graham of Anthem Lights certainly knows how to have a good (or at least exciting) time. However, he does not recommend the setting-your-clothes-on-fire method.
#8 - Capital Connections
Now that WinterJam is well underway, friendships are being strengthened, good times are being had... and of course rad tunes are being enjoyed by all, including the artists.
#9 - Getting Real
@scribblepotemus: 8 12 year old boys in same living room is the most entertaining experience I have ever had. No topic is off limits... #shouldbeatalkshow (January 19)
Dan Haseltine of Jars of Clay hosted a party for his son this week, and thus enjoyed entertainment better than any talk show could offer.
#10 - Bus Remedy
@RemedyDrive: Want to help us put a new engine in our bus? Rewards include a pre-release copy of the acoustic "Resuscitate": http://kck.st/13QJq6x (January 19)
Remedy Drive's trusty touring vehicle is in need of a new heart, and they're offering fans rewards for helping them get it back on the road. Find the Kickstarter campaign at the link above.
TOP TEN PICTURES
#1 - Inspiring an Icon
@BarbieAriel: Mad excited about my scented candle and pint sized diet pepsi. If THIS doesn't inspire a hit song....I'll try chocolate http://fb.me/1KPbB60Zt (January 14)
Icon for Hire is continuing to work on their sophomore effort, and lead singer Ariel shared a glimpse of her shortcuts to inspiration.
#2 - Helping Hands
@mandisaofficial: Our runner drove us around #SandyHook. Greater things have yet to come & greater things are still 2b done in this city! http://twitpic.com/bviyl7 (January 15)
This week artists such as Mandisa, TobyMac, and Casting Crowns took the stage in the hurting community of Sandy Hook to lend encouragement and healing to a hurting community. The result was equally inspiring to the artists who experienced God's hope moving in a town touched by tragedy.
#3 - Taking the Stage
Audio Adrenaline reborn has taken the road. The only remaining founding member, bassist Will McGinnis, seems to be diving back in with style.
#4 - Precautionary Measures
@brandonheath: Should I be concerned that there's a dude on my flight packing a parachute right now? http://twitpic.com/bwattq (January 18)
Apparently this passenger on Brandon Heath's flight decided to provide a personal emergency exit plan-- just in case.
#5 - Keeping it Hot
Red knows how to put on one of the hottest shows in the industry... quite literally, as this picture from drummer Joe Rickard proves.
#6 - Going Soft
Just in case you ever find that your delicious chocolate spread isn't soft and creamy enough... Stephanie Smith has discovered a way to make it even smoother (as documented by Tim Skipper of House of Heroes).
#7 - Combo Move
@air1radio: Thank you to the amazing combo of @brandonheath & @group1crewfor rocking the @air1radio party last night. pic.Twitter.com/WBCtR6Mz (January 19)
Christian radio station Air1 hosted a party... complete a pretty awesome combination concert from Brandon Heath and Group 1 Crew.
#8 - Consolation Prize
@BearRinehart3: Bo is super disappointed that our amps shrunk overnight. We got him an ice cream and he's fine now. http://instagr.am/p/UrlDm5qYwS/ (January 19)
Even when Needtobreathe's amps shrunk to an unusual size... ice cream was still an acceptable consolation.
#9 - Making a Mark
@disciplerocks: We left out mark on Canada #snow #saveusnowtour #disciplerocks http://fb.me/1ppgHQAOi (January 19)
Disciple and Fireflight are out on the road, starting with Canada... where Disciple made sure to leave their signature in the snow.
#10 - Preshow Exercises
@macpowell: Raslin' Tournament at @thirdday show today between me &@marklee3d http://twitpic.com/bwwjzb #figurefour (January 20)
Every band has their own way to get pumped before going on stage. Third Day's apparently involves amateur wrestling tournaments.
