Though several major tours are well underway, for the artists off the road there is plenty happening as well in the form of video releases, studio adventures, and some cooking forays. Meanwhile, out on the road, several artists are making some of the less rock and roll tour memories-- and documenting it on twitter. Catch up on all the latest 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 - History Lessons
@HylandOfficial: Just watched a short documentary on @sonshinefest our home festival. it was incredible!!! Check it out here: http://youtu.be/zxDg6yxYu7A (January 28)
Although this year many festivals are closing their doors, Sonshine is still going strong-- and they released a documentary on their history to look back as they look ahead to this summer.
#2 - Golden Ideas
@owlcity: Filmmakers needed! Submit your music video for Gold and it could become the official video + you win $5000. Details at http://bit.ly/TSyMeV (January 29)
If you're an aspiring filmmaker, Owl City is offering a chance for some recognition-- and to have a lot of fun along the way.
#3 - Unconventional Cologne
@coltondixon: My pants now smell like chai tea in case anyone wants to know.....#darnspills (January 30)
Just in case you need quick freshening up... Colton Dixon's inadvertent method of spilling fragrant chai might be an option.
#4 - Emergency Procedures
@CoreyHorn: For anyone wondering the tornado siren blares at a solid B5 over by the airport. (January 30)
The South saw some rough weather this week, but Remedy Drive's bass player wasn't alarmed. In case of emergency, it apparently works to preoccupy yourself with determining the pitch of the warning sirens.
#5 - Mixed Messages
@josephstamper: few things are more confusing than an accidental sad wink face ";(" (February 1)
If you ever need to send mixed emotional signals to this member of Anthem Lights, you are now armed with the appropriate emoticon.
#6 - Super Strength
@derekwebb: a cup of coffee & a hot shower to me = spinach to popeye (February 1)
Derek Webb probably isn't alone in finding his fuel here.
#7 - The Flip Side
@JoshKincheloe: Having to work full time when you're not touring really keeps you humble #yourenotthatfamous #getmoneygetpaid (February 2)
Rock and roll, although usually a full time job, doesn't always pay the bills anymore, which means Josh of Icon For Hire is not the only one having to work double time to keep up.
#8 - Directions
Gifted worship artist Will Retherford shared his thoughts from the front row on the current direction of worship music on his blog. If you enjoy worship music or Christian music in general, it is well worth a read.
#9 - Health Hazards
@joshwilson: I put the lettuce in the pantry last night. In related news, I'm making a salad. It's been nice knowing you all. (February 2)
Josh Wilson is risking it all in the kitchen this weekend. Stay tuned to see if he makes it out alive.
#10 - Location Envy
@superchicktrish: If I'm not booked on a cruise in the next cpl years, I will be convinced everyone hates me. The end. (February 2)
The first few months of the year usually hold several Christian music cruises--most recently, the Klove Cruise. The lucky artists who play these events often inspire some (perhaps justified) envy.
TOP TEN PICTURES
#1 - Contrasts
@shaneandshane: I am in the garage at odds with Uncle Sam! And my wife is in the kitchen making Challah....#taxes and #holybread http://instagr.am/p/VDVmQTPRTl/ (January 28)
One of these things featured on Shane and Shane's instagram is significantly more awesome than the other.
#2 - Calling in Backup
Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. goes through a lot of hats (sporting the Whosoevers logo) in a tour... so it's good to have back-up.
#3 - On Fire
@rendcollective: In shock!! The fire is spreading... Just hit #18 on US secular chart! Gulp! The vision is Jesus & His church http://instagr.am/p/VIJJAfHOnH/ (January 30)
Rend Collective Experiment's album Campfire has been burning up the charts this week (just in case you needed more proof that it would be well worth picking up).
#4 - Dedicated Support
@jasongraymusic: My record label will do anything to get my new song played, even crawling under the table to tie the DJ's shoe #dedication http://instagr.am/p/VHEyhnk-Ra/ (January 30)
Jason Gray is in the process of releasing a remixed, reimagined version of his song “Nothing is Wasted” to radio. Fortunately, he has a dedicated (possibly to the point of obsessed) team ready to help him get it on air.
#5 - Lens Protection
If anyone has figured out a collision protection plan for glasses, feel free to send it Jamie Grace's way.
#6 - Band Bonding
@AdamCappa: This is how you know you love your bandmates.... Sharing a bed at the #holidayinn @AJMiller33 pic.twitter.com/vO3qLCeU (January 31)
Adam Cappa seems to have reached close to the ultimate level of band bonding. The process may have been accelerated by some tight overnight accommodations...
#7 - Silver Solutions
@Geoffsatellites: This is what our day/night consisted of! Picked up the van from getting a brand new transmission put in… http://instagr.am/p/VK367lwg-F/ (January 31)
If you're touring, duct tape (and/or gaff tape) is a necessity for life... and for van repairs, as Satellites & Sirens demonstrated.
#8 - On Board
Every artist needs a way to spend their downtime, and for Switchfoot's Foreman brothers, surfing usually does the job. Jon Foreman shared a shot of his latest favorite surfing companion.
#9 - Snowballing
A light Saturday morning snow dusting resulted in some traffic jams in Nashville-- and maybe some new friendships as well.
#10 - Play Time
@BartMillard: I still have my favorite truck from'82 that I play with when I'm playing with my boys. And yes, it still rolls straight pic.twitter.com/jcvhudql (February 2)
Bart Millard (frontman for MercyMe and dedicated father) still knows how to roll in style-- even if his truck of choice is over 30 years old
