In our special WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS editorial series, members of the NRT staff have a back-and-forth discussion about this year's nominees. In Part 1 of our series, we kick things off with a dialogue between NRT Founder/President Kevin McNeese and Executive Editor Marcus Hathcock. 

Marcus: Since the beginning of the WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS, a few of the categories have stayed the same, although we do love switching it up from time to time. But one of the things that continues to captivate our attention is the development of the music video in Christian music. At NewReleaseToday, we have the privilege and luxury of being able to see and share the vast majority of Christian music videos, and so, we definitely know when we've found a good one. They stand out.

Kevin: A great music video can have the same effect on me as seeing a live show. When a song gets a moving visual experience to recall at any given place, that's a good thing. So I look forward to this category every year because we get to call out those moments where the visual outweighs all else. 

Marcus: So we have some pretty strong contenders in the category this year, some of which follow similar patterns to last year's nominees. We have a dance video done in one take, a video utilizing the 360-degree technology, and some visually stunning uses of CGI. Who you got for this one? 
 
Kevin: Going right for the big question up front: Who wins?

Marcus: If we're talking straight-up name recognition, VERIDIA wins this one for "Pretty Lies" featuring another big name in music, Matty Mullins. Deena Jakoub and Co. took THREE awards last year, and are poised to continue to see their motivated fanbase show up for them. They simply have more fans than any of the other nominees. 

Kevin: That's hard to argue. They have an incredibly active fan base. So from a popular vote, I believe this is their category to lose as well. However, let's talk about who SHOULD win. What I find interesting about this category, unlike all others, is that the song is actually secondary. A great video has to have more purpose. 
 
Marcus: Right. You can enjoy the song and a simple visual accompaniment through lyric videos. When it comes to a good music video, I really am a sucker for a good story being told visually. I love all the bells and whistles and whatnot, but if I'm not being drawn in narratively, I can't fully connect. So in that vein, I mean, we've got VERIDIA, GAWVI and the only indie artist featured in this category, Beacon Light, who accomplish that goal.

Kevin: Tim Timmons used technology in a fun and effective way, so it was entertaining, but there wasn't much to it once you got past the gee-whiz factor. And Group 1 Crew's video was done in one take, which always makes me nervous. I'd be the idiot at the 4 minute mark tripping on myself and making the entire cast and crew start again. But from a story perspective, there's not much there.
 
Marcus: So who is it for you? Beacon Light or VERIDIA? 

Kevin: Different strengths. I find myself drawn to the theatrical, so I appreciate seeing some lavish costumes and elaborate sets in Christian music. I like the over-the-top vibe because we don't get that much. It just feels like a ton of thought went into the process. On the other hand, I love special effects, which is also rarely seen in Christian music. For me, it's almost a neck-and-neck tie, and what puts me over the edge is the song. VERIDIA wins this one. But Beacon Light is right on their heels. What about you?

Marcus: Effort has to count for something. Especially when you don't have a major label backing you. And to that end, I think Beacon Light, the one indie nominee here, deserves the win. He swung for the fences on this one, telling a story about dealing with "haters" with the visual of being shot at by soldiers. He did better special effects than we've seen in a long time, from ANY artist--indie or signed. We were impressed, and to stand out, against all odds, deserves some recognition!
 
Kevin: His creative team should be on every artist management team's speed dial at this point. It's pretty impressive for sure. And he's just starting to tell the story too! We just got the video for "Lit" which continues the narrative and I hear he's got at least one more lined up. So we're not only getting some incredible visuals, but it's part of a larger plan. I haven't seen that before in Christian music. It's fun to see the visual bar get pushed alongside the narrative bar, even if it's just from a handful of artists. 

Marcus: When it comes down to it, though, the voters will decide based on stylistic preferences I think. Or name recognition. Or things that are shiny. We'll have to see which fanbase shows up, and what the voters' inclinations are. I wouldn't be surprised to see Timmons' folks turn out because his video is the most visually appealing 360-degree music video I've ever seen. 
 
Kevin: I hope the voters actually live with these videos and digest them all. Name recognition shouldn't carry this category. 

OK, now it's up to you! Head over to www.weloveawards.com and VOTE NOW through Jan. 27, 2017, to make your pick for this and all 18 categories in the 5th Annual WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS! 

PREVIOUS WINNERS OF VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
4th Annual (2015) "Heartbeat" by Mat Kearney
3rd Annual (2014) Colton Dixon, "More of You"
2nd Annual (2013) Audio Adrenaline "Believer"
1st Annual (2012) "Kings & Queens" by Audio Adrenaline