With plenty of chatter about new albums and videos, reflections on past tours and songs, summer plans and the everyday excitement of touring, it's safe to say there's a lot of record-breaking news (because lots of records are breaking)!

As always, if you'd like to keep tabs on over 1,150 Christian artists, check out our exclusive NRTwitter page to read the latest tweets from the Christian music community. 

MUSIC AND VIDEOS

@relientK: For those that didn't see the tweet earlier...Today we entered the studio and started tracking a collection of cover songs! (April 11)

Relient K is back in the studio for the first time since their 2009 release Forget and Not Slow Down. They are recording a collection of covers before heading out on the road for the summer. The track list has yet to be released.

@FamilyForce5: 'III' is coming! Our new 3-trk ltd edition EP avail THIS FRI only @Tourantula & FF5 online store. New music clips coming all week! (April 11)

Family Force 5 released a new EP, titled III (pronounced “three”) on Friday. It contains the songs “Dang Gurl”, “You Got It”, and “Wobble”--all tracks from their highly anticipated upcoming release. There are only 3,000 copies of this EP available, and you can only find it on the road or online.

@Eowynmusic: ONLY 6 Days Left to Pre-order "Beautiful Ashes" and have it sent by April 19th! eowynmusic.com :) (April 13)

Eowyn's new album, Beautiful Ashes, can now be listened to in its entirety on her website, www.eowynmusic.com. Pre-orders will only be available for a few more days.

@switchfoot: Shooting pictures today for #viceverses. What do you guys think of this?... @TheDrewcast http://yfrog.com/h4sfgabj (April 14)

Switchfoot's upcoming summer release is mastered, and this week they went out with photographer Andy Barron to work on the album artwork. Be watching their Twitter feed for more news on Vice Verses, including the release date.

@jonnydiaz: In case you missed it, my new CD is available now! Here is a link to iTunes, would love for you all to tell your friends http://ow.ly/4Bbbs (April 15)

Jonny Diaz's new album released on Tuesday, and it has been promoted by several different artists on Twitter this week. Check it out on iTunes or in stores.

@abandonrock: Hey hey our New music video for "feel it in your heart" is featured on the front page of MYSPACE! Check it out! www.myspace.com (April 15)

Abandon released a new music video this week, for their song “Feel it In Your Heart.” MySpace even spotlighted the video on their main page. You can watch it here: www.myspace.com/abandon/videos/video/107653291

@anthemlights: hey awesomes, help spread the "can't shut up" video..post it to your fb walls and tweet the youtube link..then tell everyone! ready...go!! (April 16)

Anthem Lights also released a new video for their energetic song “Can't Shut Up” this week. You can watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM6NACTaCDA

OBSERVATIONS FROM THE ROAD

@BenKasica: Random fact- Skillet has had 1 picketer at a show since ive been in the band..I was so excited I wanted to go out and meet him!! (April 12)

The former Skillet guitarist was back out on the road with them for a short stint this week, and he posted several thoughts as he reminisced. This one definitely demonstrates a side of touring as a Christian rock band that not everyone sees.

@markhallCC: I have flown so much lately that if i get one more full body scan I'm gonna sprout a new arm out of my head. (April 13)

Mark Hall of Casting Crowns has been back and forth a lot in the past few weeks. Let's hope that he does not in fact suffer any ill effects.

@chasenc: Was honored when asked to sign this wall along with, The Beatles, U2, John Mayer @ Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre http://instagr.am/p/DN4PJ (April 16)

Chasen and Switchfoot played a show at the famed Colorado venue last Saturday. Chasen was definitely excited about the show, and lead singer Chasen Callahan posted several reports on it throughout the day.

@ethanluck: Record Store Day. 2nd Stop. Third Man Records. http://yfrog.com/gy4boclj http://yfrog.com/h7lyinyj (April 16)

April 16th marked annual Record Store Day, celebrating and supporting a dying music medium. Ethan Luck of Relient K spent the day traveling to multiple record stores, chronicling his journey through his Twitter.

LYRICS AND ADVICE

@lecrae: Denying my faith is like pretending I don't breathe air. I can't live without it. It makes me who I am. #fb (April 13)

Lecrae definitely keeps it real on his Twitter. Follow him to be both encouraged and challenged.

@mikedonehey: To those who want my advice to aspiring musicians: bloom where you're planted. Make disciples. Love music but love God more. (April 16)

Mike Donehey held a question-and-answer session on his Twitter. This was his wisdom for the many musicians requesting advice.

@scribblepotemus: new blog post: "Light Gives Heat" (revisited) http://www.danhaseltine.com (April 16)

Dan Haseltine has been delving into the meaning and inspiration behind various Jars of Clay songs on his blog, tackling new lyrics every day. He provides a lot of insight into new and old songs.

AMUSING AND ABSURD

@redmusiconline: Red is not Joe's favorite color. Joe is RED's favorite color. Happy Birthday brotha! -R (April 12)

April 12th was RED drummer Joe Rickard's birthday. This spurred a flood of Chuck Norris-style jokes about Joe, using the hashtag #joerickardjokes. Randy of RED contributed this joke to the mix. See Joe Rickard's Twitter (@joerickard) for many more.

@DuncanPhillips: Dear headphones, I don't know what you get up to in my pocket, must be CRAZY! I always have to untangle you! Hahaha... @newsboys #fb (April 13)

Duncan Phillips (longtime drummer of the Newsboys) shared this note to his headphones on his Twitter. If you've ever tried carrying your earphones in your pocket, you can probably relate.

@owlcity: I shall now twirl for Denver and throw ice cream everywhere while I designate lettuce as an absolute genius. Octopus helicopter bacon?! (April 13)

Adam Young (Owl City) is always a good source for absurd tweets. Although it is impossible to discern what exactly he is talking about here, most of it sounds delicious.

@Kerrie_Roberts: The sign that says "caution, automatic door," means don't stand where it can knock you over... not that I know from recent experience. (April 16)

Looks like everyone learns something new every day.