This week a lot of artists shared glimpses into their songwriting pursuits as many bands begin looking forward to their next releases. Meanwhile, a few other musicians were enjoying some out of the ordinary moments both on and off stage.

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. 


SONGWRITING AND STUDIOS

@TheRocketSummer: Wow... Finger is bleeding from playing the piano too much today but I can't stop, on to something too special here... (June 14)

Who says musicians avoid manual labor? Bryce Avary (The Rocket Summer) has been working on some new songs. If his dedication to the process is any indication, his next album will definitely be something to look forward to.

@karijobe: Gotta record 3 more songs today..then there will be 8 recorded songs..then there will be 4 more to go..then i will be closer to a new cd.. (June 15)

Kari Jobe is also working on a new record. She is making steady progress towards releasing her new material.

@superchickband: just uploaded a few pics taken in the studio to our facebook page. check them out and fan us if you haven't already! facebook.com/media/set/?set… (June 15)

Superchic[k] shared a behind-the-scenes look at their recent work in the studio.

@b_reith: Tracking guitars today with the extraordinary @michaelgungor, & it's sounding fantabuloso. http://twitpic.com/5c00m4 (June 15)

No context was given, so it's uncertain what will result from this slightly unlikely pairing. However, considering the amount of talent between the two of them, it will probably be worth some attention.

@francescamusic: At a songwriters' retreat. Feels like summer camp. The awkward part :) (June 16)

Christian artists sometimes need to get away too, even if it can bring back some childhood memories. I wonder if they have bunk beds.

@iamcoxnow: Somehow feeling like the songwriting is only getting started, even though we have 7 done... (June 17)

Songwriting also has been a recent focus in the Fireflight camp, as guitar/keys player Justin Cox tweeted. The band is well into writing material for their follow-up to 2010's For Those Who Wait.

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

@thejasondunn: some questions in life will never be answered, like...what happens when a tow truck breaks down? (June 17)

Jason Dunn of Hawk Nelson was musing on one of life's unanswered questions this week.

@jordantheafters: I wonder who wrote the "Happy Birthday" song... I wanna meet that guy. (June 17)

Jordan Mohilowski (drummer for The Afters) also posted on one of the mysteries of life, this one related to songwriting. (Oh, and the answer? Copyright records credit American composer Preston Ware Orem with penning “Happy Birthday.” He died in 1938, so it would be rather difficult to meet him...)

SUPPORTING AND SHOOTING

@matthewthiessen: Yo @owlcity! I saw Paul Simon and you at the Ryman in the same month! How does that place still have a roof? Buying your album now! (June 14)

It is always good to see artists support each other. Matt Thiessen tweeted in support of Adam Young's long-awaited sophomore release, All Things Bright and Beautiful. Matt has co-written many songs with Adam.

@michaelgungor: Photo shoots make me respect models more. It's not as easy as one might think. #whatshouldibedoingwithmyhands? (June 14)

There are definitely some more challenging responsibilities when you're in a band. Apparently photo shoots are one of them. As for Michael's hands, we suggest placing them on a six-string.

@audreyassad: Great meeting with @SparrowRecords creative team...gearing up for photo shoot for album #2. Can't wait. :) I hope y'all will like it. (June 17)

Audrey Assad also will endure flashbulbs for her own photo shoot, part of the run-up to the release of her sophomore album.

FLEXIBILITY FROM THE STAGE

@thejasondunn: Ultimate tour prank twitpic.com/5dg10i (June 18)

Jason Dunn of Hawk Nelson definitely has a sense of humor. Considering how challenging it can be to keep track of where you are when you're traveling almost every day, this would definitely be an effective way to up the confusion levels.

@philwickham: Got my 1st baby gift at a show. Very thoughtful, Just not sure if I'm secure enough 2 carry this through the airport yfrog.com/hsm34maj (June 18)

Worship artist Phil Wickham and his wife are expecting their first child. Fans are already responding to the news, and Phil Wickham is having to adjust accordingly.

@swpDave: I got stung by a bee on stage today. What a jerk. My middle school mascot was even a bee. The wound is only 20% gruesome. I kept singing. (June 18)

Outdoor shows tend to introduce a lot more variables into any performance. Dave of Sidewalk Prophets found this out first hand at Ichthus Festival this weekend.

UNUSUAL HOBBIES

@kj52: Friday freestyle (beats entirely provided by pens n pencils) - Want epic? Here it is..http://tumblr.com/x1231tcei1 (June 17)

KJ-52 usually shares creative freestyles on Fridays, but this week's offering is even more inventive than usual. Could this pave the way for a new style of music called Paper Clip-Hop?

@TheDrewcast: Drew does the weather!?! "...always sunny on the inside." If you loved Anchorman, watch this>> http://j.mp/l9SZp0 (June 17)

Drew Shirley can apparently do much more than just play guitar for Switchfoot. This week he took a shot at being a weather anchor for Fox in the band's hometown, San Diego. Stay classy, San Diego.

@derekwebb: assembling a reel lawnmower in my living room while watching 'charlie & the chocolate factory'

@derekwebb: and that's not an elaborate euphemism. that's actually what i'm doing. (June 18)

Derek Webb definitely has some unusual weekend activities.

@JFrankenstein: I have achieved my goal of having bacon AND sausage each morning while on vacation.

@JFrankenstein: In honor of achieving my bacon goal, I will personally mail a package of bacon to my 3,000th follower. (June 18)

If Jeff Frankenstein (of Newsboys) is serious about this, it might be in your best interest to follow him as soon as possible. The real question: Will it be edible?

@scribblepotemus: Watching Inception and wondering if Everybody has Hummers with snow tracks in their sub-conscience. (June 18)

Jars of Clay frontman Dan Haseltine often has some unusual observations on movies. This week he shared this thought while watching the three-levels-deep scene in last year's extremely successful movie, “Inception.”