Although some artists are still working on new songs, new albums and the like, most artists are out and about having adventures--whether that means crossing genre boundaries to sing with each other on stage or simply looking at yard work in an unusual way.

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. 

EPIC TUNES

@johnlcooper: We r rehearsing new music today for the first time. Playd 7 new songs. Getting ready for a new album! (June 21)

John Cooper offered some very good news for Skillet fans this week. Following the success of two gold certified albums (Comatose and Awake), expectations for Skillet's next release will definitely be high.

@ManicDrive: Final mixing stage on the new album "EPIC". It has the same exciting feeling when you're in the last level of Super Mario! (June 23)

Dance/rock band Manic Drive is nearing completion on their fourth release, Epic. If past projects are any indication, this album is aptly titled.

@wavorlymatt: what's everyone think of those new tunes? facebook.com/wavorly (June 23)

Wavorly is giving fans a glimpse at a sophomore record four years in the making. You can hear samples on their Facebook page.

@relientK: 12th and Porter show tonight! In other good news...'Relient K Is For Karaoke' comes out in a week! (June 21)

After a while off the road, Relient K is looking forward to a busy summer. In addition to heading out on the Vans Warped Tour, they will be releasing their cover album, Relient K is For Karaoke, on June 28. For the track list and some previews of this very eclectic mix, all of the information has been compiled here. (We're interested to see their take on Gnarls Barkley.) 

@toothandnail: FREE Summer Sampler! Get 30+ FREE songs from us & "labelmates" @becrecordings & @solidstate ->freetoothandnail.com - share w/ your friends!! (June 21)

Tooth and Nail Records (and its various associated subdivisions) released its annual summer sampler. The track list is a very solid mix of music in return for simply liking the labels' Facebook pages.

GUEST APPEARANCES

@adamagee: Just rapped on stage for the first time ever w @therealtobymac at his show. Ahh Yeah (June 22)

The Stellar Kart lead singer isn't afraid to step outside of the confines of his genre. Let's hope that a video of his guest appearance surfaces soon.

@markhallCC: RT @adamagee Just rapped on stage w @therealtobymac at his show. // now I'm jealous of you for 2 reasons. (the 1st being your shades) (June 22)

To add to the genre crossover conversation, Mark Hall (of Casting Crowns) also joined in the discussion. You can check either Adam or Mark's Twitter pages for more of the discussion.

@ChapStique: Major kudos 2 @soulglowactivtr 4 being a champion 2day! Won the white-leg contest, ruled n our set, sang w 3rd Day, & rolled n a Soul-globe! (June 22)

Family Force 5's Solomon Olds (“Soul Glow Activatur”) had a busy day. Though some of the accomplishments are slightly more dubious, the collaboration with Third Day is definitely remarkable--as is his “soul globe.” (If you're curious, here is a picture from Ichthus that he re-tweeted earlier in the week: http://twitpic.com/5ew8qs)

@NatalieGrant: Just sang the anthem. Congressman Aaron Shock, youngest member of congress at age 30, threw 1st pitch. Good times. twitpic.com/5fqddl (June 23)

Natalie Grant enjoyed a day at the ballpark when she sang the national anthem last week in Washington, D.C., as the Washington Nationals took on the Seattle Mariners. Pictured with Natalie, and Washington’s famous mascot “Screech,” is Congressman Aaron Schock of Illinois.

FESTIVAL TRADITIONS

@HylandRock: Wow @Mitchellll just got a 5 shot Americano. He's gonna be ready to go for Alive Fest today!!! (June 23)

Different bands have different methods of surviving the grueling summer festivals. Mitch Hansen of Hyland resorted to extreme doses of caffeine. Unfortunately, we were only provided with a “before” tweet, not an “after.” One can only wonder...

@JFrankenstein: Just a pre-emptive note to all dudes wearing "Free Hugs" t-shirts at festivals this summer: I'm not interested. Thanks. (June 24)

Jeff Frankenstein of the Newsboys decided to head off one of the nationwide festival trends with his Twitter.

@ethanluck: No, I don't want a free hug. (June 26)

Ethan Luck of Relient K phrased it even more directly. Hopefully he realizes that some festival-goers will take this as a challenge.

GEEK MUSINGS

@b_reith: I think there is an invisible thief living in my house that keeps stealing my guitar picks. That & pens. Why do they always disappear? (June 23)

I think that B. Reith is not the only one who has encountered this particular thief, who also is known for stealing socks. Most of us could probably relate.

@jonnydiaz: You know the bouncing DVD logo on it's screen saver? I wonder what happens if it actually lands perfectly in the corner. TV explodes? (June 23)

Jonny Diaz addressed one of the ongoing life questions of movie enthusiasts everywhere.

@jonsteingard: The sound my weed eater makes is "hnau", the word for intelligent life in CS Lewis's Space Trilogy. Gosh. When nerds do yardwork. (June 24)

Hawk Nelson guitarist Jon Steingard provided this interesting look into his yard work routine. As a side note, maybe “When Nerds Do Yardwork” could have some potential as a future reality TV show or sitcom.

@owlcity: If Cinderella's shoe fit perfectly, why am I thinking about my acoustic harmonica but I don't miss the rhubarb?! (June 24)

Adam Young tends to be exceptionally good at setting the bar for the nonsensical and absurd.

@matthammitt: "It's not rocket surgery." Some kid just said that, and it might be my favorite mistake. (June 24)

Bands definitely get the opportunity to hear a lot of interesting conversations. It's unclear what rocket surgery would even look like, but it sounds like it would be awesome and dangerous.