There were several important new releases this week from a few heavyweights in very different arenas of Christian music. Several fall tours are in full swing, and this resulted in the usual adventures of traveling, parking, and a surprising onstage collaboration. More 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. And if you've discovered some great tweets of your own, feel free to pass them along by using the hashtag #nrtweets.
DRIFTING
@scribblepotemus: See Dan run. See Dan jump. See Dan fall. See Dan splash. Splash Dan splash. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpCTnq0ob3k&feature=share(October 17)
In case you need a better explanation of Dan Haseltine’s amusing but characteristically enigmatic tweet: this Tuesday the music video for Plumb’s single, "Drifting" (featuring Dan Haseltine of Jars of Clay) released online. You can watch it at the link above.
@markhallCC: Did you know that tomorrow is National Go Buy the New CastingCrowns CDDay? Yeah I know! I'm just glad the stores won't close for the holiday (October 17)
This week Casting Crowns’ new album Come to the Well released. If you want to help celebrate this new “holiday” late, you can find the album in most stores or online
here.
@FamilyForce5: Most peeps are telling us they're finding III at Target and Best Buy (which we love). Where else are u seeing III? (October 19)
@FamilyForce5: III.V = more nu music. (October 21)
This week Family Force 5 released their third full studio album (which you can find
here). They also announced via Twitter that they aren’t done with this album yet; an extended version they are referring to as
III.V will be releasing at some point in the future.
@TheCityHarmonic: Hey all pick up your copy of "I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home)" on iTunes or at your local Family Christian... http://fb.me/WFlIVeVy (October 20)
The City Harmonic has exploded onto the Christian music scene this year, and the release of their anthemic new album is very timely. Pick it up on
iTunes.
@anthemlights: The guys and I are loving the new @castingcrowns record. Caleb quote..."It punches you in your spiritual life...in a good way." Alan (October 22)
In case you needed an endorsement to convince you to check out Casting Crowns’ new record, the Anthem Lights guys seem to be sold on it. Several other artists tweeted in support of the album as well.
GETTING THERE (IS MORE THAN HALF THE FUN)
@jonforeman: Thanks to #Phoenix, @taylorswift13 , The Rocket Summer, and Need to Breathe for a great pre-birthday bash! So much fun... (October 22)
Jon Foreman knows how to celebrate in a big way. The evening before his 35th birthday the Switchfoot lead singer took the stage with country music icon Taylor Swift to perform Switchfoot’s song Meant to Live.
@WilliamMatt22: You know your best friends w/ someone when you accidentally use their toothbrush and it doesn't completely disgust you. Sorry @grahamwmoore (October 23)
It is probable that most of us will never have friendships quite as close as worship artist William Matthews.
@thejasondunn: moving is weird and exciting all at the same time! yes, we're moving!! where? beats me!! nyc? la? minneapolis? toronto? decisions, decisions (October 22)
Most people like to decide where they’re moving before they start the process, but Jason Dunn of Hawk Nelson has always liked to live on the edge. The Canadian-born Nashville resident will soon add another location to his resume, to be determined.
@SteveAtHyland: Oh, did I mention we got a new trailer today, FINALLY!! A million thanks to everyone who helped us get back on our feet! @HylandRock #FB (October 22)
After having most of their gear stolen at the beginning of this year, the guys in Hyland have finally rebuilt what they lost. This is another example of the significance of supportive fans. Most of the lost gear was replaced through the efforts of fans.
@aaronkeyes: My new favorite thing to do. http://lockerz.com/s/149450065 (October 22)
Aaron Keyes may be forging a new identity as the skateboarding worship leader, which could definitely open up some unique transportation methods for touring.
@ChadMGraham: It's really hard to take a nap on the bus when it's parked next to the stage and @kutless and @newsongonline are playing... Keep it down!!! (October 22)
When you’re in a band, it can be very important to pay attention to where you’re parking. Especially if you like to go to bed early. Anthem Lights has been out on the road for the “One True God” tour with Newsong, Kutless, and Dara Maclean.
KEEPING IT REAL
@mikedonehey: Freedom doesn't come from feeling beautiful. It comes from gazing on another's beauty. #forgetyourself (October 21)
The lead singer of Tenth Avenue North tends to provide some of the most honest, thought provoking, and insightful material on Twitter. Follow him if you want to be challenged.
@mattmacdonaldis: Nowadays, instead of pretending to be untouchable, rockstars spend most of their time pretending they're down to earth. (October 22)
Matt MacDonald of The Classic Crime pointed out a way in which the music industry has changed in the past 20 years... a statement that should be an encouragement to keep it real.