This week the Twittersphere was busy with news of artists doing what they do best--making songs and stories on and off the road, with each other or by themselves. In addition to quite a few new releases, there are still some good Spring tours out on the road. Catch up on the latest 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. 

SONGS

@Manafest: Going to film video for Fighter in Tokyo! (April 8)

In addition to celebrating the release of his album Fighter this week, Manafest enjoyed time touring in Japan. Manafest seems to have made a habit of making music videos in some very diverse locations. (His last video was filmed in France.)

@BartMillard: Good News: @BearRinehart3 of @NEEDTOBREATHE sang on our new album Bad News: He's so good it makes me sound like an 11 year old girl #mm (April 10)

Yet another reason to get stoked for MercyMe’s upcoming album, The Hurt and the Healer: they drew in some outside talent as well.

@anberlin: Want to sing on our new record? Get the details here: http://on.fb.me/Hs5pWb (April 11)

The Internet has provided many ways for fans to be more deeply involved in music than ever before. Anberlin invited fans to share audition videos via YouTube and Twitter to get a chance to sing on their upcoming record.

@demonhunterband: New Solid State Records podcast up featuring a bunch of music from "True Defiance" and an interview with Ryan! http://www.solidstaterecords.com/news/4037/Download_The_New_Solid_State_Podcast_Demon_Hunter_Edition/ (April 13)

Demon Hunter released their new album True Defiance this week. If you want a glimpse into the music and the mind behind it, you can check out Solid State’s official podcast.

STORIES

@ChadMGraham: Me and @alanpowell10 just did the Jesus Freak rap with Michael Tait and the Newsboys. BEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE!!!!!!! (April 12)

Half of Anthem Lights had the opportunity to seal their part in Christian music history. They can officially be the envy of every Christian music fan for achieving this bucket list item before the rest of us.

@SAMESTATE: Started filming yesterday for the next Shadow Story! Dont know what a the Shadow Stories are?? Check it out! http://bit.ly/HCmGw1 (April 12)

Samestate has been having fun with “Shadow Games” on their social networking pages lately. If you’re curious, check the link.

@jarsofclay: Getting to the truthiness in the news of the day with @modmark @cdlowell @scribblepotemus @StephenDMason http://pic.twitter.com/ImoeJvfx (April 12)

Is Jars of Clay exploring alternate career options? Time will tell...

@TheRocketSummer: Last night=Epic. Jammed with @switchfoot & my band on vintage gear, rotating instruments until 4 am. One for the books! Thanks @gearlicious (April 15)

The Rocket Summer and Switchfoot set out on a Spring tour this week. The incredible grouping of talent here is sure to be enjoyable for audiences, but the bands seem to be enjoying it as well.

@jonsteingard: Boarding flight 3 of 4. Just passing the 40 hour mark of being awake. I've seen 3 sunrises since my last sleep. (April 15)

Although Jon Steingard of Hawk Nelson experienced some of downsides to international travel with jetlag and long flights, there was a silver lining even there. You can never see too many sunrises.

LEARNING

@karijobe: Headed to a voice lesson for the first time in 5 years... excited to learn something new! :) (April 11)

This tweet may be proof that you should never stop learning. As anyone who has heard Dove-nominated vocalist Kari Jobe sing can attest, she has an unbelievable voice... but like all the best artists, she’s not afraid to learn more.

@HylandJon: I have a lot of processing to do... #BlueLikeJazz was incredible. For so many surprising reasons. Boldness is so rare... Amazing work here. (April 14)

The crowd-funded and highly anticipated movie Blue Like Jazz released this week, and quite a few artists have been sharing their thoughts and reviews on Twitter.

@jonforeman: Ok. Fine. Yes. I did just purchase another accordion at a another pawn shop. (April 14)

The word “another” here makes us wonder if this has become a habit for Switchfoot lead singer Jon Foreman. Can we expect some Switchfoot polkas in the future?

@TripLee116: The good life is the life that's been laid down... (April 10)

Trip Lee shared this thought on his twitter this week, coinciding with the release of his album Good Life.