The pressure is on for completing fall releases. Meanwhile, artists are facing the challenge of some unusually warm festival stages in addition to the usual challenges of road and home life. 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.
THE NEXT STEP
@disciplerocks: Our new concert video DISCIPLE LIVE 2012: 4 NIGHTS IN CALIFORNIA will be released in the next couple of days.... Be ready! (June 27)
Disciple released an 18-minute segment of live footage from this Spring's Rock and Worship Roadshow. You can download it for a tip as low as $1 here: http://disciplerocks.com/4nights/Disciple_Video_Page_4.html
@b_reith: And If you love #HowTheStoryContinues find out #HowTheStoryEnds http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/how-the-story-ends/id477290712 (June 29)
B. Reith released a free mixtape as a sequel to 2011's How the Story Ends. You can download it in exchange for a tweet here.
Ethan Luck (formerly of Project 86, The OC Supertones, and Demon Hunter, and currently of Relient K) released some solo work on iTunes this week. The incredible diversely talented musician's work is well worth looking into.
PRODUCER PROBLEMS
@charliepeacock: Is it okay to check Twitter while your vocalist is singing a take when you know the vocal is going to be great from start to finish? (June 25)
This may be a case where producer Charlie Peacock's extensive experience qualifies him to know when tweeting and producing is possible.
@flyleafmusic: Just like I created this artwork from a pic of @aprilbtweets we want to see your #NewHorizons artwork. Tweet us! -SB http://pic.twitter.com/qyDGP7SZ (June 27)
Flyleaf is getting closer to the release of their new single. As part of the initial stages of connecting with fans, they're encouraging listeners to come up with their own album art and tweet it to the band.
@BartMillard: In honor of FF5, we are now Robby/HomeSku Mike/The Shwoo Barry/H.R. Booch N Scootch Nate/P-Rock (due to kidney stones) Bart/ '77 driveshaft (July 1)
Apparently MercyMe got a little jealous of Family Force 5's gangster names and came up with a few of their own. Do you think they'll stick?
AGAINST THE ODDS
@jonsteingard: This bus drive has been really good for my walk with the Lord, since I keep thinking I'm about to meet Him face to face. (June 30)
There are benefits to even the roughest bus rides, as Hawk Nelson discovered on their way to Celebrate Freedom in Dallas.
@AndrewDisciple: Rocked main stage at Creation with @OfficialTFK last night. Time to rock Fringe stage with @disciplerocks and @project86band today!!! (June 30)
Andrew Welch of Disciple may be trying to set a new record for playing with the most Christian rock bands in one summer. So far he's been on stage with Disciple, Thousand Foot Krutch, Project 86, and Family Force 5.
@jamiegraceh: spilled a smoothie. hit a guy in the head with my guitar. gettin the stink eye from everyone on this flight but hey.... Made the flight!!!!! (June 30)
Sometimes in travel, your greatest skill is unbreakable determination despite all the odds against you.
@Anthonyredtwon: Great show today. The hottest we have ever played. EVER! Randy went down after the set. EMS had to take care of him. He is okay #hydration (June 30)
The universal assessment of festival season this year seems to be that it's really, really hot. If you're going to a festival this summer, be sure to stay hydrated.
@jarsofclay: It was awesome to have the artist @amygrant "opening" for us tonight. She's going places, that girl. Remember the name. #hearditherefirst (June 30)
Festival scheduling creates some interesting ordering. Jars of Clay had the privilege of having one of the biggest names in Christian music history “open” for them this week.
ON THE HOMEFRONT
@adamagee: A fridge is not really a fridge until it has had a science experiment or 2 living in it. #notonpurpose (June 27)
Being a touring musician may be one of the most effective ways to ensure that your fridge is validated in this way. Maybe Adam Agee of Stellar Kart will discover some new life forms in his refrigerator...
Even rockstars have to deal with appliance problems. Tim Foreman of Switchfoot dealt with some household chores before taking off to play a show.
@Superchickmatt: Some of you know my wife and I are expecting. We are having some complications and have to live at the hospital indefinitely. Please pray (June 30)
Superchick bass player Matt Dally and his wife Nicole would appreciate your prayers as they face pregnancy complications. Matt will be spending the summer off the road as a result.
