Starting this week, my column is going to change gears a little. Rather than getting topical, I just want to get you the best stuff the fastest. So each week, you'll get to see my Top 10 tweets (in no particular order), as well as the Top 10 photos (Instagram/etc.) submitted by your favorite Christian artists. Let me know what you think of the new format (comments below).
And 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.
TOP TEN TWEETS
#1 - Confessional
@calebgrimm: I'm just gonna let the cat out of the bag... Instagram makes my life look much more interesting than it probably is. (August 25)
Instagram provides an easy way to spin anyone’s life... even if you’re an artist.
#2 - Discount or Discounted?
@thejasondunn: All of my favorite movies are in the bargain bin. Either I've got really good luck or really horrible taste. (August 26)
Bargain bins are a treasure trove... at least if you’re Jason Dunn of Lights Go Down. Maybe one man’s bargain bin movie is another man’s treasure?
#3 - Skillet's Cookin'
@JenLedger: Learning my parts for the new skillet songs this week so that I'm ready for recording in October! Exciting! (August 27)
Panheads should start to get excited-- Skillet drummer Jen Ledger shared that the band will be headed into the studio next month. She’s already hard at work practicing as they play a few scattered end of summer shows.
#4 - The Rocket Giggle
@TheRocketSummer: Joking around singing Florence... can't quite nail that amazing vocal. Figured you might need a laugh? http://youtu.be/drKykgxLrzM (August 29)
If you need a reason to smile today... check out Bryce Avary (The Rocket Summer’s) attempts at “covering” Florence + The Machine. Maybe we can just call his vocal technique “innovative?”
#5 - MPG vs BPM
@codydriggers: I wonder how much gas I've wasted playing kick patterns on my gas pedal. (August 30)
The Wedding’s bass player has discovered a way to multitask: music practice plus driving. Unfortunately, given current gas prices, this may be a costly method of maintaining musical skills.
#6 - Vote by Purchase
@anberlin: Whenever you purchase one of our songs or albums it's like voting for us to keep making music. Thanks for voting. #ANBERLIN for president -N (September 1)
In this election season, one thing everyone can agree with is that supporting awesome music is important.
#7 - Um...
@laurenbarlow: Went to see our bus which is now apart of the Fontanel museum. I opened my closet, looked in my drawer & there were my underpants. Hello. (September 1)
This tweet speaks for itself.
#8 - Abbreviation Wars
@davebarnesmusic: Just so we are all on the same page, YOLO means Yoda Out Lived ObiWan, right? #YOLO (September 1)
Dave Barnes suggested an alternate meaning for the recent internet catch phrase (usually used as You Only Live Once). Can we all agree that his is a much better definition?
#9 - Necessity Calls
@KeithComer: I think I maybe be allergic to the south... And we have no tissue.. So I'm blowing my nose in coffee filters.. #TourLife (September 1)
Necessity is indeed the mother of invention, particularly on tour. Manic Drive’s drummer shared his discovery of an alternate use for coffee filters with his twitter followers.
#10 - Now Playing
@charliepeacock: I'm almost positive I just gave away some free music on @noisetrade. Here for the taking. Download now. http://noisetrade.com/charliepeacock (September 1)
Producer and musician Charlie Peacock is offering some musical gems--for free. Check noisetrade for some new jams.
TOP TEN PICTURES: REUNIONS
#1 - Breakfast of Champions?
@lecrae: Hot Cheetos and Takis. Hot Cheetos and Takis. http://instagr.am/p/O1hOTuDSWE/ (August 27)
Rapper Lecrae took a picture displaying some of his secret weapons that keep him going through the daily grind.
#2 - Observe the Signs
@BartMillard: aaaand now my life is complete. http://twitpic.com/aonm5r (August 28)
There are some signs that seem to wonderful to be true. This sign spotted by MercyMe lead singer may be one of them.
#3 - Monkey Bomb
@TimForeman: This monkey totally ruined my shot. #photobomb @ Bali, Indo http://instagr.am/p/O7sZ-Pwt_o/ (August 29)
The Switchfoot guys seem to be enjoying documenting their recent travels-- except for the occasional annoyances provided by photobombing monkeys.
#4 - Bulbs Burn Bright
@calebgrimm: For the 'bulbs http://instagr.am/p/O9pkMtRGy-/ (August 30)
Have Anthem Lights’ fans (known as “The Lightbulbs”) begun to spread their influence? See for yourself...
#5 - Welcome to Daylight
@LuminateBand: Picture time! @LuminateBand celebrates the release of "Welcome To Daylight" with WONU! pic.twitter.com/S4PCgRAj” (August 30)
Luminate released their sophomore album Welcome to Daylight within the past week, and they seem to be beyond stoked about it.
#6 - This Looks Like a Job For...
@owlcity: We could've turned on the Bat Signal today if YOU hadn't wrecked it with an ax. pic.twitter.com/3kG5vmSi (August 31)
Christian artists secretly have their own bat signal in downtown Nashville.
#7 - Lemme See You Bobble
@coltondixon: Have I ever showed you guys my bobble head collection?....well here you go! pic.twitter.com/ilu8dI5Y (August 31)
Artists have hobbies too. Colton Dixon of American Idol fame gave us a glimpse into one of his “side projects.”
#8 - Aloha
@karijobe: I love @blancareyes. I love our matching hats. I love Hawaii. http://instagr.am/p/PD08dMBoTH/ (September 1)
Worship leader Tiffany Thurston’s Hawaii wedding this week was like a Christian musician reunion.
#9 - Forget Ninjago
@FamilyForce5: Family Force 5 & @isaacdeitz as Lego peeps. http://instagr.am/p/PE9_gwm0to/ (September 2)
A creative Family Force 5 fan sent them this alternate version of the band.
#10 - Signature Race
@jamiegraceh: my word i just met @ErnieHaase & Signature Sound...#AtlNASCARrace http://instagr.am/p/PF_6ujTS4N/ http://fb.me/2eFUsAqDS (September 2)
Quite a few Christian artists were present at the weekend’s NASCAR race, resulting in a few meetups. It’s refreshing to find artists that are still fans of Christian music first and foremost.
