Archives For Music

Using Lite-Brite and a few other magical tricks, the David Crowder Band has made a very clever stop-motion video for its song “SMS (Shine)”:

Made with:

  • 1,200 separate Lite-Brite® images
  • 700,000 Lite-Brite® pegs
  • 2,150 man-hours
  • 83 friends
  • 148 pizzas

Respect goes out to them for this creative masterpiece!

A few months ago I wrote an entry called New Tunes for Spring.

One of the releases that I was anticipating was Deluge‘s sophomore album, Unshakable. Well, They just finished their Unshakable Tour (see here) and the album’s been out for about a month so let me share some quick thoughts from my personal experience.

1. It’s original stuff! – It’s been a while since I’ve heard a record that had it’s own unique sound and direction.
2. It’s well crafted and it’s evident that much thought was put into this record.
3. Rich lyrics with actual themes – which are rare these days
4. The music is technical (riffs, beats, melodic hooks) yet functional in worship
5. Some great songs for the church (#5, #7, #11) + for soaking/devos/reflection (#6, #12, #13)

All in all, in the month that I’ve owned this album, it’s been the one that I’ve had on the most during my commutes to and from work. It’s fun, it’s serious, it’s deep, it’s intimate, and it comes from an honest place – the heart!

If you’ve been looking for music that will invite you to connect to the heart of God, this is the one I’d recommend. As the song suggests, God is giving us the invitation: “Come in my Courts”!

Deluge’s Unshakable is available on iTunes
delugeband.com

Here’s a mashup of some of the music that we played at NNED this year. They are very rough recordings from the FOH (front of house) through 4 different sessions.

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*Posted for educational/inspirational purposes.

Here’s more FOH recording of some altar time (Wrap Me in Your Arms + Mighty To Save)

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*Posted for educational/inspirational purposes.

MJ: “This Is It”

March 14, 2010 — 1 Comment

“This is it”: The prophetic words spoken by Michael Jackson at his last press conference in London.

I’ve been watching the movie (same title) and have been amazed to see MJ in a new light. I remember listening to Black or White in elementary school while riding on the school bus with my big ol’ chunky but digital walkman. I remember songs such as Heal the World or that famous Free Willy track Will You Be There. and then there are the classics like Thriller, Billie Jean and Smooth Criminal.

Now, as I watch This is it, I am finally seeing the man behind the music. As a musician myself, i observe his incredible attention to every single note that the piano is playing, and every step the dancers must make. I love seeing the “king of pop” in action.

I’m halfway through the movie but here’s a thought to chew on: who is reaching celebrities (and by “reaching” i mean reaching with the Gospel message)? I know MJ says, “God bless you”, but does that mean someone took the time to tell him? So many artists have roots in Gospel music but now are playing gigs with questionable artists. If influence is a two-way street who is winning the battle in “reaching out”?

This is it…for now

New Tunes for Spring

February 23, 2010 — 1 Comment

I’ve been waiting a long time to hear some new and fresh music. John Mayer’s Battle Studies has been a very good listen but what I’ve been really waiting for is the new releases from Starfield and Deluge.

Starfield hits us up with their 4th album, The Saving One, and to be honest, they seem get to better with age! I heard them play a couple of tunes off their new album and it is intense! Also, their drummer, Dave Lalonde is a local boy from Ontario.

As for Deluge, their raw recording from Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where Jonathan Stockstill and The Deluge Band lead 7000 worshippers at their annual “Upside Down” Youth Convention was just amazing. This, their follow up album is sounding sweet. check out a video here of their rehearsal of the song “deeper”.

Starfield’s The Saving One is available now on iTunes
Deluge’s Unshakable will be available when released on 4.13.10