#72 - B-Sides Christian artists update fans throughout the week via Twitter and NRT's Mary Burklin uncovers the best tweets of the past seven days in this weekly column.
Hip-hop artist @Manafest is venturing into the world of printed media, creating a book based on his own story and experiences. The skater-turned-rapper should have a lot of interesting things to say, especially with a healthy breakfast.
Although this has been one of the heaviest release weeks since the Spring, quite a few artists are also investing into projects on the side, both in alternate music genres and completely different mediums. Catch up on their latest efforts 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.
JAMMING
@MIKESCHAIR: Adding strings automatically makes These songs feel more like Christmas! Love it. (August 21)
Christmas in August is in full swing for Mikeschair. They completed a Christmas project this week which you can expect to hear later this fall.
@satsandsirens: Just so we're all on the same page... OUR NEW COVER ALBUM IS OUT!!!!! #HOLLER We're so stoked! Get it! http://itun.es/i6jW47y (August 21)
Now’s your chance to pick up an electro-rock album full of songs from artists like Maroon 5 and Chris Tomlin and everyone in between. For the past several months, Satellites & Sirens has been putting up a new cover every Friday. They released the full collection of tracks to iTunes and Amazon this week, making it more widely available to fans.
@thewrecking: #somuchforlove has been holding a firm # 11 on iTunes this afternoon. Let's get another big push to get back into the top 10!#newmusic (August 21)
The Wrecking released their fantastic new album “So Much For Love” this week, receiving a warm welcome from iTunes buyers and fellow artists alike.
@ChrisAugust: Share your favorite lyric from The Upside Of Down on Twitter with the hashtag #theupsideofdown for your chance to win a signed CD each week! (August 22)
Twitter is an extremely effective place for fan connections. If you want to pick up a signed copy of the latest Chris August release, tweet and tag some favorite lyrics.
@TheAndrewSchwab: Pick up the Wait For the Siren record on iTunes today and get the live P86 EP for free! Send us your receipt: info@project86.com! RT! (August 22)
Project 86’s fan-funded independent release Wait for the Siren is now available. The amount of freedom that releasing independently gave them allowed for multiple special offers, including an acoustic EP for those who sent in their receipts.
@owlcity: Hey if you like my music, tell your friends. If you hate my music, tell your enemies. (August 22)
Owl City also released a new album this week. Basically, whether friend or foe, Adam Young is encouraging you to tell people to check out The Midsummer Station-- and with good reason.
@anberlin: NEW JAM! Someone Anyone. Check it. http://anberlin.com/ -N (August 22)
Anberlin has been sharing pieces of their upcoming project, Vital, via twitter. The latest pieces are the song “Someone Anyone” and the trailer for the accompanying short film, both available on the band’s site.
@tenthavenorth: We are free to struggle, but we're not struggling to be free#TheStruggle http://itun.es/i6jW4wC(August 23)
Tenth Avenue North released their highly anticipated third studio album, The Struggle. Pick it up on iTunes, then read a few thoughts from lead singer Mike Donehey about the creative process here: http://mikedonehey.tumblr.com/
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@macpowell: Top 22 on the ITunes Country Album charts! WooHoo! No record company...just awesome fans! Keep it up, y'all! Thanks! pic.twitter.com/y11hBvvh (August 24)
Third Day lead singer Mac Powell made good use of his southern-flavored vocal style and released a country album this week (check it out here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mac-powell/id555042360). Although a definite departure from the norm, the album has already been well received.
TRAVEL DELAYS
@francescamusic: Sitting next to my husband, holding my baby girl, listening to@karijobe, replying to emails, and shopping for fall tour clothes.#happiness (August 20)
Fall tour season is on its way. Francesca Battistelli is already getting the essentials of tour prep done before her upcoming fall tour with Sidewalk Prophets (find tour dates at http://www.francescamusic.com/shows).
@barrygraul: You can't check in at American Airlines with a Starbucks gold card. #mm #sleepy (August 24)
Unfortunately, even a Starbucks gold card can’t do everything, as MercyMe guitarist Barry Graul was reminded this week... although given the necessity of coffee for traveling, that could be a very profitable partnership.
@aaronshust: Made it to Canada! But our CDs & T-shirts got stuck at the border: 2 hours of paperwork. :( We opted to not miss the concert. :) (August 25)
It’s a mark of true dedication when you can leave your merch at the border in order to make the show on time. Aaron Shust
@karijobe: Just found hidden cup holders on the bus..it's so exciting..#itsthelittlethings (August 25)
Kari Jobe discovered some hidden treasures on her bus this week. Hidden bus cup holders may be akin to hidden closets in houses.
ALTER EGOS
@weashuman: Tonight was an awesome night of teaching for some amazing students!!! I've got a couple openings if you want in...http://fb.me/1VQW9AHEs (August 21)
We As Human guitarist Justin Forshaw has started offering guitar lessons via skype. If you’re interesting in learning how to shred, contact him via his facebook page (www.facebook.com/justin.forshaw.16)
Worship leader Paul Baloche is releasing a devotion book that coordinates with his last release, The Same Love. Be looking for it online and in stores soon.
@jonforeman: I'm surfing in my first indonesian surf contest with my bros@muklis_anwar and 'berto! http://instagr.am/p/Own1axNn-d/(August 25)
The Switchfoot guys are never too busy for some surfing, even when traveling the world to film a movie.
Posted August 28, 2012 | Mary is a Christ-follower and writer who has been telling stories for as long as she can remember. She recently earned a B.A. in Digital Writing and currently resides in Colorado Springs with a camera, guitar, and coffee cup always close at hand.
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