20. Awake by Skillet
19. In The Hands of God by Newsboys
18. Love is On The Move by Leeland
17. Glory In The Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship by Chris Tomlin
16. Birds & Cages by Deas Vail
15. Memento Mori by Flyleaf
14. God of This City by Bluetree
13. Take Over by Aaron Shust
12. Innocence & Instinct by RED
11. You Gotta Believe EP by The Rocket Summer
10. The Outsiders by NEEDTOBREATHE
9. Everything Sad is Coming Untrue by Jason Gray
8. Forget and Not Slow Down by Relient K
7. Alive by Ian McIntosh
6. Hello Hurricane by Switchfoot
5. City of Black & White by Mat Kearney
4. Church Music by David Crowder*Band
3. The Long Fall Back To Earth by Jars of Clay
2. Ocean Eyes by Owl City
1. Heaven and Earth/Heaven and Earth Acoustic by Phil Wickham
I still need to listen to Seabird's album next month and I wanted to listen to FFH's new one but I couldn't find it anywhere.
I won't list them but there was a few disappointments this year. And the number one album I'm looking forward to next year is definitely Jennifer Knapps.
Last... This is a list of all the albums I listened to this year (let me know if I missed anything amazing):
Fiction Family by Fiction Family My Coming Day by Julian Drive History by Paul Colman The Fray by The Fray Innocence & Instinct by RED Who Speak For Planet Earth by And Then There Were None God of This City by Bluetree The End is Not The End by House of Heroes The Now and Not Yet by Jeremy Riddle Chorus of The Saints by Revive Fangs! by Falling Up Dear Diary by FM Static Let The Road Pave Itself by Phillip LaRue While I'm Waiting by John Waller The Long Fall Back to Earth by Jars of Clay Danyew EP by Danyew Attenion by Kristian Stanfill Travel by Future of Forestry In The Hands of God by Newsboys Back & Forth by Lanae Hale City of Black & White by Mat Kearney Alive by Ian McIntosh Sound of Defeat EP by Until June Adventures in Eville by Eleventyseven Best Night of Our Lives by Everyday Sunday MIKESCHAIR by MIKESCHAIR Ocean Eyes by Owl City Battlefield by Jordin Sparks Take Over by Aaron Shust Spain by Between The Trees The Lost Get Found by Britt Nicole When I'm With You EP by Nevertheless Searchlights by Abandon Love Is On The Move by Leeland The Outsiders by NEEDTOBREATHE Attention by Philmont We Shall Not Be Moved by Matt Redman Come Alive by Mark Schultz Awake by Skillet Your Kingdom Come by Matt Papa Everything Sad is Coming Untrue by Jason Gray Stockholm Syndrome by Derek Webb Love & War by BarlowGirl Stop & Listen by Bethany Dillon Travell II by Future of Forestry Welcome to The Masquerade by Thousand Foot Krutch Reborn by Avalon Church Music by David Crowder* Band Confessions by Pillar Alive Again by Matt Maher Live Life Loud by Hawk Nelson Introducing Brenton Brown EP by Brenton Brown Forget and Not Slow Down by Relient K How Many Kings: Songs for Christmas by Downhere Glory In The Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship by Chris Tomlin Hope Rising by Fee Need by Todd Agnew Dear Future, Come Get Me by The Fold The Listening by Lights It Is Well by Kutless Birds & Cages by Deas Vail You Gotta Believe EP by The Rocket Summer Everything is Different by Shane & Shane Glorious by Paul Baloche Beauty Will Rise by Steven Curtis Chapman Monster Monster by The Almost Hello Hurricane by Switchfoot Memento Mori by Flyleaf Fireflies and Songs by Sara Groves Heaven and Earth by Phil Wickham House Of Heroes Presents The Christmas Classics EP by House of Heroes Until The Whole World Hears by Casting Crowns Live by Jeremy Camp
Phil Wickham Re-Tweet Contest and Twitter Burst Category:Music Views:
3087
What's the prize?
A copy of Phil Wickham's newest album "Heaven and Earth" which releases November 17th.
How do I enter?
Tweet the Tweet below (EXACTLY the way it is) as much as possible. It needs to have "@WookieeChew" (that's double E) and "#philwickham" in it or it won't count.
Tweet This:
RT @WookieeChew Win a copy of Phil Wickham's Heaven and Earth!
RT to win! Rules & info @ http://tiny.cc/4h3Ri #philwickham #HeavenAndEarth
How do I win?
The one person who has Tweeted the Tweet above the most by the end of the contest will win.
When does the contest begin and end?
The contest begins on November 17th at 8:00 AM Pacific Standard Time and ends on November 17th at 6:00 PM Pacific Standard Time. Any Tweets before 8:00 AM or after 6:00 PM will not count so please don't Tweet before or after that.
The purpose of the contest:
I've been trying to make #PhilWickham a trending topic for a while now, I think this will finally make it happen!
Even if you're not interested in the contest I'd really appreciate it if everyone would participate in a "Twitter Burst". It seems the best time for a Twitter Burst is around 2:00 PM Pacific Standard Time. So around that time if everyone could please Tweet "#philwickham" at least 3 times. It would be a big help and much appreciated!
If your Tweets are currently set to private please remember to make them public or they won't count.
I also made a Phil Wickham Twibbon, if you'd like to add it to your Twitter avatar please do so. Twibbon
A HUGE thank you to INO Records for providing the prize, without them this contest wouldn't be possible!
If you have any questions let me know. Good luck everyone and God bless!
It's been almost two years since Twenty-two year old Worship leader Ian McIntosh made his debut with the very impressive and emotional Awakened. Ian McIntosh "embarked on a journey to develop a new sound" and his new album Alive is proof that he has done just that!
First, thank you so much for taking the time to do this! I'm sure you're a busy person.
Haha... not at all. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I wish it were simply 'cause I was busy... hopefully I'm more busy than I am unorganized? :)
1. How did you become a Singer/Songwriter? Was it something you always planned on doing or did it just happen?
Well I definitely hadn't planned on it. I discovered music when I was 10 and started taking piano lessons. I jumped on a few youth worship teams... what is now known as the JesusCulture Band was one of them. God was all over what we were doing and I was happy with it. Then one day my mother and Kim Walker conspired and came up with an evil scheme (muahahahaha) that cornered me into leading a song for youth group. I did, it was fun and I was stoked and loved it. I had already written the song Awakened in my bedroom by that point, but nothing else. After a mind-blowing prophetic word from an amazing woman named Cindy Jacobs (and the Lord haha), I really went after songwriting and production a ton more. That's basically it. I've just kinda taken it step by step.
2. You recently released a new album in May entitled "Alive". Which I absolutely love! Can you explain the inspiration for the title? And artwork?
The title comes mostly from personal experiences and what keeps me going. There have been hard times, there have been fun times, there have been awkward times. But what has always been constant is that as I continue to pursue God and His heart, I am constantly becoming more and more alive. It's invigorating. It's what makes a real relationship with God so exciting and fun. It's the idea that, as I've grown and lived, everything - good or bad, is pointing to how amazing God is. I can't ever point my finger away from His faithfulness and His goodness. I'm "Alive". And the artwork was kinda random I guess... I played around with a bunch of ideas, and landed on the one with the buildings. I just kinda liked the underlying reference that what I just explained is available for ALL the earth. That and I like cities. haha :)
3. "Faithful" is without a doubt my favorite song on the album. Can you tell me how that song came to be?
Faithful was written completely out of a place of awkwardness. It's the very human feeling of wanting moremoremoremore!!! and the very humbling feeling of looking back 5 years and realizing how much I've actually accomplished already and how selfish it can be to want more when so many are broken and needing more than me. It's the feeling that even though I've grown... it still seems like I'm behind where I want to be. All of that stuff that I know most people feel... especially teens and young adults. Then the answer to all that... is God. And His Faithfulness. Regardless of where I am in life, God is God... He is faithful and I can trust that. THAT... I can bank on. THAT... is something I can rely on. I don't understand how He can be that faithful, or what His plan is... and while I'd like to understand, that's kind of the very thing that makes Him God - I don't understand Him. And I want Him to stay God.
4. That song is so unique and one of the thing's I love about it is the very beginning of the song, it sound's so...80's. Was that your intention?
Haha... kinda. That drum beat is actually an old synth called an 808. I love electronic synths and drum machines and get stoked about them. I used it a lot on the record - Faithful, Flight, Come Away, Always Good. I don't know if 80's was actually the goal, but yeah I thought it was fun! (There's also 606s and 909s in there too)
5. So what song on the new album means the most to you and why?
I think Flight - the instrumental - is actually the most profound to me, mainly because of what it represents to me. I got this picture before I wrote it... what if God took me on a flight around the world, and as the journey progressed... I could actually hear the rocks crying out and the actual Earth, as an entity, worshiping God... what would that sound like? And Flight is what came out.
6. Was the process for this album any different than the process for "Awakened'?
YES! Waaaaay different. On Awakened I pretty much wrote all the songs (besides Awakened) on piano, and took them to Jeremy my producer and we blew through the recording process in 2 weeks. Sweet. On Alive, I spent months on preproduction before I brought the record to Jeremy. I gave him 12-20 tracks per song of audio with beats, drum loops, keys, and scratch guitars and he took it and made it all awesome haha. Both had their magic... I think somewhere in the middle would be perfect.
7. "What Does It Sound Like" is another one of my favorite's. Can you tell me how that one came to be?
That song was written by a friend/mentor of mine Brian Johnson. I wanted to do a version of it and brought it before Jeremy. He had this idea of doing a clap and stomp thing. It was actually kinda funny hehe... We were in the studio recording drums and here Chris, Jake and I are... looking at him through the glass window with confused looks on our face, while he tells us when to clap... and we were totally not really hearing it at the time hahaha. It was funny. Then he told us to grab some drums sticks and hit stuff on this beat or that beat. It was really a lot of fun! And he was obviously right. The claps and stomps are sweet. I was stoked.
8. What is your writing process like for you? Do you write the music first and then the lyrics? Or vice versa?
Great question. I actually do a little of everything. I'm constantly trying to figure out the best process for me. On Awakened, it was me and piano. On Alive it was all the music and production 1st, then the lyrics. I actually finished writing some of it in the studio during vocal tracking. I now do something in the middle. I'm writing for my next record, and am loving starting with a fun musical idea, and not really producing it too much, but writing with vague ideas I guess. For example, I just finished writing a song where instead of doing either the production first, or sitting at the piano, I wrote the whole thing with a pulsing pad and kick drum. Kinda in the middle. Works great for me.
9. Who are some of your musical influences and inspiration's?
I have to 1st credit to Delirious? - they're the 1st band I really got stoked about. But my influences and inspirations now are Muse, Mew (Frengers-era), Sigur Ros, Radiohead, Ratatat.
10. What do you hope people will get out of your music after they listen to it?
I really hope people's hearts are opened to find God in a real and tangible way. And have a ton of fun. If a record can make you cry one day, and make you smile then next... it's pretty sweet. If anyone gets moved toward God or towards loving life - I'd be stoked.
11. What are your plans for the future? Do you see yourself doing this all your life?
To some extent I do see myself doing music forever. It's really weird to think of not doing it. I'm not sure it will looking like recording and releasing records every 2-3 years... but I'm sure I'll be poking around in the industry forever haha.
12. And last, what is your favorite scripture?
I don't really have a favorite scripture. I love the whole section of time in scripture with David and Jonathan, then Solomon. I study them quite often.
Thank you again for taking the time to do this. God bless you abundantly and may He continue to use you and your ministry to reach out to as many people as possible.
Thanks Rebecca! Blessings!
P.S. - I'd love you to mention that I LOVE hearing from people about how God used my music, or what it means to them, or about dances they choreographed. All of that is awesome.
"Becki Ryan and her husband Devon are actively involved with Life Connections International, a short term missions organization and LoveWorks.
She and her husband partenered with LoveWorks currently live in Denmark in Northern Europe."
In the past Becki has also lent her beautiful voice to big acts such as Amy Grant, Hilary Duff, and Clay Aiken.
1. How did you become a Singer/Songwriter for the Lord? Was it something you always planned or did it just happen?
I think from the beginning it was definitely something I wanted to do and felt called to do - I met Jesus at an early age - so naturally I wanted to sing for Him - but as most people do - I had my time of wandering and serving myself. Fortunately Jesus never leaves us. :) No matter how far away I went He never left - He was always there waiting or me to turn around and take His hand. Unfortunately I'm a pretty stubborn person and I typically have to learn things the hard way in order to change (however I'm working on this one BIG TIME to avoid more disasters). So, as life sometimes does - I was thrown a few "curve balls." I was young and newly married - and these circumstances or "curve balls" brought us to our knees - but mostly it showed me the pit of pride and selfish ambition I kept putting myself into. The Lord is always so quick to comfort and rescue that I barely noticed my slow progression out of the pit. I thought I had changed - so life would be perfect - :) boy was I wrong. Little did I know that was just the beginning of a 3 year journey that led to the creation of "Make A Way." And since it was released the Lord has blown us away with how much we still don't know and just how much we need Him.
2. What is your writing process for you? Do you write the lyrics first and then the music or vice versa?
Honestly I am NOT one of those prolific songwriters who are constantly writing amazing songs. In fact, more often than not I am pretty dry, when it comes to writing. It seems that I write from the exact place I'm at spiritually. I don't have the gift of writing some writers have who can always write from any perspective at any time. No, for me I have to be IN it to write it. It's something I have struggled with - as any writer would like to be able to write more... but the Lord is showing me the beauty in the process He's given me. I've learned over the years with Him that there is NOTHING he wants more from me - than JUST ME - honest and humble before Him. SO to answer your question... :) the process... I don't have a set way of doing it - but typically it's the melody first - then lyric. I always write from where my heart is at - which more often than not is from the bible study I'm doing at the moment. The Lord speaks to me in Mighty ways through HIS word - and through the teaching of some very gifted and passionate teachers. Currently I am doing the "Esther" study by Beth Moore. I'm so excited to see what songs come from this study!!! ;)
3. "Wonders" is probably my favorite song from "Make a Way". It's so beautiful. Can you tell me how that song came to be?
I love that you love this song... This is one of my favorites as well. "Wonders" started in our apartment in El Segundo CA - long before we started a worship cd. My husband kept singing the chorus over and over "Your wonders stretch across the sky" we sang it at home for so long before we ever even started working on writing for this project. It was kind of our little personal worship of how great GOD is and all HIS majesty. Then when we began working on the cd - we brought Paul in on it and finished the song. It was really powerful - all three of us worshipping together, singing the truth of how wonderful our God is. How powerful He is. He is the one true God and so worthy of our praise. The song came together VERY quickly - like 30 minutes and we knew it needed to be on the record.
4. In the past you've done BGV's for artist's like Amy Grant, Clay Aiken and Hilary Duff. You even sang "Alive" for the film Flicka. What was all that like?
This was such a HUGE blessing and encouragement to me as a young singer/musician. It was very humbling and very exciting all at the same time. Humbling - in the fact that my first "job" was singing for Amy Grant - who was my childhood "idol" - I wanted to be JUST like her growing up - and here I was singing for her... I was so humbled to be ANY part of her work - I was SO excited I could hardly contain myself! From that point on I was completely blessed to land in a world of EXTREMELY talented writers and producers who believed in me and did everything they could to see me succeed. I owe so much gratitude to Dennis Matkosky, who was the first writer/producer to "discover" me - and give me the majority of the work I've done. He not only gave me work, but in an industry that can be VERY untrustworthy, Dennis looked out for me like I was another daughter to Him. The Lord used Dennis to protect me from many things I was not ready to face. I feel so blessed to have his professionalism and kindness in my life.
When I sang the song for Flicka it was actually just a "demo" - meaning I was hired to sing the song for the songwriters - so they could "pitch" (send) the song to different artists to see if any would record the song. Then when 20th Centrury Fox was looking for a song for Flicka - "Alive" was sent and they loved my version of it. I was VERY honored. They could have had a signed artist sing it - but they chose my version - again a TOTAL blessing from the Lord. I am very grateful for His blessing and provision.
5. You've been involved with Love Works for sometime now. You even moved to Denmark because of that. What has it been like for you? It must be so different than the US.
YES - we've been involved with LoveWorks for many years now and we are SO blessed to have been able to partner with them - This is an incredible ministry of discipleship teaching people to LOVE as Christ has loved us. We are so blessed by this ministry and so honored to partner with them. Yes we moved to Denmark this past year and have been able to partner more intentionally over the past 8 months. It has been amazing to watch the Lord work through the unity and partnership of worship and His word. It's a powerful thing when people come together in Unity to worship Him and hear HIS word. There is something very special that happens when we are together and we are so blessed by them.
Denmark is VERY different than the US. We love the country of Denmark and are so blessed to walk along side so many on this journey with the Lord. The culture of Denmark is extremely different than the culture of the US - however we've grown to embrace the differences and choose to walk in our purpose and calling while we are there - UNITY - Unity in Christ - no matter our cultural differences. It's been such a fantastic journey - we are so thankful.
6. And what exactly is your role there?
Our role in Denmark is leading worship for the different LoveWorks seminars, courses and events. As well as leading worship at AVM (Arhus Velminghed) - our home church in Arhus Denmark. We also disciple different worship leaders, and musicians/bands both secular and Christian in Denmark. We are also heavily involved in the Dansk OASE movement -this is the organization who host the biggest summer camp in July - It's truly been an amazing walk together watching the Lord call so many Danes to worship Him. Denmark is such a musically talented nation - it's at times very intimidating for us - however we know what our role is - bringing them to the foot of the cross through prayer - and exploring what it means to abandon "performance" and enter into TRUE worship. It's a journey we are on together - and we are so honored to walk with them.
7. What is your favorite experience from Denmark so far?
The nights of prayer and worship at our home church AVM - partnered with LoveWorks.
8. "Revival" is another one of my favorite song's can you tell me how that one came to be?
Revival was written by a VERY talented songwriter Jess Cates and his wife Mandy. They also happen to be our dear friends and he was our worship leader at our home church in Los Angeles when we lived there. Our church was going through an amazing time of growth with the Lord. He was pouring out in mighty ways - and one of the ways was through worship.
9. What song on "Make a Way" means the most to you and why?
This is a hard one for me - cause they all mean SO much to me - some were the FIRST worship songs I EVER played - so naturally they have a HUGE impact on me. But I would have to say "This is Why You Came" means the most to me. Probably because it's the most intimate to me personally. It's my autobiography. It was written from my realization of just how messed up I was and where I would be without Jesus. It was in that place He spoke hope to me, and reminded me that was exactly WHY HE CAME. To this day that song brings tears to my eyes when I sing it. It's hard for me to sing this song live - it's still such a reminder of where I was and where I could have ended had He not saved me. I am forever grateful.
10. Do you have any plans for a new album?
OH YES! We have SO many plans it's crazy! :) Actually we are nearly finished with a Hymns EP we started a few months ago with a Danish producer... we are very excited about this project. Some of my favorite hymns with our twist... It should be done in a few months and available at our website.
We are also praying about the next worship record. We have been writing - and praying... we are waiting for the right producer - we are completely independent - so have virtually NO budget - so we are currently waiting on the Lord for this one! :) - we'd love for you to join us in prayer!!!!
We do have another project in the works as well - it's based off of the song "Alive" from Flicka. The writer/producer of that song is producing a whole record similar to that - of course the songs will be songs full of hope - This has come out of the response from "Alive" - there has been an overwhelming response for people of all ages to this song. The overall request has been wanting more songs like this - so Rob Wells, the producer, is gracious enough to help us complete this. We are praying this will be another tool for the Lord to bring people to HIS WORSHIP... we are excited to be a part of this project - we are scheduled to begin recording at the beginning of November.
11. What do you hope people will get out of your music when they listen to it?
My prayer is that those who listen to any of our music will be drawn closer to the Lord. That they will experience HIS voice through the music. That I could be OUT of the Way so HE can speak mightily to them. Worship is just another way to connect with Jesus. My prayer is that this record - or ANY record I sing on would be just that - another avenue to meet with Jesus. He LOVES His children SO much. I am so blessed to be a small part of HIS mighty plan.
12. What is your favorite scripture?
Well this is probably the hardest question for me to answer! ;) You see this one changes all the time with me - depending on where I am at with the Lord in that season... but I think the one verse that I always seem to come back to no matter what season I am in - is Jer. 29:11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Thanks again Becki, may God bless you and your family in all that you do and may He touch many lives through your ministry.
You are SO welcome.
Many blessings Rebecca.
Love, Becki Ryan
If you'd like to learn more about Becki Ryan visit:
This is an email interview I had with Canadian Christian Artist and Worship Leader Jon Bauer.
1.So how did you become a Singer/Songwriter for the Lord? Was it something you always wanted to do or did it just happen?
I was introduced to music at a young age although did not have a passion for it until age 18. My parents had me in piano lessons until age 14 and looking back, I am so glad my parents strongly encouraged me to stick it out. When I finished high school I went on to college and it was there that God placed a passion in my heart to use music for Him and to draw others closer to Him. I joined a worship team at church and college and from there I started to lead worship weekly. After college I became a teacher and taught for a number of years using music in the class to help the kids draw closer to Jesus (as I taught in a Christian class in the public school system). As the years went on I started to get more and more requests to go to churches, schools, and conferences to share the music God had placed on my heart. It soon came to the point where I had to make some decisions - stay in the security of a full-time teaching job with great benefits and holidays or become a full-time touring artist and trust in the Lord to meet all our needs…I decided that I needed to have ruthless trust and since then God has been exceedingly faithful to meet all of our needs as I minister on the road.
2. I downloaded your album "Surround" from NoiseTrade some months ago and it's definitely one of my favorite worship albums. I love the title track, can you tell me how that song came to be?
In my life over the last number of years God has always been faithful. I have seen and experienced both the ups and downs - from the birth of my first baby son to the sting of cancer hitting those my wife and I love and are extremely close to. Through these mountain and desert times God has always been faithful and what He asks of me is to walk closely with Him in all times and all situations that my life and His love would be an encouragement to others. So this song was birthed out of this recognition that God will “Surround us, Consume us, Sustain and Renew Us” as we praise His name through the great and the trying times of life.
3. Which song off "Surround" means the most to you and why?
The song Holy Lord has a strong significance for me. One day I was in the basement and I prayed that God would give me a picture of what Heaven will be like someday when every nation, tribe, and tongue, every one I have loved who has gone on before me, when we will singing to our Saviour. As God gave me that picture of heaven, I started to sing out that very simple chorus imagining all of us singing around His throne.
Holy Holy Holy Lord
Worthy of all praise
Holy Holy Holy Lord
God of mercy of grace
4."Glorious to Me" is another one of my favorite song's from "Surround" can you tell me how that song came to be?
The song Glorious to Me came about as I was reading in Ephesians 1:11 where it says:
“It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.”
As I read this scripture it was so clear to me that there was a song in there waiting to be written in a fresh way. So through with some hard work and co-writing with my producer birthed the song that you hear on the record.
5. I heard you're planning on releasing a Children's worship album. Was the writing and recording process more difficult than your previous albums?
I released a Children’s Worship Album back in the fall of 2008. During my time in the classroom I was passionate to help the kids grow and connect with Jesus and found that music was such a perfect way to do this. This album has a mix of songs both familiar and ones that I have written that allowed the kids to sing out their worship to Jesus. The writing and recording process were not that different for this album. The main difference was planning and preparation for a kids choir on the album and working between recording studios in Edmonton and Nashville to put all the pieces together.
6. What exactly is you're writing process? Do the lyrics come to you first and then the music? Or vice versa?
The songwriting process for me is a mixture of writing from experiences and writing from scripture. The cool thing for a Christian songwriter is that we can take words and phrases right from a book (the bible) and call it our own song and we won’t get charged for plagiarism. One of the things I have often done is sung out scripture. When I find a scripture that is speaking to me, I merely start singing it out and from there, songs have been written. More often than not the lyrics come first or come together. I rarely have music first. Another great thing I have been able to do is to co-write with a lot of great writers down in Nashville. I have found there is so much strength in co-writing and so most if not all songs on my next album will be co-writes.
7. I read that you opened for Michael W. Smith at the Copps Coliseum in Ontario Canada. What was that experience like? I'm sure it must have been amazing!
It was definitely a highlight of my year. The very first record I ever owned was Michael W. Smith’s album. So it was a little surreal to be sharing the stage with the guy I listened to when I was 10 years old. If you want to get a feel for the whole experience, I created a 4-part video on youtube which captures the entire day and concert. I had a lot of fun with it, so go to my website to check it out…www.jon-bauer.com!
8. Any plans for a new album in the future?
I am currently working on a new studio album right now. I’m in songwriting mode and am looking forward to sharing these new songs in the coming months. The new project should be coming out in early 2010.
9. Who are some of your musical influences?
I have a wide variety of influences. Today, most of my musical influences include other worship artists like Chris Tomlin, Bob Fitts, or David Crowder.
10.What artist are you currently listening to most often?
On my i-touch right now I have – Downhere, Chris Tomiln, High Valley and Chris Sligh.
11. After someone listen to your music what do you hope they'll get out of it?
My goal in writing songs is to express my personal worship to Jesus and to help others do the same. I pray that when people hear the music that they are drawn into a worship experience and that God’s spirit ministers to them as they listen to the music either in the car or on their iPod.
12. There’s a lot going on in the world. As a Christian artist, what are some important social issues that you think should be highlighted in your art?
I am partnered with World Vision. The reason I am is that there is such a need out there beyond our North American view of life. There is a hurting and needy world that is starving for the basics that we take for granted every day here in North America. My wife and I have been so blessed to sponsor 5 children through World Vision and it’s been a privlege to encourage others to do the same as we tour and minister throughout North America.
13. Looking at the social issues you’ve highlighted, what are some unique ways in which Christians can approach the topic in their everyday lives?
What it comes down to is when you see a need, simply respond. Whether it is a homeless man who asks you for money on the street or someone who needs help carrying groceries, the question we need to ask ourselves is “What can I do to represent Jesus to this world that is so inwardly-focussed?”
14. Favorite scripture?
Jeremiah 29:11
If you'd like to download Surround for free, click HERE.
Or get 3 free song's by signing up for Jon's mailing list HERE.
To find out more about Jon, visit the website's listed below:
WOOKIEE's Blog
