TOP 5 SONGS

TOP 5 SONGS OF 2021

By Donn King

Music is very personal. Beyond preferring certain genres, each person’s choice of favorites is entwined with what they can identify with in life. Our personal challenges and experiences or those of people in our lives color the way we receive a song. Our souls can process songs in such a deep way that they somehow become part of us. Counting back his top 5 to number 1, Donn gives us his 2021 choices for the songs that spoke to his soul in various ways.

Number 5

CONVICTIONS – The Price of Grace

The Price of Grace is about the brother left behind after a suicide. It’s a deep song, really hitting home for anyone living with mental health issues or knowing people with them. Michael Felker’s vocals truly make us feel the anguish felt when losing someone to suicide. I probably listed to this song a hundred times last year.

Number 4

IMPENDING DOOM – I Must End

With their “in your face” metal, new music from Impending Doom is always welcomed. I love the song lyrics, this one especially spoke to me “Every time I open my heart. I feel the whole thing ripping apart.”

 

 

https://youtu.be/Upy4YmxccPY

Number 3

WAR OF AGES – No Altars

This worship song about God being the only one done in heavy metal is just awesome!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/w9XkQDhN1lI

Number 2

PHINEHAS – Severed By Self Betrayal

This is another song that hits home with my life and how hard I treat myself. I totally feel the lyrics, “Looking in the mirror, I don’t see anything, anything that looks like me.” Phinehas released my number one album for 2021, The Fire Itself, and “Severed By Self Betrayal” is my favorite song on it.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/vM-5hzP5E18

Number 1

CONVICTIONS – Wreckage

The lyrics “the nails in your wrist cut the blades from mine”, “I need a miracle”. This song depicts God saving someone from suicide, which he has done for me so many times. The song describes the darkness I felt in 2021 and its release was right on time for me.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/0qcrGqMfpwg

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Top Ten 2021 Albums

By Donn King

It was a heavy metal year for me since these metal bands released albums that really impacted me last year. These are my top ten albums for 2021 with links to playlists for your listening. I included EPs in the list too.

1) Phinehas – The Fire Itself

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_luKkqOTKx-Slea2nwuMX0kZrSB5RjdIdc&feature=share

2) Convictions – I Won’t Survive

Convictions - I Won't Survive - EP Review

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kt1yOhTHrCnPXSLed2Z6NTM0wqtk652_M&feature=share

3) Impending Doom – Hellbent

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nHAVSB-4ixkR4DT2skoF6qJR7_rOiHaOY&feature=share

4) Relent – Heavy

Light in the Dark: “Heavy” by Relent – Rock On Purpose

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nVxanGW2Gr23rtFeNYe1TaWA0lVeh-rhA&feature=share

5) Bloodlines – Hevel

Bloodlines - Hevel (CD) - Music Online | Raru

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kz1-Hoqd84Zrgy7gqcYuCZehz_-UpKMYI&feature=share

6) Silent Planet – Iridescent

Iridescent (album) - Wikipedia

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kJYsgYNdYzx1csdjZIsBAzlquS_v242u4&feature=share

7) Death Therapy – Melancholy Machines

Jesusfreakhideout.com: Death Therapy, "Melancholy Machines" Review

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_madLSMr1Vjbr-c0Sh0rO2r9XnP7Xm2HVM&feature=share

8) Love and Death – Perfectly Preserved

Perfectly Preserved.jpg

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ln-5Y42Oo14znGSBsDaHpKUz2B8qfnVKk&feature=share

9) Wage War – Manic

Manic (Wage War album) - Wikipedia

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lt-oS-yfOL_bBvuTvQezfAO8OPsbyzJc8&feature=share

10) War of Ages – Rhema

War of Ages - Rhema (EP Review) | Metal Trenches: Because You Need To Be  Told What To Listen To

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kNmhR_W6CI4I8GypFv1xQEnhzIkWaVGRA&feature=share

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Slow It Down

Slow It Down – No Lost Cause

By Linda

No Lost Cause with a simple yet profound message delivered in punk rock fashion. In our culture it’s difficult to stop moving. Say no to invitations, push the to-do list aside and just slowing down the pace goes against our grain. It’s these toned down times, though when God can get his message through to us. It’s amazing how he can speak volumes to us in one unhurried day while we can run for a month straight trying to accomplish his will and feel empty and out of touch in the process. How many things do we spend time on that are irrelevant to his plan for us? Rushing through life, we don’t realize the activities that rob us of our joy, peace and from living God’s perfect will. Maybe we need to take more time to slow it down a bit.

What is your go to place when you want to stop and unwind? Is it a place in your home, a bench by the lake, on the beach or a crowded city street where you sit still while everyone else around you keeps on going? Sometimes just sitting still without thinking at all is therapeutic. Other times reading through a book of the Bible all in one sitting listening for God’s voice is revolutionary. When our physical bodies slow down they might enjoy a nap, a relaxing bath or a spa treatment. All of us, soul, body and mind need these slowed down times to refresh, nourish, reboot, retune our minds to God’s purposes and allow these weary bodies to rest. Maybe we need to put these times of refreshing on the calendar along with everything else.

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Beatycore, hard rock, punk rock

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh and Beautycore

By Linda

A trio of sisters from Jacksonville, Florida tearing up stages with a hard rock/metalcore/punk sound that is a perfect blend of awesome. The punk edge brings Paramore style lyrics that are strong, with clear messages coming from the roots of their relationships with God and a desire to share what they’ve found.  As they say on their website, “If you enjoy the melodic content of Paramore, and the character themes of Slipknot, then you have found the perfect matchup in GFM.” They’ve even come up with their own flavor of genre called Beautycore. Perfect descriptive genre! They are some rock beauties too, with great personalities that they share often on live broadcasts on social media.

I haven’t seen them in concert yet but I love how their hard rockin sound makes me want to dance. I know I will be dancing when I finally get to experience the energy of their beautycore. These girls produce music that is real, with a professional sound that is impressive to be sure. “Nineteen-year-old CJ shines as the band’s lead guitarist and shares vocals with eighteen-year-old Maggie, who rocks dual instruments on bass and keys. The youngest of the group, fourteen-year-old Lulu, anchors the band with an intensity on drums that is way beyond her years.” (http://artistecard.com/thegfmband)

Realizing that  Lulu is just fourteen, this list of the bands credentials so far is pretty incredible, “GFM began touring in 2014 and has shared the stage with artists such as Motionless in White, Breaking Benjamin, Thousand Foot Krutch, Demon Hunter, A Day To Remember, Disturbed, Sevendust, and Drowning Pool. A few of their touring highlights include the Axes & Anchors Cruise 2016, Summer RockFest Tour 2017, Soul Fest 2017, Showdown Fest 2018, Summer RockFest Tour 2018, Rock Fest 2018 (Cadott, WI), Blue Ridge Rock Fest 2018, and Loud & Proud Fest 2018 (Germany) (http://artistecard.com/thegfmband)

GFM has loved hard rock, metal music with screaming vocalists since they were little kids and with the support of their parents decided to make a living at this. They are hard working girls with a clear mission as stated on their website, “The most important goal of GFM is to use their gifts to reach people for God and to always spread a positive message.  The stage is their home, and they want to share their home with their fans.”. What’s not to love about these sisters and their beautycore. Go get a hold of their latest EP, Oh the Horror” It’s frighteningly  good! https://thegfmband.bigcartel.com/

Website:  https://www.thegfmband.com/

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Obsessed Album

XIII Minutes – Obsessed

By Donn King

To start, I’m blown away by this album. I love the blend of metal styles. Growls, screams and melodic and some numetal sound all mixed in. Very uniqueness to their sound. I love new and different stuff in Christian Metal. I’m telling you that this is the next album you must have. They are going to take us by a storm of wonderfully blended heavy metal. I’m not the best at picking up the lyrics during listening but I’ve listened to the album 4 times so far and I can’t get enough of it. One thing you can tell is that they are souled out for Jesus.

The coolest tune is the last one which is a metal cover of Reckless Love. I love worship tunes given a metal flavor. I love the song Machaira. Definitely has a little P86 vibe going. There is not one bad song on the album. I know you’re thinking that of course I like it, I’m a metalhead. But I’m also picky. I usually end up liking an album over time but I’m rarely blown away by the first few listens. This one has blown my doors off from the beginning.

I’m going tell you that this is a true 4.5 star album. Very close to perfection for my ears. Release on Friday April 5th, 2019. Go and buy the album. Give these guys some love. https://rottweilerrecords.bigcartel.com/

XIII MINUTES BIOGRAPHY
THIRTEEN, this number conjures up several images depending on who is observing it. Every thirteen minutes, one American will take their own life. Every thirteen minutes, someone in America dies in a motor vehicle accident. Every thirteen minutes, a woman dies of breast cancer and thirteen minutes is the time the warning sirens give before a tornado hits. Insert XIII Minutes, the metal band from Tulsa, OK taking on the significance of thirteen in the spiritual realm. XIII Minutes is the time it takes every day to be spiritually fit. Thirteen is the number of great blessing. The number thirteen is the number of new life. God’s number (seven) together with man’s number (six) = Thirteen. The number thirteen is the difference of what man can do and what God can do. The dichotomy that is thirteen, perfectly describes XIII Minutes as they work together to infuse such dichotomy into their music blending traditional elements of metal with a touch of post hardcore and nu metal in an effort to expand their sound beyond any particular genre definition. Forming in Tulsa, OK in early 2016 out of the ashes of former projects, XIII Minutes aims to blend brutality with harmony, commercial and underground, the old and the new; taking on the sinful and the sacred. Let the dichotomy begin! XIII Minutes is set to battle on each and every stage in their path using their music to take on the
darkness and infusing it with the light; Depression/Hope, Sin/Redemption, Darkness/Light, Evil/Good….The Dichotomies of Life. Let the battle exercise begin.

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XIIIMinutesBand/ and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xiiiminband/?hl=en

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Demon Hunter, Album Art

Demon Hunter’s Ryan Clark and Album Art

By Linda

I listened to the Lead Singer Syndrome podcast hosted by Shane Told, frontman of the rock band Silverstein recently. Shane was interviewing Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter . Ryan talked about Demon Hunter’s recent albums War and Peace, explaining the thoughts behind releasing both of them around the same time. Interestingly , much of the conversation centered around the band’s album art . If you are not aware, each Demon Hunter album depicts a demon skull split in half with a bullet hole right through its forehead. Imagine each album has this but with a version taylored artistically to each individual album. That’s amazing creativity! Listen to the podcast for an closer look at Ryan’s passion for music and art. 

Album Covers

Demon Hunter, war, album cover
Demon Hunter’s album War 
Demon Hunter, peace, album cover
  Demon Hunter’s album Peace


What I didn’t realize is that Ryan and his brother Don are graphic artists and run a studio called Invisible Creature where they have designed album art for bands Alice in Chains, Mae, Anberlin, August Burns Red, Despised Icon, Foo Fighters, will.i.am, Korn, Kanye West, The Chariot, Stone Sour, Underoath and Poison the Well. The studio also has been nominated for Grammy Awards for the album artwork for Norma Jean’s O God, the Aftermath, Fair’s The Best Worst-Case Scenario., Hawk Nelson’s Hawk Nelson Is My Friend. Just browsing through the studio’s website is fascinating, especially the story of how Don and Ryan decided to open their own studio after working with Asterik Studio.  They desired to have a focus on album and art centered around music. The work they’ve have done is phenomenal and their credentials impeccable.  These CD jackets are a few examples of the studio’s work. In times when many band find it hard to make a living solely on their music alone, Ryan and Don’s passion for excellent album art brings a multifaceted approach to the world of music and a way to make a living at what you love with not just the music.

Propaganda Album Art by Invisible Creature
Sixpence None The Richer, Album Art, Invisible Creature
Foo Fighters, album art, Invisible Creature Studio

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Top 25 Albums of 2018

Donn’s Top 25 Albums of 2018

By Donn King

So here it is. My favorite 25 albums of 2018. I missed some. I know. And honestly, there’s no real order as most of them could be number 1. And yes, I get that some are Christian death metal and some are Christian pop. I like an array of styles. I’m nuts people.

25) Grave Robber – Escaping The Grave
24) Fight The Fury – Still Breathing
23) Austin French – Wide Open
22) Blanca – Shattered
21) Chaotic Resemblance – Covenant
20) P.O.D. – Circles
19) Plumb – Beautifully Broken
18) For King And Country – Burn The Ships
17) Ledger – Self Titles
16) TobyMac – The Elements
15) Set For The Fall – Still Just Breathing
14) Sleeping Giant – I Am
13) Crowder – I Know A Ghost
12) Memphis May Fire – Broken
11) Zahna – Red For War
10) The Protest – Legacy
9) Amongst The Giants – Obscene
8)Crushing The Deceiver – Self Titled
7) Taking The Head Of Goliath – Self Titles
6) Stryper – God Damn Evil
5) Impending Doom – The Sin And Doom Vol.2
4) Lauren Daigle – Look Up Child
3) Silent Planet – When The End Began
2) Convictions – Hope For The Broken
1) Fit For A King – Dark Skies

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Poetry Inspired by Red’s Until We Have Faces

By Aimee Otero

Finalizing this one last time.
My due process in this world abides.
The faceless crowd pointing, screaming, hatred in their plea.
But inside me lies a meaning, a release from this disease.
Where is the nighttime and has the Light walked into their hearts?
Because He is every piece of what reminds the evil to depart.
I suppose the wrenching pain is an acid raining death,
for when the shadows try to claim them,
their own cries die in their last breath.
Yes, this world needs better,
yet this is not my final testimony.
Bleeding on the brokenhearted is turning them into purity.
I am one. The sheep who fled to be swept away by feeling.
And now I know who Grace is.
He met me on this healing.

Poetry by Aimee inspired by Red’s album, “Until We Have Faces”.

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

top ten

Donn’s Top 10 Christian Albums

By Donn King

This is a rundown of my top ten favorite Christian albums. This was tough. I had to leave out a ton of albums and I broke my rule of no live albums. Don’t forget that I’ve been saved since 2006, so it’s mostly newer stuff. Okay, let’s get this started.

NUMBER TEN is Relient K – MMHMM – released 2004
This one might surprise people but this is my favorite album of theirs and they have some really great songs over the years. Who I am hates who I’ve been, is a stand out song for me. But there’s a bunch of hits here back when air1 played cool music like this. Miss those days.

NUMBER NINE is Underoath – define the great line — 2006
They may now say they’ve walked away from the church and are no longer a Christian band. But in 2006, they had a powerful belief and faith and this album took secular and Christian metalheads by storm. I was just born again and found this album and was blown away. Forget that it was Christian music because I didn’t think any metal could sound like this. In Regards To Myself and Writing On The Walls are my favorite songs. If you’re in to metal then this is not an album to miss.
I don’t care what they’re saying now about they’re faith. Their music is awesome. We should pray for a revival for them instead of judging their current comments. Haven’t you been hurt before by a church? Really, never? Then you’re a lucky one. Pray instead of abandoning.

NUMBER EIGHT is Fit For A King – Deathgrip — released 2016
This album is awesome. It’s dark and attacks our thinking that everything as a Christian is just fine and dandy. I got to see these guys live and meet and talk with lead singer, Ryan Kirby. Just a great guy with a great heart for the lost and hurting. This might be a little heavy for some of you. But to me, this is Christian metalcore at its best. It was hard not to rank this higher.

NUMBER SEVEN is Project 86 – and the rest will follow – released 2005
This was a tough choice for me. This is a great band, that I don’t listen to nearly enough, and they don’t have a bad album. So I knew I needed them on my list but which album to put there. So I listened to them all and still couldn’t decide on just one but I had my rule of one album from each artist on the list. So this is it. And I love this album. It is heavy and in your face metal just like I love it. It hits hard right on the first track and never lets up. Released only a year before I found salvation and was my first album I bought from them. Still holds as one of their best, in my opinion. But they don’t have one bad album on their list.

NUMBER SIX is Crowder – American prodigal – released 2016
I was never a huge David Crowder Band fan but when he went solo as just Crowder, I fell in love with his new sound. And with his second release here, I can’t get enough of the album. Yeah, I’m a metalhead. But I know awesome music in any style and this album is just that good. Got to see him live last year and maybe this year too, and he makes these songs come alive.

NUMBER FIVE is Demon Hunter – Storm the Gates of Hell – released 2007
Like Disciple at 5, I had a hard time choosing which album was my favorite. They’re all awesome. But for me, 2006-2007 stuff will always stand out. Not a bad song here. Blend of screams and clean vocals. Perfect stuff. Lead us Home stands out for me. These guys just pump out good strong straight metal. Give this one a listen. Check out their live album for a good mix of their early stuff.

NUMBER FOUR is Demon Hunter – Storm the Gates of Hell – released 2007
Like Disciple at 5, I had a hard time choosing which album was my favorite. They’re all awesome. But for me, 2006-2007 stuff will always stand out. Not a bad song here. Blend of screams and clean vocals. Perfect stuff. Lead us Home stands out for me. These guys just pump out good strong straight metal. Give this one a listen. Check out their live album for a good mix of their early stuff.

NUMBER THREE is Kutless – live in Portland – released in 2006
We have arrived at number 3 and the one I broke my rules with. I said no live albums or greatest hits albums. Well, I love Kutless and particularly love their live performance, so I just had to pick this album. Released the same year I was saved and I was blown away by not just how good the CD was but the accompanying DVD was even better. This is early Kutless and what made them such an awesome Rock/Hard Rock group. They have a great heart for the Lord. And this album hits all their early hits. Definitely give it a listen or a hundred listens.

NUMBER TWO is Switchfoot – where the light shines through
We’ve arrived at number 2 and this one will be controversial.. Yes, I know and I agree, this is not their best album. But the songs on this album speak so deeply to me and where I’m at in my life and what I’ve been through in my life and especially the last 5 years. I can’t get enough of this album. “The scars are where the light shines through”. If the house burns down tonight. The day that I found God. Hope is the anthem. I feel like this album gets me and was written to me personally. So even though I agree it’s not their best work, to me it is easily my fav

NUMBER ONE is Skillet – Comatose — released 2006
Well, we’ve arrived at number one. Drumroll please…….. and here it is with probably little surprise. I was born again in 2006 and this was my first hard rock/metal album bought at the Christian living store. I listened to a few tracks there and was blown away. There is Christian music like this, I thought? Being just born again, Rebirthing became my theme song. And with my mental health history, The Last Night felt like it was speaking directly to me. Not a bad track on the album. Felt like good ole 80s hard rock/metal to me. But I felt the coolest track was the finale, Looking For Angels. This is Christian hard rock that I still love to here. So that closes out my top ten.

Here is the final list of my top ten favorite Christian albums:

10) Relient K – MMHMM
9) Underoath – define the great line
8) Fit For A King – Deathgrip
7) Project 86 – and the rest will follow
6) Crowder – American prodigal
5) Disciple – scars remain (extended edition)
4) Demon Hunter – Storm the Gates of Hell
3) Kutless – live in Portland
2) Switchfoot – where the light shines through
1) Skillet – Comatose

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Indie Playlist #3

By Linda

I am always amazed at the volumes of incredible music out there. Everyone has a different definition of “Indie”. For these playlists, I am including artists that are not mainstream, but super talented . Rockin’WithPurpose is working to present music from talented bands and musicians and ask that you share those that you like . “Getting the music out” is our passion. Enjoy!

Independent music (often referred to as indie music or indie) is music produced independently from commercial record labels or their subsidiaries, a process that may include an autonomous, do-it-yourself approach to recording and publishing. The term indie is sometimes used to describe a genre (such as indie rockand indie pop), and as a genre term, “indie” may include music that is not independently produced, and many independent music artists do not fall into a single, defined musical style or genre and create self-published music that can be categorized into diverse genres.[1]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_music

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Indie Playlist #2

By Linda

I am always amazed at the volumes of incredible music out there. Everyone has a different definition of “Indie”. For these playlists, I am including artists that are not mainstream, but super talented . Rockin’WithPurpose is working to present music from talented bands and musicians and ask that you share those that you like . “Getting the music out” is our passion. Enjoy!

Independent music (often referred to as indie music or indie) is music produced independently from commercial record labels or their subsidiaries, a process that may include an autonomous, do-it-yourself approach to recording and publishing. The term indie is sometimes used to describe a genre (such as indie rockand indie pop), and as a genre term, “indie” may include music that is not independently produced, and many independent music artists do not fall into a single, defined musical style or genre and create self-published music that can be categorized into diverse genres.[1]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_music

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Indie Playlist #1

By Linda

I am always amazed at the volumes of incredible music out there. Everyone has a different definition of “Indie”. For these playlists, I am including artists that are not mainstream, but super talented . Rockin’WithPurpose is working to present music from talented bands and musicians and ask that you share those that you like . “Getting the music out” is our passion. Enjoy!

Independent music (often referred to as indie music or indie) is music produced independently from commercial record labels or their subsidiaries, a process that may include an autonomous, do-it-yourself approach to recording and publishing. The term indie is sometimes used to describe a genre (such as indie rockand indie pop), and as a genre term, “indie” may include music that is not independently produced, and many independent music artists do not fall into a single, defined musical style or genre and create self-published music that can be categorized into diverse genres.[1]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_music

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Two Band Merch Items That Can Start a Whole New Trend

By Linda

Are you looking for items that will help you absolutely kill it on the merch table? For bands these days, merch is king. If you do it right, merch can massively increase revenues for your band’s business.  I have two recommendations that I believe can start a whole new trend.

Fans love band T-shirts, Jerseys and Sweatshirts but in addition to the classic merchandise that a band typically offers, new, fresh items will get fans excited. What can be that next big items that they will buy, wear and spark their friends to want too?  I’m getting to that. I believe these two items have the potential to go big. This can only happen if they are awesome, of  course. Just slapping a band logo on them without considering design and style won’t cut it. Are you ready to promote your music with some incredible new merch that will have your fans posting pics on social media? I propose the two next big items that have to the potential to bring more sales to the merch table.

 LEGGINGS 

In case you don’t know, leggings have made a big comeback for women. They have been reinvented to come in all kinds of funky patterns, worn with T-shirts, dresses and just about anything really. As excited as some women get about their Disney leggings, rockers can absolutely kill it with band branded versions and fans will rock them with style. Seriously, this trend is growing like wildfire but few bands sell them. Some metal bands have been selling them, mostly because they were part of the genre look in a sleek, spandex version. Today’s band leggings will go far beyond that to appeal to any style, sporty, girly, rocked out, simple with just a band name. Here are some styles to help you get a vision about the potential for leggings as band merch to go BIG!

 

  

 SOCKS

Fashion is always looking for a new twist on a staple item. Socks are that item that can be taken from common utility item to fashion statement. Rolling up those jeans to show off your socks, wearing them with sandals or even high heels are trendy ways to show your a fan. Sharing ourselves is what this era is all about, not only on social media but out in public too. Sock competitions at the workplace and at events are becoming a popular thing. Your fans can show off their band socks at these events and represent their fav bands. Awesomely created band socks with album art, cool band logo or lyrics can be the next collectible item that fans will wear. The more they wear, the more they share . This is an exciting opportunity you don’t want to miss out on. Everyone wears socks and who wouldn’t want to buy a pair of socks with their band on them? These styles are for inspiration. Just imagine the styles that you can create with your band’s style, logo and band name that will have your fans in a frenzy.

To Wrap it Up

There’s not much more to say but the success of how big this can go is in how creative you get in the design and how well you market them. You will want to keep your fans personalities in mind when creating designs and have simple versions as well as trendy. You can get in on increased merchandise sales and be part of the buzz that I believe will be happening in the world of band products and merchandising.

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Let the Sparks Fly, TFK

TFK, Let the Sparks Fly

By Linda

Let the Sparks Fly

-There’s no such thing as maybe,
burn it like it’s fading,
No more hesitating,
Let the sparks fly baby.
Drive it like ya race it,
You can call me crazy,
I’m just tired of waiting,
Let the sparks fly baby.

Give me one if it’s real
And two if you can feel it
Give me three signs that you’re awake
It only takes one spark
For two to fall apart
And three more to blow it away

Give me one if it’s real
And two if you can feel it
Give me three signs that you’re awake
It only takes one spark
For two to fall apart
And three more to blow it away

Let me take you into the light
There’s nowhere to hide
There’s nothing but darkness left here
Shake it off and let’s take a ride
‘Cause heaven’s not far away
And I’m not gonna leave you here

There’s no such thing as maybe
Burn it like it’s fading
No more hesitating
Let the sparks fly baby
Drive it like ya race it
You can call me crazy
I’m just tired of waiting
Let the sparks fly baby

Give me one good reason
Two more to believe in
And three shots at why I should wait
‘Cause I got one more match
Two strikes left
You got to three to get out of my way

Give me one if it’s real
And two if you can feel it
Give me three signs that you’re awake
It only takes one spark
For two to fall apart
And three more to blow it away

Let me take you into the light
There’s nowhere to hide
There’s nothing but darkness left here
Shake it off and let’s take a ride
‘Cause heaven’s not far away
And I’m not gonna leave you here

There’s no such thing as maybe
Burn it like it’s fading
No more hesitating
Let the sparks fly baby
Drive it like ya race it
You can call me crazy
I’m just tired of waiting
Let the sparks fly baby

Let the sparks fly baby

Let me take you into the light
There’s nowhere to hide
There’s nothing but darkness left here
Shake it off and let’s take a ride
‘Cause heaven’s not far away
And I’m not gonna leave you here

Let me take you into the light
There’s nowhere to hide
There’s nothing but darkness left here
Shake it off and let’s take a ride
‘Cause heaven’s not far away
And I’m not gonna leave you here

Let me take you into the light
There’s nowhere to hide
There’s nothing but darkness left here
Shake it off and let’s take a ride
‘Cause heaven’s not far away
And I’m not gonna leave you here

There’s no such thing as maybe
Burn it like it’s fading
No more hesitating
Let the sparks fly baby
Drive it like ya race it
You can call me crazy
I’m just tired of waiting
Let the sparks fly baby

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Unforsaken

Unforsaken, Adelaide

By Linda

Adelaide is working on their second album. You can be part of this exciting project by supporting them on Kickstarter. They are close but need your support by March 19th to be funded. They heart and mission is clear. They hope to reach people with their music and the message of hope in Christ. Won’t you support this worthy mission?

Adelaide Website

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Love is our weapon

Remedy Drive, Love is Our Weapon

By Linda

The kingdom’s under siege, I still believe we can overcome together till the fight is done – together no we won’t go silent in the night, together we defend the city even to the end – stay with me. Love is our weapon of choice love is our weapon of choice. Love – raise the banner – lift it up – up above the noise.Shadows they would threaten – darkness would destroy us without love as our weapon – our weapon of choice. I will amplify your voice of peace riding on the wings of freedom. I’ll take you to the east of Eden, we can be innocent again. Love is our weapon of choice,  love is our weapon of choice. Love – raise the banner – lift it up – up above the noise.  Shadows they would threaten – darkness would destroy us without love as our weapon – our weapon of choice.  Take your best shot, take your best shot, take it we’re coming in hot, take your best shot. Love is our weapon of choice,  love is our weapon of choice love – raise the banner – lift it up – up above the noise. Shadows they would threaten – darkness would destroy us without love as our weapon – our weapon of choice.

David Zach, Philip Zach 2014

 

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Spring 2018 Tour Schedules

Spring 2018 Concert Tours

By Linda

With Spring on the horizon getting your concerts lined up may be on your agenda.  Following is a listing of links for concerts , tours and festivals lined up in the US this Spring. If you know of any concerts that aren’t listed, email us at rockinwithpurpose@mail.com so we can add them.

You can track your favorite bands’ concert schedules on

bandsintown

It’s exciting to have concerts lined up to look forward to. It gets you through those long work days. I hope you’ll share your concert experiences with us on the RockinwithPurpose Facebook Page.

Spring 2018 Tour Schedules

CITY ROCKFEST TOUR

DEATH THERAPY TOUR

DECYFER DOWN CONCERTS

DEVIL WEARS PRADA TOUR

DISCIPLE TOUR

EARTH GROANS TOUR

HOTEL BOOKS TOUR

LACEY STURM UNSTOPPABLE SCREAMS TOUR

NF TOUR

PLUMB TOUR

RED UNSTOPPABLE SCREAMS TOUR

RELENT

 SKILLET JOY UNLEASHED TOUR

STARS GO DIM TOUR

STRYPER TOUR

WOLVES AT THE GATE TOUR 

68 TOUR

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Ghost Ship

Theocracy, Ghost Ship

By Linda

Messenger of ages, carried on the wings of second birth
Unto the silent secrets of the earth
Justice generation, anthem for the sense of purpose we lost
We rise above and count the cost
We are the ones the others left behind
Breath of life from the four winds
Watch these bones of death now march again

Pay the piper, here we go
Got a ticket for a one-way journey
Slay the viper, come follow, even if you’re ordinary
There’s a place for you here
Raise the anchor, all aboard as the Captain calls his misfits
This Ghost Ship
Sets off to shake the world, Let’s go!

Cast off for the journey, join us as we sail the open seas
Unto the great adventure – follow Me
All the world’s unwanted
Come aboard and leave your darkness behind
Desperate to count, redeem the time
We are the ghosts awakened to the light
Forged and branded in His name
Ancient workmanship before ordained

Pay the piper, here we go
Got a ticket for a one-way journey
There’s revolution in the air
Slay the viper, come follow, even if you’re ordinary
There’s a place for you here
Though you were dead, come alive
Raise the anchor, all aboard as the Captain calls his misfits
This Ghost Ship
Sets off to shake the world – let’s go!

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Picture of Thousand Foot Krtuch

Thousand Foot Krutch – I Get Wicked

By Linda

How much do we take from people who push us to that point of complete anger and frustration? Thousand Foot Krutch reminds us of those people that can push our buttons and take us to that place of anger or even rage. Learning how to stand up for ourselves, while maintaining the perspective God wants us to have is no easy task. We aren’t called to be pushovers or to just take injustice. Ephesians 4:26 in the Bible instructs us on this, “When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down.”

As Christians, we are instructed to love, forgive and turn the other cheek. When people really cross over that line and hurt us or those we love, it’s difficult to restrain our anger. God does not deal with his enemies gently and we as Christians have spiritual armor that can blow our rivals out of the water so to speak. We do have to remember, vengeance is the Lord’s, not ours. With the right perspective, this should be enough to help us let it go. God will call out our enemies as He did Jonah’s. They have the opportunity to repent and turn to Him but if they don’t, the punishment they receive will be coming from the throne room of justice. So let’s love our neighbors and pray for our enemies if they drive us to that wicked streak. If they insist on pursuing the battle, God will be there to take care of it. The battle is the Lord’s.

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Feel Invincible

SKILLET, FEEL INVINCIBLE

By Linda

Target on my back, lone survivor lasts,
They got me in the sights.
No surrender, no trigger fingers, go,
Living the dangerous life.

Hey, hey, hey, everyday when I wake,
I’m trying to get up, they knocking me down,
Chewing me up, spitting me out.
Hey, hey, hey, when I need to be saved,
You’re making me strong, you’re making me stand,
Never will fall, never will end.
Shot like a rocket up into the sky,
Nothing can stop me tonight.

You make me feel invincible, earthquake, powerful,
Just like a tidal wave, you make me brave.
You’re my titanium, fight song, raising up,
Like the road of victory in a stadium.
Who can touch me? ‘Cause I’m, I’m made of fire!
Who can stop me tonight? I’m hard wired!
You make me feel,
Invincible!
I feel, I feel it,
Invincible!
I feel, I feel it,
Invincible!

Here we go again, I will not give in,
I’ve got a reason to fight.
Every day we choose, we might win or lose,
This is the dangerous life.

Hey, hey, hey, everyday when I wake,
They say that I’m gone, they say that they won,
The bell has been rung, it’s over and done.
Hey, hey, hey, when I need to be saved,
They’re counting me our, but this is my round,
You in my corner, look at me now.
Shot like a rocket up into the sky,
Nothing can stop me tonight.

You make me feel invincible, earthquake, powerful,
Just like a tidal wave, you make me brave.
You’re my titanium, fight song, raising up,
Like the road of victory in a stadium.
Who can touch me? ‘Cause I’m, I’m made of fire!
Who can stop me tonight? I’m hard wired!
You make me feel,
Invincible!
I feel, I feel it,
Invincible!
I feel, I feel it,
Invincible!   Songwriters: JOHN COOPER, SETH DAVID MOSLEY Feel Invincible lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP  

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

punk

In the Mood for Punk

By Linda

Punk music had it’s roots in garage bands of the 60’s and old school, African-American blues. Some of the bands that kicked off the musical sound are The Animals, The Buckinghams, The Kinks, MC5, The Seeds, The Standells and The Yardbirds. I’ve always loved the punk genre. It is born out of that sense of rebellion which, if channeled in the right direction, can be a good thing. I may even be attracted to breaking with the status quo at times. Much of the punk I found was released quite some time ago. I wanted some fresh punk albums, so I searched for albums released in the last few years.

Flatfoot 56

The use of Scottish Highland bagpipes has led to the band’s classification as a Celtic Punk Band. There street punk roots still shine through in this album with great songs that work together to make a mostly energetic album of songs with a contrast in pace to keep you engaged. Punk can get repetitious without some creativity but Odd Boat is interesting throughout. This album has power and drive maintaining street punk roots but with a Celtic flair.

Flatfoot 56 Website   

Flatfoot 56 on Facebook

Peter 118 and No Lost Cause

These two bands have released a split EP entitled “In Stereo” featuring six songs of high energy, positive punk rock. This is the kind of punk that will have you pumped up about about being a rebel for God. Crank it up and bop your head throughout the whole thing. It’s a requirement.

Peter118 on Facebook

No Lost Cause on Facebook 

MxPx

The release in 2017 of this live album recorded July 24/25th 2015 at the Observatory in Santa Ana. They also released “Life in General 2.0”. The band started out in the 90’s. Their music is rooted in skate punk, pop punk leanings. The band has quite a collection of discography. Their early music had ties to Christian music but like many bands, they distanced themselves from it. It seems that these days many bands just want to make music without all the labels. Mike Herrera also seems to have changed his mind on matters of faith over the years. Again we are all on a life journey. Sometimes life colors the views we have had in the past for better or worse. This live release is well worth listening to, especially if you’ve been a fan. Michael Weaver of Jesus Freak Hideout had this to say about “Life in General 2.0”, “As a long-time fan, though, celebrating 20 years of Life in General with this re-recording has been fun.  Something tells me that I’ll be rocking this record for another 20 years to come.” I haven’t been following them too closely, just here and there but I agree the album is a keeper.

MxPx Facebook Page

MxPx Website

Brand New

The album Science Fiction released in 2017 is a supposed swan song for the band. I have always been attracted to their music as a searching for the answers to life mentality that Jesse Lacey’s lyrics embody. The thoughts and feelings of Jesse Lacey are all grown up in this album but still searching for answers and wrestling with faith. If you’re looking for a Christian album, this isn’t the one. It peeks inside the heart of a soul searching for rest, looking back, gazing ahead and asking the hard questions about life and eternity. How many people are out there who have heard the truth of the Bible but it hasn’t taken root? The thorns of this life have choked it out.

I like to get a feel for the struggles of faith from those that are still on the journey for truth. Their fans identify with this probably because they are searching for meaning in life too. Jesse has had his problems as Rolling Stone reported allegations of sexual misconduct that he was accused of as women came forward. He admitted and apologized for these. On the album there are a few instances of using God’s name to damn, you know what I’m saying. These are hard to hear but the lyrics are a true look into the soul of someone that has biblical concepts embedded but has not yet come to rest on them. In Pitchfork’s review of the album, Ian Cohen hits the nail on the head, “The real punchline, though, is the chorus: “I’ve got a positive message, sometimes I can’t get it out.” Sure, if we could all constantly radiate love for everyone and shrug off our demons, maybe Brand New wouldn’t need to exist. But Lacey was built to fight through all this to the bitter end.” I am praying that Jesse and the band members fight through it all and rest on Jesus, if they haven’t already and become brand new.

Brand New Facebook Page

Acceptance

A reunion story with the band, who broke up back in 2005 not long after they released, Phantoms, which gained a bit of a cult following after they broke up. The band reunited in 2015. Having toured with bands like Anberlin and Seether i, they have a pop, punk, alternative sound akin to bands like Jimmy Eat World  and Anberlin. This reunion album “Colliding By Design” is outstanding. It really mimic’s Anberlin’s sound.

Acceptance website

Acceptance Facebook Page

I hope you enjoy this punk/alternative mix of recent albums and come back to them when you are in the mood for punk.

Punk out.

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Christian hardcore

Spirit and the Bride

By Linda

Josh screaming, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” is just awesome to me.  I enjoy the “core” genres of music. Spirit and the Bride, is a Christian hardcore, metalcore, melodic hardcore band who is passionate about things of God. Their latest album “Dry Bones” has Christian based lyrics through and through. It’s heavy, with Josh effectively screaming truths of our being in the bloodline of Christ, Armageddon, perseverance in Christ, leaving a legacy of praise, God’s kingdom over everything, one true faith, putting on the armor of God and so much more. So many great biblical reminders presented through passionate, heavy music that moves you to do something about it.

The band began in 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. There have been a few band member changes but original members include Josh Simmons (vocals) and Adam Simmons (drums) and Josh Summerville (guitars), who just recently left the band (November, 2017).  The band is looking for a new guitarist. Jeremiah Medley started as the bass player in 2013. They are signed to “On The Attack Records”.

Spirit and the Bride’s discography consists of With Eyes and Ears to See and Hear (2016) and the most recent, Dry Bones (2017). The band is clearly passionate about their faith.  Talented musicianship is displayed, with creativity in the delivery. While hardcore can become far too repetitious at times, Spirit and the Bride know how to keep it interesting, taking you with them in a worshipful rendering of hardcore music. The Dry Bones album gives me a hopeful, reflective outlook and an enjoyable ride musically. This is a really solid album in every way.

I give it an 8 out of 10 rating.

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

2017 Best Songs

Best Rock Songs of 2017

By Linda

Another memorable year for Christian rock and metal to celebrate. These songs will be with us for years to come, adding to the legacy of music exploring life from the view of a believer in Jesus Christ, unashamed, honest and transparent even when some may not understand. Bands that express faith are often criticized for some lyric that stirs up the Christian community or by others who feel that there’s audacity in strongly sharing faith in your music. Honest music can push the boundaries on either side. That’s what makes the music real and not the status quo. We hope you enjoy this playlist of music released in 2017.

Visit us on Facebook RockinwithPurpose 

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

top ten albums 2017

Donn’s Top 10 Albums of 2017

By Donn King

Donn’s Top Ten albums of 2017

10) Nothing Left – Destroy and Rebuild

9) August Burns Red – Phantom Anthem

8) Manafest – Stones

7) Phineas – Dark Flag

6) War of Ages – Alpha

 

5) Demon Hunter – Outlive

4) Seventh Day Slumber – Found

3) Red – Gone

 

2) Death Therapy – The Storm Before the Calm

1) Rusty Shipp – Mortal Ghost

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Garage Bands of the 60’s

By Linda

“The ocean sounds like a garage band coming at me like a drunk man”. Have you heard that lyric from Switchfoot’s song “Vice Verses”. What is a garage band?  You would naturally think of it as an amateur band practicing in a garage with a loud, raw kind of rocking sound. In the 1960’s garage bands actually were considered a separate music genre. It was sort of an early form of punk rock. The Crusaders were a Christian garage band originally called Freddy and the Fanatics. The band changed their name to The Crusaders and signed with Tower Records in 1966. The band’s debut single was called “The Little Drummer Boy” backed with “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”.  Their debut album was called “Make a Joyful Noise with Drums and Guitar”. The song “Praise Ye The Lord” had one of the heaviest garage sounds for its time. Learn more about The Crusaders.

There were all kinds of garage bands out there. This video captures the drums captioning the names of many of the bands and the sound that they carried.

Expression of the bands’ views, beliefs and emotion finds its way into the music naturally. In every era, these expressions encompass the wide array of lifestyles, opinions, and views of the musicians. Music is a sign of the times covering all that an era represents. The Grasshoppers’ song “The Very Last Day” talks about  Judgement Day. The lyrics go “ everybody’s gonna pray on the very last day when they hear that bell ring the world away”.


Dancing to the sound of the garage bands provided another outlet for fun and expression as you can see in this video of 60’s Garage, Surf, Freakbeat and Psychedelic Music. It was an exciting time of new music that was a springboard into the wide array of rock we enjoy today.

We have a rich Christian music history with so many stories behind it. God is representing himself through musical ambassadors. I strongly believe that he uses music to carry his message to a world that so desperately needs him.

 

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Red, Gone

Red, Gone

By Donn King

Listening to Red’s new album, Gone for probably the tenth time or so on Amazon prime music. Still want the physical copy but I love this album. I don’t know yet, if it’s their best work but either way, it’s awesome. It opens with my favorite track – Step Inside, the violence and it’s just right in your face. I love it. The whole album has their signature sound that so many of us have grown to love. Some of it is almost haunting and dark with the sound but that’s a cool sound to me. They remind me a little of the secular band from around 2000, Stabbing Westward. If you’re a fan of Red, then you must have this album. If you’re new Red, give them a try. They’re not a heavy, heavy metal. Their lyrics are powerful and well thought out. As soon as I get the hard copy, I’ll quote some of the lyrics. But right now, they are definitely in the running for album of the year.  I can’t find a bad track on the album. Take the time to pick up the deluxe version. 

I give it 5 out of 5 stars. 

 

 

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

The End is Where We Begin

TFK, The End is Where We Begin Revisited

By Linda

Thousand Foot Krutch’s 2012 release has been stuck in my car CD player for five years! This concept album takes us on a journey through our faith as Christians. It starts out with a Darth Vader type voice drawing  you in with these words “You have activated all systems, deactivation is not an option. If you don’t stand for something, you might fall for anything.” and ends with a similar message to take with you. The title song brings us back to our life apart from God where all our dreams collapse and leave us brokenhearted. The end is sometimes that same place that we find ourselves having tried it a second or third time and falling back in that pit of disappointment and brokenness. Again we run away from the mess that we have made of our lives and then we begin.

Where we begin is recognizing that we are aliens, not of this world but living in it, having been lost, misunderstood. Becoming traitors to our own faulty reasoning and distorted dreams we begin to live as changed people, our broken hearts mending and like angels singing with a million voices we are overcome with the joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ personally where it all began. If we find ourselves repeating the cycle once again we crawl back to the end of our own rope and again we begin. We begin to live as who we really are, heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, royalty. I don’t listen to CD’s much anymore and the only one I listen to in the car is this one. I never get tired of it! If you haven’t engaged with this album, I recommend that you take the journey. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvIlytIm9cY

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Branding Music

By Linda

Is branding a vital element to surviving in the music industry? When you think of a band, Skillet, for instance, what images come to mind? My mind envisions Skillet as industry professionals, well produced, always entertaining, declaring faith, exploring life’s ups and downs. The band is well recognized in mainstream rock/metal and the Christian music scene. They are polished and confident. These images are the components of branding. Think of your favorite bands. What comes to mind? Does the thought of them bring the “personality” of the band to mind? Should it?

Some may feel that a band should first and foremost concentrate on producing the best music possible. This could be the case but are all bands tied to this being their number one priority? What if they have another purpose for their music besides just the music. Is that OK? Portraying an image to the public can connect a band them with the fans that would appreciate them. Some may think that sharing the gospel and faith based ministry is number one in priority when it comes to Christians that make music. Do you think so?

The fact is, bands, if they were to pin down a mission statement, have different ones. Branding is what reveals the heart of a band to their audiences and attracts fans that identify with them and appreciate their music. Without strong branding, building a fan base can be more difficult. A well thought out brand strategy personifies a band to it’s fans. There is always the danger of overdoing it and coming across as too commercial as if you are selling yourself to the public. Commercialism in branding is not what works but a genuine face of the band revealing what drives them is.

Starting a career in marketing, branding is on my mind a lot. I listened to a New Release Today live show recently entitled  A New Paradigm for Christian Music with Keven and Marcus that got me thinking about this more. They discussed a variety of topics, the emphasis in Christian music by lots of bands these days on worship, bands that devote themselves to a cause like Remedy Drive’s connection with The Exodus Road and a general discussion of the shift of music produced by Christians. This spurred my thinking in the direction of the importance of having an image in mind that identifies yourself as a band to the public. Let’s face it, bands want to be successful and this means music, concert ticket and merchandise sales. They also want to connect with people, increase their fanbase and draw support for the causes that are important to them. Branding can be such an effective way to do this.

When creating a brand, musicians should guard against being a shell that looks amazing on the outside but lacks heart. People like to sense depth to the bands they follow. A shallow band may not keep their fans interested, neither can one that is too predictable. We like a little variation in our music and the presentation of it. Thimblerigsark writes in his article entitled, “Branding the Christian Faith” “I personally know a few Christian musicians and songwriters, and they are – without a doubt – talented people.  In fact, the ones I know have more talent in their little toe than I have in my entire body.  And yet, popular Christian family-friendly music, the kind you hear on our radio stations, arguably the most visible (audible?) part of the Christian brand, is just… bland. Uninteresting.  Predictable.  Over-produced.  Safe. And those are not words that I would use to describe the Christian faith.” I have felt the same thing. I will listen to mainstream Christian radio from time to time and with the exception of a few songs that are really well done, they underwhelm me.  Is it because the music’s message is too safe or the same familiar message that is heard over and over to the point where it just doesn’t hold your attention? Maybe it’s just that some people like repetition in their music and others don’t. Obviously pop music or mainstream Christian Contemporary musicians sells lots of music so this kind of music has a market. It’s just not for everyone and seems to dominate the airwaves.

Depth in a band’s lyrics may touch those areas of humanity that are not as safe, like human trafficking, suicide or substance abuse. Music that touches on our life experiences are not always safe and may not have a widespread appeal but will attract those who are touched by the message or can identify with the subject matter. Identifying with people walking down particular walks of life can bring a sense that they are not alone and that there is hope, which can be instrumental in healing. Making this known in their branding, even Christian bands can seem dark and maybe go against the nerve of some believers, but God has a different mission for everyone. Jesus reached those in the shadows when he hung out with the tax collectors, prostitutes and those who found themselves in dark places. John 1:5 says, “ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

There are those bands that bring the light in smaller doses because not everyone is ready to be flooded with light. Light is what we want for humanity as well as hope and a future. There are those Christians in bands that don’t choose to brand themselves as “Christian”. They may hope to appeal to a wider audience bringing music that may not be overtly Christian but is for everyone. Just like David played the harp for Saul simply to cheer him up and relieve stress, there are those bands that are just fun and get the audience involved. Family Force Five has been criticized for this but I find that I have such a great time at their concerts, its pure fun and games. What can be wrong with that? Some music may not have a real message and could just be silliness that makes us laugh or dance (Chain Saw) and feel like life is worth living.  Some people aren’t looking for meaningful music but just the fun stuff.  Family Force 5 brands themselves as just that,  fun, party music. This has been their claim to fame and success in the industry.

Branding is a valuable tool for bands and musicians. Projecting an identity and connecting with fans is an important element in success. Musicians should guard against being over marketed without delivering in their product, the music. Ensuring that the music really is what it claims to be is crucial. Albums that don’t live up to the hype, being well promoted but lacking quality can really disappoint fans. This is detrimental to a band. Whether promoting the latest album, an upcoming concert tour or an event or cause, well-done promotional material with strong branding sends a clear message that helps fans to engage. Thoughtful planning in the area of branding and marketing is a huge component in the success of musicians in today’s music industry.

 

 

 

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

12 Stones, Picture Perfect

12 Stones – Picture Perfect

By Donn King

The 5th release from 12 Stones, Picture Perfect, is a good hard rock release with twelve tracks and two bonus songs make for a nice long album. 12 Stones is an American Christian post-grunge band that was formed in 2000 in Louisiana.  Their last release was Beneath the Scars in 2012, so they probably had plenty of material stored up to put into this album. My personal complaint is that the lyrics aren’t printed on the jacket and I love reading the lyrics. Picture Perfect is the title track. This is the official video released for it.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qFo_GpQezI

The songs are all solid mixing of heavy rock with some ballads. Lerlene stands out as a great ballad. I really like Blessing too. I’ve listened to the album a bunch of times and it’s just solid material. Nothing blows me away and doesn’t break new ground for them but they don’t need to. They put out consistently good music like bands Disciple and Skillet. They’ve had a few big crossover hits and just keep rocking along. If you like solid grunge to hard rock music, check these guys out and definitely give this album a listen. I’m giving it 3.5 stars out of 5. I think it’s a very solid release. Just wish they included the lyrics. They lost a half star for that.

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Seventh Day Slumber, Found

Seventh Day Slumber – Found

By Donn King

It’s just heavy enough and yet you can still understand the lyrics perfectly. And that’s the style Seventh Day Slumber plays perfectly with a mix of harder music and ballads and Christ centered lyrics. I love heavy metal and really enjoy the real heavy stuff with screams and growls but my favorite style is plain old hard rock.  Seventh Day Slumber is a Christian rock/hard rock band formed way back in 1996. Their first big record company release came in 2005 with Shattered Life. But on to my review of their new release, Found released in 2017. I’m not going to lie, I’m a huge fan of them and was really looking forward to this album. I was not disappointed. So far, I’ve probably listened to this album a dozen or so times in just a few weeks.

The first song release is the title track, Found and hits right at home. “You were the one who always came running, when all my world had come undone. You were the one bringing my healing. With open arms, You call me son. Deep in the valley, You were still calling. Deep in my heart, I heard the sound. All of Your grace for all of my failure, I was so lost but now I’m found.” The album continues to blend heavier and softer tracks but the lyrics continue to hit home and bring great meaning. Joseph Rojas is the lead singer and founder of the band and his voice just fits perfectly with the lyrics and when I saw them live, he’s a good preacher too. You can just feel this band has a strong heart for the Lord.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvEwDEHqbOc

My favorite song on the album is, Mercy Meets My Pain. Here’s the chorus. “There’s no light without the darkness. And without my struggle, I can’t be given peace. And through all the chaos and madness, You are working for my pain. In my darkest night, is where Your mercy meets my pain.”

I just can’t seem to get enough of these songs. I don’t know if this will be the album of the year for me but right now it’s running at the top. If you like Spirit filled lyrics with a tinge of heaviness, then this is the album for you.
But I definitely rate this as 5 out of 5 stars. I think it’s worth the money to buy.

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

summer rock fest tour

Summer Rockfest 2017

By Donn King

Five bands and almost 4 hours of awesome music. It was a $10 ticket that was seriously worth $100. Two weeks ago I drove up up to north country of New York in Carthage to see Seventh Day Slumber headline their Summer Rockfest tour.
Opening the show was an all girl band called Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. And I mean girl, cause these are all 3 teenage sisters playing their version of metalcore they funnily refer to as beautycore. Maggie is the lead vocalist and she can scream with the best of them and would give even Lacey Sturm a run for her money. So we were off and running and rocking.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibQyh-ZdCtc

Next up was the band, The Protest. An up and coming hard rock band. Though I’d say they’re metal. Very heavy set and just awesome. And no break at all. Drum sets being shared, meant there was only about a 10-15 minute break between acts. Really liked these guys and bought their album. Good stuff. Definitely on their way to hitting it big onto a bigger record label.

Next up was the band Scarlet White. They’re a hard rock band with more good original music glorifying God. They’re a band that has done extensive touring and another band on the edge of hitting it big. Everyone so far has played short 5-6 song sets but they’re rocking pretty hard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U105vSpTnog

Next up is the final opening act of the night, Random Hero. They played a little longer set and from looking at their merch table, they have a bunch of albums out. And man, are they good. They have a great stage presence and really got the crowd involved. They’ve got a great sound and definitely comparable to Disciple and Skillet. And that ended the opening acts and was I full of energy. All the bands were very open about their faith and glorifying God. Even though it was a tiny crowd there, these bands were giving their best and it was much appreciated.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeCMDRvgViY

Now onto the main event, Seventh Day Slumber. Took about 20 minutes to set up but they hit the stage guns ablazing. Full on assault of hard rock and fire for pyrotechnics. But they would put on more than just a rock show. Joseph Rojas is the lead singer and shared his amazing testimony including the 20 plus year history of the band. These guys hit all their hits(of which there are many) and some cover songs. Hunger Strike originally played by Chris Cornell and mother love bone was a well done cover. Worship song, from the inside out was beautifully done. But Joseph also threw in some preaching with an altar call. The music was phenomenal but feeling the Holy Spirit working at a hard rock/metal show was just amazing. Seventh Day Slumber put on a beautiful show. But it was more than that. It was a full on ministry of sorts.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvEwDEHqbOc

This was one of my favorite Christian shows I’ve been to. It rocked hard but yet, there was testimony, preaching and full on honoring God. What a phenomenal experience that has put me back on a spiritual high of sorts. If you get the chance, definitely check out each one of these bands. I went on a spending spree and bought all the opening acts’ albums. I’ll be posting those reviews soon. I already owned the whole discography of Seventh Day Slumber except for their early stuff from the late 90s which is now mine. But they do have a brand new release that is blowing me away. Review coming.
But this was definitely a five star show for me. Just loved it and loving how it’s made me feel.

 

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Creationfest Northeast Main Stage

Creation NE Main Stage, June 29

By Linda

Experience video previews of bands on the Main Stage concerts on Thursday, June 29th at Creation 2017. These are the concerts and special attractions. This does not highlight worship times and speakers.

Worship concert with Red Letter Hymnal at 10:15 am

The Birdsongs, 11:30 am – Describing their family’s ministry through music, this promo video gets to the heart of the band and their mission.

 

Painting Freedom, 4:45 pm

Set For the Fall, 5:00 pm

Sho Baraka, 5:50 pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AM3Lo8ywjc

Relient K, 8:30 pm

For King and Country, 9:50 pm

The Main Stage events end with communion and Creation Cinema (movie shown). There is also a dance party in the Late Night Tent.

 

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Creation Northeast HM Stage

Creation NE HM Stage, June 28

By Linda

Creation 2017 is upon us. The HM Stage is about to be fired up on Wednesday, June 28th.   Introducing some of the bands that will bring us those incredible moments that will rock our world.

Earth Groans, a South Dakota based hardcore band brings aggressive vocals and organized dissonance, as they put it. “No one whispers about something they are passionate about” according to Jeremy, front man for the band. Starting out in 2015, the band is hardworking and has built a following by touring right out of the gate. The bands passion is to bring hope to people and connect with the heart of their fans. The band opens the HM stage at 8:35 pm

“The meaning behind “The Death In Me“: Die to yourself so you can bring life to others. This hardcore band is out of Raleigh, North Carolina brings music with a message of love, forgiveness and redemption through Jesus Christ and . They categorize themselves in the genres of Melodic Metalcore, Chaotic Hardcore. I love the combo (melodic and chaotic)! You can catch them on the HM Stage at 9:15 pm.

Convictions, a metalcore band from Ohio classifies their music as”aggressive worship”. Realizing the struggles we all face, they touch topics that may be beyond the norm, touching a nerve here and there. Their live shows are captivating and draw you in with emotion and passion. This is going to be an incredible show starting at 9:55 pm.

Comrades is a post rock, post hardcore band from Richmond, Virginia started back in 2008. Listed under the genres of post-hardcore, christian punk, screamo and emo. The band consists of husband and wife, Laura McElroy doing clean vocals and playing bass, Joe McElroy on lead guitar and Ben Trussel on drums and unclean vocals. They start at 10:35 pm.

To Speak of Wolves will close out the HM Stage starting at 11:30 pm on Wednesday night. They are from Greensboro, North Carolina that started back in 2007 and made a comeback in 2016. They are considered metalcore, posthardcore.

And there is the first night of Creation 2017’s HM stage.

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Creation Festival, Creation 2017, Creation NE

Creation NE Main Stage, June 28

By Linda

Creation 2017 is upon us. The Main Stage is about to be fired up on Wednesday, June 28th. Introducing some of the bands that will bring us those incredible musical moments that we will long remember.

Starting at the main stage at 4:25 pm,  Written in Kings, from the UK will break in Creation 17. The band states that they“strive to change the atmosphere wherever they are.”  Everything WIK strives for is excellence, whether it is in live performance or recorded music, the hope is that it will change your world, even if just for a moment. Captured in the moment with Written in Kings rocking our world sounds like a great way to start the festival.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f_cNNwiO48

Next to hit the stage at 5:00 pm will be Jordan Copas. Jordan is a rapper with a calling from God that brought him through difficult years. God is using him, an unlikely candidate (like the rest of us) being used to reach people for God’s glory.

What started out as a one night worship gathering featuring what was then called “Solomon’s Porch” in 2008 at Calvary Chapel in Carson City, Nevada has brought us the super talented band now called “I Am They” begins at 5:50 pm. They have been categorized in the genres of worship, Christian rock, pop, country, folk rock, pop and country pop but whatever genre you put them in, this will be a beautiful, inspirational and worshipful concert under the stars. This will set the audience up in the attitude of worship to sing our hearts out to the Lord in the worship time led by Sorensen.

Bread of Stone is set to hit the stage at 8:30 pm. The band was established in 2004 with music that includes pop, rock and praise. Ben and Bill Kristijanto, followed their father’s advice when he shared with them that he felt the brothers had a calling to music ministry. “We have never set out to make a statement of ourselves as artist,” said Bill Kristijanto, “We are able to do so only through God’s grace.” The band released their 5th album, Hold the Light in 2016. This Bread of Stone video features with their single, The Change features Beacon Light.

The closing performance at 9:50 pm is the one and only Crowder.  What an amazing collection of music this talented artist has given us. He is passionate about his Jesus and ours. His songs are injected with faith in God, worshipful, inspirational, and can break into a hoe-down at any time. He is classified in the genres of contemporary Christian, worship and folktronica.  His former band “The David Crowder Band” formed in 1996  It disbanded in 2012. Crowder’s songs permeate the Christian music airwaves. His most recent album is called “American Prodigal“.

This will wrap up the first night of Creation NE, Main Stage.

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Nothing Left, Destroy and Rebuild

By Donn King

This is a new group started by Ryan and Brandon Leitru from the band For Today. They bring in Danon Saylor on vocals from a bullet for pretty boy and Alex Camarena on drums from Silent planet. And so was born a new supergroup. Make no mistake, this is not For Today and not Mattie Montgomery on vocals but it is still without a doubt awesome metalcore music. Danon is great on vocals and the lyrics have a darkness to them examining things the impact of losing a friend to suicide. This is definitely in your face metal but not in your face with Christ-like their former band. But their love of metal shows and they are still having playing the heavy stuff. No, this isn’t For Today but it’s still awesome metal. It’s a short 16 minute, 6 track ep but it’s a glimpse of great metal to come from these guys. Hands of Death is my favorite song and looks at losing a friend to suicide.

I give the album a solid 4 out of 5 stars and a definite recommendation to get this album.

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

5 Band’s T-Shirts You Have to Check Out

By Linda

The summer’s fast approaching it’s time to start shopping for t-shirts. Band shirts and merch are such a cool way to express your musical side and expose everyone you meet to your fav bands. They can be the most expressive fashion statement out there. Bold statements, splashes of color, interesting graphics, trendy subject matter or symbols can give a T-shirt that edge that gets attention. Here a few T-shirts we think you have to check out! There are tons of others, to be sure.  Have fun T-Shirt shopping!

Disciple Merch Shop

 

 

Skillet Brand New Merch Shop

Thousand Foot Krutch Merch Shop

Islander Merch Shop                                                                                                                                                                         

 Manafest Merch Store

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

The Letter Black

By Linda


Exciting news for The Letter Black fans. The band is releasing their heavier rock/metal album, Pain in May. Their last album, Rebuild was released back in 2013 so it’s been a while, creating a great excitement from their fans for new music from them. In recent live streaming, Q & A’s the band members have stated that they have discovered they were meant to carry a heavier sound. Sara Anthony enjoys screaming and has incorporated more of it into this album. Mark Anthony, on the other hand, revealed that he doesn’t really enjoy doing vocals so is focusing more on guitar this time around. To get you ready for the new album, we will take a little journey down The Letter Black’s music memory lane.

The Letter Black was formerly known as Breaking the Silence and started in Uniontown, Pennsylvania in 2006. The band consists of Sarah (vocals) and Mark Anthony (guitar), who are married, Matt Beal (bass) and Justin Brown (drums). They are classified in the genres of rock, hard rock, alternative metal, post-grunge and nu-metal. Many of their earlier songs reflect the feelings they had as a result of being hurt by people in their church. You can experience the feelings of working through bad relationships with people and coming out on the side of forgiveness, yet a severing of ties with those that did damage in their lives. Former members of the band were Adam DeFrank, Keith Anselmo and Matt Slagle. Although they raised money for their upcoming album on Kickstarter, they have signed with

Although they raised money for their upcoming album on Kickstarter, they have signed with EMP Music Group to help with release and marketing of the album after talking to  (Megadeth bassist) David Ellefson and Thom Hazaert of EMP LABEL GROUP.

DISCOGRAPHY

2007, Stand, Independent

2010, Hanging on By a Thread, Tooth & Nail Records

2013, Rebuild, Tooth & Nail Records

2017, Pain, EMP Music Group/Kickstarter

EP’S

2009, Breaking the Silence

2011, Hanging on by a Thread, Sessions Volume 1

2011, Hanging on by a Thread, Sessions Volume 2

STAND – 2007

HANGING ON BY A THREAD – 2010

REBUILD – 2013

PAIN

In stores May 21, 2017, Preorder https://www.amazon.com/Pain-LETTER-BLACK/dp/B06XHK8W6K/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1520811817&sr=1-1&keywords=the+letter+black&dpID=51xb0IaL7%252BL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

 

 

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Dire – Volume 1

By Donn King

This is Dire, an indie metal band from Georgia’s release from 2016. We can expect great things from these guys. The first track All Glory just hits you in the face with Christian metal. The growling in the chorus singing all glory to the one true God just blows you away. This is hardcore metal at its best. But wait, they also mix in some melodic hard rock. And they mix it in perfectly. It’s a well produced and mixed metal album. They are full-on Christ-centered lyrics. There’s some doubt these days as to how Christian some of these metal bands are but this is not one of those bands. They bring Christ to the forefront here. I read that they have signed with a record label and hoping for new music from them either late this year or early next. We can expect big things from these guys.

I give them a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Demon Hunter – Outlive

By Donn King

With lead vocalist, Ryan Clark’s side project of electronic pop, we were worried that they’d go soft. But worry no longer. The new release is plenty heavy. There is some electronic sound but it fits nicely. The album is a great release from a band that is just straight heavy metal. They don’t really fit a genre. They’re just straight up metal and they are in your face with it. One Less and Jesus Wept are the hardest tracks on the album. Died in My Sleep has that electronic sound I talked about but it’s still solid. The lyrics are solidly Christian. They’re in your face with their faith and I just love it. I may be biased but I love this album. It’s the release of the year so far in my opinion.

I give it a full 5 out 5 stars. I recommend you pick it up immediately.

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Running with Giants

By Linda

What you think of when you think of giants? Huge, frightening, bullylike, loud, obnoxious, arrogant, paralyzing, these are some words that I think of. Of course, the biblical Goliath comes to mind and David’s encounter with him. On the other hand, there is “standing on the shoulders of giants”. These are pillars of the faith like Mose, Abraham, the apostle Paul, C.S. Lewis, Bonhoeffer, Tozer, and so many others that have had a huge impact for Christ. We admire their courage and strong faith. The song Running with Giants by Thousand Foot Krutch brings lots of thoughts to mind.

In a Loudwire exclusive, Frontman Trevor McNevan says of the single, “This song is about faith & trust, and staring our fears right in the face and saying, ‘No more. You have no shelter here.’” I like that! FDR said, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself”. There are dangers in this life that should be avoided and can cause problems. We do have to be wise with our risk-taking and adventures and not engage in foolish, destructive behavior. We have to remember the perils that are out there, but God has us here for a reason. As believers, I highly doubt that he wants us to play it safe. There is a whole world out there that needs to know the love of Christ and they are not always welcoming.

“Running with giants everywhere I go, It’s an unspoken alliance so I can just let go.”

When we band together to accomplish our mission for Christ, in prayer, in power, and in love, we are mighty.  No bullying giant can stop us whether internal (fear, emotions, pain, depression, etc) or external (Christ haters, government, etc) With the apostle Paul as our example, it is clear that we can railroad through every obstacle if we are moving in the will of God until the day he takes us home. Will we trip over stray debris on the journey? Yes. Will we hit road blocks that seem immovable? Yes. Will we feel like God has left us at times? Probably. Can we lift each other up when we hit those valleys? YES!

Let’s do this! Let’s make Jesus famous no matter what the cost. The world should know what an awesome, amazing, out of this world, loving, merciful Savior he is. If we don’t tell them, who will? Romans 10:4 in the Bible says, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” There it is. This is our call to action.

So when the giants in your life have got you in a stronghold, remember TFK’s song, Running with Giants. We can stand on the shoulders of the good giants, pillars of the faith that have gone before us and made their mark on the world for Christ.

“And I feel the pressure of ten men
When the floor cracks and the walls start moving in
I feel the strength that’s from within
Kickin’ down the doors and walls
We’re coming in”

Ask your friends to pray, support you and lift you up while you’re weak. That’s why it’s so important for the church to bind together. We are strong when we come together and we can kick those doors and walls right out of the way. We are giant for Christ when we let him work through us. Are you with me?

 

 

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Thank You, Lacey Sturm

By Aimee Otero

I wanted to pay my own small respects to Lacey Sturm, one of my favorite artists after I found out that she will be at this years’ Soul Fest….. I decided to create an introductory of sorts….the way she’s inspired MY life…

I first heard the band Flyleaf (previously fronted by Lacey) in late 06. The Sound of Life Radio had a nightly weekend program on centered around Christian rock and hip hop. When I first heard the song “Fully Alive ” I remember being so moved. Not only did this girl testify her once brokenness, but she screamed the truth too…that she was no longer living that old way. She was firmly , Fully Alive. I think this took place sometime around October/November. By Christmas of that same year, I bought my first Flyleaf album. The songs were bold and when Lacey sang….she wasn’t just singing. She was declaring. …every emotion, every time that felt alone , and eventually, every victory…..

By the coming year I was officially hooked on Flyleaf and their awesome front woman…..but as I listened more , I realized it wasn’t Lacey that made herself “awesome” It was the love of Jesus Christ. The same Love that wanted so badly for me to know He was there in my brokenness and in my every part of rationalizing. ..He didn’t want me to do “this Christian walk attempt ” by myself. He was going to open my heart so radically. ..the same way He did for Lacey. Because I was under the impression that Salvation was enough… “Alright, I said the sinner’s prayer. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again. I’m all set now. Life goes no further until I do something good and see my reward, right? ” Boy was I very wrong.

I’m grateful for that night eleven years ago. God did something mighty through that music. Flyleaf was the first Christian band I truly gravitated to. I knew about Kutless and Skillet . I enjoyed their music but I never took action by the way God spoke to me through it. It is so important to keep pursuing that still small voice… These artists play such a vital role in how our love for the Lord is shaped. I guess I just want to say Thank You. Like Lacey Sturm, They too are changing someone’s life right now….

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Toby Mac, The Hits Deep Tour

By Donn King

WOW! Just blown away by this show. The set up was 2 stages, a main stage and front stage connected by a catwalk. This kept the show flowing. Hollyn opened on the front stage with three songs. Then Capital Kings hit the main stage and played a short set of their dance music style with Hollyn joining in for a song. I’m not a club guy but it was energetic and made you feel like dancing. Next up, Ryan Stevenson hit the front stage and played another short set with his hits. He mixed in a little acoustic set and some rap. Interesting mix, look forward to hearing him do a full set this summer. Next up was Mandisa on the main stage and she was awesome. She’s been gone since 2013 when a tragedy hit her life and she walked away from God and music. But her story went on to show how she’s made her way back. Her songs and testimony were inspiring. Mac Powell from Third Day fame was next with his country band. He’d played a nice little set of his Third Day hits, some gospel and a little of his country music. Then Matt Maher took the main stage and hit most of his worship favorites. His band is awesome and I loved that we got some straight worship at this show. Then we took a short break with a short testimony for the Feed the Hungry charity.

After the break, Tobymac and his Diverse City band hit the stage wth a set that lasted 70 minutes or so. He hit all his more recent hits going back to 2006. What a showman Toby is! His band is unreal good, too! Mandisa, Hollyn, Ryan Stevenson and Matt Maher all had guest appearances and Toby bounced between stages. This show was awesome and the stage shows were very professional. There were great Jesus stories and testimonies mixed in with the music and the songs were all Christ-centered. This show was as good as any secular show I’ve ever seen. It was so good that I definitely recommend seeing if you get a chance. This isn’t typically my style of music but these guys make you want to jump up and dance for Jesus! Tobymac has had a long and illustrious career and puts on one phenomenal show. Tickets were inexpensive and I was 3 rows up from the floor on the left side of the stage but could see everything with both stages and there were screens too. The show was close to a sellout. It was pretty packed. Great job by the sound guys as the show sounded fantastic.

I don’t usually rate a concert but these guys deserve 5 out of 5 stars.

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Death Therapy – The Storm Before the Calm

By Donn King

This is the new project from Jason Wisdom, the former lead singer of Christian death metal band Becoming The Archetype. But he’s come up with a totally different sound while still getting his trademark growls into the vocals. What makes it so interesting is that for a metal band, there are no electric guitars. There’s a bass guitar, drums, and keyboard/synthesizers. It makes for a very electronic metal sound. It very interesting and I really like the different sound produced. I would say it compares to the secular band, Nine Inch Nails. A definitely different sounding metal and pretty unique to the Christian genre. My favorite song so far is Wake Me(when I’m dead). But make no mistake, Jason is a full on board Christian and it speaks in his music. My only complaint is that there’s no lyric book with the cd. It’ll take me time and google to delve deeper into the lyrics of this album. It’s a 10 song cd but several songs are short and this is more of a long EP, than a full album. I hope there’s a longer release not far down the road. I’d have to classify them as kind of industrial metal. It’s a sound I enjoyed in the 90s and it’s nice to see Christian music come out with this sound. I give the album a solid 4 stars out of 5 for a real good solid start. Can easily see them going to 5 stars with their next release.

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

The Raw Emotion of Folk Music

By Aimee Otero

My love for Christian rock music will always be an extreme part of my life. …, but a lot of you may not have known that I also strongly like that all too unmentioned category of Christian music….that genre which many sweep under their feet in belief of it being boring. ..yes, I’m referring to folk music. There is an undeniable honesty in the raw emotion of this genre. Everything is stripped away besides your heart and the sounds of acoustic guitars. This leads me to mention this beautiful song. Josh White questioned Gods love….As the lyrics say, “Will You stay with me when I forget You’re there? Will You still love me when my love lingers elsewhere? ” How many of us have questioned the realness of Gods tangibility? I know that I have. Here is the most amazing Truth…. God truly does care. He is love. …The only true definition of love that cares so much in fact that He chose to create a relationship with each person in this world. When I realized I needed to get rid of lists and do’s and dont’s and just accept His plan for my life, Things gradually began to fit into place. I wasn’t just a random face in a suffocating crowd. I was sought since time began….since existence took form. Wow! What an incredible way to know His tangibility. This song embodies just that. I hope it blesses many.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeRSsTmieGE

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

Red, of Beauty and Rage

By Aimee Otero

With an exceedingly growing career,  It is no surprise that Red once again makes an outstanding delivery.  This particular album; of Beauty and Rage is by far their greatest work yet. Although they are not known for an upbeat sound,  they nonetheless glorify their Creator with a raw and relative message upon a life of imperfection and the dire need for a Savior. When listening to this album,  I felt a deeper connection.  It was as though they had taken me on a journey through their pain. I had such a quenching for exactly what was being conveyed. – And then, I realized this phenomenal journey I was being taken to was my own. Yes, Red has done it again. My highest regards go to them.

My favorite tracks off of the album are The Ever and Yours Again. The Ever starts off with an array of different instruments and gradually builds its effect by vocal synchronization to allow its introduction into the chorus of this very powerful song.  I especially like where it says “But You saw more,  You saw my deepest part, with the light of a thousand stars.” What a realization that is…To know that the God of the universe would see us with light His hands created and still never look away, even when seeing our darkest parts…

Yours Again is no exception to the greatness that Red delivers.  From the beginning lyrics that say ” I can almost hear You breathing like a whisper in my ear. I remember how You lost me or how I lost You…” The realness of the Lords presence is made so relative here and it’s not merely in just a logical sense. It goes beyond with the confession that God was like a whisper in the ear. It admits the uncertainty of not fully knowing if God left or if we left Him. The fact that the song is in question lets us know that He was always there still working amidst the pain. Even the smallest indication of God is enough and that very often comes to us at first as our questioning. ..we are making that same realization of a presence being there whether we are aware of it being Him at the moment or not. The chorus of this song is taking its emotion and singing out that we are His again!

I would give this album a 5-star rating for sure.

 

Linda Fau

Owner/Blogger

With a passion for Rock and Roll with a purpose-driven message, I've dedicated myself to providing you with all the best news and resources possible for Rock 'n Roll with a Purpose. Rock on!

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