Friday, November 23, 2012

[INTERVIEW] Emily from Shine Bright Baby

BEC Recordings recently welcomed Ohio pop rock group Shine Bright Baby into their acclaimed roster. Fans were introduced to the band at the major Christian music festivals including Creation and Alive. Their debut album, produced by Pete Kipley, is set for release in 2013. I had the pleasure of catching up with Emily Irene, lead singer of the band, to talk about the upcoming record and how they made their way into the music scene. My questions are in bold, followed by Emily's answers in black. 


















Who makes up your band and where are you guys from?
Our band is made up of 5 people. Karl (drums), Josh (guitar and lots of other stuff), Hudson (bass), Nathan (guitar) and myself, Emily (vocals). We are all from the northeast Ohio area.

Can you give us a little background history on how the band came together?
The way the band came together is a crazy God story. The short version is that Nathan and I met in high school. We went to the same community college together where we met a guy who wanted to start a band. Even though that individual is no longer in the band it led to us meeting Hudson not long after. Josh and Karl joined the band after a former project they were both involved in disbanded. We have been together with this line up for 3 years now.

What is the message behind the name ‘Shine Bright Baby’?
The name comes from Philippians 2 in the passage where it talks about "shining brightly" for Christ in our dark generation. I think it's a name with a lot of truth and personality. We love it.

Who are your musical influences?
We are all from different musical backgrounds, which is what helps make our music so diverse. Anything from bubble gum pop to heavy metal to folk music. We listen to it all.

What is something you want your listeners to take away from your music after listening to it?
We really want the listener to feel empowered after hearing our record. The new record, in particular, focuses on themes of light, hope, love and being brave. I don't want someone to listen to our record and say, "Oh, that was a good CD." I would rather them say, "I can relate to that and because these kids are doing what they love it makes me want to go out and do the same, whatever it may be." We want to inspire people to find and follow their God given dreams.

For those people who have never heard of you, how would you describe your sound?
A female fronted pop rock band with all sorts of sonic surprises. 

You guys recently signed a record deal with BEC Recordings. How did that come about?
Though the announcement was recent, this is something that has been in the works for a long time. Tooth and Nail (parent label to BEC) saw us perform at a Christian music festival back in 2009. And even though we were not looking for a label at the time (we were a very new band just doing music for the love of it) it ended up being the place where we would find people with our same vision for our band. We are thrilled to be part of such a long-standing label.

So let’s talk about your debut album that is slated for release in 2013. How is the recording process going?
We started recording the album in July and finished tracking in October. So the recording process is done at this point and we are in the mixing, mastering and artwork phase. It's been so cool to watch the songs come together. We wrote for almost 2 years for this and it's finally happening.

What can we expect both musically and lyrically from this record? Do you have any more details about the album that you would like to reveal?
Like I said earlier, the album focuses on themes like light, hope, love and being brave. It's a very hopeful and inspiring record. We all go through hard times and troubles but I didn't want that to be the focus of this record. Musically, just like our band, the album is very diverse. We have pushed our boundaries in every direction, doing things we have never done before musically. It will be a "Shine Bright Baby" album but I think everyone will find themselves pleasantly surprised by what this album has to offer. There is one guest vocal appearance on the album that we are all pretty stoked about - that's all I am going to say about that. 

What bible verse would you say has meant the most to you guys as a band?
That's so hard as we all have verses we love and are regularly sharing with each other. The passage our band name came from is a big one for sure in Philippians 2, along with Ephesians 5:8.

How do you see God working in you as a band right now?
As individuals and as a band, we constantly feel challenged to be examining our motives and our walk. We have literally been given an unbelievable opportunity to reach people and we don't want to take that lightly. Being in a band, you are constantly being stretched. Without being renewed in our personal walks daily, doing this kind of ministry could become draining. We want to always be filled up so we can continue to pour out.

Tell us five random facts about Shine Bright Baby
1. Hudson and his mom crochet hats that we sell at our merch table
2. Nathan has the most unbelievable curly hair 
3. Emily can't ride a bike 
4. Josh has narcolepsy 
5. Karl drinks more water than any other person on the planet. Seriously.

What is the craziest thing that has happened while on tour?
Lots of crazy stuff has happened but one time we stayed at a house that was out in the middle of nowhere on "Blood Road" where the dad's profession was taxidermy. I slept in a room that was covered from top to bottom with traps. It was scary but the family ended up being really cool and everyone left unharmed *laughs*

Do you have any advice for aspiring young musicians?
Don't do it cause you want to a rock star. Don't do it cause you want to be recognized. Don’t do it because you want to do music for a living. Do it because you love music and you love sharing it with people. And then be prepared to work very hard at every aspect of being an artist (i.e. your instrument, songwriting, self promotion.... the list goes on and on). It's an awesome thing to do but it's not easy. If it was everyone would do it, right?

How and when did you know that music was what you were called to do?
I am sure for each of the guys this is different. For me, there was a very distinct moment when God revealed to me that this "band thing" I had got myself into was going to be something He would use and that it would be bigger than myself. I was at a Christian music festival (the same one I mentioned earlier but this was a year before we played) and Chris Tomlin was playing How Great is Our God. I was worshiping there with a new friend I had met that day named Jesse who would end up becoming very influential in SBB's journey, and I just knew. It's hard to explain. It was a surreal moment.

Thank you for completing this interview for God Tunes Reviews. Is there anything else you’d like to add that maybe I missed, or something you’d like to say? 
Please come say hi to us online on Facebook or on Twitter and hang out there until we come to Australia!

Follow Shine Bright Baby:

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Luminate: "Welcome To Daylight" Review


Released: August 28th, 2012
Genre: Pop Rock
Rating: 4/5

Ever since the release of their debut album Come Home back in 2011, Luminate have grown to become one of my favourite Christian bands. The Texas rock quartet comprised of Samuel Hancock (lead vocals/guitar/piano), Cody Clark (guitar/keys), Dusty Jakubik (bass) and Aaron Matthew (drums) have garnered much attention for their rich guitar work, smooth electronic melodies and instantly recognisable vocals. While their sound is not a big departure from the typical pop rock genre, this band is able to produce memorable, upbeat tunes that are sure to bring a smile to your face! Their debut album boasted singles such as the title track "Come Home", "Healing In Your Arms" and "Innocent" that helped the guys to establish themselves as a band to watch in the coming years. Now the band returns on August 28 with their highly anticipated sophomore release, Welcome To Daylight. Already being compared to polished CCM acts such as Tenth Avenue North, Leeland and The Afters, there was immense pressure for Luminate to make an album that would be just as good, if not better, than their brilliant debut.

Remedy Drive: "Resuscitate" Review


Released: September 18th, 2012
Genre: Piano Pop Rock
Rating: 3/5

After releasing their highly successful debut album Daylight Is Coming via Word Records, high energy pop rock band Remedy Drive were faced with some major changes. In late 2010, the band announced that frontman David Zach's three brothers would be leaving the road to spend more time with their families. After hearing this news, longtime fans were left to wonder if the band would ever return to making music. Well after accumulating three new members in Timmy Jones (drums), Dave Mohr (guitar) and Corey Horn (bass) as well as a new record label, Remedy Drive releases their Centricity Music debut Resuscitate to anxiously awaiting fans. Produced by Pete Kipley, this album maintains the group's unique piano pop rock sound and proves to listeners that they're not going anywhere.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Dave Barnes: "Stories To Tell" Review


How many Christian artists do you know that give you a warm feeling inside, every time you listen to their music? Well for me, Dave Barnes is one of them! His enjoyable blend of pop, country, rock and soul, melded with his impassioned vocals and compelling messages are what fans have come to love about him. The GRAMMY® nominated singer songwriter is best known for his runaway single "God Gave Me You", which has sold over a million copies to date. Dave Barnes' sixth studio album, Stories To Tell, takes a new musical turn from his previous efforts. Birthed from his experience during his wife's pregnancy, Stories To Tell is a heartfelt 11-track album that encourages us to hold on to the special moments in our lives, because we never know what's around the corner.

Sent By Ravens: "Mean What You Say" Review


Are you searching for a unique Christian rock band? Well, I've got great news for you – look no further than Sent By Ravens! This five piece hardcore rock group formed in Hartsville, South Carolina where they recorded a few independent EPs. After being discovered by renowned label, Tooth & Nail Records, the band released their debut album Our Graceful Words in 2010. This effort reached #35 on the Billboard® Heatseekers chart, as the band became instantly admired for their soaring guitar melodies, aggressive vocals, and powerful lyrics. Now they return with their highly anticipated sophomore album, Mean What You Say, released on February 28th. Exploring the weight in the words we say, the band takes their driving modern rock sound to a whole new level, as they deliver a release that is far more polished than their debut.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Fireflight: "NOW" Review


It's been two years since the release of Fireflight's Grammy nominated album For Those Who Wait. While that album had some fist pumping rock tracks, it didn't quite deliver on the same level as their previous efforts. Thankfully, the female-fronted progressive rock act return on March 6th with their fourth studio project NOW. Packed with breathtaking vocals from Dawn Michele, hard hitting drums, soft ballads and thought provoking lyrics, NOW encourages listeners to move beyond their circumstances and take action in their own lives. But does this album live up to the hype created by the radio single? Let's find that out. 

Saturday, March 3, 2012

David Crowder*Band: "Give Us Rest" Review


After a long and well renowned career, David Crowder*Band are releasing their final album Give Us Rest (A Requiem Mass in C [the happiest of all keys]), and then discontinuing as a band. But the legendary rockers from Waco, Texas wouldn't simply fade from the Christian music world. Instead they go out with a bang, delivering an eclectic, elaborate and memorable two-disc album offering 34 tracks of fun and worship! 

As the album begins, we hear footsteps along a path with church bells ringing in the background. A very weird start to the album, but this can only be expected from DC*B. A church door opens, and the piano music begins. "Oh Great God, Give Us Rest" follows, a song that finds David Crowder passionately crying out for rest. With genuine sounding vocals, booming drums and stellar piano, the heartfelt opener makes for some of the band’s best work yet. Throughout the album you can hear worship choirs singing in Latin, making the listener feel as if they were in an old English church. It would be silly for me to review every track on the album, because it’s just too long. Instead, I will try and pick out some of the highlights. 

“Come Find Me” is a traditional, upbeat David Crowder worship tune that speaks of totally surrendering to God and giving Him all we have. The catchy melody and hooky acoustic guitar riff will stay in your head after every listen! This joyful song flows into the darker, synth-driven “God Have Mercy (Kyrie Eleison)”, which has a powerful repeated cry for mercy. The heavy beat and ambient electronic effects will remind listeners of the Church Music album, however these do not resound throughout the album. “Why Me?” is a raw acoustic guitar track with a Johnny Cash influence, while “Fall On Your Knees” is a radio-friendly tune that could easily be used in church; incorporating reverberated electric guitars with a poppy drum beat. The first single “Let Me Feel You Shine” is my favourite song from the album, and a reminder of why we’ll miss this band so much. Speaking of a desire to feel God’s light, this song features big distorted guitars, Hillsong-esque whoas in the chorus, pounding drums and passionate vocals. Everything about this song falls perfectly into place.

“Blessedness of Everlasting Light” is a somewhat quirky, fun worship song with a swingy tempo, church bells and music box effects. It brings back the 3/4 rhythm, a time signature that is very rarely heard in modern music. Seven tracks called “sequences” close out disc 1 of the album. “Sequence 1” is fast paced and seems to have a metal influence, as it features haunting pianos and finger tapping guitar. “Sequence 2” is chanted almost entirely in Latin, while “Sequence 3” is a heavenly instrumental and my favourite of the sequences. The band pours out their creative talents in these sequences, and you can tell they had fun making them.

Disc 2 of the album opens up with "Oh My God", a bluegrass track that reminds me of Mumford & Sons.  It's a great song with a simple yet passion filled chorus, as Crowder belts out in awe of God. "I Am A Seed" continues the upbeat country vibe, as it declares: "I am a seed / I've been pushed down into the ground / But I will rise up a tree." One of the highlights from the album, in my opinion, is "After All (Holy)". This song could easily find its way into the church. Listeners will be singing along to the worshipful chorus in no time, as it declares God's supremacy over the Earth. "Oh Great Love of God" is proves to be another highlight from the album, as it speaks of He "Who takes away the sin of all of us / Gone forever / Heaven open wide in Your resurrection." The remainder of the album is acoustic, delivering powerful songs of longing for heaven. These songs include "Oh, My God I'm Coming Home", "'Leaning On The Everlasting Light / 'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus" and the sublime closing track "Because He Lives". 

 It's sad to say goodbye to one of Christian music's premier acts, but David Crowder*Band couldn't have ended their career any better than with Give Us Rest! This incredible 34 track mega-album will leave you hitting repeat after every listen, and it's a must have album for 2012! There is something for everyone on this eclectic album, from the stripped down hymns to the ambient worship tunes. This is by far the band's best work ever -- what a way to finish!  Thank you DC*B for presenting the world with amazing worship music for the past 12 years, and for taking the Christian music industry by storm. You will be missed!


Rating:  
Genre:
Alternative / Worship / Pop / Bluegrass

Top 3 Songs:
1. Let Me Feel You Shine
2. After All (Holy)
3. Oh Great Love of God

Track Listing:
Disc One
1. Requiem Aeternam Dona Eis, Domine
2. Oh Great God, Give Us Rest
3. Lux Aeternam Shine
4. Come Find Me
5. God Have Mercy (Kyrie Eleison)
6. Why Me?
7. Fall On Your Knees
8. A Burial
9. Let Me Feel You Shine
10. Reprise #1
11. Blessedness of Everlasting Light
12. The Sound of Light
13. Interlude
14. Sequence 1
15. Sequence 2
16. Sequence 3
17. Sequence 4
18. Sequence 5
19. Sequence 6
20. Sequence 7

Disco Two
1. Reprise #2
2. Oh My God
3. I Am A Seed
4. After All (Holy)
5. The Great Amen
6. There Is A Sound
7. Oh, Great Love of God
8. Our Communion
9. Sometimes
10. A Return
11. Oh, My God I'm Coming Home
12. Leaning On The Everlasting Arms / 'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus
13. Jesus, Lead Me To Your Healing Waters
14. Because He Lives

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Audrey Assad: "Heart" Review


Audrey Assad made a name for herself two years ago with her critically-acclaimed debut album The House You're Building, which was dubbed the "Breakthrough Album of 2010" on iTunes. Her fresh sound and flawless vocals took the Christian music world by storm, as she was nominated for a GMA Dove Award. Now the well-known singer/songwriter returns with her highly anticipated sophomore album, released on Valentine's Day and aptly titled Heart. This album finds Audrey once again collaborating with other songwriters (Matt Maher, Derek Webb) and producer Marshall Altman to bring us another timeless collection of songs that see her explore her own heart passionately and honestly, further establishing herself as one of the premier vocalists in the industry. 

Heart opens wonderfully with "Blessed Are The Ones", a song co-written with Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken about Audrey's expectations of marriage. This emotional, piano-driven track showcases her passionate vocals, as she takes us on a lyrical journey through her walk with God in her difficult first year of marriage. The listener is reminded of God's promises, as Audrey's husband battled through cancer.  It's hard not to get a tingle down your spine when the beautiful pre chorus is sung; "So further up and further in, we have nowhere else to go / As we plant the seeds of toil and tears, it's beauty we have sown." The poignant message, smooth trombone backing and gorgeous vocals make this song one of the highlights from the album. "Even The Winter" is more upbeat and hopeful, speaking of tough circumstances and offering a comforting reminder to the listener that the winter won't last forever, and that God has a plan that is worth all the struggle. The lyrics in this song are sure to strike a chord with listeners, as it has potential as a future radio single.

The two opening songs set the bar very high for the rest of the album. "The Way You Move" is a slow ballad that tells of how we will never be able to escape God's love. I'm not a big fan of this song, because the vocals seem to be too overpowering. Following is a rendition of the classic hymn "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and the album's first single, similarly titled "Sparrow". This is a poppy, upbeat track that paints a beautiful picture in our minds and reminds us that God is always watching over us.

"Breaking You" has a nice, swinging tempo and is the probably the most emotional track on the album. Written from God's perspective, it speaks to the heart of an individual who has suffered pain and hardship, reminding them that help is on the way. "Lift up your head, help is on the way / It won't pass you by, you just have to reach out your hand." Be prepared for the tears to flow as you listen to this absolutely breathtaking song! The mainly piano ballad "O My Soul" continues to flow with emotion as it evokes a haunting atmosphere. Audrey's incredible vocals are better than ever on this track, especially when she sings the line; "Don't lie to yourself / Oh my soul, love your God."

"Won Me Over", an upbeat celebration of how God captures our hearts, begins a set of more upbeat tracks. In the following song "No Turning Back", Audrey expresses the positive changes in her life after becoming a Christian. It also uses a portion of the hymn "I Have Decided", and the acoustic piano pop vibe makes it a highlight from the album. The Christian walk doesn't always go to plan, and Audrey delves further into this on "Lament", a poignant ballad that finds her crying out for God in times of struggle. "Wherever You Go", written from God's perspective again, is a confronting reminder that we can never hide from God, as it builds very nicely throughout. The piano driven and melodic "Slow" speaks of how God's peace can sometimes be hard to feel, but his quiet voice is just enough to give us hope. "New Song" is the final track on Heart and it brings the album to an epic finish. It's simply an honest anthem of praise, as Audrey passionately proclaims that God is bigger than we could ever imagine.

There is one thing for sure, fans of Audrey Assad will certainly not be dissapointed with her new album Heart! Her captivating voice, stunning piano and maturity as a songwriter leave me breathless every time I listen to the album. It's hard to believe that this is only her second album, as Audrey is now my new favourite female vocalist. You're sure to see this release nominated for a Dove award -- it's really a no-brainer!

Rating: 
Genre: Pop
Record Label: Sparrow Records
Release Date: February 14, 2012

Top 3 Songs:
1. Blessed Are The Ones
2. Breaking You
3. No Turning Back

Track Listing:
1. Blessed Are The Ones
2. Even The Winter
3. The Way You Move
4. Sparrow
5. Breaking You
6. O My Soul
7. Won Me Over
8. No Turning Back
9. Lament
10. Wherever You Go
11. Slow
12. New Song