Driving guitars, booming drums and a prison break open the first track of "Learning to Lose," the debut modern rock CD from new RKT Music band The Turning. But the escape alluded to doesn't involve running from any sort of illegal activity; rather, The Turning hopes to use its music to persuade all who will listen to break free of the insecurities, doubts, confusion and fears that hold them captive. The main message we want to spread is that people should be themselves, says front man Jacob McGinnis. In Waking the Dead, author John Eldredge says, let the world feel the weight of who you are. We want people to tear down the walls that are often built around their hearts, so that their hearts can be free, free to be the amazing person that God created them to be.
Growing up as a pastor’s kid in central Wisconsin Eric learned a great deal about people. This knowledge was only enhanced by his father's second career as a professional wildlife artist. These early experiences not only allowed Eric to develop his own artistic talents, but they gave him a front-row seat to real-life ministry. Eric and his wife Danielle graduated from North Central University in Minneapolis, MN. They started No One Underground Ministries because of their heart felt desire to communicate Christ through this very powerful medium. Danielle is now a published author and ‘word painter’. She uses this lost art to communicate truth in a very unique way. As a sought after speaker Eric incorporates his art that is now collected across the nation with the epic, surrealistic and prophetic qualities that gives the art a style and originality all its own. “I want to create art with purpose. Create works containing truth but never reeking of religion; art that is truly attractive to people outside the walls of the ‘church’ and pushing the limits of its influence.” Eric and Danielle reside north of Minneapolis MN where they are based. Speaking, painting, and performing to thousands each year; creating with purpose.
Jared Hall will keep you on the edge of your seat, unable to look away as he makes audience members float, performs a straight jacket escape, or simply finds your chosen card. There was a time in his life that doing illusions got Jared into detention. Now it gets him into places where otherwise the truth of God might not be taken.
Jared uses illusions and comedy to present the gospel in relevant, engaging ways. Traveling extensively across the nation, Jared does shows for many conferences, festivals, outreach events, youth camps, and upward award nights. He has shared the stage with many artist including David Crowder, Shane and Shane, Toby Mac, Building 429, Overflow, P.O.D., GRITS, Jadon Lavik, John Reuben and Leeland.
Sanctus Real came out swinging with 2002's Say It Loud, which produced the best first-week sales of any debut rock record Sparrow had ever released. CCM readers voted the band 2003's Best New Artist, ChristianityToday.com made Sanctus Real "a top pick" for '03, and the Gospel Music Association handed the band two Dove Award nominations. A cover of U2's "Beautiful Day" from the In The Name Of Love: Artists United For Africa benefit album gave the group its first No. 1 hit.
His testimony has touched countless listeners, his songs have shot straight to the top of the charts, while his debut CD Stay and worship project Carry Me consistently resonate with fans across the country. Indeed the last two years in Jeremy Camp's life have been replete with blessings, starting professionally with a phenomenal run of six number one smashes from Stay (like "I Still Believe" and "Walk By Faith") plus 2004 Dove Awards for "Male Vocalist of the Year" and "New Artist of the Year." And personally, the singer/songwriter has also been rewarded richly, especially in light of the initial turmoil derived from losing his first wife Melissa to cancer. Aside from finding solace for himself and providing comfort to others by sharing her story, the worship leader has discovered a new love in his life- recent bride Adrienne (familiar to music fans as former front woman for The Benjamin Gate) followed by the birth of their brand new baby girl, Isabella Rose.
"There's been so much that's happened," admits Camp, as he sits back and assesses the whirlwind surrounding his life and career as of late. "I've dealt with a lot of pain and met so many people that have experienced the same. People have accepted the music, I've met Adrienne, [Isabella's been born] and [I've] just been totally consumed by God's goodness."
How do you sum up the lives of six people into something so general as the history of a band? When it comes down to brass tacks, shouldn't it be six separate stories, with six different motivations, six different ideas about art, etc.? Sure, but who has the time? The point is that the band is one unified thing, but also six completely different lives. And if you need another silly clich�, it is more than the sum of its parts. Its all working together to be a relevant force in our culture, to give hope to those who have left the church and those who have come back, to bring art back to the forefront, to reflect God's light as the moon reflects the sun. Six different people with the same goal, and six different ways to go about it. How interesting it would be to hear the individual stories. But who has time?
Singer/songwriter John David Webster, who has been capturing audiences with his relentless touring sharing the stage with notable Christian artists Delirious, Third Day, Promise Keepers and Billy Graham Crusaders, makes his national debut with Come Alive. Backed by his rollicking, rhythmic, gospel-tinged piano and a true-blues, juke-joint guitar riff, Webster joyously spells out who we are and what life is all about. The resulting music on Made to Shine-a joyous symphony of pitch-perfect melodic explorations (pop, modern rock, gentle balladry, blues, Americana) consistently anchored by Webster's honest singing and trusty piano-is more akin to fourth of July fireworks exploding across the night sky. "I've always wanted to make a record that felt like a live experience," says Webster. "My goal was a fine balance between nailing the notes and getting the songs across."
