While we could talk for some time about the sudden rise to popularity of Jeremy Camp as a performer—the string of massive No. 1 hits from his first three studio recordings, the headlining tours, the film soundtracks he’s showing up on, the Dove Awards he’s garnered, the excitement over his new album Beyond Measure (BEC) —- none of these can be fully appreciated apart from the story of who Jeremy has gradually become, as a husband, a father, an artist, a minister and a follower of Christ. […read more]

C.S. Lewis, who authored such classics as The Chronicles of Narnia and Mere Christianity, once wrote, “What we want is not more little books about Christianity, but more little books by Christians on other subjects—with their Christianity latent” (God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics). Though the legendary apologist was referring specifically to books, the principle behind his comments may be applied to the realm of Christian music, and Christians in music. […read more]

For mainstream rap pioneer Nas, “hip-hop just died this mornin’‚ and she’s dead, she’s dead.” But the truth is, hip-hop is alive and well. At the mainstream level, the genre continues to yield sizable dividends—in 2006, it accounted for 10 percent of all album sales. By comparison, Christian hip-hop is a mere drop in the bucket. And here’s proof: Of the almost 40 million albums sold in Christian and gospel music in 2006, a little less than 500,000, or roughly 1.2 percent, were hip-hop discs. That’s barely enough for an album to be certified Gold. […read more]

When it comes to talk of Christian artists breaking through the real and perceived barriers that supposedly exist between followers of Jesus and the mainstream marketplace of music and ideas, people will now always mention Relient K. Is Relient K ready for this next step? The band’s three Gold albums, (The Anatomy of the Tongue In Cheek, Two Lefts Don’t Make A Right…But Three Do, MMHMM,), two Gold singles (”Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been,” “Be My Escape”), hit videos and rave reviews in the mainstream press have assured it a place in the stratospheric heights of the underground (which translates into “almost famous” in mainstream culture). Despite Relient K’s home-grown aesthetics and self-deprecating wit, the band is just about as big as any faith-fueled artist out there today. […read more]

“The entire time we were making Cities I couldn’t stop thinking about how excited I was for the world to hear it,” says producer Aaron Sprinkle (MxPx, Hawk Nelson). The world indeed. Sprinkle’s recent collaboration with Winter Haven, Florida’s Anberlin has resulted in one of this year’s first breakout albums. As he puts it, the band “took their unstoppable approach to rock & roll to the next level,” and adds, “I feel very privileged to have been a part of it.” […read more]

Two years ago, I landed on the cover of CCM for the first time by myself. I wore a dress “borrowed” from Neiman Marcus, that I’m pretty sure cost three times my current monthly mortgage. To put it simply, it was the quintessential Cinderella dress. It was everything I’ve dreamt of being since I was 11 years old; and I flittered around in layer upon layer of that glorious shimmering, flowing, sweeping gown while the photographer snapped away. I had just been on this insanely stupid diet for months so that I could squeeze myself into the Cinderella getup, but one minute in that dress, and I knew that every shunned bagel had been worth it. […read more]

“Someone once said, ‘Songs of devotion spring from a life of devotion.’ This couldn’t be more true than for Matt Redman,” fellow worship artist Tim Hughes tells CCM. “The depth and impact of his many songs flow from a life lived centered around Christ. Matt is a passionate worshipper whose poetic lyrics, prophetic insights and Bible-based songs have encouraged and inspired the church over the years.” […read more]

Yes, Mat Kearney’s a major talent. Yes, he’s a hard worker. Yes, he’s a follower of Christ. All that and an enigma to boot. Driving across Indianapolis through rainy late afternoon puddles, on the Tuesday of Holy Week, just prior to Easter, it wasn’t a huge surprise to hear Mat Kearney’s “Undeniable” playing on the radio. In the days after I’d accepted this writing assignment, his music just seemed to show up everywhere. If it wasn’t “Undeniable,” it was “Nothing Left to Lose.” If it wasn’t pop radio, it was reruns of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Indeed, this guy does seem pretty undeniable. […read more]

After making its national debut five years ago, the rock act 12 Stones quickly compiled quite the resume: Opening for Creed, headlining 2004’s “See Spot Rock Tour” (that had Skillet, Pillar and GRITS on the undercard) and being a featured artist at Creation and other major festivals. The band’s front man, Paul McCoy, even won a GRAMMY® (“Best Hard Rock Performance”) for his vocal contribution to Evanescence’s 2004 megahit “Bring Me to Life.” So then, why is 12 Stones still an underdog? Autobiographical. That’s probably the word best suited to describe 12 Stones newest Wind-Up Records release, Anthem for the Underdog. […read more]

When Underoath’s second vocalist/drummer spends his down time making a solo pop/rock record, then forms another band to play live, he ends up with two extremely successful acts on his hands. “It’s such a cool feeling being on stage and playing ‘Amazing Because It Is,’ and there’s 600 to a 1,000 kids singing along to ‘Amazing Grace,’” says The Almost’s newest member, Dusty Redmon. Redmon joined up as second guitarist in Aaron Gillespie’s Underoath side-project, and moments like this one have signaled that he made the right choice. […read more]

When it comes to talk of Christian artists breaking through the real and perceived barriers that supposedly exist between followers of Jesus and the mainstream marketplace of music and ideas, people will now always mention Relient K.

Is Relient K ready for this next step? The band’s three Gold albums, (The Anatomy of the Tongue In Cheek, Two Lefts Don’t Make A Right…But Three Do, MMHMM,), two Gold singles (”Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been,” “Be My Escape”), hit videos and rave reviews in the mainstream press have assured it a place in the stratospheric heights of the underground (which translates into “almost famous” in mainstream culture). Despite Relient K’s home-grown aesthetics and self-deprecating wit, the band is just about as big as any faith-fueled artist out there today. […read more]

C.S. Lewis, who authored such classics as The Chronicles of Narnia and Mere Christianity, once wrote, “What we want is not more little books about Christianity, but more little books by Christians on other subjects—with their Christianity latent” (God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics). Though the legendary apologist was referring specifically to books, the principle behind his comments may be applied to the realm of Christian music, and Christians in music. […read more]

Each year around the Christmas holiday hustle and bustle, one question weighs heavy on generous minds everywhere: “What in the world will I get ______ this year?” Fill in the blank with your hard-to-shop-for friend or family member! Dad couldn’t possibly stuff another tie into his closet; Betty’s daughter has every baby toy ever manufactured; and cousin Doug lost that Gap gift certificate somewhere under a pile of discarded wrapping paper last season. You’ve yet to conquer the quest for that perfect present, and, though you really want to celebrate the real reason for the season right now, the stress of gift shopping is quietly gnawing away at your joy.

Well, relax! Salem Publishing is proud to be the bearer of good news to our over-shopped, under-served gift givers! The annual Christmas Gift Guide has everything you need to see your favorite gift-ee light up like a Christmas tree on the morning of December 25. From entertaining new CD and DVD offerings to insightful, engaging books and other unique items, the Christmas Gift Guide is guaranteed to inspire you with fresh ideas. This holiday giving season, the best new products are all here on these pages. So get ready, set, shop! […view now]