Kim's Christian Music / Gospel Blog

... That Jeremy Camp is in the studio this month recording his new album? It will be called Speaking Louder Than Before and will hit stores in November.

_{Image courtesy of: BEC Recordings. Used by permission.}

Not ones to conform, Christian punk rockers aren't your typical "anti-establishment." Instead their definition of not conforming is based on Romans 12:2 where Paul spoke of not living to the standards of the world.

These bands all do that quite well and they do it with a sense of style and fun that works as a gentle reminder that there is plenty of joy in serving the Lord.

_{Image courtesy of: Flicker. Used by permission.}

Steven Curtis Chapman will return to his live U.S. performance schedule beginning July 11, 2008 but he has cancelled all of his international dates because the family is still trying to heal and he needs to remain as close to home as he can.

The Chapman family appreciates everyone’s understanding and patience and his management has extended their gratitude for everyone’s thoughts, prayers, condolences and generous donations to Maria’s Miracle Fund.

Steven Curtis Chapman - dates and locations (all subject to change)

July

• 11 Oshkosh, WI/Lifest
• 12 Chesaning, MI
• 13 Fremont, NE
• 17 Clarkston, MI
• 18 Euless, TX (SCC solo)
• 24 Wheaton, IL

August

• 1 Biltmore Estate
• 2 Atlanta Braves
• 9 Hot Springs, Arkansas
• 10 Colorado Rockies
• 16 Houston Astros

September

• 5 Dyer, Indiana (SCC solo)
• 13 Ft Worth Men At The Cross
• 19 Brentwood, CA
• 20 Puyallup, WA

_{Image courtesy of: Sparrow Records. Used by permission.}

Smitty will be one of several celebrity judges for the songwriting contest that offers more than $150,000 in cash and prizes to 62 winners. Other recording artists that will be judging this year are: Black Francis (The Pixies); Buckcherry; Chaka Khan; Chris Hillman (The Byrds); Craig Morgan; Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC); DJ Tiësto; James Cotton; Jerry Lee Lewis; John Mayall; John Scofield; KT Tunstall; Loretta Lynn; Mario; McCoy Tyner; Neil Finn (Crowded House); Paul Van Dyk; Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20); Ray Davies (The Kinks); Robert Smith (The Cure); Tom Waits; T-Pain; "Weird Al" Yankovic and Youssou N'Dour;

The deadline for the 2008 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) isn't until October 15th, but a discounted rate for entering is available through July 15th.

_{Image courtesy of: Reunion Records. Used by permission.}

If you want to give yourself an early 4th of July treat (or even call it Christmas in July) then don't waste any time clicking to go to MySpace to check out a 5-piece band out of the South Texas called The Access. A reader (thank you Jesse) sent me a note after hearing them live and I have absolutely fallen in love with their song, "Broken."

I can honestly say that this is one of the best songs that I've heard this year but as always, don't take my word for ... listen for yourself.

These guys are going to be big with a capital B because not only are they extremely talented, they are also obviously in it for all of the right reasons. All that they do with their music is with "one goal in mind: To change and inspire a Generation" because they feel "called by God to change the world" through the music that they play. (from their bio)

Happy July readers ... this musical moment type of treat is on me!

_{Image courtesy of RAW Music Group. Used by permission.}

Fee and Tenth Avenue North are the two most popular bands of the last week of June 2008 but Third Day isn't far behind. Skillet, which debuts new music this week, is also coming on strong, making you wonder if Fee can continue to hold the top spot in the Top 10.

_{Image courtesy of: Integrity Records. Used by permission.}

Steven Curtis Chapman, Todd Smith of Selah and Todd's sister, Nicol Sponberg, formerly of Selah all lost children in a 50-day time period. Their faith has shown brighter than ever in their times of tragedy.

_{Image courtesy of Sparrow Records. © 2007 Tucker Photography. Used by permission.}

Personally, I think that To Know That You're Alive, which will hit stores on Tuesday, June 24, is one of the best albums Kutless has released. Out of 13 songs there were only 3 that didn't do much for me and 10/13 winners makes it worth the money in my book. Look out world, Kutless is back and they are most definitely alive!

_{Image courtesy of: bec.}

Jerome Fontamillas of Switchfoot turns 32 today. While the band won't be on stage anywhere tonight, you can catch Switchfoot in Pennsylvania and New York later this month.

• 6-25 - Creation East - Shirleysburg, PA
• 6-26 - Tarrytown Music Hall - Tarrytown, NY
• 6-27 - Chautauqua Instituion - Chautauqua, NY

_{Image courtesy of: EMI. Used by permission}

I like Switchfoot so I really looked forward to Jon Foreman's solo projects. Fall and Winter was good but it was a little too dark for my taste. I wanted some light and fun and Spring and Summer hit the mark on both counts. With his solo projects, Jon Foreman shows the world that he is a seriously multifaceted kind of guy.

Switchfoot Profile

_{Image courtesy of: EMI. Used by permission.}