Best New Artists of 2011

I hope everyone has had a great week of holidays! 2011 is coming to a fast close, and we have seen several new artists this year. From the bad (Rocky Loves Emily, anyone?) to the good, no one can disagree that some great bands hit the scene this year. Let's see who made my list.

#10. Shine Bright Baby
Shine Bright Baby hit the scene in 2009 with their debut, and now it seems they have signed to Tooth & Nail Records. Although there is no mention of them on Tooth & Nail's site, SBB announced on their Facebook page they are recording their first full length album on the label. SBB played Creation NE 2011, and have won me over with their catchy pop rock sound. Shine Bright Baby is a band to watch in 2012 for sure. Grab a free download of their song "Dare To Dream" as well as the acoustic version of "Deadbolt" (my personal favorite) by visiting their Pure Volume page.

#9. Nine Lashes
Boy, Tooth & Nail signed a ton of artists this year, with Nine Lashes being one of the more recent. All they've put out in 2011 is the single "Anthem Of The Lonely", and their full length debut will hit Valentine's Day 2012. With Trevor McNevan credited as the man who discovered the band, I think it's safe to say we can expect some great music from them. "Anthem Of The Lonely" sounds great, and this is one band I'll definitely keep my eye on.


#8. Jamie Grace
After being a teen star on the popular TBN kid's show iShine, Jamie Grace was discovered by Toby Mac, who couldn't wait to sign her to Gotee Records. After releasing an EP in Spring of 2011, she followed up with "One Song At A Time" in the fall. Her song, "Hold Me" became a hit single, and now she's been nominated for a GRAMMY! As a long time fan, I feel she has surpassed anything we expected and deserves that Grammy.





#7. Royal Tailor

Their debut album won them the attention of many, with fun pop beats and clever lyrics. ("Control" has some stand against lyrical references to Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Ke$ha in it.) Vocalist Tauren Wells has an OUTSTANDING voice, and like Jamie Grace, have been nominated for a Grammy. Keep your eye on them.



#6 Anthem Lights
Anthem Lights, formerly known as Yellow Cavalier, released their debut on Reunion Records this year and just took off. Easily one of the most popular Christian pop bands, Anthem Lights has brought the pop rock sound Christian music once had and is lacking. I love their music, and right now they have nowhere to go but up. They are releasing a new acoustic EP soon, and I'm sure 2012 is full of great things for them. Check out the interview I did with them earlier this spring by clicking here.

#5. Hyland
Another one of Tooth & Nail's new artists, Hyland released their debut, "Weights & Measures" to great response. With comparisons to Anberlin and Switchfoot, Hyland was definitely one of 2011's best new artists. Keep following these guys, as they will no doubt become one of Christian Rock's top bands.



#4. Attalus
Yet another one of my favorite independent bands, Attalus was introduced to me on New Release Tuesday when a band member posted about them in the forums. I was pleasantly surprised with their EP, "The Greater Tide" which is one of my favorite EPs of 2011. Although there have been a few member changes since then, the band has kept it's signature rock sound, and hopefully these guys catch a label's attention soon. Great stuff.





#3. Dara MacLean

With a soulful voice and great lyrics, Dara MacLean's single "Suitcases" received tons of airplay this year. Although I haven't heard all her songs, she's definitely "got my attention" (was that a cheesy pun or what?) and I can't wait to see what happens with her in 2011.

#2. Skyhawk Drive

Now, was this REALLY a surprise to you? I've been a fan for a while now, posting about them on the blog, tweeting about them, all that other stuff. But I don't do that unless I really believe in the band and their heart to minister. Skyhawk Drive caught the attention of Ben Kasica. They have some of the best music and lyrics I've heard all year. So why haven't they been signed to a larger label? Tooth & Nail is signing everyone under the sun, but if there's anyone that deserves to be signed, it is Skyhawk Drive. Their EP that came out this November had them sounding great with more of a mature sound. Definitely a top pick for 2011.

And now we have it....the best new band of 2011.....

....are you ready?
....for real?

#1. Icon For Hire

When I added them to the list of "New Bands You Should Know" earlier in the year, I had no idea they would be this popular this soon. Easily the best band signed to Tooth & Nail this year, their debut album, "Scripted" did very well and got great reviews. They stand for a message and put out some pretty awesome music. 2012 is sure to bring even greater things from them, and hopefully we'll see an acoustic or B-side album with "Conversation With A Rockstar" on it. 

Do you agree with my picks? Let me know what you think! 

Interview: Anthem Lights

It's finally here! I was privileged to interview the one and only Anthem Lights (an amazing band), and I hope you enjoy the interview! I also did something a little different this interview with the "bonus" questions. These are just fun, random questions I ask so you can learn more about your favorite bands. Let me know if you like them, and drop me an email at lifewithlisap@gmail.com if there's any questions you'd like to ask the next artist I interview. Without further ado, let's see what Caleb Grimm has to say! My questions are in black, and Caleb's are in blue

Anthem Lights originally started out as Yellow Cavalier. How did you guys meet and what inspired the formation of Anthem Lights/Yellow Cavalier?
 
-The “Yellow Cavalier Project” actually started as Chad’s solo project. Alan and Chad were friends growing up and both attended Liberty University (where Kyle and I eventually attended as well), and Chad ended up moving to Nashville to pursue a Christian solo career. Around this time, Alan moved out to Los Angeles with his wife to pursue a secular music career. After Chad spent some time in Nashville, he eventually joined Alan out in L.A. where they began writing and working with a producer on Chad’s solo 5-song EP. As the record was coming to a close, they started praying about the project becoming a group with multiple vocalists. They began exploring the idea, but were concerned that there might not be artists out there who would be well-suited for a group like this. They called their contacts at Liberty University where Kyle and and myself. We were attending school and traveling with a music group. Luckily, the contacts/friends at Liberty recommended us to Chad, and so a few days later Chad and his producer flew out to Virginia to meet with us. Things really clicked between the 3 of us and a few weeks later we formed “Yellow Cavalier.” Alan had been writing and working creatively on the project, but about a month later he stepped in and joined the band. That is how we became Yellow Cavalier (and eventually changed our named to Anthem Lights!). 
 
How would you describe the sound of Anthem Lights?
 
-Pop melodies and layered vocals with elements of rock instrumentation. 
 
“Circles” has quickly become a favorite among fans. What is it like seeing your music impacting lives?
 
-It’s amazing to hear stories from fans sharing how the music has affected them in ways that none of us could have ever imagined. It’s so humbling because we know that only God can choose to use our music in such a way. 
 

“Can’t Shut Up” is another fan favorite, as well as a chart-climbing single. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song?
 
-It’s a song about literally not being able to be quiet about all that God has done for us. It’s based on the story in the Bible about the blind man that Jesus healed. Jesus asked him not to share because it wasn’t time yet, but then the passage said he went out in to all the land and shared because he couldn’t keep it in. That’s how we should be about our faith.
 
Fans all around love your meaningful lyrics. What would you say is the main theme of Anthem Light’s debut album?
 
-There’s a song on the album called “Stranger” and we really feel like it sums up the overall theme of the album. A lot of what we see in our culture doesn’t make sense to us as believers, and that’s how it’s supposed to be. 1 Peter tells us that we’re strangers here on this earth. The things that are important to us as Christians aren’t important to the world, and the things that are important to the world grow less and less important to us, the closer we grow to Christ. 
 
Already you have had the opportunity to tour with some of the top Christian music artists such as Mercy Me, Thousand Foot Krutch, Building 429, and Jars of Clay, just to name a few.  What is it like?
 
-It’s surreal to be surrounded by people that you admired as a teenager. It’s also so encouraging to know that they are as genuine and as passionate about God as they sounded on the radio growing up.
 
I’m sure it’s CRAZY doing music full-time. Can you give us a glimpse of a day in the life while touring?
 
-It’s so much fun being apart of a tour. I love the community atmosphere. It’s much more scheduled and structured than I anticipated. I’d say the biggest challenge is finding time to be alone to spend in devotions, but it’s so awesome to meet so many new people. 
 
That being said, what advice could you give aspiring musicians that want to stay grounded in Christ, yet participate full time in the music industry?
 
-I’d just encourage aspiring artists to really work to discover your convictions and know where you stand. In the Christian music business, the core of what we do is presenting the messages God has given us. Artists are looked to in some sense as “spiritual leaders,” so it’s important to know what you believe. 
 
Can you please share with us a passage of Scripture or a brief thought God has laid on your heart recently?
 
-The music business for the most part is new to us, so I’ve really been learning to trust God to provide and direct each step. I love the peace of mind that comes from Proverbs 3:5-6 which says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
 
What is your main goal to accomplish in the music industry?
 
-Simply put, to glorify the heavenly father with the gifts He’s given us. 
 
*BONUS ROUND* 
What’s your favorite food to eat while on the road?
 
-Pizza!! It’s so bad for you, but nothing tastes better if you’re really hungry after a show.
 
Who would you like to tour with?
 
-I never know how to answer this question…haha. Steven Curtis Chapman is a legend in this business, so it’d be an honor to get to know him. 
 
That one band/artist you’re embarrassed to like? (It’s ok if you like Veggie Tales :P)
 
-I really like any cheesy pop music from the 90s.
 
Hershey’s or Cadbury?
 
-Reese’s
 
If you weren’t in Anthem Lights, what job would you have?
 
-I’d probably be pursuing music in another capacity (on the business side).
 
Most unusual/funny on-stage experience?
 
-At end of the “Rock & Worship Roadshow” we (along with most of the artists on the tour) crashed Lecrae's set and danced with him onstage...that was so much fun.




The best prank you’ve ever pulled on a fellow band mate?
 
-We’re not huge pranksters (yet). We’ve had some good ones pulled on us though! Bart Millard of MercyMe was trying to describe us from stage as a "new" band, but it came out "Anthem Lights...they're like the New Kids On The Block!" Everybody laughed, including us. haha.
 
Dogs or cats?
 
-I’m not much of animal person…haha. I’d choose dogs over cats though. Chad is a HUGE dog lover. 
 
If you could go back in time, who would you choose to meet?
 
-I’ve always been fascinated with American history, so to meet someone involved with the earlier years of the U.S. like George Washington or Benjamin Franklin would be crazy cool.
 
Android or iOS? 
 
-iOS

Anthem Lights Debut CD review!

THE TIME HAS COME!!!!! The project I've been looking forward to for several months now is here! Anthem Light's debut project, "Anthem Lights" hit iTunes and national retailers today! Does it live up to my excitement?

"Anthem Lights" starts things off with "Can't Shut Up" which is currently a hit single on radio stations all over America. An anthem for young people all over, Anthem Lights boldly declares that "This is why we stand up and sing, we can't shut up! We've got everything that we need! We can't shut up! Love has come and now we are free! We can't shut up!". A fun, energy packed track, "Can't Shut Up" mixes pop and rock in a great way, and there is no question about the impact the lyrics have on listeners.

Next we have "I Wanna Know You Like That" is another strong song that encourages men to stand up and be like David, but is a message applicable to every Christian. If you haven't noticed already, there isn't a main vocalist. As I mentioned in my Anthem Lights EP review , Anthem Lights is comprised of four singers, Alan Powell, Chad Graham, Caleb Grimm, and Kyle Kupecky. Vocals are often traded throughout their songs, and it's obvious these guys are talented. Overall, "I Wanna Know You Like That" is a great pop/rock track.

One of my absolute favorites from Anthem Lights is "Circles" which follows "I Wanna Know You Like That" It slows things down some, and brings a more serious tone to the album. This song has impacted me personally, and challenged me in my Christian walk with lyrics like "Before you even know it, I'm right back at the start, Doing what I hate, And breaking my own heart, I'm going back and forth , And then forth and then back, And then round in circles"  Once again the guys hit things right out of the park with their vocals and lyrics.

"Can't Get Over You" is another slow track, but the lyrics are powerful. A message of God's forgiveness, grace and love, "Can't Get Over You" doesn't bring a whole lot of new stuff musically, but as I mentioned, the lyrics are powerful. After what God has done for us, how can anyone "get over" His saving grace?

"Stranger"...yes!!!! I was dying to hear this kind of pop music again!! Anyone remember the days of TrueVibe,  90's era ZoeGirl, and Plus One? It seemed Christian music was done in that area, but Anthem Lights brings it back in this song! I don't mean the sound is dated, but rather it's a revival of GOOD pop music that has been missing from CCM for a while. Anyway, the lyrics of "Stranger" speaks of being a stranger in this world, waiting to go to our Heavenly home. "I gotta keep my eyes looking to the sky for you, the Son is on His way, and I wanna be ready, and I won't forget I'm not home til I'm with You, the Son is on His way!" reminds us of the coming of Christ. Definitely one of my favorites on this album.

"Outta My Mind" starts things off pretty neat, with a little auto tuned intro, then Caleb brings in the verse, asking God for happiness, then the chorus realizes that we need to have the mind of Christ in order to be truly happy. I love the bridge in this song, and I'm going to start telling people I'm outta my mind. :P Overall this is a good track, once gain with great lyrics and a fun pop/rock beat.

"Lifeline" has a fun pop/latino sound, and Chad Graham's voice really shines in this track. "Lifeline" speaks of Christ being our lifeline, saving us from our sin. I love the breakdown on the bridge, it definitely catches your attention, and fits the song perfectly.

The next track is "Lighthouse" which has a beautiful piano and string intro. I thought it would be a slow song, but it really isn't. "Lighthouse" has a strong beat, and the lyrics encourage us to reach the lost, saying, "It’s up to you, it’s up to me, To be the lighthouse, They should know they’re not alone, So shine so they can see the lighthouse, And find their way back home" This song is yet another example of Anthem Light's strong songwriting skills and powerful vocal ability.


"Freedom Into Slavery" was a track they recorded back when Anthem Lights was Yellow Cavalier, (more on that in my EP review) I believe it has been recorded for this release. "Freedom Into Slavery" follows the lines of "Circles" in a way, speaking of how we can turn the freedom Christ gave us into slavery because of sin. This is another favorite, the guy's vocal ability shines through, and the song is just great anyway you look at it.

Rounding out the album, "Where The Light Is" comes next. "Where the light is, darkness must be bound, where the light is, darkness can't be found" is so powerful and true. We can't say in words how powerful God's light is over Satan's darkness. This is the perfect ending to the album, a beautiful ballad for the hurting and lost. A favorite by far.

Overall, I was very impressed with the debut album from Anthem Lights. In every song we get a sampling of the strong voices of Alan Powell, Chad Graham, Caleb Grimm, and Kyle Kupecky. In every song we get powerful, heartfelt lyrics that encourage and lift up each listener. Of course we get some fun pop music as well! Who says "boy bands" have to sound like the Backstreet Boys?

I would definitely recommend this album. It's suitable for all ages, all people, and all music lovers. The heart behind the album is evident. If you like pop music with a bit of rock thrown in here and there, "Anthem Lights" is for you.

By the way.....check for an interview with Anthem Lights EXCLUSIVELY on Life With Lisa, coming soon!

Hilarious Anthem Lights Video!

So apparently the guys were singing at a radio station event and had some pretty funny mic malfunctions. They did an AWESOME job on the song though, and everything that went wrong didn't affect them at all! Well, I thought I'd share the video with you, it's hilarious, especially the ending!

Anthem Lights EP Review!

THIS IS JUST THE EP REVIEW. YOU CAN VIEW THE FULL LENGHTH ALBUM REVIEW BY CLICKING HERE. Thanks!

Anthem Lights is a new pop/rock band recently signed to Reunion Records. The band was formed in 2007, when Alan Powell and Chad Graham joined creative forces to write songs for Chad Graham's solo album. However, as they collaborated, they began to see God's bigger plan. The songs just seemed meant for a group. Soon, Liberty University students Caleb Grimm and Kyle Kupecky joined the band. Their debut EP as well as their forthcoming album (dropping May 2011) was produced by the Write Brothers, aka Seth Moseley and Juan Otero. How does their debut stand out in a industry covered in pop/rock artists? Let's find out.

 The EP starts of with the single, "Can't Shut Up". As the track starts off with a neat intro, it gives you a sense of anticipation. Within seconds a fun, catchy vocal and music mix catches your attention. "I had a heartbeat, I was breathing, and I kept going  and going without a reason, I was living to just be living, until He really gave me life.", are powerful lyrics that start off the lyrical message. This song is a powerful anthem, about how we "Can't Shut Up" about what God has done for us! "We got to break the silence, we've been quiet for too long" is a true message of many churches and youth groups in this hour. This is a strong song lyrically, as well as having a great pop feel. There is no "lead vocalist" in Anthem Lights, and I find it refreshing to hear different soloists.

"I Wanna Know You Like That" is next, and talks about wanting to give all to God, and to know God like David and other great people of God. "To live, to love, with everything I am, to give it all, I wanna know You like that, to become a man after your heart, and not look back." truly expresses the heart these guys have for the ministry. A song with strong vocals, great message, and fun music, "I Wanna Know You Like That" is sure to become a favorite among pop fans.

We're nearly to the end of the EP, and "Can't Get Over You" slows things down. Is it just me, or does it seem nearly every artist in the business slows things down for the third track? Just something I noticed....anyway, back to the review! This song is a passionate song of thanks to God, with lyrics that speak of God's great love, how He loves when we don't deserve it, and how He's changed our live. The chorus speaks of how after all God has done for us, we can't get over it! It's a beautiful song which is probably my favorite off the EP.

Lastly is "Circles" which has become a favorite among the Rock and Worship Roadshow audience. Another slow tempo song, hits the issue of how we as Christians can go in circles, one minute in, and one minute out. This song really speaks to us, and it challenges us to be committed to Christ, with ALL of our hearts. This is by far the best song on the EP, and if you could only choose one song from this album, it should be this song! Besides the amazing lyrics, Anthem Light's vocal talent really shines through.

This is a strong debut from Anthem Lights, and I can't wait to hear their full album in May. This EP has strong lyrics, good pop music, and talented yet diverse vocals. I kept hearing a voice that slightly reminded me of Billy Goodwin from NewSong, and it turns out it's Caleb Grimm. So if you think you're hearing Billy Goodwin, you're not!

If you like pop music with a bit of a rock edge, Anthem Lights is for you. Their lyrics are strong, and they have some amazing talent. Be sure to pick up the full album in May!

Rating: 4.5/5 stars.



Check out this video of a day in the life of Anthem Lights: