Music Video: "Quota" by eleventyseven

Check out this very funny music video from eleventyseven! Their new album, "Sugarfist" is available on iTunes.

Music Review: Skyhawk Drive's self-titled second album!

Well this is a review that is LONG overdue. If you have ever read my blog, you probably know I am a huge fan of Skyhawk Drive. I've followed their journey for a while now, and it just keeps getting better! Let's get to the music!

 One thing you'll notice different than the band's first EP is that gone are the days of the happy punk pop for Skyhawk Drive. Their new sound is more mature, and tackles deeper issues. I really like it! Starting us off is a haunting intro that leaves you full of expectation for the first track, "Whisper", with just a tease of the chorus in a piano background. Beautiful! "Whisper" is one of my FAVORITE songs of 2011. The feeling in the music, the passion in Ronnie's voice all speak to the listener. "Whisper" is a strong song with powerful lyrics that plead for God to direct our lives. This is a must listen to track. The edgier sound of Skyhawk Drive is amazing!

 "Brothers In Arms" is my tie favorite with "Whisper" on this album. Opening with a soft piano and epic drums, the band begins to sing the chorus as one, then all of a sudden Ronnie lets loose, and the song begins. Is this really the band that sang "Their Dance, Your Chance" back in 2009? They were good then, but they're awesome now! I love the chorus, that says "Wake me before the dawn, brothers in arms, stand till the fight is won, together as one." The music behind this song brings the rock edge, and the lyrics bring a strong story of unity. 

 

 Halfway through the album, we come to "Something More", a Switchfoot-esque song that speaks of following God, taking a leap of faith and giving into "Something More" - God. "I'm moving forward, I'll die another day" and other lines in this song challenge us as Christians to trust in God and do radical things. "A Simple Song" is a beautiful, acoustic love song that speaks of struggling to share one's feelings with someone, but nevertheless finding the courage to share them. This is such a pretty song, both in the lyrics and music.

"The Getaway" is a fun song that is an anthem of a generation. Don't tell us we're not good enough, that we'll never be able to achieve our dreams! There's a fun rock beat, fun lyrics that not only make for a good song, but a life anthem as well.

WHY ARE THESE GUYS NOT SIGNED TO A MAJOR LABEL? Seriously.....This EP, produced by Ben Kasica, has the band sounding better than ever, with some of the best music I've heard this year. Skyhawk Drive has come a long way since "Center Stage Shout Out", and I believe they will only get better. "Skyhawk Drive" is a must have album. I've (unfortunately) never had the chance to meet these guys or see the band live, but I've been able to tune into a few Livestream sessions they did, as well as watch them live on YouTube, and their passion for music is amazing. Be sure to recommend Skyhawk Drive to your friends, ask your church to have them come play, "Like" them on facebook, follow them on Twitter....buy their music on Amazon MP3 or iTunes. But whatever you do, be sure to keep your eye on them!

New Music from Skyhawk Drive

Today is a great day. Skyhawk Drive has released their new single and music video called, "Whisper". "Whisper" was produced by Ben Kasica, and I'm loving the harder sound of Skyhawk Drive. The passionate lyrics are amazing, and the music video is one of the best I've seen all year. Congratulations Guys! You can buy the single off iTunes or Amazon today.

Skyhawk Drive's new music video!

Yesterday Skyhawk Drive released a trailer for their new music video, "Whisper", coming out October 4th! I'm extremely excited for this, as Skyhawk Drive is such an amazing band! I'll post the music video first thing, but for right now, check out this epic trailer:

Indie Exclusive: Liam Blake

I recently found out about Indie artist Liam Blake, a Christian folk-pop artist from England! Liam has been making music since he was 17, and he has just released "You And Other Stories". I really enjoy Liam's music; it's worshipful, full of meaning, fun, and is perfect for fans of Shawn McDonald, Aaron Shust, Jimmy Needham, and JJ Heller. His songs tell a story, and you feel a strong connection to the music. His song "Simon" is one of my favorite off "You and Other Stories", as well as "Sinners and Saints", in which Liam humbly acknowledges the state of his soul and crys out to God for redemption. I am excited to offer "Sinners and Saints" as an exclusive free download!

Be sure to check out Liam Blake on Band Camp, YouTube and MySpace! Here he is performing "Gypsy Fireflies". Enjoy!

Indie Spotlight: My Heart To Fear

I recently came across a hardcore band I think you'll really like! The band is My Heart To Fear, from Williamsport, PA. Their mix of screaming vocals, heavy guitars and meaningful lyrics are sure to draw listeners in. Check out their music video for "The Witching Hour" below, which I happen to really like, even though I normally don't like screamo. You can visit the band's Facebook to hear more of their music.

Interview: Skyhawk Drive!

I recently had the privilege of conducting an interview with Ronnie Bingaman, lead singer of Skyhawk Drive. Skyhawk Drive is an up and coming band from Greencastle, PA, and has released an EP, "Center Stage Shout Out" in 2009. Currently Skyhawk Drive is in the studio at Skies Fall, recording a new album! I'm super stoked for it! It was a great privilege to interview Ronnie, and make sure and check out The Extreme Tour site to see when Skyhawk Drive will visit your area! (I believe they're touring from the middle of June through mid-July on the Extreme Tour.)  My questions are in black, and Skyhawk Drive's answers are in red. Enjoy!

Can you please tell us a bit about how Skyhawk Drive was formed and the story behind the band name?
The band was started back in high school for an English project. We had to read a book and then present it in front of the class in a creative way. We made  the band, wrote a song about the book, and made a little music video for it. "Skyhawk Drive" came from a street name in a town not to far from ours=) 


Your first album, “Center Stage Shout Out” was released in 2009, and “Their Dance, Your Chance” became a hit in Japan, China and the Philippines. What was it like seeing your song doing so well in other countries?
We are all really happy with how "big" its gotten. For us 30 some thousand views on Youtube is big. Haha it might not seem like anything compared to other bigger music videos but to us we were stoked with the response.


“Finest Mistake” is an amazing song with a Pro-Life message. Can you explain what inspired you to write the song?
The song was written about a close friend of the bands. She went through this situation and we saw her go through those hard times. She is now married and is the mother of a beautiful baby girl. It took a lot of faith and and courage to do what she did in that situation and it was really inspiring to us.


Currently you guys are at Skies Fall Studios recording your second album. What can we expect lyrically and musically from this record?
You guys can expect a ton from this new record. It really has shown how we have grown as Christians, people, and musicians. The songs are a little edgier but still keep that pop catchy feel. We grew up and so has our music. We're tired of the super happy pop sound so we've  changed it up a bit. The Ep shows off our more "popish" songs out of all our new music. We hope to soon after, record  full length with everything we've written in the past few months.

Of course, who can ask about recording at Skies Fall without asking what it’s like to work with Ben Kasica and Nick Radovanovic? =)
Ben and Nick are really great guys! It was intimidating at first because we're all Skillet fans. We learned how awesome Nick's old band, Acceptance, was after getting into the studio. They are both extremely talented musicians. Working with them has been really incredible for us and I count it as a huge blessing to able to work with such a great team on this!


Who has influenced Skyhawk Drive the most as a band?
We really take so many influences from so many places. Too many to even list. Theres a huge list of bands that influence us, movies even influence us, God and His word, situations influence us, and people and life in general is all an influence.  

I’m sure some hilarious stuff happens while touring. Can you share with us one of those “moments”?
One time after a show we packed up all our gear and pulled out of the venue and drove about 15 minutes and realized we left our drummer at the venue. All of our phones were either dead or on silent so we didnt get his calls=)

I bet touring can be hectic and stressful at times. How do you guys keep up your relationship with God while touring?
Our keyboardist is actually just now graduating from high school this spring. Because of that we really haven't been able to tour much at all. We pretty much have been limited to weekend shows. Our first official tour will be this summer across the east coast and some in the mid west. The band, thankfully, hasnt taken a big toll on any relationships thus far. If anything its strengthened our walk with Christ. We've definitely had some stressful times that we needed to rely on Gods strength and guidance to get us through it=)

If you could tour anywhere in the world with any band, where and who would it be?
I would love to do a European tour and I really wanna play a Flevo fest in Holland haha. We would love to tour with 30 seconds to mars, Paramore, Relient K, SKillet, or Switchfoot. Any of those bands would be incredible to tour with!

Could you please share with us the members of Skyhawk Drive’s favorite Scripture?
As a band we all like the verse Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." That verse has gotten me personally through battles and hardships. Its engraved on my necklace that I wear all the time so its an easy reminder to all of us that God has everything under control even when we can see it.

In what ways have you seen your music affect your fans?
A lot of people have come up to us after shows in the past years and told us their stories and how our songs have given them hope and helped them in their time of need. Its the coolest thing ever to hear stories like that because you know God has used you in some way. Its probably the most rewarding part about being in a band.


Now, since Skyhawk Drive is from right here in Pennsylvania, I have to ask….Steelers or Eagles? =P
What or what? Eagles are pretty cool birds. I hope they don't go extinct. Steeling isn't good so I'm not about that. (we're not into sports haha)


Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions. Would you like to share any closing thoughts?
Thanks for asking us these questions=) 

New Single: Icon For Hire

One of Tooth & Nail's most recent signings has a new single out! Icon For Hire is a promising new Christian Rock band that is set to play at many of the largest Christian music festivals this summer. Icon For Hire is releasing their first full-length album, tentatively titled, "Scripted" on August 23, 2011. Their new single, "Make A Move" is already hitting the airwaves with great response. Take a listen and let me know what you think! I really like it.

Introducing....KAELUM WAY!

Well, as you know, I LOVE to find new bands, especially up and coming indie ones. After watching Ben Kasica's first Skies Fall podcast, I knew I wanted to check out the bands I saw featured in it. I have to say, Kaelum Way was my favorite!

Kaelum Way is a new band from Nashua, New Hampshire, and they sound very promising! They released their EP, (produced by Ben Kasica) on May 10th, and I really want it now that I have previewed it! The clips sound really good; their vocal and musical abilities definitely shine! You can preview and buy "Pictures Of Home" here. Judging from their website's about page, they would be an awesome band to see live. I.e: "The band has an energetic live performance of original songs that have been known to include such antics as swapping instruments (even mid-song), two-person drum solos, and chains of 3 members playing each others guitars and a trumpet."

Kaelum Way is also giving away a FREE download of their song, "Let Go" on their Facebook. It's a great track, and hey, you might really like them! I know I do.

New Artist: Suzy Rock

"Suzy Rock? Hmm... who is she?" you may say. Sure, the name may not sound familiar, but perhaps you have heard her featured on Lecrae's "Rehab" ("High") and "Rehab: The Overdose" ("Battle Song"). She is definitely talented, and pretty much the only female rapper I know of in Christian music. She has a mixtape out, called "So What" and is available on her website for $5. So if you are into Christian Rap, be sure to check her out!

New Bands You Should Know: Part 2

Welcome to the second segment of New Bands YOU Should Know! First off, I'd like to start with.....

SHINE BRIGHT BABY!

I saw these guys on the roster for Creation NE 2011, and immediately checked them out. They're a new indie Alternative Rock band from Ohio, and they sound promising. I suppose if I had to compare them with a band, I'd say Paramore or maybe a punkier sounding BarlowGirl. They released an album independently on May 22, 2009. "The Heart And It's Hope" sounds pretty good, and you can read my review of it here, and scroll down to the review section. If you visit their Pure Volume page, you can download free an acoustic version of "Deadbolt". It's a very good song, and a great way to discover the band. Shine Bright Baby has even impressed the likes of Jared from House Of Heroes! 

Next we have.......

ICON FOR HIRE!

After looking at the new bands T&N had signed, and after being a little disappointed (Rocky Loves Emily), I saw this band....took a listen...and they are definitely a band to watch! Their music is a little harder than what I usually listen to, but Ariel has an amazing voice, and they are definitely talented! Be sure to keep an eye out for their first album with T&N, dropping summer/fall 2011. While you're at it, get a free downlaod of "Off With Her Head" at their Pure Volume page! Below is their song "Conversation With A Rockstar", an absolutely beautiful acoustic song about selling your soul just for fame. Enjoy!

Well, that's the last of my new bands to watch....let me know if I've missed any  by emailing me at lifewithlisap@gmail.com! 

-Lisa

New Bands You Should Know: Part 1

It seems recently I have been leaving old bands gravitating towards new bands, and I like what I hear! Sure, there's been several misses, but there are many new Christian bands out there that are worth your attention. Let the games begin!

#1: Hyland

Hailing from Minneapolis, MN, this new addition to Tooth & Nail does not disappoint. Their debut EP, "Quotients"  was produced by the one and only Ben Kasica, and caught the attention of producer Aaron Sprinkle. Aaron Sprinkle asked if he could personally pitch Hyland to Tooth & Nail, and they soon became part of the Tooth & Nail family. Look for their debut album in Spring 2011, and check out the single, "This Love Is Free" below! If you haven't heard, their gear was recently stolen, and I'm sure they would appreciate if you could give to help cover the cost of replacing it. Donate at their official website here.

#2 The Lost Colors

So, of course anyone who reads this blog knows I LOVE THESE GUYS!! The Lost Colors are a great indie band that released a self titled EP in 2009. You can read their story and my review of that EP here.

#3 Attalus

I found these guys on New Release Tuesday. Their bassist had posted a topic about the band, and thought to myself, "Hey! This sounds like something I might like!" So I checked out their MySpace, and listened to a few songs. I loved them. ALL! Attalus released an EP in December 2010, and they are definitely worth listening to. Their EP is amazing, and can be purchased on iTunes, Zune Marketplace.....anywhere online where great music is sold! I reviewed their EP on NRT, and you can read it here. Just scroll down to shortperson22's review. Be sure to check them out, you won't regret it. Below is an acoustic version of "The Rich and The Poor", one of my favorite Attalus tunes.

Stay tuned for Part 2 next week!

New music from The Lost Colors!

So, I was searching Youtube for some live footage of The Lost Colors, and I came across great quality footage of two new songs....perhaps we can look forward to a new album soon?