One of my most recent interviews was with Justin Anderson (you may know him from the band Mainstay) who is no stranger to hard work.  He is the perfect example of a musician who is unswervingly passionate about what he does.  He knows exactly what it takes to make a name for himself.  He has created a distinct sound in PaperCandle, has bared his soul in every note and lyric and has established himself on the upper echelon of singer/songwriters.

PR: Would you mind telling me your story and how you got to where you are today with your music/career?

JA: ”I can still remember the first time I heard Nirvana and Metallica circa 1991 and my eyes grew wide and my mind expanded. I knew what I wanted to do. I started out playing guitar as a 13 year old boy in Southwest Minnesota and I wanted to start a band and eventually myself and a friend (Ryan DeYounge) started Mainstay in 2000. From there, it was a long path playing bars, clubs, bar mitzvahs (just kidding) etcetera and we eventually signed a recording contract with Tooth & Nail Records in 2005. Mainstay achieved moderate radio success and we toured like mad in hopes of being able to sustain a music career. This path was littered with wonderful, exciting and fruitful moments of connecting with people and bands as well as moments of extreme disillusionment with Christian music and the industry that “runs” it. Many good things and many bad things. Basically, 2000-2008 was a long journey of discovering all the things I loved about music and all the things that I hate about trying to make it as a musician.”

PR: What brings you to the point where you are pursuing a solo record?  Was there an “ending” to Mainstay?  Are you guys “on a break”?

JA: ”We (Mainstay) are definitely taking a break. I needed it and I know some of the other guys did (read the rest of the interview here…)

Share/Bookmark

On Phil Wickham’s 5th album, “Response” (releasing October 4th), I found a new and fresh sound. It is a little unlike previous albums, yet still possess exactly what Wickham listeners hope for.  You will find an album that has slightly developed to a more mature sound yet showcases Wickham’s very passionate heart, still beating through the music.

The first few songs start with an ethereal feeling (the only band I can liken it to would be Coldplay).  They feature a heavy synth and rhodes keyboard emphasis that surprised me coming from Wickham.  This only proves his progression in his musical ability and shows he has stretched himself. Once the album approaches “At Your Name” (read the rest of the album review here…)

Share/Bookmark

In an era where mainstream rock is at the forefront of the music industry with bands like The Fray, Maroon 5, and Coldplay, Samestate has appeared on the scene with an album which has the chops to establish themselves musically with the rest yet produces positive lyrics to leave you hopeful and remind you of Someone bigger than yourself.  Samestate’s 4 song, self titled, EP is filled with powerful messages of the love God offers us undeservingly (“Hurricane”), that we are placed on this earth for more than ourselves (“Wake Me Up”),  reminders that He fights for us and can save us from any circumstances (“Not Your Fight”) and how nothing will get in the way of a God who loves us (“Shadows”).

You can preview and buy the album here.

The following is an acoustic performance of their hit song “Hurricane”.

(Read the full interview here.)

Share/Bookmark

AJ Cheek was formerly a member of the bands Nevertheless and Revive.  However, he is no longer a part of either one and is pursuing a solo venture.  ”The Art of Letting Go” is exactly that.  Cheek expresses some of his rawest heart cries and emotions in this 6 song EP.  Cheek’s music comes from such an honest place and has such a singer/songwriter vibe to it that you are able to connect with him incredibly easily.  The music is simple (basic finger picking or intimate piano playing) yet intricate.  You don’t get the feeling of a big band with thumping melodies and distracting bass lines.  That allows your emotions to connect with his and feel exactly what he feels.  It almost makes you feel like you are the one singing.  It allows you to be swept away in the feelings that Cheek expresses so candidly. Just see what I mean… (read the rest of the interview here).

Share/Bookmark