Zach and Sal Episode 2

What You Do To My Heart

So I do this thing where I go back and listen to a bunch of my old songs, pouring over each one, borderline obsessively.  I don't do this because I'm in love with myself (Kanye. DOWN BOY.) but because my creative mind is almost always hearing new things each time I listen to the tune.  New ideas form, or old ones get cut.  It's truly one of my favorite parts of the creative process!
Anyway,
I wrote this a while back and released it as a single.  I hope you enjoy it!

Identity: Your New name

This morning was one of the first mornings in a long time that I woke feeling truly rested and refreshed.  It's been a bit since I've felt that way, mostly because life just gets busy, and crazy, and busy again, and then moves back in to being crazy.  It's crazy busy, so lets just say that I have a "bazy" life lol.

You probably know as well as I do that "bazy" living can get you distracted from your core (your core being Jesus).  You start taking a little less time each day to pray and ingest His word, and pretty soon you end up where I found myself.  Dry, dazed, frustrated, and tired.  I started falling back in to some old habits and was becoming more and more sick of myself until I finally just stopped liking myself all together.  I was completing losing sight of the fact that Jesus love for me is FAR greater than my habits.  I was forgetting that He calls me His and there is nothing I can do to remove that label from my heart.  I'm signed and sealed "HIS".

When life gets crazy it becomes easier to lose our identity in all of it.  So lets take a second to remember who we are.  To do this I want to share with you something I did about a year or so ago that completely rocked my world in the best possible way.

I was reading an AMAZING book, the first of 3 or 4 I believe, called "Soul's Gate".  In a nut shell, the main characters in this book are brought together by a prophetically gifted, wise, mentor for the purpose of training them how to intercede and war for the people around them.  The book paints an incredibly interesting portrait of spiritual warfare and what it means to pray.  There was a particular section in the book that really hit a home run for me.  Royce, the teacher, was training these 3 individuals to trust in God in such a way that they were doing some crazy supernatural things as they warred over the people God pointed out to them.  Part of their training was to gain an understanding and perspective on who they are in God's eyes.  Royce gives each of them a pad of paper and pen and then sends them in to the woods surrounding the training grounds telling them to ask God for a new name.  He sites the scripture in Revelation where it talks about the white stones etched with a new name for those who receive them.

Each of them are branded with a new name, a couple of them with more than one.  Why is this important?  Because the truth behind their identities came straight from the Father and when they heard Him speak, understanding that this identity could only have been given by Him, they experienced a drastic shift in they way their faith operated.  They started walking as the warriors God branded them to be.

I read this part of the book and thought Huh.  Why not me?  I immediately set the book aside, turned on some worship music, and started pressing in, asking God to show me how He sees me, and to give me a new name.  I guess I didn't expect him to answer right away, but he did, and with 3 names.

Joshua: This one struck me hard.  All my life, even as a little guy, the people around me have accidentally called me by this name.  i had a teacher in grade school that used to mix me and another kid (whose name was actually Josh) up all the time.  I never understood why until now.  This was a small whisper from God.  He has been calling me by this name my entire life and I never realized it!  Here's a little bit behind the name. Joshua was a warrior with extreme faith in the Lord.  A leader.  He was also the one God chose to lead the Israelites in to the promised land after Moses died.  God chose him to complete the promise He gave to His people.  He is a completer of promises.

Goku: Now this one struck me, but not in a good way initially lol.  I am a HUGE nerd and LOVE all things super hero.  I grew up watching a show called "Dragon Ball Z" which was about highly trained warriors defending the earth from all sorts of evil attacks and threats.  The main character, Goku, is an alien whose DNA causes him to become exponentially stronger when ever he his pushed to the brink of death.  This means that every time he's beaten, he returns 100 times stronger than he was before!  The name Goku also happens to be Japanese, meaning "Sky".  God caused me to think about this fact and recognize that the sky is a limitless expanse, and whispered to me "you are limitless son."  I still giggle at this name when I hear it.  The nerd in me just goes nuts! lol

The third name is one I'm going to keep to myself for right now.

Who are YOU?  I know this may seem "out there" to some of you, but what if God is just waiting for you to ask?  What if He is ready to unlock something in you and all you have to do is ask "Lord, what's my name?"  You already have identity in Jesus, so let Him love on you and unlock the things he built inside you!

Do I believe this is the only way to learn about yourself?  Absolutely not.  But this is a great way to be reminded of how much God loves you and to learn more about how He sees you!  Look through His eyes at the mirror and get ready!

How To Tell When Your Ministry Has The Wrong Focus

This is such an incredible word!  I've been under leadership like this in the past and have seen the damage a ministry can do to it's people when the focus is shifted from where it truly needs to be.
I encourage you to read through this article and maybe take some time to consider your own ministry.

Brought to you by Worship Links

JD Greear writes: Sadly, most of us can all too easily recount stories of pastors who betrayed their congregations, who hurt the very people God had called them to love, who—in short—made their ministry all about them… As a Christian leader, I don’t hear stories like that and congratulate myself. I hear them and tremble. Because the same pride that has shipwrecked countless other ministries lives in my heart. And in yours.
We need to be constantly vigilant for signs that our ministry has become all about us. Here are a few…  Read more...

Let the Music Thump You

If you could make worship music literally thump in your chest, I'm pretty sure this is what it would sound like.  One of the reasons I've fallen head over heals in love with Dubstep is because it is so insanely creative.  Hank Hill may label it as a bunch of toilet noises... But Dubstep has a musical quality that you just can't get anywhere else and now we're hearing more and more of it breaking in to Christian music. 

Whether you agree or not, these Christian Dubstep sounds are worth a listen. Let your ears drown in the thump.

Tale of the Tambourine Lady: Are You a Distraction in Worship?

It was a glorious Sunday morning.  The congregation was congregating, pastors were pastoring, and the worship team was doing that prayer circle thing where you're invited to lead out as the spirit leads but then just stand there in awkward, yet reverent, silence.  After our stirring "go team" we ventured out onto the stage and took our positions, readying ourselves for an encounter with the Father.
Throwing my guitar strap over my shoulder, I made sure everything was in tune and stepped up to the mic.  Looking out over the good people of our church I did what any good worship leader should do to start the service and inspire all those groggy, but dedicated, first service folks... I proceeded with a short series of irritating questions.

"Are you excited to be in the house of the Lord?  Are you ready to worship?  Won't you stand with me?"

As people began slowly rising from their seats I noticed a new face sitting in the second row.  She glanced up at me and I mouthed the word "welcome" to her as she smiled.  I'm always glad to see new people joining us, then I saw her retrieve the largest tambourine I've ever seen, which had somehow been hiding in her purse.  Had Mary Poppins come to church today?  Whose taking care of the Banks children!?  Who will give them their spoon full of sugar!?!?
Needless to say, a feeling of dread crept over me as if Miss Poppins had snapped her fingers and commanded it too.

We kicked off the first song, nice and up tempo, and I watched as our guest stretched out, wound up, and began beating that giant tambourine like it had just tried to steal her purse.
The problem here was that I did not have in ear monitors and could hear every single, delightful, thump and tinkle from our new self appointed team member who refused to confine her expression of worship to the prison cell we call "tempo".  She was flying her freedom flag and stomping those feet like the devil himself was directly under her pew.

Well, after repeated attempts to get the attention of one of our ushers I gave up and focused as best I could on the remainder of the set... Apparently the lovely lady and I had the same plan except she wanted a solo.

Why am I sharing this?  Because it is possible to be a distraction in worship.  I'll be the first to stand up and advocate for freedom of expression but you also need to be aware of the people around you.  Are you taking away from their experience?  Are you slugging then in the head with a gigantic tambourine?  You can argue that focusing on something like this will only take YOUR attention away from worship.  Its not a matter of removing all your attention from worship.  Just be aware of where you're waving your flag (I got clocked in the face by a worship flag once) or if the massive percussion instrument you toted with you to church is going to be appropriate for the setting.  You might need to just wait for a your Sunday evening family jam sessions.

Songwriting is a Muscle

Songwriting is like a muscle.  If you don't work it out its going to get mushy and weak.  With this in mind I try to spend time every day writing something.  That doesn't mean I'm always sitting down with guitar in hand or piano keys under my fingers.  Sometimes I just sit and write out lyrics even if those lyrics never get used.  Whatever it is I am working out that creative muscle.

Here is a little something that came of a creative writing session.  I wasn't actually planning to get anything much out of this particular session, but I grew rather fond of the sound I was coming up with.  Here is the rough draft of "Always For Me".


(If you listen closely at the end you can hear my in-laws wiener dog barking in the background.)

2 share top honors at ASCAP Christian Music Awards

 Brought to you by The Tennessean
Two accomplished songsmiths got to share the night's top honor. David Garcia and Ben Glover are co-writing and co-producing partners and thus tied for the Songwriter of the Year award. In the past year, they were responsible for Mandisa's "Back to You," MercyMe's "Greater" and Francesca Battistelli's "Write Your Story." Those three tunes were among 25 most-performed songs presented with awards on Monday.
Read More...

Worship Music is Getting Dubstep'd & I LOVE IT

Dub step is one of those things that I think you either love or hate.  I once saw an episode of King of the Hill where Hank Hill asked his son, Bobby, what he was listening to.  When Bobby placed his, very 1990's, headphones on his dads ears Hanks expression changed to one of shock and horror as he exclaimed, "It's just a bunch of toilet noises!"

Well I don't agree with good ol' Hank Hill, because I have a special place in my heart for Dubstep.  This music not only has the ability to amp me up, I have a playlist I use when I go running, but also has served to help me focus and block out distractions.  Beyond that, there is an insane amount of creativity and musicality that is put in to this genre!  I would challenge anyone who airs on the side of Hank Hill to prove me otherwise.  The detail that goes in to something like this, without completely understanding all of it, has got to be insane!  If the artist is using samples of songs for their mix they have to often bend and re-tune it to fit the mix.  On top of that they have to understand how to work with waves.  Then there is the process of actually putting all of this together in to a product that thumps you in the chest like an external heartbeat.

Anywho,
I love Dubstep and I am EXCITED by the fact that some worship music has been getting a makeover.  That's right folks!  Worship Dubstep!  I recently came across a great YouTube channel that's specifically for showcasing the best in Christian Dubstep.  Check it out!

Prince Covers Christian Song from Renowned writer Nicole Nordeman

I'll NEVER be the type of man who tells a Christian artist that they would be leaving behind their roots if they were to branch out and write/perform in the secular industry.  Frankly, that's a total load of something stinky.  Why would God, who is the most creative being in all the universe, create you in His image, as a creative being yourself, and then say, "Oh, well about that artsy thing you do... You can only do it in the church."  Riiiiiiiiiight (insert sarcastic vocal inflection and eye roll here).  God never designed our gifts to be used strictly inside the church.

That being said, I just listened to a very interesting song that I heard years ago from a fantastic writer named Nicole Nordeman.  You've probably heard of her as she's been on the Christian music scene for years and had her hands on many different projects.  Well kids, you'll never guess who picked up one of her tracks.... Prince.  Yep!  Good ol' Prince grabbed Nordeman's tune, What If, and produced his own, rock tinged, take on the ditty.

What did I think of it?  Well first of all, let me say that I LOVE hearing about circumstances like this both because of the creativity that goes in to taking someone's song and making it your own with your own spices and flavors added in.  And secondly, it's a song that was written with a Jesus centered core and has been picked up by someone playing in the secular industry. 

As far as the new sound Prince has given the song, I thought it was good, but I actually like Nordeman's original version much better.  I'm a big Prince fan, have always loved his music, so I was kind of surprised when I responded with a "meh".  Anyway, I'll let you be the judge.  Here is the original version from Nicole.  I did some digging to try and find an audio file I could post for Prince's version, but he's rather finicky about having his music available online.  So enjoy the original, and the Easter egg hunt you'll be on looking for Prince's version. (It's funny cuz it's almost Easter.  See what I did there!? *Awkward laugh wheeze*)






Here's a great article from Billboard briefly talking about the new release.

The Northwests Harmony Sweepstakes Champs: Straighter Road

Being a student of Jazz and voice, I am intensely in love with great vocal ensemble music.  I'm admittedly pretty picky when it comes to listening to ensembles.  There are some truly great acapella groups out there right now, and I guess it's pretty cool that they can imitate exactly what today's top 40 pop and dance songs are doing.  But I don't really want to listen to a vocal copy of those songs.  My pallet craves new flavors of those tunes.  The Sing Off is a fantastic show that has showcased some great examples of vocal ensembles taking those songs and actually doing something creative with them.

Ok, all I'm really trying to say is that I know a good vocal group when I hear one.  So, right now, before you do anything else, you NEED to stop EVERYTHING and go listen to Straighter Road.  These guys are this years Harmony Sweepstakes Acapella Festival winners and will be traveling to San Fransisco in May to compete in the national competition.  Straighter Road, has a genuine, buttery sound that's infused with a passion to worship God.  Their songs and arrangements are truly creative and have never failed to make me stop and listen.

I'm honored, and elated, to let you all know that my mom sings in this group!  She's been one of, if not the biggest, influences in my life.  She's introduced me to countless styles of music and always encouraged me to pursue my dreams.  I am SO proud of you madre!

The groups founder, Kevin Kunz, also happens to be a good friend of mine and produced my single, What You Do To My Heart.  The guy's ability to write, arrange, and produce is just ridiculous!  Beyond his skill as a musician Kevin is a man that carries himself with humility and a heart that's hungry for the things of God.  He's said from the beginning that Straighter Road is for God, bent on praising Him, and loving people through the gifts they've all been given.

 

Via the Harmony Sweepstakes Website: Singing is one of the purest art forms. Nothing man made between the artist and the audience. Straighter Road was formed as a Gospel vocal group first, with a band back-up, and recently has ventured down the Acapella Road. The challenge of acapella sing is without edges and joined with the charge of spreading the Good News of the Gospel, keeps Straighter Road striving for excellence.

Throwback Thursday: Woo Hoo

Back in the day, when I was an awkward little band kid, with no wife to help him make better fashion choices, I was introduced to a little band called The Newsboys. To be totally honest I'm not the biggest fan of their more recent stuff but I continue to love their older tunes.  I was given this album by a middle school youth group buddy of mine and I pretty much played the ol' compact disc until it literally wouldn't play anymore.  I used to take this album along with me in my trusty Discman as I went rollerblading around my old neighborhood.  Oh yeah, 1998 was a good year, frosted tips and all.  Oh, and we had this----------->

So kids, in honor of throwback Thursday, here is "Woo Hoo" from the Newsboys 1998 album "Step Up to the Microphone".





What are, for those of you folks who have all the rad memories from our glory days, some of your favorite hits from 98?

February 27th Will be Soulful

The Daily Tune: Holly Starr

I literally JUST came across Holly Starr & I am officially an insta-fan.
It's like someone took Francesca Battistelli's voice and combined it with Colbie Caillat, tossed in some Sarah Bareilles, hit blend, and just sat back to enjoy the flavor.

Holly Starr is a fantastic contemporary Christian artist that I will absolutely be tuning in to often!

The Daily Tune: Tyshan Knight

Today's featured artist is Tyshan Knight. 
The guys truly got an incredible voice that harkens back to the days of Brian McKnight, and Boyz 2 Men.  Basically, its delicious and you should be listening.  So tune in!

What if you experienced the music you listen to?

Get Band email for free at ReverbNation.com

I am a firm believer in the power of music. I know that "the power of music" is a phrase that nearly everyone, musician and non alike, is familiar with.  But what happens when the emotion collides with the spirit?  What happens when the feelings that song stirs up meets the one who created you? My desire in writing this song was that it would be an atmosphere altering sound.  That the listener could sit back and simply soak.  
My prayer for you is that you would not just listen and enjoy What You Do To My Heart, but that you would listen and engage the one I wrote this for.  Worship was designed by God for God and is meant to be an experience.  Engage when you listen!

The Gray Haven's Could be my new favorite!

HOLY CRAP.
You guys, I'm pretty picky when it comes to music, probably a bit too judgey at times, but I am telling you....
YOU. NEED. TO. GET. THIS. IN. YOUR. EARS.




Though I'm a bit picky about my musical tastes, I know a great sound when I hear one.  And this my friends is absolutely fantastic!  Let your ear mouth devour the deliciousness.

I'm So In Love With You (Acoustic rough draft)

Free Electronic Press Kits template from ReverbNation.com    

It's like bacon for your ears: music by All Things New

How much do I love this sound? Probably more than Hulk Hogan loves ripping shirts-------------------------------------------------------->





There is something that's so comfy and delicious about worship music that is, though very well produced, raw and honest.  This is a perfect example of the type of tunes I relentlessly search for and latch on to.  It also makes me want to play banjo and harmonica, neither of which you would want to hear me play right now unless you like bleeding ears and brain aneurisms.

Bottom line,
listen to the tune.  Buy their music.  If your ears were a mouth, it would be like listening to Oreo's dipped in peanut butter. (don't diss it till you try it.) Or maybe bacon. Everybody likes bacon.

No Retreat: Lecrae’s Approach to “Culture-Making”

In 2012, hip hop artist Lecrae made a distinct shift in his music. On his mixtape, Church Clothes, he went from rapping about overtly Christian topics and themes to penning lyrics about the everyday concerns of people in the streets. Two years later he has a Grammy and his latest release, Anomaly hit #1 on the Billboard 200.

Both Lecrae and Andy Crouch display a savvy that other Christians who wish to impact broader culture may need to consider adopting.

Lecrae still raps from a biblical Christian perspective, but now his music is getting a hearing beyond the Christian clique. In the process he has gained both a hearing in the mainstream hip hop community and a vocal corner of critics. Why did Lecrae make this transition? Why would he risk alienating his original fan base? What accounted for the shift in his music?

Read more at: http://christandpopculture.com/retreat-lecraes-approach-culture-making/