I actually won something!

Ever since I can remember I've entered contests. Some big...Some small. Thing is...I've never won. That is...Until this week!

Earlier this month during one of my many runs through the internets, I ran across FreeCCM.com. It's a music blog with contest, downloads, and stuff like that. Kind of like what I do here.

Anyway...They had a chance to interview Chasen this week, however before the interview, they were stumped with what questions to ask. Thus, they asked their web visitors to submit a question, the ones randomly chosen would win a copy of Chasen's upcoming album BEFORE it releases.

My question was one of the ones picked! The CD's not here...But it's on its way, and I'll be sure to give you more insight into it once I receive it and listen through it.

The other cool thing is...They video taped the interview featuring the winning questions. Take a look at the video below to see their answers. My question is the first one they answer! Pretty cool! Thanks FreeCCM.com and Chasen!


~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

"New" Newsboys

Hey there, and welcome to the Weekend Edition of "The Music Test". You see...Because there are so many things to talk about, I needed to extend my normal practice of posting once a day into the weekend.

So...Here goes.

I'm a singer. Thus...I associate the singers voice with the band. Now...That may not make sense, so let me explain. Let's take the Newsboys. Last year Peter Furler stepped down as lead sing and former DC Talk member Michael Tait stepped in.

I have been very nervous about the outcome of that switch, because...Like I said, Peter's voice is Newsboys, and if his voice isn't there it's not the Newsboys. Well...Turns out...In the end...It doesn't even stinkin' matter, because after watching the following video featuring the title track of the upcoming Newsboy album "Born Again"...They've got a killer sound no matter what the name of the band is.

newsboys "Born Again" *Official Music Video* from newsboys on Vimeo.

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

MercyMe & The Generous Mr. Lovewell

Being the MD (Music Director) for a radio station has it's perks. One of which is meeting up with artists when they swing into the area!

Last week I had the opportunity to spend a little time with Mike & Robby from MercyMe. Actually...They weren't alone. I also had the pleasure of meeting the featured gentleman of their upcoming album, Mr. Lovewell.

(Mr. Lovewell was busy loving well while we snapped this picture. Oh...I'm on the right.)

Yes...Mr. Lovewell. More appropriately called, "The Generous Mr. Lovewell", which is also the title of MercyMe's upcoming album set to release on May 4th.

Why did I meet up with Mike, Robby, and Mr. Lovewell? Why not?

Okay...Actually, it was because they wanted to introduce Mr. Lovewell to the staff and let us know a little more about their upcoming project. Summed up in a few words...Mr. Lovewell is a super cool dude!

What does "The Generous Mr. Lovewell" stand for? Simply put? Loving each other and loving them well! Again...That's the simplified version. Find out more at MrLovewell.com and even follow Mr. Lovewell on Twitter!

Also...They've now officially, as of today, released their first single off of "The Generous Mr. Lovewell" entitled, "All of Creation".

My thoughts on the song? Here they are:

• Great tune. Definitely MercyMe.
  
• Chorus is really solid and singable.
  
• "Oh oh ooooo's" are always a good addition to a song! :)
• Overall...Good tune, can't wait to get it on the air. Oh wait...Listen for it starting TODAY!
  

One last thing. If you haven't yet helped with the relief efforts in Haiti, and are feeling called to do so, MercyMe and The Generous Mr. Lovewell have set up a opportunity for you. Text LOVEWELL to 90999 and you'll give $10 to Compassion International. It will automatically be added to your phone bill...Talk about convenient!

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

The Disenders?

It's "Indie Thursday" again...Which means I take a look at a song and the Indie musician that belongs to it!

Today...I'm checking out The Disenders!

According to the email I received, they're from Ontario, Canada. According to their website and Facebook page they're a 'brother' group, comprised of Jamie & Matthew Rowlandson. They're recording their first album one song at a time, and the song I'm about to listen to, is the 3rd song they've completed. You can check out their website at: Disenders.com

Alrighty...So here we go!

The Disenders - "Hard Times"

• Not a bad intro off the bat. Poppy and kind of a fun feel.
  
• Chorus is pretty catchy.
• Overall...Good sound. I'm not sure that it's a fit for JQ's sounds/style, but it was definitely nice to listen through.

Also...Here are the lyrics:

The Disenders – "Hard Times"

Verse 1:
You always find a way
The words to say like no one else
When I’m down, you bring me around
And in the hopes and fears
Of the years you’ve been here
When I’m down, to bring me around again

Chorus:
We all have our hard times
Days that we would rather leave behind
When I look at my life
Because of you I’m glad to be alive

Verse 2:
You always find a way
To see the day for something else
When I’m down, you bring me around
I know it’s hard right now
We’ll make it through somehow
I’m here when you’re down
To bring you around again

Post Chorus:
And if your love is fading
And your heart is aching I will
Never leave you here alone

One last thing...Here's a music video for one of their older songs, "Fall". Nice video...well done. Love the contrasting B&W/Color shots!

Nice job guys! Keep up the good work.

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

iTunes Discovery Download

Hey there...Here's a really quick post just letting you know about some FREE music!

Ever hear of Carlos Whittaker?

Carlos is a pastor of worship and creative arts in Southern California and a director of service programming for a church in Atlanta. That's just a brief summary.

He's got a radio single out there right now entitled, "Rain it Down", and YOU can snag it FREE over at iTunes. Click the image below!

Last thing to note about Carlos Whittaker - "Rain it Down". You can hear it during Total Axxess on JQ99!

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

Swagbucks?

Swag what?

You heard me...Swagbucks. Here...I'll break it down for you. "Swag" = Stuff We All Get. It's an acronym. "Bucks" = Term used for money. Put it together and you have "money" for "stuff we all get".

Clear as mud?

Okay...How about this...You sign up for this program, use their search engine, promote it, or whatever you want, but in the end...just gather as many Swagbucks as you can. Why? To spend 'em of course!
On what?

First...What's with all the questions?

Second...Stuff like:

• iTunes Gift Cards
• Amazon.com Gift Cards
• Target Gift Cards

Ultimately...Places that I/we can go to purchase music! Ah yes the tie in to the blog.

Go check it out...HERE!

Oh...Check out how easy it is to earn 'bucks'. I did a search yesterday and earned 1 Swagbuck:

(I'm the Jeremy, MI guy)

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

New Releases!

Well...Let's be honest, I haven't touched on New Releases in quite a while...So...Since it's Tuesday and there are some new albums gracing your favorite music retailer...How about we run through the list?

Here we go!

• Above the Golden State - "The Golden Rule"
• Day of Fire - "Losing All"
• Hearts of Saints - "Hearts of Saints"
• Tal & Acacia - "Wake Me"

Pretty sweet list. ATGS is a pretty awesome group and I can't wait to hear what their sophomore release brings! Tal & Acacia...I've mentioned them a time or two here at "The Music Test". They're a sister group who have a very interesting style of music with some very lovely vocals. Definitely check that one out when you get a chance!

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

Video Contest!

Yea! A contest! A video contest, nonetheless!

However...I'm not putting it on...but...one of my favorite bands is!

NeedtoBreathe needs your helps as they put together an internet music video for the latest radio single, "Something Beautiful".

They'd like YOU to be a part of it. How? By having you record a video clip of something that represents YOUR idea of 'something beautiful', and then upload it at NeedtoBreathe.net

Needs to be less than one minute and your video can't contain copyrighted footage, but aside from that it's pretty open ended.

The deadline is a week from today...Monday, February 2nd.

So have fun with it, and if you participate...Let me see you video!

Lastly...If you need more details or to upload your photo, hit the banner up top! (Or click HERE!)

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

tobyMac - "Tonight" preview

tobyMac is getting ready to release a new album on Tuesday, February 9th entitled, "Tonight".

Now...I don't have a copy of "Tonight" to listen through yet, but I do have a Billboard Magazine with a "Best Bets 2010" article highlighting tobyMac's upcoming release.

So...I figured I would share it with you. Instead of giving you a synopsis of the short article...Head over to Billboard.com and check it out.

Here's the LINK!

Now...Since most of this post isn't even of my own doing, I figured I share with you something that a little bird shared with me.

Apparently...tobyMac may be heading to the West Michigan area this spring. Stay tuned for more details!

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

Waiting to Run?

Alright...Running with my post tag promise, "I'll give it a listen"...I think I'm going to start reserving Thursdays for listening through any Indie artist songs I receive!

Last week I listened through Naomi Stiemer...This week I'll be listening through a couple tunes from Waiting to Run. Sue Smith, out of Wisconsin, had posted on "The Music Test" Facebook fan page about some of her tunes I could download during my "Spend My iTunes Gift Card" contest, even though here songs were available for FREE downloads HERE!

So...I quick downloaded them and set them aside so that I could listen through, when I had some time. Oh would you look at that...TIME! Here we go!

(Note: Comments are all made in "real" time as I listen through the song for the very first time and are also my personal opinions.)

Waiting to Run - "Tonight"

• Mmm...Acoustic guitar! Yippie!
• Very pleasant voice.
• I get the whole, solo act deal, but I think a little low end would be helpful. Something along the lines of male background vocals.

Waiting to Run - "He Stays"

• Ever had your heart broken? :) (I've written songs like this before.)
• Might ease back on the reverb and bring up the vocals a little bit.

Waiting to Run - "Even If I Crawl"

• Nice growly voice. Neat.
• This song has some low end in it. Makes it seem more full.
• Fun guitar sound throughout.

Waiting to Run - "A Perfect Moment"

• Ooo...BGV's. At least I think I hear some in there. Good choice.
• Great potential with this song. Nice catchy chorus.

Overall...Nice guitar sounds, very pleasing voice. So...Great combo. I personally would make some enhancements, as stated above. ie. Add some male vocals to balance out the treble, cut back on the reverb a little so that it doesn't sound like the vocals are too far away. Keep up the good work!

Thanks for sharing Sue and best of luck with all you do! (Hey...That rhymed!)

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

Haiti Relief Auction (UPDATE)

(UPDATE)

A little late on this one, but the auction ended Friday, January 22nd with Bebo's limited edition guitar selling for $51,100 for Compassion's Haiti Relief! Amazing!

--------------------------------------

Here's a scenario for you to consider...

Imagine you have a limited edition of some great 'thing'...1 of like 128 ever made...oh and by the way...it's #1 of that 128 produced. You've had this 'thing' for years. Then...more recently you hear about the tragedy that hit Haiti. Your brain starts reeling about how you can help out.

Now...What's the first thing that comes to your mind?

Personally...and honestly...It WASN'T auctioning off my hand-made Everett Laurel Guitar that was given to me by the builder himself, and as previously stated is Number 00-01 of 128 ever made.

But that's me...and I'm not Bebo Norman, but Bebo is Bebo Norman, and he's doing just that.
He'll be auctioning off this guitar that he's had as one of his primary 'songwriting guitars' for about 10 years. The auction includes a TKL Hardcase, 4 packs of guitar strings, and the ENTIRE Bebo Norman discography...autographed!

Oh...and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Compassion International's Haiti Relief Fund.

There you go! Want more info? Want to see if you can with the auction with a bid of $50?

HEAD HERE!

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

Behind the Story: Josh Wilson - "Before the Morning"

Okay...So on Friday of last week, I decided that it was about time to finally add some new music into our playlist. Yippie!

Amongst the 6 or so adds, I added Josh Wilson - "Before the Morning". Great tune. Catchy chorus. Great message. And wouldn't you know...A great story behind it.

The video is only available through Josh's Facebook app...So...I've linked to it. Just click the graphic below and check it out.

If the graphic doesn't work for you...Just head here: http://apps.facebook.com/joshwilson/

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

Programmer of the Week!?

Ha! This is stinkin' awesome! I've never been 'anything' of the week. Well...No...I take that back, I've been "Employee of the Month" several times, until we discontinued the award because I kept winning it.

No joke. (Sorry to toot my own horn there.)

Anyway...So I was perusing the internets this morning an look what I found over at AllAccess.com?

ME! Me as the "Programmer of the Week!"

To officially check it out...HEAD HERE!

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

FREE Download!

Haven't had one of these in a while, so I figured this would be a great way to start off the week!
Wednesday of last week I posted the Official Music Video for Me In Motion - "Losers". Cool video by the way. Anyway...This morning on my Twitter feed CCMSingles Tweeted about snagging Me In Motion - "Gotta Be Something" over at OnCourse.ag.org in the lower right corner.

To save you time...Here's the direct link to the FREE Song Download!

Enjoy...I know I will!

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

Julian Drive in Haiti

Okay...So with a headline like "Julian Drive in Haiti", you're probably assuming that some band that you may or may not have ever heard of is in Haiti working with the relief efforts.

Sorry...But that'd be a bad assumption. The guys from Julian Drive were actually in Haiti BEFORE the quake visiting orphanages. According to a recent update on their website, they're doing well. Check out their most recent report over at their website: JulianDrive.com

Take care guys and get home soon!

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

Impromptu Josh Wilson!

I'm a little behind on getting to this story, but then again...there might be a chance that you are too!

Earlier this week I received an email talking about Josh Wilson and some attention he's recently received. Apparently...Josh was stuck at the Newark airport the day of the security breach.

While he and thousands of other travelers dealt with the crumby situation of waiting around for authorities to capture the perpetrator, Josh decided to react in opposite way that probably most of us would have reacted.

Instead of being upset, impatient, rude, grumpy, etc. Josh decided to bust out his guitar and lead the surrounding strangers in a round of The Beatles - "Hey Jude". Here's the video:



Now...That's not all. Apparently CNN & Inside Edition have been trying to contact Josh to get his reaction to the event and how he responded, but he's currently in India on a mission trip!

How fun!

Also...One last thing...We just added Josh's latest single, "Before the Morning". So be sure to listen for it on 99.3...JQ99!

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

Unity: Day Zero

So...Right about now...Big Daddy Troy West from the "Big Show" here at JQ99 is unveiling the Unity: Day Zero line-up.

For those of you now familiar with Unity...or Day Zero. Here's a quick explanation.

Unity is a 3-day music festival that usually takes place the first Thursday, Friday, Saturday in August. A couple years ago, they added "Day Zero" which occurred on the Wednesday before the Thursday of Unity: Day One.

Anyway...There's lots of music, food, fun, and fellowship all on the waterfront of Heritage Landing in Muskegon, Michigan.

Now...There's one more thing I failed to mention about "Day Zero". Unlike Unity (Days 1, 2, and 3)...There's NO charge, cost, or tickets! It's completely FREE! With the exception of merchandise and food of course. So...Being FREE, it's a great day to bring Youth Groups, Small Groups, Friends, etc.

Okay...So now you know what it is...Let's go ahead and give you the line up, so you know who's coming. I will say this...Out of the 3-4 years they've been doing "Day Zero"...This is the very first time I've been excited about the line-up! (No offense.)

Since I've probably killed enough time to allow Troy to make the announcement, I'm free to post about it...So...Here you go!

Unity: Day Zero - Wednesday, August 11th

• FM Static
• VOTA
• Fireflight
• and headlining...Thousand Foot Krutch!
  

SWEET! Can't wait!

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

Naomi Striemer?

Ever heard of her? I haven't. However...Earlier this week, I was passed a short email steering me towards Naomi's website in order to download and listen to her latest single, "Stay With Me (Tonight)".

Fair enough...Let's do this! Here are my thoughts of the song, in "real" time. "Real" meaning, that I'm typing these thoughts as I listen to the song for the very first time, so "real" time for me...However...since you won't see this until after I'm done, it's not really "real" time for you. Make sense? Clear as mud? Okay...Let's go!

Naomi Striemer - "Stay With Me (Tonight)"

• Nice piano intro.
• Airy voice, along the lines of Celine Dion.
• A little hard to hear the vocals...but from what I can hear...it's pleasant singing.
• As far as the words/lyrics/message...Having difficulty catching it
• Clearly a power ballad.

Okay...To summarize. Nice voice...the music's good too. The mix could use some work to help bring up the vocals and reveal the words/lyrics/message a little better. My gut reaction is that this type of song fits better during the Christmas music season and not our regular airplay here at JQ99. A bit too slow for our tempo.

If you'd like to find out more about Naomi Striemer and her lovely voice. Here are a couple of links for you:

• NaomiStriemer.org
• NaomiStriemerMusic.com
• FREE Download of "Stay With Me (Tonight)" via NaomiStriemer.org
  

Thanks for sharing Naomi!

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

Music Video Wednesday!

Ha! It's Wednesday! Half-way through the work week. Couple days into the week...Couple days away from the weekend. Let's relax and watch a video together!

Me in Motion just released the Official Music Video for their latest single, "Losers". Check it out!



Love the ending by the way! Couples Skate...Ha!

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

Awww...A "Thank You!"

I'm not a "Card Sending" kind of guy. Well...I should take that back. I never used to be. However...When I married my wife...a "Card Sending" kind of gal...She's been able to morph me into a more "Card Sending" kind of guy.

So...Because I know how much work it can be to write out a snail mail card and send it out, I have to appreciate them, when I get 'em.

That's what happened recently...Take a look...

Wow! It's actually HAND-WRITTEN! Who does this anymore? People who care...that's who! :)

Thanks Chasen! You...and the rest of the band...ROCK!

Note: Now yes...The card is addressed to Gary. He was the former Music Director here at the station. They just happened to send it during the transition and thus the updated info didn't get there in time. No worries though! :)

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

Hokey Pete!

("We Have a Winner")

Okay...So...I've got a LOT of stuff to catch up on. You see...Last week was my first FULL week as the official Music Director here at JQ99, and it was nothing short of crazy! In a good way though. I haven't had a week go by that fast, since my last vacation!

First...If you remember, and look back a couple of posts ago, I created a contest. For Christmas I received a $15 iTunes gift card. Only trouble was...I couldn't come up with anything to spend it on. So...I asked for your help in spending it for me. I got some really good suggestions, thanks, by the way.

Now...I get to choose one of those suggestions, spend the iTunes gift card, and reward the person responsible for the TOP suggestion!

Who came up with the TOP suggestion? Matt Carlson from Fremont! Here's what he suggested:

1. Hillsong United - "Desert Song"
2. David Crowder* Band - "How He Loves"
3. Phil Wickham - "Cannons"
4. Chris Tomlin - "I Will Rise"
5. Casting Crowns - "God Is With Us"
6. Bebo Norman - "A Million Raindrops"
7. Jeremy Camp - "This Man"
8. MercyMe - "Bring the Rain"
9. Addison Road - "What Do I Know of Holy"
10. FM Static - "Take Me As I Am"
11. Christy Nockels - "Hosanna"
12. Casting Crowns - "Until The Whole World Hears"
13. and Jeremy Camp - "Let It Fade"

At .99 cents a piece, Matt spent $14.76 of my $15. Nicely done Matt. I don't own any of these songs yet...so some really great choices!

Now...What did Matt win? 4 Cd's of my choosing!

1. NeedtoBreathe - "The Outsiders"
2. Leeland - "Love is On The Move"
3. Pillar - "Confessions"
4. and Red - "Innocence & Instinct"

Enjoy Matt...and Congratulations. Also...Thank you to everyone who sent in suggestions! I'll save 'em for future purchases!

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

New Releases! (or maybe not)

Quick...Run to you nearest music retailer and pick up:

Oh wait...There aren't any. Well...Then...Let's find something else to talk about!

2009's in the books and there are always lots of countdowns when a year closes out, so why should 2009 be any different? Here some countdown lists:

Top 10 Albums of 2009:

1. WOW Hits 2009
2. Mary Mary - "The Sound"
3. Michael W. Smith - "A New Hallelujah"
4. Chris Tomlin - "Hello Love"
5. Casting Crowns - "Peace on Earth"
6. Third Day - "Revelation"
7. Jeremy Camp - "Speaking Louder Than Before"
8. Skillet - "Awake"
9. Red - "Innocence & Instinct"
10. Tenth Avenue North - "Over and Underneath"

Top 10 Christian Songs of 2009:

1. Matthew West - "The Motions"
2. Tenth Avenue North - "By Your Side"
3. Phillips Craig & Dean - "Revelation Song"
4. Jeremy Camp "There Will Be a Day"
5. Chris Tomlin - "I Will Rise"
6. Jonny Diaz - "More Beautiful You"
7. Chris and Conrad - "Lead Me To The Cross"
8. Brandon Heath - "Wait and See"
9. Third Day - "Born Again"
10. Francesca Battistelli - "Free To Be"

Finally...Top 20 Songs of 2009, put together by JQ99 Listeners:

1. tobyMac - "City on Our Knees"
2. Addison Road - "What Do I Know of Holy"
3. Philips, Craig, & Dean - "Revelation Song"
4. Casting Crowns - "Until the Whole World Hears"
5. 33Miles - "Jesus Calling"
6. Francesca Battistelli - "It's Your Life"
7. Skillet - "Hero"
8. Newsboys - "In the Hands of God"
9. Jonny Diaz - "More Beautiful You"
10. Third Day - "Born Again"
11. Bluetree - "God of this City"
12. John Waller - "While I'm Waiting"
13. Chris Tomlin - "Sing, Sing, Sing"
14. Jeremy Camp -"Speaking Louder Than Before"
15. Newsboys - "Glorious"
16. Downhere - "My Last Amen"
17. Sidewalk Prophets - "The Words I Would Say"
18. Jars of Clay - "Two Hands"
19. NeedtoBreathe - "Lay 'Em Down"
20. Mark Schultz - "He Is"

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com

Switchfoot on "Late, Late Show" tonight!

Want to catch some live Switchfoot performances this week?

Your first opportunity comes up tonight as Switchfoot rings in the new year with a performance on "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson"!

Also...Coming up on Thursday, Switchfoot will be one of two groups playing the ESPN National Championship Tailgate, which will take place at the Rose Bowl Stadium just before the Alabama Crimson Tide face the Texas Longhorns in the Citi BCS National Championship Game!

Pencil these in on your calendar!

~j
I'll give it a listen.
themusictest@gmail.com