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Our first independent artist spotlight from earlier this year was met with such enthusiasm, we decided to make this a semi-annual feature. What follows is another list of ten independent artists (some with small, independent record label contracts) who you might be interested in checking out. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of Christian artists across the world you'll never hear of – some because they're not very good at their craft, and others because they just can't seem to create much buzz outside of their local community. My hope is that you'll visit these artists' web pages, listen to their music, and decide for yourselves whether or not you like what you hear. They are included here because I believe they are "Ten More Independent Artists You Should Know."

www.salttheband.com
Modern/alternative rock

It's incredible that Salt the Band hasn't gotten more exposure via a recording contract or national radio play – don't be surprised if that happens in the next year or two. The Seattle quintet got its start playing special music for local churches as far back as 1997, recording two demo albums because of popular demand, including the simply titled Worship Project X. After much prayerful consideration, STB decided to take their music ministry to the next level, employing the talents of local acclaimed producer Roy Salmond to help create their first proper album. Mr. Brown is an excellent modern/alternative rock album that rivals a number of major Christian acts: Audio Adrenaline, All Star United, Third Day, and Daily Planet to name a few. Yet despite the numerous comparisons, STB still maintains their own hook-laden and melodic rock sound, peppered with the occasionally funky riff. "Second Wind" is a terrific pop/rock anthem in the same vein as "Turn" by the Paul Colman Trio, and "Insanity" is a great funk rocker with a simplistic but infectious chorus – "You'll go insane without Jesus" – that teens will quickly embrace. "Hammer in My Hand" graphically describes the crucifixion of Christ and how our sin nailed him there, alternating stylistically between a bombastic rock ballad reminiscent of Queen and an upbeat chorus similar to R.E.M. I don't have enough space here to do this album justice, because most all of the tracks are excellent. Let's just say if you're a fan of modern rock as heard on Christian Hit or Rock Radio, STB's album is a safe bet. Go directly to their site and listen to the tracks yourself. If you've ever wanted to be into a band before they broke big, now's your chance.

Staci Frenes
www.stacifrenes.com
Contemporary pop

Those firmly plugged into the Christian music industry are probably already acquainted with Staci Frenes' music in some way. The San Francisco-based songwriter has four independent albums to her name, including 2000's self-titled project. She also co-wrote "In Your Love" with Margaret Becker, which was performed by Nichole Nordeman on the Heaven and Earth worship project a few years ago. Consider that she's shared a stage with Out of the Grey, Kathy Troccoli, and Maggie B, and you should have a good sense of her contemporary pop sound. If anything, it's probably because she sounds a little too much like Out of the Grey and Margaret Becker that she hasn't landed a major recording contract of her own. Appropriately enough, Staci has just recently signed with Margaret's newly formed publishing company, Modern M Music, and has been writing with several Christian artists over the past year. So you can expect more music from her soon, mostly on other people's albums, but I'm sure a new solo project is in the works. In the meantime, enjoy her self-titled project, if you haven't heard it already. There's a hint of alternative edge on songs such as "Strange Land," which refers to life on earth in anticipation of heaven, and "Paradise," a portrait of one who hopes it's not too late to find her way to paradise. A few of the songs blend together, such as the back-to-back tracks "You Said Enough" (a song of creation) and "Well Done" (a song of Christ's return). If you fancy well-crafted adult contemporary pop with thoughtful lyrics, you'd be wise to check out this acclaimed Christian artist on the verge of expanding her audience.

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