Sounds like … the modern worship stylings of Chris Tomlin, Delirious, and the David Crowder Band crossed the alternative aura of Oasis.
At a glance … after landing a song in the Passion movement, these Belfast rockers are anticipated imports thanks to compelling musicality and introspective songwriting.
The modern worship staple "God of This City" may be linked to Chris Tomlin's Hello Love CD, but it actually belongs to Belfast's Bluetree. The vertically leaning alternative rockers were playing that very song in a pub a few years back when Tomlin heard the tune and eventually introduced the song to American audiences via the Passion worship conferences. Given the seemingly overnight success of the track, the group developed the contacts and confidence to establish more of a Stateside presence, including an indie deal with the Lucid Artist label.
"God of This City" is of course included here but in its original form—basically a heavier alternative worship track that could fit in the Oasis catalogue if it wasn't so spiritual. The rest of the album has the same mix of British pop/worship sounds. Bluetree channels Delirious throughout the momentum-building "Burn Me Up," tips its hat towards Tomlin on the acoustic ballad "Each Day," and incorporates the electronic elements of David Crowder Band across "Life's Noise."
Given Bluetree's jumpstart thus far, it's highly likely the band will eventually become peers to the worship leaders it is now compared to like Tomlin and Crowder. In fact, Bluetree could certainly be a prospect for sixstepsrecords (home to the Passion family) to scout out.
Style: pop/punk; Stellar Kart, New Found Glory, Blink-182
In a nutshell: Wisconsin-based pop/punkers Alakrity have scored opening slots for MXPX, Audio Adrenaline, and Falling Up (amongst others) and made a friend in Petra front man John Schlitt who stars on a cover of Petra's "Beyond Belief." It's the runaway highlight of a peppy disc that's heavy on the sugar, lighter on the substance, but a sing-a-long nonetheless.
Style: acoustic pop/folk; compare to Sarah Sadler, Watermark, Sarah McLaughlin
In a nutshell: After moving from Cincinnati to Nashville at 18, troubadour Jenn Weber (now 22) scored a slot on Jesus: A Collection of Modern Worship alongside Third Day, Chris Tomlin, and Watermark. Those vertical leanings extend to her solo debut on which her vocals meet soothing acoustic guitar strums.
To be considered for "Indie Spotlight," send a CD and press kit to:
Christian Music Today's "Indie Spotlight" C/O
Andy Argyrakis
465 Gunderson Drive
Carol Stream, IL 60188
With corporate consolidation in worship music, more entities are invested in the songs sung on Sunday mornings. How will their financial incentives shape the church?
The Spirit is at work, but so are the mechanisms around high-production sets.español
With corporate consolidation in worship music, more entities are invested in the songs sung on Sunday mornings. How will their financial incentives shape the church?español
The Campus Crusade evangelism strategist wanted everyone in the world to hear the good news that God loved them.
