10 Artists You Need to Know
If you've listened to Christian Music for any length of time, chances are you've heard of Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin or Steven Curtis Chapman. You're probably even familiar with artists like Matthew West, Natalie Grant, Sanctus Real, Big Daddy Weave or Francesca Battistelli. However, there are some phenomenal CCM artists that rarely see the light of day at Christian Radio, many of whom are not even signed to a major label. I decided it was time to introduce you to 10 amazing artists that probably won't be played regularly on most Christian radio stations or may soon be rising to the top. They are amazing singers and musicians and deserve to have their voices heard. So if you're sick of the tried and true CCM that plays nonstop on the radio, check out these 10 artists you need to know!
UPDATE! I have added Links to Amazon.com's MP3 site so you can sample my suggested songs as well as a music video from each of the artists. Enjoy!
1. Audrey Assad- Audrey has gained some notoriety through the last 3 years touring with the likes of Chris Tomlin, Tenth Avenue North, and Matt Maher but widespread popularity seems to have alluded her despite incredible critical acclaim for both her debut The House You're Building and her follow up, this year's Heart, a top 10 Inspirational Radio hit with her cover of the hymn "Sparrow" and a bestselling Christmas duet with Chris Tomlin ("Winter Snow"). When I was younger, I knew Audrey personally and have watched her career grow and blossom through the years. She is a thoughtful songwriter in the vein of Nichole Nordeman, Carol King, Christine Dente and Twila Paris but vocally has more power and nuance than any of the aforementioned artists. Heart is easily one of the best albums to come out this year so be sure to check it out!
Songs to Try: From The House You're Building- Restless, For Love of You, Everything is Yours;
From Heart- Even the Winter, Blessed Are the Ones, Slow, No Turning Back, Sparrow, Won Me Over
2. David Dunn- Some may remember David Dunn from the TV show The Voice. He sang during the blind auditions but did not make is through due to a bad song choice but I was already familiar with him because our local Christian radio station (Reach FM) was playing his single "This is For You" in light rotation and my sister was impressed and bought the track on iTunes. We were disappointed with his performance choice on The Voice but it caused us to look the guy up on You Tube and we found a bunch of impressive performances. Shortly after his stint on The Voice, David released his debut album For the Life of Me which I in turn bought and was very impressed! David fits right in with the likes of Kris Allen, Jon McLaughlin, Dave Barnes, or Jason Gray as a guy who wear his heart on his sleeve and create catchy and pointed songs. What's great about David Dunn though is he is very vocal about his faith and the lyrics of his songs are grounded in scripture.
Songs to Try: This is For You, Sing Loud, Ready to Be Myself, Heart Isn't Whole, So We Sing
3. Anthem Lights- These guys are CCM's answer to One Direction. They have great voices, good looks, choreographed moves, and catchy pop songs. These guys are also really serious about their faith as they host weekly live webcam Bible studies with their fans (who call themselves Lightbulbs). Their debut album produced three top 10 CHR hits ("Can't Shut Up", "I Wanna Know You Like That", "Outta My Mind") and they're working on their sophomore album as we speak so I predict a huge 2013 for these guys. Girls you will like them- I promise. And guys, you won't hate them because they're actually talented and have some decent songs. While you wait for their new album, head over to their You Tube channel and check out their covers of a slew of mainstream hit songs. My favorite is their version of Demi Lovato's "Give Your Heart a Break".
Songs to Try: Outta My Mind, Lighthouse, I Wanna Know You Like That, Circles, Stranger
4. Heather Williams- "Hallelujah", Heather Williams' debut single was a surprise top 10 hit with Christian radio in late 2010 due, in part, to her shocking testimony that inspired the song regarding the death of her first child. Her full-length album This Time Around followed in 2011 and was surprisingly different than her debut single and her previously released EP in that it was a very pop-oriented project comparable to P!nk or Kelly Clarkson and in my opinion filled a large gap in CCM. Regardless, Heather is a gutsy, fearless vocalist who isn't afraid to take on any note or style of music. This Time Around is an amazing and seriuosly underrated album that you need to listen to if you like pop music.
Songs to Try: Hallelujah, I'll Take It From You, This Time Around, You Are Loved, Starting Over
5. Ronnie Freeman- This guy was supposed to be the next Michael W. Smith (but with a better voice). Smitty signed him to his record label, Rocketown Records back in 2002 but shortly after its release, Ronnie decided to step away from mainstream CCM and focus more on local ministry and self-promoted touring. He has done quite well for himself and he and a small team work to keep his music going strong without the compromise required to work with a major label. He's also become a household name as a songwriter, writing hit songs for the likes of Mandisa, Phillips Craig and Dean, Point of Grace and Veggie Tails. Ronnie has self released a number of albums, the best of which is God Speaking (Mandisa liked the title cut so much that she recorded her own version and hat a hit radio single with it). Most of his records are only available on his personal website but his self-titled debut, the aforementioned God Speaking and his live worship album Perfect Love can all be bought on iTunes or Amazon. This guy is a great songwriter and a class act singer who chooses to do music on his own terms and I respect that!
Songs to Try: Together, Breakaway, Sober Me, The Only Thing, Finished, The Other Side, Fight
6. Christy Nockels- Speaking of Christy Nockels... most people have no clue who this girl is! Do you remember Watermark? ("More Than You'll Ever Know", "Gloria", "Knees to the Earth", "Take Me There") Well, she was the female half of the duo and the lead vocalist. Also, whenever you listen to any Chris Tomlin song and hear a female vocalist in the background, that's Christy Nockels (you can hear her pretty well on "Jesus Messiah") and she usually has a duet with Tomlin on his records and helps write the bulk of his material ("Faithful", "Where the Spirit of the Lord Is"). She's best known as the only female singer on the annual Passion Conference worship CDs and sings on basically every track either as a solo or background vocalist. So maybe you do know her! But have you heard her solo albums? I didn't think so. Christy has such a gorgeous voice and it's a shame radio refuses to play her singles (all of which as very radio friendly) Vocally she reminds me of the great country-pop singers like Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood or Faith Hill... but she sings worship music! So, if you're looking for another worship artist to listen to besides Chris Tomlin or want the country music vocal sound without the lyrics, check Christy out.
Songs to Try: Ever Lifting, No Not One, Healing is in Your Hands, Sing Along, Life Light Up,
7. Jonathan Thulin- As a member of up and coming Christian dance-pop vocal group Press Play, Jonathan Thulin is normally heard singing hook heavy pop music similar to Black Eyed Peas or Kesha but Jonathan recently stepped back out on his own and has released some truly beautiful, albeit slower music. I hear of Jon when some friends posted a link a music video he made for his song "Babylon" which was being featured on New Release Tuesday's website and was generating quite a bit of buzz. I felt the music video was creepy... but I absolutely loved the song. I felt the lyrics were very telling of our culture and his voice was just so buttery and welcoming. It is truly rare to find a singer like Jonathan Thulin. His debut solo album The Anatomy of a Heartflow is very chill musically but it pointedly shows off his vocal and songwriting abilities. His sophomore record The White Room will be out October 22nd and seems to be much more in the highly produced pop vein if prerelease singles "The Dead Come to Life" featuring Charmaine and "Bombs Away" featuring Rachael Lampa are any indication. Oh and by the way, both Charmaine and Rachael Lampa are also phenominal artists you should check out! (see below)
Songs to Try: Babylon, Bombs Away, The Dead Come to Life, Spoken For, Today, Pioneer
Rachael Lampa
8. Rachael Lampa- In 2000, Rachael Lampa at 14 was the most sought after singer in CCM after wowing everyone during a Music in the Rockies singing competition. There were label wars to win her and she eventually signed a reported million dollar 3 album contract with Word Records. Great things were expected of Lampa and no expense was spared to make it happen. Lampa's debut Live For You was a success, spawning four #1 hits and 2 other top 5 singles. However, turmoil at her label caused her subsequent albums to stumble and Rachael quietly left the music industry to recharge after her most personal and critically acclaimed album (2004's Rachael Lampa) failed to connect with listeners. In 2011, Rachael reentered the music scene appearing on NBC's The Sing Off and releasing a new album titled All We Need. The new album showcased Rachael's massive golden voice and her newfound relevant pop sensibilities; something that had been lacking on her earlier solo releases. Oscillating between radio pop, ballads, dance tracks, and R&B, All We Need is pop music at its best. Rachael has been one of my favorite artists for years and its great to see her finally find her footing and create music that fits her voice, personality and faith.
Songs to Try: My One and Only, Remedy, Beauty's Just a Word, When I Fall, Savior's Face
9. Moriah Peters- I spoke about her new single "Well Done" in my last radio singles post but she's worth mentioning again. Moriah Peters is the perfect blend between Colbie Caillat, Francesca Battistelli, Nora Jones, and Natalie Grant. She's got this upbeat yet understated and soulful sound that is just catchy and fun and very Bible-centric. She's so good in fact, that Tenth Avenue North had her record background vocals for their latest single "Losing" and they brought her on tour with them so that she could sing the song with them every night. She's got chops y'all so pay attention! Also, check out her Spanish single "Brilla" if you like some hispanic flair!
Songs to Try: Well Done, Singing in the Rain, Glow, Bloom, Known By Our Love
Kerrie Roberts
10. Kerrie Roberts- Already an accomplished songwriter, this pastor's daughter from Miami (UM alumni!) came out the gate strong with her top 5 debut single "No Matter What" and a featured song in the trailers for the hit TV show Once Upon a Time ("Rescue Me") but since then, she hasn't really gained any traction (I blame poor single choices) but hopefully this will change with the release of her sophomore album Time For The Show, which was delayed after her single "Finally Home" failed to take off at radio. Hopefully her next single will be more like"No Matter What" or "Rescue Me" and rescue her (pun intended) from getting dropped. Her voice is just too good to look over!
Songs to Try: No Matter What, Rescue Me, This Love Doesn't Run, Outcast, O Holy Night
So There you have it! Technically, you got 11 artists you should know out of this list with the shout out to Charmaine (she used to be Rebecca St. James' background singer but now releases artsy electronic pop a la Ellie Goulding or Lady Gaga) so go listen and download as you see fit! Feel free to sound off your opinions on these new artists in the comments section below! Also, if you have any other little known artists you want to introduce to me, post it below as well!
Songs to Try: At My Door, Run, Love Reality, Tokyo, The Dead Come to Life
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