Christian Music Digest

In today’s issue, you’ll hear the story behind the song “Even If” by MercyMe, we’ll take a look at some updates from some of your favorite artists such as Selah, and our Feature Story is an interview with singer/songwriter, Denae Joy. Download Issue #8 Independent artist, Denae Joy Artist UpdatesSelah has released their first album of all-new tracks since 2014 titled Unbreakable. iTunes Amazon After a hiatus of 5 years, recording artist Jaci Velasquez returns with a new album titled Trust. iTunes Amazon Brooke Voland and Michael Boggs to form the worship duo, Brooke + Boggs. iTunes Amazon Story Behind The SongThis issue’s Story Behind The Song column features MercyMe. Lead singer, Bart Millard talks about the message and meaning behind the single “Even If” which is the debut single from their latest album entitled Lifer. The album dropped March 2017 and is the band’s first since 2014. iTunes Amazon Feature StoryIndie artist Denae Joy has been singing since she was a young child. She was one-third of a family singing group for several years and began writing songs during that time. She released her first solo project titled Love Song in 2008 and since then has recorded 4 more full-length albums including a Christmas release. Her latest release is a 14-track project called Nobody Like Him which released in late 2016. Denae Joy's Website Song Lyrics Page Things Mentioned in the ConversationThe David Abbott Family album titled Incredibly Blessed Deane's favorite restaurant in Nashville, Demos' Denae mentions the song "None So Lovely" from The Isaac's album Nature's Symphony in 432 Purchase Denae Joy's music from our online partners. You can also purchase CDs at joysoundproductions.com. iTunes Amazon Questions? Comments? Share them with us!Send me an email to [email protected] Call/text the listener feedback line at 623-688-2770 Denae Joy

In this issue, you’ll hear the story behind the song “Open Hands” by Laura Story, we’ll take a look at some updates from some of your favorite artists such as Casting Crowns, and our Feature Story is an interview with the folk/bluegrass band 4 Proches. Note: Not long after this show released, the 4 Proches changed their name to Willow City. They're still the same great band just under a new moniker. Their new website is willowcitymusic.com. Download Issue #7 Artist Updates2016 saw the formation of a new CCM/Southern Gospel trio called Cana’s Voice Cana's Voice website Amazon MP3 CBD Casting Crowns 11th #1 radio single Casting Crowns 5th Platinum Album Certification Gospel singer CeCe Winans is back with a new album Amazon MP3 CBD Story Behind The SongLaura shares the message behind her latest single, “Open Hands”, which features a duet with Third Day frontman, Mac Powell. “Open Hands” is the title track from her upcoming release which is available for preorder now. Amazon MP3 CBD Feature StoryThe family band, 4 Proches, is a talented group of four siblings from Texas with a wonderful acoustic, folksy, bluegrass sound that just welcomes you in. Their debut album, Wayfaring Stranger, features a great blend of familiar tunes and original songs. They've got nice harmonies and clear, clean vocals which shine particularly brightly on an a cappella arrangement of "Down to the River to Pray". Our Feature Story is a chat with all four members of the band; Beecher, Ezra, Liza and Asa about their music, some of their hobbies and why they do what they do. 4 Proches Website Links Mentioned in the ConversationBeecher mentioned the following books: In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars by Mark Batterson The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential by John C. Maxwell Liza writes for these blogs: Lies Young Women Believe Briarberry Purchase 4 Proches music from our partners. You can also purchase CDs at 4proches.com. Questions? Comments? Share them with us!Send me an email to [email protected] Call/text the listener feedback line at 623-688-2770

In today’s issue, you’ll hear the story behind the song "Greater" by MercyMe and our featured article is an interview with one of my favorite artists, Carman. Download Issue #6 Story Behind The Song Column:This issue’s Story Behind The Song Column features the band MercyMe and their single, "Greater". This is one of 10 tracks from their album titled Welcome To The New which hit #4 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. MercyMe’s Website Grab your copy of Welcome To The New. Featured Article:There are a few artists that I have been following for more than 20 years. One such artist is the multiple Dove Award winning singer/songwriter, Carman. We talk about his kickstarted album, No Plan B, some challenges he’s recently faced and more. Carman's Website Pick up your copy of No Plan B. Questions? Comments? Share them with us! [email protected] 623-688-2770

In today’s issue, you’ll hear the story behind the song "Live Like That" by the Sidewalk Prophets, I’ll share some updates from some of your favorite artists, and our featured article is an interview with the Billy Goodwin from the group NewSong. Download Issue 5 NewSong (My guest, Billy Goodwin, is center.) News ColumnJeremy Camp achieves 32 number 1 singles Andrew Peterson - Light for the Lost Boy Andrew Peterson's Website Story Behind The Song ColumnThis issue’s Story Behind The Song Column features the recent top 10 single, Live Like That from Sidewalk Prophets. Sidewalk Prophets - Live Like That Sidewalk Prophets’ Website Featured ArticleI had the opportunity to chat with Billy Goodwin from NewSong about their latest album, One True God, some group history, and his unexpected connection to another well known artist. NewSong - One True God NewSong’s Website Find out more about Winter Jam Questions? Comments? Share them with [email protected] 623-688-2770

Download Issue #4 In today’s issue, Darlene Zschech shares the story behind the song You Are Love, I’ll share some updates from some of your favorite artists, and our featured article is an interview with the talented singer and songwriter, Matthew West. News Column: Casting Crowns - Come To The Well Casting Crowns’s Website Story Behind The Song Column: This issue’s Story Behind The Song Column features Fair Trade Services artist Darlene Zschech and the title track from her brand new CD called You Are Love. Darlene Zschech - You Are Love Darlene Zschech’s Website Featured Article: I recently had the opportunity to talk with Matthew West. Matthew will share some great info about his two most recent projects in this interview, Something To Say and The Story of Your Life. Matthew West - Something To Say Matthew West - The Story of Your Life (CD) Matthew West - The Story of Your Life (Book) Matthew West - The Heart of Christmas Matthew West’s Website JD and Matthew West Questions? Comments? Share them with us! [email protected] 623-688-2770

Download Issue #3 In today’s issue, you’ll get to hear the story behind the song God Is Still God from Heather Williams, I’ll share some updates from some of your favorite artists, and our featured article is an interview with one of my favorite artists, singer/songwriter Don Francisco. News Column:Phil Wickham - ResponsePhil Wickham’s Website Jaci Velasquez signs record deal with Inpop RecordsJaci Velasquez’s Website Michael W. Smith releasing second instrumental album Michael W. Smith’s Website Story Behind The Song Column:This issue’s Story Behind The Song Column features Fair Trade Services artist Heather Williams and her song called God Is Still God. Heather Williams - God Is Still GodHeather Williams’ Website Featured Article:We recently had the great pleasure of interviewing Don Francisco. Don shares a little about his background, his songwriting, and his most recent project, Let It Ride. Don Francisco - Let It RideDon Francisco’s Website Questions? Comments?Share them with us! [email protected]623-688-2770

Download Issue #2 In today’s issue, we’ll share the story behind the song There Is Nothing Greater Than Grace from Point of Grace, tell you about some new releases, and our featured article is an interview with Calling Levi. We’ll also be giving away a copy of Jonny Diaz’s new album. News Column: Rebecca St. James Marries Jacob Fink Building 429 - Listen to the Sound Building 429’s Website John Waller - As For Me And My House John’s Website Nicole C. Mullen - Captivated Nicole’s Website Sara Groves’ Website Story Behind The Song Column: This issue’s Story Behind The Song Column features Point of Grace their very encouraging song There Is Nothing Greater Than Grace. Point of Grace - No Changin' Us Point of Grace’s Website Featured Article: I had a phone conversation this week with Rob Leight of the group Calling Levi. This is an independent group that has been putting out some really great music for almost a decade. If you like Avalon or Selah, you’ll love Calling Levi. Calling Levi - The Pursuit Calling Levi’s Website Questions? Comments? Share them with us! [email protected] 623-688-2770

Download Issue 1 In this issue, you’ll hear the story behind Mark Schultz’s latest single, find out some highlights from the 42nd Annual Dove Awards, and our featured article is an interview with INO Records recording artist Jonny Diaz. News Column: Carman’s Website Chris August - No Far Away Chris’s Website Francesca Battistelli - My Paper Heart Francesca Battistelli - Hundred More Years Francesca’s Website Story Behind The Song Column: This issue’s Story behind The Song Column is featuring the song What it Means To be Loved, a wonderful ballad from mark Schultz. This is the most recent single from his Come Alive project. Mark Schultz - Come Alive Mark’s Website Featured Article: I had the opportunity to chat with recording artist Jonny Diaz about his major label debut, how he got started in music, and his newly released self-titled project. It is a great album that I highly recommend. Jonny Diaz - More Beautiful You Jonny Diaz - Self-Titled album Jonny’s Website I’d appreciate it if you’d let me know what you think of the show. You can leave a comment on the website, send me an email to [email protected], or call the listener feedback line at 623-688-2770.

Download Issue 0 Tune in for an introduction to the newly revamped flagship show on the Radio CSS Media network. Christian Music Digest: An Audio Newsletter replaces the long-running Weekend Music Showcase. The show will feature: Music News Column Story Behind The Song Column Featured Article (album review or artist interview) Questions? Comments? Share them with us! [email protected] 623-688-2770 Music for this recording courtesy of Partners In Rhyme.