Fall Into New Music
By Christa A. Banister, Senior Music Editor, GospelMusicChannel.com
Making Some Noise
While watching Michael Phelps shatter every record in his grasp during the Olympics these past couple of weeks, you probably saw the fall promo for popular NBC shows like “The Office” and “30 Rock” and heard a familiar voice in the background.
Yep, that was Krystal Meyers, and if her lead single (and the accompanying video) for “Make Some Noise” are any indication, her music seems to be taking a new, decidedly fun, ‘80s pop direction. Think a little more Gwen Stefani with a little less of Meyers’ rocker chick past.
Inspired by listening to Shiny Toy Guns, Kylie Minogue and even old Madonna tracks, Meyers got in touch with her inner pop music fan. “Unlike most kids, I never went through a Backstreet Boys phase,” Meyers shares. “I grew up listening to classic rock, the whole AC/DC Led Zeppelin thing that was from my parents’ era. So once I started listening to bands that had pop influences, it sort of opened up a whole new world to me that I never had experienced.”
And before long, Meyers knew her latest work would be different – in a good way. “From the very beginning of working on this record, I felt very hands-on. I knew exactly what I wanted it to sound like, and that made the process a little more relaxed and enjoyable,” Meyers told GospelMusicChannel.com. “I felt so much freedom while writing and recording, and that gave me confidence to explore making music that puts people in a good mood. You can’t feel depressed listening to fun dance pop, after all.”
Already a hit in Japan where Meyers recently returned from an eight-day trip jam-packed with numerous magazine interviews, acoustic appearances at radio stations, photo shoots, and yes, plenty of shopping and sushi, Meyers is excited about Make Some Noise hitting stores states-side on September 9.
“I can’t wait for everyone to hear these songs that are a little more carefree and put you in a good mood,” says Meyers. “Sure, like my other albums there are moments when I allow myself to be more vulnerable, but I think songs like ‘Make Some Noise’ are a reminder that Christians can have fun, too. And that’s exactly what it’s like to feel the joy and freedom of God’s love.”
More Than Just Okay
For a debut artist, it doesn’t get much better than playing a high-profile gig like the Oscars, something singer/songwriter Jon McLaughlin knows all too well after playing “So Close” from Enchanted at this year’s festivities.
After seeing the sales spike more than 1,500% (yes as in 15 hundred percent) for his debut Indiana and touring with everyone from Sara Bareilles to Paolo Nutini to Kelly Clarkson, McLaughlin didn’t decide to simply keep riding the wave of success. Instead he wanted to introduce some new music to the masses and immediately went to work on his sophomore album, OK NOW, which releases October 7 at mainstream retail and October 14 in the Christian market. Produced by John Fields (Switchfoot, Lifehouse, Jonas Brothers), the Indiana native’s new project features 12 songs that are packed with pop hooks and soulful harmonies.
And while McLaughlin has enjoyed much success in the mainstream, his faith has remained the cornerstone of songs like his new single “Beating My Heart,” which is currently getting airplay on Hot AC mainstream radio.
“‘Beating My Heart’ is my meaning of life song,” McLaughlin tells GospelMusicChannel.com. “All I need to keep in mind in life is that it’s not about the little things that get me all stressed out, which is easier said than done, obviously. My life should be about my faith, trying to react to situations and treat people the way Jesus did – living the way He lived. I think maybe this is the reason why I am here; to experience life the way Jesus experienced life.”
Second Time’s the Charm?
Thanks to bluesy sensibilities and catchy yet straightforward expressions of his burgeoning faith, one of my favorite albums that sort of fell under the radar in Christian music in 2006 was singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham’s Speak.
Apparently not letting a slow start deter his creative output, however, he’s got a brand-new album, Not Without Love, that shouldn’t stay under the radar for too long. In fact, his latest single, “A Breath or Two” is currently in the Top 20 of Christian CHR national airplay according to Radio & Records charts.
Embracing the musical styles of everyone from Jason Mraz to John Mayer, Needham still manages to carve out his own niche with the incorporation of jazz influences, scat vocals and a healthy dose of theology-infused lyrics, which no doubt have been inspired by Needham’s philosophy study in college.
Currently on tour with Natalie Grant, Needham has often been compared to Christian music legend Keith Green because of his passionate delivery of the simple Gospel message. And for proof that’s not simply hyperbole, look no further than the passionate spoken word of the title track – “Not Without Love.”
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About the Writer
After graduating with a B.S. in Journalism from North Central University in 1998, Christa Banister moved to Nashville, Tenn. and eventually started working at CCM Magazine/Salem Publishing in various editorial capacities (including managing editor) for five and a half years. After that, she launched her own freelance writing company and writes for numerous clients including CCM Magazine, Crosswalk.com (she review movies for them each week), Christian Single, Christianity Today, Threads Media, Songs4Worship.com, BurnLounge, PassAlong.com and helped kickstart the first Christian music blog for MTV. She also writes bios for professional recording artists and authors and penned her first two fiction novels for NavPress in 2007.
