Very Talented Battle of the Bands in Plano

I loved the battle of the bands I went to Friday night at First Christian Church in Plano! The artists and bands I saw were Jason Deutsch, Kaitlyn Sparks, Ty Mayfield (winner of the night!), Tune In Tomorrow, and Criminal Shift.

We arrived as Jason was playing and enjoyed the covers of songs he was performing. Loved his voice. Then Kaitlyn Sparks took to the stage and did some awesome covers of Phil Wickham and Bethany Dillon.

Ty Mayfield was up next, and he had all the girls swooning over his piano and singing skills! Many might compare him to Gavin DeGraw, of whom he did one cover, but all the rest of his songs were completely original and very well played. He ended up winning, and the youth pastor Chris Layton said Ty probably won because he was so cute. That's why I voted for him. haha j/k

I had been chatting with the Tune In Tomorrow guys before they went on stage. The drummer looks like Edward Norton and TOTALLY broke the first rule of fight club while we were talking about his other celebrity look-alikes. haha They were also very good on stage with only Mr. Norton and the lead singer/guitar player. They sounded very full with the loops they added live; with only two guys on stage, I didn't feel like anything was missing. I got a copy of their CD, and it's been playing in my car over and over! I'm loving it!

Last up was the recent graduates in Criminal Shift. These guys were so much fun to watch! Not that they were going crazy on stage, but you could just tell they loved what they did and were very well rehearsed in it. I highly recommend seeing these guys live. Hopefully they don't all go their separate ways after graduation and will continue to play some live shows in the area. They rocked.

So there is my recap of the best battle of the bands I've experienced. There is some incredible independent and local music out there and you can rest assured we will play the best of it on Indie-Ground every Sunday at 8pm!!

See ya around!

--Rachel

Sunday is coming!

New Flyleaf video for the song Missing

Missing

Flyleaf | MySpace Music Videos

Engagement Pics!

Kayla and I got our engagement pictures done yesterday by our wonderful photography friend Jenna Christine. (Click on her name to view her website.) We went to the Ft. Worth stock yards and found an old abandon building to take some pictures in. Here are a couple pictures from the shoot if you want to see more they are online at Jenna's website. :) The wedding is taking place October 23rd here in Dallas.

CSI Ministry Concert!

This past weekend, Donielle and I got to head back to Aubrey, TX for the second time in one month. This time around we got to visit Aubrey First Baptist Church for the CSI Ministry Benefit Concert.
CSI Ministries is a non-profit student-run faith-based organization devoted to reaching out to other students at Aubrey High School in Aubrey, Texas and more to spread the gospel and bring hope.
First, I want to mention how impressed I was with these kids. Jonathan and Sara, two of the teens from CSI managed to not only pull this whole benefit show off, but they managed to do a beyond professional job. I see a lot of promotions in their future.
The night before, I had seen Waco-based band Everthorn at the Spoken concert at FAith Bible Church in Desoto, and I was excited to see them again. They once again put on a great show.
The headlining act, Burning Yesterday was a good call. These guys know how to put on a show, and I had a lot of fun watching the youth rock out.
I get to go to a lot of really cool events working at Power FM, and ones like these are my favorite. I love to see community get together to love on each other and to praise the Lord. So, thank you CSI for having us out to your event.

-Bianca

For more images from the event visit http://slrphotography.smugmug.com/Music/CSI-Ministry-Benefit-Concert/11588508_uJ2Qq#816604852_JsNJF

Callen Levi Clark is here!

Callen was born on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 at 5:54am (just in time for the Morning Show!).
8lbs, 5oz, 20.5" long - and perfect!






With big brother, Preston.

More pix here.

Thank you to everyone for the prayers and support, we are very excited about our new addition! I'll miss you guys, but will be back soon!

Keep rockin' for Christ!
Jade =)

The Almost cover Tom Petty's Free Fallin.

So I was digging around on the internet trying to find some cool stories etc. and came across this in SPIN magazine. I have to say that Aaron does a good job with this cover and doesn't stray to much from the original, however you can tell it has The Almost touch to it. I wonder how long it will be before there is just The Almost and no Underoath.

Listen to the song and read the article here.

Hope you enjoy!

Adrian

News Boys music video for Born Again!

Have you seen this video yet! Wow, you can definitely tell that Tait's style influenced this song but I am really digging it and the music video makes the song that much more powerful! Check the video here, and let me know if you like the old school Newsboys or the new Newsboys.

Adrian

John COOPER from SKILLET called into the show!

John Cooper from SKILLET called into the show the other day to talk about everything Skillet and the success of their latest album AWAKE. I posted the audio online for you to listen to, and you can do that here.

We also talked about what tour life is like as a family, the origin of the dinosaur snapper, and what song he would love to cover.
Let me know what band you would like to hear from and I'll do my best to track em down! Thanks for listening and being apart of The Christian Rock Station!

Adrian

I love my work family!

Yesterday, my co-workers threw me a little baby shower... it was so sweet! It was just so nice to see so many of us together at the same time (it's so very rare). We had yummy pizza and delicious cake!



As of today, I'm 38 weeks along, so... just two more weeks (give or take) till my new little boy makes his debut. Don't worry, we'll keep you posted!

Keep rockin' for Christ!
Jade =)

Cheap Ideas for Valentines Day.

So you may be a last minute planner but when I got a call from a frantic listener for ideas his problem got me thinking. I am sure there are others out there who have no idea what to do for Valentine's Day and since its Friday you are probably beginning to stress out.

Well don't get all frantic about it because I came up with a list of cheap and fun ideas and things to do for Valentine's Day.

Ready...set...go.

1. Instead of going out to dinner opt to stay in and make dinner.

It doesn't take a someone super smart to know that usually cooking a meal can last longer and be cheaper then going out on date but you can make it a couples thing that both people will enjoy. As an engaged guy myself I can say that it is fun to go to the store with Kayla pick out things we want to make and then go back to her house and make dinner for us, and it is usually cheaper then going out to a restaurant.

2. Make your date a mixed CD

My first Valentine's Day with Kayla one of the things that I got her was a mixed cd. It was simple I put some of my favorite songs on there and then decorated the cover, and she loved it!

She still has it in her car and listens to it from time to time.

3. Check the paper

There are a ton of events that are going on in Dallas 1. because its Valentine's weekend and 2. the NBA Allstar Game is happening.

4. Coffee Shop

There are some amazing local coffee shop places here in Dallas that would be a ton of fun to go chill at. Check out Opening Bell, Big Mike's, Jupiter House, Cafe Brazil just to name a few.

5. Group Date/Game Night

This could be a group couples party or singles party whatever but get together at someones house and play games together.

6. Museum

There are a ton in Dallas and they are usually pretty cheap and its a good way to get to know your date.

There you go! See, you don't have to freak out about not having plans on Valentine's Day just take some of events from above and have fun.

Adrian

Dawn From Fireflight calls into the show!

Today Dawn called in from Fireflight called in to talk about the new album that came out today called For Those Who Wait. To listen to the audio from the interview go here!

Also since the interview I have had a lot of people ask me about the new song that I played called For Those Who Wait. Well New Release Tuesday is doing a special thing where you can download the title track for FREE. It is on their website which is located here.

Thanks for hanging out and listening to Power FM!

Adrian

Elizabeth, the Fashion Lover

[Elizabeth is our new office manager, and she was on TV last nite. Read about her experience, and see the video...]

So I rented a dress for my birthday because my parents took me to the Reunion Tower Restaurant and I wanted to look really pretty (why not). It was fun, and I rented this really pretty blue designer dress that was like $700 and yeah, I’d never spend that.

A few weeks later, this Rent the Runway person contacted me and asked if I’d be okay if CBS contacted me about a story. Why me? I don’t know. But sure, why not. It’s fun, and it’s one of those chances you don’t really have everyday to share a passion on the news.

So, then Marianne Martinez from channel 11 called me and asked if we could do a story, and so yep, we did. Originally it was going to be a valentines day piece, but they needed to move it up. So one day they came over to my apartment and filmed me and interviewed me. It was fun. I do like fashion & follow a bunch of fashion blogs and stuff. That’s kind of it!

Elizabeth

Click here to watch the video clip from last night's news.

Click here to read the article.

Listen to the new Fireflight album for FREE!

The new album by Fireflight entitled For Those Who Wait comes out on Tuesday Feb. 9th 2010. But I found a spot where you can listen to the new album online for free! Check the new tunes from Fireflight way cool stuff! Listen here.

Adrian

Videos and interviews from the red carpet last night at the Grammys..

What is in a word?

Here is an interesting article written by Jon Foreman of Switchfoot. The article definately has some interesting information on the power contained in words. Very cool!

Adrian

What is in a word?

Communication is a pregnancy of sorts. In a speaker’s mind, a thought is conceived, then spoken, heard, and then ultimately gives birth to new thought in the listener’s mental landscape. For example, when I say “tree,” a picture builds in your imagination, a new life-form within your mind; a platonic idea of oak or maple appears out of nothing within your thoughts. This mental icon represents your understanding of the word. (Incidentally, this apprehension is independent of the speaker’s intentions).

In many ways, words are metaphors pointing to the objects they represent. The word “tree” is not a tree; it is simply a placeholder for the real thing. Our understanding of the world is built upon a deeper set of presuppositions. Meaning demands meaning. Reason demands reason: 1+1=2, only when we agree upon the meaning of these symbols. The same is true for words. Words are our framework of meaning. Every one is a metaphor reaching to something beyond it’s simple spelling and articulation.

Read the rest of the article here.

To Save A Life - reviews, interviews & premieres!

We have been really involved in this new film called To Save A Life, which was created by the same people who did Facing The Giants and Fireproof. This one is definitely geared towards teens, and is a great film, really well done! We are excited to be a part of getting the word out about it. We were able to have our own Power FM premiere this past Wednesday in Grapevine, where we offered youth groups and Power Corps members a chance to come watch the movie with us. See a video that Adrian put together from that event here.

We also are going to be out in the Powermobile tonite at a public premiere of the movie at the Premiere Cinemas in Burleson (put on by the Church at Burleson).

The actors came by the studio this morning and Chris and Dawn had a chance to chat with them. And our buddy, Matt Mungle, did a Friday morning movie review on it as well. This may all sound like going overboard on one film... but it really is that good! Definitely try to check it out if you can! http://www.tosavealifemovie.com/

Here are some photos from the interview this morning:

You can hear the morning interview with the cast here.

You can hear the Mungle Review here.

Benefit Show & Drue's Going Away Party

On Saturday, we had a Power FM Benefit Concert and Drue's Going Away party at The Center in Irving. It was a blast, the crowd was fun and the bands were awesome! Thanks to Theater of the Mind (Michael Fugitt and DJ Drue Mitchell), Burning Yesterday, Luke Huch and Manic Drive for rockin' us!

Here are some pix and video from the event...

Preston sings a new hit song (too much American Idol for him!):




An awesome listener brought Drue this awesome cake:

Whirly Ball with RED

Even though we lost big time here is a video recapping the Whirly Ball experience with RED!

Next time guys we will win! That is for sure!

Adrian

The Sweet By and By

The Sweet By and By, written by Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck

I am not normally much of a novel reader. I tend to stick with non-fiction, “Christian Living” or biography type books, but the fact that the lead character has the same name as me...and it was written by a musical artist, definitely caught my interest.

Sara Evans is known in the music world as a singer/song writer and multi-platinum recording artist, but she is now attempting to take on another form of art... as an author of a novel... actually several. The Sweet By And By is the first in a series and introduces the lead character, Jade, as she is preparing for what is supposed to be the happiest day of her life. Jade has seemingly succeeded to keep her dirty and painful past in the past, even from her fiance, up until just a matter of days before the couple unites in matrimony. Suddenly a flurry of memories, lies, pains and troubles are brought to the surface and despite Jade's best efforts, they must be dealt with including having her free-spirited, hippie mother around with her own secret to reveal. The story is tragically heart-breaking, but as Jade discovers herself and her faith... quickly turns to a sweet story of surrender and forgiveness.

As an author, Sara vividly describes the scenes, the emotions and the senses. You are taken through a wild ride of emotional highs and lows in this book, so be ready for it.

Linked below is a video from Sara Evans talking about this book and the ones to come:

Keep rockin' for Christ!
Jade =)

Drue's Top 10 of 2009

Here is my list of top picks for 2009. This is NOT definitive so these are just the records I like, I tried to listen to as much of the new releases as possible to have an objective list. I want to showcase the ones that really popped and stuck out to me marking the 'times' or just being great albums all the way through.
-drue-
　　
10. Showbread The Fear of God / it was really interesting to interview these guys live on PowerFM. They were actually LESS weird then I thought they would be, lol. This new album from them is awesome, reminds me of an era of punk and rock when it was really dangerous. I like how they use crazy themes in the record and the last song is a great worship song.

9. Move Merchants Move Merchants / this is a hip-hop record from ManChild of Mars Ill fame and my good friend from Keller, tx. DJ Sean P. I was totally shocked when Sean told me he was doing a record with ManChild, and he truly delivered on this project. Its a hip-hop record, through and through, I think they keep it fresh, yep, #freshlikeseanp.

8. Emery In Shallow Seas We Sail / Emery's last full length cd was ummmh, can I say it? Not good. BUT, when that EP came out that preceded this album, I was like, wait a minute, I think somebody is back in business. This record was one of the first albums I could listen to over and over again and I am so glad they are being more clear and more bold in their lyrics. The song Butcher's Mouth is one of the greatest song they have ever written, love it!

7. Hillsong United Across The Earth / I goto Fellowship Church and we sing a bunch of these songs every week. Theses guys are taking it to a new level with everything they have done. I like how listening to the cd makes the songs more real and personal when we sing them in church on the weekends.

6. Sareem Poems Black and Read All Over / this guy is a card carrying member of the L.A. Symphony crew. He changed his name and got real serious about his hip-hop. I think he has come into a great sound as an artist and come light years since his last solo release. You want real hip/hop, skip the lecrae, get this.

5. Owl City Ocean Eyes / This came out of nowhere. All the music blogs I read say this guy is a biter of the postal service or secret handshake, but I think that twist he has on the this style is really fun. He is a bold Christian artist and if you look on his myspace you can totally tell. There was an awesome buzz about this album and I know for years I will look back on and remember as one of the ones to mark these times we are in now.

4. Flyleaf Momento Mori / Ok, do I really need to explain this? We did have to wait a little bit for this record, but the band totally delivered. Seeing them in Las Vegas w/ 20K people was an amazing experience. This new record is so good, I'm proud of this Texas band.

3. Rootbeer Pink Limousine / This is a project from Pigeon John & Flynn Adam of L.A. Symphony that sounds NOTHING anything either of them have ever done. Its in a class by itself and the quality and creativity in this is above the par so don't sleep on it. Watch them in 2010, I promise, big things.

2. Thrice Beggers / this band has really become one of the flagship bands of the decade. I think this album just speaks volumes about how far they have come in their catalog. I like the textures and lyrics the most, one listen is not going to get it, you have to sit down with this one.

1. U2 No Line On The Horizon / as a professional broadcaster for over 10 years now, NEVER have I seen anything like what happened surrounding this record and the single PowerFM played. I had to step back from my job and really let God work on me to forgive the mis-lead people that had believed the lies about this wonderful band that has put out their most 'Christian' album, ever. This is their best record start to finish the band has done since Achtung Baby.

End of the Year Wrap-Up

Power FM had a big year... we celebrated our 10th Anniversary of being on the air back in August. We had a great party, have had several other fabulous events and fun guests in through out the year. On a more personal level, several members of our staff had big years as well!

Three of our employees became engaged (uh... not to each other, of course)! Adrian asked Kayla to marry him and they plan to be wed in October of 2010 (plus he just graduated from UNT this semester!). Email asked his girlfriend, Alison, to be his bride. And Little Herbie popped the question and got a 'yes' from Skyler! Congratulations to our guys for landing the girls of their dreams!!! On a similar note, Drue and Eimi celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary in October!

Several of our promotions staff members went through job changes in 2009, and thankfully stayed on with us in the meantime. Bianca quit her full-time job to pay more attention to school and pursue some other passions including writing and photography! Leslie left a stressful position at a corporate office for a more ministry-minded organization. Wes was able to leave a job he did not enjoy so much for a job he is really loving! And he is helping to take care of his 5-year-old nephew on a full-time basis.

Rachel is excited that she's spent three full years working at Power FM and TBN/JCTV. She says, "Both jobs have provided me with incredible opportunities to meet and interview very talented people. The highlight of my year was interviewing the Newsboys at Celebrate Freedom because not only was it the freaking Newsboys, but the lead singer is now officially Tait of DC Talk fame, and seeing two greats 5 feet in front of me answering any question I asked was pretty stinkin' cool. Seeing MuteMath, Switchfoot, and Ferry Corsten all in concert again this year rounded it out, and I cannot wait for what 2010 has to offer! Maybe an engagement of my very own? !!! LOL."

Powertalk host, Rick Walker, is half way through law school!

We've done some rearranging at the front desk of our office this year. Tiffany and Flossie have moved on, and Elizabeth has moved in to answer your phone calls in the afternoons. She recently graduated from Baylor... go Bears!

And as for me (Jade), the latter half of 2009 was spent getting over morning (all-day!) sickness and watching my waistline expand. My second son is due to be born March 4th, 2010... so I definitely have that to look forward to this New Year!

We pray you all had a blessed Christmas and will have an extremely amazing New Year. Happy 2010!!!

Keep rockin' for Christ!
Jade =)