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:

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 =)

The Proof is in the Pudding

Hello, Hey, Howz it goin'?!?! Its me, the Druezilla coming to the blog-o-sphere to update you on what REALLY has been going down. So grab a sippy cup like Harvey's got on TMZ, and listen up! Well, we have had some serious artist traffic in the studio as of late. The first guest I would like to talk about is the legendary loud rock/metal band PROJECT 86.

When I was in radio & living in Los Angeles, Ca. circa 2000, I was putting together a show that played only loud hard rock/metal bands. I got a submission from PROJECT 86 for the single 'One-Armed Man' from the Drawing Black Lines album. We loved them, and played the fire outta that song on the show!! In fact I went to go see them on that tour open for Megadeth at the House of Blues on Sunset Blvd., it was pretty awesome. Now almost a decade later they have still got the fire and fury they had even back then, and they are currently touring the latest release Picket Fence Cartel, so as they rolled through the Dallas/FTW area, we got to have them on the show live and catch up. Turns out Andrew Schwab lead singer of the band has another book coming out very soon, and be on the look out for some really cool music videos from the songs off the new record to drop very soon.

Next up to bat, is not my L.A. Dodgers, its KJ-52!!!!

KJ was in town to play with a very interesting individual who actually is a Dallas local, give it up for former President of the United States, George W. Bush. I bet its a trip opening for someone like that. But KJ and I got to sit down live on the afternoon drive show and chat it up. On a side note about KJ, when I dedicated my life to Christ in 2002, KJ-52's album Collaborations was one of the first 10 Christian cds I got, so that album means a BUNCH to me. KJ is no slouch, he has been consistently releasing albums and remixes ever since I first heard of him in '02. Last time I saw KJ was at the GMA's in the hallway of the Tooth & Nail interview rooms. I was on tour w/ Manafest, he and KJ recorded a pretty funny 'white rapper' PSA. You can see it on KJ's youtube channel. The new project from Five-Tweezie, is called Five Two Television, a concept album that has an underlying story that runs through the whole record and ends in a cliff hanger like a good episode of Lost or Heroes. We got to play a few songs from the new album and he talked about the mixtape that is included in the packaging of the new cd.

Finally, as you know I can't go 3 minutes without talking about my favorite Canadian, MANAFEST. I'm gonna be bouncing to Northern Cali. in November to rock 2 shows w/ him out there. He is coming around the bend on finishing up his new album and as soon as we can, I will try to get him to world premiere some of it on PowerFM. Of course he will also have to be in DFW area to do something like that and infact he is going to be here soon. Coming up in December, he and I have several shows confirmed and the details will posted on the bulletin board soon. If you have NOT seen me DJ live with MANAFEST, this will be a true Christmas treat, you might get to hear a new song live in the set. So to my PowerCorps members I want to say a big 'ol thank you, and sharathon hasn't even started yet, but you are the backbone of the station and I know that the seeds are being planted from what you have sown.

Keep up the good work even if its hard, and we will keep reaching people for Jesus with the ministry of amazing modern Christian music, so mad respects from: Drue Mitchell.

What? Why? Hmm...

You never know what crazy things are going on around here. We like to leave you guessing too...

Catchin' Up With Drue

So, I just finished the, 'Adventures of Mana & Mitchell' tour of East Texas/Louisiana. It was a killer run of shows dj'ing for my main emcee Mr. Manafest. I tried to Twitter the tour follow me at: twitter.com/djdruemitchell. We saw TONS of kids come to know Christ each night and made some killer new friends. We didn't get to see any alligators, but I heard they like to eat Canadians(*Mana is from Toronto), but we did get in some skating, saw Transformers II and I found a interesting little record store called 'Twin City Records' in Monroe, LA. This tour Mana was writing a bunch for his NEW cd's (*that is right, plural meaning more than one), which will be out Spring 2010. Keep up with him on his facebook/myspace/website, www.manafest.net and make sure you sign up for his email list, the other day he gave away a free exclusive song, just to the subscribers.

Spin180, not just a syndicated radioshow, not just a weekly live music night, not just a myspace to hear the latest interviews. But coming super duper soon, a podcast as well! We are also going to be selling physical cd's @ the Spin Lounge on Tuesdays. SO if you are missing the show on Sunday night, you can now come to the Spin Lounge on a Tuesday night and purchase the latest show!!! The Spin Lounge is every Tuesday night in Irving, Tx. @ 2901 W. Irving Blvd. Irving, Tx. 75062. Want to have the Spin Lounge come and feature some bands in your area on the broadcast, contact me (*drue@kvrk.com) and we can work it out.

The 2009 Warped Tour is coming to my town this week. I am bummed that I had to miss Cornerstone this year, but it was for a good cause (*touring w/ a Tooth & Nail recording artist). Some reason the Warped Tour is always in town when I am at Cornerstone, I have to say I am super stoked and looking forward to seeing: Underoath, Thrice, The Devil Wears Prada and Ivoryline. I wish there were MORE Christian acts on the freakin' Warped Tour. Back in March I broke down and subscribed to AP Magazine, and I have been reading and following the wind up to Warp. I'm always shocked each month of the amount of coverage and advertisements from Christian bands in that secular magazine. Well, I have a boat load of PowerFM & Manafest stickers I am gonna be passing out while I am at the Warped Tour, want one come find me.
Plus I hope to snag some interviews while I am there. Help represent Christian music in the secular realms, get involved, email feedback, flyer for the shows, & support local music retailers!

Keep it LOUD for the LORD in all that you DO!

mad respects,
-drue-

Totally geeked out!

Drue and I were talking the other day about what makes us "geek out." Working in this business, we meet a lot of people - listeners, other radio peeps, bands, musicians, celebrities - and sometimes it can become somewhat... routine (as terrible as that sounds). But then, there are those times when we run across someone we have always loved/looked up to, or we find ourselves in funny situations that lead us to (as we call it) "geek out." Ok, it happens more often that we'd like to admit, but we discussed some of our favorite "geek out" moments, and asked the rest of the staff to chime in as well. Here are some of the responses to the question, "Who DID you geek out over or who WOULD you geek out over given the opportunity?" ...

Dawn said: I’ve actually shared this with some already, in connection with the movie, The Imposter... I find it funny that Chris and I have interviewed some really awesome people in the Christian Rock industry; from Brian “Head” Welch and Toby Mac to Michael Sweet and Oz Fox. And I was thrilled to meet authors Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker, whose books I devour. But the person that really made me “geek out” was Kerry Livgren, formerly of Kansas. “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On Wayward Son” still take me back to bittersweet memories of riding down the road in my parents lemon-yellow Dodge Dart with the windows down… I got the chance to meet Kerry when he played the part of “Prof” in The Imposter. The director introduced us and I just stood there, grinning like a cat saying something brilliant like, “ Wow….wow; wow” Not one of my finer moments.

Adrian said: I geek out every time I walk into the studio and Drue Mitchell is on the microphone...one time I went to talk to him and nothing came out I just ended up drooling all over myself...hehe. umm, I am a big fan of the band MuteMath. I have seen them five times in concert and I still get all excited about seeing them perform. One time I drove to Austin with Email to go watch them perform at Stubb's. For the record, I am not fond of approaching bands after shows because I always feel like its forced conversation that 10 million other people have told them. To me that is weird and uncomfortable, I would much rather have an interview set up. So, despite that I decided because it was MuteMath I would force through the awkward conversation and go up after the show to ask for an autograph. After the show was over with I went up to the band, however I couldn't think of anything to say. It was pretty pathetic, I was thinking to myself I shouldn't be like this because I am in radio and radio people are not supposed to be nervous around bands. However that was not the case, all I did was stand there with a cd in one hand and a sharpie in the other. I ended up getting the autograph but there was definitely a long awkward pause's of silence.

David said: I geeked out when I met Jessy from Falling Up when we went to Nashville… it was pretty funny.

Wes said: I did when I met Demon Hunter. I met them last year at thier concert. I was very nervous and studdered a whole lot and when I took pics with them my face flushed cause I was so excited. Also, when I had met Marion Barber. I was at the gym getting water and he was standing there. So I said look that's Marion barber and he walked over to me and stuck out his hand to introduce himself. Instead saying hello the first words out of my mouth were "I Love You. " He laughed and I tried to explain how I meant it but he said " it's cool, I love it when fans tell me that." I kind of embarassed myslrf but hey I love the cowboys and I am willing to say that I'd probably tell every single person on the team the exact same thing.

Amanda said: Well...I've geeked out over Mac Powell to other people, but haven't had the chance to geek out to Mac Powell :) I've geeked out to the lead singer of Augustana (one of my favorite bands), Dan Layus, but I don't think very many people know who he is. It was a beautiful moment actually :)


I also asked some of our Twitter Friends to tell us who makes (or WOULD make) them "geek out." Here are a few of those comments...

- Sarah said: brad paisley
- Damaris said: Selena. But she is dead.
- Tammy Trent said: amy grant....still do! I'm a geek AND a nerd!! LOL
- Corinne said: When I met Jon Foreman last year he said "Thank you for coming" At a loss for words, I said "Thank you for being so awesome." Duh!
- Greg said: I would geek out if I got a guitar lesson with Brian Stezer; or if I was able to do a song with David Crowder.
- Aaron said: just had haste the day respond to a tweet.. that kinda made me geek out..
- Taco Boy said: LOL well ilia and I will really geek out if I her meet demon hunter and haste the day!
- Erick Newbil from FAIR said: star struck? when I met all the guys from Blur. Amazing.


I hope you enjoyed those stories as much as I did!
Keep rockin' for Christ!
Jade =)

Mysterious Fruit Smell... ???

One day our receptionist, Tiffany, turned to me and asked if I smelled Fruit Roll-Up. What, huh? No. Then a few minutes later, yes... actually, I do smell Fruit Roll-Up. Apparently for a few weeks she had noticed that the studio smelled like Fruit Roll-Up and every once in a while it would waft into the lobby area where our desks were. I went in to ask Drue if he was eating a Fruit Roll-Up or ... wearing fruity-smelling cologne (which, I don't think he appreciated, haha!)? He wasn't. I didn't really give it much thought after that. But a few days later it happened again... that fruity smell! And again, and again, and now I notice it nearly every day. It only happens in the afternoon (doesn't smell that way when I get here in the morning, or all during my shift - starts up around 4pm), smells strongest in the studio and I can't, for the life of me, pin down where it's coming from. Believe me, we've put our sniffers to work, trying to pinpoint the fruity origin.

So, today I'm sitting here, filling in for Drue and all of a sudden.... FRUITY SMELL! Out of no where. It's a mystery! I mean, at least it's a pleasant smell, not a mysterious offensive smell, right? Anyway, yes... this IS random, but I'm on a mission to find out what that Fruit Roll-Up smell is all about!

Keep rockin' for Christ!
Jade =)

------------------

Ok, we have figured it out! Ok... actually, I have to give Chief Engineer credit for being as smart as he says he is... HE figured it out for me, when I explained the mysterious scent to him. The smell is Christina! Haha. Christina is an employee of the radio station down the hall, and she comes in during the afternoons. The air conditioner for the two main studios in this building are linked (to each other only), so that's why her Strawberry Patch Body Spray gets sucked up from her studio and sent to us down here in this studio at the other end of the building! Wow, mystery solved! I feel better knowing what's going on now! Haha.

We As Human

We As Human stopped by to chat with Drue last week.

You can hear the intervew here.

Dallas Tap Dazzlers

It's been quite a day here at the station today. Chris & Eddie got to golf with author Max Lucado. Then this afternoon, all of a sudden a flurry of shiny red burst through the door carrying food. It was the Dallas Tap Dazzlers! They are out promoting Grandy's new Spicy Shrimp - and trust me, they were some spicy ladies. Just look at the pictures! They brought us and the other station in the building just TONS of food to try. Oh my goodness!

They did a little dance performance for us in the kitchen, and made Drue and I join in on a "toe-point" picture! Haha. Wow! It was incredibly random, I have to say, but soooo much fun to have a visit like that out of the blue. Certainly made my day a littlemore exciting!

Keep rockin' for Christ!
Jade =)

Philmont pays a visit!

Philmont stopped by to chat with Drue before their show tonite. They're on the Keep Breathing Tour along with Wavorly, A Rotterdam November and Ilia. That show will be at North Fort Worth Baptist Church tonite at 7pm.

Random updates from Drue

I just got back from Park City, Utah. I was there for some skiing and to hang with some friends, and catch some of the madness from the Sundance Film Festival. Wow, that festival is so wacky, celebrities walking around, lavish and lush parties and paparazzi all over the place. I did not see any screenings or go to any parties, I just ate good food, and did some shredding on skis.

I always let too much time get in between my random blogs where I just let it all out!!! There has been way way too much happen recently, so I have to drop some knowledge and science!! If you are looking to get the inside pooper-scooper on Spin180, DJ Drue, Eimi Hall, and all things awesome in the Christian Rock universe, well get a cup of Jo, sit back and buckle in, HERE IT COMES!

First, lets talk about the Spin 180 radio show and the Live music night 'Live in the Spin Lounge'. Recently, Seekers and I got together and talked about some of the things that have worked and have NOT worked for them. Well, due to the recent construction in front of the building and economic pressures they have had to cut but on the operating hours. Let me assure you that 'Live in the Spin Lounge' will continue on Tuesdays, and we have added something extra! Since, the success of night and the massive amounts of submissions I am getting, Seekers is going to host right before we rock the spot with spin180 an open-mic/karaoke! Starting January 27th @ 6:00p, if you want to sing or perform then head to Seekers and get signed up! Live in the Spin Lounge will still start at 8p, and we will feature -2- acoustic performances from KILLER Spin 180 artists! If you are old, or tired or just lame, no worries, its all over by 10:00p, so you can get home and have a warm glass of milk and get your binky and go to bed! That's right, the Spin Lounge is for everyone!!! Hit me up if you have any questions, but otherwise we will see you on Tuesday nights at Seekers Coffee House in Hurst, Tx. For Live in the Spin Lounge. This Tuesday January 27th we have the punk rock outfit; 'thirtyseven' and a solo performance from of local metal band 'Intrust' frontman Chris Hodges. ALSO in the Spin 180 music news, we are adding a SECOND night of 'Live in the Spin Lounge'. Starting in February, Thursdays at the Mosiac Coffee Shop inside Irving Bible Church. Everything will be the same, just an added night and location. So, for those who can't bear to miss American Idol or have to wash you cat on Tuesdays, now we have a 'Live in the Spin Lounge' on Thursday nights as well!! Thursday February 5th @ 8:00pm we have acoustic performances from; 'calmdowncasey, & my heart's cry'. Again, that is in addition to Tuesdays at Seekers and its at Mosiac Coffee Shop in Irving Bible Church. Check my myspace page or the Spin 180 myspace page for the updated calendar!!

In 2002 I bought a second technics SL1200 turntable. That is the Gibson guitars or Ferrari of turntables. I have been working at becoming a turntablist ever since. I have dj'ed shows in North Carolina, Oklahoma, Houston, and at Cornerstone Festival. One of the things that led me to dj'ing was putting to use my massive music collection. I have some touring with Manafest coming up this Spring, and several wedding and party gigs already booked, but with all of that I do have some select openings and if you need a DJ, or you have friends who are having a prom, or graduation party, LET ME KNOW. First come, first serve! Coming this summer 2009, will be my first 'artist' track, it will be available on all digital sources(*itunes, amazon, & cdbaby), so heads up!

There is a female singer/songwriter in the Dallas-area named; Eimi Hall. If you have ever heard her music or seen her live you know how talented and beautiful she is. I knew that as well, so I married her almost 4 months ago. She has some NEW material she has been working on and she has some pretty awesome gigs coming up. She will be 'Live in Spin Lounge' on February 24th with a band from Minneapolis, Mn. called;'Lazy Jake' and playing at the House of Blues Pontiac Garage on Friday February 13th with 'The Early Republic' & 'Mothers Anthem'. You can get your tickets in advance from:
http://hob.com/apps/search/index.asp?q=eimi+hall&x=0&y=0

So there are already some mind boggling and amazing shows posted on the 89.7 PowerFM bulletin board, listed in the Dallas Observer, and scheduled at some of the local venues. If you don't keep up with the new release schedule, already we have new albums coming in the next few months from; Demon Hunter, Red, Kari Jobe, Decyfer Down, August Burns Red, U2, Falling Up, Mxpx, FM Static, Everyday Sunday, Mat Kearney, Mutemath and some great local bands have new material and shows all the time . CAN I stress enough, please support the Christian music industry goto Record Stores like: Good Records, CD Warehouse, Bill's, Forever Young, Mardel's and buy music. Take flyers, show posters, stickers, or d/l cards for your own shows and projects when you do crash these Dallas music spots. Or goto 'lifestyle' type stores; Zumies, Esienberg's, American Apparel, and Urban Outfitters, and let them know about your bands music or concerts coming to town, everyone likes free stuff. I believe that when we use MUSIC as the ministry and let the people come as they are, then God will use the message or the people involved to plant a seed. I think that when we stretch our hands towards the sky using our voices and instruments to praise Him, then that allows us to reach out with love to those that need it. When we break the ice and get to know those 'new' people or try to connect Biblically on a deeper level, that allows us to be used a vessel to reach into peoples live and make a real difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and know that I wish you ultimate peace and blessings on your heart, life and family.

Mad respects,
-Drue K. Mitchell-

A Few Days Late, But Here is the BEST of 2008:

In order here are my picks and the reasons why, for the top 10 albums released in 2008.

Out of the hundreds of records that came out from January 1st, 2008 to December 31st 2008, I can say I did not get to review them all, but I feel like a made a pretty good dent and therefore offer my opinion on which one's where extra special and came to be some of the best of the year. It was hard to narrow down to just 10, I wanted to do 20, but I feel like the list is more exclusive and its easier to hear something from just 10 different cd's then 20. I finally want to say that since '02 when I started listening to Christian music, the game has completely changed. I don't listen to Christian music exclusively but its getting easier and easier to do that, being there are more really good, and really quality Christian musicians making music of all styles. I support Christian music with all my heart, infact I have dedicated my life to helping people understand and learn more about these artists. Why? Because I can testify to the fact that this music changes peoples lives, and that is because God speaks through the music.

Here are the top 10 cd's that changed my 2008 for the better:
10. LeCrae - Rebel
> I'm a hip/hop turntablist. I dj live events, concerts, parties, clubs, & even opened for rock bands (*like capital lights, & after edmund) So, I know about dj'ing and what its like to stand up face to face with a crowd and drop a track and have them really feel it. This new cd from LeCrae takes hardcore street hip/hop, and blends it with bold in your face lyrics about the Kingdom. Everytime I play it, people come up and ask,"dang, that is hot! who is that???"

9. The Classic Crime - The Silver Cord
> Dude, I listen to this cd in comparrison to the last full length album they released, and I wondered,"what have they been doing up there in Seattle?!!" They have taken like styles of rock, emo, grunge, and pop and blended them together on this Tooth & Nail release. I really like the more rockin tracks, like: 'abracadavers' & 'gravediggin'. This cd jams!!

8. The Justin Cofield Band - The Days of Love & King of Glory E.P.
> This actually -2- releases from the same Spin 180 artist. The first is the full length album, 'The Days of Love'. I can't tell you how quality and special this entire cd is start to finish. Its full of tasty licks, good lyrics, and even some instrumentals. The second is a short worship E.P. the band released after the new album(*in the same year). This E.P. is all covers and will make you love God more through music & wonder how a band like this is not signed.

7. Demon Hunter - 45 Days
> Interesting that I actually was not excited about this cd, I loved the studio album 'The Tryptich' so very very much. I bought copies for some of my metal friends who don't even listen to Christian music and they liked it! But, I was slow to rock this record, I guess I didn't think it could hold up, wow, was I mistaken. This live DVD captures the craziness that this band has sparked in its fans, and just how hard these guys work at what they do. My favorite Demon Hunter moment this year was when I was interviewing Brian 'Head' Welch on PowerFM and he said,"Demon Hunter, those guys scared me!" The music cd is a display of the otherside of this band, its a melodic mellow almost symphonic cd of original music.

6. Hillsong United - The I Heart Revolution
> I go to Fellowship Church and we sing Hillsong music all-the-time! Actually, I thought I would find myself rollin my eyes, but this is a live double cd, its like a greatest hits of some of the most powerful modern worship. I really recomend this cd, the general media have such a warped view about church music, I love the fact that this cd rocks, and captures thousands of people from shows all over the globe lifting their hands high to worship God in song and praise.

5. Braille - The IV
> The IV was released and it saw national press coverage in genral market magazines like; The Source. I listened to this album over and over, and everytime heard something new in his rhymes, and new elements in the tight tight production. When Braille was here on tour in support of this record, he played at the IGNITE youth center where I dj at on a weekly basis. I was climbing down from behind my turntables when he was about to go on, and Braille looked at me and said,"Where you going dj? You gonna rock this show with me or what?" So, it was pretty awesome to kill it with Braille, I am by no means anywhere near Rob Swift(*the dj on the record), but that expirence I will keep forever. Props to my man Luke Huch for hookin it up @ IGNITE every week!

4. Brian "Head" Welch - Save Me From Myself
> Read the book before you listen to the album. I have seen Korn somewhere between 8 or 9 times. When Brian made the announcement he had accepted Christ it was a real special moment for me in my walk, since Korn had been such a big part of my darker days. The album same title as the book sounds more like old school real Korn, then Korn has sounded like Korn on their last 3 records. The message in the music is so very very powerful and I believe that this man will touch many lives with his powerful story and music. Also, in 2008, I got to sit down and interview Brian live on my show, he is a really cool dude, and it was a dream come true to get to meet him and talk with him live on PowerFM.

3. The Listening - Transmissions I
> Many moons ago they were called, The Rock N' Roll Worship Circus, but now they have come into a new name, new sound, and new direction. This short little E.P. can only be aquired from the band, or at their live shows. They are on the same label as MuteMath and have a full length cd coming in '09 called, "LMNOP". The music is above and beyond anything I could have imagined that this band would drop. The new material from these guys really doesn't sound like anything else in the universe of Christian music. They are true originators, and will leave a lasting mark on our genre for being so creative and different.

2. Thrice - The Alchemy Index Volumes 3 & 4
> The second set of E.P.'s from Thrice that shook me down to my core. The single "Come All You Weary" is extremely powerful lyrically, and I love how this record is a hybrid of gospel, hardcore, and americana. If you are looking for typical 4/4 rock songs with sing-a-long chorus' this is not the record for you. But, I promise if you sitdown with a hot cup of tea and let these songs breathe life into you and take you to a new place for what I think 'might' be classified as punk rock music. I have moved this band into my top 10 favorite artists of all time because of what they have done over the last 5-6 years. Lead singer Dustin Kensrue is very creative and interesting fellow. This cd is totally awesome and everytime I look at it or think about it, makes me want to put it on and get lost in it.

1. Manafest - Citizen Activ
> Ok, ok, ok, almost everyone knows I am a member of Manafest's band. So, yes, I am a little biased, but come on, you know this cd is so awesome!!! Funny story, I really fell in love with a couple of the tracks when we were playing them like over and over on one of the tours we did in '08. My good friend Manafest(*Chris Greenwood), has shown me some powerful things about my faith and myself through the music and performing together. This album is about "doing" not just talking, or thinking about it. Me even getting to play with him is God making one of my dreams come true. Tracks like; 'Good Day', 'Free', & 'Live On', go right alone with something Chris talked about in his set, asking the audience, "If you could do anything for God, and you knew you were not going to fail, what would you do?"

Drue

Since October Stopped By

Since October stopped by the station to chat with Drue before their show this afternoon. They'll be performing tonight, along with Ilia and Intrust, at Grace Church USA in Carrollton.

You can catch Email out there tonight in the Powermobile!

12 Days of Christmas Tour

The Afters played a hometown show last night, along with Nevertheless and Remedy Drive at Live @ Mokah in Dallas. My birthday was this past Wednesday, and since it was in the middle of the week...I decided that I wanted to celebrate by going to this show on Saturday, 'cause I love The Afters and always enjoy seeing them again. It was a lot of fun.

Remedy Drive was very entertaining, with the lead singer attempting hand/headstands on his keyboard and whatnot. Too bad I never actually caught that on camera. I have a feeling their album, Daylight is Coming, is going to spend a good amount of time in my CD player!

Remedy Drive

Nevertheless was great as well...

Jade & Rachel with Nevertheless.

And The Afters never disappoint.


They even treated us to some Christmas songs, since it was the 12 Days of Christmas Tour afterall.

Oh, and speaking of celebrating my birthday...the crew surprised me on Wednesday by coming into the studio, singing Happy Birthday and offering little pies. Haha!

Keep rockin' for Christ!
Jade =)

Drue's Busy Day

Drue had a very busy day today!

First, the guys from Luminate came in to chat with him about what's going on in their world. They're playing tonight at Live At Mokah, along with The Listening.




And speaking of The Listening...Gabe called in to chat with Drue.

Then, Drue got to speak to Kevin Max too and catch up with what's up with that guy!

Whew!

Tonight: The Listening & Luminate in concert at Live At Mokah in Dallas.
Sunday: Kevin Max in concert at Live At Mokah in Dallas.

Giving away Underoath Tickets is serious business!

I can't believe how many crazy calls I got all morning long leading up to the giveaway of the Underoath tickets. I wish I had recorded some of you people! Haha. Certainly entertained me at least! But never fear, even though two pairs have already been given away today....you do still have two chances to win left!

Keep listening! Drue will be giving away a pair around 5:15pm, then Adrian will give some away during the All Request Show around 8:15pm.

Keep up with what we're giving away and when here.

Oh, and Battleship started today on the Morning Show! A boat has already been sunk! Again, never fear...there are still 14 boats on the board! Play along!

Keep rockin' for Christ!
Jade =)

The Glorious Unseen

The Glorious Unseen dropped by the studio this afternoon to chat with Drue. They are performing tonight in Dallas with a long list of other bands. You can find out more about the show at our Bulletin Board.

Brian Head Welch In Studio

Brian "Head" Welch was in studio with Drue yesterday for a great interview.

If you missed it, here's the audio:
Part one, click here.
Part two, click here.
Part three, click here.

He will be doing a CD & Book Signing tonite at Border's Book in Dallas, 7pm-10pm. Look for the Powermobile (with Leslie and Wes) to be out there!

Manafest Show