CCMdigital 2016-02-15

IN REVIEW: NEWSBOYS LOVE RIOT, AUDREY ASSAD, JODY MCBRAYER
MEREDITH ANDREWS
INTO THE DEEP
JOHN TIBBS
WITHIN REACH
PASSIONS INNOVATIVE
PASTOR PROVES SURRENDER
ISNT A WORD FOR THE WEAK
FEB 15, 2016
God isnt
finished
with you yet.
#TheComebackStory
louiegiglio.com/thecomeback
Also Available: The Comeback Curriculum and Study Guide
contents february 01, 2016

From the Editor
LOUIE GIGLIO
LOUIE GIGLIO
Souls on firePassion 2016 fans
the flames of faith, fortitude and
fearlessness
Publisher
Michael Miller
Associate Publisher |
Mixed Media Production
Ross Cluver
Associate Publisher |
Circulation & Marketing
Smitty Wheeler
Managing Editor
Kevin Sparkman
MEREDITH ANDREWS
A recent trip in rediscovering the
depths of Gods truths provided
Meredith Andrews a renewed
perspective and purpose for marriage,
motherhood, and music
JOHN TIBBS
A relative newcomer & true rock n
roll worshipper, the midwestern artist
prides himself on honest hard work,
his musical roots, and genuine loyalty
Reviews
Newsboys, Audrey Assad, Jody McBrayer + much
more!
Designers
Martina Ahlbrandt
Joshua Jamison
Contributing Editors
Andy Argyrakis
Matt Conner
Contributor
Caroline Lusk
Assistant Prod. Manager
Paula Rozelle Hanback
Fulfillment & Customer
Service Manager
Jennifer Evenson
Customer Service Reps
Janice Collier Arsenault
Jason Lloyd
Executive Dir. of Advertising
DeDe Donatelli-Tarrant
805.987.5072
dede@salempublishing.com
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jstombres@salempublishing.com
Account Executive
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JEdlin@salempublishing.com
Web Ad Traffic Director
Tamara Phillips
www.ccmmagazine.com/magazine/issues/feb-15-2016
from the editor

Renewal vs. Resolutions | It might seem more fitting that a short op-ed piece
about renewal would be written around the time of new years. Ive never been a
huge fan of new years resolutions, mostly due to the fact that Ive been terrible at
keeping themand usually not much longer than a week! So, am I finally getting
around to writing my new years blurb, now that its February 15? Funny, but thats
not the case, here.
Renewal, in the spiritual sense, is welcomed at any time. And for many of us,
perhaps were just now coming into the realization that our lives are once again,
back into that familiar end-of-the-year chaos. I really wanted to start the year off
right, we might be moaning, while we spend another hour at work on Facebook,
have a second slice of pie, or spout off that four-letter word. Stop. Take a deep
breath. Theres good news!
Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Whew. He loves us (always and forever)and He will forgive and guide us, all
the same, despite the gap between our best intentions from Jan. 1 and where we
stand right now. Feeling a little lighter? Pray Psalm 51:10 to Jesus: Create in me a
clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Strength for the road ahead: Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) But they who wait for the
Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they
shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Walk out your next steps today Ephesians 4:23 in your head, be renewed
in the spirit of your mind, and seize the day, the month, the year renewed.
Blessings,
Kevin Sparkman
Editor, CCM Magazine

KSparq@CCMMagazine.com
facebook.com/CCMmagazine
twitter.com/CCMmagazine
instagram.com/ccmmag
LOUIE GIGLIO
Louie Giglio - Souls On Fire

Passion 2016 fans the flames of faith, fortitude and fearlessness
By Caroline Lusk
Almost twenty ago, a movement began. A handful of Gods faithful
were given a mission to make the name of Jesus famous in the
forthcoming generations. Since then, arenas around the country
have been packed with young people finding faith and putting into
action the mandate of the Gospel to care for the least of these.
Under the guidance of Louie Giglio whom, alongside his wife

Shelley, founded the Passion movementand it has evolved into
a yearly conference, a musical platform and an undeniable force
of change. Sixsteprecords is home to worship leaders Chris
Tomlin, Kristian Stanfill, Christy Knockles and many more who
have veritably shaped the landscape of modern worship. Passion
Conferences were among the earliest movements to throw light on
the atrocity of human trafficking, raising hundreds of thousands of
dollars to the eradication to such grave social injustice.
Just one month ago in January 2016, that clarion call of human
justice was louder than ever, as students raised money to build a
hospital in the polarizing country of Syria. Yet what is controversial
to some is merely the fulfillment of the gospel to others. And what
began as a spark has most clearly become a passion ablaze.
CCM Magazine had the privilege of chatting with founder Louie
Giglio about the movement, the momentum and what is next for the
groundbreaking ministry.
Louie Giglio
CCM Magazine: As you approach the twenty-year mark with
Passion. At this point, are there any benchmarks you have yet
to achieve?
Louie Giglio: Its interesting to consider, but there was a point
fourteen years ago after One Day 2000 that we thought the mission
of Passion might be complete...that we had served the purpose for
which God set us in motion. Obviously, that wasnt the case and
God had more in store than we could imagine. We couldnt be more
grateful for what we have been able to be a part of the past two
decades. So I guess the benchmark we are focused on is staying in
step with Jesus in the days ahead.
CCM: What did the 2016 Passion conference represent to you?

How was it distinct from previous years?
LG: On the human side, it was a first for uslinking three arenas
in two cities in one seamless gathering. It worked better than
expected and felt like we were all in one beautiful space together.
So thats a huge distinction. Yet, on the spiritual side, and its hard
to quantify2016 felt like one of our most significant gatherings.
There was a depth...a clarity of calling in each session that felt just
as significant as our first gathering in 1997. For me, thats pretty
special seeing the durability of the vision across the years. Passion
is pretty deep, meaning that 45 to 50-minute messages by thinkers,
theologians, preachers and pastors are not the norm for student
conferences, but people fully leaned-in and the seed was surely
planted. All that to say, it feels like we are tilted forward, and thats a
great thing after nineteen years.
CCM: When you look at thousands of young people lifting their
hands and giving of their time and money for others, what does
Louie Giglio
that say to you about the future of the church and of the country
in general?
LG: It says that the people who are writing off this generation might
be looking in the wrong place. This generation is alert and willing to
engage at a significant level in response to glimpses of Gods glory
and His heartbeat for the world.
The Church feels much stronger now than when we began twenty
years ago. Leaders like David Platt, Matt Chandler and so many
others were awakened and inspired in a Godward, and subsequently,
a Church-ward direction sitting in Passion gatherings years ago.
If this kind of fruit continues, it bodes well for the Church and
the future. There have been a lot of knocks on the multi-labeled
generations who have come through Passion (now millennials),
but I wouldnt count them out just yet!
CCM: Music has always been an integral part of Passion.
Why? What is it about music that bridges hearts and brings
passion to life?
LG: Sound is a vital component in the economy of God. Music touches
us in its own unique way. And in the song there is an irrevocable
and altruistic blending of voices into one. We are moved by Gods
majesty and grace and the song helps us respond with mind, body
and spirit. And the song unites us, fuels us...gives us our marching
orders.
So when we set out on this Passion journey we knew worship would
be central. Not recordings, but worship. Honestly, all the albums and
the rest were just an overflow of wanting to see Jesus and amplify
His name.
Louie Giglio
CCM: Why have you been so committed to keeping social justice at
the heart of Passion?
LG: We believe worship and justice are two sides of the same coin,
each inseparable from the other. Gods Word is clear, He loves songs
and invites us to sing, but worship is a lifestyle more than just a
song, and the song we must not forget is the one that propels us to
carry His mercy and truth to those who have no voice.
CCM: This year you raised money for a hospital in Syria. Given the
controversy over allowing Syrian refugees into this country, what
do you feel is our obligation as Christians to care for widows and
orphans? How do you hope to inspire young people in that vein?
LG: Building a hospital within Syria is a challenge and flies in
the face of the political ramifications brought on by the current
population migration from the Mideast to the western world. But we
are not calling people to a political solution, but a gospel response.
I will let smarter people than me figure out the best policies for the
common good, but we also can act nowin Jesus nameto care for
people in need.
If an accident happens in front of me, I dont ask the victims for their
religious identification. I call for assistance and try to render aid.
This hospital specifically addresses the needs of women, and will
be one of, if not the first, NICU hospital in the region. Our partner,
World Vision, has ensured us a great possibility for success in
meeting human need. This is the fabric of our message and the
heartbeat of the One we follow.
Louie Giglio
CCM: Your latest book, The Comeback, is certainly something
everyone can relate tobeing knocked down. Personally, what
has been a setback in your life that youve had to recover from,
walk through, or learn to live with?
LG: I open the book with a vulnerable recounting of a near
breakdown I had in 2008. A lot of factors triggered a depressionrelated collapse than landed me in a dark hole and knocked me
out of commission. In some ways you never fully move on from
something that ticks you like that. But God came through with
powerful rescue and continues through that struggle to daily draw
my heart toward His.
CCM: You make it a point to not offer false promises in your book.
How do you explain the hope of Christ to someone who doesnt
know Him, with the caveat of, your circumstances may not
improve...? Is it possible for healing to co-exist with hurting?
LG: The promise of the gospel is that Jesus will live in us...that He
will be to us and in us a source of life. But He also promised that in
this world we would have heartache, loss, pain. Often, the victory is
physical healing, deliverance, restoration, but in every case we have
the assurance that nothing in this life can separate us from His love.
And nothing can thwart His purposes and plans for our lives. In the
end, no matter the struggle, we win. In the end, no matter the loss,
we gain.
CCM: With 40,000 students in attendance this year and 60,000
projected for next year, whats left for Passion to achieve? What
do you hope the future brings for this organization and those
touched by it?
Louie Giglio
LG: For now, theres one more student who hasnt seen what
their life is really all about. One more campus that doesnt have a
lighthouse of gospel hope. One more person settling for less when
they were created for so much more. In the end, Passion is about
people. Touching the next one is a worthwhile goal.
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MEREDITH
ANDREWS
Meredith Andrews
Off The Deep End
A recent trip in rediscovering
the depths of Gods truths
provided Meredith Andrews
a renewed perspective
and purpose for marriage,
motherhood, and music
By Matt Conner
A lucky few have been listening to Meredith Andrews new album,
Deeper, long before others. They arent label execs, press members
or even friends or family. These were fans that happened to hear
Andrews play some of the new songs in concert, and they just had to
have them. More than that, they needed them.
Meredith Andrews
I had no idea when I would be able to hand someone a physical
copy, says Andrews. People would ask and say, I need this song
now! Some of them were really adamant and I finally just said, Ill
just email you the demo.
The response is representative of the larger story around pop artists

new release, Deeper. The songs on her latest arent just inspirational.
Theyre more than catchy or memorable. Theyre necessary. They
are songs birthed from deeply personal stories of heartache and
frustration, sorrow and confusion. They were songs that Andrews
herself needed, so its no surprise that her audience needs them, too.
Three years have passed since her previous album Worth It All
brought her further into the conversation of Christian musics biggest
female artists. After several years as a worship leader for Vertical
Church in addition to two Dove Award wins to her name, Andrews
has already amassed a large following. It made sense for Andrews
and her husband, Jacob Sooter, who is also a producer, to move to
Nashville and record a new album that would further her influence
and platform.
Except it wasnt that easy.
Over the last two years, weve moved to Nashville and I had my third
child, says Andrews. When you have your third, its like Game Over
in a good way, but you realize you really should clone yourself. In the
midst of those changes, Jacob and I were also walking through the
hardest season of our marriage that weve ever experiencedjust a
lot of stress, transition and attacks from the enemy all rolled together.
We were learning to navigate the move, three kids, and full-time
Meredith Andrews
ministry because still on staff at our church in Chicago while living in
Nashville. I was traveling and asking, How does this all work? How do
we stay sane and not be just ships passing in the night?
Such seismic transitions brought more than just stress to their
household; it nearly tore them apart. The proverbial storms of life
caused such damage on the surface that Andrews says she doubted her
ability to weather it any longer. Everything was at stakeher family,
her career, her ministry. Fortunately, God proved faithful with moments
of inspiration and tangible help when Andrews needed it most.
Last October, we had a friend come to our house to pray over
us, says Andrews. Wed gotten to rock bottom, especially in our
marriage, and realized we cant fix this on our own. A sweet friend
said, I feel like the Lord is speaking to me that He just wants me to
pray over you, your family and your house. She did and I felt like it
was the beginning of the turn.
The turn also included the aforementioned addition to the family, her
daughter Francis. Andrews says giving birth to her third child could
provide a tipping point in the midst of such chaos, but instead God
used Francis to bring everyone together.
Even though it was crazy and I felt overwhelmed when she was
born, she was a ray of light in our darkness, says Andrews. It
was a glimpse of what God wanted to do in our family. Her name is
Francis. We call her Frankie, but her name means free one. I felt
like the Lord was saying, Im bringing a joy and a freedom through
this little baby.
Meredith Andrews
I look at her every day and realize that shes a free spirit. Shes such
a joy. It was so crazy how the Lord used even her being born for us to
catch our breath. We knew it was hard but it was worth it.
Because of the level of pressures and internal struggle, Andrews also

said theyve also learned the value of boundariessaying no to
career pressure and ministry demands for the sake of family. It was a
protective move that allowed them to rest and heal at a pivotal moment.
In February of last year, over Valentines weekend, we cancelled
some stuff, she says. We just dropped everything and got away as
a family to a mountain cabin. That was really rebuilding for us. God
was putting the pieces back together and doing a deeper work in us.
Its like the Lord said, This isnt hopeless. You just have to hang on to
Me. So there were these lifelines being thrown out to us in the midst
of what felt like this massive storm.
Some lifelines also appeared in the form of the songs she was writing
in the midst of it all. Soar is one of the first singles from Deeper
thats found an instant impact with fans, but before she ever sang it
concert, Andrews says she sang along with the demo in the carand
not for reasons you might think.
When I wrote Soar with Mia Fieldes and Seth Mosley, it was
almost like the Lord was saying, Heres a song and youre going to
need this. It was the beginning of walking through this valley, she
says. God gave me a song to sing over myself long before I would
ever sing it over others. And I did. I would crank up that demo in the
car, and I would just cry. I would bawl and sing at the top of my lungs.
Meredith Andrews
I dont normally listen to myself, but it was a song that I needed. I
knew I had to sing it and believe it was true. It was me singing, Even
though Im in the valley, I believe your promises. I believe that you
are working while I wait. Even in this waiting season, youre in it and
youre still intentional in it.
That was probably one of the first songs we wrote for this record,
and the rest you can kind of draw a line of similarity through all of
them, she continues. They all say the same thing in sort of different
ways. The title track, Deeper, is a song we wrote together with
our friend Mia, and we were still banging our head against the wall
wondering when this would end. It all felt so up and down, up and
down. We needed freedom from this and we were asking, God, when
are you going to free us? Because we could use something real soon.
Through it all, Andrews is now in much happier and healthier, but its
not because she ran from the problems surrounding her. Andrews
says she titled the record Deeper because it is all-encompassing,
and its the term that best describes her posture in this season of
need. Shes learned lessons of what it means to lean deeper in what
God has promised.
I feel like God is bringing me to the end of the valley, and Im

seeing the light, she says. Because of this, Ive realized that I have
something to say that I didnt have before. Ive known God to be
faithful in that darkness when Id never known anything like that in
my life. Now I have an authority to say, Ive known the Lord to be
who He says He is. Ive known Him to be true. He is on your side. He is
working in a mighty way. He has a plan, so let Him do what He wants
to do in your heart.
Meredith Andrews
Andrews says its the ability to share the wisdom and hope from
her own experiences that keeps her going deeper into the demands of
her singing career. With three kids at home, its more difficult
than it used to be to head out on the road or appear at an event.
However, in limited stretches, its worth the investment for the
sake of serving others.
Even though I dont love getting on a plane and leaving my kids,
when I get to look people in the face and love on them and sing over
them and invite them to sing with me the truth of who God isHis
character and His love for ustheres nothing else like it, says
Andrews. It makes me come alive. Im just so excited and expectant
in being able to share these songs and stories with people, and
hearing their stories too, and believing God will use these songs to
speak hope into peoples lives where they have none.
JOHN
TIBBS
John TibbsWithin Reach

A Relative Newcomer And True Rock N
Roll Worshipper, The Midwestern Artist
Prides Himself On Honest Hard Work, His
Musical Roots, And Genuine Loyalty
By Matt Conner
Springsteen. Petty. Mellencamp. This brand of working mans rock
and roll is a proven one, saturated in the stories of the average
American. It is, however, rare territory for an artist who could also be
branded as a worship leader. Meet John Tibbs, an uncommon artist
charting his own musical course.
Tibbs is the newest addition on the FairTrade Services label, a
young man whose midwestern work ethic and musical approach
garnered a tremendous following as an independent artist. His first
release, titled Dead Man Walking (the follow up to last years EP
of the same name), delivered by the afore mentioned label, drops
February 2016 and a spring tour with Matt Maher will give him
a chance to shine after previous tour slots for Audrey Assad and
Newsboys. We recently sat down with John to hear more about his
roots rock delivery and working with producer Ben Shive for the
first time.
CCM Magazine: Youve got a roots music delivery and set of

influences, but youre also a worship leader. Its an uncommon
mix, which makes me curious how you bring it all together in one
musical package?
John Tibbs: Man, that is a great question. Worship, to me, is a
conversation between myself and God. So when I write lyrics, I
write from my experiences and my story. That inherently creates
a conversation. I dont necessarily try and write something thats
comfortable for a corporate worship setting. Rather, I try and write
something thats very real and honest to me and a melody that
invokes that emotion. I try to focus on the heart before anything else.
As far as the music goes, I just want to make some thing Im proud
of. I grew up in Western Pennsylvania, and it felt like the classic
American rock of John Mellencamp, Tom Petty, and Bruce
Springsteen were the soundtrack of my childhood. That certainly
had an impact on me. As Ive grown up, Ive fallen in love with
modern sounds from guys like Ryan Adams and Brandon Flowers.
All of that has influenced the way I sing and write.
I remember the first time I saw The Lone Bellow live. It was a
venue in Bloomington, IN on a Monday night in January. There were
probably eighty people there. It was the kind of cold night that you
think to yourself, These guys probably dont want to be here. That
didnt seem to be the case, though. After one song in particular, Zach
Williams stood on the stage right in front of us, in silence, and just
cried. That said a lot to me.
I decided right then that I wanted to write songs that no matter how
many times I sing them, it will always means something to me. And,
you know, I think thats the kind of music that connects to people.
If its real to me, its most likely real to someone else. I think we are
all connected. So, yeah, some of my music can probably fit into the
worship category and others, not. Thats okay. Its all genuine to me
and that is what matters. The rest will work itself out.
CCM: You mentioned being struck by music thats genuine. When
was the last time you felt that way about a piece of music? Any
recent moments?
JT: One of my favorite records this past year was The Firewatchers
Daughter by Brandi Carlisle. Shes been slaving away for over a
decade, and you can hear her story coming to life in this record. I
dont know everything about her, but thats the great thing about
music. Although we are disconnected people, we connect through
these songs. Her words from her story find me in my story, and
somehow, we are connected in that. Man, isnt that something?
I love how the record opens up: I think its time we found a way back
home / You lose so many things you love as you grow / I missed the days
when I was a kid / My fear became my shadow, I swear it did.
CCM: You worked with Ben Shive (Ellie Holcomb, Rend Collective)
on the new album. What did he bring to the music that wasnt
already there?
JT: It was truly an honor to work with Ben on this record. He is the
most genuine, humble, talented, and hard-working producer Ive ever
met. He showed up every single day ready to do whatever to make
this music great. Ben is a wonderful listener and I felt like he was able
to see these songs from the outside and bring a fresh perspective.
If you listen to his workColony House, Ellie Holcomb, Dave
Barnesthey are all wildly different, but theyre all true and unique
to the artist. I really enjoyed working with him, and cannot wait to
do it again.
CCM: On the worship side, when youre in that setting, whats the
best advice youve been given about being a leader in that space?
JT: I think it was when I was encouraged to be myself, rather
than focusing on being this amazing leader that was always going
before people. The pressure of being all things to all people was
suffocating. I found that when I was true to myself, I helped create
an environment for people to feel comfortable with who they were
in church. That really went a long way. I found that some of the best
moments of worship would be after a song Id say, Lets pray, and
then just step back from the mic, and wed all tell God what was on
our own mind and heart in that moment.
CCM: Youre hitting the road with Matt Maher this spring.
What are you most looking forward to with the pairing?
JT: There arent too many people I respect out there as much as Matt
Maher. I think hes been one of the most consistent artists in CCM for
the last decade. And his latest record Saints & Sinners is a wonderful
piece. On top of that, hes a very genuine person. Im honored to
support him this spring. Personally, Im really excited because on
this tour Ill have the opportunity to have his band back me on a few
songs. Thats a first for me; Im used to opening up solo. That is going
to be a lot of fun!
CCM: Beyond what weve discussed, whats one thing you want
readers to know about you and your music?
JT: I think Id love for people to know that they can always reach me.
One of my favorite parts of what I do is meeting so many people. I
guess Id say that I will always replywhether it be an email or a
Facebook message. Im blessed to be able to make music for a living,
and I couldnt do it without the support such kind people Ive met
along the way. I dont consider myself to have any fans, rather many
friends.
REVIEWS
Reviews
Newsboys
Love Riot
(FairTrade Services)
FOR FANS OF:
Audio Adrenaline, DC Talk
WE LIKE: Committed
QQQ
At this point, Newsboys need no introduction as one of the pillars

of Christian music going on thirty years, but that hasnt stopped
the GRAMMY-nominated pop band from some introductions of their
own. Love Riot is the new album replete with new sonic touch points,
most notably darker synth pulses, that give a new energy to the
albums opening tracks, Crazy and Hero.
Some tracks, like lead single Guilty, are straight from the
bands wheelhouse and will appeal to longtime fans, but the
shadowy rhythms of songs like Committed impressively expands
the scope of the album. It also lends a forceful feel to songs that
demand it, as Michael Tait pledges musical allegiance to the
kingdom of God. Its a common refrain throughout the Love Riot,
with cries they are in this for life. The bands fans would likely say
the same about their relationship.
Matt Conner
Reviews
Audrey Assad
Inheritance
(Fortunate Fall)
FOR FANS OF:
Meredith Andrews, Sara Groves
WE LIKE: Even Unto Death
QQQQQ
Audrey Assad had provided hints of both impact and inspiration

on projects past, but Inheritance provides as much substance and
style as any record will likely hold in 2016. The singer-songwriters
highly-anticipated hymns project includes originals alongside
familiar favorites, but Assads strong artistic touch and the incredible
production of Daniel James (Canon Blue) gives every song multiple
layers of texture and meaning.
Even Unto Death is the albums lead single and rightfully so,
a triumphant song inspired by the recent martyrdom of 21 Libyan
Christians. Its a powerful refrain, backed by Matt Maher, and
represents the potency of this set of songs well. Holy, Holy, Holy
and Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet are excellent examples of
familiar songs receiving new instrumental treatments and breathes
new life into what the listener knows so well.
Inheritance is a brilliant album, a heartening reminder of the centrality
of Jesus in all things that captivates the listener, including but not limited
to its musically, in addition. Its a rare triumph on both counts that should
glow beautifully as one of the years best. Its certainly Assads best.
Matt Conner
Reviews
Jody McBrayer
Keep Breathing
(StowTown Records)
FOR FANS OF:
Avalon, Truth, Greg Long
WE LIKE: Good To Be Home
QQQQ
Between extensive time in the vocal troupe Truth and

contemporary pop hit makers Avalon, Jody McBrayer is one of
the most accomplished singers in all of Christian music. Though
its been quite some time since we last heard from the tenor, hes
stayed active as a worship leader and also triumphed over a rare
heart condition, all of which contributes to this hopeful and deeply
personal collection.
Fans of those past acts and solo projects will surely gravitate
to his rich and sometimes soulful performances spread across
gorgeous arrangements, all of which help drive home the powerful
messages of Good To Be Home, Me, With Each Borrowed
Breath and When We Look Back. Any of the above wouldve fit
right beside his memorable material from the 90s, though they
avoid sounding dated thanks to McBrayers well-preserved voice
that transcends specific eras.
Andy Argyrakis
Reviews
Urban Rescue
Wild At Heart EP
(Rend Family Records)
FOR FANS OF:
Phil Wickham, Crowder, Rend
Collective, Stars Go Dimr
WE LIKE: His Name
QQQQ
Representing the first release from fan favorite Rend Collectives

label, Rend Family Records (under the guise of Capitol Records),
Urban Rescuecalling themselves a revival band from Los
Angeles, Californiaoffers their new EP Wild At Heart. After this
brief five-track introduction we can confidently boast about the
bands depthand, were hedging our bets on it being way more
than just choosy song sequencing.
The crisp vocal performance from front man Jordan Frye offers
a much welcome timbre among the slew of grizzly-bearded malaise
readily accessible today, and as their moniker suggests, the upbeat
and celebratory arrangements lay a foundation for hope and
positive vibes. Make no mistake, this is a worship project, but in the
vein of Phil Wickham and Crowders more synth-led selections,
Urban Rescue does a masterful job at meshing pop sensibility with
devoted praisewe cant wait to hear more.
Kevin Sparkman
Reviews
Curt Anderson
Every Moment
(Dream Records)
FOR FANS OF:
OneRepublic, The Fray, Imagine Dragons
WE LIKE: Love Like You Love
QQQQ
Michigan small towner turned Nashville-based recording artist

Curt Anderson played piano ever since he could reach the keys and
maintained an active touring schedule from the time he was old
enough to hit the road. Two decades into his artistic pursuit, the
singer/songwriter inked a deal with Dream Records and is putting
an epic musical and positive lyrical spin on the modern day piano
pop formula.
Every Moment kicks off with the redemptive charge of Keep It
Beating, works its way to the mid-tempo introspection of When
It Hurts and bursts with the electronic beats of the contagiously
hopeful Every Moment. Theres even an appearance by rapper
KJ-52 on the faith-fueling ballad All Of Me, which adds additional
diversity to Andersons already vibrant canvas.
Andy Argyrakis
Reviews
NewSpring Worship
Difference Maker EP
(Dream Records)
FOR FANS OF:
Avicii, Chris Tomlin, Bethel Music
WE LIKE: Love Me Like That
QQQQ
Worship music continues to change, as it should. As an expression

of devotion and love to our Savior, its evolution is a great indication
that the Family of God is an ever-growing and diverse community.
NewSpring Worship, the musical representation of South Carolinas
NewSpring Church pastored by Perry Noble, manages to jam-pack
as much of this rhythmic and melodic divergence into one foursong EP as possibleand they do it very well. The opening track,
Now And Forever, is a perfect blend of synth-rock and reverence,
while Love Me Like That takes the listener into experiencing
elements of EDM (we imagine throngs of congregants across
NewSprings many campuses dancing in the isles).
The EP ends with an acoustic version of the classic hymn, It Is
Well, featuring flawless harmonies while leading the worshipper
into a spirit of victory over any current circumstance. With
seventeen campuses across the state from the Atlantic coastline
to the Georgia and North Carolina borders, this could only be a
glimpse into what God is doing in the lives of people in South
Carolina and beyond.
Kevin Sparkman
Reviews
Matt Price
Dream EP
(Self-Released)
FOR FANS OF:
OneRepublic, Jonny Diaz, Charlie
Peacock
WE LIKE: Beautiful Now
QQQ
Coming with his signature and extremely unique vocal delivery,

singer-songwriter and Nashville producer, Matt Price, gives us
his latest offeringan EP entitled Dream. While pursuing a
personal dream several years ago, Price moved to Music City as
a newlywed and began pounding the pavement as a songwriter,
eventually getting opportunities to collaborate with some of the
most seasoned writers in town. It sounds like the hard work and
experience has paid off, as the albums six tracks showcase an artist
approaching the top of his game.
Even as a producer himself, his own EP expresses a collection
of works that are expertly and tastefully done, or in other words,
not over-cooked. That being said, there were a few moments where
we were expecting a little more punch or bang from the overall
production, after all, its a very synthy-pop record versus being led
by more acoustic guitars or strings (think Ryan Tedder vs. Sting).
Still, we think you will love his approach and we await more creative
projects from this talented up-and-comer.
Kevin Sparkman
Reviews
Olivia Sonia
Victory In Christ Jesus EP
(Self-Released)
FOR FANS OF:
Tasha Cobbs, Kirk Franklin, Kierra
Sheard
WE LIKE: Victory
QQQQ
Olivia Sonias debut EP, Victory In Christ Jesus, comes out of

the gate strong with Victory, declaring the budding artists
mighty pipes and vocal control. Its not like shes new to this
game, as Olivias New York upbringing has given her access to
enjoy opportunities like joining forces with Brooklyn Tabernacle
Choir, among others. Her talents audibly go beyond the regional,
howeveraccompanied with the funk-and-soul of the opening
track, to the heartfelt gospel worship-ballad, Remain In Mewe
wont be surprised to hear and see more from her on national
stages in no time.
Fans that tend to lean toward a more pop-appeal will enjoy
Olivias Beyonce-tinged timbre, especially when she reaches for
a higher range on the first two songs. This EP has it all, with the
exception of more than just three tracksso, be on the lookout for
this next gospel music star, and for more original music soon
staff
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IN REVIEW: NEWSBOYS LOVE RIOT, AUDREY ASSAD, JODY MCBRAYER

contents february 01, 2016

from the editor

Editor, CCM Magazine

Louie Giglio - Souls On Fire

Under the guidance of Louie Giglio whom, alongside his wife

CCM: What did the 2016 Passion conference represent to you?

YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTIAN MUSIC

The response is representative of the larger story around pop artists

Because of the level of pressures and internal struggle, Andrews also

I feel like God is bringing me to the end of the valley, and Im

John TibbsWithin Reach

CCM Magazine: Youve got a roots music delivery and set of

At this point, Newsboys need no introduction as one of the pillars

Audrey Assad had provided hints of both impact and inspiration

Between extensive time in the vocal troupe Truth and

Representing the first release from fan favorite Rend Collectives

Michigan small towner turned Nashville-based recording artist

Worship music continues to change, as it should. As an expression

Coming with his signature and extremely unique vocal delivery,

Olivia Sonias debut EP, Victory In Christ Jesus, comes out of

Access in-depth and exclusive feature stories, interviews,

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