Who doesn't love FREE Music? :)

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to let you all know about new Christian artist, Tal & Acacia! Their CD doesn't come out until next month but you can hear (and download!) 3 of their songs for FREE at the link below!

www.talandacacia.com/freemusic

Hope you all enjoy it!

..oh, and sorry for the lack of blog updating lately! I think the tennessee heat is getting to me. ;)

Until the next blog,

Kristin.

Awesome News!!!

I haven't blogged since May. It is now JUNE. Where in the world does time fly to lately?! I'm getting ready to start my internship really soon and can't believe it. But I just wanted to share two pretty awesome things that have happened recently!

First, ColmanBlue (a new group made up of Chrissy Katina, Kristin Schweain, and Kelli Trontell) held a contest to help pick the mix name for the first edition of their debut single. ...And they chose mine! There were so many great suggestions, so I was really excited! Their new music comes out next week, so make sure to keep up with their news at myspace.com/colmanblue!

Second, it was announced just yesterday that I got first place in CCMNI's "Lyrics Only" Contest 2009 at ChristianSongwriting.com! WOW. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it. I honestly was NOT expecting to place at all. I was just happy with the feedback I received and was planning to develop better lyrics in the years to come! I entered their first Lyrics Only contest back in 2007 and didn't place..but I was hopeful that one day I might be able to. Never did I even imagine I would place this second time around...let alone get first! I am so grateful that God would give me affirmation through this incredible surprise and hope to use this as a stepping stone to keep working and learning.

So, I just wanted to share this pretty sweet news on my blog! Can't wait to write more about all the changes soon to come. :)

Later,
Kristin

ps. I am in *love* with Britt Nicole's new single, "The Lost Get Found"...woah. Her voice sounds seriously incredible! Make sure to check it out if you haven't already!!!

Lanae' Hale :: Back and Forth.

Centricty Music artist Lanae’ Hale has already been making her mark on the music industry...and her album just released today! With music already being featured on iTunes as well as on MTV's "The Hills", it would seem as though Lanae's journey has been a fairytale. But it hasn't.

Lanae’ turned to cutting at age 17, which turned into a 3-year long battle. This cycle culminated with Lanae’ ready to take a handful of pills one night in her college apartment. However, “There was something deeper in my soul that just wouldn’t let me do it,” she says. “I can look back at that moment and know that it was God. Some time later I came across Psalm 147:3, ‘He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.’ I asked God ‘Can you really do that?’ because…I desperately wanted to be healed. God was really beginning to use events in my life to…reveal to me that I needed something more. There was a moment when I finally fell on my face and offered the pieces of my life to God.”

This journey of hope is what comes alive through her first full album, Back and Forth, released today, May 19th. Produced by Mark Hammond and Allen Salmon, this album showcases Lanae’ as a singer-songwriter. Fans will not only celebrate her debut, but also the chance to receive one of 30,000 copies FREE until May 23rd. For information on how to receive a free copy, please visit lanaehale.com.

Lanae’s 13-song offering opens with the punchy title track and current single, Back and Forth. This catchy, in-your-face opener notes the inner battle many artists today write about, while approaching it with uniquely accessible lyrics. Much of the album follows suit with tunes such as the brightly guitar-driven, Beautiful Things and Burning Heartbeats, a danceable track with edgy vocals. The upbeat (and radio friendly) Estranged reminds listeners that we are not of this world and Here’s My Heart also makes use of her distinct writing style, while speaking to brokenness. These songs reveal a voice unmatched by many artists on radio today. Flowing with a tight, yet powerful vibrato, Lanae’s vocals bring about just the right mix of raw, sweet, and soulful moments.

This album also shows its sweeter side on songs such as Lets Grow Old Together (written to a love) and It’s Over. Even softer moments happen on Break My Fall, one of two bonus tracks, featuring Lanae’s hauntingly beautiful vocals backed by an acoustic guitar. This contemplative piece asks the Savior to “call my name and heal the wounds of lonely days…and make these pieces into something beautiful.” Lanae’ proves her voice can shine whatever the feel of the song.

This album is certainly not your run-of-the-mill pop. This unrivaled offering is transparent yet genuine, energetic yet thoughtful. Lanae' says, "I felt a pull from God that I had to share my story, but I was fighting it. ‘Are you kidding? I don’t want to air my dirty laundry in public!’ But God was pretty specific: ‘No, I need you to share your story.’” And we're glad she is.

*quotes courtesy of Lanaehale.com

Doves 2009...the Aftermath.

So...I'm tired. Really tired. But the Doves are over and I just can't pass up talking about them since they're still fresh in my mind! Again, I'm only going to talk about categories where I know a majority of the artists/songs! I don't have GMC, so it was nice to keep up with second-by-second plays from HearItFirst, New Release Tuesday, and CCMmagazine. Maybe next year will be my year and I'll finally get to go to a LIVE show..who knows?! ...but back to the blogness. Here's my thoughts...

*and just as a disclaimer (again)..I am ONLY a fan..stating my humble opinions! thanks! :)

Male/Female Vocalist:
Male: Can I just say how ecstatic I am that Brandon swept this category?! I mean, really. Jeremy, Chris, and Jon could all have easily taken this..but didn't. I'm so glad to see new, incredible talent being recognized! *oh. and just as a sidenote, can I just say..where in the world was Matthew West amongst the Dove Noms?!! Was anyone else wondering this or just me?! He could have been easily nominated here as well as in songwriter/song of the year. Makes me wonder. Okay..back to the winners...
Female: For me, this could have gone one of three ways: Natalie, Mandisa, or Francesca (who I am still shocked won nothing she was up for!). It went Natalie..4th time in a row! I would have been happy if any of these three had won, but Natalie really rocked Radio this year. Her voice is stronger than ever and I'm happy to see she's garned so much respect for all she's doing!

Artist/New Artist:
Artist: SCC. What more can I possibly write about that?! So, so deserved beyond any other award handed out! I am BEYOND excited to see him live at Women of Faith this year.
New Artist: So, Tenth ended up taking it. I kind of knew they would, but I still had REALLY high hopes for Francesca (especially!) and Addison Road. Even so, Tenth Ave's songs continue to amaze me.

Group: Wasn't super impressed with this category this year the more that I've looked at the list. Absolutely NOT a shocker in any way that Crowns won..again. Was really hoping for MercyMe or Third Day to claim it this year because both of them have had SUCH hits..hopefully next year. Hopefully.

Producer: Yeah, Bernie! Again..this whole category was full of extremely deserving nominees, but it's great to see Bernie recognized for all his work.

Pop/Contemporary Album: I think it was another 3-way possibility with Relentless, My Paper Heart, and Revelation (would have been happy with any one of these!). Nice that Third Day took the win on this one, though. They're still going REALLY strong!

Pop/Contemporary Song: This year, this was definitely a category (at least in my opinion), where every song had an equal chance of winning. Give me Your eyes definitely 100% deserved all that it won...but part of me still wishes Cinderella had taken a win somewhere too!

Rock/Contemporary Song: In a way, I am very surprised that Washed by the Water took this category. I was banking on Unbreakable or Keys to the Kingdom. Interesting.

Inspirational Album: Well, sadly..another year goes by and no win for the Women of Faith worship team. I really thought Infinite Grace had a fighting chance! Anyway, I am still super happy that Laura Story got a Dove. I am falling more and more in love with her songwriting (as you probaby noticed in my last post!).

Praise & Worship Album: To be honest, I would have LOVED to see Meredith Andrews (or even Leeland!) come out and win this category...both were so deserving! Kind of not a surprise that A New Hallelujah won, but hey..Smitty's still going strong as well.

Worship Song: No surprise Mighty to Save won, really! However, I am still just a tad surprised Smitty or Tomlin didn't take a win here. Once again, I for one was SO rooting for Meredith.

Song of the Year: Many titles in this category were deserving, but Give Me Your Eyes just had to take this one, from my perspective! This song has had such an impact on Christian music this year, and I'm glad it was honored.

Songwriter of the Year: SCC. Again...I think those 3 letters pretty much sum it up. This is why it just makes me a little bit sad Cinderella didn't win Pop/Contemporary song, if you know what I mean!

Christmas Album: All the fans of 'Peace on Earth' might want to stop reading..or look away now. Don't say I didn't warn you all. ....OKAY. I'm sorry, but I just don't understand how BarlowGirl didn't win this. I mean..I just don't even know what to say. Maybe I'm just too fierece of a BG fan to act normal about this...but REALLY. They were featured as a free download on Amazon. Their 'Carol of the Bells' cracked into itunes' top Christmas downloads. It was reviewed by major publications. And still, NO Dove. Honestly, it doesn't make sense to me when you compare these albums....but I guess that's just how people voted. It took me a while to get over them not winning New Artist of the Year...but this might take a WHILE longer! I know this must sound harsh/mean (and I apologize if it does), but I'm just not sure I can agree with the win here.

So...here it is everyone..the last of my Dove posts! Can't wait for next year's awards and to see what this year in Christian music will bring. :)

Tired,
Kristin.

ps. Everytime I see a pet commercial on tv, I miss my dog. Is that sad?! haha.

It's been too long...again.

Wow...once again, it's been wayy too long since I last blogged! So many things have been going on, so I'll try to make this coherent as I possibly can. :)

Easter Drama.
I hope everyone's Easter celebration was a great one! My church had a wonderful service. I got to be part of the drama we performed, which was the Lifehouse "Everything" skit. As small and silly as being part of a church drama seems, it was definitely a little answer to prayer for me! You see, I've grown up loving broadway musicals..and that love has NEVER gone away! I really got into this when I was in public elementary school, which had a great musical theater program. However, when I transferred to a Christian school, the music dept. was just a tad lacking..so I never really followed through with any of that. After seeing Wicked this past December, I prayed a little prayer that God would open even the tiniest door for me to do drama...and the Lifehouse skit was my answer. (..I think it's kind of funny how people always see me with a certain 'professional presence', but little do they know I practice my british accent singing along to the Mary Poppins OBCR in the car or that I adore old Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals!)

What I'm listening to.
Right now, I've fallen in love with 2 songs: 'My Deliverer' by Mandisa and 'Bless the Lord' by Laura Story. Sound-wise, they're at the opposite ends of the spectrum...but I can't stop listening to either! I think the 'dancey pop' feel of My Deliverer is great. I mean, the world doesn't need another made-for-radio pop song..really. But this definitely does NOT fall into that category! The lyrics are fresh, her vocals take charge of the song, and you can tell she's singing with such passion (as she always does!). I absolutely can't wait to hear her perform this at Women of Faith! Laura Story's Bless the Lord has been speaking to my heart so much lately. Nothing about this song is overdone..it's simple. Simple melody, simple vocals...but the lyrics have just been flooding my heart and mind in unspeakable ways! What a needed reminder it is to sing: "I’m learning to let go and rely on One who walks with me, as hard as it may be, You’re teaching me all the while to say...Bless the Lord, O my soul". Incredible words of truth..her writing is amazing.

The End of an Era: the BG SP.
..Why yes, I did steal that title from Francesca Battitselli's blog. Anyway, I've had the insanely great blessing of being a part of BarlowGirl's Soundpost message board for the past 4 years. It was such a wonderful community to be a part of! Tonight, after 5 years of running, it closed. It feels really weird since I thought it would always be around, you know? I've loved visiting it almost daily (yes, daily!) since 2005 and will miss it dearly! However, I am really looking forward to all the new things the Barlow ladies will be coming out with (including that Dove they're gonna take home on the 23rd! *smile*) .

First time in over 4 months.
Yup, that's right...at the end of the month, I'll be singing at church for the first time in well over 4 months. I pretty much went from singing once a month (or about that)..to not singing at all. I wrote about this before..but this hiatus was something I did more out of necessity than want. I couldn't be more excited to sing again..however, I always run into a dilemma of sorts. You see, I let my church's music director know what song I'm planning to sing (or so I think) ahead of time..but the song I tell her originally is NEVER the one I end up doing. It's seriously gotten to the point where I can't stand myself because I'm so indecisive. But you know what? God always has His way. The songs I end up choosing are what He has led me to, however last minute they might be. This time around, I was planning on singing Watermark's "Light of the World" (one of my favorites!)...but alas, I've changed my mind. As crazy as this sounds, this week I said to the Lord.."You know what would be cool? If new Meredith Andrews tracks came out so I could sing them in church"..NO lie, people. This is what I told the Lord while I was driving in the car. So, I get home tonight..and what's on itunes? Not only new Meredith Andrews tracks to the songs I love...but Francesca Battistelli ones as well!! Can you say GOD KNOWS?! Now I just have to choose a song...

Taking the [big!] Next Step.
..Why yes, I did steal that from Melissa Greene's CD (haha). Well..here's the big news (drumroll please)...I got an internship! And to be specific, the internship of my dreams. I know many people can't say that..and that is why I feel so extremely grateful for this opportunity. Honestly, just about a year ago, I was checking out the GMA site for internships and stumbled upon one that I LOVED. I read the intern descriptions and said to myself, "THIS is where I want to do my internship. I don't know how I'm gonna get there and it probably won't even happen, but this is my dream." Fast forward a year later..and I have THAT internship. I mean..these kinds of things don't happen to people like me...but it did..and I'm still in awe. [Oh..and maybe I'll disclose where it is one of these days...but for now, let's just say that I'll be getting my first taste of the Christian Music Industry this summer!].

But please, please don't think it just 'happened' out of pure chance! People told me my chances were slim to none as my school has NO connections within the music industry. I was left to my own devices (scarily enough) and I was at the peak of my doubt when God opened the door for me! I was in the shower asking the Lord what I was going to do..because I was at my wit's end on finding ANY internship. I seriously had NOTHING. Well, I get out of the shower..go check my cell phone..and it was THE call. I know, I know..it sounds like I'm making it up, but I'm really not. That's how it happened...again, God will work HIS way in HIS timing!

Even after accepting the position, I still had doubts. MAJOR ones (as God in His grace decided to open up multiple doors for me). I would seriously stay up at night, in tears..wondering if I had walked through the right door..wondering if the doubt flooding my mind was showing me I had made the wrong choice. It was just eating away at me for a while after. My heart and mind could NOT agree at all. But since then, God has been pouring more peace into my heart and mind about this..little by little. He has a plan..and I trust that wholeheartedly.

I've always loved this quote by Melissa Greene that says, "People have always told me to have a backup plan just in case. But I find my greatest peace in the unknown, in totally relying on God." I felt the same way..everyone in my life said I needed a 'plan B'..you know, just in case the whole music thing didn't work out. I mean..music, really? My school doesn't even have a music business program. Traveling away from home for an internship? That's just crazy. ...But here I am. Getting ready to go, and more nervous than ever! My parents have been 1 billion% supportive of this crazy (not very convenient, might I add) adventure..and I couldn't be more grateful (I totally echo what Jenny Simmons from Addison Road wrote on her blog about her parents!). Taking this next step is hard...really hard. But they're there for me. HE's there for me..and I'm not turning back. :)

Thanks for reading this monster blog,
Kristin

Proud & In Awe.

Today was such a beautiful day...just the right temperature (it's finally getting warmer!), and the sun was shining. I even fit in a workout and made it to my class today! Why would making it to class be such a feat, you ask? Well, I was absolutely exhausted (in a good way) from SIFE Regionals yesterday! I am SO extremely proud to report that my team was selected as a Regional Champion once again and that we will be competing at Nationals in May! Honestly, I feel completely unworthy of getting to stand and present with such an incredibly hard-working, Christ-centered team (not to brag..haha)! I remain so grateful for what the Lord has allowed us to accomplish this year! Here's to a few more weeks of practicing and script memorizing! I can't wait. :)

I have yet another FULL day tomorrow with classes and meetings all day long! But, just as another short update, God has been doing some great..no, incredibly amazing works these past few weeks. Sure it hasn't been easy..planning for your future and walking through major life doors never, ever is. I'm still unsure of the unknowns, still struggling as I wonder if I made the right decision , still grasping for full peace. There's been tears shed and nights spent with one million thoughts buzzing through my mind. In essence, it's been a rollercoaster...maybe once I'm (and everything else) is settled I'll share. I know I've written this many times before, but I can't say enough how in awe I am of God's impeccable timing and at how much He truly is involved in every single part of our dreams, hopes, and fears.

With a restless heart,
Kristin

ps. Here's some songs I'm loving right now: "The Motions by Matthew West" and "Forever Love" by Francesca Battistelli (I love the strings in that song!...why, yes..I am a BarlowGirl fan. *smile*)

Updates & Comments.

Well hello, blogspot...finally! I haven't written in a while since things have been pretty crazy in my world these past few weeks. Believe me..I've tried to post quite a few times, but have either almost fallen asleep at the keyboard or just didn't have anything to say! Tonight, all I wanted to do was give a tad bit of an update about all the craziness in my life..and also comment on something in the media/politics arena I'm sure you've all heard about these past few days.

Updates.
So, as I said..things have been crazy lately! I'm on spring break now (hallelujah!) and am enjoying it to NO end! I finished chairing my SIFE project last week..and it went pretty well! It was absolutely draining trying to tie up all the loose ends while also practicing for presentation team and dealing with school, though. That's just what SIFE does to you, I guess...it helps you learn how to live like a truly sleep-deprived college student! Even in the insanity, I am just SO grateful for the opportunities the Lord has (and continues!) to bring into my life. I never, ever could have/would have planned for these doors to open...but He did.

Speaking of opening doors, God has been doing some cool things in the world of internships for me. No, I don't have one yet (in fact, I'm not even close!!!), but I'm seeing little (little!) doors crack open. I have absolutely no idea where the Lord is going to lead me this summer...and to be honest, it scares me to not have my entire summer planned out yet (yeah..I'm a bit of a planner haha). I'm learning day by day to TRUST...and that's all I can do for now.

Since my next topic has nothing to do with music, I guess I'll get that out of the way now! I've been LOVING Melissa Greene's new CD called 'Next Step' and Lanae Hale's single "Back and Forth". I was able to hear some more of Lanae's new music the other day (thanks to the awesome twitter-ers at Centricity) and it's really great stuff. I also downloaded 'Today is the Day' from the new Women of Faith worship team CD that came out today and I seriously can't stop listening to it! Lastly (and most importantly..in my world, anyway), I've been listening to a new BarlowGirl song called "Beautiful Ending" (it's not an actual recording..it's a video) and it's insanely amazing! Totally making me even MORE excited than I already was for their new album!

Oh...and before I move away from the music topic, here's a funny story I wanted to share with you all! The other night at practice, my church's choir heard 'Revelation Song' (sung by Kari Jobe) for the first time. And you know who they thought it was on the recording?...ME! Yup, me. haha. I was blown away since I don't think Kari and I sound alike at all..but apparently other people do! This made me laugh...but I absolutely love Kari's voice and totally take this as a compliment!! :)

Comments.
(disclaimer: this is just my 2 cents on this issue. I do NOT use this blog for politics and am not claiming to be a political officianado by writing about this).

So, I'm sure you've all heard something about this by now (if not, you might be living in a hole. just kidding!)...but I think the 'debate' (more or less) about Meghan McCain's weight is just crazy. After listening to Laura Ingraham's comments about Meghan being too 'plus-sized' to be accepted on Real World, I just had to laugh (but NOT in a good way). Like I said before..it's crazy.

Why in the world is her weight even being brought up here..it's not even an issue!!! It saddens me to think that so many people (including Meghan) are the point of comments such as that. People today-and the media in general- just seem to be grossly obsessed with keeping tabs/commenting on who's gained a few pounds, who's too skinny, and which celeb mom has lost the baby weight the fastest. To be so caught up in people's sizes that it overshadows relevant issues or what they can bring to the table is ridiculous, honestly. It's awful to think that's where our society has ended up at. It's not healthy..not healthy at all.

A verse I learned back in high school regarding this issue that has always stuck with me is found in 1 Samuel 16:7. In the last part of the verse it says:

"The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

I keep this verse taped to my mirror at home. It's important to remember that (agaisnt what the world says is true) apperearance isn't everything. Growing up, I've wasted all too much time worrying about my outer beauty. And you know what..it isn't worth it! Being reminded of what the Lord sees as important is worth everything.

At the end of her column in the Daily Beast, Meghan writes:
"No matter what industry you are in, what size you are has nothing to do with your worth."

...and I couldn't agree more.

Thanks for reading,
Kristin.