Beach Chapel Deep Dive
February 23, 2023
When I took my time to do a deep dive on Beach Chapel, I came to the realization that there was so much more to their entirety than just music.
Their debut began in California with Adam Lamah and his dream to minister to those who don’t know Christ. He wanted to reach out into his community and share the Gospel through his gift in music. It was when reading through their website that quickly came to understand that Beach Chapel is not just an evangelical band, but a ministry. Their mission is to organize live sessions throughout the well-known piers of California to draw in people so that they may here about the love that Jesus has for them.
One of the things I really appreciated when researching their ministry was that the title “Beach Chapel” does not specifically apply to those who write and perform the music, rather everyone who sacrifices and contributes to the cause is a part of the team. They may be an artist on Spotify, but at their core, they are a team of directors, event planners, and followers of Christ.
That team of people puts together what they like to call, “sessions.” They are the events that are held out in public where their live music and ministry take place. Adam and his team primarily arrange their sets on many iconic piers throughout the state of California, right next to the ocean, hence the name, “Beach Chapel.” Since 2020, they have held 17 of these sessions throughout various locations on the west coast and have had anywhere from 20 attendees (from their first show) all the way to 400, according to Adam’s testimony on Beach Chapels website. They have released 16 singles on Spotify and clock in at 86,000 monthly listeners as of February 2023.
I’ll be honest, I’m not entirely one to find and listen to “underground bands.” That is a task I typically leave to my friends. But In regard to Beach Chapel’s music, I’ve come to develop a niche spot of my personal library for them. They carry a tone that brings about a calm state of mind and relaxation. The blending of Lo-fi beats, rhythmic guitars, and gentle phasing synthesizers allow me to picture myself in the sands of California whenever I tranquil myself and gander in my mind eye. My favorite thing, however, are the lyrics in which these songs are written. Each and every song focuses on the character of who Jesus is. Songs like “Holes in Your Hands” and “Sweet Water” describe the selfless love of Christ that died for us so that we may be alive in him. I think that it’s a great alternative listening choice to some of the secular options out there. Personally, I need some positivity in my day and Beach Chapel has been a great source for that as of late. The more I listened, the more intrigued I became in the background of the band. Thanks to their website, I learned that, specifically, their mission is to use contemporary sound to draw in the crowds, soften their hearts with the lyrics, and have them stay to hear about Jesus. At all of their sessions, they have a team ready and waiting to assist those who might want to learn more about Jesus and take the next step in allowing him to be the lord of their lives. Their mission statement can also be found on their website, which reads, “Beach Chapel Sessions is yet another tool God is using to bring His children on the west coast to the realization of His love and sacrifice.” – Adam Lamah. Personally, I think that their mission is something that all followers of Christ can take after. I feel as if a great number of us have been getting a little too comfortable in the comfort of our homes and churches, when the people that need reaching are out in the streets. Beach Chapel doesn’t just invite people in, but they go out and meet them where they are, both spiritually and physically.
If one of these sessions sounds like something that you would be interested in experiencing, be sure you buy your tickets for Beach Chapel’s concert this Saturday, February 25th, on the Student Activities website. Adam and his team of musicians are flying in from California to share some of their music with the students at Liberty University. If you and your friends are looking for a fun, Christ-centered activity this weekend, I would highly encourage you to attend this concert in the LaHaye Event Space at 8:30 p.m. If you want to catch up on some of their songs before their show, some of my personal favorites are Swim, Jerusalem, and the one I mentioned earlier, Holes in Your Hands.
For more information about Beach Chapel, their Instagram, @beachchapelsessions, and their website which can be found by clicking here. I hope to see you this Saturday at the concert.
Written by Storm Nickerson
Storm is studying Music Recording through the school of Digital Media and Journalism. He is currently a junior here at LU and was born and raised in Virginia Beach.
Colony House Deep Dive
November 3, 2022
To the underclassmen and the otherwise unfortunate who missed one of the best block parties SA has ever put on, allow me to take you back to August 2019.
COIN was scheduled as the main act but had to cancel at the last minute. Students (it’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me) were devastated. But that devastation turned to elation when God bestowed His favor upon us by providing Colony House (basically still COIN but make it Christian) as their replacement. Hallelujah, Jehovah really do be Jireh!
Band members Caleb, Will, Scott, and Parke lit up the stage with energy, charisma, and head-bopping beats. If you didn’t know all the lyrics to their songs you screamed along anyway, wanting to be a part of the movie-like moment. The crowd was electric, instantly connecting with the music and sound.
Hearing the likes of “You Know It,” “Silhouettes,” and “1234” live will do something to your inner being, I swear. They closed the night with a soulful, solo rendition of the then-unreleased song “Looking for Some Light,” and if you bring that up to me at the right moment, I probably will cry just thinking about it. The fact that they have not released the live acoustic version of that song is probably the band’s biggest flaw.
After the last notes played, the crowd erupted into applause, and the band left the stage, it grew quiet. Everyone was left a bit dumbfounded, I think. The whole walk from North to Commons 2, my friends and I couldn’t stop obsessing over how incredible the show was. The night was one of the first events of my Liberty experience, and I still look back on it as one of my favorites.
If you are too young or too unlucky to have been there, do not miss your chance to see Colony House on Nov. 11 in the Vines Center. If they don’t live up to my hype, I will personally refund your ticket (okay not really, but like, in spirit).
Other than being one of the best bands to grace Liberty’s campus, Colony House has a unique and interesting history. The band was born from two brothers, Caleb and Will Chapman (yes, Chapman as in Steven Curtis), and their cousin’s random friend, Scott Mills, who just so happened to be a killer guitar player. The band asked musician Parke Cottrell to open for their first round of shows, which then lead to him landing a permanent spot as the Colony House bassist.
The aforementioned gentlemen are just that, 20-something guys with wives and kids who do it all for the love of music. They know and poke fun at the fact that they are not your stereotypical “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” indie rock band. Coolness is not their focus. Their goal is emotional connection and authenticity. They don’t want to just be another sound in a world of deafening noise, but a piece of peace. A piece of encouragement, of being known. In sum, they are all about faith, family, and straight-up bops.
The band’s latest album release is Leave What’s Lost Behind, which hosts an incredible lineup of rockin’ tunes, heartfelt ballads, and catchy love songs. In anticipation of their 4th album, “The Cannonballers”, they’ve dropped two singles, “Cannonballers” and “Landlocked Surf Rock.” If you’re looking to build up your fall playlist, those two are must-adds in my opinion. If you check them out and like what you hear, stay tuned until Feb. 2 to hear the rest of the album!
Needless to say, you sure will catch me posted up in the Vines Center on Nov. 11. If you’re even a twinge bit interested, I’d highly recommend coming on down to hear the boys out! Do it for the stories you’ll tell your kids one day! Do it for the out-of-body, life-is-a-movie, surreal experience! Do it for the mems!!! I’ll see ya there 🙂
Written by Leah Ginion
Leah is a senior studying Digital Media and Graphic Design. She enjoys drinking honey lavender lattes while discussing Scripture and is always down for a game night.
SA Previews: Rhett Walker
March 26, 2021
From Music City, USA to the LaHaye Event Space, Rhett Walker will grace Lynchburg with our second in-person concert of the semester on April 9th at 7:30pm. Being a rising star in the country and Christian music world, many of you have likely heard one of Rhett Walker’s songs but had no idea it was his melodic voice behind it. Most known for songs like “Believer” and “When Mercy Found Me”, Rhett will sing some familiar favorites and some songs you are sure to fall in love with.
With millions of streams on Spotify and over 350,000 monthly listeners, the Grammy nominated artist has grown in popularity since his first release back in 2012. The South Carolina native has worked with artists like Essential Worship and Propaganda, performed in historic spaces like the Grand Ole Opry, and been on joint albums with some of the biggest names in the business, including Matt Maher, Tenth Avenue North, Brandon Heath, and Chris Tomlin.
Opening for Rhett will be Madison Laine Coker of Liberty Worship Collective fame. Whether a city slicker or a good ole country boy, anyone who enjoys wholesome Gospel music is bound to love Rhett Walker. Tickets for this concert are still available starting at $10 for LU students, faculty, and staff.
Written by: Landen Swain
Landen believes the human experience longs to be expressed; through our art, our labor, our songs, our storytelling. As a published playwright, author, and poet, he enjoys expressing his little chapter of the human experience through his writings and is thankful that the SA blog allows him to do that. He is published in numerous magazines, literary journals, and has several plays published by Off the Wall Plays, an online play publishing house.
SA Previews: Chris Renzema
February 19, 2021
As a part of the Every Square Inch Conference, singer/songwriter Chris Renzema will be making his return to Liberty University, this time as a headliner. The last time we saw him, Renzema opened for The Gray Havens as part of the same conference back in 2019. Since then, he has picked up quite a bit of traction in the music industry, especially among younger believers, boasting over 800,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Renzema originally found his love and skill for music in church. He started independently publishing and releasing music in 2014 with his debut EP, Age To Age. The artist is now signed with Centricity Music, and released his second full length studio album, Let The Ground Rest, in April 2020.
When reflecting on the album, Chris said, “This is a record about having faith in barrenness, patience in pain, and ultimately hope for a better tomorrow when your heart feels too tired to go on. I definitely didn’t plan for this project to come out in such a tough time, but I’m not upset that it did – because if what I know about God is true, then I know there is always a reason to have hope. And these songs are all about hope.”
His largely acoustic sound paired with raw, genuine lyrics keep him from being lumped in with large worship bands or Christian pop artists, thus making his style truly unique. Although his songs are certainly worshipful, he combines elements from folk, pop, and indie music to differentiate his art from the blanket genre of contemporary Christian music. Many of his songs like “How To Be Yours” and “Springtime” reflect the hearts of many believers in both the beauty and trials that come with faith in God.
We look forward to hearing these songs and more on March 5th!
References:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_XYCg7BYUI/
Written by: Courtney Stone
Courtney is a Business Administration: Digital Marketing and Advertising major. She enjoys writing for the blog as a way to explore relevant topics and grow in written communication.
Important Fall Concerts Update
September 10, 2020
When we started this school year, we did so with great anticipation and excitement for what was to come with fall events. And we still feel that way – running events has given us so much life. But if we’ve learned anything over the last six months, it’s that there is a lot of unknown and tough decisions to be made in order to keep people safe. The health, well-being, and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and campus guests are our utmost priority during this unprecedented time. For this reason, we feel that the COVID-19 situation has not changed enough for us to properly host our concerts in the spaces we have available to us.
What does this mean for each show and ticket holder?
Skillet feat. Ledger on Sept. 25 has been canceled. All ticket holders to the show will be emailed details regarding a refund for your ticket(s).
The Devil Wears Prada feat. My Epic on Oct. 16 has been canceled. All ticket holders to the show will be emailed details regarding a refund for your ticket(s).
John Mark McMilllan feat. John Mark Pantana on Nov. 13 is being rescheduled for the spring. A new date will be announced in the coming weeks. All ticket holders to the show will be emailed details regarding the option to hold on to your ticket or request a refund. Ticket sales will be suspended until a new date is announced.
All ticket holders will be emailed within the next 48-72 hours. Due to the high volume of refunds, please allow 10-14 business days for those to process. If you do not receive a refund after this time, email tickets@liberty.edu.
Thank you for understanding and your patience in the matter. We are looking forward to the day this is all behind us! For now, we’ll continue to bring you great events that are safe and allow adequate distance for our guests.
SA Previews: Skillet
March 12, 2020
On April 3rd, Student Activities will be hosting a concert put on by none other than the band Skillet. Founded in 1996 by the lead singer John Cooper and guitarist Ken Steorts, the band quickly created waves initially within the Christian music world. Adding a couple more band members enabled Skillet to climb onto the Billboard Top 200 in 2001 with their song Alien Youth. Up until 2009, the band still had not made its big break throughout the secular music world, until their album Awake was released. Ever since, the band has won two Dove Awards for “Rock Song of the Year“ and their songs have been featured in movies such as “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief,” as well as the theme song of some NFL and WWE commercials. Their fame has not gone unnoticed in the secular music world, as they continue to be relevant over the years.
Hailed as a “Christian” band, Skillet has had to defend themselves in both Christian and secular circles for their faith simply based on the sound of their music. In an interview with CBN News, John Cooper made sure to emphasize that Skillet is indeed a Christian band whose sole focus is to honor Jesus. Their message within their songs are encouraging for Christians to be “bold in their faith” as well as to glorify the one Who created them. Cooper and the rest of the band are using their platform and talents to be an encouragement to Christians but also to be witnesses to those who do not believe.
Make sure to join us in welcoming Skillet feat. Ledger on April 3rd as the last event in the Vines Center! This show is on sale now – click the Tickets drop down!
Sources
https://www.learnreligions.com/skillet-biography-709852
https://www.allmusic.com/artist/skillet-mn0000749571/biography
Written by: Mike Tammaro
Mike is a Junior double majoring in Finance and Economics and writes for the blog in order to expand my skills as a student. As a business major, the curriculum does not allow for a lot of creative writing, so being able to publish written work is freeing from my normal educational routine.
SA Previews: Kings Kaleidoscope
February 27, 2020
Kings Kaleidoscope is a faith-based band from Seattle, Washington. Although they can be lumped into the Christian genre, their music is far different from anything else that is currently being produced in that department. Led by the singer/songwriter Chad Gardner, Kings Kaleidoscope, or KK, was formed in 2010 at Mars Hill Church, where Gardner led worship.
In the following year, KK recorded their first EP titled Sin. As time went on and the band developed, in 2016, they released their album Beyond Control, which reached number 6 on Billboard’s Christian Albums chart and number 16 on the Independent Albums chart. Their truly unique sound is what separates them from the rest. They can incorporate rap, worship, instrumentals, and everything in between into their projects. A more recent example would be their popular rendition of Grace Alone which starts out slow and worshipful but ends with a bang as the full brass and instrumental sections come in. Additionally, the truly iconic voice of Chad and his genius behind the beats helps to give their music a lasting impression in your mind. Once you hear a song like Sticks and Stones, which was recently featured on a Lexus commercial with almost 200,000 views on YouTube, it will most likely be stuck in your head for the rest of the day. Just try not to make an emotional decision and buy a Lexus after listening to this song.
Come laugh, sing, and dance with us as Kings Kaleidoscope feat. Rhineland will be performing at 7:30pm on March 6! Information regarding tickets and concert details will be available on our website. See you there!
Sources
https://www.kingskaleidoscope.com/join
https://www.allmusic.com/artist/kings-kaleidoscope-mn0002999854/biography
Written by: Josiah Frisbie
Josiah enjoys writing for the blog because he believes in the power of discussing relevant topics. He wants to be challenged in his writing and research style while still growing and striving for knowledge.
SA Previews: Knives Out & Dark Waters
January 30, 2020
In an era of sequels, prequels, and book adaptations, it is a rare occurrence for a single story to claim such high praise. Knives Out and Dark Waters both fall into such a category as they have received major success at the box office, as well as extremely positive reviews from critics. Student Activities is going to treat you guys to a double-feature of these incredible films at the Vines Center on February 8th! With that being said, here is a preview of what to expect before seeing these movies.
From director Rian Johnson, Knives Out tells a mind-bending mystery that leaves audiences completely speechless with how the story unfolds. With a star-studded cast including Daniel Craig, Toni Collette, Chris Evans, and Jamie Lee Curtis, the audience is able to see this modern “whodunit” elevate the mystery-thriller genre. This film tells the story of how a wealthy crime novelist, Harlan Thrombey, invites the characters to his luxurious mansion for his 85th birthday. Shockingly, Thrombey is found dead in his study. Thus, a classic whodunit story is carried out and will leave you, the audience, stunned at the conclusion and the truth behind the death of Thrombey. This film has been nominated for “Best Original Screenplay” at the Oscars this year, and it was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards, including Best Actress (Ana de Armas), Best Actor (Daniel Craig) and Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (this film being the latter).
Todd Haynes, director behind Dark Waters, tells the true story of detective Robert Billot and his discovery of a dark truth that connects a growing number of unexplainable deaths to one of the largest corporations in the world, the DuPont chemical corporation. Billot, played by Mark Ruffalo, finds himself risking his career and the relationships with his family to bring justice to this dark case. Also starring Anne Hathaway, Dark Waters expertly displays the very real-world effects of deception, crime, and injustice and puts the audience in the shoes of an exhausted yet righteous detective.
Grab some blankets and your friends and come out to the Vines Center on February 8th for some free popcorn and to see how these brilliantly crafted stories play out!
Sources
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/dark-waters-movie-review-2019
https://www.focusfeatures.com/dark-waters/about
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8946378/
Written by: Alex Quan
Alex is a Junior Business Communications Major and enjoys writing for the blog because of the opportunity to express his thoughts and interests through the medium of a blog! It’s a healthy way to share his opinions with others and hopefully start a dialogue with them.
SA Previews: Jonathan McReynolds
January 23, 2020
At just 30 years old, Jonathan McReynolds has accumulated more critical acclaim musically than some artists do in their entire careers, and for good reason. The Chicago-raised singer’s angelic voice has raised the eyebrows of recent stars such as Tori Kelly and Justin Bieber as well as legends like Stevie Wonder and Kirk Franklin. Franklin went so far as to say that Jonathan is “the future of gospel music”. Considering Franklin’s mountain of influence, that compliment is high praise.
Critics evidently agree with Kelly, Wonder, and Franklin, as McReynolds’ work has been nominated for multiple Grammy awards. Jonathan is no stranger to the Dove awards either, taking home a GMA Dove Award for his second album, Life Music: Stage Two, as well as numerous Stellar Gospel Music Awards for other projects. While musically intelligent and talented, McReynolds is also intellectually genius, being recently named a member of Mensa, a high IQ society. Other honors include being named to Apple Music’s “The A-List: Gospel” playlist, McReynolds was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. It seems like whatever McReynolds touches turns to gold.
Those who are wise enough to purchase tickets to Jonathan McReynolds’ February 21st concert in the LaHaye Event Space will be able to brag for years that they saw him for a cheap price before he is selling out arenas all over the country and world. McReynolds’ musings promise to leave you astounded at his songwriting, blown away by his voice, and in awe of the God he proudly sings about. From fan-favorite song “Cycles” to the show-stopping hit “Make Room”, those in attendance are in for a great night of worship music and vocal talent. Make Room on your schedule for this night that promises to be worth the price of admission.
Sources
https://www.jonathanmcreynolds.com/
Written by: Landen Swain
Landen believes the human experience longs to be expressed; through our art, our labor, our songs, our storytelling. As a published playwright, author, and poet, he enjoys expressing his little chapter of the human experience through his writings and is thankful that the SA blog allows him to do that. He is published in numerous magazines, literary journals, and has several plays published by Off the Wall Plays, an online play publishing house.
SA Previews: Rend Collective
October 10, 2019
On November 9th, Liberty University will be welcoming a performance from Rend Collective. Originally from Bangor, Ireland, the band has influenced the lives of many with their clear message of the Gospel woven into their music. Originally playing in churches and homes, Rend Collective’s folk-Gospel music quickly started to spread its encouragement around the world and still does to this day.
Rend Collective’s talent did not go unnoticed for long. Their first single, Build Your Kingdom Here, rose to the 12th spot on the National Christian Audience Chart, and their album The Art of Celebration climbed to the Top 15 of the Billboard 200 in 2014. Other notable Christian artists such as Christ Tomlin, Lecrae, and Kari Jobe have brought the band on tours as well.
The band is rooted in principles that reflect the life of a believer in Jesus Christ. They portray messages of hope to people that struggle in their faith, finding joy in Christ, and dealing with the weight of the world. Their latest album release, Good News, is a response to all the bad news that is going on in this world, according to lead singer Gareth Gilkeson. One of the songs in the album, Counting Every Blessing, was a response to a low point that the entire band went through. Rend Collective’s music is raw and full of truth, greatly reflecting the life of a struggling Christian. Their encouragement has and will continue to impact the lives of many. Make sure to purchase your tickets to see them in concert on our Concerts page!
Sources
https://www.allmusic.com/artist/rend-collective-mn0002120504/biography
https://www.premierproductions.com/blog/rend-collective-hits-highs-several-music-charts
https://rendcollective.com/pages/bio
Written by: Mike Tammaro
Mike is a Junior double majoring in Finance and Economics and writes for the blog in order to expand my skills as a student. As a business major, the curriculum does not allow for a lot of creative writing, so being able to publish written work is freeing from my normal educational routine.