Tauren Wells Deep Dive

September 21, 2023

A talented artist, performer, teacher, and leader, Tauren Wells definitely doesn’t need to fake it to make it. With ten Grammy nominations and many more accomplishments behind him, Wells would still give the glory to God for each one. His music style and presence are even compared to music legends like Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, and Michael Jackson. How did this masterful solo artist get to where he is today?

Wells started his music career way back in 2004 with three friends while they were in college. They called themselves Royal Tailor and became well-known in the Christian contemporary circle, but not until some years later. Their debut album, Black & White, was released in 2011, and their second self-titled album was released two years later. Some of their hits include “Ready Set Go” with Capital Kings, “Remain,” and “Got That Fire,” which I know for me were some of my favorite bangers growing up. The group was a huge success, but God had some new directions for the band members.

In 2015, Wells was the one who initiated the split, but for a different calling God had for his life. As an artist, he was tired and was close to quitting music entirely. Yet, God was faithful to him and guided him to his solo artist career shortly after. The heart of Wells lay rooted in his Savior, his family, his church, and his music, but balancing these things – that was going to take work. I’m sure we can all attest to how hard it is even in college to balance everything. We feel like we’re barely holding on. Nevertheless, God uses that lack of control to lead us somewhere better if we’re willing to listen. Just look at what he’s done in Wells’s life and career!

Wells has a rich ministry in his church and is even planting one in Austin, TX next year with his wife and four young boys. He has such a heart for cultivating a greater love of God in believers and sharing the gospel with the world.

So far in his solo journey he has released three studio albums and one live album, headlined three tours, has consistently stayed on top of Christian charts, and has been nominated for many awards, but most of all, Wells has stayed true to his faith and the journey that God is taking Him on. He has kept on making music that is a blessing to those who hear it and worship to the One who inspired it.

His story should be an encouragement to us in whatever stage of life we’re in. Tauren Wells started his music career as a college kid, not knowing where it would take him. He certainly had moments of indecision, doubt, and fear of the unknown. Yet despite his moments of fear, he was fully known by God, Who would never leave him empty, and is faithful to bring joy in the morning. God will be equally as faithful to any of His children who earnestly seek Him.

No matter what career path you’ve decided on (or are still deciding on), God has already got it figured out. It may come with huge career shifts like Tauren Wells experienced several times. You may not see the results of hard work for a while and go through periods of waiting and wondering, but even when you feel like you want to quit, God’s not done with you! When we pray for God’s direction and guidance, He will see us safely through both the hills and valleys.

You do not want to miss his miraculous show on Friday, September 22nd at 8 p.m. at the Vines Center! Come be a part of the incredible story that God is so famous for writing!

Live Vs. Produced: Which side of music is best?

September 15, 2023

We all know and love the sound of acoustic music. From the nostalgia of remembering how such-and-such Disney character serenaded the female protagonist with just a guitar, an original song, and the picturesque scenery of a lake (Camp Rock anyone?) to Taylor Swift’s famed folklore, acoustic music has captured the hearts of this generation far more than the generations before. And don’t forget how excited people get when they hear that a LIVE version of their favorite worship album will be released… and even better if they can claim that they were a part of the recording! But is acoustic or live music “better” than the studio-produced versions? What really defines “better”? I polled 20 students from Liberty to see what they thought, and though that number is hardly representative of the entire student body, the results surprised me: acoustic and live were preferred over produced but only at 60%.

So why did students pick acoustic and live over produced? A Music Education major, Laura Carey expressed that “there is more attention on the musicians and the piece of music than the added effects” in acoustic and live music. Storm Nickerson, a Music Recording major and staff on Student Activities, brought a fresh perspective to the table: “Live performances remove the masking of editing and postproduction, leaving nothing but the raw talent that the artist is actually capable of bringing to a stage and audience. In a way, I see it as a test of character and professionalism.”

A common thread was woven through the responses of the students who chose live and acoustic recordings – words like raw, emotion, natural, authentic, genuine, and personality. That shouldn’t surprise any of us. After all, isn’t our generation known for craving authenticity? We were the first generation to grow up with the world at our fingertips, but we were also the first generation to wear the mask for the world. When the world shut down, we found ourselves stuck on our own little planets, craving that which is real. In the wake of world change, apps like BeReal came to the forefront, promoting the message that we can in fact share our true selves with the world.

But have you ever thought that there may be a point in time when the real actually becomes fake? When the raw emotion becomes so prioritized over everything else (in the context of music) that artists are forced to fabricate something they do not feel to gain a following? And what then of those artists who practice over twenty hours a week, along with their producers who lose sleep editing all night in the studio? Is their work any less valuable because they have put time into perfecting it? I think sometimes a fine line exists between what is sensational and what is genuine.

Now by no means am I devaluing acoustic music. I personally love acoustic tracks and would listen to a whole playlist of solely acoustic for weeks on end. But I often find myself chasing after the musical “high” instead of consistency and truth. Emotion is good, but it can also be a distraction. Those who chose produced music in the survey explained that they didn’t want to constantly listen to crowd noise or the singer’s comments. They wanted to hear the music. We say that acoustic and live tracks are “stripped,” but maybe the produced ones are the “stripped” versions, rid of all the disruptions and diversions.

A topic like this could be debated around in circles, but at the end of the day, our call as believers is to write and perform music – whether sacred or secular – that ultimately glorifies God. But who’s to say we can’t find enjoyment in the music, too? Which is why I love listening to the music of up-and-coming singer-songwriters. If you can relate, come on out to Student Activities’ Couch Acoustics on September 19^th, where you will have the opportunity to hear the talented student artists Chloe Bea, Pierce Lyons, and Kailee Dishmon! This event will be happening in Montview Starbucks at 7:00 p.m.

Art and Authenticity

August 31, 2023

In a generation of young Christians who crave authenticity from believers around them, especially those of influence, there’s a call for relatability. Seemingly perfect saints keep them from speaking up about struggles, while fallen faith “heroes” plant seeds of skepticism over who’s as real as they say they are. Allie Paige answers that call with resounding vulnerability. The Santa Barbara native has been releasing music eponymously for over half a decade with no hesitation to share the most raw parts of her life. Perhaps the most notable example of this is her 2022 album “ap vol. I”.

            The self-written, produced, and mixed album is presented as one cohesive work of art, both in musical composition, mixing mellow elements of pop, indie, and alt, and lyrical composition, ingeniously following the pattern, or “cycle”, of honest confession and crying out to God for help from beginning to end. The record’s opening track, “Cycles”, dives into Paige’s ongoing struggles with depression and grief, a process often overlooked in Christian communities. The song ends with the line, “reach for me”, which she explains as “the feeling of utter hopelessness and a need for a savior”.

The following tracks consist of Paige detailing various, relatable struggles and continually coming to the conclusion that a poured out heart before her Creator opens the door to healing and breakthrough, an idea she expounded upon in an Instagram post during the initial release of the album. The record’s final song, “I feel like flying”, which features fellow indie worship artist, and friend, Taylor Armstrong, concludes with one line of courage-inducing hope that reflects the thirty-year-old’s overarching outlook on the challenges shared, “you take my pain and you make it worth it all.”

            Observing the responses to Paige’s music makes it clear that she has found a way to formulate a special connection between her songs and her listeners. Beyond simply producing thoroughly enjoyable art, which is nothing to scoff at, she is able to provide comfort to those who share her humanity and provoke that outstanding appeal for openness. The significance of this lies in the reality that you and I have a hard enough time being honest with the closest people in our lives. To be this unreserved, to lay this bare to any and every person who has access to music streaming is entirely remarkable. It is refreshing, it is comforting, and it is certainly needed.

            Allie Paige is bringing her unashamed authenticity and coastal coolness to Liberty’s campus on November 10^th in the LaHaye Event Space. Tickets are on sale now and you can find them here!

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.

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 4^th 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 🙂

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 9^th 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.

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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/

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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 3^rd, 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 3^rd 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

https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/entertainment/2016/december/skillets-john-cooper-were-a-christian-band-rock-and-roll-is-not-about-sex-and-drugs

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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

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