A Brand of His Own

April 2, 2024

Lately, I have found myself playing Chris Renzema’s new release, “Narrow Road” on repeat. Something about his raw, honest lyrics has captured my attention since the day his music started filling my Spotify queue on March 13, 2020 – ironically the day of the COVID shutdown. In a world where secular artists are feeding depression and anxiety with their cynical lyrics, and Gen Z believers are growing tired of the shallow answers offered by some CCM artists, Chris Renzema somehow manages to balance faith with real human experiences. So, I wasn’t surprised to see that he made it to my top 5 on Spotify Wrapped for the fourth year in a row this past December.

Speaking of Spotify, Christ Renzema is just one example of an artist who has paved his way forward with the help of Spotify. Though now signed to Centricity Music, Renzema’s songs spoke for themselves in the early days of his self-produced albums. A Native Michigander, Renzema began discovering his passion for Christ-centered music by leading his youth worship band. Songwriting naturally flowed out of his faith and feelings, and shortly after high school graduation, he released his first EP “Age to Age” in 2014. A year later, he left music school at Taylor University and moved to Nashville. Amidst countless ambitious artists in the Music City, Renzema’s imprint might have seemed minor, and for a couple of years, it was. But he remained faithful to his craft, and through the platform Spotify provided, his 2018 album “I’ll Be the Branches” attracted the attention of Centricity Music (the same label that produces Lauren Daigle and Andrew Peterson). In 2020, he was nominated to be one of the contenders for GMA Dove Awards’ “New Artist of the Year.” Today, he boasts 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify and is featured on countless playlists, including Top Christian Contemporary, Top Christian and Gospel, and Most Favored.

Renzema’s rise to fame is unique to this era of Christian music. Historically, CCM artists gained popularity through the prominent churches or revival movements of their time. Love Song originated from Calvary Chapel’s Marantha! Music and the Jesus People Movement of the ‘70s. Across the pond, Matt Redman co-founded the Soul Survivor Movement and led worship at the ensuing church with his original songs in the ‘90s. Australian church Hillsong greatly defined and established the CCM genre in the 21^st century. Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, Brian and Jenn Johnson, Brandon Lake, Brooke Fraser, Chris Brown, Tiffany Hudson, Chris McClarney, Abbie Gamboa, you name it… all rooted in one famous megachurch or another. But Chris Renzema is his own brand.

Perhaps that is what causes him to be so characteristically authentic and down-to-earth. His songs are reminiscent of the early days of contemporary Christian music, when the musical accompaniments were simple and acoustic, the focus was on Jesus, and Scripture was forefront of the lyrics. The message and style were relevant in the ‘70s, and it remains relevant today as Gen Z is seeking something real in a digital, filtered, hurried world. The earthy, homegrown vibes of his music reflect the restoration of folk music among Gen Z. He’s even been described by one Spotify user playlist as the “Noah Kahan for Christ-followers.” But beyond the timeliness of his genre, Renzema unabashedly asks the questions other young believers have certainly wondered: “Is it true there’s no room for an anxious heart?” Wrestling with the feeling that “when [he] look[s] at [his] phone, it’s like walking through the valley of death,” he declares in response that Jesus is “the prince of peace.” He’s tackled hot topics like anxiety, deconstruction, and the everyday struggle of growing up. Songs like “Narrow Road,” “Caught in the Reeds,” and “Jacob” bridge the gap between the teachings of Scripture and the lived experiences of today’s young adults.

When I listen to his music, I’m reminded of the character of Jesus – the One who “always took the time to be with the lowest and the last in the line, no matter what they were like.” Needless to say, I’m looking forward to Chris Renzema’s return to Liberty. He has stopped here a few times throughout the years, headlining The Gray Havens and then performing a couple of his own shows. This spring, he’s taking on the big stage!

Join us on April 5^th at 8 pm in the Vines Center as Chris Renzema encourages and challenges us with the songs of his newest album “Manna” and with some old favorites, too. Citizens will be headlining the night, and tickets start at $10 for students.

References:

https://www.allmusic.com/artist/chris-renzema-mn0003680224#biography

https://www.westmichiganchristian.com/local/1084-singer-songwriter-reflects-on-music-and-his-west-michigan-roots.html

https://www.klove.com/music/blog/music-news/51st-gma-dove-awards-meet-2020-s-new-artist-of-the-year-contenders-996

Lovin’ on Jesus: A Concise History of Contemporary Worship by Swee Hong Lim and Lester Ruth

https://www.allmusic.com/artist/matt-redman-mn0000321944#biography

https://open.spotify.com/

“No Room for an Anxious Heart” by Chris Renzema

“A Four Chord Protest” by Chris Renzema

The State of Music

March 1, 2024

It’s 2024, Noah Khan has cemented the folk music comeback, Dua Lipa is single-handedly carrying the pop genre on her back, and TikTok has created a music time machine. Olivia Roderigo’s rise to fame opened the door for the pop-rock sub-genre in Indie music that we all needed and Mckenna Grace came out of nowhere to take hold of that sub-genre with her fantastic debut album Bittersweet 16. All of this and more is contributing to the state of music today.

The mid-2000s and early 2010s were dominated by indie folk music, greats such as Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, The Avett Brothers, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros rose to fame and created a large and dedicated Indie Folk fan base. To the disappointment of many this genre disappeared from relevance. Others attempted to bring back the indie folk genre but no did so quite like our favorite sad boi, Noah Kahan. Kahan released his debut album Busyhead in 2019 and his single “False Confidence” saw a lot of popularity but none of his albums gained the traction or popularity that Stick Season received. Some might argue that Kahan is standing on the shoulders of giants and not doing anything new. I believe he has a distinct style that mixes superior songwriting with inventive musicianship. He might not be doing anything new, but he is changing the game. At this point, the sky is the limit for Noah Kahan, and I am excited to see where he goes.

When you think of pop music, obviously the king and queen of pop come to mind. (that is Michael Jackson and Madonna if you didn’t know) Some would even throw in the names of Britney Spears and Lady Gaga, which I will allow. Dua Lipa is making a strong argument for her name to be considered among the greats right now. Her first album was self-titled and released in 2018. It was popular but did not move the needle to be considered anything great. She even faced criticism of her performances, saying her vocals were not strong and her dancing was bad. So, to prove her haters wrong she released Future Nostalgia, the greatest pop album of all the 2000s so far. (fight me) The album is perfect, and I am excited to see what Dua Lipa has in store next since her new single just dropped on February 15^th.

TikTok is popular (obviously) but it is also a music time machine unlike anything I have seen before. For proof, here are the top five most popular songs on TikTok today and when they were released, according to the TikTok Billboard Top 50. Number one: What You Won’t Do for Love by Bobby Caldwell, released in 1978. Number two: Dance You Otta My Head by Cat Janice, released in 2024. Number three: Yeah! By Usher, released in 2004. Number four: ONE CALL by Rich Amiri released in 2023. Number five: I Wouldn’t’ Mind by He is We, released in 2017. TikTok takes songs from all different genres and all different generations and brings them back into relevance. Even if it is short-lived. This is a special aspect of TikTok you can mention the next time your aunt yells at you for being on TikTok because it is ruining your generation.

I would be remiss to talk about music today and not mention Olivia Rodrigo. Olivia stormed onto the music scene with her hit single, Drivers License, in early 2022. Now, Avid Olivia followers would argue that she was famous in music before this with her Disney music career but none of her Disney songs got over 2 billion streams so let’s agree to disagree. Now we could say a lot about Olivia Rodrigo but I am interested in the door her success opened for Mckenna Grace. You would most likely recognize Mckenna Grace from her childhood acting career but in March of 2023 she released her debut album, Bittersweet 16, and it is good. This pop-rock album perfectly encapsulates the angst of being a teenager and I am all for feeling angsty again. Grace uses her songwriting to perfectly craft stories of teenage heartbreak but also the complexities of coming to your identity. While Olivia Rodrigo is firmly at the top of this genre, Mckenna Grace is an underrated driving force in pop-rock, and you need to check her out.

 People gravitate to certain artists or genres. Music is beautiful because it encapsulates so much culture and emotion. That is the fun of exploring different genres, you get to experience so much life in three to four minutes. Lots of artists in all different genres have music that features genuine authenticity but as Christians, we should have no reason to hide our burdens or struggles but use them to help those who are hurting. I see this in Chris Renzema’s music and lucky for us, he is going to be releasing a new album in the coming weeks. Not only does he have an authenticity to his music but he pairs that with his fantastic songwriting. The music is good for an average person listening and for a musician listening. You can get the full experience of his music when he comes to campus on April 5^th. Visit the Student Activities website to get your tickets. The state of music is always changing but this is a little taste of what it looks like today.

We The Kingdom Deep Dive

February 23, 2024

The Kingdom of God is here among us. That is the message We The Kingdom hopes to exemplify through their uplifting and soulful music. We The Kingdom is a multi-generational family band led by Ed Cash. The group consists of members from five generations including Ed’s own kids Franni and Scott, as well as Martin Cash, and Andrew Bergthold.

We the Kingdom’s music is a blend of contemporary Christian music and country-folk. In an article by KLOVE, the group’s sound is described as, “A seamless collision of diverse sonic tastes spanning five decades of music. Yet, from Ed and Scott’s seasoned experience to Andrew’s experimental sensibilities to Franni and Martin’s youthful energy, We The Kingdom works simply because all of its members bring something distinct to the table, culminating in a multi-colored spectrum of sound.” The band has played at iconic locations such as Red Rocks Amphitheater and Ryman Auditorium. In addition, their rise in popularity has led them to perform and partner with artists such as Chris Tomlin and Zach Williams.

We The Kingdom bridges contemporary Christian music with the country-folk genre. We see this rise in indie and folk music in the popularity of artists such as Zach Bryan and Noah Kahn. Artists like these combine powerful and deeply meaningful lyrics with a more acoustic and rustic sound. Perhaps the recent popularity of this music reflects our culture’s desire for authenticity. Listeners not only care about musicality, but the deeper message behind the lyrics.

We The Kingdom accomplishes this while simultaneously glorifying Christ. Song lyrics can have a tremendous impact on the listener’s life, and as Christians it is important to fill one’s mind and spirit with things that point towards Christ. Some of the band’s most popular songs include “Holy Water” and “God So Loved”. These songs emphasize the forgiveness and love that God gives freely to His people, providing an encouraging message of hope.

If We The Kingdom seems right up your musical ally, come out to the Vines Center on Friday, February 23 and hear the band for yourself. LU Praise will kick off the concert at 8:00pm. You can purchase tickets here!

Reference:

 K-LOVE COVER STORY: Multigenerational Family Band We The Kingdom is Redefining Christian Music | Positive Encouraging K-LOVE (klove.com)

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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