Fall Student Concert Preview!
September 25, 2018
This semester we have an incredible lineup of Student Concerts. From the rock and roll feel of The Bergerons to the acoustic worship of Hope Cross to the edgy vocals of Julia Rothenberger, we’re so excited to provide these free shows to the student body. Below, we asked the students themselves some questions to help you get to know them better.
Joshua Sosin, lead singer of The Bergerons – 9/25
When did you get started in music?
I remember beatboxing in the car as a little kid and pretending a hockey stick was a guitar (typical Michigan kid). It wasn’t until I was in middle school that I started taking piano, my first instrument, seriously.
Are you a songwriter?
I’d say I’m a writer and sometimes songs spontaneously generate themselves out of that. I don’t really know where the songs come from, though.
Is there a musician that you look at and hope to model your career after?
Hmmmm. I’m definitely inspired by Paul Simon; he’s spanned genres and generations and is now basically a bard/sage figure for our time. I love him and I’d love to write until I leave the world.
When you’re not performing or writing, what are you doing?
Usually, I like to spend my free time reading, biking, having conversations with people dear to me, eating fruit and drinking espresso-based things. I also play Dungeons and Dragons and watch a lot of Vine Compilations.
What is the best show experience you’ve ever had?
When I was six, I saw Switchfoot at St. Andrews Hall in Detroit. It was the tour for the album Nothing is Sound, and I remember the song “We Are One Tonight” hit me so hard that I couldn’t stop crying. I was a sensitive kid. In regards to Bergerons shows, we played at Speakertree this summer with Oceanic and Caroline Guske and I loved that!
Hope Cross – 10/16
When did you get started in music?
When I was six years old I discovered my voice, and when I was 11 years old I started writing songs.
Are you a songwriter?
Yes!
Is there a musician that you look at and hope to model your career after?
There are too many to choose! My writing is heavily influenced by Jon Foreman and Coldplay but my style is influenced by Maggie Rogers, Billie Eilish, Haim, and Ashe!
When you’re not performing or writing, what are you doing?
I am probably drinking coffee with friends or reading a book, cooking a new Pinterest recipe, traveling to a new place, or taking photos.
What is the best show experience you’ve ever had?
My favorite show I have been to this far in my life was a Hippo Campus show last year at the Jefferson in Charlottesville, VA!
Julia Rothenberger – 11/13
When did you get started in music? And are you a songwriter?
I got started with music pretty young just playing keys and singing for my youth group around age 12, and that was probably around the time I started to try writing my own songs. Just silly innocent love songs rhyming “eyes” with “skies”. I love looking back at those!
Is there a musician that you look at and hope to model your career after?
Regarding artists I follow, I’ve always loved Justin Vernon (more famously known for his Bon Iver project). He’s a really modest guy with this hard-working creative discipline – I would love to model my career after that kind of example.
When you’re not performing or writing, what are you doing?
When I’m not doing music, you could probably find me outside. I’m a real introvert and so I love entertaining myself by being alone in the woods or on a walk somewhere. If I don’t get that every couple of days, I feel like a zombie!
What is the best show experience you’ve ever had?
The best show experience I’ve had so far was a student concert I was invited to perform at LaHaye last year in September with Oceanic – it was right at the start of a new and exciting year and I saw so much energy in the crowd and felt so supported and confident in that moment! Live music is really all about creating those special kinds of unspoken moments within a crowd. I love it!
For more information about the shows, visit our music page.
Preview: Phil Wickham
September 3, 2018
Written By: Erin Diaz
Hailing from San Diego, California, Contemporary Christian Musician Phil Wickham kicked off his music career by releasing his first album Give You My World in 2003. Within just a few years, Wickham was on tour with MercyMe and Audio Adrenaline, proving how quickly he became influential in the Christian music world. In 2007, he released the album Cannons, which is probably the one you know most songs from (such as “You’re Beautiful” and “Cannons”). The album was inspired by The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis, and it seems to continue to be a foundational album to the CCM industry today.
For me, it’s difficult to imagine my formative years as a Christian without Phil Wickham’s music. His music seemed to be omnipresent to me in high school, especially in the years of 2010-12. As an employee at a local Chick-Fil-A, I would package meals for people with Wickham’s “Divine Romance” playing over the speakers. I then would drive to my youth group, usually playing Christian radio, usually hearing something from Wickham on my quick drive. When at church, one of his songs were performed at least weekly. Wickham was a big part of my life back then, as he was for many. If we took a poll at Liberty asking how many people have cherished at least one of Wickham’s songs in their life, we’re sure that there would be no shortage of students and staff answering “yes”.
Something that can be said about Wickham is that his music is genuine, poignant, and sometimes overwhelming in the way that can trigger emotions and tug on heartstrings. In an interview with Christianity Today, it is stated that Wickham commented that Cannons is “about how the universe is exploding with the glory of God, and how we are compelled to join in with its song”. This is an example that Wickham’s music is not always the light, airy type that we often hear on Christian music radio. His music pushes deeper, begging the soul to tune in and be a part of worship to our Holy God.
We feel confident that September 21 is going to be an important evening at Liberty. Wickham will be performing in the Concert Hall, and has just released his album Living Hope, this is a show you won’t want to miss. And did we mention that LU Praise is opening up the show? For more info, visit our music page – we can’t wait to be a part of this with you.
Resources
Preview: PEABOD
August 23, 2018
Written By: Erin Diaz
Hailing from Federal Way, Washington, 24-year-old rapper Isaac Peabody (PEABOD) is on the music scene and he has some things to say. Lucky for us, he’s coming to Liberty for a FREE show with local openers KHAM and Czar Josh – get excited!
PEABOD’s debut album “Healthy Snacks” was released earlier this summer, with hits like “Shoot From the Hip” and collaboration with CCM artist Hollyn called “Ok”, and the album “puts an innovative spin on rap, daring the genre to be fun”*. PEABOD is pretty innovative and fun himself, describing himself as an extrovert whose personality type is ESFP, also known as “The Performer”. “I guess I picked the right career!” PEABOD says in his question and answer article on Centricity Music.
PEABOD has two younger siblings and is based out of Seattle, Washington. He has a full-time job at his alma mater, where he studied Organizational Communication at Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington. He claims Chance the Rapper, Switchfoot and Coldplay as being some of his biggest inspirations musically. When you listen to his music, a mixture of pop and hip-hop can be heard. PEABOD combines these two genres as well as his Christian foundation, and the outcome of this combination is “Healthy Snacks”, which you can listen to here.
We are so excited to host PEABOD in the LaHaye Event Space on September 28th. For more information about the show, check out our concerts page!
*https://centricitymusic.com/peabod-releases-debut-album-healthy-snacks/
Preview: Block Party Artists
August 1, 2018
Written By: Erin Diaz
This year’s Block Party is shaping up to have quite the lineup. From rock to EDM to folk and ending on hip-hop, we are pumped for the event! You may have not dabbled into each of these genres yet, so below we’ll give you a quick overview of our artists this year.
Jake Ziegler & the Locals
Jake Ziegler. If you’ve been a student at Liberty for a year or more, you probably know him from Coffeehouses past, student concerts and as a recent opener for Colony House when we hosted them in April. Jake, along with his sister and some friends, always promises a good time when he performs. The band released an EP in 2016 entitled “All Year Long”. Sharing the stage with artists like Noah Gundersen, Trapt, and Colony House, Jake Ziegler and The Locals have quickly made a name for themselves. Their rock ‘n roll sound is a crowd pleaser and his stage presence is sure to get the crowd ready for our other performers this year at Block Party. Check him out on Spotify here!
Instagram: jakeandthelocals
Apollo LTD
“Just as NASA’s Apollo program represented the fulfillment of boundless ideas, Apollo LTD blast past boundaries and into a new musical realm steeped in alternative spirit, cinematic production, rock energy, and pop palatability.” What better way to describe Apollo LTD than the way they describe themselves? Jordan Phillips and Adam Stark, the duo that makes up Apollo LTD, are based out of Nashville and arrived on the music scene in 2015. The sound of the duo is upbeat, edgy and reminiscent of Miike Snow, while their catchy beats seem to resemble bands like COIN and Bad Suns. Sharing the stage with artists like Panic at the Disco, DNCE, Kesha, Andy Grammer, and The All-American Rejects, Apollo LTD has quickly garnered a spot in the music world. Check them out on Spotify here, you won’t regret it!
Instagram: apollograms
1k Phew
Our first of two Reach Records artists at Block Party is 1k Phew, an artist you probably aren’t hearing about for the first time. Although he is only 23 years old, he is already being recognized. His song “Light Work” has 1.6 million streams as of July 2018, and he has already collaborated with Tedashii, GAWVI and more. You may wonder why “1k” is included in his name, and that’s because, as he mentions in his biography, “I’m not worried about being politically correct. I just want to give people the real. That’s where the 1K comes from, always keeping it 1,000 no matter what.” You can find his music on Spotify here.
Instagram: 1kphew
Jenny & Tyler
The indie art pop duo is about to bring a sense of calm beauty to this year’s Block Party. With other artists being more upbeat, Jenny & Tyler were exactly the duo we wanted for a well-rounded lineup. Originally from Delaware, the now Nashville-based duo cares deeply for their fans, as Tyler explains in their website biography: “When we first started out we would travel to any city where we had a couple of fans. We even drove out to play a show for one person in their living room. That’s how we learned to perform and to connect with people. When you’re regularly playing for three or four people, you can’t hide. You’re exposed. You have to learn to engage.” Jenny & Tyler have sold over 35,000 albums, seen 12 million streams on Apple Music & Spotify, and have played over 1,100 concert dates over the past 10 years of playing music together. Their songs have been featured on ABC’s Pretty Little Liars, NY Med, MTV’s Teen Mom, CBC’s Heartland, & YouTube’s Kid President. With so much experience interacting with and caring for guests, Jenny & Tyler are sure to bring a heartfelt, charming performance. You can listen to them on Spotify here.
Instagram: jennyandtyler
Tedashii
Our second Reach Records artist at this year’s Block Party is Tedashii! The Texas-born rapper has released albums over the past 12 years. With the ebb and flow of music’s never-ending trends, Tedashii has never ceased to remain relevant while also standing out. As his website biography states, “His most recent release, 2016’s This Time Around, was an emotional journey comprised of celebratory records juxtaposed with stories of pain, hope, and overcoming tragedy. But it’s a new day. And with that, comes new purpose.” In 2013, Tedashii suddenly lost his one year old son. This tragedy has influenced his music in a powerful way that offers peace and clarity during life’s many twists and turns. He uses his pain to create new music that encourages listeners to push through anything challenging that they’re facing. We are very excited to have Tedashii close our Block Party show this year – you can listen to his music on Spotify here.
Instagram: tedashii
Join us on September 8 in the LaHaye Parking Lot for everyone’s favorite way to come back to school – Block Party!
Preview: Colony House
April 5, 2018
Written By: Kate Dolan
Colony House is coming back to LU, and they’re better than ever! Since last being at Liberty in 2016, the Tennessee-based indie rock band has been hard at work touring after the release of their sophomore album Only The Lonely. I remember being in the crowd at their show my freshman year during Student Activities’ annual Block Party, and I will never forget the energy. Each song, though I knew every word, was a different experience when it was coming from ten feet away. The guitar riffs were more incredible, the drum solos more soul-rocking, and the retro mic was emitting even smoother vocals than I could have imagined. As the first few notes of each song rang out the crowd would go wild, knowing each song would bring about an enjoyable experience.
Block Party 2016 was not the first time this group had rocked Liberty’s campus. Back in 2011 they performed under a different name, “Caleb”, after the band’s lead singer. Though this band is not explicitly Christian, its roots and messages are clear as they consistently create music that is both hope-giving and raw. Two of the bands front men, Caleb and Will Chapman, are the sons of renowned Christian music artist Steven Curtis Chapman. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to this talented bunch. The band also includes guitarist Scott Mills, who was good friends with the brothers even before the band came together in 2009. A more recent addition is bassist Parke Cottrell, who added the last factor needed to transform this trio into the band they are today.
In a day and age where uniqueness is hard to come by, Colony House spins a different twist on the popular indie-rock genre. The range of songs on their most recent album go from soft and real ballads like “This Beautiful Life” to more upbeat funky-rock songs like “You & I”. The band is not content to stay in one lane musically, as they always seem to be striving to mix up their sound. Their fresh sounds make for an exciting listening experience that keeps you hooked the entire way through. There is definitely something for everyone when it comes to Colony House.
Colony House will be making their big return to Liberty University on Friday, April 27, at 8 p.m. Jake Ziegler and the Locals, a local rock group, will be opening the show. Bring your friends, bring your mom, bring anyone that just loves to rock out to the LaHaye Event Space for an unforgettable night with a band that keeps getting bigger and better.
Preview: TobyMac
March 8, 2018
By: Kate Dolan
What do you think of when you hear the name TobyMac? I think for me, and many other people my age whose parents listened to stations like KLove and Air1 religiously, I almost feel as if TobyMac raised me. Whenever I hear songs like “Boomin” or “Jesus Freak” I am instantly transported back to morning car rides on the way to school dancing and singing my little heart out. I even remember the first album I downloaded onto my iPod shuffle, and it was TobyMac’s 2007 hit record Portable Sounds. Suffice it to say I was more than a little excited to hear he was coming here, to Liberty University, for a one of a kind concert.
So who is this guy TobyMac, really? If you don’t know the answer to that question, you may not have been at Liberty long enough. Toby Kevin Michael Mckeehan is not only one of the foundational and best known Christian hip-hop artists of our time, but he also is a Liberty Flame and Northern Virginia native. He got his start here at Liberty with a band made up of him and fellow students Michael Tait and Kevin Max Smith, eventually calling themselves dcTalk. They went on to win major awards in both the secular and Christian music arenas, but that was just the beginning for TobyMac.
After going solo in 2001, following over a decade with dcTalk, for TobyMac the ball just kept rolling. He broke further into genres and styles virtually untouched in the past by Christian artists, and people loved it. His songs gave people something to dance to that simultaneously gave them messages of hope and faith. From his first solo album Momentum in 2001 all the way to his newly released single “I just need U.”, TobyMac has always found a way to make his music appeal to every generation. It’s the type of music I can play in the car with my grandma and instead of being told to “turn down that racket” I am instead encouraged to turn it up so we can rock out together. He is the type of artist that doesn’t fall behind or become outdated, rather setting the standard for others to follow.
TobyMac was always ahead of the curve, paving ways musically for those to follow him. He made Christian music “cool” and got people talking. He made it onto MTV, to the top of the Billboard charts, and even won seven Grammy awards along the way, but something was different. He was talking about Jesus while doing it.
Come out and see the man, the myth, the legend, TobyMac perform on April 7th at 7:30 at the Vines Center. This is the kind of concert you don’t want to miss!
Preview: Chris Tomlin
February 1, 2018
By: Naomi Bower
Liberty students can’t get enough of Chris Tomlin’s music. From walks down University Boulevard to nights of worship in campus community, Tomlin’s songs continue to leave a mark on the student body. TIME magazine said it best when they stated that he is “likely the most often sung artist anywhere.”
While most of us are probably familiar with some of his most popular hits like “Good Good Father” and “Our God”, Tomlin has continued to create more inspiring music, such as his latest release “Resurrection Power”. Much like his other music, “Resurrection Power” encourages listeners and reminds them of the hope that comes to those who follow Jesus. This idea is common among Tomlin’s music as he uses his platform as a ministry to his listeners.
In a time where all the music we can imagine is available at our fingertips, artists are oftentimes challenged to create something that will last. Nevertheless, Tomlin has repeatedly defeated the odds with music that the church has continued to sing throughout the years. As a result, his hard work has earned one platinum album and a GRAMMY followed by many more nominations.
Student Activities is excited to bring Chris Tomlin back to Liberty for a show in the Vines Center on February 23rd! There is so much to look forward to as he leads us once again in some of our favorite worship songs.
Five Questions with Jon Foreman
October 30, 2017
In the midst of the solo artist/lead singer of Switchfoot’s busy schedule, Jon Foreman was able to answer a couple of questions for us. Read his answers to our prodding questions below, and don’t forget to purchase tickets to see him live on November 11th here!
- Who was the first musician that you remember inspired you to start pursuing a career in music?
Led Zeppelin
- What is your favorite solo song to perform?
Depends on the night – every time is different.
- Who would you want to open for if you could open for any other artist?
The Beatles
- What has been one of the best benchmarks you’ve hit in your career?
Our 13th annual BroAm (a surf/music charity event that we throw every year) was a huge benchmark. It’s an event that has raised over 1.5 million dollars for San Diego kids.
- What has been the coolest venue you’ve ever performed at?
In a castle on a hill in Portugal.
Johnnyswim is Coming Back!
October 25, 2017
written by Naomi Bower
They’re back! Johnnyswim, the LA-based husband-and-wife singer/songwriter duo, is ready to bring another great show to the Liberty student body.
Music has played an obvious role in the lives of both Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez, as their website explains: “The pair met in Nashville in 2005, instituting a songwriting partnership not long afterward. They clicked together musically and personally, beginning a romantic relationship along with their creative connection.”
Johnnyswim’s style reflects an eclectic range of influences while maintaining distinct Nashville roots. Their most recent album, Georgica Pond, was honest and raw as they opened up about the loss and heartache they were experiencing in this season. This authenticity struck a chord with many of their listeners, putting their album at #34 on the Billboard charts. Johnnyswim’s most recent tour kicked off in August and their fans seem to be as in love with their music as they are with each other.
One of my personal favorite songs from this album was their song “Drunks”. “Drunks” was inspired by the experiences that the duo shared in pubs among strangers in attempts to recreate that same unity among the audience. This song aims to diminish any segregation between the people even if just for a moment. Regardless of our differences, this song seems to exude the message that we all serve someone far greater than these issues.
Last semester, Johnnyswim stunned the student body when they made a pit stop for Convocation during their Let It Matter tour. We’re excited to welcome them back to campus for a show on October 30th – find tickets here!
Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-74BFMxNz8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2HEBZ2Zwpg
https://www.allmusic.com/artist/johnnyswim-mn0003014528/biography
http://www.billboard.com/music/johnnyswim
Preview: Jon Foreman
October 24, 2017
Ever since 1996, Jon Foreman has been rocking the music scene. Foreman has performed as the lead singer of the Christian rock band Switchfoot, alongside his brother Tim and friend Chad Butler, since 1997. The band’s rise began in 2003 with their double platinum album The Beautiful Letdown which included the hit songs “Dare You to Move” and “Meant to Live”. Because of the band’s many successes throughout the past twenty years, Jon Foreman’s influence has spread widely and even beyond Switchfoot.
Jon Foreman is a talented musician with a love for creating different kinds of music with moving messages. In 2006, as a side project Jon and a member of Nickel Creek, Sean Watkins, formed the acoustic duo Fiction Family which has two albums Fiction Family and Fiction Family Reunion.
Foreman also decided to write his own music in 2006 as a solo artist, mainly because he didn’t feel like his solo music fit within the parameters of rock music that Switchfoot performed at the time. The singer/songwriter’s solo music has an acoustic sound that differs from the upbeat rock that defines Switchfoot. Foreman’s solo career started off with the four EPs titled Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. The first two EPs were combined in the album Fall and Winter in 2009. In 2015, Jon released the album The Wonderlands that consisted of the four EPs Sunlight, Shadows, Darkness, and Dawn. The album has 24 songs, and Jon says that there is a song for each hour of the day.
We are so excited to bring Jon Foreman back to Liberty as a solo act. Purchase tickets here to see him in the Grand Concert Hall on November 11th!
Resources
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5D3h9ZoobhetjXw3dKhcaq/about
https://www.facebook.com/pg/switchfoot/about/?ref=page_internal