RETRO SWITCH

DJ Aaron White Podcast Available NOW!

2012-01-22T15:20:00.000-05:00

Aaron White, Electronic DJ and Youth for Christ Director, was a guest on RetroSwitch Live in January. Aaron is passionate about making music. His influences are Andy Hunter and Tiesto. Aaron is passionate about teenagers and what makes them tick. One of his favourite people is Tony Compolo. He and his wife, Danielle, serve in the Collingwood Satellite for Highlands Youth for Christ in southern Ontario. Aaron, in this 30 minute interview shares how he mixes both his passions of being a dj and youth worker, and how one might combine both music and working with teenagers into an effective ministry.

Part 1: http://retroswitch.podbean.com/mf/web/h66ua4/djaaronwhitePART1.mp3
Part 2: http://retroswitch.podbean.com/mf/web/8hnb7f/djaaronwhitePART2.mp3

Check out DJ Aaron White at www.djaaronwhite.com for bookings and links to Facebook/Twitter.

Check out Aaron and Danielle's Youth for Christ blog at www.tdyccollingwood.blogspot.com, or on 'RetroSwitch Reads These Blogs' to the right.

Interview: Michael W. Smith | Music | Christianity Today#.TxbbK-jEzbE.facebook

2012-01-20T20:29:00.000-05:00

Take a read at what "Grandpa" Michael W. Smith says about his latest instrumental album, Glory, and what's new for the 50-something Smitty...

Interview: Michael W. Smith Music Christianity Today#.TxbbK-jEzbE.facebook

RetroSwitch Christmas Special on Friday!

2011-12-16T20:48:00.001-05:00

It's my favourite time of year! The Christmas season comes faster every year, and flies by just the same. My wife, Jenn, and I discussed how all this hustle and bustle and preparation for one day, leads to just that - December 25th.

Yet we appreciate the whole Christmas season, not just the one day. If you put all the "hype" of Christmas into one day, and don't appreciate the whole purpose of Christ's coming to earth, it'll go by even quicker on that one day, like a snap of the fingers.

I've been scattering Christmas music throughout RetroSwitch Live as part of the Christmas season, but join me on Friday, Dec. 23 for the Annual RetroSwitch Christmas Special for 65 minutes of ALL Christmas music.

You'll hear classics and favourites from Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Whiteheart, Carman, Boney M, Considering Lily, Petra, Seven Day Jesus, and un-released Christmas music from John Schlitt as well as Scripture teachings, Christmas tidbits and personal greetings from me and my family.

Merry Christmas!
Parker

Retro Insider - "John Schlitt"

2011-11-20T11:23:00.000-05:00

**RetroSwitch Live's interview on Nov. 11/11 with artist John Schlitt is now podcasted. Listen to the voice of Petra discuss his upcoming fourth solo album with Parker and go-host Steve.

LISTEN HERE

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It's time to look back on the singing career of one of Christian rock's best known voices. He's best known for his work with Petra, but it's his talent as a solo artist that has captured our attention. We are talking about John Schlitt.
John William Schlitt was born in Lincoln, Illinois on February 3, 1950. He moved to Mount Pulaski, Illinois where he grew up and took interest in singing at age 13. He played in a high school band called Vinegar Hills Hometown Band Something Different. At high school, he met his future wife, Dorla. Schlitt went to University of Illinois, getting an engineering degree, but wanted a life in music. In 1972, Schlitt got some school friends together and formed Head East; a secular band who had some hits in the late 70's with 4 studio and one live record. Schlitt during this time became heavily addicted to alcohol and cocaine. The drugs would cause him to leave the band in 1980. During the next six months, he became suicidal and Dorla became a Christian. She and her pastor later led Schlitt to Christ. He then quit drugs and music and went into blue collar work. Five years later, Schlitt got a call from Bob Hartman of Petra. Greg X. Volz had just left the band and they needed a new vocalist. February 3, 1986 was his first show, and the rest is history.
In 1995, Schlitt released his first solo album, Shake. This was a side project away from Petra and he recruited his own musicians. Most call this a Petra spin-off, or "Petra-lite". Songs included "Wake the Dead", "Inside of You", and "Road to Calvary". Schlitt carried out a short solo tour based around Petra's heavy schedule. In 1996, Schlitt liked doing solo albums so much he did another one. This one was called Unfit for Swine. The sound was totally different and much more alternative than Petra ever was. Songs included "Save Me", "Take You On", "Need I Remind You", and "I Killed a Man". Schlitt was done as a solo artist for now. He needed to dedicate time to keeping Petra afloat, as their popularity waned. He would perform solo shows over the years by himself, most often singing to tracks as opposed to performing with a band. The band then went on a Farewell tour and retired... sort of.
After Petra, Schlitt was unemployed. He tried carpentry, and passed his exam to become a real estate agent, but music was still knocking at his door. As was Bob Hartman.
Two Guys from Petra was formed in late 2006. Schlitt and Hartman were the guys. They began performing acoustic shows together for Petra fans in retirement denial, and for smaller churches who may not have been able to afford the Petra band as a whole. In these shows, they performed Petra tunes and worship numbers which they converted into an independent record.
Vertical Expressions was released in early 2007, sold through the band's website and at gigs. It contained worship numbers and the two left out tracks from the Petra Farewell concert album. In 2008, Schlitt released his much anticipated third solo album, The Grafting. Songs include, "Stand", "The Grafting", "Only Men", and "Face of God".
Where does he go from here? Too active to retire, Schlitt is currently working on his next album through prayer warriors, fans and financial givers. John and Dorla have four grown children, and both currently reside in Franklin, Tennessee.
For more information, check out his website at http://www.johnwschlitt.com/

Retro Insider - "Phil Keaggy"

2011-11-02T15:52:00.000-04:00

* Listen to the podcast to the Retro Insider’s bio of Steve Keaggy with Parker on the right hand side of the blog!

Next we will examine the career of a man who likely needs three shows to cover adequately.  He is recognized on both the Christian and mainstream markets as one of the best finger picking guitarists in the world.  He has over 50 albums to his name and his name is Phil Keaggy.
Phil was born into a family of nine siblings in Ohio in 1951.   At age 4, he lost his middle finger on his right hand while operating a water hand pump.  In the 1960s, Phil was part of several bands including Glass Harp. During this decade, he admits to drug use, including LSD.  On Valentine’s Day, 1970, after his mother had been in a car accident, Phil Keaggy became a Christian. At this time, Glass Harp’s music began to reflect Phil’s new faith. Then in 1973, he released his first solo album.
In 1973, Phil married Bernadette and took a break from recording.  In 1976, he recorded his Love Broke Thru album, a classic, #64 on CCM’s best of all time Christian albums (published in 2001).   In 1978, he released the instrumental album, The Master and the Musician, his best selling record ever. Then in 1984, Keaggy and Randy Stonehill recorded the duet, “Who Will Save the Children,” which became the theme song for Compassion International. Both artists remain involved with this organization.  In 1987, he released his second instrumental album, The Wind and the Wheat, for which he received a Dove award, and in 1989, he teamed with Stonehill, Russ Taff, Rick Cua, Mark Heard, Steve Taylor, and others to record Sundays Child.
In 1990, Keaggy released a rock album, Find Me in these Fields, for which he received a Grammy nomination.  In 1992, he released Beyond Nature, a landmark acoustic instrumental album, and then in 1995, Guitar Player magazine reader voted Keaggy, the #2 Best Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitarist. There have even been rumours circulated that Jimi Hendrix once called Keaggy the best guitar player ever. Also in 1995, he released one of his best selling records, True Believer, #1 on the Christian charts.
In 1997, Glass Harp performed at Cleveland’s Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, then Keaggy opened the new century with Re-Emerging, a reunion of the Phil Keaggy band.   2002 saw the release of a hymns album, Hymnsongs and in 2006, Keaggy released 3 acoustic albums. Most recently in 2007, Keaggy was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and in 2008, Acoustic Guitar Magazine gave him the Gold Level award. To this day, Phil Keaggy continues to tour and record regularly.

For more information, check out his website at www.philkeaggy.com.

Retro Insider - "The Insyderz"

2011-09-27T14:18:00.000-04:00

*Listen to the podcast of the Retro Insider’s biography of The Insyderz with Parker on RetroSwitch Live to the right of this blog!

It’s time to discuss one of the largest ska bands known in the Christian music industry.  They hail from the Motor City (Detroit, MI) and they are responsible for one of the most unique praise albums of the 1990’s.  This band is The Inzyderz.
The Insyders started in the mid nineties when vocalist Joe Yerke and drummer Nate Sjogren did worship in their church. They had ties to the Salvation Army and the band eventually played Salvation Army events.  They got their break when they were playing at a campsite at the Cornerstone festival in 1996 and were noticed by industry officials.  They were signed originally to Brainstorm Artists International. When that label folded, they went to Squint Entertainment, owned by Steve Taylor.   Their first record, Motor City Ska, came out in 1996.  In 1998, they released what would turn out to be their most popular and influential album. Skallellia was a collection of contemporary praise and worship songs composed in ska. It was truly one of a kind.  Songs included “Lord You’re Beautiful” and “Lord I Lift your Name on High.”  It would be their hard rendition of Rich Mullins “Awesome God” that would be the highlight. It would be the version that fans of the singer would either love or hate. It earned The Insyderz a Dove award for best hard rock recorded song 1999.  The album broke them into the church population but the band always saw the vision of their ministry being the unsaved.
In 1998, they released another album called Fight of My Life. This returned them more to their original sound.  In 1999, the band toured with Plankeye. They also toured with ska seculars, the Skeletones, two members of which became Christians through The Insyderz’ daily Bible studies with them.  In 2000, they went back to their goods and released Skalleluia 2. It was not as popular as their first praise album.  The band scaled down and just did smaller shows over the next few years, as rumours of their demise were abound as they became intolerant of the politics of the record industry.  Most of the band got married during this time also.
In 2001, they released The Greatest and the Rarest.  In 2003, after an appearance at Cornerstone, they released what would be their final album, Soundtrack to a Revolution.  In 2005, it was announced that they would be playing their last three shows in September. On Sept 24, 2005, sharing the stage with the OC Supertones, they played their last concert.  In August of 2010, they reunited for a show. Apparently a new record is in the works called The Sinner’s Songbook.
For more information, visit their website at www.myspace.com/theinsyderz.

The Retro Insider Returns...

2011-09-18T11:58:00.001-04:00

Friends of RetroSwitch,

I'm blessed to have a friend who volunteers his time profiling artists who have made an impact on Christian music. His name is Steve, and every month he comes into the studio to profile an artist. He is the Retro Insider! A year in advance, Steve prepares a list of what artists he thinks the listening audience would love to learn about, we promote his list on RetroSwitch's blog, and the first Friday of each month (usually!), you're educated not only about their ministries, but you'll hear music by them also.

Join us starting in October at 7:30 pm for Steve, the Retro Insider's return after a few months hiatus and learn about the fascinating history of Phil Keaggy. Phil Keaggy's website says he "is perhaps one of the most admired guitarists in music today. His fans range from those who aspire just to be able to play Keaggy's mistakes, to professional musicians who have been strongly influenced by his style. And in between are those who don't play guitar, yet find solace in his beautifully penned lyrics and memorable melodies."

Meanwhile, take a look at the Retro Insider's Artist Bios at the top for work he has done. Coming soon: mp3 files of the Retro Insider.

Can We Wait Any Longer?

2011-08-19T20:48:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it takes a song to raise awareness about poverty, gendercide, or other issues. Michael W. Smith wrote a song called "It Can't Wait Any Longer" (2004/Provident) focusing on the hopelessness in Africa.

The chorus goes...

We can't wait any longer / They're crying out, doesn't it matter / We can't wait any longer / No, no / Too long in a slumber / Shake it up, wake it up now / We can't wait any longer / No, no

Take a listen in the podcast list to the side.

Satisfying the Hunger of Many-A-Music Lover

2011-08-12T20:56:00.000-04:00

It's hard to cater to everybody when it comes to playing music. It can be even harder to play music for those who listen to a Christian radio station. That's why I try to play music from all genres - hip hop, contemporary, alternative, pop, rock, and of course, the old school rap and metal - and even music "Man in Black" style from Johnny Cash.

Here's the line-up from Friday's show, and music styles alongside the music, just in case you have heard the artist before yet never recognized their style. Feel free use the search engine to the side of this blog to find out more about the artists, or if they are already documented in Artist Bios at the top, check them out!

Steven Curtis Chapman / "Dive" / Contemporary, Pop Rock, Country

The Insyderz / "Just What I Needed" / Ska

Delirious / "Deeper" / Pop Rock

David Meece / "The Rest of My Life" / Gospel, Inspirational

Switchfoot / "New Way to be Human" / Rock, Alternative Rock

Article One / "I Love You More" / Alternative Rock, Pop Rock

Collective Soul / "Heavy" / Rock, Alternative Rock

Amy Grant / "That's What Love is For" / Contemporary, Pop Rock

Michael W. Smith / "All in the Serve" / Contemporary, Pop Rock

MXPX / "Bad Hair Day" / Pop Punk

Johnny Cash / "I Walk the Line" / Country, Rock 'n Roll, Gospel

The Echoing Green / "Hide" / Electronica

Poor Old Lu / "Complain" / Alternative, Pop Punk

Leann Rimes / "I Need You" / Country, Pop

Sonicflood / Rock, Pop

Skillet / "Invincible" / Rock, Alternative Rock

Newsboys / "Shine - Live-Nosebleed Cellphone Mix" / Pop, Pop Rock

RetroSwitch Live plays hard rock/metal regularly, and for the easy music listeners, we've got that extreme now and then, too! As you can see, in 60 minutes on RetroSwitch Live, it's fun to mix and match, balance all kinds of music, all the while preaching the Gospel through the medium of all kinds of music.

Summer is Winding Down Even in RetroSwitch's World

2011-08-05T20:42:00.001-04:00

The summer is ticking away! Already I'm looking forward to the fall when even RetroSwitch get's back to "normal." It has been nice, however, to take a break from planning interviews, booking in-studio guests, and instead, playing just music, more or less. Even Steve, the Retro Insider, who appears the first Friday of each month, has taken the summer off to spend time with his newborn! And come September, I'll even have another addition to my family. So that's another reason to join both of us back in the fall as we go full-force to conclude the year with music and guests.

If you missed Friday's show, here's what you missed, and if you'd like more info about the song line-up, drop me a line...

Coldplay                        Life in Technicolor
Delirious                         Everything
John Schlitt                    Face of God
Deliverance                   Greetings of Death
Superchick                     Hero
Twila Paris                    God is in Control
TFK                                Lift It
The Penny Merchants Written in the Word
Newsboys                      Untitled Studio Rough
dcTalk                         It's Killing Me
Creed                           With Arms Wide Open
Zoegirl                         Dismissed
Steve Green                 The Mission
Downhere                     My Last Amen
Audio Adrenaline         Hands and Feet (live)

Top 11 Ways to Better Yourself at 25, or 95!

2011-07-29T20:47:00.001-04:00

I've been there. I've graduated college, stepped into the real world, and oops! I've gained a family!

OK. It's not that bad, but on Friday's RetroSwitch Live, from Relevant Magazine, I summarized the Top 11 Ways to Better Yourself at 25...and Beyond. So, here are the Top 11 with Friday's audio...

1. You have time to find a job you love.
2. Get out of debt and stay out of debt.
3. Don't rush dating and marriage.
4. Give your best to friends and family.
5. Get some counseling.
6. Seek out a mentor.
7. Be a part of a church.
8. Find a rhythm for spiritual disciplines.
9. Volunteer.
10. Feed yourself and the people you love.
11. Don't get stuck.

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Source: Shauna Niequist, Relevant Magazine

Song Listening from Friday's RetroSwitch Live

2011-07-22T20:40:00.000-04:00

While most people on the planet are not familiar with each artist I play on RetroSwitch Live, I still like to play them! They are artists that in some form or fashion have made an impact on the Christian music industry. Christian radio stations, such as Faith FM 94.3 play them, or artists, like Manafest, have crossed over into the mainstream market yet remain true to their roots.

Listeners sometimes call me not only to request songs, but to request information on where to find those songs. I'm including - in order - artists and their music played on Friday's RetroSwitch Live, including the each song's composer(s) and production information as a resource for you. Yes, I'd love to provide you with links to websites, audio of each song, etc., but for now, you're stuck with this!

Enjoy, and let me know if this is helpful for you to move forward...

Song Line-up for RetroSwitch Live - July 22, 2011

Skillet
     Scarecrow (Steorts, Cooper), 1998/Ardent
Newsboys
     I Am Free 2006/Inpop
Sanctus Real
     Alone (Rohman, Hammitt), 2004/Sparrow
Whitecross
     Take it to the Limit (Carroll), 1988/Star Song
Jars of Clay (by request)
     Liquid (Jars of Clay), 1995/Essential
Michael W. Smith
     Save Me From Myself (Hojen, Balsner, Thorhauge), 2010/Reunion
Stacie Orrico
     Don't Look at Me (Orrico, Heimermann), 2000/Starstruck
TobyMac
     One World ft. Siti Monroe (McKeehan, Stevens, Barlowe), 2007/Forefront
Lifehouse
     Blind (Wade), 2005/Geffen
Manafest
     Skills (Greenwood, McNevan, Messinger), 2005/Thirsty Moon River Publishing
Plankeye
     Someday (Plankeye), 1997/Bec/Tooth and Nail
Petra
     Dance (Hartman, Elefante), 1991/Word
Third Day
     Blind (Powell, Third Day), 2004/Provident
dcTalk
     My Friend (So Long) (McKeehan, Tait, Max, Hudson, Miller), 1998/Virgin/Forefront

If You Missed Friday's Show...

2011-07-15T21:16:00.000-04:00

Sometimes during RetroSwitch Live, callers request information on what song was played before the last one, or what song had that phrase "so-and-so" in it, and I'm suddenly scrambling to find the information (even though according to the rules, I should have it pretty close by!)

So, I've decided to give you the Official Starting Line-up of RetroSwitch Live (albeit after the fact!) so you can get an idea of the music played on the show, from the album from whence it came. It will provide you information in case you're looking to find it. Let me know if there is anything else that can be resourceful for you.

RetroSwitch Live - July 15

Newsboys                 Shine 2000                                              1998/Starsong
Collective Soul          Run                                                        2001/Atlantic (collection)
Switchfoot                The Shadow Proves the Sunshine            2005/Sony
Joy Electric               The Voice of the Young                          1999/BEC
Coldplay                   Viva La Vida                                         2008/EMI
dc Talk                     Jesus is Just Alright                                 1992/Forefront
Michael W. Smith      Exodus                                                   1998/Rocketown
Kathy Triccoli           Hallelujahs                                               1996/Arista (collection)
Petra                         Show Your Power                                   1997/Word
Michael W. Smith      The Throne                                             2001/Reunion
Chris Bray                 Called                                                   2009/Chris Bray
Chris Tomlin            Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)      2007/SixSteps
Mutemath                  The Nerve                                              2009/Warner Bros.

Richard Evelyn

2011-06-17T20:47:00.000-04:00

I had singer and songwriter Richard Evelyn on RetroSwitch Live Friday night to talk about worship, more specifically, explaining how his latest project encourages us to worship. We also talked about artists and bands who've influenced him, such as Delirious and David Crowder Band, bands who also promote a lifestyle of worship.

Audio of Richard's interview on RetroSwitch Live will be forthcoming, but for now, check out Richard's site at www.reverbnation.com/richardevelyn, or email him at lifelessonsinworship@gmail.com.

Check out recent interviews on RetroSwitch Live to the right!

Old Can be New Again!

2011-05-13T20:37:00.022-04:00

I may be the "retro guy" - and to me, "retro" is stuff from the 90's - but I'm always hearing cool new music. I play some of the new stuff on my show.

Yet because I'm old fashioned with all that old 90's stuff, I'm not as up to date with the newer bands as I should be. Any ideas? Any cool band sites to check?

Are you looking to get rid of cds of those artists you thought you'd like once you bought them, but really can't stand their style? RetroSwitch will take them! Christian or mainstream music, doesn't matter. I'm always looking for music for RetroSwitch Live, because as life ticks on, music gets older and updating a cd collection is necessary.

Spring cleaning? Old stuff from the 50's to the 80's is welcome, too.

Best yet, I'll arrange for the shipping. You don't have to pay! Give it some thought and see how you can help the ministry of RetroSwitch.

To Mother's Everywhere...

2011-05-08T09:46:00.003-04:00

An annual Mother's Day weekend tradition! I dedicated a song to my wife, the mother of our toddler, and invited all to take part on RetroSwitch Live : "Dandilions" by Five Iron Frenzy.

Enjoy, and may every day be one with "flowers in those weeds!"

Parker

-----
Coming up Fri., May 13: Future Forward Guest Denis Gauthier, raising funds for Japan relief with "Worlds Apart"

Having Our Own Royal Party on RetroSwitch Live!

2011-04-29T21:03:00.002-04:00

Being in radio means I get to interview people who are in the thick of it all. He may have not been invited to Prince William and Kate's wedding, or reside in London for that matter, but here he is - a resident of the beautiful country of England, Godfrey Fane on RetroSwitch Live.

Godfrey, along with reports from Clive Fane and Roger Fane, give an account of the mood of England on this historic day, April 29th, 2011, and give interesting perspectives on the past and future of the British Monarchy as well.

Listen here, or listen to the right of this blog.

Easter in it's Completeness

2011-04-24T11:20:00.001-04:00

So it's Easter once again - and it's not snowing. I remember Easter weekends gone by with snow all over the ground, but as my wife, Jenn, pointed out, watch for Easter Sunday to be without bad weather. She's right; there is no rain in the forecast for Easter Sunday!

Perhaps God is shining down on his created bubble he calls Earth and wanted to give this area in southern Ontario a nice day. No rain, pleasant temperatures, a promise of a warm week forward. It's symbolic of this day we celebrate Christ's resurrection, a promise given to all people of the life we have eternally. If Christ simply died, and after his burial did not rise again, what is the point? His mission would not be complete.

I love the story of director Mel Gibson's movie The Passion of the Christ. It not only provides an accurate account of the events leading up to his crucifixion, but throughout those events flashbacks of his family side are nice breaks from the painful scenes of his trial and beatings. It shows playful sides he had with his mother, Mary, for instance, and clearly depicts how much he was like one of us. Furthermore, I'm pleased the director concluded the movie with the loincloths laid on Christ's burial bed, and the final scene depicts Christ walking away. It was a quick scene, and provided an spectacular ending to a an authentic story. It was a great finish to a mission carried out.

There is a church display of a cross adorned with lilies beneath, and as I drove by it this morning, "Resurrection," the final song on The Passion of the Christ soundtrack, crescendo-ed at the most opportune time.

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I closed RetroSwitch Live on Good Friday with this song, but to listen to the entire show, listen to the podcast to the right.

It IS Well

2011-03-27T11:33:00.000-04:00

It has been awhile since I've written, but perhaps it's now appropriate that within the last couple of weeks, I've been compelled to play that classic hymn It Is Well. Whether it be after hearing the turmoil in earthquake-ravaged Japan, or something local like the Listowel, Ontario's deadly fire of two fireman, Ray Walter and Deputy Chief Ken Rea, I am sunk into the reality these are all people affected by something tragic - people creating what is called a community. Whether large or small, a community is affected by tragedy.

I played It Is Well on a couple of shows after these tragedies, by Acappella and Rebecca St. James respectively. I've always loved the classic hymns. Growing up in a traditional church it was commonplace to sing hymns, and if an artist does it right, hearing an edgier version of a hymn always adds a different spin to it. No matter how a hymn is sung or played, the passion of the singer or player may just be enough to help another reflect on those lyrics - "When peace like a river attendeth my way..." or "The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend..."

I know for me lately, singing It Is Well does not only bring peace within me, but reminds me that as Japan recuperates from its latest tragedy and other communities will endure more in the future, it is well with their souls also.

Welcome to 2011!

2011-01-09T10:54:00.000-05:00

Friends,

It is a new year, and with a new year I'm inspired to start new things! That includes not only carrying over goals from 2010, but create new ministry goals and objectives for the ministry of RetroSwitch.

**RetroSwitch's mission is to provide a positive, exciting, interactive and educational experience, promoting artists and ministries through the medium of radio.

I'm known as a visionary guy, and while that can be a good thing, there is a time and place for the "details," something my wife is really good at! Over the Christmas season I've had time to reflect on the real things in life, like the importance of time spent with my family. What I do with RetroSwitch is also important to me, and while it's a totally voluntary ministry, I don't mind; it's a passion, going on the radio, promoting the latest in Christian music (or the earliest!), but I've acknowledged while it's great to "think big," taking my show national or something like that, isn't always the best thing, at least right away.

That is why it's important to start within. Within means starting here at Faith FM in Kitchener, the place that allows me to do what I love. It means connecting with other volunteers and staff, promoting their shows on mine and encouraging one another. Since Faith FM is a community-based radio station, there are many volunteers or Christian businesses/ministries promoting themselves. Whether they pay to advertise, or volunteer and do a show like I do, their focus is all the same - giving all glory to God.

Below are RetroSwitch's ministry objectives for 2011, reinforcing RetroSwitch's mission in "providing a positive, exciting, interactive and educational experience, promoting artists and ministries." Please support me in praying through these objectives, and if you can help in ANY way, through prayer, radio interviews, etc., let me know!

1. Promote other Faith FM programs on RetroSwitch Live. It starts from within, so if I promote other programs with their ministry objectives, they may see we're all on the same page, giving all glory to God, advancing the gospel. Then, because this is infectious, our audiences locally and worldwide will see ministry not only being done on RetroSwitch Live, but Faith FM as a whole (Acts 1:8).

2. Partner with other ministries. If you'd like exposure on RetroSwitch Live, this blog, or other programs on Faith FM, let me know! Whether it be a simple interview with an artist or author, or you'd like to pay for advertising, I can hook you up!

3. Passing on the 'RetroSwitch experience' to other radio stations. Is your local radio station needing an hour of programming? Community radio stations look for volunteers to fill their time slots. RetroSwitch Live is an alternative to regular radio-listening, and while it always focuses on biblical principles, it's a fit to secular minded radio stations as well. At least, I think so!

*Of course, we'll still keep up with what works on RetroSwitch Live. Steve, the Retro Insider, profiles an artist once monthly. The "Youth Radio Series" continues this year with topics like inner-city ministry and youth ministy/church administration principles. And I love profiling newer artists! Of course, we'll play music from days gone by, given I have 'retro' in the title ;).

Share this blog with people you know by choosing your method of choice below.

Peace and love,
Parker

Homeless man w/golden radio voice in Columbus, OH

2011-01-05T19:58:00.002-05:00

This is quite the story about homeless panhandler Ted Williams, now two years clean from drugs and alcohol. He's already had offers for voice-overs and interviews. His voice is perfect. Maybe I could learn from this guy!

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2011/01/ted_williams_homeless_man_radi.html

Coming up Friday: Steve, the Retro Insider, profiling Savior Machine. Plus, music from Petra, and requests from Kutless and Newsboys.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-12-22T19:53:00.001-05:00

Friends,

If you're planning on tuning in to RetroSwitch Live on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, you'll be disappointed! I'll be taking a break so you won't be treated to your favourite retro music. Instead, tune in to Faith FM on Christmas Eve and be treated to Christmas-oriented programming. On New Year's Eve, tune in and hear Faith FM's Top 30 of 2010 hosted by Brad Loveday and Josh Atkinson, two of Faith FM's djs.

I'm reminded that as hectic as the Christmas season gets, it's never too busy to pause and think of the Saviour, who is the primary focus of Advent. Remember the baby in the manger, the One, who at 33 years of age, died on the cross bearing our sins so that we may have eternal life. This is not only something to remember at Christmas, but the whole year as well.

On behalf of my family, Merry Christmas!

Parker

The Stretch Drive...

2010-12-17T20:38:00.000-05:00

So I guess it's Christmas in a week! Where has the time gone? Friday's Christmas Special went great, I suppose. Nobody has told me otherwise! Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks for some sneak peeks at 2011's RetroSwitch ministry initiatives.

In the meantime, have a safe last week before Christmas!

Line-up for Friday's Christmas Special

2010-12-15T20:06:00.000-05:00

Christmas Greetings to All!

As you prepare for the Christmas season along with me and my family, allow yourself to indulge with a healthy line-up of Christmas music, antedotes and musings from me, Parker, on Friday's RetroSwitch Christmas Special! Don't forget to send me written greetings to those you'd like to wish a Merry Christmas. I'll read them on the air! Or, call toll free that night also at 1-877-741-9430.

Song line-up (subject to change):

Overture     Handel's Young Messiah
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen    Mercy Me
Do You Hear What I Hear     Third Day
The Little Drummer Boy     Audio Adrenaline

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year      Amy Grant
Christmastime    Michael W. Smith
How Many Kings    Downhere
Lift Up Your Heads    Whiteheart
Christmas Canon Rock    Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Do They Know It's Christmas?    Band Aid
Mary's Boy Child    Boney M
Jesus Christ Was Born Today    Considering Lily
O Holy Night    Newsboys
Hallelujah Chorus    Handel's Young Messiah
We Wish You a Merry Christmas    Downhere
Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24    Trans-Siberian Orchestra

**Listen LIVE to RetroSwitch Live: Friday at 7:30 pm.

Tune in for RetroSwitch Christmas Special!

2010-12-12T11:26:00.002-05:00

Friends,

Being a "three-in-one" kind of guy - dj, producer, administrator - all for a Friday night show exhibits an incredible amount of multitasking, but I get accustomed to it. There's a sense of ownership having control over what music I play, ultimately choosing what goes where in the program.

There is plenty of multitasking, but also responsibility. I'm responsible for my choice of musical content, my selection of program guests, my interpretation of Scripture, and determining which callers are released into the radio airwaves. Ultimately, it boils down to whether or not I cause the studio to come crashing down!

You want a hobby in radio? Scared yet?!

It's the Christmas season and it's rapidly flying by! It's my favourite time of year not only in my home, but in the RetroSwitch universe as well. Given the responsiblity I have being on the airwaves while thousands of people listen, it something I not only take lightly, but enjoy. It's my turn to involve YOU, the listener, and on this coming week's RetroSwitch Live, I'm inviting you to take part on the annual RetroSwitch Christmas Special. Are there people to whom you'd like to wish a "Merry Christmas!"? Do you have a relative in Afghanistan? A child recently gone off to college? A mother living across the country? You can be part in what I do here each Friday night!

Call in with your greetings Friday on RetroSwitch Live from 7:30-8:30 pm at 877-741-9430. If you're unable that night, you can "post a comment" below or use the many social network options available to you by clicking "Contact Us" above, and I'll read your greetings on the air.

Invite those to whom the greetings are addressed to tune in to this blog and click the "Listen Live" link on the right hand side. You can listen too! Tune in as we observe the next stage of Advent, and play new hit Christmas music from Newsboys and Downhere, and older favourites from Amy Grant, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Michael W. Smith.

Merry Christmas...and Happy Greetings!