RETRO SWITCH

A Little Nostalgia for Your Christmas Celebrations

2019-12-22T16:59:00.001-05:00

Parker has been off the radio for four years now, but RetroSwitch still focuses on positive stories, quotes and anything worth profiling that will provide you a little good news for your day!

May you enjoy this Christmas Special from Christmas 2014, featuring artists such as Amy Grant, Trans Siberian Orchestra, John Schlitt, Michael W. Smith and more, and as always, from Parker's house to yours, Merry Christmas!

#retroChristmasSpecial

PART 1 - RetroSwitch Christmas Special

PART 2 - RetroSwitch Christmas Special

Enthusiasm is Contagious

2018-02-26T11:41:00.000-05:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson quoted, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthus-iasm." That said, congratulations to our positive and enthusiastic athletes from Canada for their effort at the Olympics! Our nation is proud to boast its best effort in medal standings with 29!

Christmas All Year 'Round?

2017-12-24T00:15:00.000-05:00

Each year the Christmas holiday season brings new experiences, memories, and perhaps expectations. I suppose it's because I am getting older and the mood of Christmas reflects my age of maturity, but to me, ultimately, Christmas will always be an awesome time of year. Perhaps now I can live the season through my four children; how they experience Christmas reflects how I now view the season. With or without them, the spirit of giving is a primary lesson to reinforce.

Grammy and GMA award winning artist Michael W. Smith, in his book It's Time to be Bold, discusses his moment in Ecuador during Christmastime in which those less fortunate had little to be had, but still, they enjoyed the moment of giving. It was like Whoville coming to life, I suppose, and in today's world a Christmas prayer of giving may be the best prayer to mutter.

My concern is this will be forgotten after December 25 when the warm fuzzys will be over. My wife, Jenn, and I are constantly on guard to remain faithful with what we have, and maintain humility with people, organizations, or our church, whether financially or within a hectic family-filled schedule, using our God-given gifts and talents. May I encourage you to make your Christmas merry, but carry that joy through 2018 through your acts of giving in any way you're able. My prayer is that you'll see Christmas differently this year.

How's Your 2017 So Far?

2017-01-29T17:20:00.002-05:00

Col. Chris Hadfield's Facts for 2017 on RetroSwitch's Facebook Page

Yes, you've heard it. There were so many celebrity deaths in 2016 that you wondered if 2017 would get on the right foot, Sure enough, Mary Tyler Moore passed away last week. In addition to that, your credit card bills have not leveled out to your satisfaction, and any resolution you made at the stroke of midnight January 1st didn't last until the stroke of midnight on January 2nd.

Even so, it doesn't matter in hindsight. Today is a new day (man, that P.O.D. "Alive" song comes to mind!) and the new chapter in your life needs reading. It's not February yet, but that's ok. You'll just take each day as it comes since you know life may throw you a new curve anyway. Yet here's food for thought, from a guy out of this world, literally. No, not me, but retired Canadian astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield, who gives us facts and figures and a new perspective on what's really happening in on planet Earth, and beyond. It's a positive global perspective on what your 2017 will bring ranging from advancements on healing deadly diseases, positive effects of climate change, and global political achievements met with new goals.

Happy New Year! I have no problem saying that every day this year, if it means you gaining a new perspective on how to look at your life. That in itself is a resolution.

'Tis the Season!

2016-11-30T20:15:00.001-05:00

And so it begins: RetroSwitch on the airwaves after a reprieve - a one time only affair! Christmas comes once a year, so why not your favourite RetroSwitch Christmas Special on Faith FM 99.9, London, ON on December 23 at 8 pm!

Stay tuned throughout the December for updates leading up to the Special, specifically, what artists and thoughts that will be aired throughout the program as we get you set for the big day, celebrating the birth of Jesus the Messiah. #RetroSwitchChristmas

Retro Switch Signs Off - Part 1

2016-05-24T11:46:00.002-04:00

Well, it was quite a ride. After over 11 years on the Faith FM Radio Network, your favourite retro show is coming to a close. By no means was this an easy decision for me, Parker, your host, but as you can tell by my previous post, the decision made comes at a time when he is needed even more with a growing family, and is excited for the opportunities that will arise to replace such an awesome experience on the radio.

Tune in Friday on Faith FM, Kitchener, for their final Retro-Switch program, and Friday, June 3 on Faith FM, London, and Faith FM, Brantford, for their final programs.

Your Retro-Switch blog and social networking sites will continue as we continue to serve you, the retro fans. STAY TUNED!

How Does Parker's Face Match His Voice?

2016-04-13T07:50:00.000-04:00

I believe who you become later in life is largely shaped by your past. I believe your career choice is determined by what interested you at a younger age. Currently, I drive a courier truck for a living, which makes sense because I've loved driving ever since I was allowed to drive my parents' minivan. The funny thing is, even though I love being a radio dj, it has never taken off as a career, but it still is important to me, and being a volunteer DJ, the man being Retro Switch, was not shaped overnight. Whether it was driving around in my car listening to Toronto Blue Jays games when I first purchased that 1996 Taurus, or cranking the tunes listening to Petra on my massive stereo in my bedroom, my love for specific radio personalities and DJs inspired me to play music and hug the microphone. Whatever music I play or whatever tidbits I speak about, there is indeed a story.

There was always something I thought was personal about my favourite radio announcers. What was their personal life like? What interested them off the air? Did their face really match up with their voice the way I thought it would, if I was ever lucky to meet them? I am only on the radio one night a week, so there is not a lot of exposure for me as a DJ to gain. However, I understand when I do meet Retro Switch fans they are excited to match a face with the voice behind the mic (at least I think they are!). So briefly, here is me: my lovely bride not only takes good care of my family of six, but blogs about them as well. Get to know Parker, or Jason L. Parke, on a personal level at www.centralparke.co. You will see what really makes Parker tick - his family, and prioritizing that God's love be the epicentre of it all. Thanks, Jenn , for sharing to the world what goes on and off air, and help explaining to the world how Parker's true passion is expressed behind the mic!

Retro-Switch Easter Special this Friday!

2016-03-23T21:00:00.000-04:00

It's Easter, the time where all around the globe not only is Jesus Christ's crucifixion being recognized, but his resurrection as well. But it doesn't end there! It's a story that includes you and I and because Jesus rose again, we can also look forward to continue our worship in Heaven one day.

Catch the RetroSwitch Easter Special on Good Friday, Apr. 25, on "Retro-Switch" with music from Kutless, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Rebecca St. James, Petra, and Grammy Award winning band Newsboys, including a testimonial by Peter Furler, former frontman of the Newsboys, as we celebrate New Life together.

Share on Twitter #RetroSwitchEasterSpecial

LISTEN LIVE at 8 pm on Faith FM 99.9, London
LISTEN LIVE at 7:30 pm on Faith FM 94.3, Kitchener
LISTEN LIVE at 7:30 pm on Faith FM 93.9, Brantford

Retro-Requested Replay!

2016-01-26T07:59:00.000-05:00

RetroSwitch plays the best music YOU want to hear. That's why on New Year's Day, we played your specific song requests from the past year from artists such as Keith Green, Switchfoot, Petra, Plankeye, Pentatonix and Amy Grant. True, there are many different styles of music mentioned here, but that's what makes RetroSwitch so special!

Tune in Fri., Jan. 29 for a Retro-Requested Replay encore presentation of your favourite Christian retro hits by clicking HERE.

Merry Christmas!

2015-12-24T16:56:00.001-05:00

It is my hope you have a great Christmas season and that you'll remember the True Meaning of the season, the Messiah. Blessings and peace to all! Your dedication to following the ministry of RetroSwitch and Faith FM are appreciated, and it's a joy to cater to your love of all that is part of Christian music and culture. Merry Christmas on behalf of my wife, Jenn, and my children, Ryan, Kaitlyn, Tyler and Alex.

Catch a special presentation of RetroSwitch CHRISTMAS DAY with the entire hour devoted to"The New Young Messiah," a contemporary production released in 1993 of George Frideric Handel's "Messiah," profiling artists like CeCe Winans, Steven Curtis Chapman, Carman, Twila Paris and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen online at faithfm.org, or on by clicking here! Coming up Jan. 1: Listener-devoted 2015 request show.

"Then All the Reindeer Loved Him..." So What?

2015-12-14T08:07:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how much we can learn from Christmas songs. Even "Rudolph, the Red-NosedReindeer"speaks of four-legged northern creatures bullying the "weirdest" of the group, and then realizing his potential could save Christmas. Here is another thought: What would be more amazing is using our new found holiday knowledge and use it year round. Several radio stations worldwide devote their airtime to playing Christmas music around the clock and thus, you'll hear music like "Mary, Did You Know," or "O Holy Night" at Christmas that you normally wouldn't hear in July. There is a market at Christmastime catered toward those who want to hear, or sing along, the story of the birth of Jesus whether they recognize him personally as the Saviour of the world or not.

This same Saviour came to bring peace, and there are several events of this past year that bring to light the necessity of some sort of "peace" worldwide. Should we discuss the attack on those in Paris this year? This was obviously a terrible event that brought attention to the why's and how's regarding terrorism. Another topic of discussion includes Canada and her stance on welcoming Syrian refugees. Canadians can talk all they want about whether it is a good thing to allow immigrants from a wore-torn nation and a perceived threat of being violent themselves step foot north of the 49th. Sure, there must be some major "i's" to dot and "t's" to cross before the Canadian government should make it official, but I, for one, and my wife concurs, believe that if the peace of Jesus welcomes such people at his feet, they should be most welcome at ours.

Blind Muslim Trust Experiment, Stockholm - An Experience of Acceptance and Peace

Whatever songs you sing, hear, play and hum in the shower be songs you'll stand by next summer. Remember that line in the song "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me." Perhaps that starts with welcoming refugees in your hometown. Perhaps it means helping your kids package up Christmas gifts for less fortunate neighbour kids down the street. You don't have to be religious after all to pick up the Bible for the first time. So since it is Christmas, take a read at the book of Romans chapter 12, verse 18, where it reads, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." I suppose if we can learn anything from a Christmas theme, the story of Rudolph, that red-nosed reindeer, holds the best example: "Then all the reindeer loved him," after they realized bullying Rudolph about that bright red nose of his was foolish since Rudolph could make a difference in the world. We may not be able to save Christmas like our red-nosed friend, but we can certainly shed a little peace.

"The Little Drummer Boy" Performed by John Schlitt - A Song About Humility and Peace

Check out RetroSwitch's Christmas Special THIS FRIDAY, Dec. 18, 2015 with yours truly, Parker! It will be a presentation I hope you enjoy and will serve greatly for any gathering. Check out one of the songs featuring on the Special, by John Schlitt, solo artist and frontman of Grammy award winning band Petra, "The Little Drummer Boy." Experience music based on Scripture fitted for the Christmas Season and beyond.

Coming Up: Dec.18: RetroSwitch Christmas Special

Dec. 25: RetroSwitch Special Presentation: The New Young Messiah

Jan. 1: RetroRequested: Songs requested by YOU!

December 18, 2015 is the Annual RetroSwitch Christmas Special!

2015-12-05T08:19:00.001-05:00

What's Going Down for the Rest of 2015!

2015-11-07T17:27:00.002-05:00

Well, if you can believe it, the Christmas season is approaching. It's RetroSwitch's favourite time of year! Anyone who is in radio, whether it be volunteer or a full-time occupation, knows it's a very busy time of year, preparing a Christmas line-up of music for listeners, doing "on-air" location spots across the listening area, plus for all, there is the usual holiday season hustle and bustle.

RetroSwitch is produced at Faith FM 94.3, Kitchener ON, and there is good news happening for this station! The Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC) has granted Faith a larger signal and new frequency, which should hopefully occur in 2016. Alongside with this change, Faith is looking for a new building location. Since Faith is a not-for-profit radio station, much of its financial support come from donors - YOU! - and each November, the station has a radiothon to help meet financial goals and needs. This year's radiothon is from Nov. 12-14, and as a volunteer of this station for 10 plus years, I understand what expenses are needed to run a radio station. Check out www.kitchener.faithfm.org, or certainly ask me, Parker, how you can be involved.

Perhaps you are wondering what I do on Faith FM. I play cds and mp3s of music! The music I play on RetroSwitch, the best of artists from the 80's, 90's and 2000's, is lyrically based on biblical principles. Personally, I listen to many kind of artists, some of whom have universal exposure, and some who have not gained that much attention. RetroSwitch airs music primarily from artists who call themselves "Christian," but ideally, what sets the artists I play on RetroSwitch apart from other artists are their core values within their lyrics.

During November and December, take a listen to Faith FM, and RetroSwitch. It airs Friday evenings on three Faith FM radio stations. Pick a station of your choice on the link at the top of this site! If you know of arists you'd love to hear on an all request show to be aired on Jan. 1, 2016, give Parker and email now!

Stay tuned for updates throughout the holiday season, including a promo for RetroSwitch's annual Christmas Special.

2015-07-26T21:13:00.000-04:00

It's been a joy to be on the radio airwaves for 10 years playing the best retro hits from your favourite Christian artists! Music is always evolving, just like RetroSwitch, and Lord willing, we'll be treating you to your favourite hits for another ten years! Tune in to RetroSwitch every Friday night for a combined 90 minutes with your host, Parker.

Happy Mother's Day...but Have a Good One Tomorrow!

2015-05-10T16:45:00.001-04:00

I have always admired the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament. When I was a young adult, I highlighted my favourite verse, or group of verses, in each chapter of Proverbs. There are 31 chapters and approximately 31 days in each month. Perfect! That means each day I can get a daily does of Proverbs wisdom! Those verses stuck in my head over the years and pop up at different occurrences.

One chapter of Proverbs that has stuck out in my mind is Proverbs 31, and more specifically, verses 28 and 29: "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." This Mother's Day, as well as any other day, I'm reminded of all the work my wife - my childrens' Mommy - does daily. She manages finances, offers encouragement, prepares for the week ahead, and is the glue that holds us all together. This morning our oldest son, Ryan, woke up and the first thing he asked me to do was give his Mommy her gift. Tell me there is no appreciation by Mommy's kids and I'd say you were lying! When Proverbs 31, verse 29 says her children and husband call her "blessed," it's our prayer that on her God shines downs favour. She deserves all the love, appreciation and praise in the world.

To all mothers, may you have a great day, and if today isn't your favourite day for whatever reason, it's my prayer that tomorrow will be.

When is Spring Finally Going to be Here? I'll Tell You!

2015-03-30T22:40:00.000-04:00

LISTEN to the RETROSWITCH EASTER PRESENTATION Friday by clicking here!
Follow RetroSwitch, and your host, Parker, on Twitter @JasonLParke.

It's hard to believe spring is already here, but you wouldn't know it here in southern Ontario. The temperature average is still below normal, so the only thing that indicates the arrival of the season are the official date on the calendar, birds chirping and baseball.

There is one thing, however, that guarantees the arrival of spring: Easter. The Season of Advent has, and likely always will be my favourite religious holiday. Yet as I grow older, the celebration of new life surrounding the meaning of Easter resonates more with me. I suppose the older I get, the more I appreciate the purpose of life, and for me, I appreciate Easter's importance. What encompasses Easter is the significance of Lent (40 days of abstaining from something or things, which perhaps I could take more seriously!), and then Palm Sunday and Good Friday which book-end Passion Week. Finally, climaxing the importance of Easter is Easter Sunday itself when He did the unthinkable, the deniable, to most, bringing to light thousands of years of prophecy accomplishing His purpose not only dying on the cross on that Good Friday, but He, Jesus Christ, rose from the grave and proved he offers new life to all who believe in Him and that event.

It's because of this new life I can worship Jesus. Worship is not just praying, reading the Bible, raising my hands in church, because if it was just those things, all the time, I'd be a failure! It's a lifestyle, and it's those who see Christ in me, my actions and words.

Take a listen to this Friday's RetroSwitch Easter Presentation. You've likely heard some of the artists featured on the presentation, and some artists you'll hear for the first time. Listen to Handel's Messiah done by rock veteran John Schlitt. You've heard of his name by the Grammy Award winning rock band Petra. Newsboys, performing for almost 30 years themselves, and have been involved with the recently released movie God's Not Dead, are part of this presentation. You'll hear hymns and choruses you've sung and heard in your church, with different artists' take. Listen to classics by Michael W. Smith and 2nd Chapter of Acts. Finally, take a listen to music from 2004 blockbuster movie The Passion of the Christ. All this music and spoken word is designed to prepare you to worship this Easter season.

Bring on Spring! Listen to the #RetroEasterPresentation on Faith FM this Friday!

Faith FM, Kitchener, Applies for Signal Increase, but it Needs YOU!

2015-03-22T16:26:00.000-04:00

RetroSwitch is proud to be a part of Faith FM! Sound of Faith Broadcasting owns four radio stations in southern Ontario, all of which can be accessed online, and RetroSwitch is aired on three of those stations. Listeners tell me they heard RetroSwitch on Faith FM and I ask them which of the "Faith FM's" they listen to. Thus, one Faith FM may be different than someone else's Faith FM! Perhaps you're from Brantford, Ontario, where hockey great Wayne Gretzky was born, and listen to RetroSwitch on 93.9 FM. If you're listening to RetroSwitch on Faith FM 99.9 where singer Justin Bieber was born, you're from London, Ontario! Or perhaps you're listening to Faith FM 94.3 in the Waterloo Region, more specifically, Kitchener, Ontario, where RetroSwitch has been on the airwaves the longest (ten years to be exact) and where some great things are being talked about...!

It's great to have a link to listen to RetroSwitch on this blog (which links to Faith FM), but it is also beneficial to have radio stations that have a large signal to reach a local audience. It is time once again for Faith FM 94.3, Kitchener, to apply for a stronger, larger signal. Faith FM has applied to the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for a power increase and their hearing is soon! Before that takes place, YOU can get involved! If you commute in and around Kitchener and find your reception in your car increasingly becomes worse, or if you listen to Faith FM in your basement and there is no signal at all, then a short email about why you'd like Faith FM to increase their signal can be done! Hurry, as this opportunity ends Monday, March 30. Faith FM will compile your emails and send them to the CRTC in time for their hearing.

To email Faith FM, to the CRTC directly, or to learn more, click here.

If you have any questions regarding such a process, don't hestitate to ask me, your RetroSwitch host, Parker, and I can do my best to answer your questions. But don't worry, this process is fairly easy. Just remember, if God blesses the ministry of Faith FM with a signal increase, that means MORE people can listen to the best Christian music of yesterday has to offer. That's why your voice needs to be heard!

COMING UP: Good Friday, April 3, RetroSwitch Easter Special

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2014-12-24T16:12:00.002-05:00

Deck the halls with boughs of holly... Well, that's easy to do. 'Tis the season to be jolly... Perhaps. Christmas, although should be the most wonderful time of the year, isn't for many. Yet in order to find that "jolliness," maybe it's time to reconsider giving to others, even giving of yourself through service, an extra smile, and an attempt to bake in your kitchen for your in-laws!

Here's this year's RETROSWITCH CHRISTMAS SPECIAL hosted by Parker, produced in our Faith FM radio studios in Kitchener, Ontario, and aired on Faith FM this December. You'll hear different approaches on ways to give and perhaps get some jolliness this Christmas, plus music from Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Michael W. Smith (with selections featuring Bono and Carrie Underwood), Amy Grant, Whiteheart, John Schlitt, Mercy Me, Bandaid and more!

Listen to last year's RetroSwitch Christmas Special on Boxing Day evening on all Faith FM stations!

Listen to Christmas progamming into the weekend on Faith FM!

It's Coming...

2014-11-23T19:40:00.000-05:00

Friday, Dec. 12 on Faith FM 94.3, Kitchener, ON 7:30 pm

Friday, Dec. 19 on Faith FM 93.9, Brantford, ON 7:30 pm

Friday, Dec. 19 on Faith FM 99.9, London, ON 8:00 pm

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The Resulting Impact of Faith FM's Radiothon

2014-11-16T11:56:00.000-05:00

Two of the Sound of Faith radio stations, Faith FM 94.3, Kitchener, ON, and Faith FM 99.9, London, ON, each held their own Share the Faith Radiothons this past week. Listeners were encouraged to pray for the ministry of each station, and also consider donating to raise money for specific causes. For Faith FM, Kitchener, the specific need targeted was a goal of $70 000 to apply for a license to expand their frequency signal. Kitchener, so far, has come close to that goal, and Faith FM 99.9, exceeded their goal of $20 000! Since both stations are non-profit ministries, listeners are often willing to help meet these goals, and it looks like they came through!

Yours truly, Parker, host of RetroSwitch heard on both these stations, gave a personal story LIVE on Faith FM 94.3, Kitchener, Friday night about how he came to be a volunteer dj, but if you missed it, you can hear the same show syndicated on RetroSwitch on Faith FM 99.9, this Friday night at 8 pm! Don't miss it!

'Sharing the Faith' in 2014

2014-11-12T08:09:00.000-05:00

Upon graduating high school at a mere seventeen years of age, I had only dreamed of being a radio disc jockey. I attended a couple of Bible colleges, yet not to pursue a radio degree. I graduated from Emmanuel Bible College, Kitchener, in 2005 with a Bachelor of Theology in Youth Ministry.

So why the change?

I honestly never sought out a change. My I had a dream to be a disc jockey, and with my love for Christian music, it would make sense to be a "Christian radio" dj. Yet, in the late 1990s, was there much hope for such a dream in Canada? Southern Ontario specifically? Not much. Or so I thought. I attended meetings in the basement of an old church in Woodstock, Ontario about a potential Christian radio station, or group of stations, to be created somewhere in southern Ontario. I was most certainly an outsider, but the possibility of a 24-hour Christian radio station was only a pipedream to me, to be able to spread my wings if it were, and see if I could bless the other side of the microphone with the sound of my voice. Instead of dj-ing, I thought I'd go to school and learn about youth and families and perhaps someday I could do Christian radio on the side.

Sure enough, this group of men and women I dreamed in Woodstock with had their dreams come true. Their vision for Christian radio in southern Ontario would not only include Sound of Faith radio stations in London, Woodstock and Brantford, but Faith FM in Kitchener. Faith FM is the ministry I now volunteer my time and resources, and with whom I share my passion for spreading God's Word.

During the summer of 2004, shortly after the birth of Faith FM, the station's producer, Tanya, contacted me regarding my interested in Christian radio. I met her at one of my baseball games. She asked if I'd be willing to create a feature in which I would profile Christian artists, and since then, I've worked minimially in sales, help produce Canada's longest running church radio ministry (Kitchener's St. Matthew's Lutheran) and have created, along with my wife, Jenn, our personal online ministry that coincides with a weekly radio show, "RetroSwitch" held here on Faith FM, Kitchener, and most recently syndicated on Faith FM 99.9, London, ON, and Faith FM 93.9, Brantford, ON. It's an upbeat radio program hosted by yours truly, "Parker," playing music primarily by Christian artists with songs from the 70's, 80's, 90's and 2000's.

As you can see, Faith FM is part of what I do. Without it, I couldn't have fun on the radio airwaves! Faith FM is a non-profit ministry, and therefore looks not only to advertisers to fund operations (paying Faith FM staff, its radio license, etc), but depends on donors. Once annually, Faith FM conducts a fundraising campaign to cover operating costs (which amounts to $1393 a day, $1 a minute) and while we look to the CRTC to increase our signal, supporting this ministry is more important than ever. This year's campaign, "'Share the Faith' Radiothon," occurs Thu., Nov. 13 - Sat., Nov. 15. The goal is to raise $70 000 this year, and at any time, donations can be made by going to Faith FM, Kitchener's, website, http://www.kitchener.faithfm.org/, or between 9 am and 5 pm calling 877-741-9430. By supporting BEFORE Nov. 15, you'll be entered into two draws, including a significant grand prize draw of 4 tickets to see Disney's The Little Mermaid in Cambridge, ON. (Visit www.kitchener.faithfm.org). YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT during RetroSwitch on FRIDAY, Nov. 14 when I'll be LIVE on the airwaves on FAITH FM 94.3, and of course, you can request your favourite retro music while doing so!

I urge you to pray to see if God would lead you in donating to the minstry of Faith FM now until Nov. 15. Any gift is valid, and if you cannot give, pray for those who are able. To pledge, you can call Faith FM at 877-741-9430 weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm, or visit http://www.kitchener.faithfm.org/. If you have any questions, you can ask me, too! Remember, as the ministry of Faith FM grows, so does the ministry of RetroSwitch. I am truly thankful to see what God is doing and will continue to do!

Jason "Parker" Parke
RetroSwitch

Song Covers Aren't All That Bad!

2014-09-21T11:55:00.002-04:00

You hear songs remade on the radio all the time, or your buddy next to you singing his or her version of some 60's Beatles song. In the Christian music scene, many artists remake classic hymns, tweaking the lyrics or tune to make it more "contemporary," or to call the hymn more their style. Some are good, some are bad, in my opinion.

"Morning Has Broken" is a popular hymn first published in 1931 and written by English author Eleanor Farjeon. Perhaps you've heard Cat Steven's version of the hymn, and you're probably not alone. His cover reached number 6 on the U.S. Billboard Top 100. I recall Dad's old record collection containing Cat Steven's hit more than I remember singing it in church!

Most recently, however, I've fallen in love with a new cover of this timeless classic hymn. Grammy awardThird Day, known for their southern rock style and who some would call Christian music's Lynyrd Skynyrd, performs "Morning Has Broken" on their 2012 release Miracle. With frontman Mac Powell's signature vocals and the band's southern rock swagger, they bring out the keyboard keys for this one, resembling the tune the timeless hymn is known for.

winning band

And don't forget the message of the song, too! Every day is a day where new things can happen, recycled, if you will, only to create a new opportunity.

What's Your Favourite Song Remake?

2014-09-21T11:38:00.002-04:00

"Morning Has Broken" is a popular hymn first published in 1931 and written by English author Eleanor Farjeon. Perhaps you've heard Cat Steven's version of the hymn, and you're probably not alone. His cover reached number 6 on the U.S. Billboard Top 100. I recall Dad's old record collection containing Cat Steven's hit more than I remember singing it in church!

Most recently, however, I've fallen in love with a new cover of this timeless classic hymn. Grammy award winning band Third Day, known for their southern rock style and who some would call Christian music's Lynyrd Skynyrd, performs "Morning Has Broken" on their 2012 release Miracle. With frontman Mac Powell's signature vocals and the band's southern rock swagger, they bring out the keyboard keys for this one, resembling the tune the timeless hymn is known for.

And don't forget the message of the song, too! Every day is a day where new things can happen, recycled, if you will, only to create a new opportunity.

You Don't Have to Rock to be Considered Classic

2014-07-27T17:05:00.002-04:00

Do you remember what you were like in your teenage years? What drove you? What music did you listen to? What "scene" were you in? I guess I wasn't your stereotypical Canadian teenager. Most

of my friendships were decent, and I chose those you'd want to walk alongside me on the straight and narrow. I never got into the drug and alcohol scene, nor did I listen to any music that would cause me to want to get into it. (Although, I do remember purchasing Dance Mix '95, so does that count)?!

Actually, my passion was Christian music and now that I'm in my 30's, I suppose much of this music is considered "classic." It's evident in what I am doing today as I've headed up a Christian retro show for almost 10 years. Rock and contemporary music were the primary cds in my 60-cd changer. My rock band was Petra, known for their hard core guitar riffs, solid sound, confident lyrics and a frontman named John who could reach more octaves than a guy being nailed in - well, you know.

My contemporary flavour was, well, you know him for songs like "Place in this World," "Secret Ambition," "Live the Life," and most recently, "You Won't Let Go" from his current album Sovereign. He's a man who has experiented with rock, but is widely considered the king of Christian contemporary music, Michael (Whittiker) W. Smith, is one of my heroes. I have met him, but like all childhood superheroes, they don't usually remember you. I shook his hand at an autograph signing. He's not considered a hero of mine for his writing, acting, singing, or good looks. Not because he's been on Entertainment Tonight, is friends with Bono, or wins multiple Grammys. Those things are cool, but ultimately, it's what he does off stage that inspires me. His ministry is not his music, but it's his family. In his book I'm reading, It's Time to Be Bold, he humbles himself and aims to "follow the One who holds it all together," (pg.9) and he asks his fans to do the same alongside him.

I love getting to know somebody like a musician who you've looked up to for 20 years through personal stories in a book. You get to know what brought a Michael W. Smith to where he is today, the choices he had to make, the sacrifices he had to give up. Plus, do you think your hero had it all together from the get-go? A composer who writes for a popular singing artist is one thing, but when you have a composer who, in it's entirety, is the musician, putting pen on paper experiences he'd like to share to the world and encourage others to follow alongside him on his spiritual journey, draws me, a fan to want to walk together in humility.

Check out Michael's website at www.michaelwsmith.com.

Catch Michael W. Smith's music regularly on "RetroSwitch," hosted by yours truly, Parker live from this blog!

Spring Clean-Up

2014-06-08T18:25:00.001-04:00

It's Spring, and time for an uplift - so enjoy the newly revamped RetroSwitch site. We're a little lighter, fresher and cleaner. Everything you need to know about us is still here, as well as a few improvements.

In particular, check out our Listen Live Now page to hear RetroSwitch on one of our 3 partner stations!

Thanks for visiting, and we hope you enjoy our new look!