SonicPie.com

2010-02-21T11:12:00.001-05:00

NewsOK

Contemporary Christian recording artist Michael Tait said his stint fronting his own band helped prepare him for his role as the new lead singer of the Newsboys.

"That solo time actually prepared me in ways, because it was the catalyst between dc Talk and the Newsboys,” Tait said during a recent telephone interview.

Oklahoma fans of Tait and the Newsboys will soon have a chance to see him perform with his new bandmates. >>more<<

Christian foreign exchange student dazzles with her violin

2010-02-21T11:05:00.000-05:00

mlive.com

“I’ve had a strong feeling that without God and the spiritual feeling, this music can’t be this great,” Helen said. “And for myself, I wanted to be a strong Christian.”

She believes all music was created by God and without the soul and spirit of God music can’t be the same.

“When I play the violin there is such a strong feeling that the music is flowing through me and that feeling is so great,” she said. >>more<<

Naga Christian artist Alobo talks music

2010-02-21T10:54:00.000-05:00

The Morung Express

Alobo is an up-and-coming new Christian artist of Nagaland. Featuring a fine blend of all musical genres, he is set to release his album, Road of thousand dreams. Lhovito Tuccu is the producer of the album. Road of thousand dreams is a testimonial album as it consist of songs which speak of the artist’s life stories and are inspired from an event or incident from his life. The album has both English and Sumi dialect songs and it beautifully covers almost all genre of slow music while the musical instrument mostly dominating all the tracks is the piano, which is “a deep contrast to other local albums which are mostly guitar dominated.” The album consists of an eclectic mix of jazz, slow rock, classic pop, salsa and bollywood, acoustic, orchestration and folk rock. Road of thousand dreams will be released on February 27 at Hope Centre of Excellence by Kughato Chishi, Director, Music Task Force, government of Nagaland. >>more<<

Casting Crowns: Five-Time Group of the Year Receives Three Nods

2010-02-21T10:38:00.000-05:00

Breathe Cast

The reigning five-time Dove Award Group of the Year, Casting Crowns, receives additional recognition from the Gospel Music Association. The top-selling act in Christian music since 2007, Casting Crowns racks up three nominations for the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards. With these nominations, Casting Crowns is again recognized for being at the forefront of Christian music, with top nods in the Artist of the Year and Group of the Year categories.The reigning five-time Dove Award Group of the Year, Casting Crowns, receives additional recognition from the Gospel Music Association. The top-selling act in Christian music since 2007, Casting Crowns racks up three nominations for the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards. With these nominations, Casting Crowns is again recognized for being at the forefront of Christian music, with top nods in the Artist of the Year and Group of the Year categories. >>click for more<<

Ending is Beginning

2009-12-30T22:40:00.001-05:00

Laura Bagby

The award-winning Canadian band known for its great vocal harmonies from lead singers Marc Martel and Jason Germain brings us another stellar 12-song set (plus bonus track) with their tightly woven rock release Ending is Beginning.

This album exemplifies extensive creative range. For example, “Bleed for This Love” is guitar-heavy, whereas haunting vocal harmonies accompany “Cathedral Made of People.” We hear lots of lyrical and instrumental variety from the Maroon 5 sound-alike “My Last Amen” to the sci-fi-laced “Something Heavenly,” and from the Southern Rock vibe of “Come Back Home” to the Johnny Cash tribute “The Problem.” This album exemplifies extensive creative range.

Despite its excellent musicianship, the album unravels a bit as the album unfolds. It bodes strong on standouts like “Bleed for This Love,” “Here I Am,” “Cathedral Made of People, “My Last Amen,” and “Hope is Rising," which make up the first five songs on the album. After that, it loses some steam. Fortunately, the lack of energy in the latter half is saved by poetic vocals, particularly on “The Beggar Who Gives Alms.”

Overall, the baker's dozen is still quite enjoyable. If you enjoyed this album, you will also want to pick up Downhere's Christmas album, How Many Kings, which is set to release in September.

Bleed For This Love
Here I Am
Cathedral Made Of People
My Last Amen
Hope Is Rising
Something Heavenly
Coming Back Home
All At War
Don't Miss Now
Live For You
The Problem
The Beggar Who Gives Alms
How Many Kings (Bonus Track)

Rating: 4 pie slices out of 5

Released: September 23, 2008

For More Information: www.downhere.com, www.myspace.com/downhere, www.centricitymusic.com

Label: Centricity Records

Distributed By: Word

Hello Love

2009-12-28T23:35:00.004-05:00

Andrea Hedlund

Tomlin delivers another solid worship album with his fifth studio release, proving that he still has the ability to churn out beloved anthems with hits like “Jesus Messiah,” “I Will Rise,” and “Exalted (Yahweh).” These songs will likely become favorites on your worship playlist and a staple during praise and worship at many contemporary churches.

The message of God’s unfailing love permeates, particularly in the title track “Love.” In this song, we are reminded that there is always a promise: God’s unending love. Every song praises God even when life’s troubles and sorrow appear to displace joy. Lyrics in “I Will Rise” reiterate how love is the answer and God’s love never fails, even when everything and everyone else does.

The use of strings in “I Will Rise” and the remake of the traditional hymn “All the Way the Savior Leads Me” is a nice, soothing touch and quite beautiful to hear.

Tomlin’s fans will enjoy this latest release, as his voice and heart-felt lyrics are incredibly likeable, as usual. Hello Love is a collection of tunes that highlight what Tomlin does best – encourage and uplift believers in their daily walk with Christ.

Sing, Sing, Sing
Jesus Messiah
You Lifted Me Out
God Of This City
I Will Rise
Love (with Watoto Children's Choir)
Praise The Father, Praise The Son
God Almighty
My Deliverer
With Me
Exalted (Yahweh)
All The Way My Savior Leads Me

Rating: 4 pie slices out of 5

Release Date: 09/02/2008

Distributed By: Chordant (EMI)

For more information: www.christomlin.com

The Best is Yet to Come

2009-12-28T22:14:00.013-05:00

Laura Bagby

Hailing from Michigan, independent poetic songwriter, Rob Vischer, demonstrates artistic talent and a keen understanding of the human spirit with its joys and struggles in his crossover sophomore pop/rock album, The Best Is Yet to Come.

Wavering between innocent, romantic ballads and driving, moody melodies, this deeply personal 15-song collection is a treasure of interesting and thought-provoking tunes from a master wordsmith. Vischer’s nostalgic, sometimes folksy sound will make you smile one minute and will leave you in contemplative reflection the next.

Favorite tracks include “Shreds,” an in-your-face rap ballad that speaks to a desire for honesty; the cheery title track “The Best Is Yet To Come;” the bittersweet “Castles In The Sky,” which considers the ramifications of wrong priorities; Vischer’s most openly Christian song, “Red,” which presents a poignant look at God and patriotism; and “My Valentine,” a gently lilting and lighthearted tale of love.

Watch this talented young artist who writes his own lyrics and melodies soar to greater musical heights down the road. He’s got all the makings of a solid recording artist with creatively crafted songs that speak of a wisdom beyond his years.

Unpredictable
Shreds
The Best Is Yet To Come
Beautiful Mourning
Grandpa’s Lake
Just Like The Meteors
Castles in The Sky
Red
Fool’s Gold & Fossil
The Other Side Of The World
My Valentine
How Much I Love You
Beautiful To Me
Day In The Rain
Passing The Time

Rating: 3.5 pie slices out of 5

Released: May 1, 2009

For more information: www.robvischer.com

20 More Free Christmas Songs from Amazon

2009-12-20T01:16:00.001-05:00

Free Christmas songs from the biggest names in Christian music celebrating Christ's birth. Artists include: Casting Crowns, Todd Agnew, Mark Harris, MercyMe, Barlowgirl, Sara Groves, Big Daddy Weave, Rachael Lampa, Pillar and Jaci Velasquez. Get them while it's available. Enjoy! Merry Christmas!

Click on the picture for the link.

My Paper Heart

2009-12-19T19:13:00.010-05:00

Laura Bagby

Powerful, smoky vocals, slick arrangements, and well-written lyrics, it's all here on Francesca Battistelli's fabulous debut album from Fervent records, My Paper Heart.

It's no wonder that the album has already earned two hit songs, "Free To Be Me" and "I'm Letting Go." This young singer/songwriter's professionalism and talent are interwoven into each tune on this 11-track album. And it's obvious that her inspiration comes from her faith in God. If you don't hear it in her music, you will certain learn that from the liner notes.

Balancing jaunty, jazzy numbers with bluesy renditions and rounding it out with heart-felt ballads, this autobiographical pop/rock release showcases brilliance comparable to veteran recording artists. There truly isn't a bad song on this album.

As for the real gems, there are five songs that I think are standouts. The album's first song, "Free To Be Me," is pure fun and energy; "Unpredictable" is a cleverly written song about God's mysterious ways that is surprisingly catchy; "Blue Sky," with its bluesy edge, is a shoe-in for repeated radio play; "Someday Soon" is an inspired love song with cross-over flavor; and "Time In Between," which closes the album, is chillingly powerful with its message of the Cross.

Free To Be Me
I'm Letting Go
Unpredictable
My Paper Heart
Beautiful, Beautiful
Blue Sky
Forever Love
Someday Soon
Behind the Scenes
It's Your Life
Time In Between

Rating: 4.5 pie slices out of a 5 slice pie

Released: July 22, 2008

Label: Fervent Records

Distributed By: Word

For more information: www.francescamusic.com, www.myspace.com/francescabattistelli

Apple Gives Away Christmas Presents via iTunes

2009-12-11T15:10:00.001-05:00

Apple has compiled a Holiday Sampler into an iTunes LP and is giving it away via free download in iTunes.

The LP features a splash screen menu like the ones you commonly find when watching a DVD. With in the splash menu you will find introduction to each artist compiled in the sampler, artist such as Amy Grant, Sarah McLachlan, Barry Manilow, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, Wynonna Judd, Charlotte Church, Aretha Franklin, etc. It's definitely worth checking out. Here is the link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/itunes-holiday-sampler/id344104720. Get it before it's gone.

The 99 Most Essential Christmas Masterpieces

2009-12-08T22:38:00.003-05:00

Looking for a great deal for great Christmas music? Amazon is offering an exclusive on some must have classical masterpieces. It's a collection of 99 songs in DRM free format, which can be played on any MP3 player like the iPod. You can buy the songs individually for $83.11 or buy the entire 99 song collection for $5.

I especially enjoy the chorale music. It sounds so majestic. Good chorale music are rare and hard to find. Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002S34S82. It's worth checking out.

Christmas Rock by the Northern Light

2009-12-08T21:18:00.002-05:00

What do you get when the talents behind such power houses such as the Beach Boys, Survivor, Whitesnake, Fifth Angel, Alice Cooper, KoRn, KISS, Dokken, Asia, etc. get together to perform for charity? You get the Northern Light Orchestra and a unique sound for Christmas songs like you never heard it before.

Lucky for us, you can hear their performance and get the CD by donating to the sponsoring charities: Car Angel or Boat Angel. Or, you can download the MP3s and even Sheet Music for free from this link: http://carangel.com/northern-light-orchestra/index.html. To find out more go to CarAngel.com. Enjoy!

Giving away Innocence & Instinct CD by Red

2009-12-07T07:46:00.001-05:00

If you like Red, here is a chance to get their latest CD for FREE! Just enter before Sunday, 12/13/2009 to win. A winner will be selected at random. Hope you win!

And if you like SonicPie.com don't forget to help us spread the word and become a Fan.

We are just starting our site, you'll see more CD reviews coming each week with give aways.

Amazon Gives Away 25 Christmas Songs

2009-12-07T07:29:00.003-05:00

Amazon is offering 25 Days of Free Christmas song in December. Visit everyday to download a free song. So far there is Casting Crowns, Tori Amos, Mediaeval Baebes, the Boxmasters, Jars of Clay, Lady GaGa and Todd Agnew. It's worth checking out! Click on the picture or go to Amazon > MP3 Downloads > 25 Days of Free.

In the Hands of God

2009-12-05T19:00:00.004-05:00

Laura Bagby

It's a return to rock and roots as Newsboys‚ front man Peter Furler and band mates Jeff Frankenstein, Duncan Phillips, and Jody Davis sing about the meaning of life, God's glory, and the journey of faith in a driving, multi-layered 10-song set that has garnered extensive critical acclaim since its first week of release in May.

This album, which marks Furler's last as a vocalist for the band, waxes somewhat autobiographical with its ponderings about band life, bygone days, and Australia in two songs in particular. The first is the bold, unapologetic, classic rock sounding, The Way We Roll‚ that begins the album. The second is the sentimental finale‚ RSL 1984.

There are rumblings on the band's Web site that Michael Tait, who did background vocals on this album, could be the future front man replacement. Although, it is certainly hard to imagine Newsboys without Furler's presence

For Newsboys fans, there isn't really a bad song on the set. The content is mostly serious, with the exception of‚ My Friend Jesus, which harkens back to the quirkiness of Take Me to Your Leader. No Grave‚ offers a bold fusion of evocative passion that screams of our heaven-bound destiny. The title track, In the Hands of God‚ and Lead Me to the Cross‚ are likely to be embraced by church congregations because of their powerful evangelistic lyrics and worshipful flavor. And Dance‚ is a high-energy call to live by faith that will get you moving in no time.

In the Hands of God is sure to be another favorite.

The Way We Roll
No Grave
This Is Your Life
Glorious
In the Hands of God
The Upside
My Friend Jesus
Lead Me to the Cross
Dance
RSL 1984

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 pie slices (I personally didn't like‚ My Friend Jesus‚ that much.)

Released: May 5, 2009, Inpop Records

For more info:
Newsboys.com

Innocence & Instinct

2009-11-14T09:20:00.008-05:00

Andrea Hedlund

Red articulates the raging battle between turmoil and hope in their latest release, Innocence & Instinct. Raw lyrics demonstrate transparency, as we see that like all of us, they don't have it all together either. Likewise, self-realization in "Start Again" and "Never be the Same" is very relatable. We all struggle to make sense of our purpose and place in this broken world, and Red gives us a glimpse into their own messy journey.

On a positive note, "Never be the Same" implies how a love encounter with God can and should change you forever. Once you begin that relationship, you never have to go back to where you were before, thankfully.

Instrumentally, each song displays great diversity, with splashes of modern rock, hard core, and a dab of glam rock thrown in there. Creatively, the album reminds me of My Chemical Romance, The Killers, Rage Against the Machine, and NIN thrown together, but in a way that interestingly works well. Kudos to the band for combining melodic strings (violin, viola, cello, and bass) and thrashing guitars in a way that eerily rocks. For example, halfway through "Death of Me" whispering screams are haunting and effective.

"Ordinary World," "Never be the Same," and "Death of Me" round out my top three picks and should bring Red some smashing success.

Fight Inside
Death of Me
Mystery of You
Start Again
Never Be the Same
Confession (What's Inside My Head)
Shadows
Ordinary World
Forever
Take It All Away

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 pie slices

Released: February 10, 2009, Provident Label Group

For more info:http://www.innocenceandinstinct.com
http://www.myspace.com/therednation

About SonicPie.com

2009-11-11T21:51:00.002-05:00

SonicPie.com is all about great music. Our focus here is to promote and expose the world to all the great stuff that's out there by many talented artists that many people don't even know about or haven't heard of. We want to bring you music that's so good it's almost like a delicious pie you want to eat.

We primarily deal with the sub-genre called Inspirational Music, which is primarily Christian aka Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), but not limited to it. We like to cover whatever is good and by "good" we mean the definition as found in Philippians 4:8:

...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

This means that if the music is degrading, obscene, perverted, etc., you won't find it here. What you will find is music reviews and we are working on music news, concert schedules and more. If you like what we are doing please drop us a note and give us some feedback. We would love to hear from you. Oh, and if you like it don't forget to click on Share It for your Twitter or Facebook.

SonicPie.com - your inspirational music destination, come get a slice...

Sonic: adj. dealing with sound waves
Pie: noun something round and delicious that you want to take in

Podcasts

2009-11-11T21:47:00.000-05:00

We are working on it and hoping to put up our first one before Thanksgiving, so hang on tight and check back soon.