Wow, I’m really overwhelmed by how many of you voted for the name of the new record. Actually more than just the votes, the number of well thought out reasons for your vote were the big surprise. So in the end with a vote count of 52% the title of the new record is “The Hardest Step to Land.” I’m aiming to have copies in my hand June 2nd but the actual release date will inevitably have to be later.
ALSO, a blog I’ve written about life on the road has landed on Soul-Audio. You can read it here at SOUL-AUDIO.COM. Spend some time looking around their site and you’ll find a great source for music news and reviews. I have great respect for these guys and what they’re trying to do so show em some Tealy Luv.
We have started mixing songs today and we’re shooting the band sequence for the first video starting at dusk tonight. I’ll try and post some pics from all the fun. The pic to the right is from the studio. Dave and Toby contemplating the deep relevance of the song “Slipping Away.”
We are almost finished with the new record. I am in the studio this afternoon singing some more and then we’re off to mixing, mastering, and manufacturing. In the meantime we need to decide what to call the record and I want your help. Below is a form for you to pick your favorite title. I know it’s tricky to do this without having heard the record so I’ll explain each title a bit.
The Hardest Step to Land – is a lyric taken from the song “Yesterday’s Rain.” The full line is “sometimes the right first step is the hardest step to land.” With any dream, any vision that is born in the human heart there is a hesitance in us to move into action. It seems in my life the biggest barrier to chasing after the dream is knowing what the right first step should be. In my life I have wasted years deliberating that right first step. The vision for what’s next has come but in fear I wait, deliberate, marinate.
Known – is the title of one of the new songs on the record. The lyric is “You don’t need to hide. Step into the light and let yourself be known.” The song is a call to move from fear and pretending into authentic living. “Be as you are” sang James Taylor back in the day. No more fakeness, pretending to be something you’re not. Bring your real self, the doubt, the fear, the courage, the pride, bring it all into the light and let yourself be known. I suppose any record like this is a bit of that journey as well. It’s me putting myself out there; the parts I’m proud of and the embarassing parts as well.
Sometimes Sun, Sometimes Rain – is a lyric from the bridge of a new song called Glorified. The song lyric is built around these two balanced parts. In tragedy and difficulty, somehow God is able to bring glory to himself. In triumph and beauty God is also able to bring glory to himself. The song is a call to give God the worship God deserves in a way that is bigger than our circumstances. “Sometimes sun, sometimes rain, the tragic and beautiful side by side. Sometimes joy, sometimes pain but come what may, God will be glorified.”
So add your vote and help me pick the right title for the new record. Thanx in advance for the help!
The project is designed for individual high school and college students as well as youth groups so talk to your parents or the student ministers at your church about joining me in this life-changing work.
Last summer I spent some time in Skopje, Macedonia (just north of Greece) working on a similar project and I’m excited to get back among the Roma people with some of you. They are a passionate and warm people and are among the most oppressed peoples in the world.
This comprehensive missions adventure is July 4th-12th and costs $750 plus airfare from your nearest airport. You can find all of the specifics HERE as well as details about how to register to join us. Registration has just begun so start talking to your friends and come join me! Let’s live the mission together in Greece this summer.
Making me proud! This video is of my Dad singing with the Music City Chorus. It’s a Barbershop Chorus…traditional four-part stuff but sung by a bunch of guys instead of four…and tuxes instead of vests and straw skimmers. My pop is the tall guy in the middle of the back row. Merry Christmas!
We’ve added some new songs to THE MYSPACE SITE. The first two are from the new worship EP called MAKE IT LOUD available soon. The last is Dakota’s Song (the bunny song). It’s a simple Garageband version recorded here at the house. You’ll have to add in your own “hop-hop-hoppin” background vocals.
Wow, I’m really overwhelmed by how many of you voted for the name of the new record. Actually more than just the votes, the number of well thought out reasons for your vote were the big surprise. So in the end with a vote count of 52% the title of the new record is “The Hardest Step to Land.” I’m aiming to have copies in my hand June 2nd but the actual release date will inevitably have to be later.
This summer I’m joining a group of students in 
We’ve added some new songs to