Watching the New Kids at Play
Newworldson keyboardist/vocalist Joel Parisien performing Sweet Holy Spirit, photo by Andy Argyrakis
by Christa Banister
Even though the ever-changing music industry’s lag in a post-CD world has been well-documented in countless publications, there still never seems to be a shortage of new artists vying for one’s attention.
And that’s really one of the biggest perks of Gospel music because there’s always plenty of new talent to hear and hang out with. In fact, trying to keep up with everyone new on the scene can be quite an endeavor. So thankfully, we have a dedicated team of writers/music lovers to keep you up to date on the latest.
My first stop yesterday was to catch up with the much buzzed about Nebraska rockers, Remedy Drive. Comprised of four brothers, they have been playing rock shows “almost as long as Switchfoot” and recently made the leap from Indie darlings to a signed artist with Word Records. And while some might wonder why a band with a decent following would make the label leap in this day and age, the guys in Remedy Drive say it’s ultimately been a “great thing” that has really helped with the day-to-day details now that they have a team of professionals working alongside them.
New artists also clearly dominated the showcase scene later in the evening. Proving that a slew of positive reviews definitely wasn’t a fluke, Newworldson was clearly one of the highlights of the Inpop showcase in the Renaissance Ballroom. Not only did their intensity up the ante for the band’s debut, but the stage camaraderie will probably only improve as they continue to play shows. Or as of our GospelMusicChannel.com journalists put it, “the Canadian throwback band that sounds like, well, nothing else in CCM…now or ever, really. Imagine Sam Cooke, Al Green and James Brown morphed into the bodies of some Canadian white guys. Add some killer instruments, Pentecostal fervor and imagination to spare, and you’ve got Newworldson. Needless to say, when a band more than lives up to its hype, you won’t soon forget.”
Over at the Tooth & Nail showcase, Children 18:3 also proved that punk rock can have more intensity than it’s usual three-chord structure, and Capitol Lights could seriously give Relient K a run for its money with whimsical lyrics and a dynamic stage presence in a solid set.
But a night of showcases wouldn’t truly be complete without some great performances from the veterans, too. Paul Coleman (formerly of Paul Colman Trio) and now of solo artist and Newboys' fame did his best Bob Dylan impression on Shine and rocked Delirious’ History Maker in a way that seriously did the U.K. rockers proud. Later on, Superchick showcased its inner Blondie on tracks from its upcoming disc, and down at BB King’s, we caught part an impressive set by Decemberadio, perhaps the most underrated band in Christian music today. With a southern rock flare and stage presence galore, this five piece laid the place out with its number one song, Drifter, along with new material from its fall 2008 release. But they did one better, inviting Christian radio professionals from all over the country to strut their musical gifts, accompanying Decemberadio on stage throughout the show. The ‘amateurs’ held their own, even the guy with the cowbell (complete with Josh's Saturday Night Live reference). And the gesture of inviting key supporters up on stage to play with them spoke volumes about this band’s gracious, appreciative spirit.
Sounds like a pretty great night for music in Nashville, now doesn’t it?
Back to Monday's Wrap-up
The Biggest Night in Gospel Wrap-up
