Sleeping Giant may seem like a hardcore band on the surface.  They have down-tuned guitars, scream vocals, and tough looks.  One moment spent beyond that surface reveals a band that truly loves God and wants to spread His love through music. Though the approach is very extreme, the themes an lyrics of this band rival most groups leading worship in churches today. In fact, that is what Sleeping Giant does, they lead worship. They lead worship to a group of people who don’t know how to relate to a traditional church, and they lead worship with righteous anger and energy.

This is most apparent in their song “The Army Of The Chosen One”, a plead to God concerning the lack of conviction in His people, and willingness to wait and see the final outcome.

(this video was directed by T D Benton, our good friend and leader of White Collar Sideshow)

Buy this song on iTunes and Amazon

Opening prayer:
Lord we are asking for a generation to arise, that will not fall, that will not fall, that they would not give themselves to drugs, they would not give themselves to sex, they would not give themselves to others. Lord, that they would give themselves to You. Lord, we are asking that you would release the apostolical generation, that they would go out into the nations and they call forth those to love You and to serve You all the days of their lives, and know that wherever they go that they take the gospel and the love of Jesus, that in all things they would love You, they love You unrelenting, not holding back, nothing but that they would love you Jesus.

An army composed of walking dead,
of willing hearts,
in this our day of struggle.
We speak with fire,
we break all chains, the foolish bonds of carnal mind far beneath us.
We see the leader transfigured light,
He calls us forward,
in that moment receive.
Gives us a new name,
on stones of white,
and then we stand commissioned, searching for the valiant more to come.
(Oh …we’re rising, calling out your name)
Chosen ones! (And you will hear our anthem raise)
Chosen ones! (So answer us in truth) Answer me!

Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter: I know their faces.
I hear their names,
reveal their future, warriors of regeneration.
I’ve seen their journey.
I’ve felt their pain.
I’ve reached into each shame-filled, dark and failed existence.
I see them rising my crest in heart, sealed to my vision
anchored deep within each man.
The day approaches, each life will close.
The awesome day we see the Lion and the Lamb.
(Oh …we’re rising, calling out your name)
Chosen ones! (And you will hear our anthem raise)
Chosen ones! (So answer us in truth) Answer me!

Father where is the army I’ve seen in my visions.
It’s the generation the dragon has feared in his dreams.
Father where is the army I’ve seen in my visions.
We are the generation the dragon has feared in his dreams, his nightmares!
GLORIA! Soon we will find out who are the real revolutionaries.
GLORIA! Someday we will see who’s in this thing for real!

Voices Of The Underground is a series that seeks to explore one question from many different angles. Every week, we will ask one question of many of your favorite music artists. We will post their responses below, and what you will find is that there is never truly one answer to every question, but instead a whole world of ideas that come from simple matters of taste, to deep held beliefs. Our hope is that through this series you are able to see past the promo pictures and the stage persona, and get to know the hearts of believers who are creating music every day.

Need to catch up?
Read Pt.1-What do you love about music?
Read Pt.2- What was your first musical experience?
Read Pt.3-What is your favorite/ultimate song?
Read Pt.4-What is the best live show you have ever seen?
Read Pt.5-If you hadn’t gotten into music, what would see yourself doing as a job?
Read Pt.6-Who is Jesus Christ to you?
Read Pt.7-What is Christian music?
Read Pt.8- The facets of the Christian music?
Read Pt.9-Can art/music not have a message behind it?
Read Pt.10-How do you keep yourself accountable in your out on the road?
Read Pt.11-What are your opinions on the modern music industry?

Is it easier or harder to be a musician today in contrast to maybe 10 years ago?

I wasn’t really a pro musician 10 years ago so I’m not sure what it is like – but I do know that from a management standpoint – I think it is easier. We are able to completely self-manage and self-book ourselves, even while being on the road. We are able to have direct connection to our fans. The internet has revolutionized how quickly and efficiently we are able to do things as a touring band. No need to have a booking agency on the other side of the country setting up shows for us. Anyone can email us at any time, and we will get it instantly – even while traveling. So, I do think all these technological advances have made it easier to be a professional touring musician.

Both. It’s easier in that music is way more accessible now. Like I said, with myspace and facebook it’s really easy to get your name out there. But at the same time, with those outlets come more and more bands becoming popular. There are SO many bands out there now. It seems like you have to be especially good and original in order to even be noticed on a larger scale. But in the end, as long as you’re making music you enjoy, then you shouldn’t worry about all the other stuff.

Anyone and everyone can record an album on their computer and have it around the world in a matter of days. This is something that musicians used to dream of, and it is far more important than money.
It is a good time to be a musician.

I am not sure since I was not a musician 10 years ago, but I think it is more difficult now days. High gas prices, less record sales, and a struggling economy really makes it harder to stay on the road. It seems harder to book shows now as well, since the gas prices are higher, the bands guarantees every night has to be higher, because of this, the door prices are higher. Since the door charge is higher for the kids to come out, there are less merch sales to help the bands get by.

I would have to say that it is way easier now to be a musician. There are way more bands to compete with but it is way easier to get your foot in the door. Every band has a free website,myspace, that can promote their band all over the world. Its easier to get a decent recording of your music with digital recording and the availability of it on personal computers, and its easier to tour; more venues, GPS, cell phones (not pay phone and pagers), and 24 hr restaurants.

I’m not too sure, we’re definitely in the DIY generation where we can book our own shows put out our own music and tour without losing too much money. At the same time there’s so much competition when we book a tour we usually notice a few other tours going the same route as us.

Depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Stardom? Then i would say yes, because there are so many bands out there trying to do the same thing. Making Art? then I would say it’s just the same as 10 years ago. Art is art if people like it, they like it. If they don’t, then they don’t.

I would say a little harder, even though I was not a professional musician 10 years ago, I imagine it being a little easier. With the simplification of digital music presently it is easier to compose music such as pop or hip hop, it makes it easier for the rest of the world to compose music as well. So there is a huge group of musicians trying to make it now and there is so much variety for people to choose from. Plus, it is hard for one to be original and come up with something fresh that people haven’t heard and want to hear. 10 years ago, the economy wasn’t in such a recession as now, and it was simpler for people to go see live music… but I could be wrong, I wasn’t making music 10 years ago.

We have no clue! 10 years ago, I was on drugs working in a factory and Veronica was finishing her last year of college, lol. I guess the internet has helped many bands gain instant success, however–from what we hear, several venues have shut down over the years and others have scaled their shows back to just a few a month, so it’s a give and take. We are just thankful that we get to tour with cell phones and a GPS!!!!

Harder to sell records now because: the market is over saturated with bands, we’re in a recession, and people are stealing music at an all time high. Labels are signing less bands now, BUT with the technology we have, artists who can barely sing/play are getting signed, and that would have never happened before. Bands have it a lot easier now as far as spreading the word/building their buzz, before the internet, we used to have to mail everything out by hand and make calls.

I would say it’s incredibly easier to be a musician today. You can let people around the world hear your music for a fraction of the cost it would have taken 10 years ago, if you could have even accomplished the same.

Times change. There might of been less people doing it then, but less technology to get your name out back then too. So I believe it just balances itself out.

I don’t know. My impression is that neither era is an ‘easy’ or ‘hard’ one to work in – they just have different sets of problems.

In most ways yes. Financially, it’s a lot harder. But for indie artists, it’s a lot easier. You don’t have to be on a label now to make it.

I don’t know. Ten years ago, the music industry had just received the warning bell that the golden age of actually making money in music was nearing the end. Whole record labels would survive off of one hit record. That was great for all the little bands who deserved to be out there but weren’t selling enough.
What’s great about this new era is that bands have to be creative in getting their music out there. The pool spilled into an ocean, and that’s the hard part. There is SO MUCH MUSIC out there.

I don’t think there’s a difference because it’s always been hard. Its always hard to find the perfect label and management who will support you and back you.

Well without the internet, we wouldn’t have been able to book our first tours, make fans over myspace, be noticed by a genre label like we did, or any of that. Without technology we wouldn’t have been able to record our 2 albums by ourselves and press them for relatively cheap. So its much much easier. But, because its easier, there are tons more bands than there ever used to be, or at least tons more bands that are trying to make it. Which, basically creates a whole different set of problems!

So I have been kind of waiting to tell you guys about this dude for a while. Micheal Mannasseh is the awesome underground hip-hop artist who has been making real quality stuff in the scene for quite some time now. Unlike most hip-hop guys you listen to, Micheal Mannasseh not only emcees, he also makes all of his own beats ( he is also a graphic artist, the art above was made by him). The cool thing about this is that you know that when you hear his songs, it is going to be exactly the way he wants you to hear it.

Rocketship Down is his latest, and it is a concept instrumental album that is more downbeat electronica than underground hip-hop. Each tarck is the soundtrack to a scene in a sci-fi story dreamed up by Mannasseh himself.

It is perfect music for darkrooms and headphones. I have been listening to the tracks for a day or so, and Rocketship Down has been getting steady four stars from song one for me (I rate everything in my iTunes….I have a lot of music, I gotta make sure I listen to all of it).

For fans of: Soporus, Deastro, Apex Twin, (morse)

Download Michael Manesseh-Rocketship Down

Emo mainstay Copeland has decided to disband after almost ten years in the scene. Its a bummer, they have been a part of my regular music rotation for a long time now…They are going to do one last tour, and hinted and one more CD, so we will see what goes down.

After almost 5 months on hiatus, Oceana has decided to give it another go with a slightly re-tooled lineup.

It seems that Norma Jean has signed on with Razor & Tie Records and will release their next full length through the label in early 2010.  This is the first album that the band will release outside of Solid State Records since signing with the label back in 2001 when they were known as Luti-Kriss.

The Fray and OneRepublic will both appear on Timbaland’s upcoming Shock Value 2 CD as guests.

A Hope For Hope has signed with Facedown Records and will be releasing their next full length through the label in early 2010.

An interview with I Am Alpha & Omega was posted on HM’s website this week. Read I Am Alpha & Omega interview.

Legendary spirit-filled hardcore band Unashamed has reformed and will begin play shows again in 2010. No word on new music.

Strike First Records has signed Letter The Exiles to their ranks. Hoping for some good stuff from this band…

Jason Gray was interviewed over at Jesusfreakhideout last week. Read Jason Gray interview.

Close Your Eyes (from Texas no less) has signed on with Victory Records. Congrats guys!

Videos

Below is the freakin awesome video from Worshipcore monsters Sleeping Giant. The video was directed by our good friend T.D. Benton, who is one of our Voices Of The Underground and is the leader of White Collar Sideshow. The video is for the song “The Army Of The Chosen One”

Below is the video for Sara Groves latest single called “It’s Me”

And this one is called “Maybe This Time” by Sherwood

Here is a sweet new song from Cas Metah called “This Can’t Be True”

Here we go, the first video from Switchfoot off their latest album called “Mess of Me”

Salvation Is Created
Bifrost Arts (feat. Derek Webb, Diane Birch, Aimee Wilson, and many others)
Great Comfort Records
Worship/Christmas
Buy NOW:
Amazon
iTunes

Go Easy Little Doves
Brooke Waggoner
Swoon Moon Music
Pop/Folk/Indie
Buy NOW:
iTunes

From The Treehouse
Grayson
Independent
Indie Folk

Cut Me Down & Count My Rings
Half-Handed Cloud
Asthmatic Kitty
Indie/Folk/Elecronica
Buy NOW:
Amazon
iTunes

Favorites At Play
Joy Electric
Tooth & Nail Records
Electro-Pop
Buy NOW:
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iTunes

To Tell A Story
Kelly Parks
Independent
Contemporary Christian
Buy NOW:
iTunes

Rocketship Down
Michael Manasseh
Soul Mania
Underground Hip-Hop
Download FREE

Glorious
Paul Baloche
Integrity Music
Contemporary Christian
Buy NOW:
Amazon
iTunes

Beautiful History
Plumb
Curb Records
Alternative Rock
Buy NOW:
Amazon
iTunes (bonus remix version)

Everything Is Different
Shane & Shane
Inpop Records
Worship/Folk
Buy NOW:
Amazon
iTunes

Beauty Will Rise
Steven Curtis Chapman
Sparrow Records
Contemporary Christian
Buy NOW:
Amazon
iTunes

Love, Peace, Joy At Christmas
Trin-I-Tee 5:7
Music World Records
R&B/Gospel
Buy NOW:
Amazon
iTunes

Monster Monster
The Almost
Tooth & Nail Records
Pop Rock
Buy NOW:
Amazon
iTunes

To Plant A Seed
We Came As Romans
Equal Vision Records
Pop Metal
Buy NOW:
Amazon
iTunes

Voices Of The Underground is a series that seeks to explore one question from many different angles. Every week, we will ask one question of many of your favorite music artists. We will post their responses below, and what you will find is that there is never truly one answer to every question, but instead a whole world of ideas that come from simple matters of taste, to deep held beliefs. Our hope is that through this series you are able to see past the promo pictures and the stage persona, and get to know the hearts of believers who are creating music every day.

Need to catch up?
Read Pt.1-What do you love about music?
Read Pt.2- What was your first musical experience?
Read Pt.3-What is your favorite/ultimate song?
Read Pt.4-What is the best live show you have ever seen?
Read Pt.5-If you hadn’t gotten into music, what would see yourself doing as a job?
Read Pt.6-Who is Jesus Christ to you?
Read Pt.7-What is Christian music?
Read Pt.8- The facets of the Christian music?
Read Pt.9-Can art/music not have a message behind it?
Read Pt.10-How do you keep yourself accountable in your out on the road?

What are your feelings on the modern day music industry?

Man, I don’t even know. It kind of sucks to see the effective death of the album with Itunes and file sharing websites, but I would be a hypocrite if I said I haven’t downloaded a lot of music myself. Heck, I’ve found tons of bands I never would have known existed had it not been for downloading music. Overall I think its been a good way for the industry to grow. Take the power out of the rich label owners who have screwed bands over for years and give bands marketing and promotion power themselves to in effect level the playing field a bit. But there is still a lot of uncertainty to a newly designed market and I think noone has yet to find the next successful model for selling music.

There’s pros and cons. Its easier to get your name out there but its easier for people to steal music. So it’s a little give and take.

Love it. Or leave it. It is what it is. And it’s all we have. I’m awful at keeping up with it all.
My next record is a book/CD combo. I hope that people by the hard copy, because I’d love for them to read the book.

That nobody knows what the heck is going on, how to make it as musician now, and where it is going. I try not to think about it too much and to do my best making the best music I can. Recently, I’m self producing my albums which has been a nice freedom so that I’m not dependent on the industry to make it happen. I’m free to make music regardless of the level of sales and success.

It seems easier to get music in front of people, but harder to earn money doing it. I’ve heard that that middle class of musicians is disappearing.

Some people like it, some dont. Me- I dont care. As long as people can get their hands on my music, Im ok with it.

It’s definitely different from what it was when I first started being involved in music, both as an appreciator and creator. That said, I think it’s helping to filter out those who truly care from those who don’t… if you care, you’re excited about the new ways to spread your music and willing to adapt.

I think we’re in a time of growth. Like we’ve seen in the past with 8 tracks, cassette tapes and CD’s, we have to adapt to our surroundings. It’s causing a lot of commotion because they can’t stop people from stealing music, and it’s effected everyone considerably…but it’s change…and no one likes change. It has it’s pro’s and cons, I’m excited to see what’s next.

Myspace and Youtube have been great tools for us and our ministry. We are not your standard band so because of the internet, we have been able to share our message worldwide.

I really am happy with the music market today. I believe the way the way music is sold today is very innovative and sold simple. I am always accompanied by my iPod or Macbook so having digital copies of everything is perfect for me.

For bands like us we might lose a little bit of income from it. That doesn’t really bother me because we are growing and the more outlets we have to promote our music the better for us. It really doesn’t bother me too much.

I have mixed feelings, Myspace is an excellent promotional and communication tool but at the same time its lame any band can go record get a friend adder and a play enhancer and get signed, it takes a lot of the work ethic out. I think that’s why you see a lot of bands break up or have frequent member changes when they get signed then just start extensive touring. As far as Digital MP3 stores I think it helps unsigned bands like us get our music out there when we don’t have the money to press CD’s however, unless Digital is the only option I’d take a record or CD any day, I enjoy the art and all that cool stuff.

The music industry is scary too. As a band we feel like the crazy fish at the lake that pile on top of each other in attempt to snag one measly piece of dog food. There are so many bands, and know one buys music anymore. Its all about who you know and who they know, and Then they tell us what music to like no matter how bad it is. haha. Thankfully despite their best efforts there are still a lot of bands making good music. All that being said, if you like our music, and can’t afford to buy it, go download it, then come to the show, and we can hangout.

I think that Myspace, blogspots, MP3s, torrents have changed the music industry drastically. It seems to be much harder to sell albums now days than it was before. We have encountered this numerous times, where kids have downloaded our album offline and don’t want to purchase it. However, it also has its positives. It is much easier to promote your band via Myspace than it used to be. I think the digital world has a good and bad side to the industry.

I think the playing field is leveled, and it has become nearly impossible for musicians to make money… which is good. You see, when musicians aren’t making exorbitant amounts of money, they maintain musical integrity. They make music because they love it, not because it will sell.

Well, I don’t really know much about “the industry”. What I’ve observed is that it’s a good and a bad thing for bands/artists. The internet has helped bands out a ton. The whole Myspace/Facebook thing has made it really helpful for bands to promote themselves and their music. But as far as the digital music wave of the industry, it tends to hurt bands as well. It seems to be getting harder and harder for bands to sustain themselves. But again, I don’t really have much experience with all of this.

This is all a natural progression. Obtaining music adjusts with whatever is happening in current technology. There is becoming less and less reason to go into a physical store to try to get music. I don’t think I’ve gone into a physical store and bought a CD for over a year at least. I download whatever I want from ITUNES usually… Online marketing is often cheaper for labels, and easier for the consumer to see… So, it is a natural progression. The labels, bands, and managers that really WIN in the music industry in the coming years will be the ones that learn to use the online stuff most effectively.

The good people at HeBrews Fort Wayne (non profit coffe shop/venue) were nice enough to alert me to a cool little sampler that they had put together. They are based out of Indiana, and they have some cool stuff to say.
“The vision behind HeBrews is simple. We are here to provide a coffee house and music venue that is heavily focused on ministry. Churches often start coffee houses, only for it to close down a few years later. Our vision has always been, and will always be, to provide a place for ministry, and to bless the bands that come through our doors. So many bands have told me how difficult it is on the road, and how much they get taken advantage of. Each show we provide a home cooked meal, free coffee drinks & milkshakes, and even provide lodging for bands that need it. We have been incredibly blessed at HeBrews to have a lot of really awesome bands and singers come through our doors. I fully believe that God has His hand on our ministry, and this is evident in the fruit and the hearts and lives that have been encouraged and blessed by coming here. It is not about this place, rather a vision of ministry and living it out relationally through a building. Our heart is to raise up more venues and coffee houses with that same vision and passion for Jesus. ”

If you are in the area, you should hit them up, they do concerts twice a month, and based on the pictures, it seems like a really cool vibe of a place. Check out HeBrews website.

The compilation contains songs from Holding Onto Hope, So Long Forgotten, The Ember Days, Esterlyn, Darkroom and many more.  20 tracks in all!

Download HeBrews Digital Download Vol.1

Mantric (featuring former members of Extol) have signed with Prosthetic Records, and will be releasing a self titled album through said label in the very near future…

An interview with Thrice was posted on Causecast.org this week. Read Thrice interview.

Mat Kearney recently recently recorded a live session over at Daytrotter.com. Listen to Mat Kearney on Daytrotter.

Owl City’s song Fireflies was #1 on iTunes this week. Congrats to all…

The Glass Ocean broke up.

An interview with The Almost was posted at estrellaonline this week. Read The Almost interview.

The Clocktower Showdown have also split up.

Wovenhand is currently recording a new album entitled The Thrashing Floor. It will be out in early 2010.

Apparently Tyler from Blessed By A Broken Heart got into some trouble this with the metal band Megadeath over a comment Tyler made to one of Megadeath’s road crew that was deemed “racist”. A press release was issued to clear things up. Read Blessed By A Broken Heart press release.

An interview with Matt from Relient K was posted over on Relevent Magazine’s website this week. Read Relient K interview.

Videos

Below is the new video from Rawsrvnt with his song “Tears 4 Peers”

Here is a cool little video from Jay And The Lovebirds called “Last Compromise”

This is the latest awesomeness from Listener Project called “Ozark Empire, Or A Snake Oil Salesman Comes To Your Town”

Below is the video for “Lost Connection With The Head” by Showbread

This next video isnt actually a music video. It seems that Youtube is re-broadcasting U2’s entire concert from the a recent stop at The Rose Bowl. The video below is over 2 hours long. Enjoy:

Album Info (more in the Release Dates page)

Below is the album artwork and tracklisting for American Idol winner Kris Allen’s upcoming November 17th, 2009 self titled release. It will feature Jon Foreman of the Switchfoot/Fiction Family fame, and was co-produced/written by members of MuteMath, OneRepulic, The Fray, and Paper Route.

1. Live Like We’re Dying
2. Before We Come Undone
3. Can’t Stay Away
4. The Truth
5. Written All Over My Face
6. Bring It Back
7. Red Guitar
8. Is It Over
9. Let It Rain
10. Alright With Me
11. Lifetime
12. I Need To Know
13. Heartless

Below is the album artwork and tracklisting for Bifrost Arts upcoming Christmas album, Salvation Is Created, which will become available November 3rd, 2009

1. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
2. Joy Joy!!! (featuring Devon Sproule and Paul Curreri)
3. Bring A Torch Jeanette, Isabella (featuring Ben + Vesper)
4. O Little Town Of Bethlehem (featuring Sarah Fullen)
5. Let All Mortal Flesh (featuring Elin K. Smith)
6. Messiah (featuring Robert Heiskel)
7. Silent Night (featuring Diane Birch)
8. Out Of Heaven (featuring Derek Webb and Evan Gregory)
9. Veiled In Darkness (featuring Matt Bauer and Maeve)
10. Salvation Is Created (featuring Aimee Wilson)

Tsar Bomba
Bride
RetroActive Records
Hard Rock
iTunes

Faithful To Believe
Byron Cage
Gospocentric
R&B/Gospel
Buy NOW:
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iTunes

Birds & Cages
Deas Vail
Mono VS Stereo
Pop/Rock
Buy NOW:
Amazon
iTunes

Dolly(4 CD Box Set)
Dolly Parton
Sony Legacy
Country/Bluegrass
Buy NOW:
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Harmony
The Priests
RCA Records
Hymns
Buy NOW:
Amazon

Not Too Young
Mission Six
iShine Records
Tween Pop
Buy NOW:
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iTunes

You Gotta Believe EP
The Rocket Summer
Island Records
Emo
Buy NOW:
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iTunes

Sound Off
The Rubyz
iShine Records
Pop
Buy NOW:
iTunes

In the Middle of Destruction
Safe Haven
Live Love Records
Pop Rock
Amazon
iTunes

Entropy
Truby
Independent
Singer/Songwriter/Progressive
Buy NOW:
iTunes

The Unforgettable Fire(Remastered Re-Release)
U2
Island Records
Pop Rock
Buy NOW:
Amazon
iTunes (deluxe version)

A Silver Lining (digital release)
We Shot The Moon
Afternoon Records
Pop Rock
Buy NOW:
Amazon
iTunes