Click Here to read exclusive interviews with Olivia The Band, Nicholas Jonas, Michael Cook, Grand Prize and Exit East.
If you like…
Newsboys, Audio Adrenaline, matchbox twenty
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Exit East By Exit East (Fervent)
Because… Fans of memorable hooks, well-placed harmonies and easy-on-the-ears pop-rock will probably appreciate Exit East. Creative use of sometimes unexpected instrumentation prevents this new band's first project from being cliché, but prominent spiritual themes keep it on familiar ground.
If you like…
Jump5, Stevie Brock, Radio Disney
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Nicholas Jonas By Nicholas Jonas (INO)
Because… He is already well known for his singing, dancing and acting in commercials and Broadway shows such as "Les Miserables," "Beauty and the Beast" and "Annie Get Your Gun." Now 12-year-old Nicholas Jonas brings his songwriting and beyond-his-years vocal talents to pop-contemporary Christian music with his self-titled debut.
If you like…
The Benjamin Gate, Jeremy Camp, Telecast
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Identity By Grand Prize (A'postrophe)
Because… A heart and passion for ministry is what guides the four members of Grand Prize in their songwriting and performance goals. Long involved in youth ministry and worship leading, the band has made their first label-produced album energetic pop-rock with emphatic electric guitars and drums, catchy choruses and edifying lyrics.
If you like…
Switchfoot, Howie Day, Gavin DeGraw
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The Noise Inside By Adam Watts (BEC)
Because… Adam Watts is a noted composer, percussionist, songwriter and producer for artists such as Jeremy Camp, Avalon and the O.C. Supertones.
The Noise Inside is his debut project and solo in the truest sense of the word: He wrote, sang, produced, engineered and played most of the instruments on the album.
If you like…
John Mayer, Bebo Norman
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Imprint By Michael Cook (A'postrophe)
Because… The first act signed to Jaci Velasquez' new record label, Michael Cook has a storyteller appeal like that of Mark Schultz and a silky voice reminiscent of John Mayer's. Though tracks translate well into just a guitar and vocal performance, some songs on the album are accompanied by quite a few different instruments—synthesized and unplugged.
If you like…
Good Charlotte, blink-182, Relient K
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Olivia The Band By Olivia The Band (Essential)
Because… The Hawaiian foursome's debut album features all the elements that make surf punk popular: infectious pop tunes arranged to rock guitars; lashing, yet smooth vocals and a rollicking beach vibe. And to prove their dedication to their art, when not playing music or ministering to youth, the guys can be found doing "research" (AKA surfing).