News
December 7, 2020
Michael Bridges, a long time member of our Christian Music and Rock Scene has embarked on a journey to release a special docuseries all about his involvement in the scene, where its gone, and and what is has meant to him. Sure to be shocking, compelling, and altogether interesting. Check out the trailer below and view the special gofundme to help get this project off the ground, right here. This really reminds me of an Anthony Bourdain (RIP) style series in the most honest way and it definitely has my interest.… Continued →
December 6, 2020
New Releases: December 4, 2020
Rock & Metal
- Andrew Stanton – Entrance Music
- Boiling Point – Come All You Weary
- Diamonds to Dust – Decisions (EP)
- Fallstar – King Lazer
- Fight The Fade – In Love. in Hope. in Peace. (Deluxe)
- Neal Morse – Jesus Christ the Exorcist (Live at Morsefest 2018)
- Phil Keaggy – Keaggy, Blazier & Lunn (An American Garage Band)
- They Came Running – Movement 1: Dawn – They Came Running (EP)
- Two Dimensional – Superman // Between You & Me
- Winona Avenue – December Night
- Drew Poole – I Love You I Love You
- Emily Brimlow – Nickel
- Freedom Heart – Lost and Broken
- Grace Graber – Heart For Me
- The Gray Havens – See You Again / / Autumn Sessions
- Heart + Soul, Vito Vasquez – Made In Heaven
- I AM THEY – I AM They Song Session
- joan – partly cloudy (EP)
- Joe Bae, Philip Shibata – Unravel
- Joseph – NYE (Violents Remix)
- Kios – Stay With Me (EP)
- More Than Rubies – Forgiveness
- Mountaintops – Wherever I Go (Ambient Version)
- Paul Cardall, Thompson Square – My Heart Beats for You
- Pyramid Park, Andy Lowe – Day and Night (Andy Lowe Remix)
- Timothy Li – Leaving
- Cory Breth – Tangerine Sunsets
- The Dailys – Fill This Cup
- Jon Foreman – Love (EP)
- The Pharaoh Sisters – In Distress
- Praytell – Come Whatever
- Ray Nugent – Take a Drink
- Whale Bones – Sow Your Heart in Me
- Aklesso – My Life is a Beautiful Mess
- Andy Mineo – Happy Thoughts (EP)
- Antoine Bradford – Seasons Change
- Cellus Hamilton, BlessThePen, Trubl3 – The Row Men
- Dillon Chase – Every Piece Matters
- Flame – Oh Yeah (Original Radio Edit)
- Guvna B, Madison Ryann Ward – Watching over Us
- I-Von – Hands to the Plow
- Jon Keith – Rose
- Jude.
No Lost Cause - Hope For The Hopeless (Official Lyric Video)
No Lost Cause just dropped a new version of “Hope For The Hopeless” featuring smooth, warm, and well placed horn parts throughout. This is the best that No Lost Cause has ever sounded. The song will appear on the upcoming album, “Take 2” which will release on Thumper Punk Records next year. You can download this song, just click the description on the YouTube video. For Fans of The O.C. Supertones, Five Iron Frenzy Suburban Legends, The Insyderz, Goldfinger, Reel Big Fish, etc.… Continued →
December 4, 2020
Song of the Day: The Swoon - Sweet Ally
Don’t you hate it when an amazing band releases one stellar album and then disappears off the map leaving virtually no trace whatsoever? That’s more or less what happened to Minnesota’s The Swoon. This intelligent, artsy, literate (one of the band’s song titles is a Dante reference) band made up one third of Christian jangle-pop’s ‘holy trinity’ (also including The Throes and The Walk).
Their debut album was released on Narrowpath Records, in conjunction with Refuge (the obscure indie label also released such classics as debuts by Breakfast with Amy and The Crucified), and was made up of two earlier cassette-only demos, ben son, ben son Beatrice and Neverland, the latter of which was produced by Charlie Peacock.… Continued →
November 29, 2020
New Releases: November 27, 2020
Rock & Metal
- Anberlin – We Are the Lost Ones
- Brotality – Prisoners of The Abyss
- Heliocentric – Never Again
- Killdevil Theory – Die Another Day
- The Midnight Wedding – Enforcers
- Talkie – anna
- Alyssa Jordan – I’m With You
- Beach Chapel – Jerusalem
- The Brilliance – Tell Me I’m Dreaming
- Chasing Daylight – Heartbreak
- Common Courier – Let Go
- I AM THEY – Scars (Acoustic)
- I AM THEY – Tremble Acoustic
- J.Prosper – Never Let Go
- JJ Heller – I Have Enough
- John Gabriel Arends – God Is Moving Like a River
- Josh Sellers – All in My Head
- Shana|Lana – Goodbye Babylon
- Tom Read – Stabal Session (Live)
- LoudWorship, Swedish Revolution, Retro Mars – You Say (Lauren Daigle Version)
- Trampolines – The Blessing
- hadassa morais – Love Letters
- Jon Foreman – Doubt (EP)
- Jonathan Gabriel Masters – Park
- Karissa Frampton – Memos
- TJ Harris – Walk Love
- Adriel Cruz – Punk (EP)
- Bryann T – Kingdom Muzic Family: The Remnant
- Courtney B – The Evolution of Courtney B
- davecreates – Ascension
- Hyper Fenton – Darkest Hour
- IMRSQD – Fox Glacier (EP)
- Jalen Williams – Thank God, Show Love
- Jekasole, Scootie Wop – N Luv
- JohnLion.,
Illect Recordings Announce Holiday Sale
Underground hip-hop leaders Illect Recordings (home of Sivion, Terem, James Gardin and many others) are running holiday sales currently on physical merch (12″ Vinyl, 7″ Vinyl, CDs, Cassette Tapes & more). A few new items are included in addition to a couple re-stocks.
There are also pre-orders, from tomorrow, for the Sivion x DertBeats Vinyl LP. Stock is expected to arrive in a few weeks from Europe. The official release date will be 6-8 weeks later but fans who pre-order the vinyl will be the first to have it.… Continued →
November 27, 2020
Song of the Day: The Pilgrims - Thank You Lord
There’s a recurring debate about who the first Christian rocker was. It’s very often touted that Larry Norman was the “godfather of Christian rock.” And if we mean by that that he was the first artist to really capture the essence of the genre with a wide influence, you’d have a pretty decent argument. However, if we’re talking about who was first, it wasn’t him. Not by a long shot.
Larry’s first Gospel album dropped in 1969, after an impactful encounter with the Holy Spirit led him away from a substantial career in famed rock group People!… Continued →
November 26, 2020
20 Of My Favorite Albums From 2000
This is a big year not only for music, anniversaries, but also Indie Vision Music in general. Yes, my friends, this year is the 20th Anniversary of the website/store/label and everything IVM means to me. I thought of a few different things I could do for the anniversary but due to time constraints and well, this pandemic which has completely changed EVERYTHING about our daily lives, I decided to keep it simple. I have put together this little write up on what I consider to be 20 of my favorite albums of that monumental year in music history.… Continued →
Paul Hyde of Grandpa Loves Rhinos Does Drum Cover of "Broken Youth" by Homeplate
Continuing with the (former) IVM band news is a sweet little drum cover of “Broken Youth” (Homeplate) by Paul Hyde of the band Grandpa Loves Rhinos. Check out the drum cover below this post. Grandpa Loves Rhinos “Searching in the Sarchasm” and Homeplate “Derby City” EP available now from your digital network of choice and on CD.… Continued →
Pop-Punk Duo Homeplate Will Record New EP For Release in 2021
The pop-punk duo known as “Homeplate” are returning after just a few months from the release of their incredible debut EP, “Derby City”, to record MORE NEW MUSIC. That’s right friends, the guys will reconvene in the studio soon to lay down some new tracks for another EP. If you enjoyed “Derby City” as much as I did, you’re in for a real treat. No word yet on whether a label will pick these guys up and release future tunes but stay tuned. For now, pick up Derby City EP on CD from IVM or your favorite digital network.… Continued →
Hangnail Makes Triumphant Return With "Christmas Hymns"
A classic Tooth & Nail pop-punk band, Hangnail, that everyone will claim is an underrated band who definitely should have been “bigger” (whatever that means) in their time is seeing a most triumphant return to the music realm. With hands held high in applause, we welcome these posi-pop-punk gentlemen back and we welcome their brand of uplifting, spiritual punk rock with our arms wide open (cheesy Creed pun, sorry). You can pick up or stream “Christmas Hymns” on your favorite Digital Network, December 4th, through long time label home, Tooth & Nail Records.… Continued →
November 22, 2020
New Releases: November 20, 2020
Rock & Metal
- Awaken – The Veil
- CHPTRS – When You Came Along
- CLOUDLAND – Lights
- Faintheart – Growing Pains (EP)
- Kevin Max – Revisiting This Planet
- The Lasting Hope – Lead Me
- Mike Mains & The Branches – Briggs (Cinematic Version)
- No Lost Cause – Hope For The Hopeless (2020 Version)
- The Reversalist – Falling Embers
- VERIDIA – Crushed Velvet
- Weathered – Everything All at Once
- 21:03 – Never Let Me Down
- Bien – Megaphone
- Cristabelle Braden – My Story Now (Lo-Fi Remix)
- Daulton Hopkins – I Melt With You
- DC Talk – Trying to Find A Life
- Feikje Douwina – This Time (EP)
- Gabriel Conte – Belong
- Jacob Hilton – A Voice Shouting (Féz Remix)
- Jessica Love – Stronger
- JJ Weeks Band – JJ Weeks Band
- John Michael Howell, Ashylnn Rose – You Will Love Again
- Jordan St.
November 20, 2020
Song of the Day: Ben Okafor - Jah Love
British Christian reggae artist Ben Okafor was born in Nigeria. Experiencing life as a victim of the Nigerian civil war, and even serving temporarily as a child soldier, Okafor was able to relocate to England in the late 70s where he began a career as a reggae artist. His early works were even produced by Bob Lamb (UB40).
Musically, Ben’s music has always had an interesting mix of influences from traditional roots reggae (Ben’s clean guitar playing is noted throughout his lengthy discography) to lovers rock (AKA pop-reggae), but also including folk and world elements–all of which are impacted by his diverse cultural and geographical background.… Continued →
November 18, 2020
November 15, 2020
New Releases: November 13, 2020
Rock & Metal
- 12 Stones – Smoke and Mirrors Volume 1 (EP)
- Amongst Wolves – Golden (Remix)
- Cory Shane – Pyramid Scheme
- Crushing the Deceiver – At The End Of The Tunnel
- Fallstar – SSRI Feel Better Already
- Fight The Fade – What’s Left (Acoustic)
- The Fold – Young & Free
- Love and Death – Down
- Revelation Attic – Agony
- The Rocket Summer – Bee Sides: Select Rarities 2015-2020
- Talkie – to be alone
- Then It Ends – Despised (Acoustic)
- Andrea Hamilton – Time Under Tension (EP)
- Camryn Leigh Smith – Tightrope
- Freddie Fardon – Under Your Wings
- Grace Graber – Real
- Harolddd – Hoodie Weather
- Jessie Early – The Fire Never Dies (EP)
- Jon Webster – Rendezvous
- Judah & the Lion – Spirit
- MacKenzie Phillips – Deeper
- Marie Bashiru – Joyride
- Matthew West – Gobble Gobble
- Neoni – OUTLAW
- Punch Parade – Stay In
- Smalltown Poets – In Real Life (Live)
- Spencer Kane – Smoke
- Terrian – Light It Up
- Whosah – Heaven Here
- Alisa Turner – Row
- Allison Clarke – Live Oak (EP)
- Jamie Barnes – Ex-Voto
- Jessie Dipper – Sirens
- More Than Rubies – The Bravest Thing
- Ordinary Time – Hard Times
- Tracy Nitschke – Ghost Town
- Aluis – Faith Without Sight 2
- Angie Rose – Meet Me (Heaven On Earth)
- Anthone Ray – FACADE
- Arrow – All That (feat.
November 14, 2020
The Myrrhderers Release Debut North Pole Punk Rock Project
A new group coming straight out of the North Pole called The Myrrhderers are here to spread some Christmas cheer and celebrate the holiday like only a punk rock band could. This super special group are releasing their debut Christmas only EP titled “The Myrrhderers Sleigh Christmas” on November 20th. You can download “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” right here via their bandcamp page. The band will follow this up with “The Myrrhderers Sleigh Some More” on December 11th. I have the EP and it absolutely rules.… Continued →
Fallstar Return With Intense and Personal New Song
Fallstar are back and with a new song in tow. Check out the track “SSRI Feel Better Already” below this post and give it a solid listen. The song will appear on the new album “Sunbreather”, out February 2021 through Facedown Records. I was an on/off Fallstar fan in the past probably due to my tastes at the time but this new song completely changes my entire outlook on the band and their job as musicians. This is solid and I mean that in the most sincere way.… Continued →
November 13, 2020
Song of the Day: Marc Plainguet - Barbie's Lament
I’m not sure how most IVM readers feel about new wave and synth-driven music. It’s extremely nostalgic for me, having grown up in the 80s. The 1980s also comprised the decade where contemporary Christian music came into its own as a marketable industry. While you could argue the merits of that, or against them, it’s a simple fact. But where there is ‘progress’ or marketability (read: money), there will also always be an undercurrent–an independent protest against the mainstream.
Marc Plainguet–and his alter egos Gadget and Crazed Bunnyz–were spearheading lo-fi and experimental synth-driven music in the underground tape-trading scene.… Continued →
November 11, 2020
Must Hear: Andy Squyres - Dead Horse (Official Lyric Video)
Charlotte, NC wordsmith Andy Squyres has released a lyric video for his must-hear track “Dead Horse”. This track is rife with lament and worship all the same and is a great example of why I’ve clung deeply to Squyres’ songs this year. His lyrics avoid clichés on both extremes – this is far from CCM, but it does not wallow in self-pity. Other suggested tracks to check out include “The Pestle and the Mortar”, “Unanswered Prayers”, “Cherry Blossoms”, and “Before You God”.
… Continued →
November 8, 2020
Four Years of Writing for IVM: A Reflection
Unbeknownst to me, apart from a Facebook post, I’ve been writing for IVM for four years now. That’s long enough to get a college degree, or a Master’s. And in some ways, that time feels like a drop in the bucket. In other ways, it has been stressful, tense, uncertain, even insurmountable at times.
But in the midst of that, there have been pockets of joy, wonder, and passion. I got to tour with American Arson. I’ve had reviews shared by Facedown Records. I’ve covered bands that got big; elsewhere, I helped put a few artists on the map.… Continued →
Song of the Day: Trulah - Sign of the Times
Trulah has released an incredibly relevant, captivating song. Pairing jazz and soul with sentiments about the world’s blindness to unfolding spiritual realities, “Sing of the Times” is at once comforting and convicting. The track borrows themes from apocalyptic literature (wars and rumors of wars, the great apostasy), placing the audience in the middle of this uncomfortable reality: many are asleep, and narrow is the path to life. We have a responsibility to keep the faith and plead with the faithless. Of course, it’s an entrancing track in terms of overall sound as well – making this a very unique song, one that demands to be heard for its urgent message.… Continued →
November 7, 2020
New Releases: November 6, 2020
Rock & Metal
- 2 Minute Minor – Stand for Something or Fall for Anything (EP)
- Chaotic Resemblance – Unto the Lamb
- Collision of Innocence – Sorrows End
- Dawnbreaker – Vanquished Horrible Night
- Diamonds to Dust – Corpus Christi
- The Midnight Wedding – Set Me Free
- Northern Flame – Sanctification of the World
- Talkie – look at me
- Weathered – In This World
- About A Mile – Godless America
- After Grace – Forever Home
- The Brilliance – Hurricane
- Common Courier – At the Table
- The Complete Fiction – Things Are Looking Up
- Future Of Forestry – We Can’t Breathe
- Gabriel Conte – Los Angeles
- GALLERY – Beacon (Radio Edit)
- The Gray Havens – Forever / / Autumn Sessions
- Greg Attwells – So Crazy
- Jamie Grace – Normal
- JJ Heller – Impossible
- Joel Vaughn – It’s Okay
- Mary Ives – Is There Anybody Out There
- Tom Read – Dead Things to Life (Live)
- Tyler Batts – Falling In
- Xandria Cross – Marionette
- Wake Low – Wake Low
- Edu Linares – Is Now
- God’s Warrior – Honor Jesus
- Jeremy James Whitaker – I’m a Mess (Buryme James Whitaker Remix)
- JSteph – I’m Sorry (Sam Bowman Remix)
- Man Cub – In A Dream (Remixes)
- Neon Beach – Countdown
- Roberto Rosso – Freedom (Radio Mix)
- Allie Crummy – Balance
- The Arcadian Wild – Fall: War
- Becca Jordan – Autumn Gold
- Madison Cunningham – Wednesday (EP)
- Thomas Austin – Someday
- Aha Gazelle – 180 (Chopped NOT Slopped)
- Ahchwan – Trapped-N-Truth
- Aklesso – Popular
- Alphein – Hold On
- Andrew Puckett – Fight
- Avila – Love Lust
- Beleaf – My Father’s Business
- BigGucciDame – Memories to the Future
- B-Shock – Rise and Shine EP
- B-Shock – Sing Thru It All
- Caleb Gordon – elev8
- Christ Is King – Real Slow
- Christ Jr – One Way
- Chxsen – Highs & Lows
- Collinthekid – Hvnly Glow
- CS LIT – CD-R
- Darrell Dominic – Polarized
- Datin – Who Do You Believe?
November 2, 2020
for King & Country Release Christmas Album
for King & Country have just released their Christmas album titled “A Drummer Boy Christmas” featuring a bunch of songs that are classics redone in their style as well as some originals. Click here for their youtube channel to watch a series of lyric videos for the album which serve as a film of sorts. Click below for their tour dates to finish out the year as well as a music video.… Continued →
Love and Death Drop Major Tease
Love and Death have just dropped the biggest tease ever which builds upon years of anticipation for new music. Check it out below. Date is 11.13.2020. What does it mean? Rob J. and I have the answer (we think) to this mystery but we can’t share just yet. (Please excuse the 7 year old pic).… Continued →
November 1, 2020
New Releases: October 30, 2020
Rock & Metal
- 09 x Matty Mullins – Masquerade
- Aaron Ray – In My Blood
- Barry Blair – Down in the Lowlands
- Gable Price and Friends – You Are My Country
- Last Year’s Model – Rondé Vous
- Living Scars – Without Me
- My Epic – Lower Still
- Nine Lashes – Follow
- Odds of an Afterthought – The Truth Will Set You Free but First It Will Piss You Off
- Paradise Now – Lockdown Mixtape (EP)
- The Protest – Greater
- Shelbi – Rocket Science (EP)
- Amy Grant – Unguarded (Re-Release)
- Andrew Marcus – No Reason to Say Goodbye
- Alisa Turner – Run for Your Life
- Ben Fuller – Town Called Grace
- Ben Laine – 12
- Caitie Hurst – At All Times (EP)
- Chris Howland – Dreamworld
- Coby James – Homesick (EP)
- David Dunn – Perspectives (Deluxe)
- DOE – DOE (EP)
- Ernstly Etienne – Jericho
- Frankie Orella – While My Guitar Gently Weeps | Help!
The Echoing Green Return With Collection of Songs on Vinyl
Not like they ever disappeared but new music on The Echoing Green front has been sort of quiet for past couple years. The Echoing Green emerged from the silence to drop a collection of of songs from 2002 to 2018 called “Violent Whispers: Songs & Stories From The Echoing Green”. This collection of songs is available right here on Vinyl (Limited to 500 copies). They are using funds generated from the sale of this album to fund a future release of NEW music. These are some of my favorite Echoing Green songs.… Continued →
Jenny and Tyler Finish Album 5
Long time husband and wife indie-folk duo known as Jenny & Tyler have just completed work on their 5th album. You can support on Patreon right here and grab the songs from there. You can find some more behind the scenes videos and clips via their facebook page here.… Continued →
Arthur Alligood Returns With a New Kickstarter Funded Album (Make it Happen Folks)
One of my favorite indie singer/songwriters, Arthur Alligood, returns with a kickstarter campaign to fund his upcoming new full length record. He is working with a couple Toad The Wet Sprocket members (as well as other guest musicians) on this album and it’ll be produced by Mikal Blue who has worked with groups/artists like Five For Fighting, One Republic, Jason Mraz, and Colbie Caillat among others. This highly anticipated new album needs support from fans and new fans alike. Arthur is a talented songwriter and I know this will be his biggest and best album to date.… Continued →
Showbread Limited Vinyl Press of "No Sir, Nihilism is Not Practical"
Head over to the Tooth & Nail Merch Site right now and order yourself a copy of “No Sir, Nihilism Is Not Practical” on VINYL! There is a limited number of copies left. This was carefully and thoughtfully put together by UnoriginalVinyl for T&N and on behalf of the band who also worked together on this Vinyl pressing. Go check it out here.… Continued →
October 30, 2020
The Classic Crime Return To Fund 7th Album
The Classic Crime are returning after last year’s sleeper hit, “Patterns in the Static”, to record and release yet another full length record, their 7th. You can check out their Kickstarter campaign right here and contribute to get the goods or wait until it reaches digital markets in late 2021 or early 2022. How many Classic Crime fans do we have here?… Continued →