Frequency.FM

Wise Words 1: Gabriel Allred - Frequency.FM

Podcast Episode 15 – Interview with Jim Gray - Frequency.FM

Great to have you with us for Episode 15!  There are many cools things happening at Frequency.fm in 2014, and we’re blessed to be able to share another excellent interview with you – the singularly stupendous, social media Jedi, Jim Gray.  Set aside a little drive time and learn from the wisdom shared by this industry veteran. Self-promotion and marketing are an oft ignored necessity of the artist.  After sweating blood and tears to produce an album or write a book, many artists neglect the work required to get their work recognized in a busy marketplace.  If you caught our last episode with Ellie Holcomb, you understand how an established platform can be the key difference between stratospheric success and obscurity.  Jim has spent years in the trenches working with authors, musicians, and artists in general building platforms so that all the hard work isn’t lost in the noise created by everyone else trying to get noticed. Other Notes: * Jim is a huge Star Wars junkie.  We had to cut the ten minutes of the interview in which we ask him to name his favorite character (Obi Wan Kenobi, in case you were wondering).  We had to restrain ourselves from photoshopping an image of him with the fabled brown robe. * You’ll hear more from Jim on Frequency.  He’ll occasionally join us to share a blast of social media wisdom as well as provide us with some excellent interviews when he encounters some of your favorite Christian artists. * We asked Jim what music we should use for interview transitions – he suggested techno or hip hop.  As luck would have it, an excellent EP by Rapture Ruckus was released just this week: Invader Vol. 1.  Check out the video of their single “In Crowd” on YouTube. * You really should listen to Episode 14 with the marvelous Ellie Holcomb.  It’s an imperative.  Really… * More interviews, articles and reviews of recent music releases and books, can be found on our site, Frequency.fm. * If you like the show, we’d love you to leave us a review on iTunes.  To make it easy for you, we’ve provided this handy link: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/frequency.fm/id599474294 ## Quick Links for Jim: * Website: http://www.jimgrayonline.com/ * Twitter: http://twitter.com/jimgrayonline * Facebook: http://facebook.com/beaconhillnw * Three Thirty PM: http://www.threethirtypm.com/ Quick Links for Frequency: * Frequency on Twitter *

Ellie Holcomb: Humor, Humility, and Vulnerability - Frequency.FM

Howdy, folks.  We have a little surprise for you this episode (#14).  Earlier this week, our guest’s first full length album, As Sure as the Sun, was released and quickly scaled the iTunes charts – ultimately reaching #1 on Christian & Gospel charts and #8 on the overall albums charts.  To reach that level as a Christian artist is remarkable, but to do so as an independent artist for one’s first major release is unheard of.  So Tuesday afternoon, the very generous Ellie Holcomb took time out of release day craziness to talk to Joe… Ellie demonstrates her humor, humility, and vulnerability in this candid conversation.  Of course they talk about the record-setting Kickstarter campaign and the unexpected success of the album, but Ellie also shares her experience as a 8th-grade English teacher, her passion for sharing Christ with youth, how life’s valleys influence her songwriting, and (gasp!) the possibility of a sophomore album.  We’re confident you’ll enjoy the interview, so get to it… Other Notes * As of this morning (Friday), Ellie’s album is still in the top ten of iTune’s overall album chart. * Many thanks to Ellie’s manager, Sam Higinbotham, who coordinated the interview.  Joe was apparently unable to pronounce her name when the episode was recorded.  Sad… * Ellie’s dad is legendary producer and songwriter, Brown Bannister.  In a multi-decade career, Brown has one 25 Dove awards, 14 Grammy awards, and produced or engineered songs for just about every major Christian artist in CCM over the past 30 years. * Ellie names some of the artists that are currently inspiring her.  Be sure to check them out: All Sons and Daughters, Christa Wells (what!?), Sara Groves, Emily Freeman’s Grace for the Good Girl, and Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts * Catch up on our latest reviews: Glory by Kutless, City Harbor’s self-title debut, and As Sure As the Sun by this episode’s guest! * More interviews, articles and reviews of recent music releases and books, can be found on our site,

Review Round-Up: As Sure As the Sun by Ellie Holcomb - Frequency.FM

We’ve been pretty excited about the release of Ellie Holcomb’s debut LP, As Sure as the Sun, from the moment we learned of it last fall.  Ellie first came to our attention when Episode 12 guest Emily Freeman named Ellie’s EP With You Now as one of her favorite releases of 2013.   Relenting to her husband Drew’s (of Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors) constant encouragement to record her own music, Ellie initiated what would become a record-setting Kickstarter campaign in mid-November. In just three days, the $40,000 goal was met.  It then went on to earn over $100,000 in pledges in just a few weeks time. So, with all of the expectations and enthusiasm, does As Sure As the Sun hit the mark?  Or will we be let down?  To be honest, we like Ellie too much to be objective on this one, so we pulled together reviews from across the Net.   The consensus:  From all reports, Holcomb has knocked it out of the park with her debut.  Straightforward lyrically, scripturally founded, and with her distinctively sincere and vulnerable vocal delivery, As Sure As the Sun sets the bar pretty high for new releases in 2014.  Unless you’re put off by Holcomb’s brand of folk-pop, this is an album that should be added to your collection. Christian Music Review Review Link: http://christianmusicreview.org/ellie-holcomb-as-sure-as-the-sun/ Key quote: As Sure As the Sun dawns on the musical horizon with soul-warming themes of God’s immense grace, love, and power to bind up the broken. Worship Leader Review Link: http://worshipleader.com/sure-as-the-sun/ Key quote: Her musical experience and expertise, combined with the timeless truth of God’s Word, have created a beautiful, stirring debut. New Release Tuesday Review Link: http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/userprofile_reviewssinglepost.php?review_id=22130&user_id=140 Key quote: Ellie brings sincerity and relatable themes that get deeper with each listen. As Sure As the Sun is one of the top albums of the year. This is truly a great album and a moving and prayerful worship experience. Jesus Freak Hideout Review Link: http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/AsSureAsTheSun.asp Key quotes: There is a sense of harmonic completeness that keeps the project afloat from beginning to end; it’s rootsy and home-grown, but it’s polished, attractive, and above all, worshipful. There’s a lot to love about her unapologetically faith-filled and charmingly quirky folk-pop sound. Her debut, As Sure as the Sun, blends the best of the indie songwriter style with timeless truth that doesn’t come off trite or forced. Hallels Review Link: 

Review Round-Up: City Harbor by City Harbor

Tim Timmons: Varsity American Christian

Review of Falling Into Place by Hattie Kauffman

Podcast Episode 12 – Interview with Emily P. Freeman

Don Poythress – Genuine and Generous

Podcast Episode 10 – Interview with Ross King

Audio Review of Hillsong We Are Young and Free

Check-In with Travis Thrasher