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49th GMA Dove Awards Winners

Christianbook.com — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 19:51:51 +0000

The biggest night in Christian music recently took place in Nashville, Tennessee. The 49th GMA Dove Awards is a night where the biggest names in Christian music come together to celebrate the best of the best in all genres of music. In case you missed the big announcement, we put together this guide of the night’s big winners – from CCM to gospel and everything in between.

All of us here at Christianbook.com send a massive congratulations to all the winners!

To view the full list of nominees at this year’s 49th Dove Awards, click here.

To view all Dove Award Nominees, click here!

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The 2018 Dove Awards Nominees

Christianbook.com — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 16:05:28 +0000

The most important night on the Christian music calendar approaches! The 49th Annual GMA Dove Awards is set to take place in Nashville on October 17 – and we have to say, the list of nominees is outstanding!

The Dove Awards celebrate the very best in Christian music each year – from worship to urban to gospel and beyond. So, let’s take a look at some of the category nominees and maybe make some of our own predictions about who will win!

Click here to view the full list of nominees for this year’s Dove Awards

Artist of the Year

Hillsong UNITED
MercyMe
NEEDTOBREATHE
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Zach Williams

Song of the Year

“All My Hope” – Crowder
“Blessings” – Lecrae
“I’ll Find You” – Lecrae ft. Tori Kelly
“Broken Things” – Matthew West
“Control (Somehow You Want Me)” – Tenth Avenue North
“Different” – Micah Tyler
“Hills and Valleys” – Tauren Wells
“I Just Need U” – tobyMac
“O’Lord” – Lauren Daigle
“Old Church Choir” – Zach Williams
“Reckless Love” – Cory Asbury
“So Will I (100 Billion X)” – Hillsong United
“Unfinished” – Mandisa

Songwriter of the Year

Lecrae
Matthew West
Tauren Wells
tobyMac
Zach Williams

New Artist of the Year

Cory Asbury
Koryn Hawthorne
Mosaic MSC
Pat Barrett
Tauren Wells

Artist of the Year – CCM

for KING & COUNTRY
MercyMe
Tauren Wells
tobyMac
Zach Williams

Artist of the Year – Southern Gospel

Gaither Vocal Band
Bradley Walker
Joseph Habedank
Mark Lowry
Karen Peck & New River

Artist of the Year – Gospel

CeCe Winans
Kirk Franklin
Jekalyn Carr
Travis Greene
Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Worship Song of the Year

“Do It Again” – Elevation Worship
“Reckless Love” – Cory Asbury
“So Will I (100 Billion X)” – Hillsong United
“Spirit of the Living God” – Meredith Andrews
“Tremble” – Mosaic MSC

Worship Album of the Year

Reckless Love – Cory Asbury
There Is More – Hillsong Worship
Love Has A Name – Jesus Culture
Good News – Rend Collective
Bright Faith Bold Future – Vertical Worship

Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year

“Walking On Water” – NEEDTOBREATHE
“Gone” – Red
“Brave” – Skillet

Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year

Everything Or Nothing – Carrollton
Gone – Red
Unleashed Beyond – Skillet

Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year

“All My Hope” – Crowder
“O’Lord” – Lauren Daigle
“When We Pray” – Tauren Wells
“I Just Need U” – tobyMac
“Old Church Choir” – Zach Williams

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year

Wonder – Hillsong United
Out of the Dark – Mandisa
All In – Matthew West
Different – Micha Tyler
Hills and Valleys – Tauren Wells

Southern Gospel Song of the Year

“He Can Take It” – Brian Free & Assurance
“Hallelujah Band” – Gaither Vocal Band
“Just When You Thought” – Joseph Habedank
“Clear Skies” – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
“Washed by the Water” – Jason Crabb

Souther Gospel Album of the Year

We Have This Moment – Gaither Vocal Band
Clear Skies – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Still Happy – Goodman Revival
Hope For All Nations – Karen Peck & New River
What’s Not To Love – Mark Lowry

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Song of the Year

“I Will Someday” – Bradley Walker ft. The Isaacs
“Chain Breaker” – Gaither Vocal Band
“Jailbreak” – Jospeh Habedank
“Dinner On The Ground” – Little Roy & Lizzy Show ft. Oak Ridge Boys
“Daddy and Son” – The Nelons

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year

Blessed: Hymns and Songs of Faith – Bradley Walker
Unexpected – Jason Crabb
Sing It Again – Jeff & Sheri Easter
Going Home – Little Roy & Lizzy Show

Contemporary Gospel/Urban Song of the Year

“I Got That” – Anthony Brown & Group Therapy
“A Great Work” – Brian Courtney Wilson
“Not Lucky, I’m Loved” – Jonathan McReynolds
“Won’t He Do It” – Koryn Hawthorne
“You” – Snoop Dogg ft. Tye Tribbett

Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album of the Year

A Long Way from Sunday – Anthony Brown & Group Therapy
A Great Work – Brian Courtney Wilson
Make Room – Jonathan McReynolds
Snoop Dogg Presents The Bible of Love – Various
The Bloody Win – Tye Tribbett

Traditional Gospel Song of the Year

“Stay With Me” – Jekalyn Carr
“Close” – Marvin Sapp
“I Survived It” – Ricky Dillard & New G
“And You Don’t Stop” – The Walls Group
“He Got Up” – VaShawn Mitchell ft. Dorinda Clark-Cole

Traditional Gospel Album of the Year

One Nation Under God – Jekalyn Carr
10 – Ricky Dillard & New G
I Am Redeemed – Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Urban Worship Song of the Year

“The Name Of Our God” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard
“Your Great Name” – Todd Dulaney
“You Waited” – Travis Greene

Urban Worship Album of the Year

Heart. Passion. Pursuit. – Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Your Great Name – Todd Dulaney
Crossover: Live – Travis Greene

Rap & Hip Hop Song of the Year

“Not Today Satan” – KB ft. Andy Mineo
“War Cry” – Social Club Misfits ft. Tauren Wells
“Smile” – Tedashii
“Forever” – Trip Lee
“Praying Hands” – Ty Brasel ft. Trip Lee

Rap & Hip Hop Album of the Year

Today We Rebel – KB
Crooked – Propaganda
Into The Night – Social Club Misfits

Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year

It’s Finally Christmas – Casting Crowns
Christmas Live in Phoenix – for KING & COUNTRY
The Peace Project – Hillsong Worship
Light of Christmas – tobyMac
Country Roots & Gospel Favorites – Gaithers & Friends

Instrumental Album of the Year

Piano Chill: Songs of Faith – Christopher Phillips
A Thankful Heart – Craig Duncan
I’m Gonna Keep On – Jeff Stice

Children’s Album of the Year

Bright Ones: Bright Ones (Bethel Kids)
Be Held: Lullabies for the Beloved – Christy Nockels
The Little Giant – Kathie Lee Gifford
Getty Kids Hymnal: For The Cause – Keith & Kristyn Getty
Mommy & Me Worship 2 – Lifeway

Inspirational Film of the Year

God’s Not Dead: Light In The Darkness
I Can Only Imagine
Paul, Apostle Of Christ
Same Kind Of Different As Me
The Star

Click here to shop the full list of nominees for this year’s Dove Awards!

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We Pick… Christian Love Songs for Valentine’s Day

Christianbook.com — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 17:30:25 +0000

Whatever your relationship status this Valentine’s Day – whether you are in a romantic relationship or being thankful for a lifelong friendship – we can all celebrate the love that brings us together this February 14^th!

Here are some of our favorite Christian songs to help fill the day with L-O-V-E.

I Will Be Here by Steven Curtis Chapman

Album: More To This Life (1989)

Favorite Lyrics: I will be true to the promise I have made; To you and to the One who gave you to me

Love Will Be Enough For Us by Brandon Heath

Album: Blue Mountain (2012)

Favorite Lyrics: We’ll build a little cabin on a really tall hill; Plant a little garden, pray for every meal; And we’ll grow and we’ll grow

When God Made You by NewSong & Natalie Grant

Album: More Life (2003)

Favorite Lyrics: I wonder what God was thinking; When He created you; I wonder if He knew everything I would need; Because He made all my dreams come true

Angel by Casting Crowns

Album: Come To The Well (2011)

Favorite Lyrics: You’re the proof that the Father answers prayers; ‘Cause somehow someway; You and I are standing here

Everything About You by Darlene Zschech

Album: Kiss of Heaven (2003)

Favorite Lyrics: You hold me in your arms; And once again, I know; That I’m the only one for you

Fallin In Love by Britt Nicole

Album: Britt Nicole (2016)

Favorite Lyrics: I’ve been thinking ’bout ya; Every second, day and night; Yep, it’s something I just can’t ignore

Look What Love Has Done by Jaci Velasquez

Album: Jaci Velasquez (1998)

Favorite Lyrics: And my heart is dancing through each day; My soul is running free; Look what Love has done to me.

A Page Is Turned by Bebo Norman

Album: Ten Thousand Days (1999)

Favorite Lyrics: Beneath the air of autumn, she took him by his hand; And warm within the ardor, she took his heart instead

My One Safe Place by Andrew Peterson

Album: The Burning Edge Of Dawn (2015)

Favorite Lyrics: I believe in the love of the Father and / I believe in the power of grace / I believe that He brought us together and / You are my one safe place

This Is Love by for KING & COUNTRY

Album: Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong. (2014)

Favorite Lyrics: I’m yours completely / No matter what comes our way / I’ll love you til the end of my days

Better Than Gold by Danny Gokey

Album: Hope In Front Of Me (2014)

Favorite Lyrics: She makes my world complete / She snuck right out of my dreams / I know she’s better than gold

More Than What I Wanted by CeCe Winans

Album: CeCe Winans (2001)

Favorite Lyrics: The search is over now I know You are the one / Somebody tell me / Where did an angel come from?

When You’re With Me by The Afters

Album: Live On Forever (2016)

Favorite Lyrics: The sun shines brighter when you are here / My heart beats louder and time just disappears / Everything is how it should be

Forever Yours by Michael W. Smith

Album: Wonder (2010)

Favorite Lyrics: Until forever, I’ll be forever yours / There is no other, I am forever yours

Meant To Be by JJ Heller

Album: Sound Of A Living Heart (2015)

Favorite Lyrics: When God made you / He already knew / That we were meant to be

For more Christian music inspiration, click here!

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Best Christian Music 2017

Christianbook.com — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 14:58:04 +0000

We may have already said goodbye to 2017, but let us take a look back at the Christian music releases we loved most. From contemporary to country and everything in between – these are the albums of 2017 we wouldn’t want you to miss!

Lifer by MercyMe

The ninth album from Bart Millard and company finds the band at the top of their game. Lifer delivered a collection of inspiring pop and contemporary originals from the band – and fans were not disappointed. Songs such as “You Found Me” and “Grace Got You” ensured this album soared to the top of the Christian music charts. After listening to this album, it’s no surprise MercyMe took home so many awards at the 2017 Dove Awards – including Artist of the Year!

What we love most: The positive, energy-packed songs with strong messages of faith

Sing It Now: Songs of Faith and Hope by Reba McEntire

The country phenomenon that is Reba McEntire returned in 2017 with her 29th album! Sing It Now is a 2-CD set that blends her favorite hymns and Christian classics with a selection of uplifting new songs. Fans were wowed by her inspired renditions of “Oh Happy Day” and “How Great Thou Art”. McEntire also delighted us with an original number “I Got the Lord on my Side”. Don’t miss the album that saw Reba McEntire take home the 2017 Dove Award for Best Roots Gospel Album!

What we love most: The song co-written by Reba McEntire’s mom, Jackie – “I Got the Lord on My Side”

Chain Breaker by Zach Williams

The breakout solo debut from songwriter and worship leader Zach Williams is the southern rock album you are going to want to add to your music collection! Encouraging and uplifting compositions such as “Chain Breaker” and “My Liberty” won the Arkansas native lots of new fans and even secured him the 2017 Dove Award for New Artist of the Year. We can’t wait to see what Zach Williams delivers next!

What we love most: The Arkansas native’s booming, gravelly voice on songs like “Survivor” and “So Good To Me”

The Garden by Kari Jobe

Worship leader and songwriter Kari Jobe returns with her first new album since the hugely successful Majestic in 2014. Loaded with vibrant new worship offerings, Jobe intertwines anthemic songs of praise with more reflective moments. “Heal Our Land” is an incredible song that reminds us of God’s presence even in the most painful moments. It’s simply brilliant from start to finish – a must-listen for any music lovers out there.

What we love most: Songs that speak to your heart and inspire you to seek God at all times

Out of the Dark by Mandisa

After a nearly 4-year hiatus from the studio, Mandisa returned in 2017 with her brand new album, Out of the Dark. The California native who first came to national attention under the spotlight of American Idol is known for her powerhouse vocals – and the new release does not disappoint. The inspirational lyrics of the Mandisa’s new release praise God’s boundless strength, grace, and love. A truly uplifting album!

What we love most: Mandisa’s powerful, expressive voice in Spirit-filled songs like “Bleed the Same”.

The Answer by Jeremy Camp

Since winning the New Artist Dove Award for his debut album, CCM singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp has been no stranger to success. Over the course of his 10 years in the business, Camp has released a dozen albums. His latest release aims to help listeners discover “The Answer” – Jesus. Fans of Jeremy Camp have been singing this album’s praises since it released in October – and it’s not hard to see why.

What we love most: Title track “The Answer” – the Christ-centered lyrics reassure us the He is our savior

More top picks of 2017

Open Hands by Laura Story

On My Side by Kim Walker-Smith

Wonder by Hillsong UNITED

Here I Am, Send Me by Darlene Zschech

Unbreakable by Selah

There is a Cloud by Elevation Worship

Hymnal by David Phelps

Confío by Jaci Velasquez

Starlight by Bethel Music

Rise by Danny Gokey

After All These Years by Brian & Jenn Johnson

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48th GMA Dove Awards Winners

Christianbook.com — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 15:45:03 +0000

The most important awards night in Christian music – the 48th GMA Dove Awards – was recently held in Nashville, Tennessee. The Dove Awards celebrate the best of the best in Christian music of all genres, from CCM to worship, bringing together some of the biggest names in the business. In case you missed it, we thought we’d put together this handy guide to the big winners of the night – from first-time nominees to Christian music legends.

Song of the Year

“What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong

Songwriter of the Year

Bart Millard, MercyMe

Artist of the Year

MercyMe

New Artist of the Year

Zach Williams

Artist of the Year – CCM

Casting Crowns

Artist of the Year – Southern Gospel

Gaither Vocal Band

Artist of the Year – Gospel

CeCe Winans

Worship Song of the Year

What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong

Worship Album of the Year

Never Lose Sight by Chris Tomlin

Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year

HARDLOVE (feat. Lauren Daigle) by NEEDTOBREATHE

Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year

HARDLOVE by NEEDTOBREATHE

Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year

Eye of the Storm (feat. GabeReal) by Ryan Stevenson (Tie)

Chain Breaker by Zach Williams (Tie)

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year

Lifer by MercyMe

Southern Gospel Song of the Year

Better Together by Gaither Vocal Band

Southern Gospel Album of the Year

Resurrection by Joseph Habedank

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Song of the Year

When Grandpa Sang Amazing Grace by Nelons

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year

Sing it Now: Songs of Faith and Hope by Reba McEntire

Contemporary Gospel/Urban Song of the Year

My World Needs You by Kirk Franklin

Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album of the Year

Let Them Fall in Love by CeCe Winans

Traditional Gospel Song of the Year

Change Me by Tamela Mann

Traditional Gospel Album of the Year

The Journey LIVE by Donnie McClurkin

Urban Worship Song of the Year

Joy by VaShawn Mitchell

Rap & Hip Hop Song of the Year

Oh Lord by NF

Rap & Hip Hop Album of the Year

The Waiting Room by Trip Lee

Spanish Language Album of the Year

Confio by Jaci Velasquez

Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year

Tennessee Christmas by Amy Grant

Long Form Video of the Year

Of Dirt & Grace by Hillsong United

Inspirational Film of the Year

The Shack

Want to see who was nominated for a Dove Award? Click here!

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The 2017 Dove Awards Nominees

Christianbook.com — Sat, 09 Sep 2017 15:43:18 +0000

Oh, our favorite awards night of the year is fast approaching and we couldn’t be any more excited! The 48th Annual GMA Dove Awards is set to take place in Nashville on October 17, and the list of nominees is spectacular.

Each year the Dove Awards celebrates the best of Christian music – from gospel to urban and contemporary. Make sure you tune in on October 17 to see who takes home the awards! In the meantime, let’s take a look at some of the category nominees…

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Chris Tomlin
for KING & COUNTRY
Hillsong UNITED
MercyMe
TobyMac

SONG OF THE YEAR

Chain Breaker – Jonathan Smith, Mia Fieldes, Zach Williams
Come Alive (Dry Bones) – Lauren Daigle, Michael Farren
Even If – Bart Millard, Ben Glover, Crystal Lewis, David Garcia, Tim Timmons
Eye Of The Storm – Bryan Fowler, Ryan Stevenson
Feel Invincible – John Cooper, Seth Mosley
Great Are You Lord – David Leonard, Jason Ingram, Leslie Jordan
King Of The World – Sam Mizell, Becca Mizell, Natalie Grant
O Come To The Altar – Chris Brown, Mack Brock, Steven Furtick, Wade Joye
The Lion & The Lamb – Brenton Brown, Brian Johnson, Leeland Mooring
Thy Will – Bernie Herms, Emily Lynn Weisband, Hillary Scott
What a Beautiful Name – Ben Fielding, Brooke Ligertwood

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Bart Millard
Chris Tomlin
Hillary Scott
Kirk Franklin
Lauren Daigle

CCM ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Casting Crowns
Danny Gokey
Kari Jobe
NEEDTOBREATHE
Zach Williams

SOUTHERN GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Joey + Rory
David Phelps
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Gaither Vocal Band
Karen Peck & New River

GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

CeCe Winans
Kirk Franklin
Tamela Mann
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Travis Greene

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Bri (Brianna Babineaux)
Micah Tyler
Social Club Misfits
Steven Malcolm
Zach Williams

INSPIRATIONAL FILM OF THE YEAR

Ben-Hur
The Case For Christ
I’m Not Ashamed
Priceless
The Shack

Who are your top picks to win the Dove Awards?

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11 Christian Songs for Weddings

Christianbook.com — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 13:49:54 +0000

If you’re planning a wedding, choosing music to set the mood for your day can be a difficult task. There are so many love songs out there, but we thought we’d take a look at some of the Christian tunes perfect for your big day.

From the recessional to the reception, these songs are to help your faith to shine through on your wedding day.

When I Say I Do by Matthew West

‘There must be a God / I believe it’s true / Cause I can see His love / when I look at you’

When God made You by Newsong & Natalie Grant

‘…now that I have found you I believe / that a miracle has come / when God sends the perfect one’

Love Remains by Hillary Scott

‘A boy moves on take a bride / And she stands faithful by his side / Through tears and sweat / They build a home / And raise a family of their own’

I Promise by CeCe Winans

‘I will love you faithfully, forever unconditionally / And my love I promise / Everything I have is yours / You’re everything I prayed and waited for / And my love I promise you’

My Beloved by Kari Jobe

‘You’re my beloved, you’re my bride / To sing over you is my delight / Come away with me my love’

I Will Be Here by Steven Curtis Chapman

‘I will be true to the promise I have made / To you and to the One who gave you to me’

Your Love Broke Through by Rebecca St James

‘All my life I have been searching / For that crazy missing part / With one touch You just rolled away / The stone that held my heart’

Made to Love by TobyMac

‘I was made to love you / I was made to find you / I was made just for you / Made to adore you’

Now, we couldn’t end this list without naming a few timeless classics for the occasion. Here are those tunes that are just, well, timeless.

At Last by Etta James

‘At last / My love has come along / My lonely days are over / And life is like a song’

Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers

‘I need your love / God speed your love to me’

Unforgettable by Nat King Cole

‘Unforgettable in every way / And forever more, that’s how you’ll stay’

Looking for more inspiration for your wedding day? Click here for our wedding store!

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How to: Create a Playlist

Christianbook.com — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 05:15:29 +0000

Sounds simple enough, right? Throw together a bunch of your favorite tunes and voila! You have yourself a playlist you’ll want to share with all your nearest and dearest. But, in our humble opinion, there are a few things you can do that will take your playlist to the next level. Who knows? You may get so good, that you’ll have requests to DJ at your distant cousin’s wedding in no time!

FIRST STEP: Y U PLAYLIST?

Start by asking yourself, what is the playlist for? From the very basic ‘songs I like’ theme to something with more intent, study music, gym music, party jams, dinner music, setting a specific mood, relaxation. There are any number of reasons you might be creating your playlist. Keeping this theme in mind will help you when you’re putting your playlist together.

Making the ultimate pump-set for your workout routine? Maybe you’ll want to take a pass on the piano ballads then. Putting together a quiet session for studying? Well, we’d recommend you leave the EDM super-drop jams out.

Consider your mixtape’s purpose, and you can begin making your song list from there. If you’re using a genre signifier, you’ll likely have an easier time assembling the set… here’s to all metal, all the time! If you’re gathering broader styles of music, you can have a bit more of a challenge ordering your set with flow. Not impossible though – it’ll just take a little more consideration.

Now, once you have 15-20 songs (or more!), you’re ready to start putting them in order. Or hey, if you’re going for the “ALL THE SONGS I’VE EVER LIKED, EVER” vibe – then go ahead, hit play, you’re done!

NEXT UP: Keep it Moving!

Imagine a timeline or graph of the energy you’re looking to convey – this will give you a general outline of what songs should go where in your playlist ordering.

If you’re making a workout mix, maybe you want to start a little slower, build up to your highest energy songs in the middle, and then start bringing the mood back down for cool-off.

Creating that new “Party Jams” list? In that case, you probably want something that kicks off with a lot of energy, swaying back and forth between bigger and smaller numbers. Or even just start at 10 and keep the vibe going strong!

PRO-TIP: Ordering and Transitions

When making your track order, listen to how the end of one song flows into the beginning of the next. This is often a jarring part of the listening experience. Clipped endings that abruptly cut out, or a long slow resolve followed by a quick start.

By paying attention to details, you can join two songs in order that wouldn’t normally feel like they work together. You can also avoid combining things you like in a way that makes you like them less. I’m into peppermint, orange juice, sriracha… you get the point!

Try to avoid sequencing two songs that end/begin with dissonant notes. It ay seem trivial, but melodic continuance will give real cohesion to your mix.

Another thing I like to keep in mind is ‘repeat value’. How does it sound when the last song ends and re-starts with the first song. If you think of this transition like others, you can really put together a great playlist that’s seamless to listen to, and worth putting on repeat.

TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL!

Songs with noisy endcuts? Live tracks that cut out on a crowd roar? 30 seconds of blank space at the end? Track begins mid-song? Those tracks can be tougher to incorporate smoothly. Look into some sound editing software (I use soundforge, and it rocks!) so you can really get into the details. This won’t be for everyone, and may seem overly time-consuming – okay, maybe borderline obsessive – but that’s just me!

ABOUT ME

On that note, I should probably give you a little background about where this obsession grew from. I started playing (okay, ruining) my dad’s records when I was about 3. I’ve been making custom playlists (we used to call ’em “mixtapes”, and we liked it!) since I had my first double-cassette boombox in 1985. I have broad to specific interests in all* kinds of music (*sorry pop country), and am fairly obsessive with my listening.

I love music in context, sonic or thematic. You can really tell a story with a set of songs, paint a sonic picture or even tell an audio joke.

Since I’ve developed my technique and style, playlists have become recorded journals for me. I can listen to a mix I made from a certain time period and know just what was going on in my life at the time. In three decades plus, i’ve done bespoke mixes for runway shows, DJ’d underground clubs, made in-store and restaurant playlists, rocked out at house parties, and made countless hundreds of mixes for my own personal enjoyment – first on tape, then on CD, now straight to laptop.

I consider myself more of a curator that an DJ – but I won’t take offense at the label.

Anyway, that’s how I arrived here, telling you, the good people of the internet how I go about making a mix. I mean playlist. Whatever you choose to call it! State your objective, gather your assets, organize for flow and transition… and then, you’re ready to press play. Enjoy!

– Jim Schunemann , Music Editor

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