I AM BECAUSE WE ARE

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2011

2011-12-31T19:12:00.000-08:00

10) The War On Drugs - Slave Ambient

9) Childish Gambino - CAMP

8) Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire

7) Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What

6) James Vincent McMorrow - Early in the Morning

5) Wye Oak - Civilian

4) Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

3) Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto

2) M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

1) Bon Iver - Bon Iver

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Bombay Bicycle Club - A Different Kind of Fix

The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow

Fullbloods - Perpetual Machine

MY FAVORITE EPs of 2011:

David Ramirez - Strangetown EP

Matt Jackson - EP

Leagues - EP

TOP 5 THINGS I WILL MISS ABOUT KANSAS CITY

2011-12-15T18:39:00.000-08:00

Well, Heather and I are beginning our move to Houston this coming week.

As excited as we are about our new adventure in a new town, at a new church, with new friends and a new kid, we are bummed to be leaving.

So, I thought I would make a list of the five things I will miss most about this wonderful town... Kansas City.

5. The Music Scene -
KC has a great music scene... There are lots of great local bands and venues around here.
Just to name a couple of my favorites:

Venues:
- Record Bar (1020 Westport Road) - I have seen and played many a great show at this place. No matter the day, you're probably gonna see a great show when you walk in. This is where the best indie bands play when they come through KC.

- The Brick (1727 McGee Street) - I'm a little partial to this place because they have been so great to me. Love playing here whenever I get the chance... not to mention, their food is fantastic!

Bands:
- Fullbloods (fullbloods.com) - These guys are so good, it's ridiculous. Sure, they're my friends, but it's just an honor to know them and to have played some shows with them whenever I've gotten the chance. Ross Brown can write a song, boy! Go listen to their tunes right now!

- Atlas (useyouratlas.com) - Ryan Adams fans will love these guys. If you can, go see them live... you will not be disappointed!

4) The City's Character -
There aren't many towns with as much character as KC. Trust me.

Downtown.

City Market.

The Western Auto sign.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum lawn (complete with the giant shuttlecocks).

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Westport.

Country Club Plaza.

Union Station.

Liberty Memorial.

First Friday art walks.

3) The Food -
Oh man. I'm really gonna miss the food (and drinks) in KC.

Just to name a few of my favorite places...

- Oklahoma Joe's:
It's a proven fact that OKJ's has the BEST BBQ in the world. Get the Z-Man and fries (pictured above).

- Gates BBQ:
Hi, may I help you?

- Blanc Burgers + Bottles:
Best burgers in town... easily.

- Burrito Bros.:
Chipotle and Qdoba got nothing on Burrito Bros.

- Town Topic:
Great 24-hour burger dive. Killer onion rings when you want a late-night snack.

- Boulevard beer:
The beer that got me into beer. Can't go wrong with a nice Boulevard wheat or Pilsner, if you ask me.

- Oddly Correct:
Great coffee from a strange guy! ;)

2) My House -
I'm really gonna miss my house in Brookside (arguably the best neighborhood in KC). It's a small house, but it's just perfect. Plus, I can walk to any place I would ever need to go. The fall in my 'hood is absolutely beautiful. Gonna miss that. A lot.

1) My Friends -
I've got the best friends here. I can't tell you how sad I am to leave them.
Seriously, my friends here are the best people I've ever known and it kills me to say goodbye.
Thank you all for everything... and please come visit me. Texas isn't all that bad. In fact, I'm quite fond of it, as well.

(pictured here are just a few of my favorite people on the globe)

Cobwebs and Moon-Talk (Help us make a record!)

2011-10-01T08:33:00.000-07:00

Please visit our Kickstarter page to donate!

MEETING ARTHUR

2011-07-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

MY SON!

2011-06-27T13:49:00.001-07:00

I met my son last week.

Heather and I took our first trip to Ethiopia to do our adoption in the court there and we got to meet Arthur for the first time! We spent a lot of time with him - playing, hugging, kissing, feeding, napping. It was the most amazing experience of my life.

We can't post any pictures of him just yet, until everything is squared away in Ethiopia. Sorry.

We also didn't get to bring him home because we have to wait on a lot of things to occur (his passport, Visa, etc.), and it was the hardest thing ever to have to leave him.

Will you pray with us that it will be a quick turnaround and that all things happen quickly so we can get back there and bring him home! I miss him terribly.

In the meantime, here is a teaser video taken right before we met our boy for the first time:

THE CALL!

2011-04-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

We got THE CALL we've been waiting for on Tuesday!

Our son is so beautiful and I'm such a proud father!

We are rejoicing in the miracle that is our son, but we are saddened by his story...

Please be patient with us as we cannot share all the details just yet...

BIG NEWS and a BIG NEED!

2011-03-31T11:41:00.000-07:00

After almost 7 months of being on the waiting list for our adoption, we found out yesterday that we are #5 on the list!

(What we are waiting for is a referral, or for the agency to match us with a little baby boy.)

This is BIG NEWS! There have been several referrals in the last few days alone, so we are thinking it won't be long at all until we know who our Arthur is! Needless to say, we are both losing our minds. We have both been dreaming about him and I haven't been able to control my emotions. I've been crying a lot. Haha. Of course.

Now, once we get the referral, we will owe another check to our agency that is about $8,500...

Thanks to you guys, we are close! We have raised and saved about $6,500 in the last few months since our last big payment was due. So, we are ALMOST there!

A mere $2,000 short.

Which brings me back to the puzzle we started...

You guys have been so generous with your giving and we are unbelievably overwhelmed by how much you guys care for us and little Arthur! It is so encouraging.

We have about 50 puzzle pieces accounted for, which means we still have about 290 pieces left to complete the puzzle.

With the $2,000 we lack for the referral fee, with the referral coming up quickly, and then with our travel to Ethiopia twice and a few more little fees in between, we are asking for your help again...

If you can, please donate by clicking the PayPal button on the right side of this page... It would mean the world to us.

And if you can't donate any money, we would still love your prayers. God is way bigger than any amount of money that stands in our way. And your prayers are so powerful in getting our boy home quickly.

Thank you guys again for all you have done and what you are doing. It is amazing to have you along with us on this journey!

Love Rescued Me (8bit remix by The Fluorescent)

2011-03-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Love Rescued Me (8bit remix by The Fluorescent) by aaronhale

Check out The Fluorescent on their website: thefluorescent.com

** Update (3/31/11) **

You can now buy "Love Rescued Me (8Bit Remix by The Fluorescent)" on iTunes! CLICK HERE!

Aaron Hale & friends - Lenten Hymns Vol. I

2011-03-01T22:30:00.000-08:00

The season of Lent is coming up next week (beginning with Ash Wednesday, March 9th) and me and the band have decided to record some of our favorite hymns and release a collection for you (our friends) to have!

During the 40 days of Lent, I will be posting a new hymn every Sunday on my bandcamp site for you to download.

Then, at the end of the season (on Easter Sunday) we will have the entire collection available as a digital downloadable EP for you to own and listen to anytime, at your own leisure, forever!

We hope that these hymns will bring you to a place of penitence and prayer, assisting you in fixing your eyes to the cross of Jesus and leads you to the miracle of Easter, where Love's redeeming work was done and where Christ won the eternal battle over sin and death.

The first hymn will be available on Sunday, March 13th here: http://aaronhale.bandcamp.com

(Lent is the season of preparation - through prayer, penitence and self-denial - for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the death and resurrection of Jesus. It culminates in Easter, when we celebrate the day that Jesus rose from the grave and conquered death, forgiving all of our sins.)

Aslan sings Narnia into creation...

2011-02-24T23:07:00.000-08:00

“In the darkness something was happening at last. A voice had begun to sing. It was very far away and Digory found it hard to decide from what direction it was coming. Sometimes it seemed to come from all directions at once. Sometimes he almost thought it was coming out of the earth beneath them. Its lower notes were deep enough to be the voice of the earth herself. There were no words. There was hardly even a tune. But it was, beyond comparison, the most beautiful noise he had ever heard. It was so beautiful he could hardly bear it.”

- C.S. Lewis (The Magician's Nephew)

Aaron Hale - Ghostly (Official Music Video)

2011-02-14T11:38:00.000-08:00

Aaron Hale - Ghostly (Official Music Video) from Aaron Hale on Vimeo.

8 Seconds with Aaron Hale (Episode #3 - Aaron Exercises)

2011-02-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

Puzzle Update #1

2011-02-07T15:26:00.001-08:00

Well, it's been a little over a week since we started this whole "puzzle sponsorship" thing to raise money for our adoption...

So far we have had 25 people sponsor pieces! That's amazing! Thank you to all of you who have helped so far... Your efforts are helping us inch closer and closer to bringing Arthur home!

We can't wait, but we still have 315 puzzle pieces left! Don't give up now!

*Remember: If you wish to sponsor puzzle pieces for $10 (feel free to give more than $10), you may do so by clicking on the "donate" Paypal button located on the right side of my blog... or you can send it to our home address - email me for directions: aaron@aaronhalemusic.com.

The Missing Piece? (Adoption Update)

2011-01-27T23:06:00.000-08:00

As you know, my wife, Heather, and I are well into the adoption process and, as we progress, your support is appreciated more than you know.

The process is long and SUPER expensive (close to $30,000). That is scary, right?

We are positive that God has called us to this adoption and we trust that He will provide, as He has so faithfully already.

We thank you so much for your prayers and gifts. So many people have been lifting us up in prayer and encouraging us daily as we go through this journey. It's incredible. We could never do this alone, so please don't stop. Pray that God will continue to reveal His plan and perfect will for our family and that He will keep our boy (Arthur) safe and sound as we work so diligently to bring him home.

Perhaps God is calling you to be a part of this with us. Maybe He wants to use you to help us financially. We would welcome that, as well...

So...

In an effort to help us raise the funds we need for the rest of our adoption costs, we bought this 340 piece puzzle...

The title of the puzzle is "Two Friends"... It was designed in 1950 by artist, Adam Styka.

If you know me, you know that I love 1950's cowboy stuff. And, probably to my wife's chagrin, I have been eyeing a lot of it for Arthur's future room.

So, I bought this puzzle... and here's why...

We're inviting you to "sponsor" a piece of the puzzle for $10. With each piece of the puzzle you sponsor, we'll write your name on the back and put that piece of puzzle into place. A permanent reminder of the part you played in our adoption story.

Once all the pieces are "sponsored" and the puzzle is complete, we are going to frame it in double-sided glass and hang it in Arthur's room. It will be a constant reminder for us and Arthur of all those who prayed for and financially supported us on this journey.

As we continue on the road, I will post updates of our puzzle progress on this blog to show how close we are to completing this fundraiser.

God has big plans for us, and for Arthur, and for you. Will you join us as we follow God's calling to give Arthur the home that was always planned for him? Maybe you're the missing piece that God wants to use.

*If you wish to sponsor puzzle pieces (feel free to give more than $10), you may do so by clicking on the "donate" Paypal button located on the right side of my blog... or you can send it to our home address - email me for directions: aaron@aaronhalemusic.com.

Thank you again for your support in all aspects of this story.

**By the way, I got the idea from this blog: http://andiamyours.blogspot.com

8 Seconds with Aaron Hale (Episode #2 - Aaron's Gear)

2011-01-20T22:01:00.000-08:00

8 Seconds With Aaron Hale (Episode #1 - Aaron's Life Story)

2011-01-16T09:08:00.000-08:00

Help Compassion by downloading FREE music?

2011-01-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

NewReleaseTuesday.com is partnering with Compassion International this month and giving away a free 18-song compilation, appropriately called GOT A LOT TO GIVE: Songs of Compassion.

Included on the compilation is my song "Got A Lot To Give"...

All you have to do is join NRT (for free) and download the album. With each new member sign-up, $0.25 will go to Compassion to help impoverished kids throughout the world.

Here is the link: http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/freemusic_compassion.php

BEST ALBUMS of 2010

2010-12-20T11:21:00.000-08:00

Here is my TOP 15 ALBUMS OF 2010 list!

Enjoy!

15. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

14. Fran Healy - Wreckorder

13. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

12. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

11. The Tallest Man On Earth - The Wild Hunt

10. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast

9. The Brilliance - The Brilliance

8. Jonsi - Go

7. Sleigh Bells - Treats

6. Morning Benders - Big Echo

5. Vampire Weekend - Contra

4. John Mark McMillan - The Medicine

3. Robbie Seay Band - Miracle

2. Gungor - Beautiful Things

1. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

Honorable Mentions:

Midlake - The Courage of Others

LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening

Album that I didn't get to listen to this year that would probably be on the list if I had:

Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest

Best Worship Albums of 2010:

5. Charlie Hall - The Rising

4. The Brilliance - The Brilliance

3. John Mark McMillan - The Medicine

2. Robbie Seay Band - Miracle

1. Gungor - Beautiful Things

HARK! THE CHRISTMAS EP Re-released!

2010-11-16T11:12:00.000-08:00

Last year I released a free Christmas EP for a limited time!

Now it's available forever for a really low price on iTunes!

Go get it here!

The best friend a song ever had...

2010-11-14T19:07:00.001-08:00

Behind the Scenes: The GHOSTLY Video Shoot

2010-11-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

We shot a video for GHOSTLY last night...

Stay tuned for details on the world premiere!

What People Are Saying About GHOSTLY

2010-10-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few reviews of GHOSTLY EP (which you can buy RIGHT HERE!):

"Following in the steps of artists like Robbie Seay and Leeland, Aaron Hale puts forth a very worthy glimpse into what a full length might look like. A steady, but very vulnerable voice leads the charge while his acoustic guitar (and other instruments) play the accompanying part. “Ghostly” definitely sticks as the most memorable track, even though “Wake Within Me” and “Got A Lot To Give” feel just as intriguing in the moment."

- The Album Project (thealbumproject.net)

"I'm always down for a great album. An album you can wake up to on a warm sunny day, or fall asleep to on a cold Texas night. Aaron Hale’s new EP Ghostly is just that. I’ve been listening to this EP on repeat the last 2 days… so good…"

- Patrick Rutherford (rutherfordphoto.com)

"Sweet melodies, soft instrument sounds that are laced with strong lyrics that challenge.

What I love about this EP is that the music is stripped back, not over produced, but raw and honest. Every element can be heard and when you listen to it again you can hear something that you didn’t hear the first time around. Definitely one for any fan of David Bazan, Fleet Foxes or if you just want something to compliment some quiet time on a nice sunday afternoon."

- Tim Griffin (iamgriffin.tumblr.com)

"Aaron’s new EP toes the line between pop and the unexpected in a pleasing way. I think both sides of the musical isle might find something to grab onto with this EP. It’s not a straightforward Christian worship album full of expected crescendos and melodies, yet it remains very accessible melodically. In fact, it nears the ‘infectious’ realm of melody.

These three songs hint at Robbie Seay’s style in that it doesn’t take long to catch the tune and sing along. But it’s worth the fight to just shut up and listen because Aaron’s performance on the album is compelling."

- Josh Rosenthal (joshrosenthal.net)

"After spending the summer leading worship at various events throughout the southeast, Aaron Hale is ready to settle into fall with the release of a new EP. Although the title may sound appropriate for late October, the theme gives a fresh perspective on what it means to be Ghostly.

The first track majors on ethereal purity and the weightlessness available through forgiveness. "Ghostly" lands in the ear as a pleasant and original tune. The end of this song has a slow swell into repetition of the line "there is hope for me". This message is an inspiring, fuss-less theme that encourages the listener beyond the circumstance of heavy brokenness. "Ghostly" has a deeper personal meaning with every listen.

The second track, "Got a Lot to Give" may have been written as a personal anthem for Aaron and his wife Heather (who are in the process of adopting a little boy named Arthur from Ethiopia), but the message is applicable to anyone who wishes to emulate the teachings of Jesus into their lives in order to love those around them in a truer, more self-less way. Aaron captures the struggle to do this. This song communicates the feeling of having much to offer while simultaneously facing the complicated red tape of not knowing "the right way" and not "having the words" to bring about the desired change in one's self and surroundings.

"Wake Within Me" was co-written with Robbie Seay. This talent combination results in lyrics made of alluring poetry about finally reaching light, warmth, and a familiar love after traveling through darkness and despondency. Aaron's voice is the strongest instrument here, set against gentle guitar and keys. This song is simultaneously delicate, beautiful and strong. Aaron's limited patience for over-production serves this song incredibly well. It stands on its own as a lovely conclusion to the EP."

- Bethany Boatwright (bethanylenn310.blogspot.com)

______________________________________________

There are many more where that came from...

If you want to write a review for GHOSTLY, send it to me! I'd love to reprint it on my blog for the world to see! -- aaron@aaronhalemusic.com

Or you can write a review on iTunes, too! That would be swell!!

IT'S HERE!

2010-10-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

Aaron Hale // Ghostly EP Available TODAY!

CLICK HERE TO BUY IT ON ITUNES!

HOPE

2010-10-07T00:38:00.001-07:00

LOVE IS WAITING ONLINE STORE

2010-09-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

My wife, Heather, has opened an online store for LOVE IS WAITING (her adoption blog). All of the proceeds are going to help us bring our son home!

Even if you don't have money to buy something in the store, it would sure help us if you helped spread the word to your friends and family in real life or on Facebook and Twitter!

Here is a link to the store! -- http://loveiswaiting.storenvy.com

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support!

The Story Behind GHOSTLY

2010-09-21T22:20:00.000-07:00

I have had a few people ask me about the concept behind the song "GHOSTLY" recently and I thought I would shed some light on where it came from.

So often, as believers, we try to hide ourselves and our sin from God. We are so ashamed of ourselves and the things we have done that we think it would be better to run and hide from Him. Our hands get dirty and we tell ourselves that we can never get them clean. The burden of sin spreads like a disease and it breaks our hearts.

But we are believing a lie.

Even when we try to hide, God sees us. He sees right through us. He knows it all. He sees what we have done.

The incredible news is that we have already been forgiven!

Once and for all.

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We are ghostly white, clean as snow and, thank God, THERE IS HOPE FOR US!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13

GHOSTLY EP's official tracklist

2010-09-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

Well, we finished the final mix and mastered the GHOSTLY EP last night! I can't wait for you all to hear it!

Here is the official tracklist for the EP:

1. GHOSTLY

2. GOT A LOT TO GIVE

3. WAKE WITHIN ME

So mark your calendars for 10.12.10 and let's get the word out!

There is hope for me!

GHOSTLY EP promo video #1

2010-09-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

If you like this video and want to help promote the EP on your blog or website you can use this YouTube embed code:

or if you want to tweet it use this link to the actual YouTube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgicExq4jns

Help promote GHOSTLY EP's release with me!

2010-08-23T14:13:00.001-07:00

I would love if you guys could help me promote the GHOSTLY EP release coming up by adding "THERE IS HOPE FOR ME" to your Facebook/Myspace/Twitter profile picture. You can make it as simple or complex as you want. Be creative. Use Photoshop if you want, or MS Paint, or just take a picture with a sign you make... Whatever you can do really helps! Let's get the word out about this EP!

Here are some examples of some that have been done already:

Be sure to tag me in the photo on Facebook and add a caption that mentions the release... Something like "AARON HALE - GHOSTLY EP - 10.12.10".

If you want to email me your creation, please do! -- aaron@aaronhalemusic.com

I plan to post a blog with all of them in the future! The more the merrier!

You guys are really sweet to help! It really means a whole lot!

"I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance." - Ephesians 1:18

THERE IS HOPE FOR ME!

GHOSTLY EP cover art

2010-08-22T21:56:00.000-07:00

The cover photo is by a girl called Heather Hale. She's wonderful. Ha. Check her work out by clicking her name. News on a release show and more upcoming shows in the coming weeks! Stay tuned.

"GHOSTLY EP" RELEASES OCTOBER 12th!

2010-08-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

My new EP, "GHOSTLY EP", will be coming out on October 12th (digitally-speaking). More news on this in the coming weeks... but I'm very excited about it and I will post the cover art soon for you to enjoy! To hear the title track from the EP visit my Myspace by clicking here.

There is hope for me.

TO ART (A LETTER FROM YOUR DAD):

2010-08-07T00:14:00.000-07:00

Little Arthur,

I don't know you yet.

I dream about you often. In my dreams I can't see your face, but my heart bursts with a love I have never known before. A new kind of love for me. The kind of love that I imagine only a father can have for his son. A love that grows larger everyday as we work so hard to get you here.

You are such a mystery, little man. I miss you so much and I've never even met you. I think about you all the time. What are you doing as I write this? What will you be like? What will you grow up to be?

I daydream about carrying you around and showing you off. I imagine singing you to sleep and waking you up in the morning. I wonder what you smell like and how my heart will feel when you look at me for the first time.

One thing I know for sure is that you will always be loved. You will always belong with us no matter what, and there is nothing you could ever do to change that.

I hope that, while we are apart for now, you can feel my love for you wherever you are. I hope that you can rest knowing that we are doing all that we can do to bring you home to us.

I would do anything for you, Art.

You are my son and I love you.

Love is waiting to bring you home, bud...

Your Pop

TWO THINGS I WANT TO BE (and a book review)

2010-07-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

There are two things I really strive to be in my life. I'm not necessarily good at either one all the time, and it seems I switch off being better at one than the other most of the time... depending on which is getting more of my focus. Sometimes I am terrible at both of them.

The first thing I strive to be is AUTHENTIC.

As a lead worshiper, the most important job for me is to lead God's people in authentic, genuine worship. That is no small feat by any means. Most lead worshipers can tell you that it is one of the most difficult tasks, not because we don't TRY to lead genuinely, but because there are so many things to distract us from doing so. My job is to bridge the gap between God and His people; to be used by the Holy Spirit in revealing Himself and His will for us, and to help lead in the church's response of praise and worship. If that is not done genuinely, with authentic motives and a pure longing for the heavenly, then I fail.

That scares me to death.

I want to be an honest person who is unafraid to show my flaws. I want to be someone that says, "Here I am, broken, sinful and stupid, but clinging firmly to God's unfailing love and open to being used by Him!" I think that vulnerability and authenticity is all people really want from each other.

Which leads me to my second goal. I desperately want to be A GOOD FRIEND.

I have always had a lot of friends. People who love me no matter what. I know that. Not everyone can say that. I'm luckier than even I know most of the time. When I moved to Kansas City from Texas I only knew one person here. Fortunately, she is my favorite person in the world, but I left so many wonderful friends behind. Lucky for me, the church I immediately started to attend brought with it endless opportunities to meet new and interesting people to make friends with. The first few months in KC I made so many new friends. If I didn't know someone and thought that I should, I would just introduce myself. I had plenty of corny jokes up my sleeve that were sure to at least break the ice or give people a reason to run far from me. Either way, I needed friends and I was determined to find ones that could handle me.

After about a year, I started to feel really lame. I wasn't spending much time with my new friends and I wasn't invited anywhere with them anymore. I started to question if they even liked me and the more I headed down that road, the more I started to question every friendship I had ever had. Maybe ALL my "friends" have never really liked me. Maybe people just put up with me.

I started to complain to Heather about it. I was so angry and jealous and upset. I complained about it a lot. Then, one day she said something that really hit me. She said, "Well, maybe YOU'RE not a good friend!"

Excuse me?!

At first I got defensive and dismissed it, until later when I was laying in bed. Heather was fast asleep beside me. That statement started to haunt me. I started crying.

Maybe I'm not a good friend.

Maybe I'm just a selfish person.

Maybe I'm expecting more from them than I am even willing to put into our friendship.

I read the book, AN OAK TREE LATE IN WINTER, last night and it inspired me.

In his book, my old friend Josh Rosenthal, recounts stories from his past that have lead him to the person he is today. Some of these stories are hilarious, while others are heartbreaking. His authentic writing falls in the same vein as authors like Donald Miller, sharing similar stories of heartache and healing.

Having known Rosenthal since high school, I was aware of most of the stories in the book, but they were told with such a deep honesty that literally made me laugh out loud at times and sob uncontrollably in others.

Josh is a singer-songwriter based in Salt Lake City and has been traveling the country playing his songs for years. Obviously, that's something I can relate to, but as he dives even more into his struggle to define himself as an artist, it resonates even more with who I am as one. From comparing himself to other artists who are more "successful" than him to arguing with people who don't fully grasp why he writes the songs he does, I'm right on board.

Although Rosenthal is a great songwriter, the book is not about music or songwriting. The book, to me, is about healing. It's about the wounds of divorce, teenage angst, fear, loss and loneliness, and the struggle for faith and community. With each story it's as if you are actually along for the ride in his healing process. As each story ends, a wound is healed and faith is slowly restored.

I read the book in a couple of hours because I couldn't put it down, and there were three main lessons in it that I can really appreciate:

(1) God makes beauty from pain,

(2) We need each other

and (3) to have good friends you have to be a good friend.

If you want to buy Josh's book, please visit: http://joshrosenthal.bigcartel.com/

And buy one of his albums while you're at it! You won't regret it!

NEW SONG UP: "GHOSTLY"

2010-05-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

My new song, "Ghostly", is up on Myspace!

Go listen and tell me your thoughts!

Click Here!

Brad and Angelina

2010-04-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

Since we started the adoption process, we have gotten a lot of comments from people calling adoption "trendy." While it's true that international adoption is on the rise recently, it is so much more than just a current trend...

Heather and I are still in the early stages of adoption right now. We are finishing up our Home Study today, actually. We are just starting our third month in the process and I'm not sure how much longer we have until we get to bring Little Arthur home.

To be honest, when we started discussing the possibility of adoption a couple of years ago, I wasn't sure we would ever actually do it. I have always wanted to, but I didn't really know the first thing about it, much less the timely and costly process it is to adopt. But, after a couple of years of marriage, we started talking and praying more seriously about starting our family and adoption was at the forefront of both of our minds.

Heather and I have both traveled to Africa in the past and have gotten the chance to experience, first-hand, the incredible people there. The more time we have spent with these beautiful people, the more our hearts have connected. Our world views have expanded and opened up to much greater things because we now know our brothers and sisters across the world. We have witnessed their resilient strength, amazing culture and unabashed love.

But we have also witnessed a great need. We have seen the poverty and disease that has overtaken most of Africa. We have spent time with orphan children who so desperately need homes. These kids need to know love and opportunity. They need to have a father and a mother.

And this has been the case forever.

The miracle of adoption is anything but trendy...

Adoption has been at the heart of God since the very beginning.

Deuteronomy 10:18 says, "He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing."

He is called "a father to the fatherless" in Psalm 68:5.

And Romans 8:15 says: "For you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you have received God's Spirit when He ADOPTED you as his own children. Now we call Him, 'Abba, Father.'"

Heather and I firmly believe that adoption is the most tangible form of the gospel. Once we were fatherless, without a home... and now we have a Father, who calls us His children and who will never leave us. And that is exactly what I will be to my Little Art.

So, before you assume anything, know that we aren't adopting a child because Brad and Angelina are doing it... Although I think those two are doing a great thing... We are doing it because God has called us to do it.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress." - James 1:27

LOVE IS WAITING!

2010-02-20T14:03:00.000-08:00

My wife and I have some super exciting news!

We are starting the paperwork to adopt a little guy from Ethiopia!

You can't even believe how excited we are! It is going to be a long process and it would sure mean a lot to have your prayers as we begin this incredible journey!

If you want to keep up with our journey, you should follow our adoption blog here -- http://loveiswaitingadoptionstory.blogspot.com

I can't wait to see what God has in store for us and our soon-to-be son! And we're excited to have you be a part of the process with us! Thanks so much for your prayers and support!

GOT A LOT TO GIVE VIDEO

2010-01-28T09:10:00.001-08:00

"GOT A LOT TO GIVE" NOW AVAILABLE!

2010-01-25T09:53:00.000-08:00

My new single, Got A Lot To Give, is now available for digital download!

If you purchase the song on my BandCamp site all proceeds go to REAL HOPE FOR HAITI, a rescue center that is intentional in its efforts to improve the quality of life for malnourished children in Haiti, especially in the current crisis.

You can pay what you want for the song, but know that whatever you give is helping so many desperate people in Haiti that really need all the help they can get!

I hope you like the new song, and I hope it encourages you to find ways to give to the people around you who need help!

Got A Lot To Give? - Help Haiti Now!

2010-01-13T22:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, the worst earthquake to hit Haiti in 200 years devastated the small country and left countless dazed survivors wandering past dead bodies in rubble-strewn streets, crying for loved ones. Some say that the death toll could be up to 500,000 but no one is really sure yet. One thing is certain, however; Haiti needs our help!

Today, I sat at my computer and wrote emails, worked on some music and caught up on American Idol and the Conan/Leno debacle in my warm house, with my family, all safe and sound. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless and lost loved ones just a couple thousand miles away from me.

The more I hear about this tragedy in Haiti, the harder it is to ignore God's call to help the helpless.

I have a new song that I just finished recording called Got A Lot To Give. The song comes from this place. It's hard to think about all the brokenness in the world, and to be completely comfortable, yet have this longing to change the state of humanity and help those around me. The song is a prayer asking for help to be shown how to be used.*

But how can you help Haiti?

Well, there are a lot of ways to give donations for aid. Please look at the following options and research for yourself how to help the Haitians in this horrific time:

1. Donate to Compassion International's Haiti Earthquake Response Fund.

2. Text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross' Haitian relief efforts.

3. Text "Yele" to 501501 to donate $5 to Yele Haiti.

4. Donate to charity:water.

5. Donate to Partners In Health.

We are so blessed to live where we live and to have what we have, and the easiest way for us to help is by donating a little bit of money to these people who need a lot of help. So, please do what you can... and spread the word!

*Got A Lot To Give will be available for download on iTunes and AmazonMP3 in February! Stay tuned for updates!

Top 20 Albums of 2009

2009-12-21T15:02:00.000-08:00

On my old blog I used to do a list of my favorite albums each year, so I thought I would continue on with the tradition and give you a list for 2009!

Here are my favorite albums released in 2009:

20. Passion Pit - Manners

19. St. Vincent - Actor

18. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

17. The Civil Wars - Poison & Wine EP

16. Ben Kweller - Changing Horses

15. Various Artists - Dark Was The Night

14. Bon Iver - Blood Bank EP

13. J. Tillman - Year In The Kingdom

12. The Very Best - Warm Heart of Africa

11. Various Artists - Where The Wild Things Are Original Soundtrack

10. The Swell Season - Strict Joy

9. Derek Webb - Stockholm Syndrome

8. Wilco - Wilco (The Album)

7. MuteMath - Armistice

6. U2 - No Line On The Horizon

5. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

4. Doves - Kingdom of Rust

3. Mat Kearney - City of Black and White

2. The Decemberists - Hazards of Love

1. David Bazan - Curse Your Branches

Also, I wanted to add two of my favorite albums released this year by buddies of mine (click them to go to their iTunes pages):

Air Review - Landmarks

The Sailor Sequence - 5

Enjoy!

JOSH ROSENTHAL HOLIDAY SPECIAL!

2009-12-03T16:02:00.000-08:00

My buddy, Josh Rosenthal, spent the last year developing a series of 4 EPs called The Villages Suite.

The latest record (and final in the suite) is a Christmas album called For a Day.

The Villages Suite captures the idea of our need for connection with one another... much like the concept of this blog!

Josh has a variety of Christmas specials online with several CDs and t-shirt combinations. You can purchase them through his online store at http://joshrosenthal.bigcartel.com. He gave me a special promotional code for my friends and blog readers to get an extra 10% off. At checkout use AARON to get the discount.

For a Day is a great stocking stuffer, and goes really well in a special holiday mix with

my FREE Christmas EP!

To preview his music go to his myspace at:

http://www.myspace.com/joshrosenthal

To purchase his music with my promotional code go to:

http://joshrosenthal.bigcartel.com/

Aaron Hale featured on Jesus Needs New PR!

2009-11-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

The witty Matthew Paul Turner (commentator on culture and faith, and author of several books - The Christian Culture Survival Guide, Churched: One Kid's Journey Toward God Despite A Holy Mess, etc.) has featured me and my FREE Christmas EP on his wildly popular blog - Jesus Needs New PR.

Click this link to read what Matthew had to say!

And be sure to pick up one of his hilarious books while you're at it!

HARK! THE CHRISTMAS EP NOW AVAILABLE!

2009-11-17T07:47:00.001-08:00

Click here to download!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HARK! The Christmas EP

2009-10-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

HARK!

I will be releasing a three-song Christmas EP on NOVEMBER 17th!

It is a free digital download, so mark your calendars and watch for updates on Twitter and this blog to find out where to get it!

LAB PARTNERS PROJECT!

2009-09-22T12:02:00.001-07:00

My wife and I are starting an organization to help needy children and orphans in Africa get an education!

We need your help!

Please visit our blog for more information: http://labpartnersproject.blogspot.com

Interview and Review on Moved Through Music

2009-09-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed and reviewed by Brian at Moved Through Music today!

Check it out here!

Interview with Storenvy!

2009-08-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

Check out this interview I did with my good pals at Storenvy!! --

http://blog.storenvy.com

AARON HALE - THE EP out now!

2009-08-17T22:01:00.000-07:00

You can buy the new EP at Storenvy now... and iTunes soon!

Tracks:

1. Love Rescued Me

2. Always Been You

3. You Are

iTunes will have a bonus track with it, as well!

Already have the EP? Leave a comment about your thoughts here!

Even David Crowder wants you to buy my new EP!

2009-07-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

Always Been You (live, acoustic and on my couch)

2009-07-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

This is the original (slower acoustic) version of "Always Been You"...

It's a lot different on the EP.

I hope you like it.

Little Wonder would not stop licking her paws the whole time!

(Remember: The new EP will be out on August 18th!)

Profile #27 - HEATHER

2009-07-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

This is my wonderful wife Heather.

She is the most special girl in the world.

For many reasons.

She is so talented it's ridiculous. She will think of great ideas and execute them on her own with no problem. She can create the most incredible things. I'm in awe of her creativity and conceptual mind. It's truly remarkable.

She's the most beautiful girl I have ever met. In every way. Believe it.

Her smile is electric.

Her laugh makes me feel like a little kid.

Her eyes... well, I hope our babies inherit those.

She is the most understanding person and she's perfectly honest.

Her heart is pure and her aim is true.

She is a woman after God's own heart.

She is the only girl that I have ever been able to pursue with reckless abandon, and my one and only love.

I love Heather with all that is within me, and my album art wouldn't be the same without her pretty face.

Profile #26 - BENOM

2009-07-09T22:49:00.000-07:00

Meet Benom.

I once heard someone say that people who pursue careers in music need "champions" in their lives to encourage, support and inspire them.

Benom has always been a champion to me.

He is one of the best friends I could have ever asked for.

He speaks truth, genuinely and from the heart, and there is never a doubt in my mind that everything he does is out of love for me and others.

On top of all that, the guy is brilliant and creative.

This is Benom and, not only is it an honor, but his profile looked way too cool to not use it in my album art.

Profile #25 - DAD

2009-06-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

This is my Dad.

When I was a kid he used to take me hunting and I would follow right behind him, in his exact footsteps wherever he walked.

I have always wanted to be just like him.

There isn't a soul I look up to more than my pop.

He is an inspiration in his faith, his work ethic, and his love for his family. I hope that I can be half the man he is.

I think if we went hunting today, I would still follow in his footsteps the whole way.

I love my Dad with all my heart, and I'm so happy he is a part of my album art!

Oh... um... Hi.

2009-06-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Interview with Josh Rosenthal

2009-06-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of interviewing my buddy (and fellow singer/songwriter), Josh Rosenthal, for his blog recently...

I asked him some serious, pressing questions.

You should check it out!

Click Here!

Profile #24 - MOMZ

2009-06-08T12:57:00.001-07:00

This is my mom.

The woman who birthed and raised me.

There is no way I can sum up who she has been to me in a tiny blog post. I am eternally grateful for her.

She has taught me the importance of family, how to treat others, how to love God, people and pets... even mentally unstable pets.

I have never doubted her love for me. And I hope she has never doubted mine for her.

I love my Momz, and I am so happy for her to be a part of my new record.

Profile #23 - BRIAN

2009-06-03T12:42:00.001-07:00

Meet Brian.

This guy has been one of my closest friends in all my life.

I have played music with him more than with any other person. He is an excellent drummer, and an even better friend.

Our roadtrips and travels together are some of the best memories I have to date. He has the best attitude, and can bring a smile to my face quicker than most.

Our friendship is pretty special, and I can't wait to be "Uncle Aaron" in a few months to a beautiful baby Brian.

I love Brian... and I'm so glad he is a part of my album art!

Profile #22 - AMANDA

2009-06-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

This is Amanda.

I have known her for a long time. She knows me better than most people.

I have so much fun with Amanda. We might annoy everyone around us when we are together, but who cares? We have a blast.

I have never known anyone more comfortable in their own skin. She is 100% genuine, and she's an all-time friend. I love how much she wants to grow and experience life to the fullest. It's really contagious.

Amanda is one of my closest friends, and I'm so glad she's a part of the new album.

Profile #21 - KYLE

2009-05-26T10:58:00.001-07:00

Say hello to Kyle.

We have been friends for a long time.

This guy does the best impressions I have ever heard. He can have me laughing for hours with all of them. It's quite impressive!

We used to make goofy videos for a youth group every week. I wish we still had them because they were pretty hilarious. At least we thought they were.

Kyle has remained a really great friend through the years... even though I haven't seen him in a long time.

We have been through a lot together. Good and bad. We have changed and grown up together. We have shared in our pains and joys together. It's been so great to have him as a friend.

That's why Kyle had to be a part of my new record!

Profile #20 - LAUREN

2009-05-21T09:20:00.001-07:00

This is Lauren.

I met her when I met Laura (seen below). They are roommates. They both bake amazing things. Mmmmm!

Lauren is so cool. She's fun and funny, sweet and courteous. (Yeah, I just used to word 'courteous'... deal with it.)

I like that Lauren tries to make everyone feel included and important. She seems genuinely interested in things I say, even if she probably isn't at all. That's really nice.

She is such a great and supportive friend.

It really means a lot to have Lauren on my record.

Profile #19 - LANCE

2009-05-19T10:49:00.001-07:00

This is Lance.

He has been officially designated as my BFF.

That's right.

And you can't have more than one of those.

Lance is it. My BFF. My Best Friend Forever.

The BFF title comes with a lot of responsibility, and Lance handles it all very well. Sometimes it's scary how much he and I are alike. We like and dislike ALL of the same things-- movies, music, people, places. It's pretty insane.

Other than my own wife, I don't know that I feel more comfortable with anyone on earth more than I do with Lance. We could hang out for days together without tiring of each other even a little bit. I mean, I can only speak for myself, but I'm pretty sure he feels the same.

Lance is a worship leader in Texas, and I love singing backup and playing guitar in the band when he is leading worship. He is truly annointed.

We have done stupid things together. We have laughed so hard it hurts (I have it on tape), and we have cried together so many times (mostly while watching any movie that is even remotely sentimental) that it's embarrassing.

Needless to say, it's more than an honor for Lance to be a part of my new record.

Profile #18 - AMY

2009-05-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

Say hello to Amy.

Amy is super cool... as you can see by her rad pirate-like dew rag. Haha!

I mostly know her through my wife, but I have spent enough time with her to know that she is loads of fun!

She's got great fashion sense, she's cute, and she's hilarious. Not to mention, she can dance like nobody's business. Trust me. I've seen it with my own eyes.

If you don't know Amy, you totally should!

Profile #17 - JON

2009-05-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

This is Jon.

One of my closest friends in all the world.

I don't have many friends that have shared what Jon and I have. And I know I could never find a more loyal friend than him.

Jon and I have played and recorded music together for almost eight years! He is extremely gifted when it comes to anything technical -- I wish I had half of his engineering talents.

But above all of that, it has been so great to grow with him, and see him grow.

There aren't any secrets between us, and I know that, no matter the situation, Jon will be right beside me. And I don't think I could have asked for a better friend.

Profile #16 - AMANDA

2009-05-14T10:20:00.001-07:00

Meet Amanda.

I met her on Myspace when I first signed up. We hit it off and have been friends ever since. She lives part of her time in California, and part in Hawaii. Not bad, eh?

She's sweet, cute, funny and her voice is outstanding!

One of these days we are gonna do a show together...

Amanda has been a good friend since I started recording music, so it's only natural that she would be a part of my new record! Duh!

Profile #15 - KIRK

2009-05-13T11:14:00.001-07:00

Meet Kirk.

Kirk and I have been friends for a few years now.

I love this guy.

He is a deep-thinker with killer music taste. And his beard is fantastic!

We have a lot of fun together. In fact, I once had a dance party in the backseat of my car on the highway somewhere between Santa Fe and Lubbock, Texas with this guy.

Plus he knows EVERYBODY! I bet you have met Kirk, haven't you?

Kirk is the jam! That's why he is gonna be a part of my album art!

Profile #14 - ALLYHEART

2009-05-12T10:29:00.001-07:00

This is Alexis.

I call her AllyHeart.

We have never met in person, and that is really funny to me.

Ever since I started playing music, Ally has been there... She was one of my first Myspace friends, and has been one of the truest fans all along. She even made an AARON HALE bag! Although I have no idea if she ever used it. Haha!

AllyHeart is sweet and tiny.

She's a good pal and a great fan.

I'm really glad that she is a part of my new EP!

THE MERCH HAS ARRIVED!

2009-05-07T07:15:00.001-07:00

Profile #13 - JOSH

2009-05-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

Meet Josh.

I became friends with this guy in high school when he dated my sister. A lot has changed, and we both moved to different places.

He is a talented songwriter and guitar player in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Josh has been really nice about helping me with direction and ideas as far as my music goes and I really appreciate his guidance and support.

Josh is hilarious and fun, but he is really deep, too.

His purpose in music is really inspirational because his mission goes way beyond his songs. I think that's really special and rare.

I'm really thankful for having a friend like Josh!

Profile #12 - JENNI

2009-05-01T14:24:00.001-07:00

This is Jenni.

I met her at one of my shows like three years ago in Norman, Oklahoma... and we have spent way more time together via cell phone than in person ever since.

She is so sweet she gives me a toothache.

For someone I haven't spent much time with, she is really supportive and generous.

She is super stylish and fun, and she has really awesome hair!

I really like Jenni. I bet you would, too!

THE WINNER IS...

2009-04-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

MOLLY!

Congratulations, Molly!

You have won an official Aaron Hale t-shirt!

Everyone sent in excellent answers (for the most part), and it was a lot of fun reading your reasons.

Let's face it, though! Molly totally destroyed the competition by including a ton of my song titles in her little story... even some really obscure ones. I think we can all agree she deserves it!

Thanks to all of you who participated. The shirts will be on sale for everyone else shortly!

Molly, all you have to do is email me (aaron@aaronhalemusic.com) your t-shirt size and mailing address and I will mail you the shirt! It's that easy!

Well done!!!

T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY!

2009-04-29T09:28:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

The image above shows a young, handsome man wearing a heather gray t-shirt. That t-shirt is both soft and stylish. It is fitted to perfection.

In fact, the young, handsome man wearing the t-shirt doesn't even realize he is wearing clothes! Yes, the t-shirt is that perfect!

It's an American Apparel Aaron Hale t-shirt!

Excellent!

So, Here's the deal...

I'm giving away a brand new Aaron Hale t-shirt!

I know you have probably just wet your pants with excitement over that news, so I will give it a second to sink in...

Even if you haven't soiled yourself over it -- c'mon man, it's a free shirt!

Ok...

So...

Here's all you have to do:

Leave a comment on this blog (yes, the one you're reading) and, in said blog comment, tell me why you think you should win a deliciously free Aaron Hale t-shirt!

I will then pick what I think is the best reason, and that person who left said blog comment reason (could be you!) will win the deliciously, stupendously free Aaron Hale t-shirt!

The contest will end tomorrow (Thursday, April 30th) at 4:00pm (CST)!

Got it?!?!

Get goin'!!

Time's-a-wastin'....

Profile #11 - JANETTE

2009-04-28T08:33:00.001-07:00

Janette!

The wife of Jon (seen below).

She is a smart little lady who cares about people an awful lot.

She spends a lot of time writing and learning about social justice and low impact fashion (or "ethical fashion that loves you back" in her words) because she really cares about sustaining and preserving our world for future generations. I think that's pretty great!

Sometimes, she says the FUNNIEST little gems that I will talk about for weeks and I love that!

She is sweet, caring, stylish and fun.

This is Janette and she's my friend!

Profile #10 - DYLAN

2009-04-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

This is Dylan.

This guy is amazing. One of the funniest people I have ever known.

I met him the weekend after I moved to Kansas City.

He's like 6'4", skinny as a rail, and he has big red hair (that NEVER gets wet, even when he's swimming).

What I love about Dylan is that you can have the silliest conversation with him that makes absolutely no sense and laugh till it hurts, but within seconds it could turn into something deep and meaningful.

Dylan is the nicest guy, and he's a really great friend to me.

Profile #9 - SHANDA

2009-04-24T05:38:00.001-07:00

Meet Shanda.

The first time I ever spoke to Shanda was after Heather dumped me. I was so upset. I talked to Shanda on Instant Messenger to get some advice from one of Heather's best friends... Must have worked 'cause Heather ended up marrying me a year later!

Shanda is so freaking sweet.

Another talented artist (I'm surrounded by them!) with a heart of gold!

She's got the prettiest smile that could light up the darkest of rooms, and the biggest heart ever.

It's a pleasure having such a great friend incorporated in my album art.

Profile #8 - LEO

2009-04-23T05:56:00.000-07:00

This is Leo.

He is married to Rachel (seen below). I met him the same night that I met Jon (seen further below).

Leo is one of my favorite friends.

He is a really talented artist and furniture designer. Plus, he could probably fix anything that is broken.

He lives out in the woods of Arkansas and builds furniture, creates new inventions, works on old cars and rides a four-wheeler all day. I can totally picture him doing it shoeless and shirtless in overalls, too.

He is so encouraging to me. Even though he lives far away and his phone doesn't get reception where he lives, he still calls, texts or emails whenever he can to see how I am and to give an encouraging word. It really means a lot.

Leo is quiet and calm, cool and collected, laid back and witty, and he's a really great friend.

Profile #7 - RACHEL

2009-04-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

Meet Rachel.

She's a super talented artist, a funky dresser, a killer yodeler, and a sassy little farm girl.

She's gonna be a mom soon, and she's gonna be a wonderful one for sure!

I haven't known her for too long, and not long after we met, she and her husband moved away to the woods in Arkansas. Sigh. Too bad.

Even so, she remains a great friend.

This is Rachel and it's an honor to incorporate her and her long red hair in my album art!

Profile #6 - ZACHARY BEAU

2009-04-21T09:51:00.001-07:00

This is Zachary Beau.

Probably the most off-the-wall person I have ever met.

He could fall asleep anywhere, in any position, at anytime... But sometimes he doesn't sleep for days.

He is super creative with his music and his movies. I love his Bob Dylan covers, and his killer Westerns.

On top of all that, Zachary Beau is one of the kindest people I have ever known.

He is the definition of a true friend.

Profile #5 - LAURA

2009-04-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Say Hello to Laura.

I'm not sure you could find a better friend.

Laura is the sweetest, most giving person I know. I'm pretty confident that she would do anything for any of her friends.

She's fun and silly, and quite an amazing cook. Have her bake you some cupcakes sometime.

Man!!

I like Laura...
And I think you would, too!

Profile #4 - ERON

2009-04-17T08:46:00.001-07:00

This is Eron.

I met him in 2001, during my freshman year in college at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. Looking back on our first few encounters is pretty funny because we both had an extremely odd, silly side that neither of us revealed to each other for a few months.

We were camp counselors the following two summers, where we both discovered that we had an equally disturbing sense of humor... (As you can see by the zombie-like profile that he sent for me to use.) I'm pretty sure we annoyed everyone at camp with our "skits"... and we do, to this day, everytime we are together.

We can make each other laugh so hard that we cry just by beginning a quiet fake laugh.
We live hundreds of miles apart but, with just one thought of him, I will begin laughing out loud in front of people I don't know.

Even though we can be ridiculously silly with each other, our relationship extends to a much deeper reality. Eron is at seminary in Kentucky, and there aren't many people that I can turn to with questions, doubts or concerns like I can with him.

We have grown together.

He was one of my groomsmen in my wedding, and I was the best man in his.

He calls me almost everyday just to sing some random song on my voicemail, or to let "Billy Corgan" give me a special message.

Eron is one of my dearest friends. That's why his freaky profile is being incorporated into the new album art.

Profile #3 - HANK

2009-04-16T12:08:00.001-07:00

Meet Hank.

One of the most talented musicians I know. He's got a killer voice, and he's a great guitarist. I always wanted to be in a band with him, but it never worked out.

Hank and I have been friends for a while. We used to stay up all night watching foreign films and playing music. He and his wife are two of the most beautiful people I have ever met, and now they have a chubby little baby boy.

Hank is in a new band in Dallas that I have been really getting into, and any musical endeavour he is a part of ends up being solid gold!

He is one of my favorite friends.

I love that guy.

Profile #2 - ALEX

2009-04-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

This is Alex.

I met Alex a few years ago at the Invisible Children Global Night Commute. She was quiet and sweet.

Though we haven't spent much time together since then, I'm still pretty fond of her.

She is fun and silly and stylish and cute and supportive and faithful and loyal and honest and smart and patient.

What more could you ask for in a friend?

Profile #1 - JON

2009-04-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I asked my friends and family to send me pictures of their profiles to use for my new album art... You will see when it's all done...

So, over the next couple of weeks I will be posting a blog about each person incorporated in the artwork.

This is the first of the many profiles that will be featured.

This is Jon.

Jon is one of the first people I met when I moved to KC (almost two years ago) that I connected with instantly. I met him at a salsa dancing party that I really did not want to attend. There were very few males at this party, so I sought out the few that were there and Jon and I hit it off right away.

We have spent many a weekend together (with and without our wives) and I really feel like we could talk about anything.

One thing I first noticed about Jon is his honesty and sincerity. He remembers things that are important to me that most would forget, and he encourages me in them. Even months later. That means a lot.

On top of that, he is one of the wittiest people I have ever met. It's truly never a dull moment.
He is constantly searching for ways to make everything more enjoyable for everyone, and he usually succeeds.

He's a good friend to me... and that's why I have incorporated him into my new album art!

Songs & Shirts

2009-04-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

Three new songs are up on Myspace! Check 'em out and let me know your thoughts!

Also, how do you like these T-shirt designs? ---

The New EP!

2009-04-04T20:46:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, I just spent the last week in Lakeland, Florida recording a new EP.

Conrad Johnson (of Inertia Sound Studio and up-and-coming CCM group Chris and Conrad) produced it and I'm really excited about the way it turned out.

Heather and I are busy working on artwork for the EP and some merch, and next month I am filming a short bio video with Dren Studios. Plus, my buddy, Chetan Patel, is going to be shooting some photos of me, as well.

A lot of work to do, as you can see.

...

With all that said...

If you go to Myspace right now, you can hear the first track from the new EP, which will be released sometime this summer!

Let me know your thoughts!

I feel like this:

2009-03-25T18:15:00.000-07:00

(click to see the picture bigger)

The Beginning:

2009-03-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

Let this blog show that today marks the beginning of my newest journey.

This coming Friday, March 27th, I will be flying to Florida to record a new demo at Inertia Sound Studio. I will be spending eight busy days with a few guys that I have never met in person to lay down a few of my songs.

I'm nervous and I'm excited.

I am believing that God has some big things in store for me on this journey and I want you all to be a part of it...

...which brings me to the title of this blog...

I AM BECAUSE WE ARE

There is an African term that I have been pretty fond of over the last couple of years called "Ubuntu." It's a South African word and traditional philosophy that focuses on people's relationships with each other.

The concept of Ubuntu translates into the term "I am because we are."

In other words, a person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming, encouraging, and doesn't feel threatened that others are able and good because they have a self-assurance that comes from knowing that we all belong in a greater whole. We are all diminished when others are humiliated, or tortured, or oppressed.

Ubuntu means that we can only be human together. Our lives are woven together. We are all in this thing together. We are all broken and we are all just trying to figure it out. Together. We all want to feel like we are a part of something bigger than ourselves and we want to be interconnected with each other.

We all want to know that we aren't alone in our sadness, our loneliness, our confusion and doubt. We want our hearts to beat together and to be anchored in each other. We all want to be important and for our lives to mean something.

We can't do it on our own.

I need you.

You need me.

We need each other.

But most importantly we need Jesus Christ, who holds the whole world in His hands, and who created us to be together.

All of us.

I am because of you.

I am because we are.

Stay tuned for more news...

In the meantime, what are your thoughts on Ubuntu? Anything to add?