The Afters
Album: Never Going Back to OK
Current Hit Single: "Never Going Back to OK"
From their bio: The desire to escape mediocrity and embrace the very best that life has to offer suddenly hits you. It comes like a wonderfully dramatic epiphany. It is clear the time has come and a decision must be made. You know the status quo simply will not do. It is this powerful transformation that lies at the core of The Afters' sophomore release Never Going Back To OK (INO/Columbia Records). The Texas-based band was propelled into the national spotlight with their INO/Sony Music Label Group debut I Wish We All Could Win. The project spawned the swirling, melodic hit "Beautiful Love," earning the band an enthusiastic following when the song was selected as the theme track for MTV's "8th and Ocean."
Jess says: superb songwriting, consistent catchiness incorporated with messages that challenge

Stephanie Smith
Album: Not Afraid
Current Hit Single: "Not Afraid "
From her bio: Her compelling redemption story drives the hope-drenched lyrics and gutsy honesty of Not Afraid, a debut overflowing with solid pop rock anthems, all written or co-written by Stephanie. Her raw vocals shine on the fiercely-delivered “Superstar” while the pop-rock track “Beauty” directs toward peace within. One listen to the thick guitars of the powerhouse title track “Not Afraid” makes it obvious that Stephanie is a rock chick at heart. The catchy breakup song reminds what relationships are really about.
Jess says: a talented rocker highly relatable to the teen girl audience 

Hawk Nelson
Album: Hawk Nelson Is My Friend (releases 4/1)
Current Hit Single: "Friend Like That"
From their bio: Everybody needs a friend. From the modern phenomenon of social networking websites like MySpace and Facebook to the classic comfort found alongside special schoolmates and work buddies, we're always looking for someone with whom we can laugh and cry.
Jess says: it's about time for this fun and friendly band to make it huge

Flyleaf
Album: Flyleaf
Current Hit Single: "All Around Me"
From their bio: Heavy music and pained lyrics go together like cake and ice cream, and Belton, Texas quintet, Flyleaf, aren't about to break with tradition. But while many loud rockers reopen old wounds by singing about their broken homes and broken hearts, Flyleaf confront past traumas to heal old scars and prove in the process that hope shines brighter than despair.
Jess says: a little on the edgy side for my taste, but I respect the wide audience they have gathered

Stellar Kart
Album: Expect The Impossible
Current Hit Single: "Jesus Loves You"
From their bio: When Adam, along with bandmates Cody Pellerin (guitar), Jordan Messer (drums), and Brian Calcara (bass) hit the studio, Eskelin’s frenetic energy ignited Stellar Kart’s powder keg of creativity. The result is an explosion of new music chock full of pop melodies, catchy choruses, and singable lyrics. If it is true that first impressions are the most important, Stellar Kart goes for broke on its first radio single: the blazing, no-holds-barred confessional, “Jesus Loves You.” An impassioned song about conviction and redemption, it cuts through the comfortable shades of gray with an unabashed declaration that “Jesus Loves You,” whether you believe it or not.
Jess says: simultaneously unique and real, these guys really connect with youth

NEEDTOBREATHE
Album: The Heat
Current Hit Single: "Washed by the Water"
From their bio: Atlantic recording group NEEDTOBREATHE makes a powerful homecoming with their eagerly anticipated second album The Heat. Co-produced by the band alongside Rick Beato (Shinedown, Jump Little Children) and Collective Soul mastermind Ed Roland, the record sees the South Carolina-based rock outfit digging into their down-home roots to create a remarkably passionate and personal new collection. Songs such as the acoustic-tinged “Again” and the rejoiceful “Signature of Divine (Yahweh)” see the band melding warm, organic textures to their powerful brand of skyscraping, heartfelt rock. With The Heat, NEEDTOBREATHE blazes a new musical trail, revealing not just the depth of its spirit, but the far reaches of its soul.
Jess says: amazing songs with a punchy blend of blues, soul and southern rock

Sanctus Real
Album: We Need Each Other
Current Hit Single: "We Need Each Other"
From their bio: Sanctus Real's We Need Each Other represents a startling leap forward in its songwriting, musicianship and overall production, and for the band, a way to connect to its listeners with a theme worth talking about. Wholeness, family and unity are what Sanctus Real has always been about, but it has never been penned as effectively. Complete with gut-honest lyrics and feel-good melodies from the opening riff to the closing thought, a strong, unyielding sense of unity and community is woven through the very musical fiber of this much-anticipated new album.
Jess says: the most underrated band in Christian music ... always reaching for a new standard of excellence

Anberlin
Album: Lost Songs
Current Hit Single: "The Unwinding Cable Car"
From their bio: When Anberlin signed to Tooth & Nail Records in the summer of 2002, you could almost see the stars in their eyes. Though wide-eyed awe generally accompanies a brand new, blooming band upon being given a major green light to their prospective career, there was something so instantly captivating about these Florida boys that immediately made believers of their biggest skeptics. And with one of the most electrifying line-ups in tact, singer Stephen Christian, guitarist Joseph Milligan, bassist Deon Rexroat and protege drummer Nate Young were ready to take the world by storm. Instantly charming audiences with their incessant choruses, shredding guitar lines and sheer pop-perfection, the album immediately received critical acclaim, something Anberlin had no problem backing up on stage as they joined tours with bands like Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, and Story of the Year.
Jess says: people keep telling me I need to give Anberlin a listen ... I love what I've heard so far

And from the Indie scene ...

Special D - Catch them at a festival this summer!

In the modern day music industry with dime a dozen sound-a-likes and flash in the pan overnight sensations, there’s something to be said about an act with unceasing work ethic and commitment to artistic expansion instead of merely following the latest fad. For western Kentucky alt-rockers Special D, that latter formula can perhaps be chalked up to its Midwestern upbringing (no glitzy west coast plastic or east coast attitude here) or maybe it stems from members’ unwavering commitment to the creative process on its brand new CD Over and Over and the evolving live experience over the past two and a half years.

The Opposed - Will rock your youth group!

From the original sounds of their driving Christian Rock to their stylistic Call to Worship, The Opposed provides the perfect combination for a weekday concert, a weekend outreach and worship event or a weeklong camp or retreat. Exhibiting professionalism beyond their years, and showing a passion to shine God’s light through their positive sound, their music grabs you and doesn't let you go!