Where The Light Is Shines Bright!

Dan Bremnes Releases His New Album 

"Where The Light Is"

     Where The Light Is, has definitely shined bright on this young British Columbia singer/songwriter. With a passion for all aspects of music and a heart that loves the Lord Dan Bremnes is beginning to see his dreams unfold. 
 

     I just so happened to be musically introduced to this talented young man who opened up for Casting Crowns in Ohio recently.  They seem to have a habit of introducing me to people whose music I already like but haven't connected the name to the songs yet.

     After signing with Capitol CMG and Sparrow he released his current single Beautiful in 2014 which you can currently hear still riding the Christian Radio waves.  This song expresses how God changes our perspective when we truly see His plans for our lives.  "You changed me from what I used to be, opened my eyes so I can see you're making this life so beautiful."
 

     Dan is no stranger to live performance or studio recording and to be honest he sounds just as good live as he does on his album. Dan's Mother, Lillis always encouraged him to chase after his dream.  I'm sure she is smiling down on him as he celebrates with his beautiful wife and child applauding as her son released his album on July 9, 2015.
      The title track  Where The Light Is (video below) is actually one of my favorite songs. As his latest release people are really going to start connecting the dots to this amazing new talent in the industry.  I love the lyrics and Dan's vocals are spot on.  I was actually surprised when he sang this live, it was the first time I heard it and I was highly impressed. Those are not easy notes to hit especially for a guy and he knocked it out of the park. 
 

     Heart on Fire is an up beat tune about a person who wants God to set them ablaze for Him. This song is simply one of those ones you instantly hum along to the first time you hear it by the second chorus.  "Surround me, consume me, there's nothing that I want more than to be completely surrendered, devoted, yeah I'm all yours.  You're all I'm living for."

     One of the softer melodies, In His Hands is a beautiful rendition of how God is in control of everything. Sharing some powerful moments in his own personal life Dan sets the picture for others displaying all things, sorrowful and joyful God sees them all.  Not only does He see them but He is with us all the while. "So many things I don't understand, but He is God and He knows all of them. He's got the whole world in His hands.  He's reaching out let us run to Him."

 

     During the concert intermission Dan made himself available with Niko Xidas (drums not pictured) and Drew Middleton (keyboards/guitar) to meet with fans and take photos.  My friend Christy and I had our friend Jeff take the photo below.  We all enjoyed the concert so much and it was such a blessing to have the opportunity to meet these gifted young men. 

L-R Drew Middleton, Christy, Me, Dan Bremnas

 

     I couldn't wait to listen to the whole album after hearing him sing Born Again live.  This is a call to the whole body of Christ to step up to the plate.  "Give me a heart that beats brand new.  Give me eyes that search for you. Every day, every step till my final breath I wanna live like I've been born again."

     He Knows is another song that shows how far Dan can push his vocals.  This song is so encouraging to those who question difficulties in life. Beautifully delivered in a message that helps you find comfort in situations that we may not understand. Some of the best lyrics on the album this is sure to be one of the favorites by his fans.  I know it is for me anyways and I would call myself a fan now."He knows every pain, every tear you've cried.  Every single part of you. He knows every doubt, every fear that you fight, the battles you've been going through."

     We all go through different stages in our lives creating moments through music that we relate to for one reason or another more so than others. While reviewing this album I happened upon track seven, Wide Open quite literally. This song wins my favorite award.  Recently stepping out in faith to try to follow the direction I believe God wants me to go this song just hit home.  Not to mention it's just in every aspect fantastic.  Lyrically, vocally and melodically this song could not be any better. "Well I'm a little afraid of what I don't know.  I know You're here and You won't let go.  If I step out would you catch my fall?  Whatever You want I'm wide open."

 

      I still cannot get over the fact that when I seen Dan open up for Casting Crowns how much he looked like Nick Fradiani (pictured to the right) who won American Idol this past season. I mean really? What do you think? Am I freaking out? I thought wait a second is that Nick? (My brief sanity check)

      So anyways, moving along with this brilliantly crafted album. Produced by a list of talented writers and producers there is not a doubt in my mind this album will exceed the expectations of many listeners.  

    Faith Is, reminds me quite a bit of something you would hear from Mercy Me. Hesitating to move waiting on direction from God is something we all struggle with at times, but God's promises are true to His children if we just step out in faith. "Into the unseen, God you can take me. Into the place where my world and Yours meet. Silence my doubt and let all I am be found in the place where my world and Yours meet."

     Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy.  Holding onto past mistakes and past regrets.  God's grace and mercy hung on that cross for your forgiveness. Over is a reminder that all that stuff that keeps weighing you down is history.  "It's over, yesterday is washed away, so go ahead and turn the page leave the past where it's at.  The cross has covered that, it's over."

     One thing I Am Sure of is that you will love this song and this entire CD.  This is definitely going to be on the radio eventually and actually would be a fantastic corporate worship song for churches to use.   It's a proclamation to the truth of God's word.  "I place my hope, in the truth I know. No matter what this life may bring.  Your love will not let go, I am sure."

     Closing out this album Dan slows down the pace with At Your Feet (Surrender).   This song made me think of Sanctus Real  and a lot of their worship songs that I have fell in love with over the years.  It's raw and simple and heartfelt, you simply cannot deny the connection to the lyric. "I lay my life down at your feet. God of mercy, you are worthy I give you every part of me."  

       If you are a Christian music fan and Dan Bremnas has not made it on your radar, this is your fellow sister sending out a signal. I noticed while scoping out his Tour Schedule that he's going to be joining some amazing artists! The longest tour he will be on will be All the Earth is Holy Ground Tour  (video below) with Tenth Avenue North and Sidewalk Prophets. That's one I am going to have to try to catch! I would recommend you checking out when they are heading your way also!  Maybe I'll meet you at one of them and be able to share your testimony along with the review!
 

 

 
     This album is certain to shine into your spirit and awaken strength and passion inside your heart.  Be Blessed and be a blessing! 

Purchase Where The Light Is Here

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Casting Crowns Tour With Kyle Sherman and Dan Bremnes

Amazing Night of Worship and Amazing Testimony

     On July 11, 2015 Casting Crowns traveled to Huber Heights, Ohio to ring praises through the brand new Rose Music amphitheater. Opening for the group was the British Columbia native Dan Bremnes.

    I have always found it quite interesting that each time I catch a Casting Crowns concert they are introducing me to a face of someone whose music I already like but just have not connected a name to it.

     Dan wins that special award tonight, in 2014 that award went to For King & Country and they walked away with 3 K-love Fan Awards this year so Dan is following in some pretty promising footsteps. Though there are several musicians on his latest album, this particular evening he was joined by Drew Middleton on keyboard/guitar and Niko Xidas was playing drums.

    
     He also has a new album out titled Where the Light is released June 9, 2015. I was familiar with his song Beautiful, which is also on the WOW hits 2015 album. In my opinion we are just seeing the surface of possibilities for this young man. He was passionate in his performances and sharing his heartache of the unexpected loss of his Mother. 

     I was unaware of the fact that Mr. Kyle Sherman was going to be a part of this concert because I did not see that on the advertisement. With that being said it was an unexpected blessing.  I remember meeting this young man last year when he was touring with The Afters.

     Kyle has got to be one of the friendliest musicians I have met and you can tell he has a blast on stage leading everyone in worship.  He recently completed a brand new album titled Already Here consisting of several original songs and a few covers. The album is set to release late August or early September but you can pick up pre-releases at some concert venues he attends. I loved how he incorporated the audience in his catchy song Holy, you just can't help but sing along.  Keep your eyes open for my album review later this month!  For now you can see his first video off the new album, You Said My Name (below).

   
     One of the most amazing things about Casting Crowns is that when they are on stage they make you feel like you are at church with them.  You can tell that these wonderful men and women of God enjoy being so involved in their home churches because they seem to exuberate so much natural passion in what they do. 

     There is a quality in the genuineness that they bring to the stage that is admirable.  In a time when I feel Christian's have an issue distinguishing between performance and praise this is a group that puts their heart out there in all they do. The worship and spirit in what they present to their fans and fellow brothers and sisters speaks for itself. 

     Mark Hall, who is the well known lead singer of the group always shares wonderful stories with the crowd. Not only through his wonderful sense of humor but also through the testimonies and stories that have birthed some of the greatest songs in Christian music history. A lot of the songs that they share on their albums are created through life lessons and segments of teachings that take place at their home churches. It's no wonder that so many of their songs are relatable to such a vast number of the Body of Christ. 

     Throughout the evening it appeared that the Crowns could have just started playing the instruments and the crowd would have sang all the songs without them having to sing a peep. There was such an awesome echoing factor in the amphitheater during Thrive when it came to "Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh (ah you get the picture)" that sounded fantastic. 

     Before the brief intermission Mark begin to speak about his recent battle with cancer. For those who are unaware of the situation, in March of this year he had his right kidney removed due to a cancerous mass his doctor found. Thankfully everything seems to be healing now but during that season the group was still on tour and he said many of their songs were like he was singing to himself. The lyrics were speaking directly to him and little did he know God would turn them around to give him strength.

     Casting Crowns are a huge influence in many Christians lives with songs that inspire and encourage. Through the years seeing the spiritual kinship that fans have formed with the band, I cannot imagine how close the band has come to each other. In this photo I think I captured a glimpse of the love that this group has for Mark and how thankful they are along with the rest of the body of Christ that he is in the recovery stages now and able to sing again. Praise God.

     One thing I did before going to the concert that weekend was pray about who God wanted me to speak with to share their testimony in the review.  I didn't get a response until we walked into the entrance that day and I heard Him whisper, "You will sit next to them."  I began doubting my discernment when I walked down the aisle to my seat and realized I was sitting next to a very young girl between 9-12 years old.  I thought to myself, how in the world could a girl that young have a testimony?
 

     I began to tear up as I seen these young kids next to me raising their hands praising the Lord.  I thought to myself how badly their generation needs them to shine that bright light into such a lost world.  During the time Mark was talking about his recent struggle he asked everyone in the audience who has overcome or fought a battle with cancer to please stand.

     In that moment one of the young girls sitting next to me stood up prosthetic leg and all.  My heart began to break as God revealed to me that age does not carry the testimony; but the heart reveals the trials and the triumphs. 

     Dawn Thomas brought her three kids Kierstin, Faith and Hunter  to the concert along with Mickayla (left). After speaking with her I found out she was very close friends with Mickayla's Mother Renee.  I wanted to make sure it was OK with her family to speak with them and share her testimony before going into much detail at the concert that night, so Dawn and I exchanged phone numbers.  

     I remember standing there talking to Mickayla who I had initially stereotyped as a "little girl, who couldn't possibly have a testimony at such a young age."; to seeing her as a strong young woman who has become an amazing inspiration to others. That night at the concert was the first time she had heard Praise You In The Storm and it really ministered to her.
 

     Grandma was the families glue and they all draw strength from her.  It's no doubt as you speak to them why they are encouraged and held up by her.  She has overcome some tremendous battles herself.  A fighter of MS and victorious over breast cancer amongst many others situations God prepared Sheila to speak life into all of them from day one. 

     At the age of nine Mickayla mentioned to her Mother that her leg was hurting her.  The first instinct most parents have in this situation is to write them off as growing pains and give them some tylenol.  Dustin and Renee were no different than anyone else and as parents of course you don't want to think it could be anything else. It wasn't much later when the pain became more intense and her leg began to swell.  A visit to the ER at Upper Valley led to her being transferred to Dayton Children's. 
 

L-R Mickayla with her parents Dustin and Renee and her with her sister Caitlin on the right

     Two days before starting fourth grade, this vibrant young child was about to be told she had cancer. At first Mickayla was upset asking "Why Me?" she didn't fully understand what was going on and the whole family was initially just in shock.  Renee said, "You hear about other people's kids with cancer and never think it is going to hit home." 

     The initial treatment involved 12 rounds of chemotherapy. However due to a wait period to be approved for a 70,000 dollar port it took 13 rounds of chemo and several hospital stays and blood transfusions.  The internal process did not take and her ankle deteriorated around her calf causing the discussion of a prosthetic limb. Dr. Mayerson who is one of the highest rated cancer surgeons in the country discussed the procedure with Mickayla and talked to her about how he trusted God to guide his hands. 

In memory of Jessica Joy Rees 4/8/99-1/5/2012

     Another thing that inspired Mickayla was the Jessie Rees Foundation.  While Jessie was fighting two brain tumors as a ten year old girl she asked her parents to create joy jars to give to other children fighting cancer to shine a light of love on them and encourage them through their difficult journey.  Though Jessie is no longer with us, her legacy lives on and her spirit still shines into the lives of others like Mickyala who received one of the joy jars. 

     Mickayla loves inspirational songs and they increased the fight within this already positive young girls heart.  She said, "I still continued to thank God because it could have always been worse. It broke my heart to see all those little babies in there fighting for their lives and they didn't even understand what was happening to them.  At least I did understand and I was able to be encouraged through a lot of prayer and other people praying for me all over the world."
 

Follow Mickayla's Journey and encourage her on facebook!

     As a local spokesperson for Walmart who strives to earn money for Dayton Children's Cancer Center , Mickayla continues to encourage others.  The fight that she battles everyday as a young woman gives strength and encourages not only her family and other children but grown adults who confront the same horrible disease. 

     As someone who loves to sing and dance she has shared the song Stronger by Kelly Clarkson in her church. A young woman at the age of 12 she decided this month to be baptized in Christ.

     Coming forth out of the water she will be rebirthed into the mission she was designed to walk in. A testimony for generations to see that her fight is not in vain. She has come out stronger more aware of the presence of God and the comfort we receive when we call out to Him in our time of need.

Mickayla with her Grandmother Sheila

     One of the things her parents and Grandmother Sheila wanted to ask all parents is to listen to your children.  If they are sore and the pain seems to continue to persist take them to the doctor.  The sooner you catch a problem the better chance you have of fighting it.   Though Mickayla will always have to go in for check ups she is positive of one thing, God will comfort her and she feels blessed that those who support her on her prayer page continue to remember her and others who fight this fight in faith!

     I asked Mickayla if she was standing in front of a young girl getting ready to enter the 4th grade who was just diagnosed with cancer what she would say to her and this was her response.
 

     "Cancer does not care about a person's age when it attacks you.  So I would say this to anyone facing this battle. Don't ever feel like you are alone, because you are not.  Don't ever give up no matter what.  Always continue to pray and encourage others who are fighting just as hard or harder than you.  I am thankful no matter how hard it has been for me, I am still alive and not everyone gets that chance to keep fighting."
 

     In a time when it seems Christians are undergoing so much persecution for their faith it's hard to describe what happened that wonderful evening as Casting Crowns exited the stage.  As the crowd echoed Glorious Day (video below) in unison it was a picture if only for a brief moment in time of the unity of the Body of Christ and the spirit of God demonstrated from breast to breast among His Bride.  Those moments are hard to explain if not personally experienced.  There was no denying the presence of the spirit of God that was there that day and one day He's coming back again.  Amen!   

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." -Revelation 21:4

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Interview with Matt Fuqua From the Afters

The Afters Interview and Live Show 

With Kyle Sherman

     Every so often I find myself intrigued by a song, regardless if I know who the artist is singing it or not. I form connections to certain lyrics and melodies for one reason or another. About five months back when I first heard the song “Every Good Thing”, which has been number one in Christian radio for the last three weeks. I nicknamed it my happy song. The melody was extremely catchy and the lyrics a reminder of all the blessings we have in our lives we often take for granted.


     A few months later after being recommended by friends I decided to watch the movie October Baby. At the end of the movie, a song started playing that I thought was superb. I went to my computer and googled, “Life is Beautiful”. Lo and behold the same band who sang my happy song was also the artist of this fantastically placed melody at the end of October Baby.

     I immediately went to amazon and ordered "The Afters" fourth album “Life is Beautiful” and they quickly became my in car addiction. I spoke with Matt Fuqua, vocalist and guitar player for "The Afters" last week. He was gracious enough to spare a few moments away from his family to speak to me about how the band met, where the heart of the new album came from and future plans on tour and in the studio.

     It’s not unusual for God to bring people together to glorify His kingdom in the most unexpected ways. Being involved in different roles of worship at a young age these Starbucks Barista’s began singing orders out while at work.  It wasn’t long before they started playing together outside of steaming milk and formed a fan base under the name of Bliss. Eventually that named changed to who we now know as The Afters.

     Since I was unfamiliar with previous albums released by The Afters I asked Matt what he felt was different about this album compared to their previous releases.

Matt: “As we have gotten older, we have finally hit a stride that we hadn’t quite arrived at yet. As a song writer, it’s an expression of self and it takes a while for a group of guys to be comfortable sharing experiences with each other. On this album we were able to write with a degree of honesty and vulnerability that we hadn’t quite reached until now.“

Me: “So do you think there are specific areas in your lives that you could pin point that brought you to that place of openness in yourselves enough with each other to allow those emotions to be shared?”

Matt: “I think to a great degree there probably are, but it’s not so much a specific experience. It’s a combination of where our walk with God is and what God is teaching us. You know we got to a point where we realized in our spiritual journey that God is with us in our sufferings, to use those things to the good of His Kingdom. It’s seeing God in all the good and all the bad and the beautiful and the ugly. People often question if God is really working in their lives when they are going through hardships, but when you get to a place where you can see Him even in those moments you can’t be misled by emotions, you have to trust His plan.”

Me: “Have you seen a change in your fan base, reflecting on the difference in content of your music and your spiritual maturity?”

Matt: “Well, yeah I think our fans have gotten older, as we have gotten older (laughs), you know something happens when you have kids. I think that comes through in our songs. I believe when you sing songs about what really matters most like God, family and community and these things that everyone can relate to, people of all ages begin to enjoy that message. I think what we are writing about now is relatable to a broader audience.”

   The Afters may not be known world-wide by name but many like me have been blessed by their music in ways they don’t even know. Winning the Dove Award in 2009 for rock/contemporary album of the year and touring constantly they are no stranger to the stage. Their music has also been featured on several popular television shows and in the recently divinely orchestrated ending of the movie October Baby. 

     Matt explained to me that “Life is Beautiful” was the fastest song they had ever written. What usually takes them six months came to perfection in only a few hours. Their manager played the song for one of the directors of the movie that was already scheduled to release and he loved the song so much they rescheduled the movie release date to incorporate it. If you watch the movie, it appears the song was written for the movie, in actuality God intervened and used the band to create the perfect ending.


     The Afters plan to kick off their Life is Beautiful tour in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio on March 27.

     I was thankful that I had another chance to take part in worship with Kyle Sherman who I had previously enjoyed on the Road Show Tour. I was also looking forward to enjoying worshiping along with Mark and his fellow band mates Josh Havens (lead vocals/musician), bass player Dan Ostebo, and behind the drums Jordan Mohilowski.

Signing autographs Kyle on the left and The Afters huddled around with my concert crew I brought with me.

Matt: “Yeah we just finished up our tour with Steven Curtis Chapman a week ago and now we are getting excited about our next tour. We normally only do one spring tour so we are looking forward to doing two. We will be changing it up a little bit and we will be travelling with our great friend Kyle Sherman who is a Texas boy like myself, so I’m a little partial to him. He is such a likable guy and we are all super excited about that.”

     Personable is a word I would use for all of these young men, including Kyle. I have been to many concerts with many different bands and each time I come home experiencing the presence of God in a different way.  I did not know what to expect from The Afters during their live show.

     I can tell you now that I am home that they are still at heart, worship leaders to the core. These guys love the people of God, and love God even more. 

     They are family men carrying the gift that God has given them around the world and letting their light shine for as many as will come to gather with them to honor Him. They involve the people in praise and incorporate known worship songs into their separate acoustic set and love to meet as many people afterwards as they can.

     For those who hunger and thirst for righteousness praise and worship is not a concert and it is not a show. It’s a broken hallelujah that comes from the heart when love is in the air that flows from breast to breast within’ the body. It’s our hands raised high to the one who makes every good thing. 

     When you breathe in and breathe out no matter what you are facing and find your way to Him in your life, it’s in moments like this that you believe what we are here for. In my eyes, The Afters want people to trust that God is with you always in this life. Life is Beautiful is a must have album for anyone and everyone.  I highly recommend picking up Kyle Sherman’s album as well. 

     It was a pleasure to meet Kyle and The Afters at the end of the event. I look forward to the fall line-up they are working on and seeing them again, as well as anxiously awaiting a new album from them now that they are on my radar in high gear. Blessings to these carriers of the good news as they travel from city to city and safely back to their families.

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Upcoming Tour Dates For The Afters