Whether you’re a frequent KLOVE listener or not, some of this year’s line-up may sound familiar. Switchfoot, Owl City and NEEDTOBREATHE have all spent time on Pop radio. Christian/”secular” crossover artist Switchfoot has been gracing Billboard’s Top 40 since 2002 when their songs were featured on the soundtrack for A Walk to Remember (the songs were originally from the band’s album, Learning to Breathe, from 2000). Since then, other Switchfoot’s singles have also made the jump onto Pop/Rock radio.
In 2009, Owl City’s basement creation, the hit single “Fireflies,” lit up the airwaves to become a summer phenomenon that extended past Christmas. And, most recently, NEEDTOBREATHE strummed their way from Christian to Pop radio with the song, “Something Beautiful.”
Another highlight of this year’s festival is Cincinnati band, Mosteller. When the foursome isn’t touring or winning the Spirit Song Talent Competition, they each serve as worship pastors at their churches here in Cincinnati.
Spirit Song also boasts of performances from two of Christian music’s most renowned artists, Third Day and TobyMac. TobyMac originally earned notoriety with popular Christian Rock band, DC Talk. TobyMac took the experience and fans he earned with DC Talk and switched wailing guitars for rhymes. His fourth solo Hip Hop album will be released on the night of his performance at Spirit Song (Friday).
Meanwhile, Third Day takes a completely different approach to Christian popular music, landing more on the side of Rock. Within that genre, Third Day has released albums with a whole array of sounds, from revving guitars on 2010’s Move to serene harmonizing on the praise and worship album, Offerings, earning the group both young and not-so-young fans.
With such a mixed and well-known lineup, Spirit Song is might well draw its largest audience yet. Visit www.spiritsongfest.com for the full schedule.
SPIRIT SONG takes place at Kings Island June 28-30, featuring Switchfoot, TobyMac, Owl City, NEEDTOBREATHE, Family Force 5, Third Day and more. Buy tickets, check out performance times and get venue details here.
