If you are anything like me, mainstream Christian music can be very difficult to listen to.
My family listened to it on the radio all the time while I was growing up, and I was never a fan. In fact, I would probably prefer just about any type of music over Christian radio. It can be really difficult to find Christian musicians that are of the same quality as non-Christian music (in my opinion), but here are some that I really enjoy.
I would recommend listening to them if you are looking for some Christian music other than what would typically be played on the radio.
1. Housefires
If you listen to Christian music, you've probably heard Chris Tomlin's version of their song, "Good Good Father." The original is theirs, and I think it's better as well. Based in Atlanta, they have released four albums already, and they are all worth listening to. Pat Barrett's voice is what I think especially distinguishes them from other bands.
2. Chris Renzema
Chris Renzema is a native of Grand Rapids, MI (my hometown), and has been creating some really awesome worship music. His most popular song is "You're the Only One," with about one million plays on Spotify. My personal favorite is "Used to be Mine," which summarizes really well our story as Christians.
3. Liz Vice
I recently discovered Liz Vice for the first time, and loved her instantly. Her voice and gospel tone is something I don't hear enough of with Christian music. Her first album was released in 2015, and has already seen a lot of success. I'd recommend listening to her song, "Empty Me Out."
4. Josh Garrels
If you listen to Christian Indie music at all, you've probably already heard of Josh Garrels. He has been pretty revolutionary in creating Christian music that is different than the mainstream. Within his music, he ranges from rap to a very mellow sound, and he releases music for free on NoiseTrade. I had the opportunity to see him in concert once, and it was one of the best concerts I've been to.
5. United Pursuit
I would put United Pursuit in the same genre as Housefires, mentioned above. I think if you like one, you'll probably like the other. Their worshipful style is filled with a genuine passion that I don't normally hear from other artists. "Simple Gospel" is the album I listen to of theirs.
6. The Oh Hellos
I really love the Oh Hellos, especially their first album. As a sibling duo from Texas, they have an indie acoustic vibe, and are unlike any other band I know of. "Hello My Old Heart" is a classic, but my favorite song of theirs is "In Memoriam."
7. NEEDTOBREATHE
I suppose NEEDTOBREATHE is perhaps too mainstream for this list, but they differ from the Chris Tomlin, Hillsong, etc type of music that is associated with Christian music. Their lyrics aren't as explicitly Christian either (especially their latest album), but tend to have Christian themes and ideas within.
8. Gungor
Gungor is a husband/wife duo that have been releasing music since 2010. "Beautiful Things" and "Please Be My Strength" are well-known songs of theirs that you might have heard of.
9. Marvin Sapp
If you're looking for gospel music, Marvin Sapp is a classic. He is well-known in that realm, but you wouldn't hear him on contemporary Christian radio, so I thought he should be included on this list. He recently released a new song, "Kind God." Kirk Franklin would also be good to listen to if looking for more Gospel music, or perhaps Chance the Rapper, as he actually has some great tracks that sort of fall under the Gospel umbrella.
10. John Mark McMillan
Josh Garrels recently said, "It's my opinion that no one in the blurred space between sacred and secular song is taking creative risks like my friend, John Mark McMillan." I agree that he does this really well. He is an artist that non-Christians would probably really enjoy, as well, and hopefully the case is the same with the artists mentioned above. His new album, "Mercury & Lightning" is one of my favorite albums right now.
Hopefully you enjoyed at least some of these suggestions. Feel free to comment below any additional suggestions you may have, as I always enjoy hearing new artists as well.
