Tim Be Told Releases a New Video: Analyze

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Life gets busy. Anyway, Tim Be Told, an Asian American Christian rock band, just released a new music video. You can watch it here and even download it for free from their website:



I had heard of the band several months ago and a friend even recommended I check them out. I like their sound and appreciate the fact that they use people of various nationalities in their video.

Their talent agency, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, is one of the top agencies in the world. I am glad for Tim Be Told that someone at that agency believes in them and that their audience is large enough to be worth spending time and manpower to promote.

Here is their press release:

Tim Be Told Releases “Analyze” Music Video and Announces Free Music Download

On May 5, 2010, Tim Be Told released a brand new music video for their song, “Analyze,” off the critically acclaimed “From the Inside” EP. Watch the video now at http://www.timbetold.com/, where you can download the single for free and visit the newly relaunched Tim Be Told store. Using real people rather than actors, “Analyze” highlights the internal struggles we all face and the battles waged between discouragement and hope. The video, directed by Jonathan Moy, projects the band’s positive outlook, with hope winning in the end. Tim Be Told’s uplifting music has earned them a legion of fans across the country. They have been touring relentlessly as a client of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment and, in between the dates, the band is spending some time in the studio working on a new record!

For those of you that want to see Tim Be Told perform at your university next year, the band has a limited number of shows that it will be playing at college campuses. Therefore, send a booking email request ASAP tobooking@timbetold.com to reserve a spot. Don’t miss out!

See the band on tour live in a city near you and stay tuned to http://www.timbetold.com for the latest news and updates:

May 6 - Columbus, OH - BoMA
May 7 - Cincinnati, OH - Mainstay Rock Bar
May 8 - Los Angeles, CA - Panel at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
May 12 - Denver, CO - University of Denver
May 18 - Campbell, CA - World Mission Baptist Church
May 22 - Seattle, WA - APA Heritage Bash @ Ibiza Nightclub
May 28 - Wheaton, IL - WCAC Church
June 25 - Mineral City, OH - Alive Festival
June 26 - Nashville, TN - Lipscomb University

Tommy Job Has a New Song of Praise

Born in Korea, but raised in the United States, Tommy Job spent his formative years in Illinois and Iowa before settling in New York. He began studying music at nine years old and by eleven, he was playing guitar at his church’s main service. At fourteen, he began to understand God wanted to demonstrate His love, power and strength to him through worship.

Tommy became involved in public ministry beyond his local church and traveled nationwide, often times performing to audiences of over 1,000. Songwriting became his passion. He took a leap of faith and moved to South Korea in the fall of 2001 to start that ministry. He began leading worship at a U.S. Army base where he played not only for the men and women in uniform, but also for Anne Graham Lotz, Evangelist Billy Kim and several generals.

Spending two years writing songs and recording, Tommy released his first album, Stand Upon the Rock, in November 2003. By spring 2004, he had sold over 2,000 copies in South Korea alone. Thanks to Tommy’s network of friends from the military, his album has received radio play here in the States.

Now residing in Nashville, Tenn., Tommy intends to grow his ministry through his music. He recently released his new CD, New Song of Praise. With music that appeals to the masses, he has been able to spread a message of hope and faith to thousands of people around the world.

I like his song "Mighty Is Our God." It's easy to learn and praises God as the Ruler of all creation. It reminds us of his attributes--holy, sinless, perfect. The instrumentation sweeps me into God's presence.

If You Listen to Only Won CD, Listen to Glory

Only Won brings out the best of three cultures. On his American side, he's a rapper and actor, on the Chinese side, an engineer and martial artist. Overarching these two sides is his Christian faith.

Glory, his second CD, is a unique collection of rap songs glorifying God using English and Cantonese phrases and western and Chinese instrumentation. For instance, on the song "Glory," he says, "NAY HO YEE CHERNG SUW GOH WHAT JEH WAN HA blues, but look what my God can do." Accompanying the words is a lion dance drum, small gong and a synthesizer.

Only's acting credits include parts in The Pursuit of Happyness, The Hulk, and The Matrix 2 & 3 among others. He is a mechanical engineer and has earned a black sash in kung fu.

Some of you may have seen a parody on YouTube that Only performed with Larissa Lam of Kayne West's "American Boy," called "Cantonese Boy." In case you missed it, here it is again:



If you like rap, check out Only Won, and see what an Asian American Christian rapper can do.

Eric Owyoung Leads Future of Forestry on New Album, Travel II

Eric Owyoung and his Christian alternative rock band, Future of Forestry, are coming out with a new album, Travel II, next Tuesday, Sept. 8th. The band has been together under this name since 2006. Future of Forestry (FOF) gets its name from a poem by C.S. Lewis.

Hailing from Southern California, FOF plays to both Christian and secular audiences, which gives it a great opportunity to express art and faith in a variety of places. In a recent interview with Christian Music Today, Eric says,"...I'm passionate about—seeing God's presence touch people in a non-religious environment." Eric wrote all the songs and his wife, Tamara, designed the cover art.

I was able to listen to the first five songs on the album. Out of the five, I liked "Set Your Sails" the best. It encourages listeners to set their course for heaven's shore.

Junko Cheng Is at Saddleback and Has a Special Forces Kids CD

I had gone to a Junko Cheng concert at a Chinese church in the San Francisco Bay Area several years ago and wondered what she was up to nowadays. To my surprise and delight, she is now a worship leader at a "small" ministry called Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. Junko leads both adult and children's worship services.

Her latest CD, Special Forces Kids, came out in 2008 and could be characterized as "pop music with the upbeat sound and upright message enjoyed by kids, tweeners, and grownups alike." Junko's website also contains videos of her and some young helpers doing hand motions to a song.

I like the piece "How Deep Is the Love of Christ." It emphasizes the boundlessness of God's love for us.

Larissa Lam's "Revolutionary" Album Is Truly Revolutionary

Larissa is no stranger to the world of entertainment. In 2005, she released her third album, "Revolutionary," and has collaborated with top musicians and producers who have worked with artists like Prince and Christina Aguilera. Most recently, she can be heard on the Beautiful Faith compilation with a fresh take on the classic "Listen to Our Hearts."

Larissa grew up in Diamond Bar, California, and began taking piano lessons at age five. By age thirteen, she had written her first song. She graduated from UCLA and became the Chief Financial Officer for independent label NSOUL Records. Larissa can be seen each week on JCTV, a Christian television network, as the host of their talk show, Top 3.

I like the song, "Miss Everything," as it expresses her thanks for what she has been given. The words of the song tell a story that people can relate to, especially in a materialistic society.

Spend a Summer Day with Ming Chou's New Album

Ming is not your stereotypical computer programmer. He is a pioneering Asian voice in Contemporary Christian music and has devoted the last six years to writing and singing inspiring songs. But growing up in Los Angeles, music was not a major part of his life.

After graduating from UCLA with a Computer Science degree, Ming moved to Silicon Valley. However, his high paying job left him hollow, so he put it behind to embark on a wild journey of self-discovery.

Ming's mission is to spread encouraging radiant music and give a testimony of a changed life. Ming recorded his debut album "Summer Day" at the same studio as Jeremy Camp, with musicians that have worked with the David Crowder Band, Incubus, and many others.

I especially like his work "King of Kings." This song ponders the question of how a glorious infinite God could love sinners like you and me. I can hear this song being sung in worship services across America.

Eva Sabiniano: 12-Year-Old Singing Sensation Was Born to Praise

Eva Sabiniano is an up and coming Christian singer. Living in Lynnwood, Washington, she has been singing since she was three years old. At twelve years old, she has already recorded two albums, Born to Praise 1 and 2. With a mesmerizing mix of Christian pop sung in an age-appropriate voice, she has a long career ahead of her. Styles vary from children's to gospel to rhythm and blues to Contemporary Christian. Young people and adults will enjoy the album.

I like "Jesus Is Always With You." It reminds me he loves us and is with us no matter what our situation is. The proceeds from her CDs benefit needy children and other ministries.