Jamin Bradley

I’ve curated a new playlist for you of some amazing musicians that I actually know in real life! Some of these artists I’ve played in bands with, some I’ve recorded with, some I’ve produced music for, some I’ve featured on my own songs, and some are just my friends that I’m in awe of. This playlist features over 40 of my favorite songs from them, with a few of my own sprinkled in. As you scroll, I’ll brag about them in playlist order. Check out the playlist here!

Caleb Keepin’

Caleb recently moved to America, having grown up in New Zealand and having just left Canada. I met him when he visited our church and casually told me he produces music. He way undersold himself. His album “Concept of Life” is easily one of my favorite albums I’ve come across this year. While he plays with genres, much of it lands somewhere in an epic, atmospheric rock sound. It’s seriously impressive, and you need to pay attention to everything this guy releases in the future. He’s one of my new favs.

JaiBird

Jaimie came to church on a day I was preaching on an obscure theological topic that maybe only she knew anything about. This created our first connection, and then music made the next, and holy crap—can this girl write and sing. It is literally impossible for Jaimie to write cheesy lyrics. Every single line is poetry, forcing the listener to sit with the message until it comes to mean something, not just for Jaimie, but for us too. She’s kind of like Jesus in that way—writing parables for us to chew on until something pops. We’ve already begun work on a future album of hers, and I can’t wait to show you what she’s up to.

Amity Grace

When Amity first sent me some lyrics she had penned, I put some chords to it and forced her to record it. At first, she was pretty shy about it, but within a few months, she had written a bajillion theologically rich songs that made her spiritual journey sound like a catchy Broadway. Honestly, there’s a song or two she’s made that I’m not even sure have a genre name, but that’s kind of the creative expression of Amity for ya. Listen with caution. There’s lots of space to cry through her lyrics.

Nique Love Rhodes

Dominique and I went to college together, and I was immediately amazed by her music. This was the first rapper I had met in real life that I felt I could take seriously. The beats were epic, the lyrics were prophetically provocative, and I thought she was too cool to be my friend. But to my surprise, she was open to doing music with me. She recorded a few bars on some songs I had written, and I ended up in her live band for a couple of concerts. And honestly, it’s her live music that sets her apart from most rappers, as she tends to travel with the most talented musicians around to put on amazing live shows. If you haven’t listened to her yet, now’s the time to catch up before she releases the next epic album she’s currently working on.

Roberto Swift

Back in the day, Rob and I had a tradition of doing Christmas rap battles at church. It always made for a good time, but this year we were able to bring his more serious work to life. We recorded two of his songs for our church’s latest album, “The Hope & Repair of Heaven.” His song Creativity in Motion was an instant jam and the grooviest song our band played at our recent album celebration service. Keep your ears tuned as there will be more to come!

The Timbre of Cedar

I first met Eric and Andy Grzyb in high school, and soon after learning that they played music, I pulled them into our high school band, Trilogy. My music life was forever changed as I worked alongside those bandmates. Eric and Andy went on to play in the band The Timbre of Cedar, and every album they released grew in complexity, beauty, and catchiness. I never cease to be impressed by the versatility and musicianship of the twins and I hope future projects somehow bring us back together!

EchoSlave

Aaron is such a chill guy that you’d never guess he’s been releasing metal music for six years. His latest project, “I Love You… Goodbye, Your Brother,” mixes together chord progressions I’ve never thought of combining. Aaron is a talented artist who plays all of his instruments with precision and skill. This album gave him space to work through some tough stuff, turning his processing into a gift for the rest of us.

Janae Burchett

I’ve said this many times before, but Janae is my favorite worship leader. She’s basically a live DJ, but in a worship band. Just as DJs mix tracks together in a perfect merging of beats and melody, so does she mix worship songs together so seamlessly, you’d think they’re the same song. But she’s way more thoughtful than a DJ, because somehow the songs that she merges are perfect fits thematically. If you ever see me lead worship and I incorporate a perfect song mashup, there’s a chance I stole the idea from her. It’s been so much fun to record three songs with her over the last year or two. She’s featured on two of my own tracks, and I even convinced her to record one of her own! Now everyone keep nudging her to write more so I can get an album out of her.

Westwinds

Aaron Zraik is one of those musicians who can play everything, but he can also play everything better than the rest of us. I’m jealous of his voice. I’m jealous of his guitar skills. I’m jealous of his ear. Basically, I just have to repent the whole time I listen to him. I’m super hopeful that we will see more of his independent work online in the future. The world needs to hear what this guy is capable of, and then join me in repenting.

Casey Mellinger

The most stable musician in my life is Casey. Next to God, he’s the most omnipresent person I know. If music is happening, he’s there. No matter what I need musically, he’s happy to fill in and has done so faithfully for the last 15 years. This year we got a chance to record one of his songs—and dang it, if it’s not an ear worm. It takes a good while to get it out of your head once you hear the tag to his song, If You Were Me. I know he’s got some more songs written down to record soon, so keep an eye out for them!