Top 10 Artist Blogs of 2008
12-08-2008
by Grace S. Cartwright

1. Shaun Groves’ Shlog

www.shaungroves.com/shlog/

Why Read: While well known for his deep and insightful songwriting, Shaun Groves is an equally insightful blogger. Here, he shares his thoughts about Scripture, culture and life. You’ll find interesting video clips and devotionals. Plus, don’t miss his entry about remembering the Christmas story. His thoughts on Scripture are simply stunning in their gentle instruction guised neatly under understated writings.

2. Mark Hall’s Blog

castingcrowns.typepad.com

Why Read: Casting Crowns’ front man’s near-daily explorations offer a lighthearted look at life. His written entries are humorous and quirky, yet somehow still thoughtful. His blog also captures the ease with which Hall executes his performance in a live Crowns show…meaningful moments layered with laughter and friendship.

3. Jason Gray’s Journal

www.jasongraymusic.com/site.php?content=journal

Why Read: He may not be as familiar to all CCM readers, but he should be. Mr. Gray’s lyrics (check out his recent release, Acoustic Storytime) are effective and feel effortless. His blog easily makes our list by simply speaking life. He narrates here about music, fellow artists, conversations and the ever-careful balance of walking as a Christian in the music industry.

4. MercyMe’s S.L.O.B. (Spectacular League of Bloggers)

mercyme.org/blog/

Why Read: This one is just plain fun! The guys from MercyMe certainly know how to have fun. (It makes me smile every time I even think about it!) You’ll find so many hilarious tidbits here, it’s hard to even sum it up. Items like the now infamous “Cover Tune Grab Bag” videos and the video entitled “Elevator Ticks” should be enough for you to head over there right now. You won’t be disappointed.

5. Jeremy Camp’s Blog

jeremycamp.typepad.com

Why Read: For the blog reader who just can’t get enough info on their favorite artists, the blog of Mr. Jeremy Camp is for you. Chocked full of short video clips and devotionals, this blog will delight any Camp fan. The site itself is slick, easy to navigate and cheerful. (In addition, Jeremy’s wife—fellow artist Adie—manager, band members and more all keep blogs on his official site).

6. The Rabbit Room

www.rabbitroom.com

Why Read: Blog readers, rejoice. For right here, you will find not one, but three artists sharing their hearts through writing. One being the aforementioned Jason Gray, and the other two being Randall Goodgame and Andrew Peterson. It’s every blog reader’s haven, with multiple entries on all kinds of topics. Not for the reader seeking entries about “life on the road” or “behind-the-scenes” information, but aimed at those seeking to be challenged and motivated toward change (spiritually, creatively and globally).

7. Mark Graalman’s “Love, Love, Love…” Blog

markgraalman.blogspot.com

Why Read: Did you know that being the drummer of Sanctus Real is glamorous and perfect? Just kidding. Ohio native Mark Graalman debunks any rumors of road life with his simple and honest look at life as an artist as well as a devoted husband and father. You’ll find sweet pictures of his kids and family alongside tour experience narratives.  Graalman manages to keep it light but meaningful.

8. Cindy Morgan’s “Beautiful Bird” Blog and Alli Rogers’ Blog

cindymorganmusic.com/blog/

allirogers.blogspot.com

Why Read: As the two female artists to make our blog roll, Cindy Morgan and Alli Rogers tie for the seventh spot with their similar blogging styles. Both articulate songwriters, these ladies’ blogs carry a loping, Southern feel…simple and endearing. Both write about family, musical interests and day-to-day life. Additionally, Rogers’ blog is infused with moments of social justice introspection, and the result is truly lovely.

9. Mike Donehey’s Journal

www.tenthavenuenorth.com/index.php/journal_mike/

Why Read: Mike Donehey, the primary songwriter and lead singer of one of Christian music’s most prolific up-and-coming bands, Tenth Avenue North, is a gifted writer. His blog is easygoing and has the feel of talking one-on-one with Mike—candid, thoughtful and unpretentious. He spans topics but focuses mainly on the Christian walk and thoughts on Scripture, creating a series of entries that could easily double as a devotional.

10. The MW Blog: Matthew West Has Something to Say

matthewwest.typepad.com

Why Read: As the writer of countless hits for everyone from Natalie Grant to Rascal Flatts, Matthew West’s eloquence carries over into his crisp blog. It is replete with pictures and video, as well as short but well-written vignettes. It is warm with love, light and laughter. He blogs about music, family and fans.

A FEW TWEETS…

Twitter has become the quintessential way to stay in touch with people. On the heels of Facebook and MySpace, it has arisen as the newest online craze. It also offers fans and friends a way to connect with their favorite artists. Here are just a few of the artists who “tweet” regularly. Start “following” them today!

BART MILLARD (MercyMe): bartmillard

BEBO NORMAN: bebonorman

BEN KASICA (Skillet): benkasica

BETHANY DILLON: bethanydillon

CINDY MORGAN: cindymorgan

PHIL WICKHAM: philwickham

DAN HASELTINE (Jars of Clay): scribblepotemus

FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI: francescamusic

JASON GRAY: jasongraymusic

JEREMY CAMP: jeremycamp

MARK HALL (Casting Crowns): markhallcc

MARK LEE (Third Day): marklee3d

MATT HAMMITT(Sanctus Real): matthammitt

NATALIE GRANT: nataliegrant

REBECCA ST. JAMES: rebeccastjames

STEVE FEE: feeband

TODD SMITH (Selah): toddsmithonline

TREVOR MCNEVAN: trevorTFK

Our lists of blogs and twitters are certainly not comprehensive. Lots of artists are blogging and twittering these days. What are some of your favorites?