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Brimming with energy reminiscent of the early-to-mid 2000s, the Bloomington-based Alternative Indie Rock trio Lightshore has just released a new single entitled "Take It." This is their newest release since their first EP "The Early Recordings" came out in 2019. Since then, Lightshore have tightened up their sound and stepped up their production to deliver a track that wouldn't feel out of place on a Switchfoot or Mutemath record in the prime of those bands' careers. The Haystack caught up with the band to find out more about their growth as artists in the time since their EP. How did Lightshore get started? What’s the significance of the band name? Lightshore got started towards the back end of 2019. The three of us spent our summer working at camp in southern Indiana. We found that we shared a common space in our musical taste. We spent the summer playing together on stage for the kids, and really felt something start to take place when we started to work on piecing together some original music. We played a concert during one of the last weeks of camp and knew we had the potential to share our passion with others. One of the biggest forces playing a part in our desire to do this, is that it really makes us feel alive. Each of us in the band have had our fair share of experience battling the lows of mental health. We know the journey we call life isn’t an easy one to walk alone. Lightshore came to us as a gift. The name stems from the desire to create a community that acknowledges the struggle, the people around them, and helps keep eachother afloat. We want to be a sliver of hope in a dark world that craves light. We want to shine that light with as many people as possible, and bring those experiencing adversity to shore. A place where we can all be safe, and sing songs together that bring relief, understanding, and healing. Tell us about your experience recording in Detroit. How did it compare to some of your previous recording sessions? We really have been blessed to work with Jake Rye of Social Recording Company. He was a touring member of Sanctus Real. Jake is an awesome talented musician, producer, mentor, and sound engineer. Our experience recording with him has been amazing. He really gives us the opportunity to come out on the other side with quality recordings everyone can enjoy. Jake has been patient with us, understanding, and has elevated us as a band in the short time we’ve worked with him. Previous to working with him we had tried to go through the recording process ourselves. We sat in a kitchen with a makeshift home studio, and did the best we could with what we had. That’s how we put together ‘The Early Recordings’. We knew this time around we really had to level up in order to continue growing a fanbase. In comparison this version of our music will absolutely provide a quality listening experience. You guys travelled out to Joshua Tree National Park to shoot your video for this single. Why Joshua Tree in particular, and what can you say about the experience of making this video? We took a boys trip out to California at the end of March and made plans to shoot a video for “Take It” as part of our “Open Sessions” series. For these videos, we try to do live, stripped-down versions of our songs making use of interesting scenery we find. In the past, we’ve done some of these videos around southern Indiana and in northern Michigan. Joshua Tree National Park fits right into the “interesting scenery” requirement for our Open Sessions. The desert is also a cool change from our previous videos which have all used Midwestern or Great Lakes environments. It’s a cool place, for sure! Also, a notable part of our experience is that we got to the park right before sunset. The sunset at Joshua Tree is worth the trip out there. We definitely had to get the song recorded as quickly as possible to make sure we used up that golden light! What are your future plans beyond this single? Anything major in the works that you can tell us about? Our priority during the pandemic has been to write, and eventually record as much new music as we can. We spent a week together last year with the goal of writing an album. Since then, we’ve been refining all of the ideas, writing more new music, and picking the best of the bunch to take to the studio. “Take It” happened to be chosen as the first single. We’re planning on recording at least two more songs by June and releasing them towards the end of the summer. Our eventual goal with the upcoming singles is to put out a full EP by the end of the year. Now that live music is starting to return, we want to hit the ground running by playing shows around Bloomington, Indianapolis, and anywhere else that opportunities arise. Check out the new single "Take It," available now on all major online music distributors. More about Lightshore Location: Bloomington, Indiana, USA Genre: Indie / Rock / Alternative Members: Tito Baez - Lead vocals, rhythm guitar John Adame - Lead guitar, backing vocals Trent Ward - Bass guitar Artist Links • Spotify • Instagram • YouTube • Twitter • Facebook • Merch •

Over the last year our team here at The Haystack has been working on creating more awareness of Seventh-day Adventist independent musicians. While it's been great to post about individual artists releasing new songs, albums, or interviewing singers and bands, it has quickly become clear that there is way more Seventh-day Adventist music being made than we initially guessed. To help bring more attention to all this music, we have begun to curate together some new Spotify playlists. We are launching two of them this week. The first is Independent Adventist Worship. This is a collection of praise, worship, and devotional songs across a number of different styles, encompassing CCM, Gospel, Folk, Pop, and more. The idea with this playlist is that it makes sense while driving to or from church, or playing in the background during a Sabbath afternoon potluck or picnic, or maybe Friday afternoon while you're finishing tidying up your house and preparing for Sabbath. You will also notice that some of the songs in this playlist contain explicit references to specific points of Adventist theology, such as the Sabbath ("Seventh-day" by Contagious Faith), the Three Angel's Messages ("Run" by Brad Nickel"), and the Investigative Judgment ("Miller and the Midnight Cry" by Billy Otto). The word Independent in the title refers to the fact that these are not artists signed by major record labels. The second playlist is Adventist Party Night. For many Seventh-day Adventists, Saturday night is a time for social gatherings, visiting friends, or putting on church youth group or outreach events. Unofficially, Saturday night is "Adventist Party Night," even if your family's idea of a party is just to have church friends over for food, fellowship, and some games. For some people - whether they be at SDA schools, summer camps, or just the local church - it can be difficult and time consuming to curate a playlist of music that is 'safe' for their social event while also being adequately fun and having a modern sound. This playlist responds to that need with just over an hour of high-energy music that doesn't necessarily fit into the typical paradigm of "Praise and Worship" but is nevertheless created by Seventh-day Adventist artists, expressing a Christian message. This playlist emphasizes Hip-Hop, EDM, Pop, and Rock music. Basically, if it has loud 808s or overdriven guitars, you can find it here. One of the problems with the Adventist music "scene" is that it's not much of a scene at all. In North America, for example, most SDA artists are independent and only locally known. Perhaps a handful of singers and songwriters gain recognition through a university campus, but for the most part the average Adventist singer seems to be playing to a niche (their local church context) within a niche (Adventism). At a more global level, I think that the amount of controversy that exists about music within the denomination often seems to prevent us from putting music more "front and center" in the work of our church, even at large, global-scale church events. This is specially true when it comes to more contemporary forms of music. And so, local artists become regionally locked because there really isn't any platform within the church to make music known to the rest of the Adventist community internationally. On that front, it has been helpful for us to consult the work of other organizations and ministries who have been keeping track of and promoting Adventist music in their own areas, especially Waymaker, One Sound Music, and the Adventist Musician Network. It's worth noting that some of these ministries are also curating Spotify playlists, as well as putting on live-streamed concerts and artist Instagram takeovers, so make sure to check them all out. At present we have only begun to curate Spotify playlists, but we may consider doing something comparable with Apple Music in the future. We encourage everyone to spread the links to these playlists around. We will be updating them as often as relevant new Adventist-made music is released. [UPDATE] Since this article was published, we have updated our Spotify with one additional playlist: Advent Alternative. We noticed that there was quite a bit of music we were running into that didn't really fit with a worship vibe, but also wasn't necessarily upbeat "party" music. As such, we have launched "Advent Alternative" to highlight music that is alternative in nature. but perhaps a bit more mid-tempo. Some artists featured on this playlist are UK-based R&B artist Naomi Parchment, Australian singer-songwriter Ashrae, Austrian alternative pop-rock band stillnoah, and plenty more. Just like our other playlists, we will be updating this playlist regularly, as often as there is new music being released by young Adventists. As always, stay tuned for more!

Bahamian Indie-Pop songstress Evin Nazya is back after a short hiatus with a new single, entitled Louvre. This song is her first release in 2021 (aside from one remix) after taking a break from recording due to a vocal injury. Having made a full recovery, Nazya returns with a song that is decidedly darker and moodier than most of her previous work. The trap-soul production boasts some video-gamey flare, and the vocal are some of her most explorative and adventurous yet in terms of delivery, harmony, and effects. The now representative "Gen Z" vocal production - emphasizing intimate, surround-sound voices - will prove particularly rewarding for listeners using headphones. Having only initially teased the release a few days ago, the single has already grabbed the attention of podcasting and playlist outlets like Cathedral Music Podcast, Soul Recently, and some others. Evin Nazya has previously landed herself on some reasonably popular Christian R&B playlists, so it would seem that things are continuing to trend favourably for her. Regarding her new single, Nazya had this to say: My new single "Louvre” represents the part of me that's learning to be more vulnerable with the people I love and who have proven, by their trust and track record, to truly love me. By the same token, however, being a cautious, closed-book by nature, I am still careful to keep certain parts of myself and my story hidden. A louvre is a structure designed to allow air or light in, while keeping sunshine or moisture out. In other words, it's open to some elements, but acts as a barrier to others, just as I, despite how tight a bond may be, choose to meet people halfway. Some may call it "holding back," while I call it wisdom. You'll hear the lyrics of the chorus, "she alive but you got no proof," which symbolizes those friendships that may have a solid foundation, but still aren't as deep as they could be, followed by the line, "strapped up, got her big girl boots on," which is analogous to me letting my walls down, and in a way "manning up" to my fears of being judged by those I care about. The bridge shows me opening up even more and includes a little bit of sarcasm (as I often include in my songs) where I'm acting as if I adore the toxicity that often comes from the need to constantly fix things, as an Enneagram Type-2. Perhaps "Louvre" is a reflection of my conflicting feelings: "Do I open up, and if so, to what extent?" vs "Trust no one." Check out Louvre now on all streaming platforms and online distributors. More about Evin Nazya Location: The Bahamas Genre: Alternative / Indie Pop / R&B Artist Links • YouTube • Spotify • Apple Music • Instagram • Twitter • Lyrics Verse 1 Imma say it out loud I’m a little jealous of her news How amusing And I’m a little anxious Grab a six-string I’ll deliver on the blues Chorus She alive but you got no proof Strapped up got her big girl boots on Let 'em in Play pretend's her cue Meet her more than halfway Look a louvre (ahhh) She just wanna sit pretty stay cute (ah) Looking weak just ain’t something she'd do Lord had to pull her out her bag for her own good Verse 2 I can say it with my chest now (say it with my chest) Call it insecure but I’ve seen better days (ahhh) I’m a little bothered (ugh) Keep it six feet I’ll deliver on the space Chorus You don’t know but your girl’s type two Strapped up got her big girl boots on Let 'em in Play pretend’s her cue Meet her more than halfway Look a Louvre Meet her more than halfway Look a louvre Look a louvre Bridge Somewhat of a mess Call it vibin' Gatta keep it high stress Like I like it If she got nothing to fix Wreak havoc Toxic to the bone Feels good to be home Toxic to the bone Feels good to be home Layin' in her own thoughts Jesus quick Here’s the phone Layin' in her own thoughts Oh God, keep her close Chorus She alive but you got no proof Strapped up got her big girl boots on Let 'em in Play pretend’s her cue Let 'em in Play pretend Look a Louvre (and you don't even know) You don’t know but your girl’s Type Two (But your girl's type two) Strapped up got her big girl boots on Let 'em in Play pretend’s her cue Meet her more than halfway Look a louvre (ah yeah) She just wanna sit pretty stay cute (ah) Looking weak just ain't something she'd do Lord had to pull her out her bag for her own good

The UK-based company One Sound Music is hosting a three-day-long virtual livestream music festival from Friday, April 23rd to Sunday, April 25th, 2021. This is the second installation of an event they started last year, and features a stacked lineup of Christian & Gospel artists. A slight majority of the performers - about 60% or so - are Seventh-day Adventist. The event will be simultaneously streamed on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, as each artist performs a 30-minute set. One Sound Music has been an active organization for about 7 years now, promoting independent Christian artists through YouTube, livestreams, Instagram takeovers, and more. According to the organization's website: "One Sound Music was birthed out of seeing so much talent within the Adventist Church, but so little output in terms of recorded music. We were around a lot of people who had amazing gifts, but we just felt like that we needed to take it outside of the four walls and beyond just singing at different churches." Regarding the 2021 online festival, One Sound Music had this to say in their press release: "After a highly successful debut last year, with 300 concurrent viewers across platforms at its peak, Isolation Fest returns again for 2021, with over 20 artists coming together for 3 days of live performances across Friday 23rd April 2021 - Sunday 25th April 2021. Highlights include Sarah Teibo, a multi-award winning singer and songwriter, Noel Robinson, an international worship leader, music pastor, songwriter and producer, Annatoria, the winner of The Voice UK 2020, Soul Thirst Music, emerging artists who have released their first two singles leading up to their album launch in the last few months, and Joel Robinson, who released his debut EP “The Hymn Project” at the beginning of 2021. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage many parts of the world and musicians and artists are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain a living during this time, we at One Sound Music believe that this is a time for everyone to receive messages of hope, love and peace, and we believe God has given artists and musicians across the world a gift that is specifically applicable to this time. If they are in the financial position to do so, viewers are encouraged during and after the concert to buy music and merch from the artists’ Bandcamp, Patreon pages and websites, as well as giving an offering (tipping) in the YouTube chat." With so many changes happening in the way church is being done, and with mounting pressure on Pastors and leaders to provide programming for their communities, Isolation Fest may prove to be an invaluable resource. Help us spread the word about this event so that people can become more aware of the growing pool of young Adventist talent all over the world. You'll be contributing to the lives and careers of talented young performers, and you'll be blessed by great music along the way. Festival Schedule: All times listed below are in UK time and in the afternoon (PM) Friday, April 23: 7:30 - Faith Ajani 8:00 - Naomi Parchment 8:30 - Nicole Sanderson 9:00 - Lois Moodie 9:30 - Soul Thirst Music Saturday, April 24: 3:00 - Kemoriti 3:30 - Joel Robinson 4:00 - Ainsley & Nicole Johns 4:30 - Daniella Bernard 5:00 - Mikaela Marie 5:30 - Anthony Hainsley 6:00 - Rhyanne Woodbine 6:30 - Walter Rodrigues Jr 6:45 - Aaron Mitchell 7:00 - Noel Robinson 7:30 - Annatoria Sunday, April 25: 3:00 - Sharlene-Monique 3:30 - Esther Naomi 4:00 - Myron Evans 5:00 - Kemi Glover 5:30 - Ainsley & Nicole Johns Connect with One Sound Music: Facebook - Instagram - YouTube - Website - Spotify

On April 2, 2021, Pullman, MI singer-songwriter Abigail Almeida released her first EP, entitled "Tales for Turning." The focal point of the project is Almeida's warm and soothing vocal delivery. Across the short run of five tracks, her voice is soft, light, and inviting and she draws her listeners in with heartfelt Acoustic Folk-Pop storytelling. The EP features four new original songs and one remaster of a previous single. Each song significantly shifts in sonic texture. The opening track is the only piano ballad, while the rest of the EP alternates between Ukulele and Guitar arrangements. Each of the songs on the album is based in some way or another on stories from the Bible, so the minimalist arrangements really allow for the narrative to take center stage. This is a project that thrives on focused simplicity, and will appeal to listeners who want their music sparse, spacious, raw, and real. The day after release, Abigail Almeida performed a 40-minute digital concert, livestreamed from her Facebook page, and featuring both covers and original songs. You can watch the livestream and hear some of the stories behind the songs here: Tales For Turning is available now on all major online platforms. Cover artwork by Hannah Gallant. Tracklist: Artist Links: Instagram - Facebook - Spotify - YouTube

On April 3, 2021, the Orlando-based artist Jonathan Wright dropped his first album, New Jerusalem. Self-produced by Wright himself, and Mixed & Mastered by Christopher Duncanson, the album features an intriguing kind of stylistic ambiguity. While rapping makes up the majority of the vocal delivery across the album - enough that you could almost consider it mainly a rap record - the music also seems to be equal parts R&B, Gospel, and Contemporary Worship. This ambiguity is a strong point that keeps the project feeling fresh and unpredictable, even after repeat listens. While the album is a short one at just seven tracks, there is a pretty sizeable team of musicians represented, especially for a solo album in this genre. Background musicians include AJ Fines, Leo Je'Vaughn, Aren Bruce, and Leighton Kennedy, and there are vocal features by Musa on the title track and a couple appearances from Wilfred A. Montalvo (a.k.a. Wilfredo). Wright has also included a video breakdown for each of the songs on the album via his YouTube Channel. Each of these short videos gives some deeper insights into the music, which should enhance the experience for listeners who love these songs enough to want to dive deeper. There's both personal depth and biblical intrigue for those willing to give the songs serious attention. New Jerusalem is out now on all major platforms. Tracklist: 1. MERCY 2. WASH ME 3. THINGS ONLY GET BETTER 4. NO HIGH 5. TRUST 6. I BELIEVE 7. NEW JERUSALEM Artist Links Instagram - TikTok - YouTube - Spotify - Apple Music - Tidal

Over the course of the ongoing pandemic, many churches have had to struggle to adapt to the new online worship atmosphere. The effort to move church online involves so many moving parts and so many shifts in perspective and strategy, that many pastors and worshipping communities found themselves overwhelmed at the beginning. The jokes about awkward transitions during zoom calls, the struggle of pre-recording what are essentially long-distance worship teams, and the inevitable tension between oops I thought I was muted and can you guys hear me? have become routine at this point. But as we have settled in to a temporary new quasi-normal, some notable examples have sprung up of groups who have been able to maximize their use of technology to enhance online church services. Among those who are perhaps doing it best is Anthem Worship, based out of the Loma Linda University Church. As stated on their website by their Contemporary Worship Pastor, Josh Jamieson: "Anthem is a contemporary service rooted in the vision and mission of Loma Linda University Church and that of Senior Pastor Randy Roberts. Anthem is geared toward reaching the student population on the campus of Loma Linda University as well as anyone seeking a more contemporary style of worship. Anthem is a place that focuses on a spirit of hospitality, authentic biblical worship, and serving those around them." Over the month of March (2021), Anthem has been releasing what they're calling Season 2 of their online worship series, Studio Church. Services complete with sermons and well-produced contemporary worship sets have been premiered the last three Sabbath mornings, and have featured a swath of different musicians and singers taking their turns in Anthem Worship's team. While most of the worship sets involve the band's deeply electronic renditions of well-known songs, Anthem Worship has also released a handful of original songs through their YouTube channel. They also recently announced an upcoming album of original songs, due out sometime this spring. As many churches begin attempting to find ways to integrate both their online audience with cautious returns to in-person services, it will be good for folks to keep their eyes on leaders, artists, pastors, and church communities who seem to be striking that balance well. In a time when "doing church" has been difficult for many, this one team has managed not only to find a way to make the weekly service happen, but to foster creativity and aim at excellence in production and execution. For one group to be putting out some of the most well-produced video services in Adventism and to also be contributing original compositions to the (at times seemingly meager) Adventist worship songwriting tradition, says a lot about the passion, focus, and skill that is coalescing around the Loma Linda University Church. If you haven't checked out Anthem Worship yet, make sure to give them a shot. You may have just found the closest thing to an in-person worship concert that you have had access to in a while. Artist Links: Instagram - YouTube - Facebook - Website

Pop-R&B singer-songwriter Carmen Cruz is carrying on her trend of keeping the creativity flowing in spite of the ongoing pandemic conditions. Over the course of 2020, Cruz graced her audience with a couple pieces of music: a return single, Sounds Better, after an extended break since her debut album Plan for me in 2014, as well as a guest feature with the band Neon Skylines on their song Won't Let Go. Now, in 2021, her new single I'm Yours offers further exploration into the pop and R&B side of her sound. Produced by @mosestruman, the soundscape provides a dreamlike, carefree canvas for Cruz's plaintive and soulful voice to paint over. Speaking of the inspiration behind the song, Cruz writes on her Instagram: This song is based on my fav Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11. Wrote this during a time where I was searching for my purpose. I was constantly comparing myself to everyone else around me, seeing how ahead they were in life and where I was. This verse is a constant reminder to me that although I may not understand as to why certain things happen in my life, I have to surrender my plan and my purpose to God. And so with this song I tell Him: “I’m Yours” If the last few singles are any indication, there are only good things head for Carmen Cruz. Make sure to check out the new single now! Artist Links: Linktree - Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - Spotify

Daniel Bennett - better known by many as DB - has just released his debut full-length album, "Who I Am." Clocking in at about 30 minutes of content, the pacing and energy of the album makes for easy repeat listens. Over the last couple years, DB has been cranking out single after single, establishing his brand as a rapper. The effort seems to have paid off: this album boasts plenty of features and co-signs from other artists, a solid vote of confidence from his peers in the underground Christian Hip-Hop community. The fact that DB has been consistently putting out music during the absolute slog that has been 2020-2021 speaks to a certain level of drive and ambition, which bodes well for the aspiring rapper's future. "Who I Am" by DB is available now on all major online platforms. For bookings and features, contact DB at: dbrealmuzik@gmail.com Track List: Who I Am Seasons (ft. Dre Murray) Didn't Know Enemy (ft. Kevi Morse) Thank You Fam Work (ft. K-Drama) I Believe (ft. Candace) Alive (ft. Deraj) Down For You (ft. Candace) Legacy Artist Links: Instagram - Spotify - YouTube - Facebook

Christmas and 2020 are over now, but what about the aftermath? Reflecting back, the distinction between Christmas and Advent felt particularly noticeable. Christmas is a mixture of religious and cultural traditions of celebration and cheer, warmth and light. Then there is Advent - a tension between waiting and hope, uncertainty and peace, where separation and darkness culminates in the joy and love of the light of Christ arriving. Advent is a season for connecting with the experiences of those first awaiting the birth of Christ. What challenges did they face? And how might our experience intersect with theirs? Jesus was born in the midst of a community of religious leaders who had been called to be a light and blessing to the world and reveal God to the nations, but instead they shut themselves away - they stopped listening, stopped connecting, stopped engaging with the world. “In the instruction given through Moses, God had placed restrictions upon their association with idolaters; but this teaching had been misinterpreted. It was intended to prevent them from conforming to the practices of the heathen. But it was used to build up a wall of separation between Israel and all other nations.” (Desire of Ages 28) This is especially ironic as we read the Advent stories of Christ, because it is from among those very “heathen” that we see some of the first true seekers of Christ emerge. The magi who came seeking Christ were philosophers and leaders in wealth and learning. “The light of God is ever shining amid the darkness of heathenism. As these magi studied the starry heavens, and sought to fathom the mystery hidden in their bright paths, they beheld the glory of the Creator. Seeking clearer knowledge, they turned to the Hebrew Scriptures. In their own land were treasured prophetic writings that predicted the coming of a divine teacher. ... But in the Old Testament the Saviour's advent was more clearly revealed. The magi learned with joy that His coming was near, and that the whole world was to be filled with a knowledge of the glory of the Lord.” (DA 59) While the religious were staying safe from the heathens, the heathens were seeking God. The magi had to seek out answers on their own. They looked in nature. They looked in their own culture’s writings, which contained echoes of truth from long ago. And finally they were able to connect with the Hebrew Scriptures. Do you notice what is missing? Tragically, they were not able to seek God through observance or direct contact with the people of God themselves! This became abundantly clear as they arrived in Israel, seeking Christ. “To their amazement they find none who seem to have a knowledge of the newborn king. Their questions call forth no expressions of joy, but rather of surprise and fear, not unmingled with contempt. ...The priests are rehearsing traditions. They extol their religion and their own piety, while they denounce the Greeks and Romans as heathen, and sinners above others. The wise men are not idolaters, and in the sight of God they stand far higher than do these, His professed worshipers; yet they are looked upon by the Jews as heathen. Even among the appointed guardians of the Holy Oracles their eager questionings touch no chord of sympathy.” (DA 60-61) What’s more, not only are the magi confronted with surprise, fear, and contempt, but the religious leaders then dig in their heels in reaction to this new light coming from outside themselves: “Now pride and envy closed the door against the light. If the reports brought by the shepherds and the wise men were credited, they would place the priests and rabbis in a most unenviable position, disproving their claim to be the exponents of the truth of God. These learned teachers would not stoop to be instructed by those whom they termed heathen. It could not be, they said, that God had passed them by, to communicate with ignorant shepherds or uncircumcised Gentiles. They determined to show their contempt for the reports that were exciting King Herod and all Jerusalem. They would not even go to Bethlehem to see whether these things were so. And they led the people to regard the interest in Jesus as a fanatical excitement. Here began the rejection of Christ by the priests and rabbis. From this point their pride and stubbornness grew into a settled hatred of the Saviour. While God was opening the door to the Gentiles, the Jewish leaders were closing the door to themselves.” (DA 62) I don’t know about you, but the parallels here between the religious leaders of Christ’s time and our own experience in Christianity and Adventism is striking. We have a deep distrust of “outsiders” - not because the light of God is absent there, but because we’ve built a wall of separation between ourselves and them. We, too, often respond with pride and automatically discredit new ideas or different perspectives without even listening, because if they could be true, that means we must have missed the truth - that we don’t have all the truth and maybe we haven’t cornered the market on God like we thought. What happens when God’s people aren’t being the light? What happens when we are actively discrediting God’s truth and light when it is showing up outside our expected circle of control? What happens when we isolate ourselves to keep safe and build a wall between ourselves and the world? [Note that just because we’re doing “evangelism” or “Bible studies” doesn’t mean we don’t still have a wall. It doesn’t mean we don’t still have the fear, contempt, and pride of the priests and rabbis. We have to ask ourselves: Are we listening? Are we engaging in their lives? Are we responding to the truth and light God has already revealed to them outside of us?] The gracious reality is that regardless of whether God’s people are shining, the light of God still shines. With or without us. The stones cry out. We actually see many examples of this in Scripture… Outsiders and Gentiles who God went to or who understood when God’s people didn’t. The widow of Zarephath during the famine of Elijah’s time and Naaman the Syrian who was healed of leprosy (Luke 4:24-27). The Roman Centurion who had greater faith than anyone in Israel (Matthew 8:5-13). Other outsiders like Rahab, Ruth, the Canaanite woman, and the woman at the well. (Interesting how many of these were also women, who were outsiders in their own right). We also have the wisdom of Solomon, which was not all his own original work, but some of which was gathered from Mesopotamia and Egyptian sources (see also: Ecclesiastes 12:9; Proverbs 24:23). Solomon found what was wise - what was the light of God elsewhere - and brought it together, probably added his own touch at times, and now it is Scripture. When Jesus shares about the widow and Namaan, the people gathered there for “church” try to throw him off a cliff. When he marvels at the faith of the centurion, he also proclaims these shocking words: “I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:11-12) The idea that those on the outside might really be on the inside, and those on the inside might really be on the outside… it is unsettling, disturbing, even angering. But this is the way of the kingdom of God, right? The first shall be last and the last shall be first. Those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for the kingdom will save it. Blessed are the poor in spirit and those who mourn. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Blessed are the outsiders. Have you noticed lately that the stones are crying out? The light of God is shining from the outside. The reality of God is so powerful that even those who don’t acknowledge it are seeking it. Even those who don’t have all the “truth” are living out the truth. Huge communities of non-Adventists are making breathtaking strides in not only sharing the reality of the Sabbath but living it out in fresh and expansive ways. Other communities are discovering and digging deeper into the realization that God doesn’t burn people forever in hell. The basic tenets of these ideas are not new to us, but aren’t we at the forefront of these movements? In the world of health, the benefits of an active plant-based lifestyle are being advocated by many, and the harmful impact of stress and lack of rest are being scientifically linked to our physical and mental well-being. But it isn’t the ones with the “health message” who are leading the way. The benefits of meditation, mindfulness, and prayer practices are spreading far and wide. The allure of minimalism is calling many to forsake the idols of consumerism. The fight for racial justice, activism on behalf of the marginalized, care for the poor - we who proclaim the eternal gospel to every nation, tribe, language, and people should be on the frontlines. But we’re being left behind. We who follow the Jesus of the subversive Sermon on the Mount, why do we spend so much time inside our walls? God’s light is shining. We may hide ours under a basket, but all across the dark landscape, beacons of brightness are bursting forth. The harvest is ripe. We are missing out on opportunities to draw people to God through the very principles God designed for us to embrace and thrive through. We are missing the chance to help people see the glorious gospel in so many of these lifegiving avenues. Ultimately, though, we are the ones who miss out the most. Because God’s light is showing up in the world, and people like the magi are still finding Christ. But we also know that we still bear the original call of God’s people, which is also crucial to the culmination of earth’s history: God’s people must collectively become that light - the gospel must go to all the world, not just in teaching, but in living community. It is time for us to un-hide our light, take it out from under the bushel. Let us listen, let us seek, let us find God’s light shining before we arrive, and let us celebrate that! Let us lift up Christ, not just in teaching but in living, and Christ will draw all people unto himself. May we be the light in the world that turns the eyes of all to the Light of the world. Written By: Jason Vanderlaan

The year 2020 is coming to a close very soon. And while many people will celebrate that fact as a good thing, there are little moments of brightness that shine through every so often. So here is an update on just a handful of Adventist artists who have released new music in 2020 that you should know about, even if they may have slipped under your radar. Naomi Parchment - The Care Package EP "The Care Package" is a unique new offering from Hunstville, Alabama-based Gospel-R&B crossover artist Naomi Parchment. The EP, released exclusively on Soundcloud, offers a surprising blend of original content, and references to secular and gospel songs as broad as Tye Tribbett, Gnarls Barkley, SZA, and more. This project definitely feels like it's meant to speak to people who are stuck at home and in their feelings during the tumultuous events that have characterized 2020. Anyone looking for a forward-thinking musical experience will find something to love here. Brad Nickel - Run Brad Nickel is a singer-songwriter from Edmonton, Alberta (Canada) whose sound spans everything from folk-rock acoustic sensibilities, to contemporary worship atmospheres, and even electronic textures. His new single, RUN, should be especially appealing to fans of groups like For King And Country. There's something sonically 80's about the whole thing. Adventist listeners will also find themselves possibly taken aback by a reference to "the Three Angels' Messages" in the second verse of the song that feels completely un-forced and at home with the tone of the song. Make sure to check out Brad Nickel's back catalogue as well! Intercession - Free While this is an entry from earlier this year, this Toronto, Canada-based group certainly deserves more attention with their debut single. Intercession is a talented vocal quartet with a knack for blending together the varied nuances of Gospel music and Contemporary Worship. This is a solid introduction for the group and I'm eager to hear more. Cody Cornwall & Changed - I Must Tell Jesus Another Toronto-based gospel group recently dropped a rendition of the hymn "I Must Tell Jesus," and it's a perfect example of how the right arrangement can give new life to an otherwise familiar tune. While this is the only song you'll currently find on their Spotify, it's a strong start on the recorded side of things for a group that seems to have a few years of experience together in a live setting. Keep your eyes and ears open for more from this group, and apparently the city of Toronto in general. Carmen Cruz Carmen Cruz may not be an unfamiliar face for some readers. She's been a noteworthy Adventist name in the Independent music scene for a while now. While there was a long break between her 2014 debut album Plan For Me, 2020 saw Cruz come back with a smooth acoustic R&B track Sounds Better, as well as a vocal guest feature with the band Neon Skylines on their song Won't Let Go. Loma Linda University Church In a year when many churches struggle to adapt to the online ecosystem, Loma Linda University Church did a great job at staying ahead of the game. Their Anthem Worship ministry especially excelled at putting together high-quality music performances and visual experiences that could transcend, in a way, the isolation brought on by the pandemic. Check out the full playlist on their YouTube channel for more renditions of familiar worship songs, some original pieces, as well as sermon content and more. DB From the realm of Christian Hip-Hop, DB has had a number of new songs out this year. From his recent collaboration with K-Drama on the song "Work," or earlier singles this year, this is one artist who seems to have not slowed down his creative output during the 2020 shut downs. KOZEN Okay, fine, I'll do it.. I'll mention my own band. Based out of - you guessed it - Toronto, Canada, KOZEN is a project that comes from the rock and metal world, but focuses on bending and cross-pollinating music styles and musician cultures. Disclaimer: I'm the only Adventist in the band, but I'm also the lead singer and lyricist, so you can decide how "Adventist" that makes the music. Our two singles this year were Summer Never Ends - an anthem for summer fun with a taste for tropical pop and with metaphors for the union of heaven and earth - and Somebody Else - a dark and heavy lament over strained friendships. In some ways, both of these songs are departures from our normal "sound." You can check out our first full-length album A Fearful Wonder and especially that album's lead single To The Wind if you'd like a clear sense of our overall sound. Year in Review The year 2020 has been a major challenge for many musicians. Still, countless artists have found a way to stay creative and keep putting out music in spite of the difficult circumstances. Here's to all the creatives going into 2021 with a sense of uncertainty mixed with determination. May you all stay inspired and motivated, and may the future bring you all more success. -Max, for The Haystack Music

Every so often, an artist comes around who launches with an undeniably compelling competence. Madisen Renee seems to be one such artist. The Seattle-born, now North Carolina based worship leader and singer-songwriter is a younger entry into the music world, with a catalogue only spanning the length of 2020 itself. Still, she's been gaining traction with her fantastic first single I Choose You. While some new artists have to wander about before establishing their sound, Madisen Renee's debut material sounds self-assured, confident, and well-produced. It seems that her experience as a worship leader has shaped this young artist with the clarity and confidence to get started on the right foot. On November 20th, 2020, Madisen Renee dropped her new holiday-themed EP, Christmas With You, on all major online platforms. This short EP is full of Christmas songs that range from religious to secular, and from traditional to original. Recognizable tracks like The Christmas Song and White Christmas stand alongside original numbers like Mary's Lullaby and the EP's title track. The overall experience is heartfelt, festive, and indicative of only more good things to come. Follow the links below to add some much needed shine to your Christmas season, and make sure to follow Madisen on her socials to stay up to date with her future releases! Christmas With You Tracklist: White Christmas Mary's Lullaby The Christmas Song (feat. Isaiah Little) Light Christmas With You (feat. Riza Singal) Artist Info: Location: Greensboro, NC Genre: Worship / Inspirational / Indie Instagram - Facebook - Spotify - YouTube - iTunes