It seems odd to me that a Christian message is more accessible on mainstream rock stations than on AC or Hot AC. Not to stereotype Christians in any way, but knowing that the majority of what is available in the Christian music scape fits in perfectly with the style of music normally found on AC stations (soft rock, pop), it is surprising that the successful crossover bands are mostly in mainstream rock. POD, Chevelle, Evanescence, Creed, Mae, Anberlin, Flyleaf, Killswitch Engage, Dead Poetic, As I Lay Dying, Norma Jean, Switchfoot and many more have all made their impact on Active Rock and Alternative radio, as well as the more indie-leaning college stations, without compromising their clearly Christian themes. While a couple of these artists have also popped up on AC stations, the bulk of their listenership is coming from the rock world. I don’t doubt there are Christians in other genres, but it seems their messages must be veiled and vague to achieve the same level of success available to them in rock music. Why is this? Is there room for a clearly Christian artist in other formats?

AJ, KOAR

Bain Mattox – KOAR has been placing bets on Mattox for the last year and we are still in the game because we think he is the real deal. If you never heard of Bain Mattox then the following description should suffice. Think Keane meets Lifehouse. Atlanta/Athens, Georgia based Bain Mattox has a grassroots following that can’t be ignored. At age 23, front man Mattox and his 4-piece band have built this project from the ground up, with over 1,000 in attendance at his last hometown performance at The Roxy Theatre and a strong tour history with a proven 150-200 draw in 4+ additional markets. With his cross-over potential, Mattox is already a celebrated artist with awards across the board including People’s Choice for “Best Singer/Songwriterâ€?, “Best Front Manâ€? (Atlanta Music Guide Music Awards), “Best Singer/Songwriterâ€? and “Best Rock Bandâ€? (Athens Flagpole Music Awards). Music has been heard on MTV’s “Real Worldâ€?, TNT for NASCAR, 99x specialty, Q100’s morning show, FOX (Charlotte), and CBS’s “Good Morning Atlantaâ€?. Bain Mattox has shared the stage with The Strokes, Switchfoot, Liz Phair, Better Than Ezra, etc. His sophomore release, “Prizefighterâ€?, will be released November 1st. Mattox and band will be touring in support of “Prizefighterâ€? this fall/winter. Current notable dates include October 28 @ Atlanta’s Roxy Theatre and November 12th @ New York’s Knitting Factory.

Recommended Listening

• Grace
• Slow Poke
• Fine Line

Great Glass Elevator – This alternative rock outfit is based in Orange County CA with an age ranging from 18-20. This band strives for spontaneity, admirably pushing itself into new territory. This proves that some young bands still have original ideas within this generically boring music scene. Listen to the tribal influenced track Fike Philophobia if you don’t believe me. Self released EP All In The Golden Afternoon in April 2005 which has sold over 1,200 CD’s. Hot Topic Stores is in the process of ordering their EP to stock in stores nation wide. Alternative Press just mentioned the band in the September issue. The band averages ten shows per month across Southern California and in addition to clubs, colleges and all ages venues while playing high schools to build their fan base. They have opened for bands such as Emery, Hello Goodbye, Sherwood, Koufax, Waking Ashland, Limbeck and Emmanuel. Getting airplay in the last week each evening on Los Angeles’ radio station Indie 103.1FM’s specialty show, Jonesys Jukebox with Steve Jones. Next Shows: October 14 – at The Troubador (with Gratitude). October 15th – San Diego, CA at Ground Zero. October 31 – Anaheim, CA at Chain Reaction.