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Phil Wickham

“Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” No one knows who actually said it. This witty proclamation has been attributed to actors, authors, comedians, jazz musicians and yes, an architect. Regardless of who deserves credit, it makes sense and with that sentiment in mind I apologize for what you are about to read and ask you to skip to the part where you actually listen to the record. If you are like me, you will feel more like dancing than writing. Mesmerizing. Atmospheric. Captivating. Stunning. Soaring. Lavish. Poetic. Phil Wickham’s music has been called every flowery adjective in the thesaurus and some that may have even been made up. And while they are often accurate descriptors they are at the same time distracting. When hearing these buzz words it’s too easy to lump an artist into a meaningless equation consisting of two musical references, a vague genre title and a classic predecessor. Welcome to missing the point. The point is that Wickham is at his core a humble and sincere artist who writes songs and worships God using the medium of music. It is with that brush that he paints images of a loving and creative God across the canvases of listeners’ hearts and minds. Although the evidence of this gift was apparent on Wickham’s previous release as well as his self released independent record, it has never been clearer and more developed than on the twelve tracks off his sophomore Simple Records album Cannons. When naming the album Wickham was trying to find a metaphor for the brilliance and magnitude of creation. He needed a word that has not been overused and therefore gives listeners pause and compels them to consider the wonder of the world around them. It’s falling from the clouds, A strange and lovely sound I hear it in the thunder and rain, It’s ringing in the skies Like cannons in the night, The music of the universe plays “If people just took the time to look at the trees outside, the rain that’s falling, these bodies that are walking around… life is not just evidence that God exists, but more like the world acting as worship leader, inspiring us, but much louder than any concert you could ever imagine,” Wickham states. “Ultimately, I hope that by listening to these songs people will find the same inspiration to look outside of themselves and their circumstance to the world around them and truly worship God.” For Wickham the desire he has for his albums and live show is always to lead people into worship. On Cannons he accomplishes this with a marked sonic shift and an added sense of urgency. Album opener “Must I Wait,” is a clear example of both with its driving tempo and use of layered synthesizers in place of the lush string arrangements of his self-titled debut. “I think this last year and a half on the road has taught me a lot about who I want to be as an artist. And more than anything I really thought about the live show - there were moments touring where I would say to myself I wish I had this kind of song to play right now. So with Cannons I set out to work all of that experience into the record.” “True Love” is one of those songs that Wickham wishes that he had with him over the past few years. The song is a classically bold lyrical challenge in the vein of Keith Green and others from the Jesus Movement era. The lyric offers an invitation to listeners to listen to the story of the Gospel and in the end a plea and a challenge. Come close listen to the story about a love more faithful than the morning… --- Search your hearts you know you can’t deny it Lose your life just so you can find it… “I don’t ever want to leave the stage without giving people something to chew on, something to respond to. The most important question is ‘what are you going to do with Jesus?’” Ask Wickham for the story behind Cannons and he’ll balk and say their really isn’t one story. He’s right and modest, there isn’t one – there are twelve. Twelve stories and one theme: open your eyes and look up. Phil Wickham’s songs connect. He asks the right questions and he gives voice and words to our response. The songs speak to the heart of our experience, our relationship with God – and with that said, I’m finished dancing about architecture.

Twitter Updates

Finishing up some Christmas shopping today. Gonna battle through the crowds, but I think it's fun. Whadya think? Fun or not?
about 1 hour ago

Latest bulletin 11.03.09

Safe!

'Safe' featuring BartMillard available now on iTunes!!! Go get it! http://tinyurl.com/yby3tqd ... Spread the word!!

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Photos posted by Phil Wickham

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Blog posts

Nov 3
"Time Is Now" Oct 14
San Juan Capistrano, Let's have dinner!! Oct 8

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Blog posts

Nov 03, 07:14 AM

The current single 'Safe' featuring Bart Millard is now available on iTunes as a part of iTunes 'Countdown To Heaven&Earth'. Check it out and spread the word. Get it here.
Oct 14, 02:51 PM

"Time Is Now"

Here's some thoughts behind the song "Time Is Now" from Heaven & Earth.http://philwickham.com/2009/10/14/time-is-now/
Oct 08, 10:14 AM

San Juan Capistrano, Let's have dinner!!

Hey everyone. I'm doing a show next week and I thought we'd try something out. I want to have dinner with one of you and a friend, and we're going to try this out on October 16th in San Juan Capistrano.
Here's how it will work. Head over to the Facebook Event page and RSVP that you are going to the show. Out of the list of people who RSVP I'll pick someone to have two tickets and we'll also hang out before the show and have some dinner. Who's up for it?
So, here we go Orange County. Let's spread the word and get folks over there RSVP-ing. I'll contact the winner the day before the show.
Have a great day.
-phil.
Sep 22, 10:34 AM

Exclusive Pre-Order: Special message from Phil!

http://philwickham.com/2009/09/18/heaven-and-earth-pre-sale/
Watch this special message from Phil about his exclusive pre-order on "Heaven and Earth." Buy it today and get an instant digital copy, and a special acoustic version you can't get anywhere else! You'll also get an autographed copy and a T-shirt when it releases in November!
Check it out at www.philwickham.com
Jan 16, 01:50 PM

New Video Footage From The Studio!

Hey everyone, check out the blog for some new videos from the road and from the studio. Stay connected to the blog for regular updates on how the record is going!
http://philwickham.com/blog/
Jan 14, 10:17 AM

"Beautiful" Live Video!

There's a new live video up from Phil's "Singalong." Spread it around to all your friends!
Embed the video on your Myspace Page, Facebook, or Blog and link to Phil's blog, then send a screen shot to contest@inorecords.com for a chance to win a "Singalong" set list signed by Phil.
Youtube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhL5SDwp88c&feature=channel_page
www.philwickham.com/blog
Jan 08, 11:39 AM

New Live Video Up- "Divine Romance"

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You know the rules.
Embed this video on your Myspace Page, Facebook, or Blog and link to Phil's blog, then send a screen shot to contest@inorecords.com for a chance to win a handwritten "Singalong" set list signed by Phil. Help spread the word about Phil's music everywhere!

Phil Wickham - "Divine Romance"

YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyZSjww_y7I&feature=channel_page
Dec 10 2008, 11:33 AM

New live contest video and $5 sale on “Cannons” this week only!

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Cannons is on sale for $5.00 this week only at Mardel Stores!
You can purchase it online here- http://www.mardel.com/store/item.aspx?ItemId=353285
Or search for stores in your area here- http://www.mardel.com/locations
Be sure to tell all of your friends!

Here is the new live contest video:

Embed this video on your Myspace Page, Facebook, or Blog and link to Phil's blog, then send a screen shot to contest@inorecords.com for a chance to win a "Singalong" set list signed by Phil. Each week, we'll post a new "Singalong" video and we've got 8 prizes to give away, so stay tuned each week!

Phil Wickham - "Messiah"

YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzwCdBmIhWU
Dec 02 2008, 12:17 PM

"Jesus, Lord of Heaven" Contest Video Up Now!

Here are the rules.
Embed this video on your Myspace Page, Facebook, or Blog and link to Phil's blog, then send a screen shot to contest@inorecords.com for a chance to win a "Singalong" set list signed by Phil.
Each week, we'll post a new "Singalong" video and we've got 8 prizes to give away, so stay tuned each week!
Feel free to leave comments where you have it posted as well. We'd love to see it everywhere.

Here is the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5CmcAxNXgo

For all the latest news regarding the contest and more, please visit Phil Wickham's blog: http://philwickham.com/category/news
Nov 04 2008, 08:09 AM

Who's ready for a little contest?

It's a pretty simple contest and anyone can win. Here are the details.
Embed Phil's live video of "True Love" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWOUZJjegS4 ) on your Myspace Page, Facebook, Blog, etc. and link to Phil's blog (http://philwickham.com/blog ), then send a screen shot and your URL to contest@inorecords.com for a chance to win a "Singalong" set list signed by Phil.
Each week, we'll post a new "Singalong" video and we've got 8 prizes to give away, so stay tuned each week!

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Phil Wickham

Twitter Updates

Latest bulletin 11.03.09

'Safe' featuring BartMillard available now on iTunes!!! Go get it! http://tinyurl.com/yby3tqd ... Spread the word!!

Photos posted by Phil Wickham

Blog posts

Link to this artist page

Blog posts

Here's some thoughts behind the song "Time Is Now" from Heaven & Earth.http://philwickham.com/2009/10/14/time-is-now/

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