Post on 1st May 2012
My fav music right now is undoubtedly a new CD that has become a whole new exciting listening experience for me. It is creative and defiant of a musical singles culture. It demands critical listening- risky in a world that wants music in the background, and as the artists say " please dont make us pay attention".
Its called "Ghosts upon the Earth" by Gungor.
Most would recognise the name Gungor- Michael Gungor is the head creator here, song writer of Friend of God amongst other contemporary worship songs. Gungor is a musical collaboration of musicians who have teamed up to create something akin to a concept album- yet that description does not give this album justice.
I am hearing Ghosts upon the Earth as a sweeping story of the biblical narrative. It is not a collection of random songs yet rather a story arc that tells one whole story. for anyone looking for a new musical experience: Ghosts upon the earth is for you. Dont just download it on itunes though and listen to it through average speakers. This is art at its best.
Gungors "Ghosts upon the Earth" makes a whole lot of sense to me. Gungor writes "Music has too often become background noise in our culture. It sets a mood, but don’t make me pay much attention to it!" I think we need to learn to listen again. Music is a great teaching tool for that.
So get this CD. then go somewhere quiet where you can listen to it as a whole. Do a google on "Gungor" and read about their interpretations of the music as you form your own. This is truly listening to music.
I am so grateful for art in music right now. It brings me back to life as a musician and song writer- and reminds me of how playful and beautiful music should be.
enjoy!
http://gungormusic.com/2011/09/ghosts-upon-the-earth/
http://www.amazon.com/Ghosts-Upon-Earth-Gungor/dp/B005DZMQA4
Post on 30th Apr 2012
At Easterfest 2012, i took a walk into the CD/ book store tent and found a book.
Its title "The God Artist" by Australian singer, author and song writer Roma Waterman grabbed me straight away.
The God Artist is one of the most profound and refreshing books i have ever read that has been directed toward those who create and make music with the aim of expressing the Christian faith. All artists who desire to create something that matters as well as teach on having a creative influence should eat this book alive!
Basically it has two parts. The first on creative insights pertinent to all artists. The second a very cool break down of the history of the arts from a Christian perspective- particularly on the history of Christian art in the church. It excites in me a return to a time when the best art in communities around the country would be found proliferating in the local church. That is a call that resonates deeply in me.
This book has totally encouraged me- particularly in my journey as an independent artist, which feels at times like a long walk in a dry desert. Totally highly recommended for all artists of all kinds who desire to make a living doing what they know they were created for.
Post on 3rd Apr 2012
It appears I wrote my first blog a year ago today.
It had been a while, and quite frankly it was by chance i felt to write a new one tonight.
It is also a day after my birthday. I have just turned 39 this year.
Just some random musings from the past 12 months from this here fella.
In the last year, i have seen the hand of God move on and in us. He is with us.
In the last year i have wrestled with this journey of being a song writer and a musician. It is a "part time gig" for me. The fire behind its motivation is that its just who i am. It is me. It is how i am wired to live. I was born to create new music. I am also a Primary School music teacher and a gigging muso.
I have the most beautiful wife in the world. I adore her. Mindy is more beautiful to me than ever before. I didnt know that was possible. We made Samuel, Joshua and Amy together. I didnt know i could love so deeply. This year, Joshua figured out that my song "Little Boy Blue" is about him. He tells everybody. My kids drag me out of the past, out of the worries about the future and into now. It is where i become awake.
I realised i have no desire for empty spirituality- the mindless repetition of songs that we sing in a church, from the radio, or from 20 years ago. I think that does nothing for us. Psalm 40 is my anthem "lifting me out of the mud and mire and giving me a new song to sing.. a hymn of praise.. that many would see and fear and out their trust in God"
I am passionate for change and growth and coming into ones own. So when i share the stories behind my songs, i want to impart the idea that we are all capable of.. something. The trick is to figure out now just what it is but to breathe it into a life transforming thing. I want to put wings on the dreams of dreamers. i think my music could do that. I am nowhere near completed but i just know its what i am on the earth for.
i really like food. All kinds of food.
I really like sitting on my kayak with a fishing rod- not catching anything is fine with me.
I really want to move all these CDs out of my office and put them in peoples hands. Then i can write and record again. So i want to find new audiences to play too
I have learnt this about music making. Write- Record- Learn- Grow. Then repeat. I have adopted it. I am currently in the learning and growing part of the cycle. I am reading all kinds of books on song writing in the hope of refining for the future. I really want to make this the thing i do for the rest of my life. i know i will be at great peace with it.
Ipods and Iphones are genius things. I love Bethel and Bill Johnson pod casts.
I have just discovered Doctor Who. I think i like it.
I'm excited about the future.
Post on 3rd Apr 2012
Falling awake is all kinds of things. An 11 track CD. Original tracks with Christian contemporary lyrics. Its an independent release.
Above all that it’s a collection of songs from a musical dreamer. My dream is to be creative and create music. My desire is to breathe life into other peoples dreams
So ultimately, Falling Awake is a message to those of us who dream or desire to dream big. To change the world. To use their God given gifts for the Kingdom of God.
Falling Awake invites us- has it has done to me- to see ourselves as agents of possibility. I think that is because I am an ordinary guy with a heart after the things of God. I want to do something that is bigger than myself, that makes an impact for God on the earth. This is my attempt at that and its my hope that it inspires others- that it breathes ‘resurrection life’ to those dreams.
Post on 26th Nov 2011
We are finally home after a great adventure around Australia, promoting my music and enjoying a family holiday. For all the details check out my wifes amazing blog . When we left we had three children under five, in a 1980's triple bunk caravan. Sometimes it was a circus - but we love our circus! For the most part it was full of memories, miles, musing and music. We are left with a great sense of accomplishment having 'lapped the map', and a car which now makes lots of funny noises - I guess that is what 27,000 straight kilometers will do.
My songs now receive radio airplay across the nation, and in part of South East Asia, which is really an incredible fruit of the time we spent away. I had 12 performances, but in between I put the guitar down for about 3 months, which was a refreshing experience for someone who plays every day. It gave more room for other things to speak to my soul without interuption. I was so happy though, to finally pick up my guitar again.
On arriving home I have spun into a flury of busy music making around the Newcastle scene. Playing covers around town with a new agent, teaching, and inbetween continuing to promoting my own music - with focus on the east coast.
Out with the old and in with the new - I have sold some music gear that no longer suited our needs and took up to much space, using the cash to buy some new tech toys for the studio. I am now looking forward to giving the new gear a work out and writing lots of new music. Great ideas a foot, many dreamed up on the road.
2012 is shaping to be a big year. Hope it is for you too.
Post on 25th Oct 2011
In our family adventure around OZ we found some cool places to stay. We’ve done it all; from the BIG 4 to a remote spot in the outback to a roadhouse in Brisbane.
In the interests of sharing information for fellow travelling dreamers, I’ve compiled a list of our highlights from NSW and QLD- being that they were either free, cool or cheap.
NSW
1. Dubbo: terramungamine reserve. Found this online. Great for an overnighter. Remember to bring your own drinking water (this was our first free camping spot, and my brain hadn’t got into the swing of being self sufficient. Fortunately the nearest drinking water supply was only 10ks away back in town).Cool river and have a camp fire.
2. Lake Keepit: something like under $14 a night. Huge lake to do water sports on. I got my kayak out for this. Experienced the first of the many water parks we would see. Camp fires, camp kitchen..all very good.
3. Bingara- down by the river out of town. This was free and amazing. Take everything with you- town was only 8 mins away. Kayaking in the river again. We were there around easter 2011. This is true north west NSW country.
QLD Three kinds here: council caravan parks, roadhouses and camping in the outback.
1. Bruce Highway. Caltex Roadhouse on the Bruce highway into a small bus bay with bathrooms, laundry and maccas 20metres away..the kids were stoked to have a park to play in while we had coffee and pancakes in the morning before setting off before 8.
2. Council caravan parks. Three to mention here. Yeppoon north of Rockhampton, Seaforth 30ks north of Mackay (islands offshore and fishing!) and Palm Cove north of Cairns. All were under $18 per night. Wish we’d stayed at Seaforth longer. All were on the beach with plenty of fun things to do as a family.
3. Camping in the Outback. Wow. All were free. We stayed hitched on at Rocky Creek war memorial south of Mareeba where we bought the best coffee in oz and made some awesome friends from our home town. Gilbert River in the middle of nowhere (west of Georgetown) had a 1 million star rating at night with the Milky Way displaying its splendour. Bring Tim Tams and a bottle of red to enjoy the stars!
The all out winner for QLD is GREGORY CREEK. Free and by the river. Gives you access to Lawn Hill National Park where we visited for the day. We were kayaking and swimming in the river- in early June, with the fresh water crocs. Loved it!!
That’s the end of Part 1. Part 2 coming up shortly with NT.
Post on 14th May 2011
For those of you who are interested in all the behind the scenes news on our travels, visit my wife Mindys blog follow this link http://rockhubbyandthetwinklestars.blogspot.com/
Post on 2nd May 2011
This Easter weekend my family and I have had the amazing opportunity of attending Easterfest in Toowoomba QLD. I applied as a performing artist nearly a year ago, and was accepted with two performances, on in the city and the other at Queens Park.
Easterfest is the largest Christian music event in Australia and an amazing blend of music and festival. I heard rock, pop, hard core, soul, acoustic folk and even some acid jazz infused with electro funk (loved that particularly). On the Saturday they had planned music from Easterfest artists in pubs, cafes, restaurants and even the local shopping centre. I heard a very cool mix of didgeridoo, flute, bongoes and vocal infused with electro chill (they were called River tribe..). Also loved catching Paul Colman Trio and hearing some good teaching from Jeff Crabtree.
It’s a miracle for our family to be there in that we’ve always been busy over Easterweekend with commitments at our local church, and the big cost it would have been for a family pass to the festival. But as an artist the ticket was provided, and we were free from commitments back home!
So guess what happens? Easterfest gets cancelled on the final day after freak flash floods in Toowoomba which tore the big top tent in two and evacuated Easterfest late on Saturday night. We were fortunate with our small children we chose not to camp in the grounds and opted for a caravan up the road, so had gone back to the van to tuck the kids in bed and were unaffected.
Where is the goodness of God in the closure of the one of the biggest Christian events in the southern hemisphere. So many were left wondering why….
Then we watched as this just sent over 10 thousand festival goers and artists into the town for more live performances all over the city on the Sunday. While there were some performances in the city the day before – it was nothing like this - Easterfest had moved from the exclusive queens park venue with it’s big tops and tickets and fences, to the community of Toowoomba which only months ago was broken by floods. Now the streets were flooded with music of hope and faith.
Although my Queens Park performance planned for the Sunday was cancelled, I pushed through some old ideals and knocked on the door of the restaurant I had played at the day before to see if I could play there again - to my surprise they said yes.
Much of how I’ve thought in the past has been centred around “don’t put myself out there too much”. Now in retrospect that thought has probably held me back. I am born to sing and create and not be silent.
I am an artist and this website, our trip around oz, and the new CD - its all my big brave attempt at making music my life’s work. This Easter I’ve learnt to banish insecurity and go for it.
Post on 1st May 2011
THE SET UP AND THE SONG
We’re away!
We left Newcastle having stayed at my mums for three day on Saturday morning at 9am. (thanks mum and Arthur. Hope the toy mess that our kids left has not caused too much stress). Not before our car battery decided the night before that its useful life had come to an end.
We find these things amusing. Like there’s a set up going on. For the last 12 months in planning for this trip around Australia, all multitudes of things have needed to be fixed, replaced or bought fresh and new. It never ceases to amaze me how it has all worked out- either a great price for the new oven ($30 on EBAY- true!) to the generosity of a plumber friend when the front tap is leaking all over the next door neighbours drive way.
Our first stop was Blayney, NSW (go to Bathurst, turn left). Stayed in the backyard of family. In Blayney, we sang and shared the message of Falling Awake at Abundant Life Church- a cool little happening church that min and I totally love. We had lots of moments there that just confirmed that God is with us all. The set up and the song.
After a good recovery day, we headed off bravely to our first free camping spot just outside of Dubbo. We stayed in a little spot called Terramungamine Reserve. Made a campfire by the river and had dinner, put the kids to bed. I had to run back to town to get water- because I forgot to fill the tank in the van. This was a cool place to camp at.
Next day we drove up to Lake Keepit where I went to school camps on as a 10 year old. Had a beautiful spot on the lake- no power which we now love. I love meeting other people who are travelling and sharing stories. Our kids and their kids mix to play together.
After a couple of day, we drove into Tamworth (or tamvegas as our friends Matt and Sarah Old would call it). Totally spoilt and loved on- and I got to sing at a function and a church while their.
Bingara NSW was next: and wow what a river to camp by. I got my kayak out chill down the river- both of my sons waited for their turn. Bingara is special to me- it’s the final holiday I had with my own father before he passed away later that year. So it was very cool to take my 5 year old son to Bingara.
Our first week flowed so well and we were so keen to get into it. We get a sense that there is a set up taking place. And it is good.
Post on 3rd Apr 2011
These are the first words.
I am John Newsome. Husband to Mindy, Father to Samuel (5), Joshua (3) and Amy (1). I have a creative mind which i put to the test.
I am a song writer: therefore a blog is useful. Welcome to my blog. As the inaugural first blog it makes sense to give you some background as to how we got here. Its a story- i'll tell it quickly.
It started in 2009 with my friend Chad. Chad had it on his heart to invite me and my small family on caravan holidays with his small family. I had never owned a caravan before other than when i was a child and my mum introduced us to a brief season in an old tempermental pop top.
Mindy and I were so excited and leapt at the prospect. We found the caravan we were after..and so began the journey. There was already a seed of a dream to travel Australia..being a Primary School teacher i thought i could do this and homeschool the kids in about 5 years time.
You know how life changing events change your perspective. There were a couple of huge things that took place later that year, which added to my already growing restlessness.
On the 28th December at 10:30pm, i was reading a magazine article on a young family who were travelling Australia with 2 children under five years old. The ephiphany was loud and clear. At the same time we were reading book that Ruthy my sister gave me called "Caravanstan".. about 2 journos travelling oz with there 2 year old...that night at 10:30pm ( i know i wrote down the time in my journal because i thought it would be significant) i set out a plan to travel Australia for 6 months beginning April 2011.
Hence caravanastan- the cute codeword that Mindy and I have come to adore- came to being. Now my wife is a realist. It took her only 24 hours to get back to this musical dreamer with an answer beyond my wildest dreams: yes. As she says to me now: its either 3 kids at home going stir crazy..or 3 kids and us on the road having an adventure.
Caravanstan to us has come to mean and signify adventure. In the book, "Adventures in Caravanastan" by Greg Bearup, the author talks about having travelled to Pakistan and Afghanastan..but that nothing could prepare them for caravanastan (travelling with a small child and meeting the people of Australia on the road)...So for us, it answers a deep restless urge to explore and discover.
2010 was the year of preparation and planning. While it was also a year of great personal challenge, its richness was highlighted by the light at the end of the tunnel. I recorded a new album to take on the road with us. It has already surprised us with its response: 100 copies sold in the first 2 weeks of release is amazing for an independent CD release.
The bullet points now: caravanastan is about to begin. And I've gotta say..we believe in miracles!
• In September 2010 we bought a new caravan: a viscount with triple bunks..bought here in Newcastle NSW . We prayed hard for a new van to take us on our trip: the little Millard with double bunks had already outgrown us with the birth of our gorgeous baby girl. It was a miracle when we found it. We have already had such fun in it and it feels like home. We took it for a run down to Melbourne to see my sisters and their families..so cool!
• We have seen so much provision..selling things, gaining teaching work (I'm a part time music teacher at Charlton Christian College)..to people just helping us out. Our families have been so supportive and encouraging. We love how this trip FEELS like LETTING GO of all that holds us down..there's a deep freedom from our STUFF looming..we feel lighter every day.
• We have been renovating our house like newlyweds...have seen the coolest results. To help fund caravanastan..we are renting the house out for the 6 months it will take to do the trip. We have a young family lined up to move in for 6-12 months.
So there you have it. We are leaving Newcastle on Saturday 9 April. First stop Blayney NSW. And then we are heading NORTH for the Winter. The entire journey will take in stops along the QLD Coast to as far as Cairns and Daintree, over to Mt Isa, Kakadu and Darwin, over to Broome and down the WA Coast in August. Next down to Albany and over the Nullabor to Ceduna and Adelaide and Melbourne. And then back up the VIC/ NSW coast.
I am so pumped. There is so much to do. Come follow us on this blog..hear my music while you read..grab a cuppa and be inspired..
here we go..this mountain will sing!!
