This Christian rock band out of San Diego, CA caught my attention in the late 90s. They have a sound that rivals some of the biggest rock bands that came out during that period: Pearl Jam, 3 Doors Down and Nirvana. In the early 2000s, their catchy alternative sound took them into mainstream circuits. The name “Switchfoot” came from a surfing term because all the members enjoyed surfing! The band was really making some waves which led to their first major label debut, “The Beautiful Letdown.”

This album featured hits like “Meant to Live” and “Dare You to Move” and sold over 2.6 million copies! Their guitar-driven riffs and high-energy performances made them one of the biggest alternative rock bands of their time! All of that, coupled with their positive, thought-provoking lyrics and soaring melodies, keeps them near the top of my list of Christian artists to listen to and see in concert!

“Their guitar-driven riffs and high-energy performances made them one of the biggest alternative rock bands of their time!”

Andy Mineo

A Christian hip-hop artist, producer and video director based in New York, this multi-faceted artist has one of my personal favorite flows in the hip-hop scene. Andy Mineo, aka “C-Lite,” is also a part of 116 Clique, a hip-hop group out of Dallas, TX. The name comes from Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.”

Kirk Franklin

This 13-time Grammy Award winner has been blessing listeners with his blend of gospel, hip-hop and urban contemporary since the early 90s. His most recent project, “Long Live Love,” is his 12th studio album and a return to everything we love about Kirk Franklin! He tackles social issues, personal battles and messages of the cross with his signature gospel choirs and arrangements.