anthonyskinner.com

Top 5 Grammy Awards Performances of 2012

anthonyskinner — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:06:05 +0000

I think the 2012 Grammy Awards was easily one of the best in the last several years. Looking back there were many favorite performances, but these 5 made my short list.

1. Paul McCartney and Crew – The “Medley” from The Beatles album Abbey Road.  Rock and Roll at it’s best! What’s not to love about some of the best music ever written, played by one of the best to ever write and sing a tune! the “Medley”, comes from The Beatles Album entitled Abbey Road (by the way Abbey Road happens to feature some of my Beatles faves “Something”, “Here Comes the Sun”, “Come Together” and the “Medley”). The icing on the cake came near the end of Sir Paul’s performance when (staying true to the essence of the recording), he traded licks with his all star guitar jam band featuring Springsteen, Dave Grohl, Joe Walsh and McCartney’s long time side-men Brian Ray and Rusty Anderson!

* Side Note: Abe Laboriel Jr. was on drums, and any time Abe is playing OR singing, it’s gonna be great! Check the bottom of this blog for an outtake of Abe jamming in between takes while we were tracking in the studio in Nor Cal, and then check out his performance on my tune ‘To Really Love’.

2. Adele -”Rolling in the Deep” All about the song and the voice, no need to waste her time shaking her booty, hiding behind a load of props, or distracting the audience with dancers. If I weren’t a musician already, this performance would have made me want to jump in all over again.

3. Bruno Mars – ‘Runaway Baby’  FREAK YEAH!! Bruno was summoning the vibeliciousness of the one and only Godfather of soul himself! He came close to putting the grammy night to bed before it ever got going!

4. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band – “We Take Care of Our Own” What’s not to say about one of the greatest American songwriters of all time and the man who is 2nd to none as a performer. I have to say I missed the presence of Clarence “The Big Man” Clemens (R.I.P.) playing the saxophone at Bruce’s side.

5. Civil Wars –“Barton Hollow”  The only thing wrong with this moment is it was just that, a moment! Wish we could have heard these 2 sing the whole tune. Joy Williams and John Paul White prove if you can do it right with just a guitar and a voice, you can do it anywhere! Also, props to producer Charlie Peacock for taking the helm and helping The Civil Wars make a great record (look for Charlie’s new record coming soon)!

*HERE ARE A FEW VIDEOS FEATURING ABE LABORIEL JR.

Abe Jr. jams in between takes while we were tracking in the studio.

“To Really Love” and AK-47, featuring Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums.

http://anthonyskinner.com

WORSHIP SMARTbook-click book to order

anthonyskinner — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:10:01 +0000

Great Review by WORSHIP LEADER MAGAZINE for the WORSHIP SMARTbook

anthonyskinner — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eR8B0Vqc8g

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Record Year: Digital music sales officially overtake physical sales in 2011

anthonyskinner — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:30:30 +0000

The age of digital music has affected us all, from the creator to the consumer, and whether we are acquiring, buying, recording, sharing and/or selling it, we’ve had to rethink our approach. Internet phenomenon’s such as itunes and Amazon have replaced the traditional record store, and the PC has replaced the traditional recording studio (sort of). As a songwriter, recording artist and producer, I have made it a habit to watch the trends in music and technology. 2011 took an interesting an unexpected upturn with a rise in album sales, perhaps even more significant, for the first time digital music sales officially edged out physical sales. Here are a few enlightening factoids from the latest Nielsen Company & Billboard’s 2011 Music Industry Report.

2011 Year-End Factoids

Digital music sales officially overtake physical sales accounting for 50.3% of all music purchases in 2011.

Album Sales Up for the First Time Since 2004.

Best Seller Album Factoids:

Garth Brooks continues to be comfortably the best selling artist in the Nielsen SoundScan era with more than 68.5 million album sales; 5 million sales ahead of the Beatles.

Rihanna takes over the top spot as the biggest selling digital artist of all time with digital track sales totaling more than 47.5 million.

For the second straight year, Lady Antebellum finishes the year as the biggest selling group of 2011 with more than 2.1 million album sales.

Metallica’s self titled album remains on top as the best selling album in the Nielsen SoundScan era with more than 15.7 million album sales; more than 200,000 ahead of Shania Twain’s Come On Over.

Most Played and Streamed Factoids:

Katy Perry ends the year as the most played artist over the airways in 2011 with more than 1.4 million spins; edging out Bruno Mars by 17,000 spins.

Lady Gaga claimed the top spot as the most streamed artist in 2011 with more than 135 million streams.

Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” was the most streamed song and music video in 2011 with 84.9 million audio streams and 71 million video streams.

Holiday Season Factoids: (11/7 – 1/1/12).

Michael Buble’s Christmas album was also the biggest selling album during the 2011 holiday season (2.2 million sales) as well as the biggest holiday album since Josh Groban’s Noel (2007) that sold 3.7 million copies.

Vinyl Factoids:

For the fourth consecutive year, more vinyl albums were purchased than any other year in the history of Nielsen SoundScan.

Nearly three out of every four vinyl albums purchased in 2011 were a Rock album.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/The-Nielsen-Company-Billboard-bw-3137090198.html

http://anthonyskinner.com

DOWNLOAD the CHRISTMAS MORNING EP here FREE!

anthonyskinner — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:18:08 +0000

Anthony Skinner-Christmas Morning EP-Christmas Morning(Single)

Anthony Skinner-Christmas Morning EP-In Excelsis Deo(Feat.Phil Keaggy)

Anthony Skinner-Christmas Morning EP-Glory to the King(Feat.Phil Keaggy)

Anthony Skinner-Christmas Morning EP-See Amid the Winter’s Snow

Anthony Skinner-Christmas Morning EP-Tell Me the Story of Jesus

Click on each song to listen & download OR COPY & PASTE the link files.me.com/anthonyskinner/7bfsn1 IN YOUR BROWSER and DOWNLOAD THE ENTIRE CHRISTMAS MORNING EP!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

files.me.com/anthonyskinner/7bfsn1

http://anthonyskinner.com

Anthony plays Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series at the Von Braun Center Playhouse

anthonyskinner — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:01:51 +0000

Friday, December 16th, 2011, Anthony and Jason Wyatt will be the Special Guest at Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series. Other guest include Brian Ashley Jones & Tisha Simeral, Victoria Banks(Sara Evans & Jessica Simpson), Rachel Proctor(Martina McBride) & Jim Parker.

Von Braun Center Playhouse, Huntsville, AL. Doors open at 5:30pm. Anthony and Jason will play at 6:30. Tickets are $20.

Tickets available at the Von Braun Center Box Office, All Ticketmaster Outlets, online at ticketmaster.com and by phone at 800.745.3000

For additional information visit www.jimparkermusic.com

Anthony’s New Book is AVAILABLE, ORDER NOW!!

anthonyskinner — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:11:35 +0000

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

“This book is intense-in a really, really great way. There are full-on teachings on character and identity, and fervent calls towards excellence and creativity. Anthony Skinner has a fire in his heart to worship God, and to encourage and equip others to do the same. The intensity of that passion burns though every chapter of this really helpful book.”

-Matt Redman

“WORSHIP SMARTbook: Actionable Tips for Real-World Worship is a necessary guide for every worship leader! Anthony takes a very refreshing and simplistic approach to answering the questions every worship leader asks. This book is not only an invaluable resource, but every detail is made fully accessible no matter where you are in your experience with worship leading. I strongly recommend this book for every worship leader, pastor, and musician who desires to grow in their worship. WORSHIP SMARTbook: Actionable Tips for Real World Worship will take you and your team to a new level of excellence!”

-Kim Walker-Smith, Jesus Culture

“Anthony Skinner is one of the most truly creative individuals I’ve ever met. His music is a refreshing banquet that continually surprises me. And now he provides us with insights into another aspect of his gifting: wisdom. Actionable Tips for Real-World Worship is a practical hand-book on worship and worship leading. Whether it’s troubleshooting for problem issues, staying connected to God, leading people in worship, or leading a band, this book offers insights that could cut years of guesswork for novice and veteran worship leader alike. Anthony also dives deeply into the real heart of the issue: ushering people into the presence of God. This book is an invaluable tool for anyone wanting to grow in excellence in the privileged role of leading in worship.”

-Bill Johnson, Bethel Church, and author of ‘When Heaven Invades Earth’ and ‘Dreaming with God’

“From a leader of worship leaders, Anthony Skinner has distilled his breadth of experience into a very practical guide for anyone who participates in or supports modern church worship music. There is something in here for everyone, delivered in easy to find bite-sized morsels and with Anthony’s customary passion for God and heart of care for people. This is a worthy resource for anyone wanting to develop or support worship music ministry.”

-Casey McGinty, Senior Vice President, EMI CMG Publishing

“Anthony Skinner is the real deal: an artist whose lyrics stimulate and innovate, a worship leader whose love for the Lord overflows in a lifestyle of mercy and justice. I commend him and this book wholeheartedly.”

-Pete Greig, 24-7 Prayer and Alpha International)

“This generation needs dreamers. For far too long the church has been imitating and following instead of leading. Anthony Skinner is breathing creative life in such a desolate landscape. His insight, leadership, and creativity is fierce roar. Eat up these words and begin to dream again. May your church become a river of transformation in your city.”

-Daniel Bashta

“Anthony Skinner is one of my favorite singer/songwriters and worship leaders. There is a rare depth to him, and I believe any person could benefit greatly from the wealth of his experiences, especially in the worship community.”

-John Mark McMillan

“I know Anthony as a friend, brother, and fellow worshiper. His heart and gifting has caused me to encounter Jesus in deeply intimate ways. Prepare yourself for the same as you experience the insights of this great project.”

-Steve Berger, founding pastor, Grace Chapel

ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS, Thursday Night at Franklin Mercantile!

anthonyskinner — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:05:27 +0000

ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS!
This Thursday Night
at
Franklin Mercantile
in downtown Franklin, TN!
7pm-9pm

Hey all, come on down to Franklin Mercantile this Thursday night. I’ll be joined by a few friends and we’ll be singing some of your favorite Christmas songs along with some originals (and then some)!

No Cover and you don’t have to make reservations, but it might not be a bad idea. The Merc has a great dinner special (Dinner for 2 for $45, which includes 2 entrees, bottle of wine and dessert). Half off all beer and wine…AND they serve Drew Brews coffee. Definitely one of the better beans in town!

7pm-9pm, 100 4th Avenue North, Downtown Franklin, TN 37064. 615-790-9730

www.franklinmercantile.com/

@MercDeli

www.anthonyskinner.com

Anthony is going to be a surprise guest at Resound Conference 2011!

anthonyskinner — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:36:10 +0000

Great News!! Anthony will be in Boulder, CO, Nov 18 & 19 for Resound Conference 2011! He is really looking forward to it and wholeheartedly supports the vision of Resound Conference, John Fitch and the whole crew at Vinelife Church.

Anthony will be joining others in leading worship as well as teaching principles from his new book “Worship Smartbook, Actionable Tips for Real World Worship“. He will have pre-releases of his new book available at the conference as well!

Date: November 18-19, 2011
Where: Vinelife Church in Boulder, Colorado
Cost: Register now for only $30
At the door – WHATEVER YOU CAN AFFORD!

Tickets at: http://www.resoundconference.com/conference-info

COOL IS OVERRATED, GREAT MUSIC ISN’T

anthonyskinner — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:35:43 +0000

I thought I would take a recent experience in the studio as an opportunity to encourage other artists/musicians out there. I’ve had the privilege of working with/producing some great artist and worship leaders over the past few years. My current inspiration comes from my friend, Steve Clark. As we’ve approached each song, we’ve found it necessary to get “under the hood” so to speak to find the emotional head and heart space for each performance. Steve has blown me away by continually embracing every challenge, doing what he’s needed to do to get it right and do the best job he can do. I think Bono penned it like this, “I stoop so low, to reach so high”.

This line can be taken one of two ways, someone doing something underhanded to get ahead, or someone taking the path of humility, risking loosing a little bit of current honor in order to get to something great! For me the latter has a lot of appeal and I’ve found it necessary to embrace some portion of humility in order to find the greater moments in music. I’ve also found this philosophy/value to be consistent with great musicians. I’ve been privileged to work with some of the greatest musicians alive today. Many of these players are the band members, or the studio musicians, behind much of what you hear on top 40 radio and grammy winning records in the last 20 years. I’ve found these players to be humble, accessible and ready and willing to serve any way they can. It’s probably how they got where they are.

Learning to get past yourself (no matter how great you are) and finding the greatness in the music is the secret to finding that moment we are all looking for. You know… the one when that really-special-something happens and God walks into the room?

I’d say the bottom line is this: Cool is overrated, but great music isn’t. Don’t get trapped into wasting energy on trying so hard to be cool, or fronting some kind of attitude. Not only do you stand in danger of missing your moment, you might isolate yourself from the very greatness you desire to rub up against. Instead, find a song, guitar riff, a recording artist or worship leader you can serve/support and lose yourself in making the music great!

Anthony Skinner

http://anthonyskinner.com