Every so often a producer pops up within the Christian music world who’s so influential their creativity eventually spills over into their very own solo career. It first happened with Charlie Peacock from the ‘80s through today, followed by Tooth & Nail mainstay Aaron Sprinkle, and now, Save the City Records’ Brandon Bee. Behind the scenes, he’s worked with Grammy nominee/dove winner Stacie orrico and Juno Award nominee Matthew James, plus a slew of fresher faces like Jaime Jamgochian, lanae Hale, Circleslide and Benjiman. As an artist, he just released the sophomore Cd Inside These Walls, filled with an alternative rock approach akin to The Swell Season or Kings of Leon, backed by both personal and vertical songwriting. Here’s more from the singer/songwriter/producer on the balance between all three worlds. CCM: how has your production work inspired your solo career? Brandon Bee: I think when working on other records, it inspires me to write more and differently than what I naturally gravitate towards. It’s been fun trying to figure out who I am when I work with so many different kind of artists. That journey, though, has been the best challenge and has made me really happy with the direction of my new Cd. CCM: how are you able to balance everything? Bee: It’s not easy. Between family, touring and producing, my life can be pretty hectic. With the producing and artist thing, I give it equal time: two weeks on tour, two weeks on production. The more I produce, the more I see my family, and the more I tour, the more I do ministry. It’s a great trade off. CCM: how would you describe your musical and lyrical evolution throughout the record? Bee: The words of the title track are a good representation of my life. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or who you were and are. God loves you and hates sin. knowing the fall of man, He sent His son Jesus. Jesus died for our sins and gave us the gift of life. Musically, I think there are the pop songs and then there are the artsy songs, but I really feel like the record has a pretty good balance on every song. CCM: how does selective touring help you stay close to your family? Bee: My family is precious and they want and need their daddy. So, I make sure that most of the time I am sticking to a routine. It’s hard to do that sometimes during record releases or optional bigger tours, but we are not far away from bringing the family with us on the road. — Andy Argyrakis Brandon Bee roCk highlights The act: Burlap To Cashmere The site: www.burlaptocashmere.com The sound: Power Folk Rock The Buzz: After ten years apart, Burlap To Cashmere is reuniting with a new record slated to bow on Jive Records this summer, continuing in its Bob dylan meets van Morrison-styled tradition, crossed with Mumford & Sons or the Avett Brothers. The act: owl City The site: www.owlcitymusic.com The sound: Electronic Rock The Buzz: To coincide with its brand new long player All Things Bright and Beautiful (universal Republic), owl City is loading up its tour buses for a headlining run this month. The act: Remedy drive The site: www.remedydrive.com The sound: Alternative Rock The Buzz: Remember Word Records act Remedy drive? These days the group is on it own with a new line-up in tow, but the brand new EP Light Makes a Way picks right up with the group’s innovative alt-rock stylings left off. CCM 41