The Blazing Center

Music Review: “Watch the Rising Day” and “The Medicine”

27 July 2010

49764 Comments2010-07-27+20%3A28%3A19Stephen+Altrogge

Watch the Rising Day is the latest album from Matthew Smith. Matthew is a singer-songwriter who writes songs largely based on centuries old hymns, and is also a founding member of “Indelible Grace”. According to the Smith, his latest album: …explores the tension of living in that brokenness [of a fallen world] while awaiting the [...]

Rough Cut – Resurrection Song

1 June 2010

464612 CommentsRough+Cut+-+Resurrection+Song2010-06-01+23%3A00%3A45Mark+Altrogge

Here’s a rough cut of a new song I recently wrote. I’m submitting it to Sovereign Grace Music for an upcoming CD project on the resurrection. The song may not even make the album, or if it does, it may have serious modifications. But I thought you might like to hear it, including my vocal [...]

How to Write An Awful Worship Song

3 May 2010

4513218 CommentsHow+to+Write+An+Awful+Worship+Song2010-05-03+23%3A54%3A41Stephen+Altrogge

So you finally learned to play the guitar and now you’re wondering, “How do I write a truly awful worship song?” You’ve come to the right place my friend. Here are some sure fire ways to write a truly horrible worship song. Recycle A Love Song. Write a song for your girlfriend. When she breaks [...]

Can You Help Me With the Romans 8:1 Song?

18 March 2010

42607 Comments2010-03-18+11%3A57%3A32Stephen+Altrogge

This is a sketch (emphasis on “sketch”), of a new song I’m working on. Listen to it. Share your thoughts.

Songwriting Tips From John Newton

13 March 2010

42377 CommentsSongwriting+Tips+From+John+Newton2010-03-13+19%3A31%3A53Stephen+Altrogge

In regard to writing hymns, John Newton, said: Perspicuity, simplicity, and ease should be chiefly attended to, and the imagery and coloring of poetry, if admitted at all, should be indulged very sparingly and with great judgment. (John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace) Newton wanted his hymns to be understood by all manner of [...]

New Song by Bob Kauflin and Stephen Altrogge

31 January 2010

396724 Comments2010-02-01+02%3A24%3A14Stephen+Altrogge

You need to a flashplayer enabled browser to view this YouTube video If you enjoyed this post, consider subscribing to the blog. Or connect with me on Twitter or Facebook.

Get Your Hands On This Jam!

1 July 2009

26583 CommentsGet+Your+Hands+On+This+Jam%212009-07-02+02%3A24%3A22Stephen+Altrogge

If there’s one thing I know, it’s music. I own an iPod after all. If there’s another thing that I know, sort of, it’s kids. Because I have one. When you put these things together it practically makes me an expert in kids music. So listen up: go out and get your hands on the [...]

New Song Sketches

3 March 2009

201414 CommentsNew+Song+Sketches2009-03-03+10%3A00%3A28Stephen+Altrogge

This year Sovereign Grace Music is hoping to release a CD with songs that focus on God as Father. I have the privilege of submitting songs for consideration on this project. But music doesn’t just write itself (well sometimes it does, but it usually stinks). So last Monday I isolated myself in a barn for [...]

The Evolution of a Worship Song

30 July 2008

6429 CommentsThe+Evolution+of+a+Worship+Song2008-07-30+10%3A00%3A21Stephen+Altrogge

Today Sovereign Grace Music releases an album entitled “Psalms”, which, as the more intelligent readers may have guessed, is comprised of worship songs based on specific Psalms. I had the privilege of writing two songs for this project and hope that they serve many local churches. But what you hear on the album is often [...]

New Album From Sovereign Grace Music

6 June 2008

5243 CommentsNew+Album+From+Sovereign+Grace+Music2008-06-06+23%3A49%3A13Stephen+Altrogge

Sovereign Grace Music has a new album coming out with songs based on the Psalms. Here’s a video they did while recording the vocals. You need to a flashplayer enabled browser to view this YouTube video (HT: Worship Matters)