A couple months ago I landed while channel surfing on the Christian Radio Station K- Love. I wasn’t looking for Christian Music per say but I was tired of my old radio station which seemed like they only had a playlist of ten songs.
K-Love was different. Right away I felt like home because I was familiar with most of the contemporary songs they are playing due to worship services I have attended. For the first time in a long time there was a DJ. My previous radio station was without one and I liked it because I didn’t have to put up with jokes I don’t get and pointless commercials in order to support the DJ.
But I missed a little bit the interaction. K-Love has it. Whenever I go in my car I hear the pleasant conversations of Scott and Kelly, Lisa and Eric and others. K-Love doesn’t have commercials. It is financed by its listeners. I love that.
Music
K-Love is a contemporary Christian Music station. I have always tended to like the Alternative Rock music growing up and with Jeremy Camp, Third Day, Mercy Me and the Newsboys I feel like I am at the right station.
Of course a little pop can’t hurt either. K-Love has it all with Casting Crown and Chris Tomlin being regular played.
I think The David Crowder Band is probably one of the most unique groups I have ever heard. David Crowder has a distinguished voice. I never heard about the guy before listening to K-Love but I am an instant fan. And of course he is a regular over on K-love.
Of course you can also hear American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry “Home” on a regular basis. What many don’t’ know Chris Daughtry is a Christian and friends with Mac Powell, the singer of Third Day. Daughtry even provided background vocals for one of their songs on the latest album.
Daughtry is however not the only Idol they play regular over there. Jason Castro who sounds like David Crowder is played pretty often.
Occasionally Mandisa can be heard also.
I am not sure how it is on other radio station anymore. But my daughter and I noticed that there are unfortunately not many ladies played on K-love That is definitely an opportunity for them to improve. There are plenty of ladies who I can connect with through music and it is a little disappointing that day in and day out they are playing music mostly by male artists.
While K-Love is certainly up to date with Christian Music in this country I miss people like Brenton Brown, Leeland, Michael Gungor on their station. Even big artists like Michael W Smith and Matt Redman are played very rarely. I don’t know the reason. I wish they would go back sometimes and dig out the old music. instead of playing various songs from for example the Newsboys every couple hours.
Stories
The reason K-Love is encouraging is because of the stories you hear from other people. The DJ’s aren’t the stars and not out to become stars. Its fellow listeners who inspire. It’s encouraging to hear stories from other people who are struggling but come out fine on the other end of the tunnel. It gives hope knowing that whatever I struggle with that day it will be only temporary. I love REAL stories. The wow God mornings are making me smile.
Contests
The contests over on K-Love are encouraging and fun. Right before Christmas they had caroling contests. Listeners supposed to figure out which Christmas song they are talking about after they distorted the lyrics a little bit. The Grand prize winner was invited to a Newsboys concert in Florida and caroling with them in a hospital afterwards. In another contest people were encouraged to send in their Love stories. The best love story was picked and Matthew West created a love song for the station and for the listener. Josh Wilson, the Newark Airport guy new CD just came out and in one of his singles he described that he is refusing to stand back and not do do anything. Listeners supposed to nominate someone who makes a difference in their hometown. The winner of that challenge will get a visit of Josh Wilson. Josh Wilsonwill perform in their living room and then join forces with them to make a difference.
Give Aways
Sometimes small challenges will earn you a Give Away like a Wow CD or something like that. Occasionally they put up a song for a whole week you were able to download by going to their Website for free. Matt Maher song; “Christ is Risen” was the last week songs. Since I met Matt Maher one day and I consider him one of the nicest artists I have met I tried to download the sing but for some reason K Love website wasn’t cooperating with me.
News
The News is a little thin I have to admit but I am not listening to K- Love to get News anyway. K Love however makes an effort to report Good News in your area. Listeners are encouraged to call in if they have a positive happening to report about. Major News happenings around the country or around the world are reported in tiny fractions but to say it in short K Love is probably not the station you want to rely on for big news reports and updates.
Prayer
K- love has pastors on their staff. It means if you have a prayer request, feel alone, need to know more about God or are in a desperate situation and need someone to listen to you you can call them. K-Love constantly invite listeners to call them. This has the potential of being a live saver for some.
Website
As I hinted earlier I had a hard time of trying to download Matt Maher song on the Klove website. I think I would have to create an account in order to do so. However I enjoy the website because it gives me everything I need on the front page. It tells me the Christian artists who are coming to my area, the news they reported on, the songs they are going to play and other things. I just wouldn’t want to create another user name and password. I have a hard time keeping up with every account on every site as it is.
Community
Every year K- Love is going on a cruise with their listeners. Next year Chris Tomlin and the Newsboys will be on board. So you could theoretically book your trip right now on their website.
In the end if you are tired of your same old radio station give K-love a try. You are not alone. According to Wikipedia in January 2011 K Love claimed to have 5 Million Listeners on a weekly basis on a radio network and 250 000 people via the Internet. They are played on 440 FM Stations. Find the channel in your area right HERE. I am happy that I switched.
