This week we take a look at Chris Rice’s Amusing world, Bethany Dillon’s Imagination and enjoy Better Days with the Robbie Seay Band.

Chris Rice is amused by the world around him. Not a laugh-out-loud amused. It’s more like an inward smile of inspiration, entertaining stories of people and their hope-filled dreams. These musings of Rice brought about a new record, Amusing. “My hope is that this music will not only reach and encourage people who already believe in what I do, but also deliberately reach out with my music and life to people across a much broader spectrum. This is a record full of optimism, hope and love for life, a message for everybody.”

This new project Amusing is about a mission, a heart for humanity. “I just want my music to communicate with people, be a part of what’s out there and to lay my work out alongside other philosophies. My heart is for humanity,” says Rice. “It’s a freedom that says keep doing what you’re doing but make sure it’s available to everyone.”

2004 was a life-changing year for 16 year-old Bethany Dillon. Her self-titled Sparrow Records launch, featuring the #1 single All I Need, was the top-selling female solo debut in Christian music that year, and she landed GMA Music Award nominations for both Female Vocalist and New Artist of the Year. While purposely embracing the whirlwind of opportunity, she also had to consciously make time for ‘a real life.’ And somehow, the challenges of the journey have unearthed a stronger knowledge of God’s grace, acceptance of the mystery that is God, and the freedom that comes from daring to trust Him.

Bethany’s highly-anticipated sophomore effort, Imagination, reveals her relentless desire to peek into the heart and mind of her Maker. Indeed, the record’s songwriting showcases an artist whose eyes and heart are open wider for trying, all the while carving out her own unique place among the most respected singer/songwriters in Christian music.

As an independent act, Robbie Seay Band built a significant grassroots following among fans of modern worship music. The group continues to lead worship at Ecclesia, a missional church in downtown Houston, Texas. Supporting the release of Better Days, Robbie Seay Band will join David Crowder Band on the Collision Tour this fall.

Head over to HearItFirst.ca to listen to audio samples from these projects. Imagination and Better Days is available now while Amusing will be available on August 23rd at Canadian Christian retailers nationwide. To locate the store nearest you, visit CMCStoreFinder.com.