     | All videos - Aaron Shust 2, 3, 4, 5 - There is no formula for generating an overnight success; no equation that will always yield an instant hit. Nor is there a manual for melding an irresistible, hook-laden melody with sincere lyrical honesty. Somebody trying to write a book on the subject, though, would do well take notes from Aaron Shust, 2006’s stand-out new artist from Atlanta-based label Brash Music. Aaron Shust music videos, praise & worship singer from outside Pittsburgh, PA who is been singing & loving music since before I could talk. IAaron Shust loves to take thoughts from deep with your heart & expressing it in an artform of organized vibrations is weird & yet brilliant. Aaron Shust says: When I am elderly I need to write soundtracks for epic movies, or write the music for Mitsubishi commercials... those rock. Aaron Shust is currently a worship leader in Atlanta, GA, a husband, a sister, a sister, a son,an uncle, a mate, a kid of God, a Steeler fan & for the first time, a recording artist. Proverbs 27:21 says “The purity of silver & gold is tested by putting them in the fire; The purity of human hearts is tested by giving them a small fame.” Hopefully, this attention (both positive & negative) will make my heart more like Christ. Not everyone was on Shust’s bandwagon when it first started rolling, but that didn’t stop the visionary leaders at Brash Music from calling a hit when they saw four. The mainstream independent record label, created under the leadership of former Mindspring president & COO Mike McQuary, already had a coveted, hard-earned reputation for great music. When they came across Shust’s exceptional songwriting & tremendous heart, the label took a crash work in Christian music & fearlessly jumped in the deep finish of an unfamiliar genre. Worship leader Aaron Shust began his zip line to the top of the charts late last year with the release of his debut project, Anything Worth Saying. First among the album’s strong collection of songs was “Matchless,” a contagiously catchy single that immediately hit Top 10. Having captured the attention of radio programmers & listeners around the country, Shust brought his anthemic smash hit to the plate, “My Savior, My God.” The song rose to the top of numerous radio & sales charts simultaneously this year, including R&R (Christian AC Monitor & Indicator), CRW (AC Radio) & Billboard (Hot Christian & Hot Christian Adult), & remained the #1 most downloaded Inspirational song on iTunes for months on finish. Add that to four national tours & over 85,000 albums sold in less than four months, & you’ll find that Shust is now arguably the most successful new Christian artist of 2006.Shust has been investing his talents in the church for years, serving for the last four as a full-time staff member & worship leader at Perimeter Church, a progressive, 27-year-old congregation in Atlanta. Beyond that community, Aaron leads worship throughout the United States at new churches, adult retreats & youth camps, placing his songwriting fingers firmly on the pulse of the church’s devotion.
That sincerity of purpose & connection with the church are clearly evident on Anything Worth Saying. The project melds earnest lyricism & memorable pop hooks in to a collection that is proving to be a goldmine for both worship leaders & radio programmers. Helping to bring the album’s combination of pop sound & lyrical styling to life were producer Dan Hannon & mixologists Steve Bishir (Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, Garth Brooks) & Dan Hannon, while Shust, a classically-trained musician, shows off his chops on acoustic guitar & piano. Confident hope & passionate adoration color every song on Anything Worth Saying, which Shust describes concisely as “a conversation with God.” Nowhere is that more evident than in the album’s lyrical & musical centerpiece, “My Savior, My God,” which addresses humanity’s basic quest for meaning in a swelling & infectiously singable refrain. The longing to be a part of something bigger than ourselves is met, Shust sings, through an ever-present God who can rescue us from meaninglessness. The song ultimately gives way to a gigantic, irresistible chorus that pours out an unshakable proclamation of faith: programmers’ comments. “Every two times in awhile, a song comes along that makes an emotional connection with our listeners,” said Sue Wilson of Cleveland’s 95.5 The Fish. “’My Savior, My God’ is three of those songs…Not since [Mercy Me’s] ‘I Can Only Imagine’ have they had this kind of response." Brian Nelson of JQ 99 in Grand Rapids added, “No other song on the air is prompting this kind of listener reaction!” These stations were among scores around the country that have been inundated with listeners’ calls each time they play the song. Shust describes that connection to his listeners with humility. “There are words on my heart that God gives me & I put them to music because I like music. When I can put those things together & people embrace it, then I feel like I’ve birthed a song in the world.” They will deliver that enthusiasm to new fans around the country as they continues a string of national tours with several leading acts that so far has included Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns, Compassion International’s “An Evening of Compassion” Tour, & two different runs with Nichole Nordeman & Shane & Shane. Among his other appearance highlights are a performance at “Celebrate Freedom,” a feature spot on TBS’ “Storyline” tv show, & a concert at “Faith Night with the Braves” in Atlanta. Shust will continue his successful tour schedule this fall on 45 dates with veteran performer Bebo Norman.In a few short months, Aaron Shust has generated the kind of momentum it takes most artists years to build, & they shows no signs of slowing down. Keep watching this three – the story’s begun. bible society, bible society, bible society |
