John Fischer has been mixing his unique combination of singing, speaking, and humor for a variety of audiences for over twenty-five years. In the late 60’s, he recorded “The Cold Cathedral,” an album of Christian folksongs that was part of a spiritual renewal. He continued writing and recording several other contemporary Christian songs that would later be sung by youth groups and young adults all across the country. Over the years, he has continued to use his talents of songwriting, speaking, and singing to help bring people closer to God. He is a prolific writer, having contributed award-winning pieces to renowned Christian publications, such as CCM, Purpose-Driven Ministries, and Chuck Colson’s Breakpoint website. Mr. Fischer lives with his wife and children in Laguna Beach, California.
Chris Willman has been a senior writer for Entertainment Weekly for the last decade, contributing cover stories on artists such as Coldplay, U2, Outkast, and several others. Prior to that he wrote about movies and music for the Los Angeles Times and Musician. He also wrote liner notes for such artists as Steely Dan and Randy Newman. Willman has always had a special interest in country music, and he reflects this in his latest book, “Rednecks and Bluenecks: The Politics of Country Music.” His work is known nationally for its insightful, balanced coverage of all music, including that produced by Christians. His commentary has been featured on CNN, VH1 and CMT.
Nick Bogardus is the founder and president of New Noise Management. He founded the company seven years ago, at the age of 21, after negotiating his first major label record deal from his college dorm room. Since then he and his company have gone on to negotiate six major label and six independent label deals for their artists. Under his guidance, New Noise has grown from a one man operation to a five person company whose artists have sold over 1.5 million albums and sold out shows all over North America, Europe, and Asia. The bands have also gained incredible media exposure, having appeared on the MTV networks and national radio outlets like KROQ in LA, as well as featured in publications such as SPIN and Rolling Stone. The New Noise roster currently includes Thrice, Cold War Kids, Matt Costa, Dustin Kensrue, the Colour, and Vedera. Nick has also written for Alternative Press, Transworld Skateboarding, and Mean Street. Mr. Bogardus teaches Media Management at Biola.
Mark Joseph has worked steadily in the world of media as an author, columnist, music producer, talk show host, and film executive and media strategist. He has been quoted widely on issues relating to the intersection of faith and pop culture in media outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, The Los Angeles Times and VH-1. He authored the books Faith, God, & Rock ‘n’ Roll and Rock Gets Religion and edited Pop Goes Religion. He is a regular contributor to Foxnews.com, The Huffington Post and National Review and has contributed a number of publications including Billboard, Beliefnet, The Jewish Press and Christianity Today. He received a GMA Music Award for his work in producing the soundtrack for The Passion of the Christ which featured such artists as Lauryn Hill and Scott Stapp. He has also worked as a film consultant for a number of film companies working in development and marketing on several popular films, such as Ray, Holes, The Chronicles of Narnia, I Am David, and Facing the Giants. He is also a co-founder and board member of the Damah film festival. Mr. Joseph lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children.
Lou Carlozo has been a staff writer for the Chicago Tribune since 1993. He is currently an editor for the “On the Town” entertainment section and a DVD columnist. His coverage of Arts and Entertainment there contributed to his recognition as a nationally prominent music critic and music journalist. He also contributes feature stories as a Tribune staff writer and freelances for many prominent national publications, including the Christian Century (where he is the lead music critic), Downbeat, and Paste magazine. Carlozo also teaches journalism at Loyola University Chicago and advises the school’s award-winning student newspaper, The Phoenix. He continues to share his talents as a musician and songwriter, working as a record producer out of his own Carma Studios in Chicago. He lives just a long fly ball from Wrigley Field with his wife Amy, a hospital chaplain, and two preschoolers.
Tim Taber is the President and Owner of Transparent Productions, the largest Christian concert promotion company in Southern California. Transparent works closely with LiveNation, Goldenvoice and other companies to bring artists like Switchfoot, Relient K, Anberlin, Chris Tomlin, and Jeremy Camp into venues that range from the House of Blues to churches to the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.
Jared Gibo, a concert promoter and manager, is currently a student at Biola University. Over the past few years, he has had much success in bringing several prominent bands to the Biola campus, including Hellogoodbye, Mae, Eisley, Shawn McDonald, Jon Foreman of Switchfoot, and Jars of Clay.
Russell Shubin is the Deputy Director of National News and Public Affairs
for Salem Communications. Through the growth of their contemporary
Christian music- formatted Fish stations and through CCM magazine, Salem
has become more active in the intersection of music and journalism.
Russell's journalism experience ranges from Christian to general market,
from print to radio and Internet. In his capacities at Salem, he edits and
produces programming heard on Salem's growing platform of radio and
Internet properties.
Michele Suh is a talented musician with a diverse range of musical styles, ranging from classical to jazz to rock. She has performed with several popular artists, including Mary J. Blige, LeAnn Rimes, and Rod Stewart. She is the Director of Hollywood Connect, an Arts and Entertainment ministry equipping industry Christians to realize their God-given calling.
Jay Swartzendruber is a prominent music journalist. He has served as publicist for the Nashville-based Gotee Records, whose artists have included Jennifer Knapp, Out of Eden, and Sandtown. He was also a founding board member of The AWAKE Project, a Christian non-profit organization seeking to raise awareness about the AIDS and poverty crises in Africa. Currently, he serves as Editor for CCM Magazine. Jay and his wife, Jamie, reside in Antioch, TN.
Caleb Quaye, born in London, England, is a well known studio musician who has worked with such music legends as Elton John, Mick Jagger, and Paul McCartney. In 1982, his life was radically changed through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, which resulted in salvation, and a call to the ministry as a musician/evangelist. He continues to share his music ministry today, traveling all over the United States, England, and Europe.