Today's Pick

Multi-award winning and GRAMMY nominated artist, Francesca Battistelli has released the music video for her multi-week No.1 hit, "This is the Stuff," the lead single from Pop/Contemporary Christian superstar's sophomore CD, "Hundred More Years," dropping across the States in March. Battistelli recently made Dove Awards history when she won the award for "Artist of the Year," making her the first female vocalist in 19 years to claim the elite title.
"This Is The Stuff" is an irresistible pop song crafted in the inimitable Battistelli style, but with an easily catchy secular touch that could make "This Is The Stuff" a crossover hit as well. Listening to track for the first time, I am reminded of Train's "Hey Soul Sister," and we all know what a hit that was. It is about being frustrated and annoyed by little things in life. Although I do not forget what a blessing this life is, this song still reminds me that the small things that drive me crazy aren't worth the effort I put forth in letting them drive me crazy!
This up-tempo tune was written by Battistelli, along with producer Ian Eskelin and Tony Wood, the song expresses the frustrations of everyday life that often drive us crazy, but in the end teach us patience and thankfulness. In our interview with Battistelli, she said: "I came up with like 20 different frustrating things, and we just picked our favorites. The idea of me losing my keys and my phone is very true to my life. I'm constantly having my husband call my phone because I can't find it, and then it happens to be in my purse or in my pocket - it's a very true line."
It was Eskelin's idea to use a ukulele on this track, which Mike Payne played on the record. Performing the song live, Battistelli plays the ukulele with two of her band members, forming a ukulele trio. She told us: "The song kind of took a different direction when we introduced the ukulele, but we love how it turned out, and it's such a fun song." The fun, animated video brings to life the 26-year-old the Dove Awards darling's smash hit single about taking life's little frustrations in stride.

Christian musician Francesca Battistelli, the newest addition to Fervent Records's diverse roster of artists, has just premiered her brand-new music video on Yahoo! Music for her new recording single "Beautiful, Beautiful" taken from her debut album, "My Paper Heart," produced by Ian Eskelin and written by herself, Ian Eskelin and Tony Wood. "So many are struggling in the world today, and many are looking for encouragement and hope. That's why 'Beautiful, Beautiful' was written." she said. Her soothing, raspy vocals get a real chance to shine on ballads and powerful "Beautiful, Beautiful." Battistelli's heart is a lot of things... colorful, vibrant, alive and unrestrained. As beautiful as her voice and that is something extraordinary and rare.
Golden voiced Christian pop songstress is no stranger to the stage. Growing up in an Italian family in New York, the smells that Battistelli associates with home are warm and spicy; sweet and fresh. Battistelli began her musical journey at a very young age, and having been raised by parents immersed in the arts and Broadway, she developed a love of music, theater, and performance at a young age. But instead of using these talents for applause and accolades, Battistelli prefers to point people much beyond herself - towards hope. Her soulful piano-pop sound resembles a blend of her music interests: jazz, rock, gospel and R&B woven beautifully together with themes of trust and risk taking.
The future Dove Award nominee began learning how to play the guitar and set out on a mission to write, in her own words, "soulful pop music that someone (plays) in the morning and says, 'now I can start my day, I feel encouraged'." She was originally an independent artist and had released an independent album, "Just a Breath" in 2004. An EP titled "I'm Letting Go" followed in early 2008. Her major-label debut, "My Paper Heart" arrived later that same year on Fervent Records. After erupting onto the music scene, Battistelli is breaking multiple records as her radio singles rocket up the Christian charts!
Battistelli's debut is unique with its organic, piano-fused pop sound through the majority. With an evident passion for songwriting, "My Paper Heart" really shows the feelings and emotions of Miss Battistelli. This first album features eleven songs full of heartfelt personal reflections on her life and faith. The album's highlights also leave a lasting impression on the listener. The lyrics conveyed on the album avoid the typical "Christian cliches" that have marred so many recent CCM albums. Her piano-pop sound could be compared to the likes of Nichole Nordeman or Sara Groves, but 24-year-old's music is significantly more light and upbeat than either. Battistelli's heart song has many notes and several different tones.
The future is bright for Battistelli, and her journey is just beginning. When she moved to Nashville, where she now resides, she left behind all the comforts of home she'd ever know. Everything she thought life would be was now different. No matter what the future holds, Battistelli will continue to use her music to inspire others and encourages everyone to go out into the world and have a wonderful adventure. Her music would bring together both Pop and Christian music fans.