Like so many other Christian music fans, I was first introduced to the creativity of Aaron Sprinkle more than ten years ago via Poor Old Lu, the beloved rock band the guitarist co-founded with is brother Jesse. Since that time, Aaron has gone on to excel as a multi-instrumentalist, recording engineer, producer, solo artist and recently, co-founder of the new band Fair (http://www.FairForever.com).

While Poor Old Lu eventually disbanded in the late '90s (before returning as a side-project), fans in the know were already aware of Aaron's knack for production. In addition to taking the helm for recordings by his own band, he had already produced tracks for others, including Grammatrain, Blenderhead and most notably, MxPx. During the next several years he would go on to serve as producer for Sherri Youngward, Rose Blossom Punch (his band for a season), Stavesacre, Calibretto 13, Squad Five-O and others. By 2002 Aaron wasn't simply an accomplished producer, his skills behind the board were outright revered--primarily by two camps: fans and bands.

Looking back on his career to that point, I'm reminded of my favorite producer from my teen years--Charlie Peacock. He'd come into the Christian music scene ten years before Aaron as a bandmember of Vector, and then as he pursued a solo artist career, Peacock began producing albums by the 77s, The Choir and Steve Scott. Before long, fans like me were buying albums by other artists simply because Peacock was their producer. That's exactly what happened in 1989 when I and so many other members of Peacock's underground following purchased a record called IMMIGRANT'S DAUGHTER by Margaret Becker. That's the album that changed everything for Charlie. IMMIGRANT'S DAUGHTER propelled Becker into the major leagues of both album sales and Christian radio airplay, while propelling Charlie into the big leagues of production. His forthcoming producer credits included Out of the Grey, Bob Carlisle, Al Green, Avalon, Audio Adrenaline, Nichole Nordeman, Twila Paris, David Crowder Band, Sara Groves... You get the picture. (Did I mention he won the Dove Award for PRODUCER OF THE YEAR three years in a row?!?) And, if you're tracking with me, you may know where I'm headed with this.

Yes, in 2002 Aaron Sprinkle produced Kutless' self-titled debut. That was his IMMIGRANT'S DAUGHTER. Before ya knew it, Kutless' album was the fastest-selling debut in Tooth & Nail Records' history as fans snatched up a couple hundred thousand copies. And Aaron's forthcoming producer credits? Try these on for size: Thousand Foot Krutch, Jeremy Camp, Falling Up, Hawk Nelson, KJ-52, Emery, Mae, Starflyer 59, Project 86, Demon Hunter... You get THIS picture? And all that in less than a four-year span. Can you name one Christian music producer who wouldn't--doesn't--wish their recent resume looked like that? I dare you to try.

So here's my thing... The fans get it. The bands get it. But does the Christian music industry? I have my doubts--strong doubts. And I hope my colleagues prove me wrong. How? With this year's GMA/Dove Award nominations for PRODUCER OF THE YEAR which will be announced next month. Several albums Aaron has production credits on are eligible for this year's consideration: Jeremy Camp's RESTORED, KJ-52's BEHIND THE MUSIK, Anberlin's NEVER TAKE FRIENDSHIP PERSONAL, Emery's THE QUESTION, Kutless' STRONG TOWER and many others. If Aaron Sprinkle isn't one of the five people nominated for PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, then something is seriously wrong with this picture. I doubt I need to point out that Aaron has never received a nod from the Dove Awards. But now that I mention it, why hasn't he? Is it because he's not a Nashville producer? Maybe. Is it because he works so exclusively with Tooth & Nail artists? Possibly. Either way, neither angle should limit the respect that's due him from our industry. I mean, look at that resume again.

Exactly,

Jay

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