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I would echo Rachel's sentiment on the softer material. I've had an appreciation for your voice from the first time I heard you sing.

Not sure if you know/knew but I work with a network of some 200 stations in 39 states (maybe more, I can' keep up with network developement). If you should decide to do more of the Contemporary or Acoustic type Christian music, I can get it into the hands of the people who decide what gets aired (a job I used to do until about 2 years ago).

You may also know that I'm working on building a couple of small businesses so I'm planning to make a transition out of the radio industry in the next year or so. Providing I leave on good terms I can still get your music into the hands of people who can get "air play" for you. That's not to say that they will but I'm pretty sure I can get them to listen to you.

Keep in mind.... this is a quirky sometimes sleazy business. You expect that in secular music but unfortunately some of the negative stuff bleeds over into Christian music as well. I have friends who have done quite well and I'm familiar with the stories of how they've been burned or ripped off.

Not trying to scare or discourage you. Just urging you to be prepared.

The "metal" you're doing seems a bit "out of character" from the songs I first heard you singing. It can be fun and I'm sure you know by now that bands can be a roller coaster ride from day to day. Just my personal thoughts on the matter but I think you and Joe could assemble a duo that would be much more expressive of the kind of music your most comfortable doing.
I've worked with bands where two or more members weren't speaking to each other. I've worked in bands where the members would be bouncing off the walls with excitement when we got a gig then they wouldn't show up to practice. Many of their idiosyncracies could be attributed to some funny colored tobacco (which I also indulged in back in those days) but I always set practice/rehearsal as a big priority when playing in public, especially a paid gig.

Enough of my rambling. I just wanted to illustrate a couple of not so good experiences I've had back in my band days.

If you have a vision/dream of what your music should be I would encourage you to pursue that vision/dream.

You can't achieve a goal you don't reach for.

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Chili, thanks for the really insightful advice. (So are you involved on the Christian music station side, or contemporary also?

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I work with a Christian network with three different formats. They all carry the same news while some carry the same "talk" or call in programs but each has it's own music format. The Inspirational format is a general mix without being too traditional or too contemporary. The AC (Adult Contemporary) is more youth oriented with a lot of the "electric" sound or Christian Rock as some see it. Then there's the Christian Classics network which is a mix of the traditional Gospel, Praise, Singer/Songwriter, Choir, and well recognized songs.

I load, edit, and schedule PSAs, features, and occasionally do an interview or host a feature show (not as much in recent years). I also do voice tracks for the Classics network for six programs per week. My duties have evolved over the years so I'm not involved with the music selection as much as I was two or three years ago. However I do work closely with some who are directly involved in the music.

Again.... I can't promise it will be aired but I can see to it that they listen to it.

If you record a CD it wouldn't necessarily need to be all Christian music. Songs that are family oriented would also work. Just keep in mind that a music director is only likely to choose one, two, or three songs from a CD with fifteen or sixteen songs.
Another thing to remember is they are usually very busy and they recieve large quantities of CDs from people looking to get their songs on the air. When they listen to your song they need to hear something (usually lyrics and/or the "hook line") within 60 seconds that makes your song stand out from the flood of songs that cross their desks. So if you use an instrumental intro make it brief (12 to 15 seconds or less). When I was choosing music to load and edit into our library I could typically tell within 30 seconds whether or not a song was well written, well produced, and broadcast quality.

Something else that seems to be very prominent in much of the current Contemporary Christian crop of songs is a lot of electric music with screaming guitars and a hard down beat. Our music director has called many producers and record companies to see if they would send us a "lighter" mix. So at this point in time I would recommend an upbeat or medium tempo with mostly acoustic instruments and let the lyrics carry the song. And...... good vocals and vocal harmonies always work wonders for even a mediocre song.

Let the song cut straight to the heart of the message, repeat the hook line, let your feeling come through, and let the lyrics present the message/story without getting too detailed.

Keep in mind that many writers have been very successful with "three chords and a message".

I look forward to hearing your finished product.