August, 2006
Storming out with their hit release Smile, It’s
The End of the World, Hawk Nelson continues to blaze
upward with their music video for “The One Thing I Have Left” being added to mtvU as well as being
eligible for voting on “The Freshman” show, which introduces new artists through the video countdown
format. mtvU is produced exclusively for the college audience on more than 730 universities, reaching
over 6.5 million students in dining halls, student lounges, fitness centers, and dorm rooms. To Vote
for Hawk Nelson on mtvU go to www.mtvu.com/music/freshmen/
next week September 4-8th. Voting begins Monday, September 4 at 11AM EST & ends Friday, September
8 at 11:59AM. In addition to hitting mtvU, Hawk Nelson has been traveling across the country from New
York to LA with summer festivals and media blitzes. Recently they spent a day in New York City
interviewing with Launch Radio Network, Popstar, and FUSE Network along with performances at Billboard
and Music Choice. While in LA, Hawk Nelson taped an entertainment feature with the top-rated KTLA
Morning Show, which airs Thursday (August 31). The band also appeared on the video countdown show on
Much Music as well as taped a segment for the International Music Feed. Also this summer, radio fell
in love with Hawk Nelson’s first single from the sophomore project, “Everything You Ever Wanted.”
The single stood strong at No.1 on the CHR chart for nine consecutive weeks.
Plowing ahead full force, Hawk Nelson will be headlining the fall Smile, It’s the End of the World
tour (dates below), which will be in key markets such as Las Vegas, Houston, Nashville, San Diego and
Los Angeles. The tour will consist of House of Blue shows (Anaheim, Las Vegas) as well as a
TGIFriday/Wal-Mart opening in LA. The tour will be sponsored by Absolutepunk.com, Rockstar Energy
Drink, and Xbox. Following their Smile tour, Hawk Nelson will join the Beyond Measure Tour with
Jeremy and Adie Camp.
(from The M Collective)
Pre-promoting the September 26 release of his fourth album, See The Morning, 2006 GMA
Artist of the Year Chris Tomlin’s Made To Worship EP, a
digital exclusive, is now available online via iTunes and other digital service providers.
The “Made To Worship” EP features See The Morning’s title track and first single, plus a
live version of the #1 hit “Indescribable,” the 2006 GMA Song of the Year “How Great Is Our God,” and
“Your Grace Is Enough.” At iTunes, the EP also includes a PDF of sheet music for “Made To Worship.”
Pick up this popular download right here.
For complete details on See The Morning, including several great pre-order deals, check out
www.ChrisTomlin.com.
(from Sparrow Records)
Responding to what their fans have requested, the members of Avalon
will release a new album of timeless worship songs from the church, Faith: A Hymns Collection,
on October 17 via Sparrow Records.
Produced by Brown Bannister (Amy Grant), Faith features Avalon’s special renditions of
powerful hymns including “Holy, Holy, Holy,” “Blessed Assurance,” “Joyful, Joyful,” “Great Is Thy
Faithfulness,” “In Christ Alone,” “It Is Well,” “Total Praise,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “On Christ The Solid
Rock,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Amazing Grace.” Also highlighted are “Jesus Medley” and the bonus
patriotic song “For Freedom Needs.”
Avalon is already performing some of these Faith songs at Women of Faith conferences around
the country. The group will perform for nearly 500,000 people at these events through 2006 and has
several major television appearances in the works to promote the new album upon release.
News of Faith: A Hymns Collection comes even as Avalon’s current album,
Stand, continues to impact radio and retail. Another
standout single from that acclaimed project, “Somehow You Are,” hit the airwaves earlier this month.
Posting at www.AvalonLive.com, group member Jody McBrayer
said, “It’s a personal favorite of mine, and I hope you guys enjoy it too.”
(from Sparrow Records)
Word Records (a Warner Bros./Curb co.) Austin-based Latin jam band,
Salvador, announces its fourth national headline run,
the “Dismiss The Mystery Tour.”
Booked by the William Morris Agency (www.wmaccm.com), Salvador begins its tour October 5th in San
Diego in support of its August 29th release, Dismiss The Mystery, and visits several key fan markets
including Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Albuquerque and Miami.
Salvador has earned multiple Latin Billboard Award nominations and took home the Dove Award for
“Spanish Language Album of the Year” for Con Poder. The band has performed before audiences numbering
in the hundreds of thousands, including Billy Graham’s final crusade in New York City. Seven years in
the making and with an average of more than 100 dates a year, Salvador has built one of the most loyal
and appreciative fanbases in the industry. The band’s last single, Heaven, seized a Top 5 radio
position for 18 weeks on AC radio and was the 4th most played song of 2005.
The Dismiss The Mystery Tour additionally features the bands Liquid and Circleslide, along with special guest speaker, David Conteras.
(from Word Records)
Contemporary Christian music mainstay, newsboys
releases its latest offering, GO, Oct. 31. The band’s first bona fide pop-rock album in
nearly five years, GO was motivated by newsboys’ recent international travels.
Produced by Tedd T and Peter Furler, GO originates at the height of newsboys influence and
recognition overseas. Having recently performed shows in Europe, Morocco, and Tiberius, Israel,
as well as domestically, newsboys engaged thousands of people from various cultures and religious
backgrounds. This interaction prompted them to record an album that echoed the call of the Great
Commission. “The Israeli festival had a large impact on us,” comments newsboys’ frontman Peter
Furler. “All the different nationalities and religious beliefs coming together, and for that
moment co-existing peacefully, was a moment I will never forget.”
Such purpose is reflected on songs like the title track: “GO...From the top of the world/
To the bottom rung/‘til the work is done/I wanna send you/GO.../From the break of the dawn/To the
age’s end/Somebody’s needing a friend/I wanna send you.” Musically, the project harkens back
to newsboys popular, catchy pop-rock sound while moving forward creatively and sonically.
“Wherever We Go” released to radio Aug. 18 and was the most added song at both Adult Contemporary
and Christian Hit Radio its first week out, debuting on the Top 30 chart. Plans are in the works
now for a major album premier event live from Jerusalem. newsboys will also be heading out on
tour in the Spring of 2007 for the largest tour of their career to date. Additional details are forthcoming.
“GO is a landmark recording for both newsboys and Inpop,” comments Dale Bray, Inpop Records
president. “I’ve seen the band stretch themselves to break boundaries both musically and
lyrically. All of us at Inpop are excited to be involved in such an outstanding recording.”
With five gold albums, sales exceeding six million units, more than 20 No.1 radio hits, and a
mantle of Dove Awards as well as Grammy nominations, newsboys have achieved phenomenal success in its near two decades together. Known for their amazing live performances, and their groundbreaking tours, the band continues to sellout festivals and concerts worldwide, satisfying diehard fans and winning new ones in the process. For more information and upcoming tour dates, visit www.newsboys.com.
(from Savvy Media)
Centricity Record’s artist-worshiper, Jaime Jamgochian,
has achieved a major milestone in her recording career….. a #1 single on the national Christian
charts with “Hear My Worship.” This is the follow-up to the top 10 single “Love Rains Down” from
Jamgochian’s debut CD, Reason To Live, which
was released via Word Distribution on June 6, 2006. The CD was immediately heralded as a
breakthrough project for Jamgochian and continues to receive critical acclaim from media, radio,
and retail. “Jaime’s music just blew me away when I first heard it,” exclaims John McClain,
Assistant Program Director/Morning Air Personality, KCBI-FM/Dallas. “She has the unique ability
to sing right through to the heart with intense emotion. In a word, Jaime’s music is worship.
I don’t know if she realizes just how special she is….what a talent! Reason To Live is a
must-have.” Jamgochian gave a debut performance of “Hear My Worship” at this year’s GMA 5th Annual Worship
Breakfast, where 500 radio programmers gave it an enthusiastic response. The song was co-written
by Jamgochian and Sam Mizell and features the powerful lyrics: "Here as I worship You/I long to be
more honest/Long to be more free; I long to be more real/I long to be more transparent/As You see
my true intentions." “This song was written during a time when God was really challenging my
heart to be honest and real with Him,” says Jamgochian. “I was in the middle of a writing period
for the new CD, Reason To Live, with numerous co-writing appointments and I started feeling stale
and kind of on a treadmill to get the songs finished quickly for the new album. During my
frustrating writing season, I was at my keyboard, playing, praying, and started singing this song
to Him. My hope for this tune is that it will convey that every part of our lives hopefully
displays true worship to God.” “All of us at Centricity are incredibly excited for Jaime,” states Steve Ford, Vice President,
Marketing, Centricity Records. “She has worked hard to let people know about this song – early
morning radio visits and long treks to the next city being the least – and all that hard work has
paid off. We are proud of Jaime and the team around her for the diligence and dedication to
‘Hear My Worship.” We know this is just the beginning for Jaime, as there are many more great
worship songs to follow.” Jamgochian will be heading to Colorado Springs, CO in mid-September, as she will be the musical
guest for Focus On The Family’s Chapel Service where she will perform “Hear My Worship.” Then on
September 22, Jamgochian will be in Charlotte, NC to kick-off the Girls Of Grace tour with Point
Of Grace, as Jamgochian is the worship leader for all of these events. And check on her website,
www.jaimejam.com, for “Modest Is Hottest”
conferences that Jamgochian is leading with her new band. The seminars promote purity and modesty
for teens and young women, who are buying and wearing the “Modest Is Hottest” t-shirts that
Jamgochian sells at these events and on her website.
(from Bozeman Media)
Fervent Records’ renowned three-sister rock band, BarlowGirl,
releases Another Journal Entry - Expanded Edition on Aug. 29 (today).
Following up BarlowGirl’s critically acclaimed 2005 release, Another Journal Entry,
the Expanded Edition package includes five previously unreleased songs, exclusive web
content and a 150-page book, BarlowGirl: More Than Music, written by Alyssa, Becca and Lauren
Barlow with Andrew Barlow. Featuring segments on daily life, thoughts on the future, stories
behind the songs and pages of color pictures, More Than Music provides an inside look at
the girls as artists, songwriters, sisters and friends.
Another Journal Entry – Expanded Edition additionally includes the band’s music video,
"Never Alone." The video recently debuted on Yahoo! where it has been one of the most successful
Christian premieres to date with over 500,000 views online.
BarlowGirl will launch its nationwide, 30-city “Do Not Conform Tour” this fall in support of
Another Journal Entry – Expanded Edition. Beginning Sept. 15 in Cincinnati, OH and
jointly sponsored by LifeWay, Word Label Group and World Vision, the tour also features Matthew
West and Downhere. This is BarlowGirl’s first time ever headlining a tour.
(from Word Records)
Blindside is making preparations for their follow-up to their 2005 release The Great Depression.
The band has toured internationally almost exclusively this year, with upcoming dates in South Africa and
Sweden. U.S. fans have just one more chance to see them live this year at the Harvest Moon festival in
Edmonton, Canada. To wrap up their support of The Great Depression, the band will be
releasing "When I remember" as a single in Sweden. A video is also in progress and will come out
in the beginning of September. For more Blindside happenings, read the guys' new blog
at MySpace.com/Blindside
(from MySpace.com/Blindside; Thanks to invert48)
Every day this week Tooth & Nail / Solid State will be releasing new unreleased songs from
upcoming albums on their imprints. Visit each of the band's MySpace pages on the designated day
below to listen to an unreleased song.
Midas pop-rock artist Jessie Daniels claims the most
played video on Gospel Music Channel for two second consecutive weeks with “The Noise.” The video
recently made its debut at No. 1 on the network’s Overall Top 30 Videos Chart.
Filmed at both Rocketown and PK Studios in Nashville, Tenn., the video, a visual accompaniment to
Daniels’ No. 2 Christian Hit Radio single, combines live performance shots with images of New York
City’s Times Square. Its concept mimics the song’s theme about breaking through worldly
distractions to find quiet time with God.
“Jessie Daniels’ ‘The Noise’ was a no-brainer for us at Gospel Music Channel,” comments Jerry
Williams, director of programming. “The visuals are dynamic, the music is kicky and the lyrics
are dead on. Jessie herself portrays a sort of hip innocence that makes this video especially viable for us.”
To view the video, click here
and click on “The Noise.” Daniels’ self-titled debut label project released to retail June 6.
Featuring 11 songs, eight written by Daniels, the album is fun and catchy with a pop-rock flare.
Its debut radio single “The Noise,” reached No. 2 on Radio & Records Christian Hit Radio chart.
Her current single “Everyday” held steady this week at No. 5 on Radio & Records CHR chart.
Eighteen year-old Jessie Daniels hails from Long Island, N.Y. An actress since the age of eight,
Daniels has appeared in multiple independent films as well as commercials for MTV and Lifetime.
In 2003, she began writing and recording her first music project, a 6-song EP that released via
her Web site. The EP garnered Daniels national attention, and she was asked to perform at Radio
Disney concert events nationwide. More dates followed with artists like Seventh Day Slumber,
Kutless, Paul Wright, and Across the Sky. Daniels has been featured by more that 60 media outlets
and is endorsed by Transitions Optical and Daisy Rock Girl Guitars. She is currently on the
SHOUTfest tour, www.shoutfest.com, through
October. For more information, check out her official Web site at www.jessiedaniels.com.
(from Savvy Media)
Many thought that when Bride released a CD called
This Is It that they were quitting and going off into rock n’ roll retirement. But that was hardly the case.
Bride has been working on their new CD Skin for Skin over the past few months. This 2006-2007
release will begin a new Bride era. Bride has returned again to its metal roots.
Dale and Troy Thompson original founders of Bride have once again composed and recorded 12 songs
that are sure to re-awaken the Bride fans. Not since the release of the legendary Snakes in the
Playground has any of their CD’s been so highly anticipated.
Skin for Skin is a very powerful piece of work. Recorded at Waycross Studios in Ohio the
band was able to get away from all of the Nashville types and concentrate on being themselves.
Vocally Dale comes out screaming and finds new vocal range in the lower register to induce and
incite cold chills up ones spine. Troy invents some of the most memorable and grove oriented metal
licks in his career. Lawrence Bishop on bass drives the bottom end like a M1 Tank. Unlike the past
several CD’s Skin for Skin is riddled with double bass thunder. Together all of these
elements produce possibly the best work that Bride has ever recorded.
Lyrically Dale deals with tough subjects like racism, war, evil in the world, sacrifice and the
love of one for all others. He delves headlong and addresses addiction, redemption, restoration,
deliverance, and love. Dale’s son Alex who is currently serving in the United States Airforce even
has song writing credit as he shares his song about suicide on this CD. Alex could not perform the
song himself but Bride did their best to interpret his thoughts and feelings.
Bride also invited a special guest to appear on the CD. Not since their second release
Live to Die has Steve Osborne guitar virtuoso appeared on a Bride CD. But on
Skin for Skin you will hear his phenomenal solo’s throughout.
Bride expects no less than world wide success with Skin for Skin. A core player in
Bride’s history has re-joined the band. Drummer Jerry McBroom is back and will be touring with the
band as they travel to Brazil and Europe after the release of the CD. Bride is universally
recognized as one of the greatest live bands to date and they now have captured the live energy on a studio CD.
Skin for Skin is the essential Bride CD to obtain. Twenty years has past, more than a
dozen CD’s, thousands of miles of touring throughout the world playing to hundreds of thousands of
fans on the globe and Bride is back full throttle, all metal! Skin for Skin is a CD to be
celebrated. But most of all fans should not loose sight of the true theme of all Bride CD’s.
That is “Christ and Him crucified.” For more about the legendary rockers, visit www.bridepub.com
(from Bride)
Our friends The Listening was recently involved in a serious accident with their van that
left the guys shaken but okay. Here's vocalist Gabriel Wilson's version of the frightening story...
"Its 5AM, Josiah is at the wheel. We've just crossed the Montana/Wyoming border on I-90 going
East bound. We're sleeping in the back. Eric and Adam (tour manager) are on back bed. Chris
is on the middle bench seat. Gabriel (that's me) is on the bench seat just behind the two
front seats. Just before Sheradin, Wyoming tragedy strikes. I don't quite know how to describe
it -- except to say that we lived through one of my worst nightmares, and barely made it.
Josiah hits a deer. That would be fine, except this time the airbags are deployed, knocking
Josiah's hands off the wheel and sending us out of control. Josiah starts yelling at the top of
his lungs... It wakes me up. He tries his best to regain control... and almost does. I don't
remember much, save for the prayers that I prayed. The van was rocking back and forth. Actually,
it was being thrown back and forth by the weight of our 8,000 pound trailer full of gear and
production. The sound was indescribable. A lot of yelling. A lot of screeching tires. All
of us yelling, "Jesus! Save us! Help us! God, protect us!!!" I'm sure everyone was praying as
best they could. About 3 seconds later, the trailer flipped over, causing our van to whip around
180 degress and then flip. I remember the sensation of knowing that we were flipping. I was on
the bench seat, curled into a ball with my hands and arms covering my head. I remember the
feeling of the bench seat slipping out from underneath me, and the sound changing. From the
screams of my best friends, I now heard the world outside of the van. I was being thrown from the
van--at 50 mph. I remember that I wasn't scared...I was just "aware" of the fact that I was being
thrown out of the van as we rolled. None of us were in our seat belts, except for Josiah...
I flew through the air...and I hit the ground. It was dirt and gravel, though I only know this by
taste and smell, not by the texture. I could hear the trailer flipping around and gear flying
out of it.. It had detached from the van and was sent flailing. And I heard the van... rolling
towards me. I didn't move. I froze in my curled up state, my arms protecting my head. I heard
it touch down 3 feet behind me... I knew it would roll on top of me. And it did. I heard it hit
3 feet in front of me... and then I heard nothing. I had a friend in 7th grade who was thrown from a truck as it rolled--and then
smashed by the rolling truck. It killed him. I thought to myself... "is this it? This is it...
here I go." I thought I would die. And when all I heard was silence... I thought it was over.
I opened up my eyes. I looked around. The van was on top of me, only it was on its tires.
Yes, I was under the van, only miraculously, I wasn't smashed at all. I had a couple inches
between me and the drive shaft of the van. I still didn't hear anything. I pulled myself from
underneath... I checked myself out. I had no scratches, except for a mild scrape on my left
elbow. I checked my head... I checked my face. I checked my neck... I felt fine. I was sorta
taken back. I mean, I had been thrown OUT OF THE VAN. I had landed, and then slid a ways in
the gravel. And nothing? Then I began to worry. If I was thrown out of the van, the boys must
be everywhere, and hurting. I peered through what used to be the side door window to see if any of
them were still in the van. Josiah was still sitting in the driver's seat. He saw me...
Fans everywhere can now download their favorite Gotee Records' music as ringtones for their
cellular phones by going online to www.ringtonejukebox.com.
Currently available for download are songs from artists including Relient K,
Sarah Kelly, John Reuben, Paul Wright,
Fighting Instinct, and Jennifer Knapp. In the upcoming weeks,
an additional 40 ringtones will be on the site with an anticipated 51 total ringtones offered by
the end of September. Forthcoming music downloads will include music from Ayiesha Woods,
StorySide:B, GRITS, Family Force 5, and 4th Avenue Jones, as well as imprint label Mono-vs-Stereo
bands like Last Tuesday.
(from LB PR)
Big Idea’s VeggieTales, the most recognized kids
faith and values-based property in the U.S., will launch this fall in a regular time slot on NBC,
Telemundo and the i network as part of the new qubo programming block. Along with VeggieTales,
the programming block will also include Big Idea’s 3-2-1 Penguins! and its 2D LarryBoy Adventures.
The launch marks the national television debut for the Big Idea properties, which have sold over 52
million videos since the company began in 1993.
In addition to the English language broadcast on NBC and the i network (formerly PAX),
VeggieTales, 3-2-1 Penguins! and the LarryBoy Adventures will also debut in Spanish this
September on Telemundo. Big Idea will support the Spanish launch of the properties by releasing
two of its VeggieTales DVDs, Gideon: Tuba Warrior and Minnesota Cuke and the Search For Samson’s
Hairbrush in Spanish nationally on DVD November 7.
VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer is producing the 30-minute VeggieTales TV episodes, which have
been tailored to meet NBC’s programming guidelines as well as national educational and
informational (E/I) standards for children’s programming. “I am very excited for the opportunity
to bring Bob, Larry and their veggie friends to national TV,” states Vischer. “VeggieTales helps
kids learn life-changing lessons in a delightfully wacky way. The positive messages of the stories
can now reach a wider audience and, in doing so, affect a new generation of children.”
“This is a milestone for kids and families looking for children’s programming with a positive
message,” says Terry Pefanis, Big Idea’s COO. “VeggieTales, Penguins and LarryBoy are stories
that kids love and entertainment parents trust. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring these
shows to an even larger audience.”
The Big Idea programming is coming to television as part of “qubo,” a new children’s programming
venture from ION Media Networks, NBC Universal, Scholastic, Classic Media/Big Idea and Corus
Entertainment’s Nelvana. The qubo initiative champions literacy and positive values through
entertainment and represents an alliance of leading distribution and content providers in
children’s television.
The Big Idea programming will premiere on NBC and Telemundo on Saturday morning (September 9)
and the i network on Friday afternoon (September 15).
The Big Idea programming schedule is as follows:
NBC Saturday Morning (premieres September 9, 2006) - 10:00 a.m. VeggieTales; 11:00 a.m.
VeggieTales Presents: 3-2-1 Penguins!/Larry Boy Adventures (alternating stories).
Telemundo Saturday (premieres September 9, 2006) -
8:00 a.m. VeggieTales; 9:00 a.m.
VeggieTales Presents: 3-2-1 Penguins!/Larry Boy Adventures (alternating stories).
i network – Friday Afternoon (premieres September 15, 2006) -
3:00 p.m. VeggieTales; 4:00 p.m.
VeggieTales Presents: 3-2-1 Penguins!/Larry Boy Adventures (alternating stories)
(from Hoganson Media)
With just over a month to go before Grammy-nominated rockers Skillet
release their 7th studio recording Comatose
(Lava/Atlantic/Ardent/SRE), the band’s first single at Christian Rock radio is heating up,
making the highest debut this week at No. 17 on R&R’s Christian rock chart and causing their fan
message boards to go crazy. Since putting a clip of “Rebirthing” on their MySpace
(myspace.com/skilletmusic) page just over two weeks ago, the single as received over
100,000 plays. On top of that, the song is being played non-stop at their official website
(skillet.com) and their fan site (panheads.org). You can grab the song right NOW on iTunes
for just 99 cents! Hot on the heels of 2003’s best-seller
Collide, which launched Skillet into the mainstream with the hit single “Savior,”
touring with Three Days Grace, Salvia, Shinedown, and 12 Stones, plus a nomination at the
47th Annual Grammy Awards, Comatose hits stores on October 3rd, 2006.
(from The M Collective)
If you live in our home state of Kansas and the surrounding states or you want to road trip…
you don't want to miss attending and being in Pillar's
new video shoot! "We understand this is a short notice, but that is usually the video making
process," the band announced in a recent newsletter. "We just found out about it ourselves. The
treatment we received for this video is an awesome concept and what we love the most about it is it
allows us to invite you guys to be a part of it with us."
The details include: WHEN & WHERE: Saturday, August 26 (Be there at 5pm sharp!) /
Western Kansas (9 miles West of Goodland, KS) - I-70; Exit 9- go north; 1st stop sign turn Left;
1st and only house on the Left; WHAT TO BRING:
Bring your own water, snacks, and hamburgers/hot dogs (there will be grilling).
***You need to wear solid colors, no branding.***
REQUIREMENTS:
"We will need people to be 18 years or older or accompanied by a parent who can sign a release for
for them." Sounds like a good time, kids!
(from Pillar)
Myrrh Records is launching its music instruction
series for worship leaders and musicians with the Sept. 26 release of Myrrh Worship Resource
Vol. 1 – Let It Rain. Including a DVD and CD, Vo1. 1 Let It Rain provides instructional
content for 10 influential modern worship songs led by Big Daddy Weave’s Mike Weaver and Jeremy
Redmon, Pocket Full Of Rocks’ Michael and Alisa Farren and By The Tree’s Aaron Blanton.
The DVD features guitar instructional video with variable camera angles for each song along with
on-screen chord tab graphics. The disc additionally includes exclusive artist interviews offering
behind-the-song stories and other useful instruction for growing musicians, worship leaders and
songwriters. The CD features full-mix studio recordings of each song arranged in easy-to-learn
versions for leaders and musicians of any skill level. The complete resource disc is further
enhanced with printable lead sheets, chord charts and MediaShout presentation files for all 10 songs.
(from Word Records)
GRAMMY-nominated recording artist and worship leader Sarah Kelly
unveiled her highly-anticipated sophomore album Where The Past Meets Today
on August 15th and is now poised to showcase the songs via a virtual tour at online sites
including Monsterpod.com and
CCMcom.com, with other online sites being
added in the upcoming week. Where The Past Meets Today sold nearly 5,000 albums first
week out, landing at #2 on Sound Scan's Christian album chart.
The virtual tour, featuring the heartfelt songs of Where The Past Meets Today, will
spotlight Kelly in 20-30 minute performances. Each concert will be exclusive to the various
websites and available online for 30 days.
Where The Past Meets Today, Kelly's personal chronicle of healing from lifelong abuse,
has already been heralded as "a stellar sophomore offering" by CCM Magazine and "a worthy piece
of work that will hopefully earn her the Best Female Vocalist award that she deserves from the
GMA," by CBN.com. Kelly, who performed on CBN's The 700 Club earlier this year, recently made a
guest appearance on Rick Dee's Top 40 Countdown syndicated radio show.
In addition, songs from the new album are slated as part of Continental Airline's in-flight radio
station programming set to air this November 1st- December 31st.
Take Me Away, Sarah Kelly's 2004 Gotee Records
debut, merited the singer-songwriter a bevy of attention from fans as well as industry, who gave
her a GRAMMY nod in the "Best Rock Gospel Album" category. The album nabbed the #12 spot on the
"Top Christian Albums" Soundscan chart first week out by selling more than 4,100 units, securing
her as the highest new artist debut in the 10-year history of the Gotee label. The single
"Take Me Way" also landed a No. 6 spot on the CHR radio charts. In 2005, the national retail
store Guitar Center added Kelly?s image to the "World's Largest Outdoor Photo Exhibit," a gallery
found on the outside of 140 Guitar Center stores all around the country. In addition, Kelly was
one of the first Christian artists to have music exclusives featured on Sony Connect
(www.sonyconnect.com). With an average of 150-200 tour dates a year, Kelly has shared the stage
with acts including Jars of Clay, Everyday Sunday, and Paul Wright. Fall tour plans are currently
underway. For more information on Sarah Kelly, check out www.gotee.com or her newly redesigned,
official artist website at www.sarahkelly.com.
(from LB PR)
All the proceeds from Audio Adrenaline’s recent
concert in Anchorage, Alaska went to benefit the Hands & Feet Project, a non-profit organization
they formed dedicated to the health, welfare and education of orphaned children of Haiti. For the
full story, visit the Anchorage Daily News website, www.adn.com. (The story was also picked up
and serviced by United Press International, www.upi.com.) More than $16,000 was raised at the
concert for the charity. Audio Adrenaline will also be auctioning off a pair of front row tickets
and “meet and greet” passes for each concert on their 30-plus-city fall tour with MercyMe. The
monies raised from the tickets will benefit the band’s Hands & Feet Project. To place your bid
on the tickets for a concert near you, go to: http://www.audioa.com/static/ticket_auction/.
Because this is their last year together, AudioA has committed to playing as many shows as
possible in the next few months. Don't miss them when they come to your town! For a complete list
of tour dates, go to AudioA.com or www.myspace.com/audioa.
(from Hoganson Media)
Currently climbing radio charts with his new single, “History,” singer/songwriter
Matthew West will join the Don’t Conform Tour this
fall with BarlowGirl and Downhere. The 30-city run of concerts begins September 15 in Cincinnati,
Ohio. West has had a busy summer with the national re-release of his acclaimed original
independent album, Sellout, performances at minor league baseball “Faith Night” events around
the country, and the continuing success of his new studio album, History.
That project’s recent hit, “Only Grace,” will also be featured on the upcoming WOW HITS 2007.
Catch up with Matthew West, who Billboard magazine recently ranked among the Top Ten songwriters
in Christian music, at www.MatthewWest.com.
(from Sparrow Records)
newsboys are back! This fall, newsboys make their
Inpop Records debut with a brand-new studio record. After a hugely successful foray into the genre
of worship music, newsboys return to their rock roots with Go, the highly-anticipated new
album releasing on October 31. It's been nearly 5 years since the band has released a rock record,
and we know that you are primed and ready for more of the band's original high-energy pop-rock
sounds! Featuring the hit single, "I Am Free," and new songs like the first single
"Wherever We Go" and "Something Beautiful," Go is certain to be a worldwide smash. Get a sneak
peak of the new album now at myspace.com/newsboysofficial and listen to 2 new songs from the
album! Look for more exclusive newsboys audio and video content coming soon to Inpop.com.
Also available for a limited time is a special collector's edition of Go which includes 3
exclusive tracks plus a DVD featuring over an hour of behind-the-scenes video footage!
Reserve your copy now at newsboys.com or at the JFH Music Store!
(from InPop Records)
After two highly acclaimed, chart-topping studio projects (Grace Like Rain,
Reflection of Something), Ardent/INO Records’ artist Todd Agnew
has crafted an epic retelling of the Christmas story on his upcoming holiday release Do You See
What I See?, which will be releasing on October 3, 2006.
Following in line with Agnew’s reputation as a powerful lyricist and storyteller, Do You See What
I See? tells the Christmas story from the personal perspectives of the eyewitnesses to
Christ’s birth from the innkeeper to the Magi to the angels.
“Last Christmas, God led me to really study the Christmas story,” explains Agnew. “For six months,
everyday piece-by-piece I studied the birth of Christ. I prayed through it, asking God to reveal
it to me. He made the Bible come to life---it became not only true, but also realistic. Realizing
that we look at Christmas from more than 2000 years later and that those individuals involved were
not able to fully understand the big picture of what was happening like we can is remarkable.”
Painting an audio picture for the listener, he created a musical, not just a collection of
seasonal songs for his project. In addition to Todd’s solo performances and duo with Ardent
Records newcomer Joy Whitlock as the innkeepers, Vince Lichlyter (Jonah33) is featured as Joseph,
Christie Nockels (Watermark) as Mary, Shelley Jennings (Passion) as Elizabeth, Mike Weaver
(Big Daddy Weave) as Simeon, Anthony Evans as the angel and Michael O’Brien (recently of NewSong)
as the shepherd. There is also a multi-artist finale of the much beloved classic, “In the First
Light.” Agnew and friends want to stress that this project is about the whole perspective
surrounding the birth of Christ and not a typical holiday CD, but an eyewitness depiction.
A complete listing of the musical cast and characters is below.
“It seems like this Christmas record will be set apart from so many others that are about candles
and wreaths,” shares guest soloist Shelley Jennings. “I don't know how much the individuals who
were involved in the first Christmas really knew about what God was doing with them, but I think
they knew it was something really big. The song I sang, ‘Sleep Well,’ is from the perspective of
Elizabeth, who herself was carrying a significant life and who knew that Mary was carrying the
Lord. The beautiful melody and poignant lyrics of this sweet lullaby are like a calm before the storm.”
To celebrate the Christmas season, Todd and a select group of friends will be performing this
Christmas project on “The Christmas Hope” tour, co-headlining with NewSong and featuring Rachael
Lampa and NY Times best-selling author, Donna VanLiere. The 15-city tour is being booked through
The Greg Oliver agency and will run Thanksgiving weekend through the week prior to Christmas.
(from The M Collective)
This fall, Superchick headlines the "Live Love Tour"
with special guests Sanctus Real, John Reuben and Last Tuesday! The tour will be hitting cities
all across the country, so check out superchick.net for all the tour dates!
"Stand In The Rain" from the band's latest release, Beauty From Pain 1.1, has just gone
to radio and it is flying up the charts! The song is Superchick's stand-out track from their major
label debut, so be listening for it at radio now! Get Beauty From Pain 1.1 now
exclusively at Christian retail. Also, you can check out a live performance Superchick will be
doing on the Cartoon Network on Friday, September 8th right before the Adult Swim on their
Friday Night concert series. Superchick will play 2 songs and be interviewed. In related news,
"It's On" is the featured music over the climatic battle scene in Columbia Picture's Zoom
starring Tim Allen, in theaters now, and will also be featured in the upcoming ABC television
movie Relative Chaos. For all the latest, visit myspace.com/superchick.
(from )
Tree63 is on the brink of having yet another #1 hit
song! "All Over The World" from Worship Volume One: I Stand For You is currently at the
top of radio charts nationwide, and is already a #1 song for many stations! Many thank to all the
fans who called in their requests!
Tree63 has been in the studio recording demos for their new album, releasing in early 2007. The
hard-working band tracked 23 songs in just 6 days! Check out some pictures from in the studio at
myspace.com/tree63.
(from )
Casting Crowns, one of Pollstar magazine’s top 100
touring bands in the U.S., continues to draw in sold-out crowds around the globe. The band
recently headlined three concerts in Africa pulling in nearly 15,000 fans in Nairobi, Cape Town and Johannesburg.
In addition to the live shows in Africa, Casting Crowns remained focused on its passion for
student ministry by reaching out to local youth leaders in the countries and introducing them to
the band’s Global Youth Ministry resource. Designed to offer youth leaders access to FREE tools
and leadership training, GYM helps equip and support a new generation of youth ministries. The
group met with 175 youth workers in Cape Town representing 80 churches, 125 leaders in Kisumu and 100 workers in Nairobi.
Lead singer Mark Hall notes, “We had an amazing time talking with the youth workers in Africa about the biblical model for student ministry and the importance of giving ownership to the students and helping them find their own individual ministries.”
Promoter and missionary to South Africa, Jay Johnson said, “Casting Crowns has left a lasting impact on the Christian community of South Africa and Kenya. People were most impressed with the heart of the band and their commitment to Christ and especially to the youth of both countries. Though the music was amazing, and most have said that it was the best Christian concert the countries have ever seen, the ministry was what touched the hearts of the people. Everyone is already talking about next year and hoping that Casting Crowns will be back to minister again in Africa.”
In Kenya, the band visited an area development project through its partnership with World Vision, an international relief organization for which Casting Crowns is responsible for more than 15,000 child sponsorships to date. Crowns spent time at a local primary school visiting many of World Vision’s sponsor children. The kids acted out skits with anti-AIDS messages as part of the school’s AIDS education for the visiting band members.
Mark Hall adds, “In Kenya, my heart was hurt for the people living in extreme poverty with so many needs, but I was also encouraged by the believers there who are actively reaching out with the hands of Jesus to touch their lives.” He acknowledges, “We didn’t take anything new to Kenya. We simply joined in what God is already doing in His church there.”
Paul Diederich, director of the artist program for World Vision, notes, “It was a pleasure to spend time with Casting Crowns in Kenya and see their heart for the children of Africa. Their partnership with World Vision continues to be a blessing, not only to us, but to the thousands of children who now have hope for a brighter future because of their ministry.”
Guitarist Chris Huffman says, “The World Vision project in Kenya is a great example of global ministry. The schools that we visited really impacted me the most. Just getting to spend time with the kids and to experience the presence of Jesus with them was amazing! Being there and seeing where they live really burdened me to be more thankful for what God has entrusted me with and pray for them that Christ would be the answer to the hope we all saw in their faces.”
The group's latest project, Lifesong Live, releases October 3rd.
(from Provident Music Group)
Switchfoot has posted another update on their pending new studio album, including official
word on the title and new release date (confirming our previous report)...
"So much going on around here, a blur of creativity with album artwork and final sonic tweaks
on the new songs. We have several announcements concerning the new album. First we must recognize
a very important guest musician who will be laying down the final musical contribution this
week... congratulations to Sarah Mooridian, the winner of the cowbell contest! For those of
you who have been following the podcasts you probably already know that the title of the new album
is Oh! Gravity. It may be a little early to be thinking about Christmas but we're already
counting down the days because the new album release date is set for December 26. We'll preview
some of the new music on our site very soon and you'll be able to pre-order the album as well.
We can't wait to get out and start playing these new songs live so we are planning a fall U.S.
tour in October/November. Stay tuned for tour details. -Jon, Tim, Chad, Jerome, and Drew" And stay
tuned to this page as we continue to receive details on Oh! Gravity...
(from Switchfoot)
Best-selling, award nominated twosome Shane & Shane
takes its act on the road again with a 30+-city fall tour, kicking off later this month. Joining
the Shanes will be Essential Records artist Warren Barfield and Dualtone Music Group trio,
The Peasall Sisters.
Shane and Shane continue to sell out venues of more than 1500 seats, including colleges and
universities nationwide. The fall 2006 tour will be no different. Launching August 20 in Siloam
Springs, Ark., the tour’s initial leg features The Peasall Sisters who will make a guest
appearance through early September. The tour’s second half will feature Warren Barfield
exclusively as featured opener for Shane and Shane.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to tour with two artists we really respect and admire this
fall,” says Shane Everett of Shane and Shane. “The Peasall Sisters are really close to the heart
of God, and I think you’ll see a fun, new dynamic with this leg of the tour. As for Warren
Barfield, we get to spend time sharing the stage with someone known not only for playing barefoot,
but for bringing a really special element into what we provide our fans.”
Warren Barfield notes, “I first heard of Shane & Shane before either of us were signed artists.
When I was traveling around as an indie artist, I often had people tell me I should check them out
and do some shows with them. Well, here we are many years later and I'm finally taking the advice
and touring with the Shanes. I’m expecting every night of this tour to be something worth being a
part of. I look forward to seeing the fans again, and sharing this season with a couple of guys
whose art and ministry I have admired from afar for a long time.”
(from Savvy Media)
ZOEgirl, the powerhouse-pop threesome (Chrissy Conway,
Alisa Childers and Kristin Swinford), will say goodbye to their fans and close this chapter of
life this fall during their final performances on The Revolve Tour. The talented group, teamed
with Sparrow Records since 2000, has spent the last six years establishing themselves as
deliberate role models and a sounding board to young teens and moms alike.
On August 15, fans will have the opportunity to complete their final collection of favorite songs
from the popular groups’ lengthy career with ZOEgirl: The Early Years. The recording is
part of a series being released by Sparrow Records with similar collections from Newsboys, Steven
Curtis Chapman, Out Of The Grey, Rebecca St. James, dcTalk and Sonicflood. The artists included
in the Early Years Series have collective sales of more than 22 million units sold, over 100 Dove
and Grammy Awards®, and 33 RIAA Certified Gold, Platinum and Double Platinum Records.
"For the past six years, Chrissy, Kristin and Alisa of ZOEgirl have dedicated themselves and their
music ministry to a culture of teenaged girls who were desperate for inspiration, leadership and
guidance,” Peter York, president of EMI CMG Label Group, speaks to the group’s legacy. “Their
passion and commitment has had far reaching impact and their music has encouraged an entire
generation of young women."
The brainchild of Norman Miller of Proper Management, ZOEgirl burst onto the music scene in 2000
and immediately earned the title as Sparrow Records fastest-selling debut artist in the company’s
history; a title that the group still maintains. "All three girls in ZOEgirl have always had an
incredible passion for reaching and helping young girls with issues that confront them. They also
have the unique ability of communicating through their songs the fact that God loves them, just as
they are, and that He wants to have a relationship with them,” explains Miller. It is the groups’
purpose and integrity of mission that helped connect them to fans, who heard the ZOEgirl message
of Christ’s acceptance loud and clear from the beginning.
Steady touring paired with strong radio play and landmark sales surrounded their sophomore
release, Life, which climbed to #2 on Billboard
Heatseeker’s Chart and lingered in the top 3 for 5 weeks. In 2002, the popular threesome accepted
the award for GMA New Artist Of The Year and continued to rack up sales and noticeable airplay
with subsequent releases, Mix Of Life, late in 2002, and
Different Kind Of Free, in the fall of
2003. A career filled with prime opening slots on tours with Avalon, Clay Crosse, Plus One,
Newsboys and Carman and co-bills with Jump5, iWorship and SHOUTfest fueled the flame, firming up
an already strong fan base and boosting media attention for the group. Headlining tours like
their FREE Experience Tour drew fans in by the thousands each night and featured ZOEgirl and
their guests Superchi(k), Joy Williams and speaker Susie Shellenberger of BRIO Magazine. Two
ASCAP Top Airplay awards and significant radio airplay on Radio Disney with “Feel Alright”
(Different Kind Of Free) were added to ZOEgirl’s growing list of accomplishments. The song was
also featured in Walt Disney’s motion picture Confessions Of A Teenage Drama Queen starring
Lindsay Lohan. Room To Breathe released and soared to #1 on Billboard Heatseeker’s Chart in March
of 2005 and the group’s most recent record, With All Of My Heart
recapped hits and favorites, capturing songs specifically requested by their active fan base.
Over the past six years of ministry, the success of ZOEgirl’s musical career has expanded their
platform, allowing them to initiate annual summer missions to South America and those ministry
efforts will continue. The group, partnering with Big World Ventures, remains committed to
inviting teens to join them on a trip to South America each summer where the group performs
concerts and dramas and works in orphanages, schools and areas where housing is unstable.
“Each year, seeing ZOEgirl light up and selflessly lead teams on summer mission trips, its clear
that they are passionate about serving and sharing the love of Jesus to people around the world.
Beyond the music, their lives are truly about radical obedience to Gods call on their lives,”
explains Caleb David, Director of Strategic Relations, Big World Ventures.
Fans of ZOEgirl are vocal on websites and blogs when discussing the groups’ impact. “ZOEgirl
sings about what is happening in real life, and they sing about what it is like to be a
Christian. When I listen to their songs, I can relate to them,” said a 13-15 year old fan from Florida.
“The music speaks to me and inspires me to be myself and to keep trying. When I saw them in
concert recently, I understood how much in common we all have with each other…” added a 18-22
year old from Colorado. “ZOEgirl brought me closer to Jesus (I now read my Bible!) and made me
feel loved and wanted…” said a 13-15 year old fan from Michigan.
For More Information: www.zoegirlonline.com
(from EMI CMG)
Hard rockers Project 86 announced on their MySpace page this week, "The band is hard at work writing right
now for a brand new album due out early next year!! We will be playing spot dates throughout the
fall as we write, so check back often for details. A couple of new dates are up right now on our
myspace page!! We are very excited to be working on new material..." And so are we! We'll keep you posted!
In the meantime, be sure to check out their latest album ...And The Rest Will Follow if you
still haven't yet!
(from MySpace.com/Project86; thanks to Hollie P)
Switchfoot has recently announced the completion of their new studio album.
Frontman Jon Foreman wrote the following thoughts... "It's 5:55 am on
Monday, August 7th. The sun is rising. I can hear the traffic starting to wake up on the 5.
The early birdies are beginning to sing.
I pull the fifteen passenger van into the driveway and kill the
engine. I let the silence sink in. Inhale. Exhale, slowly. Inhale.
Close your eyes. Breathe. It's been a long trip. I am home. Home.
And the record is done.
And the record is done.
Breathe. We've been up there for a while. Too long probably. Hotels,
friends houses, couches, commuting back and forth- last night we
slept on the floor of the studio. I woke up and just started walking.
Walking. I need some distance. Maybe a drive up the coast. Alone. Forget the
music. Forget it. And I remember something else. A faint memory of
something. someone. distance. distance.
I feel very confident in saying that this record is the best
recording that I've been involved in. I feel like our blood is still
up there on tape: spinning around on a half inch machine on Santa
Monica Blvd. That's the goal, I suppose. A piece of someone. The best
part. Sacrificed for the others to consume. In stereo.
In stereo. Along with the highs come the lows. And now I let go. I'm
done. To try to tell you where this record has taken us is an
ridiculous task. The story tells itself I suppose, and the journey is
to simply listen. To listen. To listen to the journey spinning around
on the half inch right now somewhere in the city of angels.
My God, I hope that it moves you!!! I wish I could see your face as
you listen. To watch the corners of your mouth."
The new album is now targeted at a December 26th release. More to come!
(from Myspace.com/Switchfoot; EMI CMG)
As one of the top Christian rock bands today, Sanctus Real
is also about tangibly being the “face of love,” not only with friends and family, but reaching
outside of that comfort zone. Hearing about the incredible need in Africa through African
Leadership, the band has decided to join forces with the organization to help relieve the
plight of that continent.
Sanctus Real will immediately begin raising funds through the organization’s Mocha Club missions
work. The funds will be used for relief efforts in Darfur, Sudan, where more than 300,000 people
have been killed in the last two years and more than two million people have been displaced.
Future efforts will lend support for an orphanage in Kenya where babies have been abandoned
because of AIDS, building a school for 380 children in the Sudan, building a village for and
rehabilitating young women who were former sex slaves under the Rebel forces in Northern Uganda,
funding an orphanage for 134 street children in Kampala, Uganda and building a school amidst the
largest slum in East Africa for 400 children in Kibera, Kenya.
“In every way that we can, we’re to give back what God’s given us,” says Sanctus Real front man
Matt Hammitt. “As a band, we were looking for an organization that wasn’t trying to pay artists
to help. We just wanted to help because we believe in something. With African Leadership, we found
a team of people that has really fast, effective ways of getting relief to the people where they
need it—like in Darfur where there is a civil war going on and tens of thousands of people are
being brutally murdered. People are fleeing to the hills and just don’t have the resources to
survive. Little dollars are providing big necessities for these people.”
“The music of Sanctus Real challenges us to be more honest, to live with integrity in our
relationship with God and the people around us,” says Larry Warren, African Leadership president.
“Now they are pointing the way to demonstrate authentic care in more difficult places, far away,
like Darfur, Sudan. When Matt [Hammitt] tells their audience how to save a life for $5 to $10
dollars by providing food and medicine, delivered by African Leadership, and their newly formed
Mocha club, then this band is blessing the people of Sudan and the audience who wants to live with
the integrity Sanctus Real sings about. I am blessed to know these guys whose attitude is,
‘we will keep speaking out for those in need, as long as there is a need.’”
African Leadership’s Mocha Club is a sponsorship program where for the cost of two mocha coffee
drinks per month, people and organizations lend their support to provide a solution to the
challenges Africans are facing every day. Individuals who sign up for sponsorship through Sanctus
Real will also receive a copy of the band’s current, best-selling CD, The Face of Love.
African Leadership is an organization striving to make a difference by providing HOPE, one
leader…one family…one child at a time. They are currently discipling nearly 10,000 pastors and
church leaders in 27 African nations. Classrooms range from “under a tree” in the war torn-corners
of Sudan to the most densely populated slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Also, through their mission to
meet the physical needs of Africans, their leadership network offers life-sustaining Hope to those
that God calls "the least" of His children.
Since Sanctus Real broke on the national scene in 2003, the band has looked for opportunities to
partner with helps organizations like African Leadership. They have supported Food for the Hungry
and Compassion International on recent tours and have contributed to World Vision through proceeds
received from their first No. 1 hit and U2 cover, “Beautiful Day,” recorded for the multi-artist
project, In The Name Of Love: Artists United For Africa.
More information on Sanctus Real can be found at www.sanctusreal.com. More information on African
Leadership and the Mocha Club can be found at www.AfricanLeadership.org and www.mochaclub.org.
(from Hoganson Media)
GRAMMY-nominated, Platinum-selling artist Jonny Lang
releases his fifth album, Turn Around, to both general and Christian retail Sept. 19. In
addition to A&M Record’s general market channels of distribution for Turn Around,
Provident-Integrity Distribution will be providing distribution to Christian retail for the first
time. “We are excited about bringing Jonny Lang’s new album to the Christian retail market,”
says Don Noes, Provident-Integrity Distribution Sr. VP of Sales and Distribution. “Jonny is a
tremendous talent and an established name in mainstream music. With Turn Around, he has recorded
a compelling album that reflects his faith and maturity and songs that will appeal to a wide
Christian audience.”
Lang topped the Billboard New Artist chart with his first album at age 15, toured with the Rolling
Stones and Aerosmith, performed with B. B. King and Buddy Guy, and now stands as a mature creative
force, made more sensitive yet also toughened by life’s adventures. He’s learned what it means to
rise above hard times and to find meaning where chaos seemed to rule. These insights, and the
emotions they unleash, makes Turn Around the pivotal album of Jonny Lang’s career to date—a
passage that links the triumphs of his past to the promise of his future.
“With this album I want to focus, more than ever before, on my purpose in life,” Lang explains. “I’ve been so incredibly blessed. My wife and I just had our fifth anniversary. I get to do what I love for a living. But it wasn’t so long ago that I was spiraling downward in a lot of ways, until God touched my life and set me on the right track. I feel a huge debt to give glory back to Him for everything He has done for me.
“Every record I’ve done has felt progressively more and more like the real me,” he sums up. “But more than anything I’ve done, this one comes straight from my heart.”
Produced by GRAMMY winning songwriter/performers Drew Ramsey and Shannon Sanders (India.Arie, Temptations, Nicole C. Mullen), and Lang, and anchored by former Prince New Power Generation drummer Michael Bland, Turn Around is the first of what will become his most moving and enduring works. There is funk and gospel energy inherent in these 14 songs, which includes “My Love Remains,” co-written with five-time GRAMMY winner and the Gospel Music Association’s most awarded artist, Steven Curtis Chapman.
With three radio singles from the album, “Thankful” and “Bump In The Road” being servicing to Gospel and Christian AC/CHR radio respectively, and “Anything’s Possible,” which is this week’s top Most Added song at Triple A radio (R&R), fans will also be able to see Lang perform new material from Turn Around in concerts this summer and on a 40-city tour this fall. For further information, see www.jonnylang.com.
(from Hoganson Media)
An official press release about JFH turning 10 has been released! Read on...
JesusFreakHideout.com, one of the premiere online outlets
for music fans to keep up with all things CCM, is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this month.
The site has partnered with major record labels to mark the milestone with special contest
give-aways and Birthday greetings, sent in by some of today’s top artists.
Started in August 1996 as a free web page on Angelfire.com, the site soon became the flourishing
brainchild of 16 year old creator John DiBiase. Two years later, DiBiase partnered with a major
Christian record company to birth Jesusfreakhideout.com (JFH), featuring music reviews, artist
interviews, contests, concert reviews and movie reviews. Fall 2001 found JFH ending its
partnership with the record company and branching out on its own, adding an ever-growing artists
database, lyrics database, album preview reviews, a recurring photo caption contest, and its own
merch store.
Today, the little page that was created and maintained by a high school-aged music fan has become
one of the industry’s major players in keeping Christian music fans up to date with all the
latest information on their favorite artists and has expanded its staff to a team of over 15
writers. Jesus Freak Hideout receives nearly 25,000 unique visitors each day with 36,000 – 41,000
visits. There are roughly 100,000 page views daily and just over 1 million hits per day. The
site has been mentioned in CCM Magazine, Billboard, Reuters, Yahoo News and The Encyclopedia of
Contemporary Christian Music, as well as having countless artists and labels, including
RSJames.com, SparrowRecords.com, AudioA.com, SanctusReal.com, Relientk.com, EssentialRecords.com,
JarsofClay.com and many more, either mentioning JFH or including links to the site.
Additionally, Jesus Freak Hideout has featured 120 contests, with the most participated in
receiving more than 5,200 entries for a Jars Of Clay CD Library. The most recent and extensive
contest has been the “10 Til 10 Contest,” giving away prizes each day for the 10 days leading up
to the 10th Birthday. Prizes include pre-release copies of new albums from Krystal Meyers, Sarah
Kelly and Jars of Clay, and autographed CDs from Red, Day of Fire, and Pillar as well as a
complete Audio Adrenaline CD library and an autographed Third Day Where You Are Special
Commemorative Gold Collection Box Set or t-shirt. Other current give-aways include a Leeland
Guitar Give-Away and upcoming contests include prizes from Audio Adrenaline and Krystal Meyers.
Wanting the site to serve as a ministry in addition to a music information site, weekly
devotionals, written by J.M. Farro, were also added as a regular feature on the site in 1999, and
in 2004, Farro’s columns were collected into the Life On Purpose series of devotional books
published by Harrison House Publishers. The devotional series has sold well over 60,000 copies
collectively and has been translated into several different languages. A fourth book, Life On The
Go Devotionals for Dads, released this past June. “I had started The Jesus freak Hideout
because of my love for Christian music and because it had affected me so greatly as a youth that
I wanted to help share that with as many as possible. I feel JFH is just one of the ways we can
give back, explains DiBiase. “It never ceases to amaze me to see what God has done with a young
teenager’s dream! He truly can use the least of these and it’s been a humbling experience.”
With content updated daily, it is not surprising that music industry professionals and even
artists stop by DiBiase’s site to catch up on the latest happenings within the music industry.
Artists like Sarah Kelly, Fireflight, Nevertheless, Leeland and GRAMMY winners Jars Of Clay even
sent in photo Birthday greetings to show their appreciation for the site.
"In a world of over-produced music that caters to an industry making money instead of creativity,
(both mainstream and Christian) it is so refreshing to see John and everyone at Jesus Freak Hideout
keeping it real. The reviews are not guided by sales or promotion dollars but true heart and true
music....” exclaims Kelly, an artist on Gotee Records. “Congratulations guys on ten years of
fighting an upward battle for the sake of art!!!! I love you and respect what you do...."
Brian Peterson, associate director of interactive marketing for Provident Music Group/Sony BMG
adds, “JesusFreakHideout.com is one of the first places we think of when letting music fans know
about our artists and their music.”
Faithful visitors and fans of the site also took time over the past few weeks to leave special
messages, expressing their gratitude...
“JFH has been such a great source for music news and reviews, as well as DVD and movie reviews. The weekly devotionals by J.M. Farro are such a blessing! I hope you guys do this for another ten years- at the very least! Thank you, JFH staff! “ (Gabriella G., FL, USA)
“JFH has helped me on my walk with God in keeping me in touch with the Christian side of music when I started falling away from God last year…” (Chloe K., Auckland, New Zealand)
“JFH is wonderful. It's the best Christian site around. It's jam packed with interviews, Crazy Captions, and everything about my favorite bands! If I'm looking for band information--this is my first stop! You gotta love a website that isn't afraid to serve our God!” (Kyrsten C., CA, USA)
DiBiase looks to the future. “I am excited to see where God takes Jesusfreakhideout.com next. We hope to continue to be a relevant voice in the Christian music industry, helping to highlight the artists who are bridging the gaps between the Christian and the mainstream, all the while remaining to be bright lights in a dark world. We’re firm believers that ministry through music can be conveyed with artistic integrity and that just makes us all the more eager to see what God will do in the decade to come.”
For more information about Jesus Freak Hideout or to become part of the community, please visit www.jesusfreakhideout.com
(from Springboard Entertainment)
Progressive rock band Leeland (Essential Records) has performed before more than 75,000
people since May of 2006. Having performed at Spirit West Coast, Creation West, Soulfest and
Kingdom Bound, Leeland is now readying for seven opening concert dates this fall for one of the
most impactful touring bands in music, Third Day. Over the past decade, Third Day has amassed 23
#1 radio singles, sold almost six million albums, and has maintained a touring record
second-to-none by playing for audiences reaching into the millions. For a complete list of
upcoming Leeland dates, visit www.myspace.com/leelandmusic.
Sound of Melodies, the 11-track debut from Leeland was produced by Matt Bronleewe, Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong. According to Leeland Mooring, “Whenever we play, our main goal is to be able to minister to our generation.” The songs on Sound of Melodies establish a doorway to God’s presence while musically containing layer upon layer of emotional, majestic melodies constructed on rock influences, European groups such as: Travis, Coldplay, Delirious, Doves, and Godfrey Birtill, among others. Leeland is comprised of: Leeland Mooring, guitar/lead vocals; Jack Mooring, piano/vocals; Jake Holtz, bass; Jeremiah Wood, guitar; and Mike Smith, drums.
For the Jesusfreakhideout.com of Sound Of Melodies, click here!
(from )
EMI CMG Distribution and
Inpop Records have agreed to a new, long-term
distribution agreement. The extension was announced Monday by Greg Bays, Senior Vice President
of Sales and Marketing for EMI CMG Distribution, and Dale Bray, President of Inpop Records.
Continuing their successful seven-year partnership, EMI CMG Distribution holds exclusive rights
for worldwide Christian and general market retail distribution of all Inpop artists, whose roster
includes newsboys, Superchick, Tree63, Shane & Shane, and Mat Kearney and newly-signed artists
Foolish Things and Jimmy Needham.
“Since 1999, Inpop and EMI CMG have enjoyed a close working relationship, and together, we have
enjoyed significant success,” said Bays. “We look forward to many more years of Inpop producing
and EMI CMG distributing excellent and meaningful music.”
“From the start, we have appreciated the commitment and passion that everyone at EMI CMG has demonstrated for Inpop’s vision. There was no question that we wanted to lengthen this relationship as they continue to support us in growing and nurturing artists whose music knows no boundaries,” said Bray, who formed the Inpop label in 1999 with fellow Australians Wes Campbell and newsboys’ leader Peter Furler to develop a roster of international pop artists.
The deal extension comes just before some highly anticipated releases for Inpop this fall,
including Speak, the Inpop debut of Houston, Texas-based, singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham,
which hits stores August 15. The 20-year-old college student from Texas A&M has already made a
name for himself on the independent artist circuit for the last two years with his soulful pop sound and passionate evangelical focus.
On October 31, after a hugely successful foray into the genre of worship music and nearly five
years since the band has released a rock record, newsboys return to their rock roots with Go.
The record has already produced an AC and CHR hit single, “I Am Free” with a new single, “Wherever
We Go” going for ads at radio in August. EMI CMG and Inpop have also created a limited collector’s
edition of Go exclusively for the Christian Retail market, which includes 3 bonus tracks
plus a DVD featuring over an hour of behind the scenes video footage and newsboys’ interviews.
“For a boutique label, Inpop Records has already had a significant impact at retail with at least
seven of its artists passing the 100,000 mark in record sales. We expect that track record to not only continue, but to grow, and EMI CMG Distribution plans to provide the best sales and service we can to make sure that happens,” said Bays. “Looking at the new music coming out this fall, we obviously have a lot to be excited about, and look forward to a long and productive relationship,” said Bays.
(from Spinhouse PR)
Following his starring role in the live CD+DVD, Delirious? Now Is The Time: Live At Willow Creek,
releasing Oct. 17, Delirious? drummer Stew Smith joins the Ironman Triathlon for charity.
Read his message below and support him if you can!
"I suppose we're used to traveling quite a long way in a day. So in some ways the 20th of August
this year is no big deal; I'll be covering about 140 miles. The only difference is that it’s my
legs alone that are going to be doing the carrying. This is my first Ironman Triathlon, and I'll
be in Sherbourne, Dorset for the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and full 26.2 mile marathon.
How do I feel? Scared. Very scared.
But there's a bigger picture that I've got in mind... I want to raise money to help two amazing charities I know:
Links international - They work to empower others to achieve their own destiny. Primary Health Care and Micro-enterprise Development are just two of the ways that are having a huge impact.
The Wire - A local charity that provides practical, creative and accessible activities for children, young people and families in Littlehampton, UK. These two charities are great examples of people making a difference in the lives of those who need it.
I've attached a flyer with further details of what I'm doing, which also gives you the opportunity to join me in helping support these great charities and to help give a whole bunch of kids a touch more hope in their lives.
Thank you! Stew" Download Stew's pdf flyer with sponsor form by clicking here!
To track Stew's process, click here!
(from Hoganson Media)
Multiple award-winning vocal foursome Avalon lends its voice to a new compilation of
traditional Christian songs, Faith: A Hymns Collection, on Oct. 17. The project, which features
all original recordings, expands Avalon’s repertoire, boasting elements of gospel, rock, and jazz among other new stylistic elements.
Produced by Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Third Day, Sara Groves)
Faith: A Hymns Collection originated from the band members’ longtime love of church
worship standards, particularly Greg and Janna Long as well as Jody McBrayer, who grew up in the
ministry. Although such staples as “Blessed Assurance,” “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” “It is Well
With My Soul,” and “Amazing Grace” are familiar to most Christians, their arrangements on this
record are anything but typical. For example “I’ll Fly Away” has a clapping, round-the-campfire,
improvisational feel to it, while “Jesus Medley” is highly R&B-influenced with soulful vocals.
Among the album’s biggest surprises is “How Great Thou Art,” which rocks out to electric guitar.
“Avalon has always made diverse records, but this project is proof of how truly versatile they are, vocally and stylistically,” comments Brad O’Donnell, vice president of A&R for EMI CMG Label Group. “Avalon’s fans will hear the same quality they’ve come to expect but we believe there are songs on Faith that will draw new listeners as well.”
Avalon will continue performing at Women of Faith conferences this fall. Additionally “In Christ Alone” will be serviced to Christian Inspirational radio beginning Sept. 8.
Avalon, considered a versatile standard in Christian music since 1996, continues to sing classic ballads and singable, spine-tingling pop songs with commanding vocals as well as compelling lyrics. Closely approaching more than three million in sales worldwide, the band additionally has 20 No. 1 radio hits to its credit. Most recently Avalon was welcomed into the Women of Faith family, singing at events across the country. For more information on Avalon, visit www.Avalonlive.com or www.sparrowrecords.com.
(from Savvy Media)
In keeping with its mission to reach contemporary society with the life-changing gospel of
Jesus Christ, Come Alive International, Inc (CAI) announces the launch of Come Alive Cruises.
Partnering with Carnival Cruise Lines, the first expedition will set sail to the Caribbean February 11-17, 2007.
“We are very excited to be expanding into this new arena,” says Nick Kulb, vice president of
marketing and sales for CAI. “In addition to taking in performances by today’s hottest Christian
artists, attendees can enjoy all the other activities the ship has to offer as well. And, as a
secondary bonus the cruise is over the Valentine’s Day holiday!”
Several of the hottest artists in Christian music today will join the adventure, including worship
leader Paul Baloche, rockers Downhere and Tait, top female vocalists Rebecca St. James and Natalie
Grant, new artist Voice and GRAMMY Award winning Casting Crowns, in one of their few select
performances before the 2007 summer festival season. Mike Cavanaugh and Pastor Thomas will serve
as speakers for the week-long adventure.
In addition to the concerts, morning worship and other meaningful events offered by Come Alive, the cruise will also feature an abundance of activities aboard the Carnival Liberty, the newest and largest ship in their fleet. The floating resort boasts duty-free shops, delicious dining options, onboard activities and the addition of the Carnival Seaside Theatre – a 12-foot-high by 22-foot-wide LED screen located poolside on Carnival Liberty’s Lido deck showing movies, sporting events, concerts, and various other programming. Its 13 passenger decks house a 13,500-square-foot health club, four swimming pools, a cascading water slide, a 4,200-square-foot children’s play area, and a 1,800-square-foot teen club. Dining options include twin two-level main dining rooms, a spacious poolside eatery and an intimate reservations-only supper club serving U.S.D.A. prime beef and other gourmet cuisine.
Along the way, the ship will dock at several beautiful islands for onshore excursions. The Carnival Liberty will set sail from Ft. Lauderdale, FL on February 11th and make stops in the Bahamas, Grand Cayman and Costa Maya, where you can escape to paradise to stroll the endless beach, swim with dolphins, take a kayak safari, go fly fishing or spend the day shopping in the local markets.
“Throughout the past 28 years God has used us through the Creation Festivals and Creation Concerts – now we are taking a ‘mini festival’ to the beautiful Caribbean,” exclaims Rev. Harry Thomas, president of CAI. “This cruise is a perfect time to escape the cold weather or a special gift for your Valentine! Those who travel with us can expect a week of relaxation and spiritual refreshment as we sail on the newest and best ship in the Carnival Cruise line. Make your plans now to be with us and get ready to relax, splash and be blessed!”
(from Springboard Entertainment)
Selectric/Sony Records artist, Cross Culture, will
be heading out on the road this week on a 61 city international tour with V.A.S.T., one of the
hottest underground acts in the world.
“We are all very excited to be able to share the stage with VAST this fall,” says Justin David,
lead vocalist for Cross Culture. “We’ve been fans of VAST for years and we know this is going to
be an amazing time!”
Kicking off in Little Rock, AR on Wednesday, August 16th, many dates on the tour are already sold
out…including the show in Nashville, TN on August 17th. The tour will also make stops at CBGB’s
in New York City, The Viper Room in LA. International performances include stops in Japan,
Sweden, France, Germany, Italy and the UK.
For more information about Cross Culture, and the VAST tour, please visit the band’s website, www.crossculturelive.com, or contact the band’s management, The Von Agency, at Matt@TheVonAgency.com.
(from Springboard Entertainment)
Worshipful acoustic artist Shawn McDonald has
partnered with SonyConnect.com to offer an exclusive eight-song collection of his music recorded
live in concert. The set is available now and highlighted by the first available version of
“Hush,” a fan favorite not yet featured on a McDonald studio album.
Also included is an especially poignant performance of “Gravity” from McDonald’s widely embraced
first album, Simply Nothing. Sony Connect
representative Shelly Hartman says the rising singer and songwriter, “is one of the most amazing
live performers I’ve seen in a long time. Having Shawn perform for just a few people in our studio
was truly a special treat. The performance was so intimate and touching, he actually made one of
our interns cry while singing ‘Gravity.’”
Sample the exclusive Shawn McDonald Sony Connect Set here.
In other news, McDonald will launch a new tour this fall in support of his current studio album, RIPEN. The Chicago Tribune recently noted the project and how it “continues to explore the impact of beauty, freedom and redemption—the same forces that fuel the artist’s life.” The upcoming road run will include shows from California to Florida and into the Northeast.
(from Sparrow Records)
P.O.D. made the official announcement yesterday morning that it has left its partnership with
Atlantic Record. "P.O.D. have left Atlantic Records. We’ve been proud to be Atlantic Recording
Artists, but it’s not the same place anymore," stated the band in a newsletter to fans. "For most
of our stay, we were blessed by a staff that was gracious towards our vision, faith, and love of
music.... resulting in more than 7-million records sold. It’s time to dream again with a new staff
and we leave with grateful hearts. By the people, FOR the people - P.O.D. - Aug. 2006" We'll keep
you posted when more details are released or a new deal is struck with another label.
(from P.O.D.)
More details are surfacing about artist worshiper Chris Tomlin's new album, See The Morning,
in stores everywhere September 26 from sixstepsrecords. Inspired by God's faithfulness and the
very gift of worship itself, he calls the follow-up to his gold-selling
Arriving disc "a record of hope."
Tomlin, who won the 2006 GMA Music Awards for Artist, Song, and Male Vocalist of the Year, says,
"God is as sure as the rising sun. No matter how dark it gets, the morning will come."
Despite his own mounting music industry successes, Tomlin makes it clear that his purpose with
See The Morning is to continue making God's glory known through songs and service. In a
recent interview with FOX News, he described his musical style by saying, "There are guitars and
drums, but the sound is hundreds of thousands of voices singing praise to God together."
Explaining the context of his new album, he also humbly tells of a mission worker he met who
served in some of the worst places on earth where children are starving and mistreated. This
person said, "Chris, it is worship that keeps us from falling apart. We come together and sing
your songs; worship songs bind us together and give us hope."
Songs on See The Morning include "Rejoice" (featuring the lyric that inspired the album
title), first single "Made To Worship," and "Glory To God In The Highest," an expression Tomlin
hopes will be used not only at Christmas time. He also collaborates with Matt Redman on a new
rendition of the 1860 praise hymn, "How Can I Keep From Singing?" and offers a joyous cover of
Brenton Brown's "Everlasting God."
(from Sparrow Records)
“Psalm 40” was a number one radio hit for Integrity Music’s Dove Award-winning,
Grammy-nominated hitmaker, NewSong, and now it is the
name of the band’s 25-city Fall concert tour, kicking off this weekend.
The Psalm 40 tour, headlined by NewSong, in support of NewSong’s current Integrity release,
Rescue, will also feature special guest Curb Records’ Nate Sallie, a
piano driven Pop/Rock artist who has been creating some buzz as he gears up for the much
anticipated release of his new album, Ruined For Ordinary, release date pending. The
tour’s official charitable sponsor is Holt International (www.holtintl.org) Children’s Services.
The Psalm 40 tour starts on Sunday, August 13 in in Amity, Penn., south of Pittsburgh and wraps up
in Seviereville, TN on November 17.
“NewSong loves to connect with and worship with our fans all over the country and we are so
excited that we will soon be doing that with our Psalm 40 Tour with Nate Sallie,” says NewSong’s
Drew Cline, who will make his official debut as lead vocalist on this tour. “It is an honor and
privilege to now be sharing a tour bus and stage with the incredibly talented and faithful of NewSong.”
(from Spinhouse PR)
American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), widely known for its high-performance motorcycles
and life-enthusiast-focused automobiles, yesterday announced a sponsorship with BEC/Tooth and Nail's
Kutless, making the band the automotive company's first music partnership.
A joint effort of ASMC's Automotive and Motorcycle Divisions, the agreement makes American Suzuki
the exclusive title sponsor of Kutless' upcoming tour - the Hearts of the Innocent tour powered by
Suzuki. The tour marks Suzuki's first foray into the music industry where the company sees an
opportunity to connect its products with a like-minded consumer demographic of those who choose to
live life instead of watch it go by.
"Kutless is honored to partner with Suzuki, a company that shares our passion for living life to
its fullest," said Kutless frontman Jon Micah Sumrall. "The Hearts of Innocent record is a call
to our generation to stand strong and faithful. We are pumped to get back out on the road for a
full-throttle rock-and-roll show that will be more than just a great night of music."
"Suzuki is thrilled to partner with Kutless, one of the hottest, young, up-and-coming rock bands
in the country," said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing, ASMC Automotive Operations. "Just
as Suzuki is dedicated to providing fun and exciting products for consumers, Kutless shares a
similar commitment to providing exhilarating entertainment for music fans."
The Hearts of the Innocent tour powered by Suzuki supports Kutless' latest album
The Hearts of the Innocent, which was
released in March, and debuted at No. 2 on Neilsen SoundScan's Top
Christian/Gospel Albums Overall chart, No. 1 on its Top Christian Rock/Alternative Albums chart
and No. 45 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart. The Hearts of the Innocent Tour powered by Suzuki
kicks off Aug. 25, in Cullman, Ala., with fellow rockers Disciple and new bands Red and Run Kid
Run as the show's opening bands.
"We're thrilled to have helped launch the exciting partnership between Kutless and Suzuki, which puts Kutless in exclusive company with other artists who have secured such prestigious corporate sponsorship relationships," said Kathy Armistead, whose Commercial and Sponsorship Department at William Morris Agency in Nashville, along with Kutless' Platform Artist Management, helped broker the Kutless-Suzuki partnership. "In an unprecedented tour and retail alliance, both parties have an amazing opportunity to connect with their respective fans and customers."
Added Chance Hoag of Platform: "It's an awesome opportunity for Kutless to demonstrate to Suzuki and other corporations of their caliber that there is tremendous benefit to being associated with Christian music and its fans; as well as for the fans to see how a corporate sponsor helps a band like Kutless to deliver a first-class, high-impact concert experience."
(from Spinhouse PR)
While peace may not be near on some fronts in the world, one drawn-out battle between band
and label has ceased. Warner Bros. has made peace with MuteMath over their recent lawsuit.
Frontman Paul Meany writes on the band's Myspace blog, "Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the lawsuit is
officially over. All issues are settled. Our label Teleprompt has just inked a new and improved
deal with Warner Brothers that enables us to keep making and selling music exactly as we want.
It feels incredible to finally have this legal cr*p out of the way. So now for the next step:
everyone's been working frantically to get the LP available in stores and on line as soon as
possible. It is with great pleasure that I can announce that our record will be released
nationwide September 26th, which, by the way, is also why we dropped off of Warped Tour last week.
Sorry about any inconvenience, but we were back in the studio re-mastering the record, which now
will include some additional tracks from the Reset EP."
Meany continued on to express gratitude to fans for their support before offering more details on
the re-release, "As far as the new release, I wanted to also mention that we'll be including a
bonus live EP in the first pressing that goes out this fall. Please consider this to be just a
small token of thanks for helping our music get the chance to be heard on the world stage.
We'll be heading out on tour this Fall with some of our favorite bands. The show will be colossal.
We'll see you there. Much Love, Paul"
To keep tabs on the band, visit Myspace.com/MuteMath
(from Myspace.com/MuteMath)
The critically acclaimed rock group, BarlowGirl, will
for the first-time headline a major U.S. tour that kick-offs in Cincinnati, Ohio on September 15
and will visit thirty cities. The “Don’t Conform” tour will also feature Universal South’s,
Matthew West, and Centricity Record’s rock group, Downhere. The
tour is being jointly sponsored by Lifeway, Word Records, and World Vision.
“We are very excited about the ‘Don’t Conform’ tour,” says BarlowGirl, “and are thrilled to be
sharing the stage with our good friends, Matthew West and Downhere.” “Both of these acts share
our ministry for encouraging the youth in this country to live a life according to God’s plan and
to follow God’s plan boldly in their own life. This tour is about worshipping our Lord and
working together to send His message out into our own neighborhoods and the world.”
“Don’t Conform” has long been the focal point of BarlowGirl’s music ministry, as they rock with
the message seeing ourselves through God’s eyes, not by the world’s standard . While the world is
promoting celebrity lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits, BarlowGirl is saying “no” and
encouraging young men and women to question the world’s way and choose God’s way.
“We are giving kids freedom to not conform and speak out loudly about what they believe,”
says BarlowGirl. “Our generation is ready to live boldly, free of what everyone thinks of us.
We must live, and live with passion!”
(from Bozeman Media)
Wayne Watson's recent creative re-commitment
to a new season in his celebrated Christian music career has already proven fruitful--and busy!
Compassion International will sponsor a full 45 city fall 2006 tour with the multi-Dove award
winning and Grammy nominated artist whose voice and songs helped create the defining portrait of
contemporary Christian music throughout the ‘80's and ‘90's.
Watson has just been signed as a spokesperson for Compassion's worldwide efforts towards
sponsorship of children in the world's neediest countries. His first official efforts in the new
alliance will take him to the country of Bolivia August 21st-25th to witness first hand the day-to-day
ministry functions of Compassion's South American outreach.
Following his return to the U.S., Watson will begin the fall concert tour of 45 U.S. markets,
beginning with Salt Lake City, Utah on September 6th and running through a close out concert in
Knoxville, Tennessee on November 19th. Plans for a Christmas tour series for Compassion is also
currently in initial discussions with artist management.
"It's a win/win partnership," noted Spence Smith, Artist Relations for Compassion International,
in announcing the addition of Wayne Watson to the organization's family of artists. "We felt an
alliance with a long recognized artist of Wayne Watson's caliber would offer him ministry
opportunities that would instantly re-connect his gifts and name value at a level that would at
the same time benefit so many children around the globe who desperately need sponsorship."
"The trip to Bolivia and the subsequent fall tour for Compassion is something that Wayne is
personally very motivated about--both for the ministry value and for the opportunity to so
effectively reach out with his music to such a wide audience in concert," noted Andrew Patton of
Patton House Entertainment, with whom Watson recently signed for management. "This is the first
of several major fall career initiatives for Wayne Watson," added Patton.
(from Patton House Entertainment)
With less than a month until the release of Good
Monsters, there is a lot going on in the world of Jars Of Clay.
Beginning this week, you can download three brand-new Jars tunes! The Mini Monsters EP
has been unleashed, and is available wherever fine digital music is sold including here:
iTunes, Urge, Sony Connect, AOL, Buy.com, Msn Music, Passalong, Rhapsody, SongTouch, Walmart.com,
Yahoo Music, and Music Gremlin. The tracklisting includes the amazing album openers,
"Work" and "Dead Man (Carry Me)," as well as an added bonus of the b-side "Love Me,"
which can only be found on the Mini Monsters EP!
Beginning the last week of August, iTunes will also be offering a special digital pre-order of
"Good Monsters" featuring some nice exclusives. We'll keep you posted as we get closer to that
release. In the meantime, check out the Jesusfreakhideout.com review of a recent Jars live performance!
(from Jars Of Clay)
Christian music’s most successful new artist, Aaron Shust,
was recently featured on “CBS Evening News” and “NBC Nightly News” as part of his involvement
with the first-ever “Faith Days” with the Atlanta Braves and Third Coast Sports. Over 4000 people
attended the event which also featured Cy Young Award-winning Atlanta Braves’ pitcher John Smoltz.
Other upcoming “Faith Days” media exposure includes ESPN’s “Outside the Lines”, The 700 Club and
Gospel Music Channel. The event was also covered by Focus on the Family’s “Family News In Focus”,
The Atlanta Journal Constitution and WKRN (ABC Nashville).
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to perform at the first-ever Faith Day with the Braves,”
said Shust. “Being at Turner Field with a hometown crowd was a great experience—one that I won’t
soon forget. People have been really supportive of me and my songs, and I can’t thank them
enough.” For more information about Aaron Shust, visit www.AaronShust.com
(from Williams Media Group)
Word Records (a Warner Bros./Curb co.) group Salvador
is partnering with the American Bible Society on its “La Biblia Es Mi Guia” (“The Bible Is My
Guide”) national advocacy campaign designed to promote Bible reading among Hispanics.
With an average of 200 touring dates annually, including this Fall’s tour following their Aug. 29
studio release, Dismiss The Mystery, Salvador was chosen by American Bible Society to
promote La Biblia Es Mi Guia by utilizing the performances as vehicles for effective outreach. In
addition to inviting the audience to attend in-depth Bible readings, Salvador will be providing
free Spanish-language Scripture booklets featuring translated Biblical excerpts and study guides
produced by the American Bible Society. “La Biblia Es Mi Guia” is a national Bible advocacy campaign focused on reaching Latinos in
strategic cities (New York, Miami, and Los Angeles) by partnering with prominent Latino figures to
disseminate the Bible language. The campaign promotes additional outreach through popular
internet sites like MySpace.com. Additionally, the American Bible Society will use its Bless a
Bodega campaign to distribute free bible reading materials to neighborhood businesses in each of
these key cities. "Rarely do musical artists get the opportunity to work side by side with an organization of the
caliber of the American Bible Society,” said Nic Gonzales, lead singer of Salvador. As the son of
a pastor and a Christian man, there is no greater honor than to be a part of a campaign that
promotes reading the Bible. We look forward to working with such a great organization."
“The Bible has influenced most, if not all of the lyrics we sing in church. It’s time for us to
use music to persuade Bible readership,” said Rev. Emilio A. Reyes, vice president for
Hispanic/Latino Ministries at American Bible Society. “Partnering with Salvador allows us to use
their music ministry to entice young and old to turn to the Bible for guidance. The Bible will
not have the impact it can have on the minds and hearts of individuals if it is not read and
studied. Empirical research shows that church goers are not reading the Bible. Through the
“La Biblia Es Mi Guía” campaign we at the American Bible Society will do our part to show everyone
that the Bible is still alive and active.”
Salvador's current single released June 16, “Shine,” from the upcoming release
Dismiss The Mystery, is presently working its way up the charts.
(from Big Machine Media)
Third Day was featured last evening on an episode of “30 Days,” an FX original series.
The episode titled “Athiest/Christian” placed an Atheist to live with a Christian family for
30 days. While living together during this time period, the Christian family took her to a
Third Day concert. The band's music and live performance was featured in the broadcast.
For those who missed the episode, it will re-air this Sunday at midnight and Monday, August 14th,
at 11:30PM on FX (check your local listings). Following the successful launch of the already RIAA Gold
Wherever You Are album last November, the
band celebrated its consistent ranking as one of the Top 25 grossing tours this spring, according
to Pollstar Magazine. Third Day is currently readying for the fall leg of its Wherever You Are
tour and the release of Christmas Offerings, the third installment of its platinum selling
Offerings worship series, on Oct 10. Please visit www.ThirdDay.com
for the most up-to-date tour itinerary.
(from Provident Music Group)
Integrity Music’s Dove Award-winning, Grammy-nominated hitmaker, NewSong
is making news on several fronts.
Newsong is excited to announce that worship artist Drew Cline has officially joined the group as
one of its lead singers. He replaces Michael O’Brien who left Newsong early this year to pursue
his solo career and focus on a family ministry. “We are so excited to welcome Drew Cline to the
NewSong family. We are blessed and blown away by the character, passion and pipes that Drew
brings. Drew begins a new chapter for NewSong that will have eyebrows raised and jaws dropped
vocally,” said Troy VanLiere, of VanLiere-Wilcox, management firm for NewSong.
Cline, who has been performing live with NewSong since early summer, becomes only the third lead
vocalist change in Newsong’s 25-plus year music ministry. He is also no stranger to Christian
music. Since winning the Gospel Music Association’s (GMA) Music in the Rockies Spotlight
competition in 2000 (with a vocal group he formed called AS IS), Cline has been an accomplished
and sought-after session and studio vocalist in Nashville. He has also been a worship pastor at a
Nashville-area church for four years and recently began recording a solo worship project, Way of
Life, to be released in early 2007.
In another sneak-peak announcement, NewSong is putting the final touches on its second Christmas
CD, The Christmas Hope, which will release in October on Integrity Records through
Provident-Integrity Distribution. Produced by Bernie Herms (Natalie Grant, Nate Sallie),
the holiday CD includes a new version of NewSong’s international hit, “The Christmas Shoes,”
as well as six new songs and contributions by fellow Christian artists Anointed, Matthew West &
Rachael Lampa. A Christmas tour will be associated with the new release.
(from Spinhouse PR)
On October 3rd, Pillar will be releasing The Reckoning and
The Reckoning Limited Edition.
The Limited Edition comes with a DVD that the band describes as "the DVD we always wanted to release."
The disc features the band's Cornerstone 2006 performance, video commentary of the album, and
private music sessions with each band member!
In other Pillar news... Congratulations are in order for Pillar's Kalel and his wife had a baby boy on Tuesday, July 18, 2006. They named him Kyler
Scott Wittig and he was 9.7lbs. His older Brother Kaden loves being a big brother and the family
is doing well!
(from Pillar)
dc Talk's delayed "Special Edition" release of their history-making 1995 album Jesus Freak
is finally nearing daylight! This 2CD set features the original 13-song Jesus Freak album
remastered with the addition of a 14-song bonus disc featuring new remixes, B-sides, live tracks
and expanded liner notes! Look for it to hit shelves October 17th!
(from EMI CMG)
One of the pioneers of the modern worship movement, Delirious?
return with a new live CD+DVD release entitled Now Is The Time: Live at Willow Creek, Chicago, USA. From their beginnings in the UK, the band has found an
international platform for its worship music and this year will play in more than 23 countries.
Their songs are consistently performed in churches each Sunday, with more than 11 songs in
CCLI’s top 500. Recorded at Chicago’s influential Willow Creek church, this album showcases
Delirious? at their best – leading the church in worship. The live CD+DVD combo features a 14 song
CD and a 1 hr, 15 minute live DVD presented with 5.1 surround sound, plus bonus
“behind the scenes” footage! The song list includes live recordings of the top CCLI songs
“I Could Sing of Your Love Forever”, “History Maker”, and “Majesty (Here I Am).”
Now Is The Time: Live at Willow Creek, Chicago, USA releases October 17th.
(from EMI CMG)
Word Records’ Dove award winning and platinum selling artist, Mark Schultz,
will release the fifth album of his career, Broken & Beautiful, September 26.
The eagerly awaited CD features all original compositions that were either written or co-written
by Schultz, who is a renowned story-telling songwriter, and the songs spotlight his view of the
world through his heart. One tune in particular, “Everything To Me,” (co-written with Cindy Morgan)
talks about Schultz’ adoption at two weeks of age, the first time he has ever made this personal
fact public. The song thanks his birth mother for giving him the opportunity for such a full and
wonderful life: "You gave life to me/A brand new world to see; Like playing baseball in the yard
with dad at night/Mom reading Goodnight Moon And praying in my room; So if you worry if your
choice was right/You gave me up but you gave everything to me." Schultz is also partnering
with two adoption agencies, The James Fund and Bethany Christian Services, in order to bring
support to adoptive children looking for homes.
The first single for Christian radio is the title cut, co-written with Matthew West, that says how the church is open to the broken and how God can give us back our lives again. The anticipated song with which Schultz has been teasing audiences for years, “Walking Her Home,” is now complete and chronicles the life of a loving couple that now resides in a nursing home. The song is based on a husband and wife that cared for Schultz upon his arrival to be an artist in Nashville. “She Was Watching” describes a little girl watching her father pray and how she wants to grow up to be just like him, which focuses on how our own actions influences other people. “40 Days” is an up-tempo CHR song that compares Jesus’ forty days in the desert and the daily struggles that everyone has to overcome.
“I’ve been in the studio since early this year working on Broken & Beautiful and I’m really looking forward to everyone hearing the new songs,” says Schultz. “It was a thrill for me to get to work with producers Shaun Shankel (Natalie Grant, Jump 5) and Mark Bright (Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts), as they have really made these songs come alive. As a matter of fact I listened to the CD over and over one evening as I was driving from Tennessee to North Carolina. After hours of getting lost in the songs I started looking around and paying attention to the road signs. I had driven right past North Carolina and I was in the middle of Virginia. I love this record!”
Schultz will kick-off the 30-city “Broken & Beautiful Tour” in support of the project Sept. 29 in Decatur, IL. Running through November, the tour features guest band Big Daddy Weave. For more information on Mark Schultz and complete tour information, visit www.markschultzmusic.com and www.wordrecords.com.
(from Bozeman Media)
Relient K is currently recording the follow-up to
2004’s mmhmm, their third consecutive Gold album, with producer
Howard Benson (Less Than Jake, My Chemical Romance, the All-American Rejects). Once they wrap up
recording, the band will head out on the fourth annual Nintendo Fusion tour, which will hit 40
cities nationwide between September 27th and November 11th.
“We’re kind of like Laffy Taffy,” says Relient K lead vocalist/guitarist Matt Thiessen when asked
to describe the as-yet untitled album, due out this coming November. “It’s the same flavor but we
try to stretch it a little bit. It’s still melodic, it’s still rock ’n’ roll, still a lot of
dynamics – there’re times when it’s heavy, there’re times when it’s real chilled with piano and
what-not. But at the same time, we’re trying to write a bit differently, lyrically.”
There are numerous other differences between the upcoming album and Relient K’s four previous
records. “We wanted to work with Howard,” explains Thiessen, “Howard’s done a lot of records
that I listen to.” It also marks their first full-length album featuring bassist John Warne and
Jon Schneck, who plays guitar, banjo and bells – although the two appeared on the band’s Apathetic
EP, released in late 2005. With original guitarist Matt Hoopes and drummer Dave Douglas
completing the lineup, Relient K is now a quintet with each of the members contributing vocals –
so expect even more of the band’s trademark harmonies this go-round. This is also the first album
they’ve recorded with the luxury of a pre-production period, and with the band now living “all
over the place,” as Hoopes describes, pre-production time was a necessary luxury.
“Matt and Dave still live in Ohio. Me and Jon Schneck live in Nashville, about three blocks away
from each other,” says Hoopes. “And John Warne, our bass player, lives in Denver, so it’s a little crazy.”
mmhmm, Relient K’s first joint Gotee Records/Capitol release, debuted at #15 on the
Billboard 200 and at #1 on the internet chart. It has subsequently been certified Gold as have
the band’s previous two albums, 2003’s Grammy-nominated Two Lefts Don’t Make a Right…But Three Do
and 2001’s The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek. mmhmm met with widespread critical
acclaim and its two hit singles – “Be My Escape” and “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been” – both reached
the upper half of the Top 40. The past two years have been a blur of activity with Relient K
touring non-stop – highlights have included an arena/amphitheatre tour with Good Charlotte and
Simple Plan, a co-headlining tour with MXPX and a main stage slot on the 2005 Vans Warped Tour –
and a string of television appearances, including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” as well as MTV’s “TRL,” “Hard Rock Live” and “Summer on the Strip from Las Vegas.”
Fans will get a sneak preview of Relient K’s new material when the band returns to the road with
the Nintendo Fusion tour in September. “We’ll probably play two to three new songs, so people can
get an idea of what the record sounds like,” promises Thiessen. “It’ll be a cool tour.”
(from LB PR)
“Death does not win,” David Crowder writes. “It is only the beginning.” In his second and
highly personal book, Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, But Nobody Wants to Die: Or (The Eschatology
of Bluegrass) the groundbreaking musician explores the relationship between death, life,
grief and community—a quest that was compounded by the sudden, accidental death of his friend and
pastor, Kyle Lake. Co-written by band-mate Mike Hogan and following Crowder’s critically acclaimed
first book, Praise Habit, the book is a journey of embracing the importance of living fully,
grieving deeply, all while focusing on the future hopes of God’s promises. Along the way, readers might also learn a thing or two about bluegrass.
“We have chosen bluegrass music as a means to discuss our grief and the resulting hope that is born out of it,” writes Crowder. “This book is a study of grief. It is a book about the pain that absence can bring. It is about the sharpness of memory that eventually dulls into something we both fear and pray for. It is a book about dying. The kind of corporeal dying that everyone of us will one day experience and the kind of dying that must happen at some point before that moment of mortal death for true living to begin. Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die.”
Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, But Nobody Wants to Die follows the June 27 release of
B Collision: The Eschatology of Bluegrass, which is an intimate, acoustic version of its parent recording, Crowder’s 2005 CD, A Collision. A Collision has been widely regarded as one of the best albums of 2005, receiving five-star reviews and comparisons to groundbreaking albums of the past and artists such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Hank Williams.
Capturing the attention of such significant media as the New York Times, CNN, FOX News and more, David Crowder Band is known for pushing musical boundaries. The band was the first Christian artist to foster a partnership with M-Audio/Propellerhead’s Reason software and Crowder is the namesake behind premiere guitar maker Tom Anderson Guitarworks’s Crowdster Acoustic and the DCB-inspired guitar, The Atom. An engaging headline band, Crowder has also toured with Michael W. Smith, MercyMe and Third Day, as well as continues to be a featured band at the enormously popular collegiate Passion gatherings. Additionally, David Crowder Band makes it a point to get back to the church they helped found, University Baptist Church in Waco, TX, on most Sundays.
For more information on David Crowder and Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, But Nobody Wants to Die visit www.davidcrowderband.com, www.everybodywantstogotoheaven.com or www.myspace.com/davidcrowderband.
(from Hoganson Media)
Word Records’ punk pop rock band Stellar Kart
debuted at No. 1 this week on SoundScan’s Christian retail chart following the July 25 release
of its critically acclaimed sophomore album,
We Can’t Stand Sitting Down. In addition to a strong debut at retail, the band’s first
single from the album, “Me & Jesus,” rocketed 11 spots this week to land in the Top 10 on R&R’s
CHR radio chart with nearly 100 percent of the format is on board. The single currently claims a
Top 10 position on CRW’s CHR chart, as well. Stellar Kart’s “Activate,” also featured on
We Can’t Stand Sitting Down, was the second most added at Rock radio this week.
(from Biscuit PR)
Switchfoot has received more hometown props with a
nomination for Artist of the Year in the 16th Annual San Diego Music Awards. Public voting is
going on now, and the awards ceremony will take place September 18 at the city’s Viejas Casino’s
Concerts in the Park venue.
In past years, Switchfoot has won a total of seven San Diego Music Awards including Best New
Artist (1997), Best Pop Band (2001 and 2002), Best Pop Album (Learning To Breathe
in 2002 and The Beautiful Letdown in 2003), Album
of the Year (The Beautiful Letdown, 2003), and Song of the Year (“Dare You To Move,”
2004). In addition to the 2006 Artist of the Year nomination, the band is also a contender for
Album of the Year (Nothing Is Sound) and Song of the Year (“Stars”).
Switchfoot is now in a San Diego recording studio working on the follow-up to the gold-selling,
hugely acclaimed Nothing Is Sound. Billboard magazine reports the all-new project is due
in stores this November.
(from Sparrow Records)
Word Records’ award-winning vocalist David Phelps,
three times nominated as “Male Vocalist of the Year” by the Gospel Music Association (GMA),
will release his anticipated and first full-length solo DVD and live CD, Legacy of Love: David
Phelps Live!, Sept. 12.
The two-disc set of video and audio features 18 favorites including a new recording of “Bring Him
Home,” a tribute to the troops serving in the armed forces; original arrangements of the classics
“There Is A River” and “How Great Thou Art;” the new favorite “Already There;” and his hit song
“The End of the Beginning;” and a stunning new version of the “Star Spangled Banner.” On the DVD,
Legacy of Love: David Phelps Live! also includes behind-the-scene interviews with Phelps’
family, home footage, the “Behold The Lamb” video recorded by the Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association, outtakes and more.
Phelps will headline the 25-city Legacy of Love Tour this fall in support of the project,
beginning Sept. 7 in San Angelo, TX. Further featured on the tour will be Christian comedians
Daren Streblow and Scott Gregory along with guest band, Julian Drive.
As an acclaimed solo artist and a former member of the renowned Gaither Vocal Band, Phelps has
impressed audiences internationally at over 100 performances a year including appearances at Billy
Graham Mission crusades and before President George W. Bush at the White House. He first appeared
in the Christian music spotlight as the first-place winner of the Music Seminar in the Rockies’
1988 vocal competition. Phelps was then appointed Artist in Residence for First Baptist Church of
Hurst, TX and later joined the Gaither Vocal Band in 1997, where he would be featured on over 30
projects with the multi-Platinum group.
For a complete tour schedule, tickets and further information on David Phelps, visit
www.davidphelps.com.
(from Word Records)
After seven years as part of the highly-successful ZOEgirl,
Alisa Childers is leaving the group at the end of 2006 to pursue her career as a solo artist.
ZOEgirl exploded on the scene in 2000, becoming the fastest-selling debut artist in the 26-year history of Sparrow Records. Since their inception, ZOEgirl has sold over one million records worldwide.
"I have had such a great time with Kristin and Chrissy pursuing the call of God on ZOEgirl and I will treasure all those memories forever," says Childers. "However, it's become evident to me that God is leading me to focus more on other songs I have written over the years and to give them a voice.
"I will forever be grateful to Norman Miller and Peter York who put ZOEgirl together and were the first ones in the industry to believe in me and give me a chance," Childers added.
For more information about Alisa Childers, please visit www.AlisaChilders.com or
myspace.com/alisachilders.
(from The Adams Group)
For over 10 years, siblings Jason, Terah, Adam, Kelly and Aaron, known collectively as the
Crabb Family, have sung the Gospel around the world.
With 16 number one songs, 3 GRAMMY nominations, 10 GMA Music Awards and a lot of prayer, the
Crabb Family as we now know it has decided to say farewell. Each member will keep with tradition
and continue to pursue their separate ministries once their tour has been completed. The siblings
feel it is time to move to a new season and are anticipating what God has in store for all of
their ministries. The Crabb Family will set out on a tour immediately to thank their fans for
their unwavering support . Their last day as a group will fall on August 1, 2007.
Everyone is being asked to respect the decision of the Crabb Family and keep each of them in your
prayers.
(from Big Ten Entertainment)
Following two highly acclaimed and successful projects (Crashings,
Dawn Escapes), Tooth & Nail/BEC Recordings’
band Falling Up stretches the imagination to create
their newest venture, a remix album titled Exit Lights (September 12), which morphs their sound
from intense, urgent rock to electronic, vibe-focused renditions selected from their two studio
releases. “After Crashings, we had in mind that we wanted to do a remix album,” says
Falling Up’s vocalist Jessy Ribordy. “It is something totally different from our releases and our
live show, which is more rock based. Our goal was to expand on our style and show a different
side—something more electronic with a stronger slant to programming and digital vibe-- a different
picture on songs we really love. We wanted to give the fans a chance to hear some of our favorite
songs from the past two releases in a more party, upbeat fashion.”
Entering into a transitional phase between their sophomore project and their third studio release
(to release in 2007), Falling Up enlisted the production skills of Tedd T (Mute Math), Jamie Moore,
TobyMac, Randy Torres (Project 86), Joseph A. Kisselburgh (Falling Up), Trevor McNevan (TFK),
Solomon Olds (Family Force 5) and Falling Up’s own Jessy Ribordy. Guest vocalist on the remix
album are Trevor McNevan, Troma (Gotee), Rachel Lampa and Solomon Olds. Special to the packaging
of the project are free-verse poems written by Ribordy.
“With the producers we had on board for Exit Lights, we were able to really create different
elements,” explains Ribordy. “I also enjoyed getting to be a part of the producing with the two
songs ‘Exhibition’ that features Rachel Lampa and ‘Bittersweet.’”
In addition to the twelve remix tracks (list below); Falling Up wets the appetite for new music
with the new song “Islander,” which prepares fans for the musical direction on the upcoming studio
release. Continuing with the conceptual idea of creating a big picture with each new release being
a different piece of the puzzle, “Islander” is a perfect lead into the new album that will deal
with the topic of isolation and paranoia.
“It was written over a year ago, and it deals with isolation,” explains Ribordy. “I have a huge
concern for those who seclude themselves. When you detach yourself from those who love and care
for you, it is the beginning of many problems. You need family and loved ones around. I just
want others to see the importance of seeing that isolation can lead to a domino effect. Also,
with hiring the efforts of Tedd T, we really wanted to explore with electronica and other elements
we love, and his work on that record was intriguing and makes this song truly unique.”
Hailing from Albany, Oregon, Falling Up transformed into a full-time musical project after
graduating high school in 2002. The act quickly made its first impression in the national music
scene with its Aaron Sprinkle-produced debut, 2004’s Crashings, which went on to sell nearly
100,000 copies. In October 2005, Falling Up came back with an astounding new studio release
steering clear of the sophomore slump with Dawn Escapes, which has already surpassed all
expectations.
(from The M Collective)
Stacie Orrico fans will once again have to await the release of the singer's next project.
In 2002, her long anticipated sophomore release Say It Again was delayed and pushed back
a year to be reworked as her self-titled album. Now, her first project since 2003, titled
Beautiful Awakening, was looking at an August 29th release date but has been officially pushed back until January 9th,
2007. The album will most likely still be releasing overseas in Japan and other countries as planned.
The reasons for the delay have not yet been announced.
(from StacieOrrico.org, VirginRecords.net)
Veteran songwriter/performer Michael W. Smith
continues to stretch his artistic wings in 2006 with the announcement of a fall tour that will
visit 27 markets throughout the U.S. The tour is part of a busy fall and winter that also features
the release of his 19th studio album, Stand.
Smith, who has garnered positive notices for his feature film debut earlier this year as pastor
Ethan Jenkins in the Steve Taylor-directed Provident Films release The Second Chance, returns to
his roots as a live performer with the fall tour. The evening will feature Smith in an intimate
and personal setting, performing an acoustic set comprised of songs drawn from his RIAA
platinum-selling, Dove and Grammy Award winning musical career.
“Over Michael W. Smith’s career he’s performed live with full bands and with symphonies, but we
consistently get feedback his fans love him performing solo at a piano,” says longtime manager
Chaz Corzine. The tour will play primarily church venues, with capacities of 2,500 to 3,000 per
date. Smith’s ongoing passion for the work of the church, heard and seen vividly on his series of
Worship projects, makes these venues the perfect place for this type of concert experience.
(from Provident Music Group)
Word Records’ acclaimed punk-pop rock band Stellar Kart
recently joined forces with UK-based company, Krtko Enterprises, to endorse its Activate product
line of revitalizing sprays. In response to Stellar Kart’s current and chart-climbing single,
“Activate,” which supports the band’s recent and highly anticipated sophomore release,
We Can’t Stand Sitting Down, Krtko
instantly saw a downpour of marketing potential for its products within the U.S.
“After hearing Stellar Kart’s song “Activate,” we realized the amazing coincidence that we have a
product of the same name,” states Dr. Frederick Dampen, developer of Activate and president of
Krtko Enterprises. “Our product has much the same focus as the band, so it was a perfect match,
and we hope to work together for a long time.” “When we wrote the song “Activate,” we had no idea
that a product like this even existed,” explains Stellar Kart vocalist Adam Agee. “After we tried
the product we realized their ‘from drab to fab’ claim was legitimate. We never dreamed that
something as simple as this spray could make such a difference. Retail stores will be flooded with
customers.” Stellar Kart’s drummer, Jordan Messer, can barely contain his excitement. “After using
Activate for a few days, I realized just how good it was for my skin. Dampen’s formula of hydrogen
and oxygen work together in an incredible mist of moisturization.”
Agee continues, “Really Activate’s uses are amazing. Even my wife’s plants seem to grow better
since we’ve been spraying it around our home. We’ve even been thinking about buying a tankload to
fill a large hole in our backyard just so we can swim in it.”
To begin U.S. promotions, Krtko’s first action was to fund the band’s “Activate” music video.
Currently available for viewing at www.krtko.com,
along with a product commercial featuring Agee, Stellar Kart’s “Activate” will additionally
premiere on a worldwide television broadcast this Saturday on TBN’s teen network, JCTV.
(from Word Records)
Salvador recently signed a one year agreement with
the Latin division of the American Bible Society. The ABS selected Salvador due to their Latin
roots and widespread demographic appeal for the purpose of relaunching their Spanish campaign,
Music Is My Passion, The Bible Is My Guide (translated), in mid-September. This campaign is
targeted primarily to American Latin communities for the purpose of sharing the message of the
Bible. The band is honored by the selection and is very excited about the opportunity to share
their passion with the Latin community. ABS will be involved in Salvador's tour this fall, and
currently there are three special concert events being planned around the promotion. Be on the
lookout for Salvador appearances in your area later this year! You can visit the American Bible
Society at www.americanbible.org.
Salvador is releasing their newest album, Dismiss The Mystery on August 29th! The first single,
"Shine", is currently being played on radio stations around the country. You can visit their
website to learn how to pre-order the album. Visit Salvador at www.salvadorlive.com.
(from Word Records)
Big Daddy Weave filmed a new video for "Every Time I
Breathe," the title track of their new album. The video, directed by "Potsy" Ponciroli, will
premiere this fall to promote their September 26th release, Every Time I Breathe. The
first single, "Let It Rise," has already made an impact on AC radio. Visit Big Daddy Weave and
learn how you can pre-order the new album at
www.bigdaddyweave.com. Be sure to also check out their MySpace page at
www.myspace.com/bigdaddyweave!
(from Fervent Records)
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Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)
