December, 2003
Five Iron Frenzy recently made some announcement updates regarding final projects releasing from the band in 2004.
The ska act recently played its final show ever on November 22nd in Denver, Colorado...
"The End Is Near, as we said, will not be released in stores.
There are some on-line stores that might still have copies (Check zambooie.com).
However The End Is Here will be released in stores during the early part of 2004. The End Is Here
will be a 2 disc affair with disc one being our final studio album (AKA: The End Is Near) and disc 2
being the audio recording of our final show in Denver. We will keep you updated as to when this CD will
be available in stores." And regarding a DVD? "Yes it's coming. We are working on our DVD. We don't know exactly
when it will be done, but we will keep you posted. We know that it will have all 5 of our music videos on it
("A Flowery Song", "Handbook For The Sellout", "All That Is Good", "Farsighted", and "The Wizard Needs Food Badly").
The video for "Wizard" is currently being worked on. It is a completely animated video featuring the work
of Roque Ballesteros, who has won numerous awards for his animation work on his internet cartoon 'Joe Paradise'."
More from FIF is coming! We'll keep you posted!
The rumors are true! Another Avalon member, Michael Passons, has made their exit. But the most interesting
fact of Passons departure is the identity of his replacement... member Janna Long's husband, solo artist Greg Long.
Greg recently confirmed this truth on his message board in a response to fans' inquiries.
"YES, it is true. I am now in the group Avalon and am happy to be so.
NO, I am not stopping what I do. My calling has always been writing and singing and this will continue as well.
My new album will be released at the end of February and Avalon's will around the same time. Please say a prayer
for me as I try to juggle both ministries so that God can be glorified and so that I may do them both justice.
Please know that I appreciate your support. I am, as always, honored to know that God allows me to do what I
love and that you listen. May God bless and keep you, GREG LONG". Greg's fifth solo record, Born Again
streets February 17th, 2004.
Ethan Luck of The O.C. Supertones offered this recent update on their official site about their
upcoming project... "We are still writing a ton of songs for our new
record. It looks like we will begin recording sometime after the first of the year to get you all a
new tones record before summer. The songs are coming along great! All I have to say is... Ska, Ska,
Ska... get it?" Luck also mentioned that the band will be apart of an upcoming VeggieTales cover record, which
Tait, Sanctus Real, and many others have also recently recorded songs for.
Essential Recording artists Jars of Clay and Caedmon’s Call along with
special guest eb+flo Records’ Steven Delopoulos concluded the fall leg of their successful
“Jars of Clay/Caedmon’s Call Tour 2003” recently in Florida with two sold-out shows in the Tampa area.
It was a fitting end to a tour that saw 11 sell-outs and several other capacity shows, including more than 10,000
at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
Each evening’s concert featured the trademark organic Caedmon’s Call sound, Jars of Clay’s unique, award-winning
musical style and the raw, edgy performance Delopoulos (Burlap To Cashmere) is well known for. Most shows were on or near major
college campuses.
"We really enjoyed our time out on the road with Caedmon's and Steven. We love playing colleges because this
is where you find people expanding their worldviews and a real hunger for truth in all its forms. For some
reason we really identify with that audience and they seem to identify with our music,” said Jars of Clay’s Steve
Mason.
“We’ve never co-headlined a tour with another artist before, and our experience with Jars over the last few months
has been one we will never forget,” said Cliff Young of Caedmon’s Call. Our music really complimented each other
and created an intimate evening for everyone.”
Grammy Award winners Rebecca St. James and
Michael W. Smith will co-host a two hour New Year’s Day television
special, "Night of Joy", set to feature an array of the biggest names
in Contemporary Christian Music, and scheduled to air in late prime time on the Hallmark Channel, Thursday
January 1st (10:00 P.M-12 Midnight E/P).
Highlights of the program will include performances by both Ms. St. James and Michael W. Smith as part
of the two hour concert recorded live before a sold-out audience at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park in Florida.
Australian born Rebecca St. James is a multiple award winning artist internationally and considered to be a
defining voice in today’s contemporary Christian music. Most recent accolades include last month being named
“Best Female Artist of 2003” by ChristianityToday.com voters in their online music poll. Michael W. Smith, has
virtually swept the awards field in the Christian genre. He was named “Artist of The Year” in 2003 by the
Gospel Music Association.
“Night of Joy” boasts the biggest line-up of talent in the 21 year history of the event—annually one of the
biggest concerts in Contemporary Christian Music—and it marks the first time the concert is being televised.
The two hour special will boast an array of musical styles from contemporary sounds to Latin rhythms, to hip hop,
to traditional gospel. It will also feature behind-the-scenes interviews with the performers.
Joining Rebecca St. James and Michael W. Smith will be fellow artists Jars of Clay, Kirk Franklin, Point Of Grace,
Yolanda Adams, Nicole C. Mullen, Rachael Lampa, Freddie Colloca, Salvador, ZOEgirl, and Stacie Orrico.
Pillar will be hitting the road again this spring with
Big Dismal, Grits, Skillet, and 12 Stones.
The sequel to last year's See Spot Rock Tour will begin in early March and continue on to May 2004.
It should be hitting around 40 dates all across the country. "Since we didn’t get to the west coast on the
Underground Uprising Tour, we will be sure to visit you all for a few shows," the band mentioned
in a recent newsletter. "On this tour we will be heavily promoting our new album which will release May/June 2004.
That means you will probably hear a few all new songs."
Dove nominated recording artist Joy Williams recently signed
an exclusive booking representation agreement with industry leader, William Morris Agency.
Charles Dorris, vp, Head of Christian Music at WMA notes, “We’re extremely excited to have the opportunity to
work with Joy. She represents the future of Christian music in many ways and has already had a great impact on
many, many people. Moving from being nominated for a Dove Award for ‘New Artist of the Year’ in 2002 to ‘Female
Vocalist of the Year’ in 2003 is a reflection of the respect she has gained as an artist.”
“I’m so excited to be at William Morris,” adds Williams. “Charles has been a friend for years and to have him
as such a vital part of my life feels so natural. It’s important to me to surround myself with people I respect
and who will challenge me. I’m so grateful for the partnership with them.”
Williams recently wrapped up a 13-city tour with Gotee recording artist, The Katinas, as well as appearances on Point of Grace’s “Girls of Grace” conferences this fall. Joy is preparing to hit the road again in Feb. 2004 with Zoë Girl and Superchic[k] on the 40-date spring FREE Experience tour. Williams is currently in the studio working on her spring/summer 2004 album release.
This Christmas, Geoff Moore and his family went to Michigan
for the holidays, but before packing up the family for the long trip, Geoff had to finish writing with
his friends. Geoff spent the last few weeks collaborating with friends such as Phil Joel of the Newsboys, Tyler Burkum of Audio Adrenaline and
Ben Glover to write songs for his upcoming 2004 ForeFront release!
Audio Adrenaline's celebrating Christmas this year in a big, big way! The band is hosting a series of giveaways
and charitable fund raisers this month with yesterday afternoon launching the official "Big House" Bass Charity Auction.
Bassist Will McGinniss is auctioning off his prized bass guitar used in the band's video for their smash hit song
"Big House" over 10 years ago! This 4-string Charvel Surfcaster was used a decade ago to record "Big House,"
This bass has traveled two Jesus Freak tours, a Steven Curtis Chapman tour, the Zombie tour and much more.
The bass is also autographed by the entire band.
In an effort to raise money for missions, Will McGinniss has donated this sea-foam green bass with volume, tone and phase switch.
All proceeds from the auction will go toward Go Ministries, which is part of The Go Foundation.
Will and his wife Andrea have been supporters of "Go Ministries" ever since they traveled with this
organization on a short-term mission to the Dominican Republic and Hattii.
Bid now on this unique piece
of CCM history! Also, as many know, Jesusfreakhideout.com is giving away the exclusive
Audio Adrenaline Will McGinniss Mohawk dolls. But now the band is making just ONE other doll
available through ebay in another effort to raise money for the Go Ministries.
The doll is made with Will's actual hair and is being auctioned for charity.
The figurine is autographed, hand-painted to resemble Will's actual concert attire, and topped off with Will's
famous mohawk; which made numerous appearances throughout the Worldwide tour. Batteries are included for the LED
light-up guitar! Don't forget the JfH Contest as well for your chance to win it for free!
Go to AudioA.COM for more information about
more AudioA Christmas Giveaways!!
Atlanta-based rock band Third Day announced the signing of a new
recording contract with Provident Label Group. The renowned group has been honored with numerous awards, set
touring records and established a new pace for the Christian music industry through its vision, commitment
and art. Driven by a love for its fans and integrity to its message, the band members constantly strive to
produce acclaimed recorded music and riveting live performances.
“We were originally signed seven years ago by Terry Hemmings who was, at the time, president of Reunion Records.
Later, we moved to Essential Records where we’ve grown over the last six years,” commented lead vocalist, Mac
Powell. “We believe strongly in the partnership with Provident Label Group and are enjoying working with
Terry and the rest of the team.”
Hemmings, President and CEO of Provident Music Group, shares in this optimism and projects another run of
success through this alliance. “There is no doubt that this band has set a higher bar for all of us in the
Christian music industry. We see very exciting things developing for 2004 as the band continues to evolve
and grow.”
Headed into the studio with producer Paul Ebersold (Skillet, 3 Doors Down, Jane’s Addiction, Sister Hazel)
to record its 2004 release, the band is already planning spring and fall touring runs, which will impact more
than 80 cities. More information on its new music and the highly anticipated 2004 tour to follow in coming
weeks. Can't wait? Well from January 5th through the 9th, you will be invited into the recording studio as
Third Day records their next album. Stay tuned to this page...
Paul Colman Trio is currently in the midst of its 2003 European
Tour, wrapping this weekend. The band kicked off events with the Netherlands' Winter Wonder Rock festival last
Friday and Saturday before traveling this week to clubs, churches and schools in Holland, Sweden as well as
Denmark. All concerts were extremely well-attended, and pc3 took part in additional promotional opportunities
when time permitted. The group also played at Germany's Christmas Rock Night, before taking a break for the
holidays.
The Passion Experience Tour 2003, presented by the non-profit
Passion Conferences, a division of Choice Resources, was attended by more than 80,000 people in 35 cities,
more than doubling the most recent 29-city 2001-2002 Passion tour attendance. In addition to 15 sold out tour
dates, two free performances on the tour drew capacity crowds: 2,650 attended in Boston at the Orpheum Theatre,
potentially drawing the largest collegiate worship gathering in Boston's history, and 8,502 attended in
Louisville.
Following the release of the newest, best-selling Passion album, Passion: Sacred Revolution- Songs From
OneDay03, and the September 16 release of a companion DVD, Passion: Sacred Revolution- Live From OneDay03,
the major market Passion Experience Tour 2003 began in Phoenix Sept. 28 and ran through Nov. 23 in St. Louis.
The tour featured author and Passion founder/director Louie Giglio, as well as critically acclaimed
sixstepsrecords’ artist-worshippers Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band and Charlie Hall performing music
from the highly successful Passion albums, which have sold over one million units to date, as well as
selections from each of their respective solo projects.
Tooth & Nail rockers, Bleach, have had a life-altering year,
and now they’re sharing their story with the world. This past summer the war hit home for the Nashville band
when the brother of two Bleach members passed away while serving as a military captain in Iraq.
The passing of their brother, Josh Byers, came as a shock to the entire band as well as their family and
supporters in Nashville and around the world. Since then the band has spent time both grieving and healing.
But mostly, they have been set on teaching others about Josh’s legacy.
“He was a hero,” Jared Byers explains of his brother with pure admiration. “Had he not died, we would
have never known about all the ways he was a hero. We looked up to him because he was our brother and our
friend, but to the world he was even more than that. He saved lives, was full of encouragement, and at the end
of the day, he did it all for God.”
It was no wonder then that Bleach’s members were asked to join CBN’s 700 Club for what will be a special
broadcast of the show. Its theme will be one geared toward the troops and families of troops serving in
Iraq during this holiday season. With Bleach’s new found faith in the midst of their loss, their story of
encouragement is a welcome one to the show that will air Friday, December 5th.
“It is extremely important to continue praying for the soldiers who are serving our country in Iraq,” says
Heather Boyd, a 700 Club Producer. “The war has been declared over, but our men and women of the armed services
continue to loose their lives. ‘Bleach’ gave us the opportunity to remind our viewers of this and ask them to
agree with the hosts in prayer for the military men and women who will be away from their families during the
holiday.”
Word Records artist, Mark Schultz, took the #1 slot on R&R's
Christian AC Radio Chart this week with "You Are A Child Of Mine," the first single from his third release,
Stories & Songs. The song debuted on the charts 10 weeks ago at #23 and quickly moved up the charts
to land the #1 position.
"Mark Schultz is not just another artist to radio, he is truly a close friend to programmers and that
relationship, mixed with his incredible talent and ability to connect with listeners through his music,
is something that most programmers do not pass up," says Lori Cline, Word Label Group's director of national
promotions. "The #1 success of 'You Are A Child Of Mine' at radio is a perfect example of that and it is
the first of many great singles from Stories & Songs that our National Promotions team is excited to offer
to radio in the days ahead."
Schultz already has five #1 singles under his belt with mega-hits "I Am The Way," "Back in His Arms Again,"
"I Have Been There," "Remember Me" and "He's My Son," (also a top 20 hit at mainstream radio) from his
self-titled debut project and his sophomore release Song Cinema.
tobyMac is giving fans a chance to have input on his new album. When fans
visit his website at www.tobymac.com they can listen to samples of four new
songs tobyMac is considering for his next studio album. He's asking fans to
vote on their favorite songs to help determine which ones will make the cut
for the new album due in stores in 2004.
Audio Adrenaline bassman, Will McGinniss was featured in a recent LA Times
article about the current Sparrow Records project, In The Name Of Love:
Artists United For Africa, which was created as a practical means to
channel prayer and resources to the fight against AIDS in Africa. A portion
of the proceeds from this project goes to charities which help fight the
crisis in Africa. On this project, which features fresh interpretations of
hits previously made popular by U2, Audio Adrenaline performs U2's 1981 hit,
"Gloria." As Will shared with the LA Times, the band participated in this
project because of its commitment o help those suffering from AIDS in
Africa. "If it had been just another album with no one to gain from it, we
probably would have passed," McGinniss says. "But since we do feel there's a
direct link to helping people, we said yes." The record will release in
January 27, 2004. Speaking of Will, Jesusfreakhideout.com is giving away
exclusive Will McGinniss dolls that the band has supplied us for to give to YOU!
These dolls are made with real strands of Will's famed mohawk he sported the past
year and a half. Enter now for your chance to win one of 10 of these exclusive
dolls! You won't find them anywhere else so hurry!
P.O.D. made this exciting announcement recently,
"Against all odds, Payable On Death is expected to be certified GOLD
by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) and is picking up
steam towards Platinum. The RIAA have to wait one month from the release date to certify Gold
status. Stay tuned... and THANK YOU! We know we took risks with the new record... in many ways it's like our first
record. Thank you for trusting us as we move into a new an exciting era."
Stacie Orrico was in New York City on Wednesday for the Christmas in Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Lighting. Along with artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Gloria Estefan and American Idol Ruben Studdard,
Stacie performed two songs, including the title track from her Christmas record, Christmas Wish,
during the first hour of the event which will be televised in New York on WNBC. Stacie is very excited to be
included in this American tradition. Following her rehearsals for the evening’s performance, Stacie said
from Rockefeller Plaza, “This is just so cool! It’s so exciting to be here now!” It is an honor for Stacie
to be a part of this celebrated event! Before heading to Rockefeller Center, Stacie spent some time at the
Virgin Megastore for a live acoustic performance and to sign some autographs. After her performance at the
Tree Lighting, Stacie took part in an interview for WNBC-TV and then it was off to the airport to catch
a plane to head out to LA for the GRAMMY Award nominations press conference for which she was nominated
in the Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album!
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