February, 2004
Grammy Award winning singer Rebecca St. James is among those who
have had the privilege of an advance preview of The Passion Of
The Christ, as it reaches theaters this week. She believes Mel Gibson
has made a monumental film and that he is being used, to quote Ms. St. James, as "an instrument of God."
"The Passion of Christ is definitely the most faith deepening film I have ever seen. I wept and
empathized with Jesus like never before." noted the Australian born singer in an interview Wednesday. "I now
understand almost as if I was there, what he went through for me." About the film's creator, Mel Gibson,
who spent a portion of his childhood growing up in her native Australia, St. James commented. "I truly believe
Mel Gibson has been used as an instrument of God in reaching out to Christians and non-Christians alike with
this film."
Nominated for a Dove Award as "Female Vocalist Of the Year," St. James is currently on a national concert tour,
"Adoration: The Tour," that launched February 12th with Newsboys and
Jeremy Camp and has consecutively
sold-out its' first two weeks of performances in major markets. She herself last fall portrayed the role of
a modern day version of one of "The Passion's" leading characters-- Mary Magdalene--in the controversial
rock opera musical, "!Hero." Having played Magdalene, Rebecca is especially sensitive to role of the film's
other Mary-this one the mother of Jesus.
"The most gripping scene for me was the part where Jesus has just stumbled underneath the weight of the cross.
Mary His mother rushes to reach out to Him and the film flashes back to when Jesus was a little boy and fell-we
see her running to Him then too. I wept at that point as it was such a powerful scene. What really gripped
me was that Jesus turned to her in the midst of His pain and said, "Mother, see I make all things new."
I loved the power in those words and the realization that that's indeed what He came to do to make
all things new for all of us-to breathe life in us and give us new hope. I was greatly impacted in what
I saw on the screen."
Recently GRAMMY and Dove Award winning rock band Third Day
celebrated its 20th No. 1 radio single, “Sing A Song,” the second from its March 4, GRAMMY nominated
Offerings II – All I Have To Give. The band, currently working on a May 4 studio release,
is also busy prepping for its highly anticipated 85-city Third Day Live tour which kicks off April 7 in Jackson,
Tenn.
World Vision, with a focus on its Hope Child Initiative, will title sponsor the Spring leg of the year-long
tour that features tobyMac and debut artist Warren Barfield, while Chevrolet will maintain its role as the
Official Vehicle of Third Day. Demand for tickets to this tour has been tremendous. Within three days
of sales, the Atlanta venue had already sold to capacity. In response to the incredible demand, Third Day
added an additional tour stop in its home market.
“We’re feeling a great sense of anticipation in the band for the upcoming tour,” says Tai Anderson.
“Having done so little touring last year, we’re feeling refreshed and ready to go. We’re in the process
of flushing out all the creative ideas for the show, which should be amazing! Seeing the incredible response
in rapid ticket sales is definitely adding to our excitement. It will be great to see all our friends and fans
again out on the road.” Promoters have a sense of anticipation for the tour as well. Gary Gentry of
Premier Productions commented, “Premier Productions is excited about once again being involved in the
promotion of many Third Day concerts across the country. What's not to like - the guys in the band are
terrific and easy with to work with, their fans love the music, and the band is seriously committed to
ministry.”
There is a familiar face...or actually a familiar mohawk back at the
AudioA.COM office this week. The Will McGinniss (bass player, Audio
Adrenaline) mohawk doll, which was purchased for $155 on ebay last
December has been returned by the bidder. The doll had originally been
sold as part of a charity auction for G.O. Ministries (a missions
organization which is part of The Go Foundation co-founded by Audio
Adrenaline and MercyMe) along with Will's Big House bass (which brought
almost $1,200). The doll drew special attention from Adrenaline
Junkies (AudioA fans) because of the unique mohawk that was
manufactured with Will's actual hair. The returned doll came with the
explanation: "I wanted my daughter to be able to see and play with the
doll. She even took it to school with her, but I'm returning it. I
want more money to be donated to aid missions in Haiti. Please auction
the doll again and donate all the proceeds to G.O. Ministries. - Dale
Bennett. The doll now bears a new signature, not only is the doll autographed by
the band (Will, Mark, Ben and Tyler) but also by Dale Bennett who has
helped pave the way for the gospel to be taken Worldwide. Vicki Rogers
and G.O. Ministries would like to say "!dios le bendiga!" (God Bless
You!) 
San Diego rock group Switchfoot continues to dominate Billboard's
Modern Rock Top 10 with their breakthrough single "Meant To Live." "Meant To Live" has been on Billboard's
Modern Rock & Alternative charts for over 28 weeks and is now crossing over to Top 40 with an impressive
debut at #36 this week, including airplay on the nations #1 station, Z100 in New York. The video for the
song can currently be seen on MTV, MTV2, Fuse and Canada's Much Music Channels, and was directed by Laurent
Briet, who helmed the lens for Radiohead's "Like Spinning Plates."
Before kicking off their spring tour in Anaheim, CA on March 15, Switchfoot will perform their newest single
"Dare You To Move" live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Friday, March 12 and On Air with Ryan Seacrest
Tuesday, March 16. The tour is scheduled to run through May 30. March 23 will see the release of the
band's Live In San Diego DVD. Live In San Diego was recorded at San Diego's fabled punk rock venue Soma
and features a scorching set of tunes from Switchfoot's Columbia/Red ink debut The Beautiful Letdown.
Live In San Diego will also take fans behind-the-scenes of the "Meant To Live" video shoot,
feature exclusive and candid interviews with the entire band, as well as exclusive photo galleries.
The Beautiful Letdown is Switchfoot's fastest selling record to date and was certified Gold by the
RIAA in December. The album is quickly approaching platinum status and is currently #81 on Billboard's
Top 200 album chart after over a year of being released.
CCM Magazine recently printed a letter from the band Sixpence None The Richer regarding the future
of the "Kiss Me" stars. Founding members Leigh Nash and Matt Slocum wrote the following...
"Dear Friends...
This letter we're writing is meant to be our sign on the door for the establishment known as Sixpence None the Richer. While we would never consider Sixpence an institution in Nashville by any means, or even an institution in the music community at large, we do look back and see there were many people who enjoyed and identified with the words and music we both composed and performed. So we write to say that after much soul-searching we have decided to no longer continue as the band Sixpence None the Richer...
After 10 years of music, we are closing up shop and moving on. We have enjoyed being a part of your lives.
And thank you for being a part of our lives--without you, the listeners, the fans, the enthusiasts, we would have been gone a long time ago. The ways many of you reached out to us in a personal way will always be a part of our memories--like Beatle Bob, for example. He showed up nine years ago at a small club in St. Louis in Austin Powers garb and, no matter what the tempo or feel of the song, kung-fu danced the whole concert. It made us all really happy, and he continued to come to shows in the St. Louis area for years after. Or Dick Luebbe, who showed up in Chicago with very expensive first editions of C.S. Lewis books as gifts for the band. We remember a fan in Philadelphia who sat in the front row in his wheelchair and was so moved by the music that he tried to lift himself out of it. There were those who brought birthday cakes, flowers, sent books, wrote letters, stood in the front row singing all the words to all the sings (even ones that had not even been recorded yet), started Web sites, etc. One listener made us a trophy for exemplary songwriting! Again, thank you.
So what's next for us now that Sixpence has closed for business? Well, there's not really a definite answer to that question yet. I, Leigh, have become a mother(!) and plan to focus on family life for awhile. I, Matt, am taking some time to travel the world and may go back to school. As far as we know, Word Records will be releasing a collection of songs that didn't make it on to Divine Discontent, as well as songs from different compilations we have appeared on. Some of the B-sides for Divine Discontent sound pretty good--we hope you enjoy them.
Again, we have enjoyed being a part of your lives. Thank you to all listeners, friends, producers, engineers, musicians, publicists, managers, booking agents, promoters, record labels, media outlets and radio stations that have made our career possible. You know who you are. We could not have done it without you.
Goodbye for now.
StreetAlliance.com has made the following announcement on their site this week...
Word recording artist Jaci Velasquez is launching her own record
label, Apostrophe Records, Billboard.biz has learned. She is currently negotiating a
distribution deal for the new venture.
Singer/songwriter Michael Cook is the first signing to Apostrophe. His debut CD is slated for release this
fall and will be produced by former Petra member Pete Orta.
Velasquez will serve as CEO of the label and has tapped family and music-industry associates for key roles.
Her mother, Diana Stancil, will be Apostrophe's CFO, and Velasquez's brother, Dion Lopez, will be VP of A&R.
Velasquez says marketing, publicity and radio promotion will initially be outsourced, with former Word executive
Linda Klosterman handling marketing.
A multiple Gospel Music Assn. Dove award winner, Velasquez signed with Word Records at 15 and became one of
the Christian industry's top female vocalists. The 24-year-old has also achieved success in the Latin community
through Sony Discos, and starred last year in the film, Chasing Papi. Velasquez is currently negotiating a
new Latin music deal. She will remain with Word Records for her Christian music career.
Best-selling, award-winning, rock group Audio Adrenaline announced
recently the signing of an exclusive concert booking agreement with Bridge Street Artists Agency. The company,
co-founded by Flicker Records president Bob Herdman, will represent Audio Adrenaline for all live concert
appearances and tours.
“It’s a natural fit for us to be represented by someone who knows the music business from virtually every
perspective,” said Audio Adrenaline lead singer Mark Stuart. “As a founder and former touring member of
Audio A along with his instrumental role in the creation and success of Flicker Records, there’s no one
else who understands our band more than Bob [Herdman].”
With a total of seven studio albums to its credit, Audio Adrenaline is approaching sales of more than 3
million units and has garnered five GRAMMY Award nominations and multiple Dove Awards. The band’s newest
project, Worldwide, contains the hit single “Leaving 99,” which was the most added debut single in Christian
music history on the R&R radio charts.
Inpop Records’ Dove Award-winning rock trio Tree63 is preparing for
the release of the band’s third project, The Answer to the Question, hitting streets March 9.
Two singles simultaneously released from the album are already climbing rapidly up the radio charts.
Following its Top 10 AC debut, “Blessed Be Your Name” was the most added Christian AC song last week for
Radio & Records (R&R) and is now at #8 this week on the Christian Radio Weekly (CRW) AC chart. The album’s
title song enjoyed a #18 debut on the R&R Christian Rock chart, and has since rocketed up to the chart’s #9
position.
Tree63 garnered a string of #1 and Top 5 singles with its first two releases, the band’s Dove Award winning
self-titled debut and 2002’s The Life and Times of Absolute Truth. The trend looks to continue with
The Answer to the Question as the album’s first two singles garner adds and praise from radio
programmers across the country. In addition to charting in the Top 10 on both the Christian AC and Rock
charts, The Answer to the Question is getting CHR airplay with “Blessed Be Your Name,” currently
#30 on the R&R CHR chart. “Blessed Be Your Name” has been added at 32 stations since the two singles launched
Jan. 9, including WAY-FM, KSBJ Houston, KXOJ Tulsa, the AIR-1 radio network and the K-LOVE radio network,
whose morning on-air personality and vice president for programming management, Jon Rivers, commented on
the song.
Following its No. 1 selling sixsteps/Sparrow Records CD, Illuminate, the
David Crowder Band releases its first live project for retail,
The Lime CD, March 23.
Highlighting the band’s introspective lyrical depth and creativity, The Lime CD offers six new live
versions of concert favorites along with a compelling and rare instrumental, “End Of October.” The recording also
features an “unplugged” David Crowder performing solo with his Crowdster Acoustic guitar on the demo version
of “Heaven Came Down,” which was the pre-cursor to the studio version found on Illuminate. The Lime CD
further features “Undignified” and “I Need Words / God Of Wrath” from the David Crowder Band’s critically
acclaimed debut, Can You Hear Us?.
Featuring more than 42-minutes of music, the eight-song CD, which will list for only $7.99 at retail,
will be supported through a targeted marketing campaign featuring grassroots efforts, touring,
publicity and more. The Internet campaign is slated to include a WorshipTogether.com promotion
offering free songs, Bible studies, sheet music, interviews and other special offers. Focus at retail
will include joint positioning of both The Lime CD and the band’s best-selling release ever, Illuminate.
CBA retail stores will have the ability to take advantage of the momentum around Illuminate by offering
both recordings for only $20.
BEC Recordings singer/songwriter Jeremy
Camp released his new project Carried Me: The Worship Project February
10th, scanning a total of 19,331 units in its first week. Over 14,200
units were sold in the Christian market alone. The CD debuted at No. 1 on
the Top Christian Charts and No. 2 on the Top Current Contemporary
Christian Charts, marking Carried Me the highest single week scans ever
for a BEC Recordings artist.
This outstanding debut week arrives on the heels of the continuous impact
of Stay, Camp’s debut project, still holding strong in sales and scanning
over 4,300 units this week alone. As of this month, Stay has sold over
200,000 units since its release September of 2002. Over 103,000 of those
units were sold in the second half of 2003 alone, averaging over 4,000
units scanned a week. Stay continues to scan that average weekly. Stay
has also produced four No. 1 hits, with the current hit “Right Here” still
at the top of the charts, holding the top spot four weeks in a row for CRW
and two weeks in a row for R&R.
"Jeremy’s story continues,” exclaims Brandon Ebel, President, BEC
Recordings/Tooth & Nail Records. “God has blessed him with a new wife,
and this album is an extension of his faith. We all believe in him and
are very excited about what's to come. EMI CMG and Chordant have truly
rallied around this project and we deeply appreciate all of their efforts.
We believe Jeremy will continue to be a core artist in the years to come."
All Star United's frontman Ian Eskelin is returning to doing things solo this Summer! Ian
started out as a solo artist releasing a couple records in the early 90's before forming All Star United
in 1996. You can now download a brand new song from Ian called "Taboo" at his official site
http://www.ianeskelin.com. The sound is very much like ASU so fans will definitely want to check
this out! His solo project releases this Summer on Inpop Records. As far as All Star United goes,
the band hasn't broken up, but they are taking a break while Ian works on his solo music.
Top contemporary Christian pop act FFH extends its well-received "Ready to Fly" tour to include 22 dates
this spring. Nearly one year since the tour's debut, this leg will visit eighteen states in two months,
featuring Fervent Records' Big Daddy Weave and special guest, Creative Trust Workshop artist, Warren Barfield.
Launching March 4 at Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville, the "Ready to Fly" tour anticipates another successful
jaunt. Venues include churches, civic centers and universities from Florida to Maine. A complete tour itinerary
follows this release.
"The demand for this tour has been phenomenal," comments Greg Oliver, President of GOA, Inc. "FFH completed
46 cities last fall, and we still have offers filing in. It is our intention to reach some previously untapped
markets with the spring launch."
Traveling to 46 venues in 66 days, the tour's fall run was a challenging one. FFH frontman,
Jeromy Deibler, however, believes that FFH is hitting its stride. "We feel more called to being
out on the road now than ever before," says Deibler. "All four of us know that God has called us
to evangelism and to reaching people in the name of Jesus. We can't accomplish that without being
in front of people on a regular basis."
Adoration: The Tour, featuring co-headliners Newsboys and
Rebecca St. James, with special guest Jeremy Camp,
is generating momentum with 5 consecutive sold out dates and second shows being added in Ft. Meyers,
FL and Spokane, WA.
"Newsboys are seeing this tour hit a new chord with the fans,” states Wes Campbell, Newsboys manager. “Attendance at these sold out shows are averaging over 4,000 per show, and the fans are really coming with a committed heart for worship. The combination of Newsboys and Rebecca St. James is something we have tried to put together for a couple years now, and we are seeing why this package makes sense."
“Worship is our love response to God’s love for us. It’s a constant part of our life,” notes Rebecca St. James. “What is interesting is that this more recent wave of worship in the U.S. is something Newsboys and I have experienced for years in Australia. Our hope is to serve the local body, and our prayer is that they will come prepared to experience a fresh encounter with God. We are asking for their prayers for the evenings.”
For our review of the tour, click here.
We just got back from the Adoration Tour in Bethlehem, PA, co-headlined by The Newsboys and
Rebecca St. James with special guest Jeremy Camp. Anyone who has seen
the Newsboys in recent months may notice a new face among the News members. Last Fall guitarist
Jody Davis took a break from the band and allowed Bryan Oleson from the indie group Casting
Pearls to fill his spot temporarily. We met up with Oleson after the show to find out what happened to Davis. Although
no details were given regarding the reasons why Davis had left, Bryan did confirm that Jody will not be returning
to the Newsboys lineup! Oleson was asked to stay as his permanent replacement. When asked about the future of
Bryan's other endeavor, Casting Pearls, he revealed that the band intends to still work together and is in
talks with a few record labels as we speak. Bryan also told us that the Newsboys have been working on some new material
but no official recording or release dates have been set. While we're excited to welcome Oleson to the Newsboy team, we're
sorry to see Davis go and everyone at the Hideout wishes him the best.
Here's the latest on the highly anticipated new release from the O.C. Supertones!
Guitarist Ethan Luck wrote on the band's official website, "The new Record will be called Birth of a Nation and
it will hit stores on June 15th! I will have a track
order and song titles as soon as the album is done
being mixed. Also, I think the new website will be
launching sometime by April."
Smalltown Poets recently answered a buring question on the minds on a number of their fans... where's
The Waiting?? SP frontman Michael Johnston announced on the band's site, "Many of you have been asking about
The Waiting since their website has been down for a while. They are still doing concerts and have material
written for a new album. Todd Olsen told me that he hopes to begin recording soon. Also I recently dropped
by to see Third Day and producer Paul Ebersold at the studio here in Atlanta where they were recording
some new music most likely to be released just before the Smalltown Poets record."
Music Choice is airing the Blindside performance from last years
Cornerstone festival. This is a full one-hour TV special including some behind-the-scenes footage from the
recording of About A Burning Fire and the concert. This was one of the last shows on the Silence
world tour and it was certainly one of the most memorable.
Shot on July 4th at Cornerstones 20th Anniversary Bash this show features all your favorites from Silence
including the hits “Pitiful” and “Sleepwalking” as well as “Caught a Glimpse” and “Cute Boring Love”
(where the crowd threatened to sing louder than the band at times). It also features some older material
including “Nara” and the epic “My Mothers Only Son” - complete with a string section! With temperatures
rising well over 100 degrees on stage during the performance – it's possible that this is maybe where the title
of the new record came from!
Music Choice and Elektra Records present Blindside Live at 110 Degrees Airing February 16-29, Check your
local listings! For more info, click here.
Veggie Rocks! will be released on March 9, 2004.
It's a great collection of songs made popular by the Veggie Tales gang, as performed by some of the hottest
acts in Christian music: Audio Adrenaline, Paul Colman, Newsboys, The O.C. Supertones, relient K,
Rebecca St. James, Sanctus Real, Skillet, Stevenson, Superchic[k], and TAIT! The official website
will be along shortly, with lots of cool stuff to check out, so we'll let you know as soon as it's live.
Grammy winning singer Rebecca St. James was in Washington Thursday to speak to members of the Bush
Administration, amidst one of the highest profile weeks of her career.
A strong, often controversial advocate of the abstinence message, whose book on the subject “Wait For Me,”
has become an international best seller, St. James visited in the West Wing with senior administration advisors
as well as fulfilling an invitation to speak to a lunchtime gathering of Bush staffers on the subject of her
views of the spiritual and morals issues facing America.
St. James, who openly admits to being a virgin from her concert stages, has raised eyebrows internationally
for her outspoken declarations. She was last week quoted during a national morning guest appearance on Fox
Friends First on the subject of the recent Janet Jackson-Justin Timberlake media firestorm: “It gave the
message to the millions of kids and young people that were watching that what happened was cool.
Abuse is never cool,” commented Rebecca.
Earlier this week announcement was made in Nashville by the GMA that Rebecca St. James’ name
appears in nomination for their highest honor--a 2004 Dove Award in the category of
“Female Vocalist Of The Year”—a repeat honor for her.
Rebecca recently launched what is expected to be her biggest U.S. concert tour yet—teaming with fellow
Australians—multi-Grammy winners, multi-platinum Newsboys,
on “Adoration: The Tour”—a 34 city run that will perform in major markets including Denver, Seattle,
Chicago, Los Angeles, Orlando, Atlanta and Minneapolis before closing on April 4th in Detroit.
Sparrow Records artist Steven Curtis Chapman was the most
nominated artist at the 35th Dove Award nomination ceremony with seven nominations including
Song of the Year ("All About Love") and Male Vocalist, among others. Taking a break from recording his new
studio record, Chapman was on hand to help announce the nominations at the Gaylord Entertainment Center
in Nashville, TN.
2003 was a break through year for Switchfoot. The band secured six nominations and an astounding 17 total
nominations across seven categories (as a band and individually as songwriters and producers) including
Song of the Year ("Meant To Live") as well as Artist of the Year, Group of the Year, and Rock/Contemporary
Album (The Beautiful Letdown).
Newsboys' most successful year to date continues to generate momentum with two nominations,
including Group Of The Year. Their latest release Adoration: The Worship Album picked up a nomination
for Praise And Worship Album Of The Year with front man Peter Furler receiving two additional nominations
for the chart topping "He Reigns" (Song Of The Year, Worship Song). Following their 2003 Grammy nomination,
Newsboys recently kicked off The Adoration Tour, their co-headlining tour with Rebecca St. James.
The 2003 eight-time Dove Award nominee Bebo Norman gathers his second consecutive Song of the Year nod for
"Great Light of the World." The song continues to win fans nationwide, currently performed at sold-out venues
along "The Imagine Tour."
Featured on Norman's most successful record to date, Myself When I Am Real, "Great Light of the World"
became the singer/songwriter's first Top 5 radio hit, holding its position on the Adult Contemporary chart for
multiple weeks. In addition to a Song of the Year nomination, "Great Light of the World" was included among 2003's
finalists for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song.
The success of Myself When I Am Real has placed Norman among contemporary Christian music's
buzz artists, affording him such high profile opportunities as this spring's "The Imagine Tour." Boasting an
all-star line-up, comprising MercyMe, Amy Grant as well as Norman, the tour has been packing out auditoriums
across the southeast, instigating a rush for tickets in its first six markets.
A complete tour itinerary can be found at www.bebonorman.com.
Top nominees announced for the 35th Annual Dove Awards represent
the wide range of artists in gospel music today. Contemporary pop’s Steven Curtis Chapman, mainstream breakouts
Switchfoot and Stacie Orrico, traditional gospel’s CeCe Winans and rockers Third Day lead the diverse list of
nominees. A complete nominations list is available at www.doveawards.com.
Chapman and Toby McKeehan, a multiple nominee himself, announced
the Dove Award nominations today at The Gaylord Entertainment Center, where the 35th Annual Doves
will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2004.
"Gospel music expresses itself in many different ways and we applaud all nominated artists for their unique
contributions to the gospel music landscape,” said John W. Styll, president of the Gospel Music Association
(GMA). “Steven Curtis Chapman, CeCe and Third Day continue to elevate their artistry, making them perennial
Dove favorites. At the same time, it is so great to see artists like Switchfoot and Stacie Orrico, while
certainly not new to the gospel music community, have the breakout success they have experienced this year.
They are all deserving of the recognition these awards are meant to show.”
Sparrow artist Chapman garnered seven nominations, including several for his work on his latest record,
All About Love. Additionally, Chapman earned a nod for producing New Artist of the Year nominee
Casting Crowns’ self-titled debut record. Switchfoot’s six group nominations, including Artist of the Year,
are for their breakout Sparrow/Columbia recording The Beautiful Letdown, which has been number one on Billboard’s
Top Christian Albums chart for the first five weeks of 2004. Band members and brothers Jonathan and Tim
Foreman also individually earned five and four nominations for their songwriting.
Third Day’s Offerings II: All I Have To Give helped to produce six nominations for the Essential
Records artist, as well as individual writing and production credits for the band members.
Female Vocalist of the Year was one of five nominations for Winans, whose latest, Throne Room,
was her first for Pure Springs Gospel/INO/Epic. ForeFront/Virgin artist Stacie Orrico became an MTV
favorite this past year with the release of her self-titled sophomore project, which earned her five
Dove nominations including Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. EMI Gospel’s Smokie Norful
found success at gospel and urban radio with his debut album, netting him four Dove nominations.
The title track from his debut, "I Need You Now," won a Top 5 slot at Urban AC radio while also becoming
one of the biggest songs of the past two years at Gospel radio.
Other multiple nominees include Mark Schultz, Mercy Me and bandleader Bart Millard, and Casting Crowns.
Receiving four nods each are Todd Agnew, Jeremy Camp, Darwin Hobbs, KJ-52, Robert Randolph (of Robert
Randolph and the Family Band), Connie Smith and T-Bone.
The five artists vying for the coveted Artist of the Year are MercyMe, Orrico, Michael W. Smith, Switchfoot
and Randy Travis. Male Vocalist nominees are Camp, Chapman, Millard, David Phelps and Schultz.
Nichole Nordeman, Orrico, Rebecca St. James, Joy Williams and Winans are nominated for Female Vocalist.
Artists up for Group of the Year are Jars of Clay, MercyMe, Newsboys, Switchfoot and Third Day.
In addition to Casting Crowns, Across the Sky, Agnew, Camp and Kristy Starling are nominated for New
Artist of the Year.
Many of the nominated songs and artists will be featured in the upcoming Word Records’ release
Dove Hits 2004: 15 of the Year’s Best Dove Award Nominated Artists and Songs. A full song list
for Dove Hits 2004 will be announced in the coming weeks. The album releases on April 20, 2004.
For a full list of this year's Dove Award nominees, click here!
Back by popular demand, The !Hero: The Rock Opera Tour is resuming this Spring! Herouniverse.com
has released this Spring's tour dates and casting information! The only major change to the rock opera's cast
is Audio Adrenaline's frontman Mark Stuart has decided not to reprise his role as Petrov. Unfortunately, Stuart found the
schedule too grueling in addition to his AudioA responsibilities. Although Mark's presence will be greatly missed,
we're still excited to say that our friend Jamie Rowe, former lead singer for the rock/metal band Guardian will be filling
his shoes! Rumor also has it that a live recording for the Tour is in the works! For more information about the Spring !Hero Tour, visit Herouniverse.com!
For our review of the fall tour, click here.
Essential Records is reissuing the debut album by BEC Recording artist KJ-52. Available to consumers Feb. 24,
7th Avenue features five previously unavailable tracks as well as contributions by several guest artists.
KJ-52 debuted with Essential Records in April of 2000. Produced by Todd Collins, of Beatmart Productions and
Gotee Brothers fame, 7th Avenue garnered industry acclaim, earning a Dove Award nomination that year
for best Rap/Hip Hop Album.
His mission to bring Christ's message to hip-hop communities nationwide first manifested itself with the release
of 7th Avenue. Four years later, KJ's calling remains unchanged. In addition to his own version of dc Talk's
"The Hard Way" and appearances by Knowdaverbs, Amani as well as Cross Movement, the' 04 edition of 7th Avenue
boasts many new songs.
Additions to the latest recording include "Lift Me Up," KJ's take on the hit tune "Flood" by Jars of Clay,
and "All Around the World," featuring rapper John Reuben and former L.A. Symphony member Pigeon John.
Also unique to the album are "Need Someone" with Parkway (formerly Silage) and "Twelve-Round Knockout,"
written and recorded for the feature movie Carman: The Champion.
Bob Wohler, vp of A&R for Provident Label Group, comments, "KJ-52's popularity has risen dramatically
since 7th Avenue. He has an established name and a national audience who love his music.
Many newer fans are either unaware of or unable to get their hands on his first project. This album
is for them as well as for KJ's longtime followers."
Responding to years of appeals from fans, ForeFront Records’ Grammy Award winning and revered international
Christian artist, Rebecca St. James, announces the release of her
anticipated concert project, Live Worship: Blessed Be Your Name, February 24.
“I’ve had a lot of people come to me at concerts over the years asking, ‘when are you going to do a live
praise album since worship is a big part of your concerts,’” explains Rebecca. “I grew up around worship
and listening to live worship CDs, so it’s naturally a big part of my concerts. This album is fulfilling a
part of my ministry that I’ve hoped to do for some time.”
Live Worship features nine songs including the new studio cut and recent radio release, “The Power Of Your Love.”
The album’s concert recordings includes two new songs, “Blessed Be Your Name,” co-written by Matt Redman,
and “I Adore You,” in addition to “Lamb Of God,” “Quiet You,” “Let My Words Be Few,” “Above All,”
“Here I Am To Worship” and a hidden studio track, “Shout To The Lord.”
For the JfH preview of Live Worship: Blessed Be Your Name, click here!
David Crowder Band, one of the most sought after bands
on college campuses and beyond, launches its first-ever headline tour. “The Illuminate Tour”
begins Feb. 16 in Oklahoma City (Edmond, OK), and features both GoTee artist Paul Wright and BEC band Telecast.
With their infectious melodic rock sound and engaging live performance, David Crowder Band traverses the
country into 11 states, 18 cities nationally performing fan favorites, including new music from its critically
acclaimed, No. 1 selling sophomore album, Illuminate.
BarlowGirl, three sisters with a hope of sharing their faith and
values through their music, will release their debut self-titled album, BarlowGirl, on Fervent Records
on February 24. Provident Music Distribution will distribute the record to Christian and general market retail.
“BarlowGirl is one of those unique artists with a definite sense of their mission. They are firmly committed
to making great music and challenging their generation to live lives transformed by God, not by the world,”
said Susan Riley, Owner/ President of Fervent Records. “Their music is contagious and the lyrics are
thought-provoking; I think there will be a lot of kids who will respond to their music and message.”
BarlowGirl (www.barlowgirl.com) is comprised of drummer Lauren (18), Alyssa (21) on bass and keyboards
and guitarist Becca (24). The sisters, who grew up in the Chicago suburb of Elgin, IL., formed the band
four years ago. They earned early notoriety from a song called “Barlow Girls” on Inpop Records’
Superchic(k)’s debut release Karaoke Superstars. Superchic(k) was inspired to write the song after
meeting BarlowGirl at LifeFest Christian music festival in Wisconsin and being impressed by the sisters’
stance on purity and modesty. “Barlow Girls” has become one of Superchic(k)’s most requested songs in
concert and has even inspired a website (www.Barlowgirl.net) for girls who call themselves “BarlowGirls.”
For the JfH preview of BarlowGirl, click here!
For those wondering about what happened to LaRue, most are aware that the siblings both got married
last year and have gone their separate ways. Phil is currently living in FL with his new bride and
Natalie is married to Rob Murray, a youth pastor in San Clemente, CA. Click
here for a photo of Nat & Rob.
It's unknown whether or not Phil and Natalie will team back up for another release. One can only hope
that in time they will...
Five Iron Frenzy has picked a release date for their final recording! The End Is Here
should be in stores is April 20, 2004. It will be all of The End Is Near, which is their final studio
album plus an extra song from the studio recordings, PLUS a second disc containing a live recording of the final show recorded on Nov 22, 2003 at the Fillmore in Denver, CO. PLUS
all the original Douglas TenNapel artwork, plus additional special artwork. Word has it that the live recording
is better than their previous record LIVE: Proof that the Youth are Revolting!
Michael W. Smith picked up his third career GRAMMY win last night
in the category of Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for Worship Again.
“All of the nominees in this category--Jars of Clay, Third Day, Stacie Orrico and Newsboys--are amazing artists,”
Smith comments. “I was thrilled to be included among them and even more honored to win.”
Worship Again, Smith’s second collection of contemporary worship songs, released in October 2002
to wide acclaim among both Christian and general market circles, with Billboard noting the project “succeeds
on all counts, deftly capturing the emotional essence of a powerful live event.”
Smith’s previous GRAMMY Awards came in 1995 for I’ll Lead You Home (Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album)
and 1984 for Michael W. Smith 2 (Best Gospel Performance, Male). The aforementioned wins are among
Smith’s 11 career GRAMMY nominations.
Congratulations also to our friends Audio Adrenaline who snagged their first Grammy award for
Best Rock Gospel Album with their 2003 release Worldwide! Congratulations to both Smitty
and AudioA! We're proud!
Pillar bassist Kalel and his wife Stacie welcomed their fist
child, Kaden, to the world at 12:25am on February 4. Kaden weighed in at 9.13lbs. “My wife Stacie is amazing!
This is something I could have never done--even if it was anatomically possible!” said Kalel.
“We hope you will all say a little prayer for Kaden, that he grows up a kind, honest, and God-fearing
man who will do great things.” Congratulations to Kalel and Stacie from everyone at the Hideout!
INO Records’ SONICFLOOd, ex-mafia boss Michael Franzese and opening
band Building 429 will kick off the 25-city Fearless Planet Tour on March 6th in Southlake, Texas. This tour
follows SONICFLOOd's lead singer Rick Heil’s recent return from filming a video in India. The Fearless Planet
Tour is built upon the theme “Walk In Courage, Live in Faith” and the verse "If God is for us. Who can be again
us?" - Romans 8:31. Every show will have a specific focus, which is to convey to the audience how to live a
fearless life inspite of the constant state of fear our planet has come to know through various tragedies and
events, such as 9/11.
"Through this tour we want to challenge people to not live in fear by gripping their hearts with testimony
and song that leads them to Christ," claims SONICFLOOd Frontman, Rick Heil.
Beginning in February, Compassion International
will extend their successful “Evening of Compassion” tour into Spring
2004, and Geoff Moore will once again host these evenings of music and
ministry with special guests TAIT and Erin O’Donnell.
“Being a part of these Compassion events was a highlight of 2003 for me,”
said Geoff Moore. “The response has been overwhelming and I am very
excited about 2004 and the opportunity to tour with friends and label
mates TAIT, as well as Erin O’Donnell.”
The “Evening of Compassion” concert series was created in the spring of
2003 to increase awareness of the work and mission of Compassion
International. With Moore as host and special guest Rachael Lampa, the
series traveled across the United States, playing 35 dates in front of
more than 20,000 people. Not only was the concert series successful at
introducing Compassion International to new audiences, but the tour also
resulted in 3,000 sponsorships of children around the globe.
Kicking off on February 21 in Lancaster, PA, the 2004 “Evening of
Compassion” dates will run through July 2004. For a complete tour
listing, click the following link:
http://www.forefrontrecords.com/news/default.aspx?news_id=229413
dcTalksolo.com made the following report late last week clarifying longtime rumors circulating about
Kevin Max's private life...
"Over the past year, rumors have been flying around about a possible divorce between Kevin Max and his wife,
Alayna. On Tuesday, Kevin confirmed these rumors by issuing the statement on his message boards
(posted below)...
"The question of my marriage to Alayna and where it stands has been asked of me over and over again
and I feel the need to tell you as my friends and supporter's the truth of the matter. I spoke to Alayna
about it and she was willing to let me speak about it to you. The truth is, as an artist, I have always
been very outspoken about most of my private life but when it comes to a marriage bond, some things
should remain in privacy. However after much prayer and thought, I wanted to let you know that Alayna
and I are no longer married. We both made the decision after much counseling by pastor's and spiritual
guidance counselor's. We have been divorced for awhile now but did not feel the need to expose it to the
public. We are still friends and constantly praying for God's direction in both of our lives.
The decision was mutual and was also made out of love and not hate, we continue to keep in touch and
invite your prayers for the both of us. ... I am in a better place lately and I believe that I have
been healing, I am constantly surrounded by people who care and have a vested interest in my life.
I constantly am in awe at the grace and mercy that the Lord shows us."
As our friends at dcTalksolo.com stated, we too support Kevin as a brother in Christ and we urge you to keep
him and Alayna in your prayers.
It's big time on the small screen for Switchfoot! The highly creative spiritual rock band's "Meant To Live"
video has just been added to MTV, and its first concert DVD will hit stores March 23.
Featured on Switchfoot's nationally acclaimed fourth album, The Beautiful Letdown, "Meant To Live"
became a mainstream rock radio hit in 2003 and landed the California quartet on late night talk shows and
in Rolling Stone. Now, the song is reaching pop outlets and is close to breaking the Top 40 on Radio &
Records' contemporary hit chart. Switchfoot is currently embracing the support with a promotional tour
of radio stations around the United States.
In other radio news, on February 6, a new single from The Beautiful Letdown, "Dare You To Move,"
will be released to Christian radio and then to mainstream alternative stations March 2.
On March 23, Switchfoot will release its first concert DVD, Live In San Diego, filmed in the band's hometown.
A new concert tour begins in March as well.
You can support Switchfoot by casting a vote to MTV for "Meant To Live." To vote, check tour dates, and
learn more about The Beautiful Letdown or Live In San Diego, then click over to Switchfoot.com.
Avalon, Mark Schultz
and Across The Sky will hit the road this February through April,
performing in approximately 35 markets nationwide, including Pittsburgh, Grand Rapids, Dallas, Chattanooga
and Miami. The tour kicks off in Pensacola, Florida, on February 27.
Avalon, considered a standard in Christian music since 1996, releases The Creed, their sixth studio
release, on February 24. Closely approaching sales of over 2 million worldwide, The Creed, displays an
incomparable range of harmony and the unforgettable melodies for which Avalon is known. Avalon enjoyed
a very memorable 2003, beginning with the collection of an American Music Award in January and ending
with a recent CCM Readers Choice Award for Group Of The Year. Some of Avalon’s most notable career credits
include a total of 20 #1 singles, 3 Dove’s, 20 Dove Nominations, two Grammy nominations and an American
Music Award in 2002. R&R recently credited Avalon as the fourth most played artist on all of AC Christian
radio in 2003, ranking Everything To Me and New Day - the only new singles featured on Testify To Love;
The Best Of Avalon - in the AC Top 25 on R&R for 2003, and Everything To Me, second on R&R Inspo
Top 25 for 2003.
Last nite, some surprise big (and potentially sad) news was released by Paul Colman Trio...
"G'day from pc3! This is a BIG piece of news (that you may have heard already). Make sure you're sitting down.
Four studio and two live albums, a Grammy nomination, a Dove Award, hit singles in the US, Australia and New
Zealand, countless festival shows and tour dates, travels all over the USA, to Canada, Holland, Denmark,
Sweden, Germany, New Zealand and our home of Australia and much, much more! From late 1998 to February 2004,
pc3 has had a lot of good times and some wonderful successes that we are incredibly thankful for. All
that said. It is with more than just a little sadness that, as of Feb 21st 2004, pc3 will be taking a break as
a recording/performing band. We've had a great time, but primarily due to financial and family considerations
we cannot continue working together- at least at this stage. We are reluctant to call it a 'break-up' because
we all love each other and do not want to close our minds to whatever opportunities may come up to work together
in the future. So what will we all be up to if we're not doing pc3? Grant will be staying in Nashville pursuing
songwriting and bass playing opportunities. Phil has returned to Australia to produce and engineer records.
Paul will be based in Nashville and is continuing on as a solo artist. His live performances will be either
Paul on his own with an acoustic guitar or with a backing band. If you are receiving this email, you have
probably been a part of the wonderful journey with us. Thanks heaps! But mostly we are thankful to God
for blessing three eager blokes from Melbourne, who simply wanted to make music that honoured Him and
share it with as many people as possible. What an amazing, tough, joyful, exciting, rollercoaster
ride we've had for the last five years. Thanks God! God bless Paul, Grant and Phil"
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