Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: July 2001

July, 2001

*Monday, July 30th, 2001*

Squint Entertainment has seen better days. Word Records has taken the initiative to completely absorb the label started by Steve Taylor which has been suffering from financial problems as of late. The label laid off more than half the dozen employees, but Word has kept Taylor to oversee what's left of what he started. Squint's most popular act, Sixpence None the Richer has been on the verge of releasing their fourth full-length studio album for about a year now, and with this new complication, the release dates has tentatively been pushed back again to January 2002.

BEC Recordings has made it Christmas in July! As if this summer didn't have enough sequels already, the label has just announced the plan for Happy Christmas 3! But highlights on the third installment of this popular collection include Starflyer 59's cover of "I'll Be Home For Christmas," Hangnail's full-on power rock of "Do You Hear What I Hear" Denison Whitmer contributes the deeply affecting original piece, "A Christmas Song," while Kendall Payne delivers a hauntingly beautiful rendition of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." Joy Electric, the electronic band that seems to exist specifically for the Christmas season, delivers their own touch to "Sleigh Ride." But hold on to those reigns, cause we're just getting started! Switchfoot, O.C. Supertones, Earthsuit, a freshly reunited Poor Old Lu, Relient K, Ace Troubleshooter, Slick Shoes, a solo recording by Matt Theissen from Relient K, Bleach; and Cadet will also be featured! Sounds like three's a charm, fellas!

The Juliana Theory are as busy as ever! The band is working on three new projects to be released soon! Later this year, JT will release a brand new EP. The EP is yet to be titled, but contains 6 unreleased tracks (including "This is the End of Your Life" which was played on their last two United States tours). Most of this has been recorded, and will be finished by the end of August. It will be out on Tooth and Nail Records sometime in late fall/early winter 2001. Juliana is also planning the release of a live record on Tooth and Nail. The record should contain a good cross section of songs from both of their full-length records Understand This is a Dream and Emotion is Dead. Expect this release down the road, some time later in the year 2002. Finally, the band is also planning a new full-length record. The band is currently writing and demo-ing songs for their third full-length record. It will be released on their future label home, Epic Records. Rumors had been circling around and it is now final that they are signing with Epic/Sony Records.

HM Magazine is doing quite the push of P.O.D.'s new album Satellite, which hits shelves September 11. HM is designing four individual one-of-a-kind "special collectors edition" covers for each P.O.D. member for the next issue. Their cover story on the band concludes with the statement, "That's why P.O.D. is the most important band in rock and roll." Check out the latest issue, or learn more about HM Magazine at www.HMmagazine.com.

Jaci Velasquez has just recently had a nice taste of Platinum. Her debut album, Heavenly Place and her second Spanish project which was recently released have both hit platinum (is that right?!). As if that's not enough for the young lass, Jaci has also signed up to tour South America this Fall hitting venues in Panama, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. After a short break, she's on to a premier nationwide Christmas tour for her pending Christmas release. Media has also had their eyes caught by Velasquez, for she graces the pages of the August issue of Glamour magazine.

Move over Pokemon! Move over Pooh! Move over... um... velociraptors? See the official Jonah - A VeggieTales Movie poster at JonahMovie.com as they get ready to unveil the official Jonah Web site in 2002! Also, download a new teaser trailer for the movie while you're there!

We have another update on The Prayer of Jabez EP releasing next month. On August 28 ForeFront Records has plans to release the inspirational disc which will consist of original tracks, performed by artists who have been impacted by the book Michael Tait will be performing a long-awaited duet with Rebecca St. James titled "Lead Me Away," written by John Hartley and Gary Sadler. Kevin Max will be singing the song "The Day Is Dawning" with Jill Phillips, who also penned the song several years ago. Other artists on the album include Margaret Becker, Geoff Moore, Steve Reischi, Erin O'Donnell, Adrienne Liesching (of The Benjamin Gate), Jamie Rowe (formerly of Guardian), Phil Keaggy and more! The Prayer of Jabez is based on 1 Chronicles 4:10.

This past weekend the guys from Audio Adrenaline took a break from the recording studio and headed out to the West Coast for a photo shoot in LA as they gear up to promote their new studio album, tentatively titled, Lift. Be on the look out for a sneak peak of the first single, "Beautiful," to be serviced to radio on August 14!

Five Iron Frenzy has pushed back the release of their new album, Five Iron Frenzy 2: Electric Boogaloo another month to finish recording, insisting it'll be well worth it. The delay, however, will (thankfully) not effect their fall tour plans.

The Supertones have signed with The William Morris Agency. This is on the heel of their signing with Alabaster Arts. WMA is one of the most prominent management agencies in mainstream music.

4HIM is also now "4 Word Records". The band has signed with Word Records for their ninth studio album, Walk On hitting store shelves soon. For more information on the band, go to www.4HIM.net.

True Vibe has been added to the "Radio Disney Live! World Tour 2001" major market amphitheater tour. Artists such as Aaron Carter, A*Teens, Baha Men, Krystal, and Hoku will be on this billing. True Vibe will only be on the Philadelphia and New York shows but word has it that many people will be in attendance as well as the boys' having a chance for some TV exposure.

The eagerly awaited new project from Mike Knott is still forthcoming. Michael's busy touring schedule promoting his Metro One Records release Life of David has bumped Pennies... from its originally planned Spring 2001 release. Now you can look forward to a Winter 2001 release. Pennies for Stormie Laine will be special, as it will represent Michael's first solo piano collection of all new material. Some songs for the project were developed with members of Ticklepenny Corner.

*Wednesday, July 25th, 2001*

According to a report on CDnow.com, Steven Curtis Chapman has really been rendered speechless! Steven has a paralyzed vocal cord, the result of a viral infection, he said Tuesday, July 17th at a media preview for his new album releasing September 25th, Declaration. The ailment, which seriously affects his singing range and ability, will take weeks to months of recovery. "For a guy who only likes to write songs about being speechless, not to do it in real life, that's a real hard thing," Chapman was quoted by CDnow as saying, alluding to his previous album, the platinum-selling, Speechless. Shortly before attending the event, held at Nashville's Six Degrees restaurant, Chapman had visited the Vanderbilt Voice Clinic. "They stick needles in your neck, into a muscle," he stated. Steven Curtis said his voice problems began about a month ago as he was completing the background vocals for his new album. Thankfully, he was still able to finish the album in time for its release on Sparrow Records in September.

Zao has been recording recently at Tooth and Nail Records' new studio at the T&N compound in Seattle. The studio was recently finished and Aaron Sprinkle (of Poor Old Lu / Roseblossum Punch fame) is the in-house engineer/producer. You can see a list of gear and pictures of Zao recording at: http://www.compoundrecording.com. Upcoming projects include Stavesacre, Squad Five-O and Poor Old Lu. The studio is open to all for recording. If you are interested, check out the website for info on how to contact Aaron for rates and other information. Gear is listed on the main page.

Congratulations are in order for Nichole Nordeman! According to a JfH visitor, Nichole got married last friday, July 20th. Best of luck to them!

inpop records has partnered with Teen Mania Ministries to launch Unshakeable, a compilation CD featuring songs that capture the spirit of the UNSHAKEABLE conferences nationwide this fall and Spring 2001. Releasing nationwide on October 23rd, the CD features various artists singing modern worship songs that will be used during the weekend conferences. inpop artist Phil Joel recorded the title track, "Unshakable," and is joined by fellow label mate Superchick, with their rendition of Matt Redman's "Holy Moment." In addition, Ron Luce sings lead vocals on three tracks, including "God of Wonders," a duet with ATF vocalist Melissa Tawlks, as well as "The Wonderful Cross." Nick Gonzales of Salvador gives a powerful performance on "I Want To Be Clean," while former SONICFLOOd lead singer Jeff Deyo performed his original song "Fill Me With Your Holiness." Plumb also returns to the studio with Martin Smith of delirious' song "History Maker."

FamilyChristian.com is at it again! With the release of Skillet's fourth studio album Alien Youth releasing on August 28th, Family Christian has an offer that panheads can't refuse! Be one of the first 1000 people to pre-order Skillet's new album for only $14.97 and receive a FamilyChristian.com "EXCLUSIVE CD-ROM" autographed by the band and featuring the video for "Alien Youth" plus two new never released studio songs. Click on link below: http://www.familychristian.com/shop/product.asp?ProdID=5172

Rebecca St. James is scheduled to film the video for her single “Wait For Me” at the end of this month, so be looking for the debut coming soon.

We finally have some details on the new Prayer of Jabez tribute CD! The first single from the official CD companion to the wildly popular The Prayer of Jabez book, “This Is My Prayer,” sung by CCM newcomer Sarah Sadler and veteran Margaret Becker, will be released to radio on August 17. The complete project, which includes tracks by Geoff Moore, Phil Keaggy and Rebecca St. James, will be available August 28th.

It's going to be "Beautiful"! The guys of Audio Adrenaline have been couped up for months in their Nashville studio writing and recording their new album set to release this November. Be on the look out for a sneak peak of the first single, "Beautiful," to be serviced to radio in August!

Tait just got back from a few days in New York City where they filmed a video for their song "Altars". The song will be featured on a Fall TV Special for the Salvation Army.

Pax 217 will be recording this Fall and their sophomore CD, the follow up to their debut, Twoseventeen will be out in February. Details to follow!

Joann Hogg of Iona is currently collaborating with Maire Brennan and Margaret Becker on The New Irish Hymns project, slated for release in October (Kingsway Music).

*Thursday, July 19th, 2001*

Third Day has been soaring to new hights lately! And they're clearly out of this world now-- literally! The hit song, "God of Wonders," from the best-selling multi-artist community collaboration City On A Hill - Songs Of Worship And Praise, recently awakened the crew of the NASA space shuttle Atlantis. The song, which earned two Dove Award nominations and was a chart-topping phenomenon, features Third Day, Caedmon's Call, and Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer. According to a recent mission status report issued from the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, the five astronauts aboard the shuttle heard "God of Wonders" at 3:04 p.m. Central Daylight Time on Friday, July 13th. The song began the crew's third day (ironic, huh?) in space, which focused on rendezvousing and docking with the International Space Station around 9:53 p.m. For more info on that mission, click here!

Ardent Records' top rock band Skillet recently finished taping its first video using computer-generated technology. The video (photo), "Alien Youth," is also the title song from the band's highly anticipated and critically acclaimed new recording, which releases August 28. The song is further a Rock radio Top 5 hit single this week and has been given Highest Debut and Most Added honors by The CCM Update. Having finished their performance for the video, editors will now incorporate computer technology to generate a futuristic city in which Skillet members interact. The video, which is slated to release to broadcast outlets nationally in August, is another tool for Skillet to reach the youth generation. The band is also developing a special Bible study program based on the five key attributes of living as an "Alien Youth." Expect an advance review of the new album Alien Youth at the JfH soon!

The band Puller has decided to call it quits. With six years together, three records, and 15 tours, the band is no more. Mike will have a solo record this fall as well as something with Bruce of Living Sacrifice. Geoff will be playing in his band Samo. Kyle will go to his band No Where Fast and Ron has no plans as of yet.

Petra has finally found a new home! The band recently signed with Peter Furler of the Newsboys' own label, Inpop Records. Check out the legendary band's new album Revival, the follow-up to the Grammy-Award winning release Double Take, to release around November.

Speaking of signings, after many months without a label to call their own after leaving Forefront Records, Bleach has found a home with Tooth and Nail Records. Their new album will be out in early 2002. More news to come soon.

**Bleach news has been removed by request and rendered false.**

Christianpunk.com reports that Ghoti Hook has decided not to renew their Tooth and Nail contract. They do have an EP coming out with Velvet Blue Music this fall but they are not signed to that label. Their next full length will be an "extension" of the last one.

Philmore's latest project, their follow-up to their self-titled debut album, will be entitled The Naked Truth About Philmore.

If you saw Reese Witherspoon's new comedy last weekend you may have noticed a familiar tune in the credits. Yup, the female-fronted pop/punk band was none other than Superchic[k] and their song "One Girl Revolution."

*Friday, July 13th, 2001*

Some of you may have noticed the cover of this week's Newsweek Magazine seeming a little unnatural for the liberal magazine. "Jesus Rocks!" was written across the cover with a group of kids from a recent Christian music festival featured below. The subtitle read "Christian Entertainment Makes a Joyful Noise." The magazine went on to discuss Festival Con Dios, the new travelling Christian music festival featuring the talents of the Newsboys and Audio Adrenaline. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the article showed the scene in a very positive light. "More than half of the Con Dios bands are tight enough to compete with MTV's "TRL" crowd," author of the article, Lorraine Ali admits. The article also features quotes from Audio A's Mark Stuart, and Newsboys' Peter Furler. If you can't find the magazine still on newstands, visit Newsweek.com for the article as well as song clips from some of the bands featured on the tour!

Relient K is almost ready to start on their video for their new song, "Sadie Hawkins Dance." The song will be on the band's upcoming sophomore album, The Anatomy Of The Tongue In Cheek. One of the famous television actors of our time will guest star. Enter mister Gary Coleman, of Diff'rent Strokes fame.

MTV's "Tough Enough" program which aired last night at 9:30pm EST allowed the viewers to hear great music from Christian artists such as PAX217, tobyMac, Kevin Max and Tait. Their songs will be included in this "Highest Rated Made-For-Cable Program," whose ratings have actually topped HBO's "The Soprano's".

The Cross Movement will be in the July edition of the mainstream Hip-Hop magazine, The Source Magazine. The article about them will be based on their mission of spreading the Gospel.

Plus One will be plus six on their next tour. They will tour with secular artists Jessica Simpson and Eden's Crush. The guys will also be on the Child of the Promise Tour in winter with Christian artists. And if that wasn't enough, the band has also begun work on their sophomore studio album which is due to hit stores early 2002.

The acoustic power-pop harmonies of Go Fish will make their Inpop Records debut on August 28th, entitled Infectious. Watch for a Christmas album called More Than A Story also to release soon.

Look for The Benjamin Gate's lead singer, Adrienne, to be making some vocal appearances on ForeFront’s upcoming release, The Prayer of Jabez. More details on the album based on the hit book to come soon. Also, look for the band's first video, “All Over Me,” to be released to video outlets across the country soon. The video was shot in front of a green screen, and has been digitally enhanced with some amazing visual effects.

Look for lead singer of Tait, the infamous Michael Tait, on newsstands soon. He will grace the cover of the August issue of Christian Singles magazine. Tait's debut album, Empty, released July 3rd, so pick up a copy if you haven't already!

Christmas in July? Well, it is for Stacie Orrico. Stacie has been busy putting the finishing touches on her upcoming Christmas EP. Look for that album to hit stores in October.

To update on the Kevin Max book, it will release on November 3rd. This will be his first nationally released book. He has two independent releases of poetry under his belt.

It seems like John and the band Jake have something in common. Marty from the band is now engaged to his girlfriend of 7 years! Congratulations to the both of them!

*Monday, July 9th, 2001*

About.com's Christian music department reports that Kevin Max has signed a publishing agreement with Thomas Nelson Publishers for a book called Unfinished Work. It features personal stories with a "be yourself" theme. The book will follow the August 28th release of Max's debut solo album, Stereotype Be, in November. Max will have a fall tour soon for his album and the book.

If you need something to wet your Calibretto 13 whistle, then check out their new EP entitled From The Secret Files of the Danger Brigade. It has songs that never made it on the band's debut Enter The Danger Brigade. Check out www.toothandnail.com for more details.

Prayers are in order for Christafari's drummer, Glen Pfaff. He was in a car accident on his way home from a show because his car was hit by a drunk driver. Fire filled the car but thankfully he and Artie Delgado escaped. Both men went to intensive care at the USC LA County Burn Unit.

It's MxPx vs. Tooth and Nail Records! Christianpunk.com states that rumors of Punk Rawk Show, an MxPx greatest hits project being put out by the label, isn't making the band too happy...

*Wednesday, July 4th, 2001*

Phillip LaRue Needs Your Prayers! Phillip had to come home from the Brio and Breakaway trip in Venezuela a week early due to illness. He suffered an allergic reaction from a pill that fights the potential of Malaria. A very small percentage of people (2-5%) are allergic to the medicine. And Phillip was one of them. He got very sick while in Venezuela and came home a week early. He has received medication and now is doing much better! Phillip still need your prayers. LaRue has a busy touring schedule this summer and autumn. Let's pray that Phillip has a speedy recovery.

Tentatively titled Dream, the new album from Michelle Tumes, is being worked on as we speak.

Life on the road has made it hard for Earthsuit to work on their upcoming follow up to the phenomenal Kaleidoscope Superior, but never fear. The boys will be coming back strong and working in the studio immediately following the fall leg of Festival Con Dios.

For the second time, Ardent Records' top rock band Skillet has been honored with an Inspirational Life Awards nomination from the Inspiration Network (INSP), a viewer's choice awards program that garners votes from fans via the INSP website. Skillet has been nominated in the category of Inspirational Rock/Alternative Album of the Year for its project Invincible. Skillet previously won an INSP award for "Best Modern Rock Album" for Hey You, I love Your Soul in 1998.

Chrissy, Alisa, and Kristen of ZOEgirl have been writing all spring and have already started recording vocals and programming many of the tracks for their upcoming November release.

Essential Records artist Caedmon's Call will release In the Company of Angels: A Call to Worship on September 25. The highly anticipated recording is the band's first full-length recording since last year's best-selling Long Line of Leavers. Based on the group's unique experience at "Logos" worship services, the project contains original songs, traditional hymns, two live recordings, as well as a rare, previously unreleased chorus written by the late Rich Mullins.

Phil Joel has recently begun studio plans and work for his sophomore release on InPOP Records. Look for it coming out this fall. Make sure you see him currently touring full-time with the Newsboys on the Festival Con Dios and other summer festival dates.

The Waiting has just begun work on their new project releasing from InPOP in upcoming months. Whether you are an old fan of the band, or need to be introduced, get ready for an impressive release.

Three members of one of the greatest hardcore bands around these days has put together a side project... Crash Rickshaw is a pivotal new band featuring the maximum rock and roll rhythm section of Steven Dail and Alex Albert on loan from Project 86, and introduces the startling vocals, skewering songs, and idiosyncratic guitar playing of Joby Harris, late of the bands Rainy Day (Alarma), The Moodswingers (with members of Bloodshed), and Phatso (who had a song on early seminal Tooth & Nail compilation album "I'm Your Biggest Fan," and opened for bands such as POD, EDL, and Zao). The band's self-titled album releases August 28th & plans for touring are being made around Project 86's hectic schedule.

Hip Hop lyricist John Reuben was the recipient of three awards from the Swedish music club, The Connection for his debut cd, Are We There Yet? Reuben was voted Best Male Artist of the Year and Best New Artist of the Year. The two-time Dove nominee along with his partner in rhyme, the late Scott Bellows, were also awarded the Special Prize of the Jury, "For spreading the love of Christ through music to the young people of Sweden. [John Reuben did this] Not only with the help of an excellent CD, but also by visiting the country continuous times." In August, Reuben will start work with producer Todd Collins on the follow-up to Are We There Yet?. The new record should be out in Spring 2002. As a side note, as some of you may know, Matt Carr a.k.a. Scott Bellows, passed away on May 11, 2001. Scott was a close friend and an original member of the showcase MC's. Please continue to pray for Matt's family and friends. His cause of death was not released.

*Tuesday, July 3rd, 2001*

Good news just in regarding All Star United! Someone who works with the guys wrote us in response to our news report wondering about if the band was breaking up. They said, "They are definitely not!! Please... post a note telling fans that the band are definitely NOT breaking up!" Thanks for putting all of our minds at ease!

Jars of Clay is currently working on their next album. Rumor has it that the project will be more acoustic, much like their debut release, but still have more of their current feel. Expect the artsy feel the band has become known for! They're looking at a February/March 2002 release.

Your faithful JfH news guy, Blake, was watching WWF Toughman and spotted, in the background, Toby Mac's "Extreme Days" leading off one episode. The next episode festured a Bleach song, two Switchfoot songs, and two Pax 217 songs. If you heard any we missed, let us know!

Anyone need a Soul Lift? Well on August 14th, check out Soul Lift from Flicker Records. This unique "Moby-esque" praise and worship CD will feature Johnny Cash, T-Bone with Natalie LaRue, LaRue, Steve Mason from Jars of Clay, Mark Stuart of Audio Adrenaline with Sara MacIntosh (formerly of Chasing Furies), and many others.