June 2006
The new album by Pillar is in the final stages of
production. The songs are now getting mixed in NYC by David Bendeth (As I Lay Dying, Hawthorne
Heights). The collection of 13 new tracks has been given the title, The Reckoning and
will be released October 3, 2006. The Reckoning is being called Pillar's toughest album
yet. From the cover shoot in their hometown of Tulsa, OK to the last note on the record, the boys
wanted the spirit of the Midwest to be felt throughout.
You can check out the vibe by listening to Pillar's new song "Everything" on their
Myspace and Purevolume pages.
Before The Reckoning, and as a special gift to their most loyal fans, Pillar is
releasing the Nothing Comes For Free EP. The EP will feature an early mix of
"Everything," two previously unreleased songs - "Our Escape" and "Dangerous," and four live
performance recordings. Only 10,000 copies will be printed so get yours right away!
The EP will only be available at some live shows and in the www.pillarmusic.com
web store. Here is the kicker - come October 3, 2006 (The day of "The Reckoning")
any remaining copies of the EP will be pulled and unavailable!
(from Pillar)
This week Hawk Nelson lands at No. 1 on the R&R
CHR chart with the first radio single, “Everything You Ever Wanted,” from their sophomore
release Smile, It’s The End Of The World.
This single is also moving up the R&R Christian Rock chart staking claim at No. 4 this week.
Today, Hawk Nelson will finish their headline tour in Toronto, Ontario with Falling Up and
RunKidRun after a hometown performance tonight in Peterborough. They have had a successful
run with sell-out dates in South Bend, IN, Cincinnati, OH, Omaha, NE, and London, Ontario.
This popular foursome will continue to hit the major festivals this summer while preparing for a
busy fall with two major tours yet to be announced.
(from The M Collective)
Ten years into his recording career, Jonny Lang is
fulfilling the promise critics hailed at the outset of his career: He has garnered platinum
and gold certifications and a GRAMMY nomination, headlines sold-out concerts around the world,
and toured with the Rolling Stones, among other accolades. His recordings and live performances
since then have seen him exploring his own creative vision and developing his talents as a singer,
songwriter and guitarist. Lang's Turn Around, releasing on A&M Records to general and
Christian market retail Sept. 19, reveals him to be a young adult artist of extraordinary musical
and spiritual depth.
On Turn Around, Lang confidently employs the songwriting craft he introduced on 2003's
Long Time Coming, the first album on which he had written or co-written nearly all of the
songs. Though, as a guitarist, he had long studied-and eventually shared the stage with-the likes
of Buddy Guy and B.B. King, Lang's own songs fit more accurately under the broader rubric of soul
music. A Minneapolis Star Tribune review of Long Time Coming described Lang's sound as
“more like Stevie Wonder than Stevie Ray Vaughn.”
At Wonder's request, and in his presence, Lang had the honor of performing "Livin' for the City"
at the legend's induction to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Like Wonder's first self-composed
recordings, Turn Around is thoroughly spiritual and a personal expression of his faith.
Producer Ron Fair, whose many credits include Black-Eyed Peas' "Where Is the Love," realizes the
funk and gospel energy inherent in these 14 songs co-written by Lang and GRAMMY winners Drew
Ramsey and Shannon Sanders (India.Arie, Temptations, Nicole C. Mullen), as well as five-time
GRAMMY winner and the Gospel Music Association's most awarded artist, Steven Curtis Chapman.
"I've been a fan of Jonny Lang for a long time, but I think this record captures more of his heart
and soul than any music I've ever heard him make," says Chapman, who co-wrote "My Love Remains"
for the album with Lang. "I'm very honored to have had the privilege of writing with Jonny for
this record and our friendship has shown me that he's a man that's passionate about his faith as a
Christian and is committed to reflecting that in his music. This is an amazing record from an
amazing artist." Turn Around opens aptly with an organ intro by Sanders and continues
with, "Bump in the Road," one of the album's numerous songs about the theme of redemption.
Lang sings a duet with Michael McDonald on "Thankful" and in "One Person At A Time," Lang's
lyrics challenge us: That we can change the world, One boy one girl, One person at a time.
The eminent musicians Sam Bush (mandolin) and Buddy Miller (guitar) join Lang for "On That Great
Day," while Nickel Creek violinist Sara Watkins contributes to "Only A Man," on which Lang shares
vocals with his wife, Haylie. The deeply personal song confesses:
"I grew-up singing songs in church, with questions in my mind
And turned my back and ran away, from God who gave me life
Then one night his presence fell, I wept and shook and then
I fell down and cried 'Dear Jesus rescue me again, I understand,
I am only a man'" Other credits are more lighthearted: "The Other Side" features a horn section including a 1968
Ford Mustang, a 1993 Toyota Camry and a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. Turn Around streets
September 19th!
(from Hoganson Media)
Cool Hand Luke has been busy this summer writing and rehearsing music for their new concept
record as well as some other songs that aren’t specific to that project. Watch for the band to
come out of hibernation to share their beautiful songs at Cornerstone Festival, Spirit West Coast,
Purple Door Festival and a handful of other shows! For those eager for new CHL music, Cool Hand
Luke’s latest song, “A Floating Smile” (and Hundred Year Storm’s “Yesterday We Had It All”)
can be found on the Word Entertainment Summer Sampler Today’s Forecast... Cool New Music,
so make sure you pick one of those up! The samplers are only in stores until the end of July.
(from Floodgate Records)
BarlowGirl's music video supporting their No. 1
hit single "Never Alone" launched this week at Yahoo! Music. This special world premiere feature
is available only at Yahoo! You can catch the "Never Alone" video debut on Yahoo! right now at:
http://music.yahoo.com/premieres.
And while viewing the launch, check out BarlowGirl's Yahoo! Music Page featuring the band's
"I Need You To Love Me" video and live "Who's Next" performance of "Never Alone."
(from Word Records)
After four studio releases, an acoustic
EP and a live album, Rocketown Records is releasing this summer the
definitive collection of Ginny Owens'
greatest hits. Titled after
her career-defining song, If You Want Me To: The Best of Ginny Owens
will release Aug. 8. A consummate songwriter and performer, Owens
résumé consists of three Dove Award wins, including New Artist of the Year, as well as a
host of mainstream television appearances. Most recently, Owens appeared on CNN to educate
viewers about the non-profit organization she launched in 2005, the Fingerprint Initiative,
and its ongoing work with Habitat for Humanity and Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.
Rocketown Records President Don Donahue said, “After my first listen to this collection of songs,
each one took me to a different memory, a different moment. Ginny writes bookmarks in time. She's
the kind of artist who makes this industry great—humble, talented, Godly and wise, a hard worker
and a friend.” In addition to past radio hits and songs that reveal Owens’ insightful and profound
writing, the anticipated best of collection also features two new tracks. The first, “Wonderful
Wonder,” is a new version of a song from Owens’ last studio release Long Way Home,
that was produced this time around by Dove Award-winning Producer of the Year Ed Cash.
The other new track, “Open Arms,” was written and produced by Owens’ label mate, Shawn Lewis
(from RKT band Hyper Static Union), and will be serviced to AC/CHR radio stations for a July 7
add date. Owens is currently in the midst of a summer club tour with Curb
recording artist Plumb. For more information and updated tour dates,
visit www.ginnyowens.com or www.rocketownrecords.com.
(from Rocketown Records)
Premier Productions moves into the world of sports related concert promotions this summer
with the addition of "Faith Nights" to their 2006 concert presentations.
Premier's promotion of Faith Nights brings the power of America's leading promoter of Christian
themed concert events in partnership with Third Coast Sports, who since 2002 have established as
the foremost authority in church marketing and event planning for sports teams.
Premier will promote seven August concerts headlining Audio Adrenaline
and VeggieTales in the unique Faith Nights format developed and marketed by
Third Coast Sports. The events, which integrate a Christian music concert and heavy promotional
involvement through local churches with a professional sporting event, have hit a proven success
formula -- capturing the imagination of both the sports world and the church community.
Since the first Faith Night presentation by Third Coast Sports at a sporting event in Nashville
in 2002, the concept has consistently been successful nationally as a proven tool for the
encouragement of church fellowship within the community, as well as an outreach to those who may
not have a church home.
Announcement that Faith Nights would launch into the world of Major League Baseball events in
summer 2006 recently graced the cover of The New York Times. USA Today, ABC World News Tonight,
Sports Illustrated, The 700 Club, The Chicago Sun Times, Associated Press, ESPN The Magazine, The
Dallas Morning News, Baseball America, as well as market-to-market coverage in hundreds of
newspapers nationally is only a small sampling of the media coverage accorded Faith Night events
to date.
The stadium concerts by Audio Adrenaline will be complimented by appearances through-out the
evening by Bob & Larry from VeggieTales. At each Faith Night concert, select home team players
offer their personal testimony of God's work in their lives. Through sponsor partnerships with
the teams "Faith Night" souvenirs are given to the first 2,000 fans at many of the events.
Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber from the hit animated series VeggieTales appear through
the courtesy of their creators Big Idea, Inc.
Notes Roy Morgan of Premier: "Faith Nights are a perfect compliment to our promotional interests
in the concert market. The strong family values and Christian emphasis presented in a marriage of
sports with Christian music succeeds in taking the positive message of the gospel wider in a very
unique and effective format that we at Premier are extremely excited to be presenting."
(from Morning Star PR)
INO Records has announced the signing of the Georgia-based band Echoing Angels.
Their national debut album, You Alone, is set to release nationwide on September 5, 2006.
Excitement has been building around this band, explained INO president Jeff Moseley, “When
I first heard 'You Alone,' I was moved by the song. After getting to know the guys, I have been
moved by their art and their hearts. This is a debut that will make an impact!”
Seasoned performers under the new moniker Echoing Angels (formerly Two Bare Feet) has shared
seven years together on stage and performed along with the likes of MercyMe, Tait, and NewSong.
They have also received airplay in Atlanta with the title track of their debut, which is the
project’s first single to hit radio June 30th.
Hailing from Atlanta, this band has a contemporary style infused with pop elements influenced by,
Train, Lifehouse, Matchbox 20, Tonic, MercyMe and Third Day. You Alone is produced by
Peter Kipley (MercyMe, Rebecca St. James) and Scotty Wilbanks (Third Day, NewSong).
Drummer Jon Poole and bass guitarist Josh Armour started the band over a slice of pizza and later
added lead vocalist Chris Peevy, and guitarists Shannon Coleman and Jared Lee to the band whose
name is taken from an original song inspired by Hebrews 1:14, which speaks about angels being
known as God’s servants that come to care for man. The band’s name is a continual reflection
of the support system that encourages each member to live out his role in God’s plan.
If there was one word to describe the band’s mission, it would be: obedience. Each member learns
obedience not just in the spotlight of the stage, but in the light of the day-to-day.
“If the five of us were not in a band together, we’d still strive to be obedient each day; we’d seek God’s word and plan for our lives, says bass guitarist Armour. “We five inspire each other and keep each other going,” lead vocalist Peevy says, “to share our passion for worship and God and being obedient to what he’s called us to do. He doesn’t need us, but he uses us.”
They are currently managing a full-time touring schedule throughout the southeast.
(from The M Collective)
Multi platinum, GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning rock band Third Day is readying for the fall
leg of its highly successful “Wherever You Are” tour; a tour anticipated by fans and promoters
alike following its high-impact spring.
Since its launch in Fairfax, VA on February 16, the band consistently ranked in the Top 25 on
Pollstar Magazine’s “Weekly Concert Pulse” alongside artists including James Taylor, Coldplay,
Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney and Bob Dylan, further solidifying its place as the leading touring band
in Christian music this spring. The Concert Pulse ranks each artist by its average box-office
gross per city in North America and is based on data reported within the last three months. All
figures in U.S. dollars.
Alan Knowles, president of DMI Concerts, notes, “Our spring tour dates in Chattanooga and
Knoxville were awesome with relevant-to-life, non-compromising, performances and on-target,
fast-paced ticket sales. It’s great to work with a band that consistently delivers a sizzling
package with a message for life & living to capacity crowds. It’s a humbling honor to be a part of
God’s big picture as He uses Third Day to share His love and hope.”
“The spring tour was incredible,” offers bassist Tai Anderson. “There’s always a flood of emotion
when you connect with your audience from stage. I can’t tell you what it meant to see them
singing along. We’re very appreciative of our fans and we’re excited to see them again this fall.”
“Mountain of God,” the second single off the already-RIAA certified Gold Wherever You Are,
is climbing up the AC and INSP charts at a torrid pace. Mark Giles, VP of National Promotions with
Provident Label Group, comments, “‘Mountain of God’ has been either first or second most-increased
in spin-counts for the past eight weeks. PDs and MDs are telling us that it’s connecting with
their listeners and that it’s fast becoming a favorite. The CHR format has also begun to request
servicing of the song so that they can add it to their play lists.”
The band is playing several festivals this summer including, Alive Festival (Canal Fulton, OH),
Creation West (George, WA) and Sonshine Festival (Willmar, MN). Visit www.ThirdDay.com for
the most up-to-date tour itinerary.
(from Provident Music Group)
Interested in learning more about songwriting? Enroll in a limited member songwriting course
led by award-winning songwriter, Patrick Andrew (PFR).
Members of the course will learn essential elements of songwriting, and then record their song at
Vertigo Studios. Each member will have their song placed on the First Draft Compilation and
released through Canvas Burning Productions (a division of MakeShift Records)!
Every participant will then receive 50 copies of the project to sell or share as they would like!
Cost for the entire course is only $949 and begins August 1st, 2006.
So come be a part of this insightful course. Remember that openings are limited, so be sure to
sign up today! Email Patrick today at patrick@makeshiftrecords.com for more info or to sign up!
(from Myspace.com/PatrickAndrewMusic)
They're back! Although only available in the UK (and some other European countries) at this time, All Star United has released
a brand new album entitled Love & Radiation!
The band had this to say in a recent newsletter announcement... "Match fit and ready to score,
All Star United are back with a brand new album - the incomparably good Love and Radiation.
With more tricks and kicks than a pitch full of Brazilians, ASU's latest release has all the best
moves. Click Here to view the
ASU ecard and get yourself warmed up with track samples. You can also buy the album there too!"
Looks like we'll be hearing more from ASU soon enough... and it wouldn't be too soon!
(from All Star United)
Mark Hall, lead singer of platinum selling and Grammy
award-winning band Casting Crowns, releases his first national book titled
Lifestories: Finding God’s “Voice of Truth” Through Everyday Life, with writer Tim Luke,
on Aug. 29. Lifestories, published by Provident Books, chronicles the people, events and life experiences that inspired many of Hall’s award-winning songs on the band’s self-titled debut album and its latest release, Lifesong.
“My sincere prayer is that Lifestories will not simply be read, but experienced,” Hall said. “Furthest from my mind was the notion of entertaining; each chapter was prayed over as it was written—and invariably the prayer asked God to use this book to exalt the name of Jesus Christ. I prayed that He would use this work to help lead people to His Word, and to Him, so that He could encourage them, inspire them, instruct them, motivate them—and, if need be, convict and correct. I prayed for Him to save souls and to change lives.”
“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to partner with Mark,” said Dean Diehl, sr. vp of marketing for Provident Label Group. “He is a husband, father, pastor, songwriter and man of God. Now fans will get to experience Mark Hall ‘the author’ as he reveals a deeper look behind his music and ministry than ever before.”
Lifestories is not a typical “artist book” project. There are no photos of the band or interviews with its members. Instead, readers will find a collection of true stories about real-life people and their extraordinary life experiences, many of which provided the catalyst for Hall’s award-winning songwriting—producing five No. 1 radio hits and earning him the “Songwriter of the Year” award by BMI and the GMA for 2 consecutive years, propelling Casting Crowns to the top of the Christian radio and retail charts in its short two-and-a-half year music career.
For example, Lifestories reveals how Casting Crowns’ current No. 1 radio single “Praise You in This Storm” was written for 11-year-old fan Erin Browning, who was diagnosed with bone cancer shortly after the band met her at a show in 2004. Through e-mails and phone calls, the band walked with Erin’s family through its unimaginable personal storm. Erin passed away in fall 2005. Hall was so deeply touched by the unwavering faith of her heartbroken mother that the lyrics to the song were born. The song has remained on the top of the radio charts for 6 consecutive weeks to date.
For additional information on Mark Hall, Lifestories and Casting Crowns including concert dates, please visit www.castingcrowns.com.
(from 
As they swiftly climb R&R’s Christian rock chart with their first single “Life Again,”
(currently at No. 3), SRE Rockers Decyfer Down have been getting some pretty impressive exposure
in the wide world of sports with their song “Break Free,” also from their just-released,
highly-acclaimed debut, End Of Grey. From the
National Basketball Association (NBA) and The Major Baseball League (MLB) to the NCAA, National
Hockey League (NHL) and more, “Break Free” has been heard by over 9,671,200 audience members
through on site and television views.
In just the past few months, “Break Free” has been heard during NBA games with teams including the
LA Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and Boston Celtics. The MLB and NHL have
also broadcast the song at games with teams including The New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, St
Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers respectively,
with the NCAA (Texas A&M, UNC Chapel Hill, etc) and Arena Football League (Nashville Kats,
Chicago Rush,etc) and National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) rocking along as well.
This summer Decyfer Down is hitting all the major summer festivals (Cornerstone, Sonshine, etc),
and will hit the road in August for the Accelerate Tour with Nevertheless and Red.
(from The M Collective)
Word Records (a Warner Bros./Curb co.) Austin based Latin Jam Band,
Salvador, prepares to release their fifth studio album
on August 29th. The record was produced by lead singer Nic Gonzales and keyboard player Chris
Bevins at Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Studio in Austin, TX.
Salvador has earned multiple Latin Billboard Award nominations and took home the Dove Award for
“Spanish Language Album of the Year” for Con Poder. They have played to audiences
numbering in the hundreds of thousands, including performing with Billy Graham’s final Crusade in
New York City. The band travels an average of 200 dates a year and continues to build their loyal
and appreciative fan base. Their last single, "Heaven," was Top 5 for 18 weeks on AC radio and was
the 4th most played song of 2005! Salvador is still giving their fans what they are known for…
honest, poignant, and insightful lyrics, while staying true to their Latino roots. Nic Gonzales
co-wrote every song on the album along with such luminaries as Chris Rodriguez, Matt Bronlewee,
Jason Ingram, and Cindy Morgan. Gonzales says, “With this album we had an opportunity to change
our style and alter our sound…we chose not to.” Gonzales explains “ The lyrics in Neighbor ‘What
separates us from our fellow man/Is it the fear of what we do not understand?/So let’s dismiss
this mystery and talk about it honestly’ is where the title of our album comes from and best
describes what we are trying to say. Shine, the first single from the album, is set to add at all
formats on June 22. This fall Salvador will embark on their 4th headlining tour visiting 30
cities. In addition to their national tour, which is being booked by the William Morris Agency
(www.wmaccm.com), Salvador will also be
appearing at various festivals and events throughout the U.S. this summer. More news regarding the
fall tour will be released in the upcoming weeks.
(from Big Machine Media)
Stellar Kart recently traveled to New York to film
music videos for "Me And Jesus" and "Activate" from their new album We Can't Stand Sitting Down,
in stores July 25th! The band is preparing to preview these new videos and songs from the album on
their MySpace page. Each week until the album's release, the band will feature new songs and
exclusive footage from the making of the album. In the meantime, you can pre-order an autographed
CD at their website! But be sure to check their MySpace page each week for updated content!
Visit Stellar Kart at www.stellarkart.com
and preview the new album at www.myspace.com/stellarkart!
(from )
With more new artists than ever vying for radio air time, Gotee Records has made impressive
strides with debut acts including StorySide:B, Ayiesha, and Fighting Instinct.
StorySide:B, who released Everything And More last
December, has seen upward momentum on all of their radio singles to date. One of their two current
singles, title cut “Everything And More” lands at #4 on the CHR charts this week. Simultaneously
“More To This Life” is in the Top 20 at AC radio. StorySide:B’s flagship radio single “Miracle”
saw a pre-Christmas peak at the #2 position at CHR Radio. The song also claimed the “Most Added”
and “Highest Gainer” title during the climb.
Introducing Ayiesha Woods is just out of the gate with a June 6th street date. The solo
act’s debut single “Happy” is currently in CHR’s Top 10, as well as #14 at AC Indicator and #19 at
AC Monitored. Powerhouse radio station K-Love also just added Ayiesha to their play list.
Fighting Instinct’s single, “Back To You,” saw three new adds at the CHR format this week,
including AIR 1. The band jumps four spots to the #21 position after only three weeks on the chart.
Their self-titled debut lands in stores June 27th.
“Gotee continues to make very diverse music and it’s encouraging to have these new artists
embraced by radio,” said national promotions manager Phil Conner. “We love the music we make and
it’s the best feeling in the world when other people catch and support the vision.”
(from LB PR)
Starflyer 59 has been keeping busy as usual. "The new album My Island is finally
finished," the band announced last week on their MySpace. "We were able to have Ken Andrews on board again for the mixing tasks, and are very happy
with the final results. The album is due out September 12th with tour dates being booked right now
to coincide with the release. In the meantime we are releasing a new EP titled I Win. The
title track is a song taken off the new record, with three other brand new tracks and art by Matt
(Cold War Kids) Maust available on this limited release only. The I Win EP is available
for order now! at www.myspace.com/starflyer59.
It is currently in manufacturing, and all orders will ship by July 1st, or as soon as we get them
in. We will also be playing a couple of festivals this summer, and finally a couple of dates in
Canada... check out our upcoming shows section for details. Thanks for reading and God Bless."
(from MySpace.com/Starflyer59)
GRAMMY-Awards-winning Audio Adrenaline is releasing
Hands and Feet, its first book with Regal Books, on September 5. The book takes the reader
on a true-life adventure of one of Christian music’s best-loved bands, along with a missions team
of young people as they journey together to build an orphanage in Haiti and minister to children
in desperate need. In this travelogue-style journal about a powerful journey, readers will learn about Haiti, hear
directly from the members of Audio Adrenaline, meet Drex and Joe Stuart (Audio Adrenaline front
man Mark Stuart’s parents who lead the project in Haiti), read journal entries from the students
who went to Haiti, find inspiration for their own mission and outreach and hear about how lives
are being changed. The book also features a day in the life of a child of Haiti and appendices for
mission trip preparation and essentials. Deep in the heart of Haiti lies The Hands and Feet Project, a non-profit organization and
orphanage founded by the band members of Audio Adrenaline for impoverished children who desperately
lack the resources most of us take for granted. Superstition and voodoo still cast their spells
over the Haitian people who live in one of the poorest nations in the world. Through this journal,
full of personal stories, readers will discover what it is like to live in the embattled country
of Haiti – and how it is possible to change the world, one child at a time.
“We started the project to provide a place for orphaned children in Haiti to receive a roof over
their heads and plenty of food as well as to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as their
savior,” says Mark Stuart. “It’s also a place where people from the States can come and see what
it is to serve and be the hands and feet of Jesus to the people of Haiti.”
Audio Adrenaline will add a final chapter to its substantial career with ADIOS: The Greatest Hits,
releasing Aug. 1. After 15-years of music, mission and service, Audio Adrenaline is saying
“adios,” offering one more nod to its considerable fan base with the album and an aggressive tour
itinerary through the end of this year.
(from Hoganson Media)
Longtime bassist for Aussie
supergoup Newsboys and solo recording artist, Phil Joel has signed a
label agreement with burgeoning Christian entertainment company
Indelible Creative Group. Phil will release his latest project, the
deliberatePeople. album, on Indelible Sept. 12.
Consistent with Indelible's corporate model, which fosters products
as well as artists who embrace the need to explore new ways of
communicating their message in culturally relevant formats, is
Phil's personal ministry, "deliberatePeople."
Founded in 2004 by Phil and Heather Joel, "deliberatePeople." is a
natural extension of Phil's ministry with the Newsboys, aiming to
help people turn their passion for the Lord into a deliberate plan to
pursue Him. It centers around a daily Bible reading schedule,
devotional journal, and inspired music. Phil's partnership with
Indelible Creative Group will make the deliberatePeople. album, one
of these resources, additionally available at retail outlets nationwide.
"The first time I met Phil Joel and heard about
"deliberatePeople." I was on board," comments president and co- founder of Indelible Creative Group,
Chris Thomason. "This project is a personal life calling for Phil and his wife Heather, and we are
very happy to be entering into a long term relationship to help them
facilitate their ministry."
"We love Indelible's openness to new ministries and alternate
means of communicating the Gospel message," says Phil. "It is
exciting to work alongside such a company to impact the culture in a
fresh, tangible way." For Jesusfreakhideout.com's review of the deliberatePeople. album,
click here!
(from Savvy Media)
Maverick/Gotee band Family Force 5 continues to gain momentum with their debut release
Business Up Front, Party In The Back as
the music video for “Kountry Gentleman” landed a spot on MTVU.com’s “The Freshman Class”
(http://www.mtvu.com/music/freshmen/). MTVU.com’s “The Freshman Class” video show lets the viewers
vote and decide which videos make the grade.
Family Force 5’s performance of “Love Addict” also recently aired on DIRECTV’s CD USA on May 27th.
The band will go back for a second performance of “Kountry Gentleman” on July 13th.
(http://www.cdusa.com/Pages/Tune_In.aspx)
On the tour front, Family Force 5 is currently part of the Journeys Backyard BBQ Tour, playing
San Antonio, headlining Houston and joining Switchfoot on last night’s Nashville date.
Along with the hottest musical acts, the Journeys Backyard BBQ Tour features demo shows by top
pro skateboard enthusiasts including Tony Hawk and Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White, as well as
freestyle motocross athletes Todd Potter, and Chuck Carothers.
Following the Journeys events, Family Force 5 will be playing select Van’s Warped Tour markets on
the Ernie Ball Stage. Fans can catch Family Force 5 in Minneapolis (June 18), Bonner Springs,
MO (June 19), back in Nashville, TN (June 21), Jacksonville, FL (June 22), Orlando, FL (June 25),
Raleigh, NC (June 27), and finishing their run on the tour in hometown Atlanta, GA (June 28).
They are also slated to play major Christian music festivals this summer including Ichthus, Alive,
Creation East, and Cornerstone, and overseas at the Frizon and Flevo festivals.
Family Force 5 nabbed a #1 spot on both R&R’s Christian Rock chart, as well as the Christian Radio
Weekly Rock chart with their radio single “Replace Me.” The next single “Love Addict” goes for adds at Rock radio this month.
(from LB PR)
Fo Yo Soul Entertainment/Zomba recording artist Kirk Franklin
has completed the music video for "Imagine Me", the second from his nearly platinum-selling latest
release, Hero. Shot in multiple locations in Los Angeles during a brief break from The
Hero Tour, the emotionally-charged clip was co-directed by Franklin and Max Nichols.
An anthem of victory and overcoming obstacles, "Imagine Me" encourages everyone to begin to see
themselves through the eyes of Heaven and break through to the truth of who God says that they are. An
instant classic, the song is being hailed by critics and fans alike as the latest career milestone
for Franklin. In the same vein, the video raises the bar a notch higher as the central theme of
the song is vividly illustrated through relatable real life situtations that are sure to tug at
the heart and soul of the viewer.
The "Imagine Me" video will be the special feature on this Sunday's (TODAY, June 18 - Father's Day)
edition of BET's Lift Every Voice as host Gerard Henry goes behind the scenes to give viewers a
sneak peek at how the video came together. Then, BET takes you even deeper into the making of the
video during a special edition of Access Granted on Wednesday, June 21. You don't want to miss either one!
(from Fo Yo Soul Entertainment)
Sparrow Records announces the August 1, 2006, release of Sing Over Me,
a newly recorded album of special worship songs and lullabies featuring popular female artists
Nichole Nordeman, Janna Long (Avalon), Bethany Dillon,
Christy Nockels (Watermark, Passion), and Erin O’Donnell.
Produced by 2006 GMA Dove Award-winning Producer of the Year Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin),
Sing Over Me will inspire wonderfully worn-out parents and sleepy children alike to
worship and rest with its peaceful arrangements and heart softening vocals. Song selections and
performers include:
“How Great Is Our God” (Dillon), “Here I Am To Worship” (O’Donnell, Nockels), “You Are Good”
(Nordeman, O’Donnell), “May The Words Of My Mouth” (Nockels, Long), “How Deep The Father’s Love For
Us” (Nordeman), “Sing Over Me” (Dillon, Nordeman), “Whole World In His Hands” (Nockels),
“Hold On To Jesus” (O’Donnell, Long), “We Fall Down” (Nordeman), “Lord You Have My Heart”
(Long, Nockels), “Unwavering” (Dillon), and “Jesus Loves Me” (Nockels).
Nordeman, who co-wrote “You Are Good” especially for Sing Over Me, says, “We live in a
time where we have a unique opportunity to be very public about our praise. But this record began
to draw me back to more quiet and private moments with God. Nobody thinks about worshipping in a
rocking chair at 3 am. But this is the reality of motherhood . . . stealing away with God one
moment at a time, not so much for the desire of being heard and seen, but more for the rare chance to listen.”
Nockels says, “This project is especially exciting for me because since the day my children were
born, and even when they were still in the womb, I have been worshipping over them in the rocking
chair . . . singing many of these songs as prayers over them. Now they are singing the songs and
telling me what it means to worship God . . . what an incredible joy as a mother!”
For continuing news about Sing Over Me: Worship Songs And Lullabies, in stores August 1,
visit www.SingOverMe.com.
(from Sparrow Records)
After seven years, Caedmon's Call has officially ended their business
relationship with Essential Records. On CaedmonsCall.net, CC
percussionist Garett Buell explains: "We were nearing the end of our
contract with Essential, had one more record, or "option" meaning that
the label would have to agree to do another record. Some how it wound
up in our favor to make a move… We have appreciated Essential and all
they did for us in years past, and still love everybody there. Just
business, nothing big." Buell also said this about the future of
Caedmon's Call: "As most of you know, Share the Well was not just an
album, it was the beginning of another chapter… If you ask me, through
Caedmon's entire career, this is what it was all for. We are currently
working on a plan to continue to be able to play and sustain the
business, it's just another phase, and we have to adapt to it." Lead
singer Cliff Young also informed the website that their fall tour will
be called The Emancipation Tour.
(from CaedmonsCall.net; JfH)
Fervent Records’ acclaimed three-sister rock band, BarlowGirl,
recently topped CHR charts with “I Need You To Love Me” from their highly applauded sophomore
album, Another Journal Entry.
Claiming the No. 1 position on CRW’s CHR chart for 13 consecutive weeks, BarlowGirl’s “I Need You
To Love Me” broke the record for the longest run at the top for the entire chart’s history. The
song additionally seized No. 1 on R&R’s CHR chart for nine consecutive weeks.
“Once in a while a song breaks through on radio and to audiences in a powerful way,” says Dave
Koch, CRW publisher and editor-in-chief. “‘I Need You to Love Me’ is one of those songs with
passionate lyrics and an undying melody that has dominated CRW’s CHR chart for so long—an
incredible milestone for BarlowGirl.”
“I Need You To Love Me” is BarlowGirl’s second hit from Another Journal Entry, following their
chart-topping single, “Let Go,” and fourth career No. 1 including “Never Alone” from their
self-titled freshman bow and “You’re Worthy of My Praise,” a duet with labelmates Big Daddy Weave.
Following their recent success at iTunes.com and Yahoo Music’s “Who’s Next” series, Fervent
Record’s BarlowGirl has taped exclusive performances for two other major digital sites, Napster
and Sony Connect Sets. In addition to the two new web appearances, BarlowGirl is releasing Another
Journal Entry Expanded Edition on August 29 that will include five previously unreleased
songs, a disc to exclusive website coverage, and a BarlowGirl “More Than Music” book. At the same
time, a video for “Never Alone” was recently shot in Nashville with Broken Poet Productions and
will be released in the near future.
(from Word Records)
Hawk Nelson’s song “The Show” from their recent
project Smile, It’s The End Of The World is
currently being featured on NBC during the NHL Stanley Cup finals promotional spots. “The Show”
is a fun, energetic track that features a quartet from Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market.
The band's current radio single “Everything You Ever Wanted” is resonating with listeners and
radio stations as it jump four spots on the R&R CHR Christian chart this week from No. 7 to No. 3.
It is also in the Top 10 of the R&R Christian Rock chart at No. 5.
Hawk Nelson will be heading out next week for the SMILE, ITS’ THE END OF THE WORLD TOUR
featuring Falling Up, Project 86 and Run Kid Run (Yes, we did a double take at that lineup too - JFH).
In addition to their headline tour, this foursome will be appearing at every major summer festival
including the upcoming Atlanta Festival, Ichthus, Alive, Sonshine, Creation East Coast, and
Kingdom Bound festivals.
Finally, since the release of their sophomore project that debuted on the Billboard Top 200 at No.
75, Hawk Nelson has been touring nonstop across the country. The band has also landed on the
covers of Breakaway (April 06) and CCM (Feb. 06) as well as featured on the major teen website
Alloy.com. Hawk Nelson also performed live on G4’s “Attack of the Show” in addition to WGN’s
morning show.
(from The M Collective)
David Crowder Band has been selected as one of
five artists to be considered for MSN’s July Artist of the Month. Artists being considered in
addition to DCB are Nelly Furtado, Frankie J, Busta Rhymes and Neil Young. You can vote for your
favorite at http://music.msn.com/music/artistofthemonth.
As of 2:42 p.m. CST yesterday, Crowder has 71% of the more than 201,000 votes! Here’s what
MSN has to say about Crowder:
"In only a couple of years, David Crowder and his band have single-handedly redefined what contemporary Christian music should sound like. While Crowder is unafraid to make direct and straightforward pledges to his savior, he seems extremely restless creatively and tries his hand at any style that suits him. Even Crowder's fans in the Christian music community had to be blown away by the album "A Collision or (3+4=7)," a literate, pensive and complicated album about death. It won the Dove Award for Best Rock Album, and has even secular fans wondering what's up next."
Crowder's next project, B Collision, releases June 27th.
(from Hoganson Media)
This summer, Stellar Kart is releasing their new
album We Can't Stand Sitting Down. The band recorded the follow-up to last year's debut
All Gas, No Brake in Nashville, TN with
producer Ian Eskelin (All Star United), and it features 12 new songs, including the single
"Me And Jesus"! "Me And Jesus" has just been sent to radio, so be sure to listen and let your
favorite radio station know you want to hear more Stellar Kart!
The band has been debuting new songs from the album on the road, and recently performed at
Nashville's WAY-FM Brown Bag event with BarlowGirl in front of more than 5,000 people.
This weekend the band is shooting videos for "Me And Jesus" and "Activate" in New York City.
Keep an eye on the band's website for updates! Visit Stellar Kart at www.stellarkart.com for more info.
(from Word Records)
It's going to be a busy summer for Fervent artist Big Daddy Weave.
The group is currently finishing up the follow-up to their 2005 album
What I Was Made For. The new album, Everytime I Breathe, will be released on
September 26th. The band will join Mark Schultz on the road this fall as part of the "Broken &
Beautiful Tour." You can also catch Big Daddy Weave at KLTY's Celebrate Freedom summer festival on
July 1st in Parker, TX. You can find out more at www.klty.com.
Visit Big Daddy Weave at www.bigdaddyweave.com.
(from Word Records)
Although we reported on Bebo's recent leg injury a few days ago, here is Provident's official release
on the accident... "During a recent intense game of wiffle ball, artist/producer/composer Bebo Norman
sustained a broken leg while attempting to score the go-ahead run at the plate during the First
Annual Memorial Day Invitational in Nashville, Tenn. Immediate medical reports indicate that Norman will
need to be placed on the 15-day disabled list, possibly extending beyond that period. The September 19, 2006
release of Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, all summer concert dates and Norman’s extensive
fall tour in support of the new project all have the green light, however.
Barely missing a step, Norman comments from his crutch-supported stance, “I was safe I tell ya, safe!”
Bebo is expected to return to the line-up early July, in time for CBA in Denver, Colo.
Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, Norman’s fifth major studio release, will be in stores
September 19. Norman will be playing dates this summer and touring heavily this fall. For upcoming tour dates
and additional information on Bebo Norman, visit www.bebonorman.com."
(from Provident Music Group)
Renowned guitarists multi-Dove Award winner and Grammy nominee Phil Keaggy and
National Finger Picking Guitar Champion Muriel Anderson will be joined by acoustic folk/rocker
Jeremy Casella for an intimate evening of music entertainment. The June 10, 2006 concert (tonight!)
will take place at Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant, 20 Fourth Avenue South in Franklin, Tenn. Doors open at 7 p.m.
CST for dinner; the show begins at 8:30 p.m. CST. Reservations are required. Tickets are $29.95 for Dinner and Show or $15 for the
concert only. The monies raised during the evening will go towards a Samford University student mission trip to Peru under the covering of Scripture Union, USA. For reservations or additional information contact 615-794-5527 or visit www.puckettsgrocery.com.
"Legendary" is too mild a word to describe Phil Keaggy's body of work. Hundreds of the world's finest
guitarists, including Jeremy Casella, point to Keaggy as both a mentor and inspiration. With more than 50
albums to his credit during his phenomenal 35 year career, Keaggy shows no signs of slowing down. His latest
instrumental project, JAMMED!, which releases July 4, 2006 and will be available on and distributed
through TAG Artist Group, is a genre-defying album that blends rock, blues and funk with hints of fusion and
jazz and features production notes penned by Keaggy himself. He continues to sell out concerts all over the US
with his ever-changing style, ranging from rock-and-roll to fully orchestrated instrumental compositions.
For additional information about Phil Keaggy and his new album, JAMMED!, visit www.philkeaggy.com.
(from McCain PR)
Things are heating up for Underoath's newest release
Define The Great Line, which streets on
June 20th. A second song from the album entitled "In Regards To Myself" is now online! Be the first to hear it
at purevolume.com/underoath.
Also, don't miss your first chance to check out Underoath's new video for "Writing
On The Walls!" The video will be unleashed on MTV2 on the hour, every hour
this Monday, June 12th! Also, make sure you check out Underoath as they
will be guests on "T-Minus Rock" all that week! Check your local listings
for showtimes! MTV2.com will also be streaming the new Underoath album, Define The Great Line, in its
entirety starting Tuesday, June 13th for one full week! And right now, when you pre-order
Define The Great Line at Tower.com, you will receive a free limited edition 7" vinyl!
There are a very limited number of these collector's pieces available, so order now and don't miss out!
Place your order here!
In addition to the regular version of the album, there are two additional versions of the album available!
The Limited "Special Edition" features special packaging with exclusive artwork, plus a bonus DVD with
behind-the-scenes, in the studio, "making of" footage, and more. The record is also available as
double-gatefold vinyl. For more information and to order one, two, or all three versions of the album,
go here!
Finally, if you are a Verizon/V Cast customer OR PC user you can get Underoath's new single now by heading
over to the V Cast Music On Demand store and searching for "Writing on the Walls" or "Underoath" to find it!
The album releases in two weeks, June 20th, but you can get the first single now!
(from Tooth & Nail Records)
Continuing to break ground with his first AC radio single, singer/songwriter Chris Rice
(eb+flo/INO/Columbia Records) joins the company of artists such as Daniel Powter, James Blunt, Keith Urban and
Kelly Clarkson with his song “When Did You Fall (In Love With Me).” Rice’s single landed at No. 10 on the R&R
AC chart this week in between the dynamic duo of Faith Hill and Tim McGraw and multi-Platinum artist LeAnn
Rimes. “When Did You Fall” has remained on the AC chart for 16 weeks and continues to increase its spins
daily. Most recently the song was added into rotation on the national syndicated radio programs (The Delilah,
John Tesh Radio, and Jim Brickman shows). The single is currently receiving airplay in major markets such as
Los Angeles (KOST), Memphis (WRVR), Seattle (KRWM) and Orlando (WMGF).
(from The M Collective)
Slow Coming Day is returning! "Yes, that's right," the band announced yesterday in a newsletter to fans. "We
know that you haven't heard from us in a while, but guess what? Right now we are in the studio recording 5
brand new tracks! We are almost done with tracking the songs and we are very anxious for you to hear the new
material. We will be releasing the songs on purevolume and myspace by the beginning of July for you to hear
and we will also be pressing a new CD that will be available for purchase at shows. More details to come.
In other news, we will be heading out on a west coast tour in late July with Burning Tree Project up to
Tomfest and back." For up to date tour information, visit the band's MySpace page at
www.myspace.com/slowcomingday or their website
www.slowcomingday.com.
(from Slow Coming Day)
Rock band Disciple has announced that their long delayed DualDisc version of their new self-titled release
is finally available! According to the band, "There is tons of video footage from the road, individual band
member interviews, live concert footage etc. In addition, there are 4 bonus track songs that have never been
released before. This is a limited edition release and because of that, the CD will most likely be available
only in Christian retail stores. One thing is for sure, there is only one printing of this CD and when they're
gone, they're gone, so don't wait to buy your copy. The bonus tracks are also available on Itunes.
Please take some time to go to www.disciplerocks.com and see the updated tour dates listed there. We're going
to be all over the place this summer. We're also happy to announce that Red will be joining us for a West
Coast tour in September and then we hit the road with Kutless again in Oct-Nov. Keep an eye on the tour dates
section as new dates are being added daily."
Click here to get your copy online!
(from Disciple)
Multi-platinum selling band MercyMe will perform their hit single “So Long Self”
(currently #17 with a bullet on R&R’s mainstream AC chart and No. 1 on R&R’s Christian AC
Indicator chart, No. 3 on their Christian AC Monitor and No.8 on its Christian CHR chart) live on
CD USA this weekend, exclusively on DIRECTV’s channel 101 in HD and 334 (music channel line up)
starting Saturday June 10 at 6pm EST / 3pm PST, with rebroadcasts for 2 consecutive days.
CD USA can also be seen on all JetBlue Airlines flights over the weekend.
MercyMe is also conducting a fun campaign for their MySpace site (www.myspace.com/mercyme)!
The band promised their "friends" that once they reached 10,000 friends they would write a special
exclusive song just for MySpace, and then a new song for each additional 1,000 friends. This
promise has taken off and they are now up to nearly 14,000 friends, and staying true to their
agreement, are putting up new songs each time. The latest song is available on the media player,
and the previously recorded songs (along with a "campaign speech" from lead singer Bart Millard)
are archived in links on the left side of the page under Millard’s “Uncle Sam” photo.
(from The M Collective)
Gotee recording artist Out Of Eden has announced
that they will be ending their 13- year run as one of the Christian marketplace’s marquee
urban-pop singing groups. Out of Eden The Hits, a twelve-song collection with one brand
new song, will release on August 1st to commemorate their career.
“This has been such an incredible journey for the three of us. We have been blessed to work with
some of the most amazing people and to sing for an amazing audience. I want to send my deepest
thanks and gratitude to our Gotee family, Chaffee Management, The William Morris Agency, and all
the numerous agencies, management teams, promoters, radio personnel and website managers with whom
we have had the pleasure of working,” says Lisa Kimmey. “After 13 years, it's an extensive list,
and I am so thankful for each person that put their time and energy into Out of Eden. Really,
we're just three women that said "yes" to God as young girls, and we hope that our listeners walk
away with the knowledge that God loves them, and that if they give their lives to His use, He can
do amazing things with, for and through their lives. Thanks to all our fans around the world. I
have loved praising God with you, and I will certainly miss you."
Andrea Baca adds, "We have been so blessed to minister and sing to so many people and we thank all
of our fans for their support over the years. Though we will not be together as Out of Eden we
will continue our ministry of reaching out to young people and sharing Christ with this generation.
Thank you to all those who have helped us fulfill the vision that God gave us concerning Out of Eden."
“Now that our 13-year career is coming to an end, I can sit and look back with amazement at what
God has done” Danielle Kimmey echoes. “He took three normal girls from Richmond, Virginia and
gave us a platform on which to speak and minister to a generation. Wow! We couldn’t have done it
alone, so thanks to all of you who believed in us, especially our family, our working family and
our family at Gotee.”
Out Of Eden, comprised of sisters Lisa Kimmey, Andrea Baca, and Danielle Kimmey, has six albums to
their credit since debuting in 1994, with the most recent Hymns releasing this past March. With nearly one-and-a-half million albums sold, the group has merited numerous accolades such as the BMG Award for “Best Urban Album Of The Year” two years in a row, as well as two Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, with an additional 11 nominations.
Out of Eden The Hits will feature the songs “Lovely Day,” “More Than You Know,” “Greater Love,” “River,” “Window,” “Different Now,” Meditate,” “Rolling Stone,” as well as “Love, Peace & Happiness,” “Soldiers,” “My Faith,” and the brand new song “Mighty Good To Me.”
(from LB PR)
The music video for StorySide:B’s hit song “Miracle”
was recently awarded a Telly Award for “Outstanding Music Video” at the 27th Annual Telly Awards.
Director Shane Stanley, who was at the helm of the video production for “Miracle”, has multiple
Emmy Awards to his credit. The Telly Awards honor outstanding local, regional, and cable
television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions.
Gotee band StorySide:B has seen an incredible response to their debut project Everything And More
which released last December 26th. The ensemble was recognized with the best new artist debut
spot on Billboard Magazine’s Top Christian Albums chart, as well as landing at #77 on Billboard’s
Heatseeker chart. The first single “Miracle” made a steady climb on the radio charts with a
pre-Christmas peak at the #2 position at CHR Radio. The song also claimed the “Most Added” and
“Highest Gainer” title during the climb. The current radio single "Everything and More" is
moving up the charts, this week landing at the CHR #6 spot. "More To This Life", the next single
in line, is also currently going for adds at the AC format.
(from LB PR)
Rebecca St. James won't soon forget her midnight
tour of Red Square in Moscow where she posed in front of the dramatic light bathed St. Basil
Cathedral near the Kremlin with band and road crew. Bringing God's message to the very heart of
Moscow was but one unforgettable stop in a tour that was purposely directed to reach parts of
Europe-several of them formerly Communist Block countries-- that few Christian artists before
her have ever before reached.
Just back in the U.S. this week after blazing a trail through eleven European countries in two and
a half weeks of concert performances, at a time when Christianity is at a reported all time low
throughout Europe, Grammy winning St. James is anxious to share the message that "God is alive and
on the move!" She found that truth to be evident in far flung spots she visited including Russia,
Hungary, Estonia, Bulgaria, and Faroe Islands.
"It was a bit of a groundbreaking tour--an extremely maverick concept for a major artist of her
caliber to undertake," noted St. James' London based tour agent, Gary Smith. "Rebecca was keen in
the midst of us booking major stops for her like Oslo and Zurich, to challenge us to take the time
to seek out opportunities for her to be booked in seldom reached locations such as Russia, Hungary
and Bulgaria where young people might be drawn for the first time to hear the music and a message
of God in a rock concert setting. We were told by the Russian promoter that Rebecca's concert was
the first of its' kind in Moscow," noted Smith.
The Australian born St. James was warmly embraced in Moscow. As the rare Christian artist to
travel from America to bring her concert tour to the Russian capital she performed to a capacity
audience. Noted Rebecca: "Russia was truly an incredible experience! From the bouquet of roses we
received at the airport to the tremendously warm reception we received at the concert from the
Russian people. God is moving in Moscow and it was such a wonderful experience to be a part of
what He is doing."
"This concert will be a subject of conversation for a long time in Moscow," noted event organizer Martuynichev Sergey. "Russians fell in love with Rebecca and crew. We are singing her songs and expecting she will be back for an even bigger event in Moscow in the future. We strongly believe that with this concert Rebecca St. James has opened a door for other Christian artists to come to Russia from abroad," he added.
Hearing she was touring Europe, a local promoter in the far flung Faroe Islands made contact about bringing St. James and crew to the windswept archipelago of eighteen islands in the North Atlantic. Formerly a possession of Denmark and populated by 50,000 people and 70,000 sheep, the Faroe Islands have their own language, the oldest parliament in the world, and is the rare country in Europe that's heavily Christian. More than 30,000 claim to be born again believers in a country where abortion is illegal and pornography is prohibited by law. More than 1,000 people turned out for Rebecca's Faroe Island concert on May 31st. Noted her concert promoter: "The response was phenomenal! The major mainstream newspaper noted 'this was an extreme example of a top professional and well polished concert.' Parents came with their children and entire families were touched by the music and message."
Her concert in Sofia, Bulgaria was also a highlight. "God centered, inspirational and emotional." noted Managing Director Emmanuel Totev who brought Rebecca in for an audience that seldom sees artists traveling from America--much less a well known Christian rock singer. Her concert made national news -and was a rare live music event taped for telecast nationally throughout the entire nation of Bulgaria.
Along the way on Rebecca's May 18-June 5th tour of Europe there were more conventional concert stops in the UK, Wales, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, and Austria, In Austria she played a promised return performance for the tiny hamlet of Oberhofen high in the Austrian Alps. The appearance booked by a young Catholic priest found virtually all of the 1,600 residents of the town including the mayor, and the entire Oberhofen police and fire departments turning out to welcome her back.
In the midst of it all, St. James is glad to have set her course for ‘the road less traveled' throughout Europe. More than a concert tour, she considers it was a missionary trip.
"We saw some incredible moves of God throughout our European concert travels-but we also saw some profound pockets of darkness. It encouraged me not only to want to go back-but to encourage others to take up the challenge and meet the needs of the wonderful people that are present there," she noted.
(from Morning Star PR)
Following their incredible success at iTunes.com and Yahoo Music’s “Who’s Next” series, Fervent Records’
BarlowGirl has taped exclusive performances for two other major
digital sites, Napster and Sony Connect Sets.
BarlowGirl’s performance on Napster features four songs from their current critically acclaimed CD,
Another Journal Entry; “I Need You To Love Me,” “Never Alone,”
“Let Go,” and “Psalm 73 (My God’s Enough).” BarlowGirl traveled to Los Angeles to tape this exclusive
performance and all four songs are available for download at www.napster.com. Napster is committed to making
great music experiences more accessible to all music fans. Napster.com gives web users the power to legally
listen on-demand to a massive catalogue of music from major and independent labels, wherever they are on the
Web- for FREE. The Napster music subscription service offers a premium experience that includes unlimited
access to CD-quality music and advanced discovery, community and programming features in an advertising-free
environment, and Napster To Go subscribers also enjoy unlimited transfer of music to a compatible MP3 player.
For the Sony Connect Sets, BarlowGirl flew to LA to tape, “On My Own,” “5 Minutes Of Fame,” “Porcelain Heart,"
“Never Alone,” and “I Need You To Love Me.” These songs are available for download also at www.musicstore.connect.com.
Sony Connect Sets is an exclusive series of musical performances recorded live from their state-of-the-art
recording facilities, and engineered for the highest quality by a professional sound engineer. The objective
of Connect Sets is to offer both established and emerging artists the chance to expose their audience to a
facet of their talent that they may rarely have the chance to show, through acoustic sets performed in an
intimate studio setting.
In addition to the two new web appearances, BarlowGirl is releasing Another Journal Entry Expanded Edition
on August 29 that will include five previously unreleased songs, exclusive website footage, and a BarlowGirl
“More Than Music” book. At the same time, a video for “Never Alone” was recently shot in Nashville with
Broken Poet Productions and will be released in the near future.
(from Bozeman Media)
Despite preparing for an all new album releasing this Fall, Bebo Norman has broken a leg in the process...
literally. "Y'all... I BROKE my leg," Norman announced in a MySpace bulletin yesterday. "I was in a heated
game of wiffle ball... running to home plate trying to score the winning run. I was about to get tagged out,
so I was booking it. I jumped on the bat instead of the base. Next thing I know I am on the ground. Don't
worry, I was safe. But now I have a broken tibia. Surgery is scheduled, I have to get two screws put in my leg
to fix the break. All this to say... for those of you that were going to my show on 6/10 in Gaylord, MI... I
won't be there. I will just have had surgery and won't be able to fly at that point. So sorry to be missing
you guys. I will keep you updated on this athletic injury. Broken bones and ice packs, Bebo.
P.S. We did lose the game after all that." Please keep Bebo in your prayers for a quick recovery!
(from Myspace.com/BeboNorman; from JFH)
Grammy nominated artist Sarah Kelly is confirmed to perform @ the world famous
"GIG" on Melrose June 9, 2006 @ 8:30 P.M.
This is a first "listen" experience for Sarah's closest friends and new fans. Please
join Sarah as she sings songs from her unreleased album Where the Past Meets
Today.
The space will be limited so we're asking that you please RSVP through Sarah's
Myspace (www.myspace.com/sarahkelly) or at sarahkellypromo@yahoo.com. Also, if you'll be attending you can email
sarahkellypromo@yahoo.com and you'll be sent a flier for $4.00 off at the door. You must have the flier in hand to
receive this discount. Age is 21+ I.D. required. Cost at the door is $12.00 without flier.
(from Sarah Kelly)
Switchfoot never seems to tire of giving back to their fans. In a newsletter sent out yesterday,
the band has offered a brand new exclusive song entitled "Daylight To Break" free to download!
"Hi friends, we've been busy working on our new record here in San Diego," announced bassist Tim Foreman,
"and we're feeling really good about it. The new songs are sounding great, and we're hoping to have a new
record out before the end of the year (uh-oh, did I say that out loud?). We wanted to thank you guys for
supporting a little band from San Diego for past 10 years (can't believe it's been that long!), and we can't
think of a better way than to give you a free new song. Thanks for being a part of our music, enjoy!"
To download "Daylight To Break" for free, click here!
In other band news, Switchfoot earned a spot on ASCAP's Top 50 list of the Most Performed Songs of 2005 with
“Dare You To Move” from their double-platinum 2003 release, The Beautiful Letdown. The
band was honored at the 23rd Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards celebration held May 22, 2006 at the Beverly Hilton
Hotel in Los Angeles. Switchfoot, Eurythmics and Papa Roach performed at the event.
(from Switchfoot)
On Sunday, May 28th, multi-platinum-selling, GRAMMY and Dove Award winning rock band, Third Day
led worship for the drivers chapel service at NASCAR's Nextel Cup Coca-Cola 600 in Concord, NC.
Motor Racing Outreach (MRO), the chaplain program serving the racing community, invited the band to lead the
worship service that was attended by several drivers, crew members and their families, just prior to the
400-lap race held at the prestigious Lowes Motor Speedway. The service was broadcast to the NASCAR racing
community on Fox Sports via Direct TV. Following the service, the band was presented with an official NASCAR
racing helmet autographed by all current drivers on the Nextel Cup circuit.
Earlier this year Third Day received its fourth consecutive GRAMMY nod for its
Live Wire CD, and completed the Spring leg of its “Wherever You
Are Tour” selling out theaters and arenas all over the country. Over the past decade, Third Day has amassed
22 #1 radio singles and sold almost six million albums, with RIAA certifications including one Platinum record, one Platinum DVD, and five Gold records.
(from Provident Music Group)
Flicker Records recording artist T-Bone has a featured role in
the MTV movie, All You've Got, which stars artist Ciara and Laila Ali, the daughter of boxing legend
Muhammad Ali, among others. In addition to playing a "crazy, Hip Hop volleyball announcer," in the film, two
of T-Bone's songs, "Follow-T" and "Bounce" also are featured in it, according to T-Bone's web site. The movie
premiered on MTV on May 20 and was released on DVD on May 22.
(from GMA)
While Rebecca St. James is closing out her current European tour
with a televised concert this weekend from Moscow, she tops both the album and singles charts in her
Australian homeland as her current single "You Are Loved" and latest album If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something
(EMI/Forefront Records) this week hit #1 simultaneously on "The Rock Across Australia" (TRAA) chart-Australia's
key industry radio/programming pulse for Christian music.
Noted Wes Jay of Woodlands Media, the voice of TRAA, in talking about St. James' current dual #1 chart
placements and her overall impact on the Australian music scene:
"Since TRAA began tracking airplay in 1999, Rebecca St. James has consistently shown that her music and her
message resonate with the heartbeat of this generation. ‘You Are Loved' is one of several #1 singles and
numerous Top 10 hits for her on Australian Christian radio. She is simply an outstanding communicator and
whether she's onstage or off stage her life is consistent with her message in music."
TRAA's Top 30 is published weekly, presenting the most played songs on Australian Christian radio as compiled
from airplay reports, collated and weighted by population and average spin rates per station.
St. James' current tour of Europe today finds her in Oslo, Norway-nearing the end of a schedule that has taken
her to 11 countries in less than three weeks. Tour stops have included UK, Wales Austria, Switzerland,
Germany, Estonia Bulgaria, Hungary, Faroe Islands, Norway and upcoming televised concert this Sunday, June 4th,
in Moscow. In mid-June Rebecca will return to Europe as a headliner on the celebrated EO Youth Day Concert to
be held in Holland and expected to attract upwards of 20,000 concert goers for the event that will be telecast
throughout the continent.
(from Morning Star PR)
Artist/producer/composer Bebo Norman has announced the
September 19th release of his fifth studio album, and first in two years,
Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, on Essential Records. The new project was co-produced by
Bebo Norman and artist/producer Jason Ingram. Track 6, “The Way We Mend,” was produced by Glenn Rosenstein.
According to Norman, “Between the Dreaming and the Coming True is a turning point for me as an artist.
Everything feels new to me again; from the writing process to production and performance. I really couldn’t be
more pleased with how these songs turned out, and I can’t wait to get on the road and play them live.” With
the arrival of the new album, fans are certain to see and hear a new Bebo Norman, one that has fully stepped
into a new place in life. Norman adds, “I’m at a place in my life where I realize it’s alright to be confident...
that you can’t be the underdog forever.”
The result of this new-found confidence can be heard on the project through string and horn arrangements that
provide more lush and majestic moments, while still being raw in places. String arrangements for the project
were done by John Painter. Norman, along with Painter, arranged horns on “I Know Now,” with Painter playing
French horn, trumpet and trombone on the song.
Instrumentalists on Between the Dreaming and the Coming True are: Adam Lester - guitar; Tony Lucido -
bass; Ken Lewis - drums/percussion; Gabe Scott - accordion; Shane Keister – piano; among other extraordinary
musicians. The first nine songs on the album tell a story, one that Bebo did not set out to tell, but is
thankful it came together. Bebo shares, “I’ve never written a group of songs that expressed more intently life
lived in the real and in the everyday. It is about hope eternal played out against the backdrop of a difficult
world and a sometimes dark age. This is a record about a life of true and honest hope lived somewhere
‘Between the Dreaming and the Coming True’.”
“The title Between the Dreaming and the Coming True was inspired by a book by Robert Benson with the
same name. It was so poignant to me because this really is where life as a believer is lived,” says Norman.
The story unfolds in the following eleven tracks: “Into The Day,” “Be My Covering,” “Time Takes Its Toll,”
“I Know Now,” “I Will Lift My Eyes,” “The Way We Mend,” “To Find My Way To You,” “Bring Me To Life,” “My Eyes
Have Seen Holy,” “Sunday,” and “Now That You’re Gone.”
Norman will be touring heavily this fall. For upcoming tour dates and additional information on Bebo Norman,
visit www.bebonorman.com.
(from Provident Music Group)
Here are official details on our April announcement of Jars Of Clay's latest recording...
Multi-platinum and three time GRAMMY winning band Jars of Clay
gears up for the release of its highly-anticipated seventh studio project, Good Monsters, on September 5.
Long considered a critical success, Jars of Clay has also enjoyed major commercial success over its decade
long career, including a double-platinum selling debut project, and more than 5 million records sold in total.
Along with its loyal fan base, the band has, in recent years also found a community with poets and deep thinkers.
With Good Monsters, the band set out to capture its communal experiences and have a bit of fun with
the process. The result is an outstanding collection of tunes that are engaging upon first listen, and
increasingly captivating with each additional spin: rock hits, without sacrificing the intelligence and depth
of Dan Haseltine’s poetic lyrical genius. “I was not sure how all of the experiences of the last few years
would translate into music,” Haseltine shares. “There have been so many things to look at and describe. This
record is part confessional, part euphoric love poem, part bitter divorce, and part benediction. It was born
out of many experiences and conversations between addicts, failures, lovers, loners, believers, and beggars.
And so the language of recovery and the honest discourse about our attempts to live apart from God and apart
from each other is a theme. Engaging people who are doing the hard work of laying their lives open to others,
and avoiding isolation, has allowed me to see that there is both immeasurable evil and unfathomable good
mixing under my own skin and it is grace, mercy and freedom that allow me to not simply be a monster, but to be
a good monster.” With eleven original songs, and a remake of the Julie Miller-penned anthem “All My Tears,”
Good Monsters even boasts a few stirring guest appearances: Nashville-based, singer/songwriter extraordinaire
Kate York guests on “Even Angels Cry,” and formerly of Sixpence None the Richer, Leigh Nash, sings on “Mirrors and
Smoke,” while the moving, “Light Gives Heat,” features the African Children’s Choir.
Good Monsters, completely self-produced by the band, contains the first single, “Work,” which will be
serviced to CHR formats on June 23rd, and AC formats on July 7th. Additionally, mainstream radio promotional
efforts are pending at this date, as well as plans for an extensive Fall tour.
For more information please visit: www.jarsofclay.com
(from Provident Music Group)
Universal Pictures brings everyone’s favorite talking vegetables back to the big screen worldwide in
early 2008 with the release of The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything–A VeggieTales Movie.
The CG-animated family film is based on Big Idea’s enormously successful VeggieTales franchise and features
the creative team behind the series, Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki. The announcement was made yesterday
by Universal marketing heads, Adam Fogelson and Eddie Egan, and Big Idea COO, Terry Pefanis.
The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything–A VeggieTales Movie will be directed by Mike Nawrocki and is based
on a script written by Phil Vischer, who will also serve as executive producer through his production company,
Jellyfish Labs. Big Idea’s David Pitts will produce. The film will feature an original soundtrack by Kurt
Heinecke. Cast with a boatload of VeggieTales stars, The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything is a comedic
adventure filled with family-friendly lessons on the importance of doing what is right, even when it’s difficult
and discovering that real heroes don’t have to be tall, strong, handsome…or even human.
VeggieTales’ second feature film follows the highly successful 2002 release of Jonah–A VeggieTales Movie
that grossed over $25 million theatrically. Since 1993 VeggieTales has helped teach kids values like honesty,
kindness, and forgiveness with its unique blend of humor, award-winning animation, and infectious “Silly Songs.”
With nearly 50 million videos sold, VeggieTales is one of the most popular kids’ series in America and
continues to be an innovator in values-based family entertainment.
"The beloved and hilarious VeggieTales characters, and the beautifully designed and rendered CG animation have made
this franchise a favorite of families everywhere," said Fogelson and Egan. "We're delighted to be partnering
with Big Idea on bringing these vegetables back to the big screen in an all new adventure full of fun and music."
“It’s great to see Bob and Larry attracting new generations of fans more than a dozen years after we first
introduced them,” said Vischer. “I’m looking forward to working with Mike, Big Idea and Universal to bring
The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything–A VeggieTales Movie to the screen for all our fans, both young
and old.” Added Nawrocki, “We couldn’t ask for a better partner than Universal in bringing VeggieTales back
to the big screen.”
The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything - A VeggieTales Movie opens in modern day suburbia at the local
pirate themed restaurant, where derring-do and turkey legs go hand-in-hand five nights a week. But not for
Sedgewick, Elliot and George (Mr. Lunt, Larry the Cucumber and Pa Grape). While they love all things piratical
and dream of taking the stage in the big show, Elliot’s timidity, Sedgewick’s laziness and George’s lack of
self-confidence relegate them to busing tables and refilling drinks.
When they finally do get up the courage to audition, the three would-be swashbucklers manage only to destroy
half the stage set. Out of luck and out of work, they stand dejectedly outside the restaurant as a strange,
ancient-looking metal ball lands at their feet. It is a “Helpseeker,” sent from another time and place in
search of heroes. After scanning the three moping misfits, it sets in motion events that will send them back
to the 17th century to face real pirates in a real pirate adventure, and in the process challenge everything
they believe about themselves.
(from Hoganson Media)
According to a recent newsletter from modern worship act Fusebox, Hero! The Rock Opera
is going back on tour this Fall! Fusebox's Billy Buchanan will be revisiting his Dove Award-nominated role as Kai, The
High Priest. Visit for some tour dates.
Speaking of Fusebox, after a slight delay, the band is back in the
studio finishing up their next album, Transparent. The release has been pushed back to January 2007,
but the first single should be out by the end of the summer.
(from Fusebox; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Dove Award-nominated artist Krystal Meyers has landed the #1
spot with her anthemic single, “Anticonformity” on general market radio in Japan, ousting legendary rock band
Red Hot Chili Peppers from the top. Coming on the heels of the release of her self-titled album in Japan,
“Anticonformity” is currently atop the domestic and international general market radio charts in Japan.
Additionally, Meyers is currently gracing the covers of Nylon Magazine Japan (June edition) and Bounce Magazine
(June edition). “I simply cannot believe this,” exclaims an ecstatic Meyers. “Overwhelmed doesn’t begin to describe
how I feel towards the reception I am receiving in Japan. God wanted this all to happen and I am so thankful to
be a part of it.” Meyers is returning to Japan for the second time this year to visit with media and retail.
During her first outing, between March 25 and April 1, she performed a show for over 500 contest winners, saw
retail and media, interviewed with MTV Japan, and did her cover photo shoot for Nylon Magazine Japan.
Since the U.S. release of her debut album on Essential Records, seventeen year-old Meyers has garnered a Dove
Award nomination for New Artist of the Year, had three Top 10 singles (“The Way To Begin”, “My Savior”, and
“Anticonformity”), and performed before more than 400,000 people.
Krystal Meyers’ second studio project, Dying For A Heart, will be in stores September 19.
(from Provident Label Group)
Award-winning Sparrow Records' band Starfield received
unprecedented first week sales for its critically acclaimed sophomore recording, Beauty in the Broken.
The album not only received a 100% sales increase over their 2004 self-titled debut, but also landed the No.
1 spot on the iTunes Inspirational chart. With fully 20% of its sales attributed to scans from digital
service providers such as Napster, SonyConnect and iTunes, Beauty in the Broken also claimed the No. 15 spot
in iTunes? Alternative Top Album chart and No. 54 on the overall Top Album chart amidst such acclaimed bands
as Coldplay, Keane, Goo Goo Dolls and Madonna.
"The strength of the Beauty in the Broken debut has been achieved by reaching Starfield's generation
through not only traditional retail, but the gaining popularity in digital sales," says Bryan Ward, Sparrow
Label Group's Director of Artist Development. "Starfield is meeting their generation where they live: online."
For the first time, Starfield's generation also has the ability to download the band's songs as ringtunes for their
cell phones. Downloading information can be found at www.StarfieldOnline.com.
(from Hoganson Media)
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