March, 2005
On Thursday, March 24, Jars of Clay hit the K-LOVE
and Air 1 Radio Network airwaves for a 12-hour fundraising marathon which resulted in more than
$241,000 being raised for the band’s Blood:Water Mission’s flagship campaign, “1,000 Wells.”
Those wishing to donate are still able to do so through the networks’ call center (800-220-2108)
through March 31, or through the Blood:Water Mission Web site, www.bloodwatermission.com.
The ambitious initiative was designed to provide clean water well systems to 1,000 different
locations across southern Africa. The project is presented by Blood:Water Mission, the nonprofit
organization founded by Jars of Clay to foster AIDS relief through holistic community development
by promoting clean blood and clean water solutions in Africa.
“I was told one of their goals was to build about 20 to 30 wells in this whole process,” said EMF
Broadcasting Senior Vice President Mike Novak. “With the amount of gifts they received from the
K-LOVE and Air 1 listeners, they will be able to build about 80 wells. It’s an awesome blessing.
It was another miracle from God. He brought the right people together for His purpose!”
David Pierce, program director for K-LOVE and Air 1, agrees. “It really is amazing what God is
doing!” he said. “The dollars that were raised will have a huge impact on communities throughout
Africa. We count it a privilege and a blessing to be a part of this.”
Jars of Clay lead vocalist Dan Haseltine noted, “I cannot truly express what it felt like to have
had the tally running through my head starting with one well, and ending the day with 80 wells!
I am so encouraged by the generosity of all those K-LOVE and Air 1 listeners who made a
contribution. I pray this is just the beginning of a work of mercy by the people of God in the
United States for the people of God in Africa. It is hard not to be overwhelmed when I think of
the catalyst this is for Africans struggling to gain the resources necessary to make their own
communities environmentally, physically, emotionally and economically stable. There is still so
much to do. So let’s get to work. Thanks.”
The “1,000 Wells” project is based on the premise that one dollar provides one year of clean
water for one person in Africa. Funds raised through the “1,000 Wells” project will be distributed
to a network of organizations equipped and dedicated to clean water development in the poorest countries of Africa.
(from Provident Label Group)
Dove nominated artist Joy Williams is celebrating an
unprecedented week at radio with the song “Hide” securing a record-setting 47 total adds on the
Christian AC format, claiming the highest number of first-week adds ever on both R&R Indicator and
CRW AC charts, with an impressive 60 percent more adds than Indicator’s previous record holder.
Further, “Hide” ties the R&R Monitored chart’s all-time record for most adds. At the CHR format,
the song receives an additional 18 adds this week with a total of 21 CHR stations on by add date.
“I am blown away by radio’s out-of-the box acceptance of this single,” notes Andrew Patton, VP of
national promotions for Provident Label Group. “It clearly indicates Joy’s position in the CCM
community. And ‘Hide’ is just the first of a string of hit singles from Genesis!”
“Hide” is the first single from the highly anticipated new album Genesis co-written by
Williams and produced by Matt Bronleewe. Genesis releases May 3 to Christian and general market retail.
In advance of the album release, Williams will be participating in GMA week activities, April 9 -13,
including a whirl-wind schedule of radio and media interviews and concluding the week as the
“Female Artist of the Year” nominee at the 36th Annual GMA Music Awards on April 13.
In addition, Joy will grace the cover of Christian Music Planet’s May issue on stands May 2.
(from Provident Label Group)
Shawn McDonald, whose 2004 debut album
Simply Nothing was deemed a “stunning pop/folk debut” by CCM magazine for its
“inventiveness, honesty and raw emotion,” will release his first full-length concert disc,
Live In Seattle, on April 26, 2005. Recorded at Mars Hill Church this past January
in the artist’s hometown, Live In Seattle captures a 12-song acoustic set featuring
McDonald on voice and guitar, Neal Vickers on guitar and cello, background vocals by Cara Flory,
plus in-studio contributions from Matt Slocum (Sixpence None The Richer). Among the selections are
Simply Nothing hits “Gravity” and “All I Need,” brand new works “Perfectly Done” and “Home,” a
version of “Over The Rainbow,” and “Without You,” a once independent McDonald track.
Unforgettably, Shawn also shares his personal testimony on Live In Seattle,
recounting onstage his dramatic journey from substance abuse and drug dealing just a few years ago
to a life-changing encounter with Jesus that inspired him to begin writing and performing music.
“I feel like what I do is best done live,” says McDonald. “Performing live gives me an opportunity
to connect with people on a real level, and the audience that night was unbelievable. It was
great to be able to share the evening with so many of my friends and family members from home.”
Live In Seattle releases to stores everywhere April 26. Two new singles from Simply
Nothing, “Open Me” and “Take My Hand,” have also just been released to radio stations around the country.
(from Sparrow Records)
Kids In The Way have posted two brand new songs up on www.purevolume.com/kidsintheway.
The title track from their new album Apparitions Of Melody, releasing May 10th,
and the Jack The Ripper-inspired opener "Last Day of 1888" can now be heard in their entirety. For
our first glance opinion of all eleven tracks of Apparitions Of Melody, check out
the Jesusfreakhideout.com PReview now. A few brief clips of additional tracks are available there
as well. (thanks to J. Gray)
On Friday, April 1st, a benefit concert featuring the Rock 'N' Roll Worship Circus
will be held at Taylor Creek Church in Maple Valley. The benefit is for 14-year old Cody Katen,
son of Pastor Jason Katen. Cody has a heart disorder which has caused him to have a defibrillator
implanted. On Christmas morning, Cody's heart stopped beating. He was airlifted to Children's
Hospital in Seattle where he was hospitalized in intensive care for several days. The prognosis
for Cody is not good without a heart transplant. You can read more about Cody's and the family's
ordeal over Christmas at www.taylorcreekchurch.org/cody.html. Tickets for the concert are $10 each
and may be purchased in advance by mail or in person at Taylor Creek Church, 21110 244th Ave SE,
Post Office Box 257 - Maple Valley, Washington, 98038. For more information call 425.432.0634!
(from Rock 'N' Roll Worship Circus)
Sincere congratulations are in order for the beautiful Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, aka Plumb,
who gave birth to her first child last Tuesday, March 22nd! Tiffany gave birth to a healthy baby
boy named Solomon Fury Lee at 6:02 in the morning. He is 19 inches long and weighed in at 6 pounds
6½ ounces! And not too far behind Solomon's arrival should be the anticipated fourth release from Plumb, Chaotic Resolve,
which has yet to be given a set release date...
(from Curb.com)
Rock concert and ministry event, Rock 4 Food, features high impact rock band, Day of Fire
as its’ headliner for a tour that will visit more than twenty cities over the summer. In Oct.
2004 Day of Fire released its debut album with the single, “Cornerstone” rising to No. 1 on CRW’s
ROCK radio chart. Since the band’s debut, Day of Fire has toured across the United States,
Europe, New Zealand and Australia, and has been covered by media outlets including CNN, 700 Club,
HM Magazine, GQ, CCM Magazine and, Brio. In addition, Day of Fire was recently nominated for the
following GMA Music Awards: New Artist of the Year, Rock Album of the Year and Rock Recorded Song of the Year.
Admission price for Rock 4 Food tour may vary by market with a ticket ranging from a $5 - $7 along with the donation of a canned food item. The canned food items will be donated to a designated local ministry.
Day of Fire headlines Rock 4 Food whose lineup includes Essential recording artists Krystal Meyers and Olivia the Band, with others joining the stage on select dates. For specific artist to date listings, please visit www.rock4food.com/tour.htm.
(from Provident Music)
John Reuben has finally hit cyber space! ReubonicPlague.com
is your new #1 source for everything John Reuben. In the next few months, this site will provide
all of our fans with exclusive information, contests, and resources regarding John's brand new
album The Boy Vs. The Cynic. Be sure to stop by www.reubonicplague.com!
Reuben will be out on tour with Pillar and Thousand Foot Krutch on the "For Those About To Rock" tour.
If you plan on going to the show, Reuben is looking for fans to help spread the word about his
new album by passing out stickers at the show. Fans who participate will receive special
John Reuben goodies for helping out. For tour dates and info on how you can help promote
John, click here!
(from John Reuben)
Blindside returns! "We are back for another year and
what a year it will be," the band announced in a newsletter yesterday. "We are very excited about
all that is going to happen in 2005. We have just launched our new web site at www.blindsideonline.com.
We will have exclusive studio updates starting next week with photos, videos, messages from the
band and much more. Be sure to bookmark us and visit us often.
We have just finished up writing about 20 new songs and will be heading into the studio next week
to begin work on our fifth record. We are once again working with Lasse Marten who recorded our
debut album over ten years ago. We are very excited to be working with Lasse who took on his first
production job for our debut and has grown so much in the years since. To add to our excitement
we are recording in Sweden for the first time since A Thought Crushed My Mind. Recording
and writing at home is something very special to us and is sure to contribute to the sound of this record.
We have just created a new partnership with our own label brand new label “Wasa Recordings” and
New York based label “DRT Records.” This is a really exciting venture for us and we are really
glad to join with the great staff at DRT to bring you our music. These guys love music like we love music.
To keep you amused while we are busy in the studio we have prepared a few surprises for you all.
On May 10th we are re-releasing our FIRST 2 ALBUMS - Blindside & A Thought Crushed My Mind.
We have just re-gained the rights to these records and have re-mastered and re-packaged both
albums, as well as adding four bonus tracks to each.
With Blindside, you will get our original 4 song demo. These were the tracks we used to
get our original record deal. On A Thought Crushed My Mind you will find 2 tracks from a
vinyl only release that we did in Sweden before Silence and 2 unreleased tracks that we
recorded before the Silence sessions. Christian worked with his brother to redesign the
artwork and packaging and you will find them in-stores in a special sleeve cardboard sleeve
hiding the original covers. Both covers feature the modified “blindside – hexagon logo” so don’t
be fooled by the similar slip covers the real treasure lies beneath. A DVD retrospective of the
last 10 years called Ten Years Running Blind will follow later this summer. The band
worked very hard to find the best footage and photos from the last 10 years and have created a
documentary telling their story. As well as this amazing piece we have 2 great live shows.
“Live at 110 degrees” featuring the songs of “Silence” performed at Cornerstone 2003. And an
amazing club show from last years “Internal Storm Tour.” This one really makes you feel like you
were in the room! We also have the never before seen video for “About A Burning Fire” and well
as the rest of the videos. There is of course behind the scenes footage and much more. Right now
we are having trouble getting it all on one disc! There will of course be a tour and we will have an announcement later this week about all the details. We are really looking forward to seeing you all again and talking some new music on the road. So stay tuned to www.blindsideonline.com for details."
(from Blindside)
Gotee recording artist John Reuben unveils his
fourth studio album, The Boy VS The Cynic, on June 21st.
The Boy VS The Cynic boasts 12 eclectic tracks including the first radio single
"Nuisance" which will prove to be an album highlight as it features Relient K front man
Matt Thiessen. Thiessen also makes a very special guest appearance in the music video for the
song. "Nuisance" goes for adds at both CHR and Rock radio formats on May 2nd. The rock-oriented
and sure-fire stand-out "Out of Control" will serve as the follow up single.
"This album has been a long time in the making,” said Reuben who produced the album in its
entirety. “There were a lot of really inspired moments in the studio and it's great to see
it finally come together. I haven't felt this creative in years."
In support of The Boy VS The Cynic, Reuben will tour extensively throughout 2005,
including a 30 –city nationwide tour in April and May with Pillar and Thousand Foot Krutch.
In addition, Reuben is also confirmed to headline a special Gotee night at Alive Festival on
June 21st in Ohio, where over 7,000 are expected to be in attendance.
(from LB PR)
For the first time, the Gospel Music Association
(GMA) has teamed up with musical instrument manufactures Gibson Guitar, Baldwin Pianos, Yamaha,
Roland and Korg to offer a special free GMA Week Musician’s Pass for local musicians to attend
music exhibits and clinics during the annual GMA Week convention, April 9 – 13 in Music City.
Musicians may register for a free Musician’s Pass exhibit badge, allowing them to participate in
product demonstrations and clinics put on by today’s leading musical instrument manufacturers.
The Musician’s Pass is made possible by GMA Week sponsors Gibson Guitars, Baldwin Pianos,
Yamaha, KORG, Roland, Worship Musician, and Christian Musician. Each of these companies will
feature demonstration and exhibit booths at GMA Week, as well as provide free daily giveaways.
In addition to free admission to the exhibit hall, Musician Pass holders will be invited to attend
clinics being offered throughout the week. These clinics include:
Sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records’ Chris Tomlin, makes
radio history with his first two radio singles from his current, widely acclaimed recording,
Arriving, as the album’s sales continue to soar.
Known for writing “Forever,” “We Fall Down,” “The Wonderful Cross,” “Famous One” and more anthems
sung by millions of people each week in churches around the world, Tomlin’s radio single “Indescribable,”
which held the No. 1 position on multiple charts last fall and was released July 21, 2004,
continues to be one of the most played songs at Christian radio. More than seven months since its
release, the song maintains its Top 10 position on multiple charts this week as Tomlin’s second
single from Arriving, “Holy Is The Lord,” simultaneously lands in the Top 10 for the third
straight week, moving up to No. 3 and No. 4 on the CRW and R & R AC charts respectively.
(“Indescribable” lands at No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Singles and Tracks chart and No. 9
on R & R’s AC Top 30 chart this week.) “In my 15 years of radio programming, I have not seen an artist with two songs in the top 10,”
notes Grant Hubbard, EMI CMG Label Group vice president, national promotion. “It's quite an
accomplishment and we are amazed at the support of Chris with our radio partners.”
As his radio hits and church favorites continue to reach millions of people, hundreds of thousands
are responding, driving faster sales of Arriving CDs now than when it first released Sept. 21.
Arriving debuted at No. 1 on the Praise & Worship, No. 3 on the Top Current Contemporary
Christian and No. 39 on the Billboard Top 200 sales charts. Tomlin’s fastest selling recording to
date, Arriving re-entered the Billboard Top 200 two weeks ago at No. 141, moved up to
No. 133 last week and is No. 124 this week, while simultaneously landing at No. 1 for the first
time on the Top Christian Albums sales chart. More than 250,000 units of the recording have been
shipped to date to retail. "We are excited to see the growth of Chris Tomlin with Arriving,” says David Crace,
EMI CMG Label Group sr. vice president, artist development and marketing. “The growth in sales is
up 162% from his last release and the church is using his songs as a resource more than ever
before. Moreover, we believe true discovery is taking place on the road with the strategic
touring opportunity we have had with Steven Curtis Chapman. We are experiencing the rewards of
Chris and sixstepsrecords’ team commitment to remaining faithful at what they have been called and gifted to do."
As the momentum for the single and the album continues, thousands of people are also experiencing
Tomlin on the current All Things New tour with Steven Curtis Chapman and Casting Crowns.
The successful 70-city, six-month tour, which began Oct. 21, has scored numerous Billboard top
concert grosses.
(from Hoganson Media)
Audio Adrenaline members completed a VH1 interview
June 24 while at the Creation East 2004 festival in Mt. Union, PA. The resulting interview will
be part of a half-hour VH1 documentary Religion: A Pop Culture History, which is
scheduled to run this Saturday at 11 a.m./11 p.m. EST, and at 3:00 a.m./10:30 a.m. EST on Sunday.
Future airdates are also being planned. In addition to Audio Adrenaline, the documentary features
interviews with Kanye West, Run-DMC's Reverend Run, Stephen Baldwin, Kirk Cameron, Skillet and Rev. Al Sharpton.
Check out Audio Adrenaline's artist page at VH1.com,
www.vh1.com/artists/az/audio_adrenaline/artist.jhtml.
More information on Religion: A Pop Culture History can be found at
http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/vh1_news_presents/89750/episode.jhtml.
Studio progress continues this week as the guys work on their new record, Until My Heart Caves In.
We won't tell you all the details, but be on the look-out for a new song entitled "Mama Said,"
which will be in conjunction with The Hands & Feet Project. Stay tuned for more details!
(from Hoganson Media)
On the heels of releasing his much-lauded sophomore release I See Things Upside Down,
INO Records’ singer/songwriter Derek Webb has announced
his headlining tour this spring. The tour will begin March 31st in Webb’s home state of Texas,
kicking off at Baylor University in Waco and end April 17th in Charlotte, NC. Webb’s wife,
singer/songwriter Sandra McCracken, and Steven Delopoulos (Burlap to Cashmere) are joining Webb on the month long nationwide tour.
This tour is certain to be one you don’t want to miss. Unlike his recent concert dates, Webb will
be appearing with his full band and McCracken singing background vocals of songs from his debut
release, She Must And Shall Go Free as well as from I See Things Upside Down.
Opening each evening, McCracken and Delopoulos will perform songs from their own solo projects.
This lineup promises the concert-goer a very unique experience. In addition, fans will be able to
take home the “live” experience with the release of Webb’s first-ever live DVD, “How To Kill And
Be Killed,” releasing October 11th, 2005. The DVD will feature live concert footage as well as
a unique and extensive behind-the-scenes interview with Webb. Well-known song favorites such as
“Wedding Dress” and “I Repent” will be featured. The final song listing is found below.
To promote the spring tour and his music, Webb has partnered with street team of Ground Force
Network (GFN). GFN is a grassroots community of all ages who want to use their faith to make a
difference in their communities, schools and churches. Collectively, these teams inform the
masses about impactful CD releases and artist tours coming to their respective areas. To join
Ground Force Network and to help spread the word about Derek Webb’s tour coming to a city near
you, click on this link to sign up today: http://www.groundforcenetwork.com/dwebb.aspx
Thanks to his recent partnership with Apple©, fans can now download exclusive Derek Webb songs on
Apple© iTunes. The iTunes Unplugged EP-Special Edition includes acoustic versions of new songs
and unreleased tracks from his live CD The House Show. Tunes from I See Things Upside Down,
such as “I Want A Broken Heart” and “Medication” are included as well as the rare and previously
unreleased version of “Nothing Is Ever Enough,” which was originally recorded as part of
The House Show. Downloading is available for both Mac and PC by visiting
www.apple.com/itunes/download.
(from The M Collective)
Gotee/Capitol Records’ band Relient K has struck
gold with their 2003 release Two Lefts Don’t Make A Right… But Three Do (Gotee).
The album, released on March 11th, 2003, has been officially certified gold status by the RIAA,
signifying sales over the 500,000 mark. Two Lefts Don’t Make A Right… debuted at #38 on
Billboard’s Top 200 album chart, garnered a Grammy nod as well as a Dove Award for “Modern Rock
Album Of The Year,” and received a 4-star (out of 5) review from Alternative Press.
Relient K, a power-punk rock band from Canton, OH, has also heralded a bevy of success with their
latest studio album Mmhmm, which sold an an impressive 51,473 albums sold first week out,
nearly doubling their street week numbers of the last album Two Lefts Don’t Make A Right… But
Three Do. These first week sales numbers landed Relient K at #15 on Billboard’s Top 200
Chart. Throughout their career, the band has seen amazing momentum in street week sales with
their very first album scanning 900 units, their second release scanning 9,000, the third album
scanning 30,000, and culminating in the 51,473 albums sold on their latest mmhmm release.
Relient K holds the title of the #1 ranked alternative rock band in the CBA marketplace. The band,
who is on the road an average of 150-200 dates a year, is just off the road from headlining a
18-city nationwide tour with special guests Mae and Name Taken. (from LB Public Relations)
Yesterday’s issue of USA TODAY features multi-platinum, award winning band
Jars of Clay in the Life section cover story “Easter
Sings Anew.” TODAY highlights the band’s release of Redemption Songs this week for which Jars of
Clay researched ancient, timeless hymns, some more than 200 years old, and revived them, infusing
a modern sound into these texts. To read the full story, visit http://tinyurl.com/6ych3
Jars of Clay has amassed more than five million albums, 16 No. 1 singles, multiple Dove Awards,
BMI songwriting honors and three Grammy Awards over its 10 year career. For further information on
Jars of Clay and its latest contribution, Redemption Songs, please visit www.jarsofclay.com or
www.essentialrecords.com (from Provident Music)
Nichole Nordeman, whose most recent album,
Woven & Spun, won a handful of major Dove Awards, will release her eagerly anticipated
follow-up, Brave, on May 24, 2005. An exclusive sneak preview download of the title track
will be available beginning April 12 at SongTouch.com. The download purchase of “Brave” will cost
only 99 cents and includes bonus audio commentary from Nichole about the song’s meaning.
A highly respected creative artist, Nordeman released Woven & Spun to remarkable consumer
and critical acclaim in 2002 and subsequently won Dove Awards for Female Vocalist, Song (“Holy”),
Songwriter, and Pop/Contemporary Album and Song of the Year, among others. Soon after, she took
extended time off to welcome her first child, an experience that is sure to influence the songs on Brave.
Sign up for SongTouch today (registration is free) and download Nichole Nordeman’s “Brave” beginning
April 12 at SongTouch.com! (from Sparrow Records)
Our friends at NarniaFans.com have shared the following regarding this year's
Night Of Joy at The Disney World Magic Kingdom...
"Christian music's reigning artist of the year, its hottest act and its most-often honored
performer will join together with more than a dozen other Christian recording artists -- plus the
winners of two Christian music talent searches -- at the 23rd annual Night of Joy, Sept. 9 and
Sept. 10 in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
MercyMe, the 2004 GMA Music Awards' Dove-Award Artist of the Year, tops a talent-laden lineup that
also features Mark Hall and Casting Crowns, who are individually and collectively nominated for
more than a dozen Dove Awards, including "Artist of the Year," in 2005. Completing the triumvirate
is Steven Curtis Chapman, a five-time Grammy Award winner whose 47 Doves make him
Christian music's most decorated performer. But the artists with award-winning resumes don't stop
there. The lineup also features tobyMac, Cece Winans, newsboys, Audio Adrenaline, Nicole C. Mullen
and Donnie McClurkin. Also, As an exclusive for Night of Joy guests, some of the top Christian
Music artists performing at the event will debut live performances of music inspired from Walt
Disney Pictures and Walden Media's upcoming blockbuster release of
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
For the full article with further details on the event, visit http://www.narniafans.com/?id=204
(from NarniaFans.com)
Speaking of the Night Of Joy...
Thanks to the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and Walt Disney World Resort, a contestant in the
Music in the Rockies Spotlight 2005, GMA’s official
talent competition for unsigned artists, will be invited to perform at Night of Joy at the Magic
Kingdom in September, announced John W. Styll, president of the GMA.
The Music in the Rockies Disney winner will perform on the same stage as the above-mentioned
heavy hitters during Disney’s Night of Joy Sept. 9 and Sept. 10 in the Magic Kingdom at Walt
Disney World Resort. “‘Night of Joy’ and gospel music make a great match, and we’re thrilled to
welcome Walt Disney World involvement,” Styll said. “To be Disney’s choice to perform at Night of
Joy is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a talented artist, and we’re honored Walt Disney World
has chosen our Music in the Rockies event as the place to find that talent.”
“We are extremely delighted to be working with the Gospel Music Association,” said Linda Warren,
executive vice president, Marketing and Brand Management, for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
“Night of Joy at Walt Disney World is a very special event for us, and having collaborators like
the GMA makes the event even more exciting for our guests."
GMA Music in the Rockies (formerly “Seminar in the Rockies”) is July 31 through August 6 at the
Estes Park Center YMCA. The week-long event has a long-standing history as the premier
competition, gathering and educational event in gospel music. One of the main attractions of
Music in the Rockies is always the Spotlight 2005 and Song of 2005, GMA’s official talent
competition for unsigned artists and songwriters. Grand prize winners are named in several
categories. This year, Walt Disney World Entertainment will send two judges to Music in the
Rockies where they will participate on a panel of judges at various performances and competitions
during the week. The Disney judges will select one contestant, who may or may not be a GMA
Spotlight winner, to receive the Disney “Best of Show” award and the Night of Joy at Walt Disney
World Prize Package. Walt Disney World Resort has presented Night of Joy annually since 1983.
In addition to the exclusive opportunity to perform at Night of Joy, the Disney winner will be
awarded two night’s accommodations for four guests at Walt Disney World hotels, 10 “Magic Your Way”
tickets to Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as 10
tickets to the Night of Joy at Walt Disney World.
“I cannot imagine a more exciting prize package – a concert performance at Night of Joy and two
days of all access to Disney’s Parks – it’s a great incentive to be part of this year’s Music in
the Rockies,” said Styll.
There are several key deadlines for registering for GMA’s 31st Annual Music in the Rockies and
specifically the talent competitions. All the details for registration can be found at
http://www.gospelmusic.org.
(from Spinhouse)
Make room for another great new ZOEgirl tune! The
trio has just released its fourth studio album, Room To Breathe, to strong reviews,
and now Wal-Mart.com is offering an exclusive download of an unreleased ZOEgirl track,
“Wanna Be Like You,” for a limited time. JesusFreakHideout.com says, “ZOEgirl turned in an
impressive attempt at pop/rock with their 2003 record Different Kind Of FREE. Making the
switch from positive electronic-fused pop to a more stripped down format was a daring move, and a
smart one at that. Now a year and a half later, their follow-up Room To Breathe is as
relevant and bold as ever.” To access the free Wal-Mart.com downloading service tools, go to
WalMart.com (requires the service to be installed on your computer).
Or visit the ZOEgirl page at WalMart.com. (from Sparrow Records)
Paul Colman is inviting fans to express how his music has affected their lives. In a newsletter
this week, Colman's team announced, "The All God’s Children Tour is sponsored by World Vision and
we’ve got a cool contest going on right now that we would love for you to participate in. It’s
called 'How Letting It Go Changed My World Vision.' We want you to write Paul and Inpop Records
and let us know which track from Let It Go impacted you and your outlook on the world.
First, you’ll have to get the album and listen to it for a few days. Then take a few minutes to
write a few words about how this song spoke to you and what relevant message this song has for the
world. When you're ready to send it to us, put it in an e-mail addressed to
PaulColman@streetteam.inpop.com. We'll need all those entries by April 15th.
Paul and I will sit down and pick our favorite entry, and that person will receive a signed copy
of Let It Go, a signed PC T-shirt, and a year’s sponsorship where you and Paul will co-sponsor a
child in the World Vision Program and make a huge difference in some child’s life. Paul will
contact the winner personally and fill you in on the details of this awesome opportunity." Sounds cool!
Better get movin', PC fans! (from Paul Colman)
Global tracking on Rebecca St. James last week found
her in a spot not often found on the destination schedule of other major touring artists: Tasmania--
the island paradise separated from mainland Australia by a thin stretch of the Bass Straits.
Rebecca had the privilege of being invited by the Billy Graham Evangelical Association to bring
her music and message to Festival Tasmania 2005 --where Franklin Graham led a major three day
crusade at Derwent Entertainment Centre in the city of Hobart.
Terming the honor of sharing the platform with Franklin Graham "very humbling," Rebecca has been
the recent subject of filming by the BGEA ministry team. Her concert performance in Tasmania as
well as a recent video shoot in Nashville will be edited for inclusion in an upcoming Billy Graham
Evangelical Association television special to be aired nationally in April. Rebecca is currently
gearing up for her newest studio project aiming for an October release and is poised to co-host
next month's 36th Annual Gospel Music Awards on April 13th. She will share hosting duties over
the three hour presentation from Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House with fellow artists Steven
Curtis Chapman, Cece Winans, Smokie Norful, Darlene Zschech, and Israel Houghton. The GMA
Awards will be televised at a later date. (from Morning Star PR)
MSNBC will be broadcasting a feature report on Christian music as part of an NBC News special
titled "Faith in America." This will air TODAY, Tuesday, March 22, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on
MSNBC. All times are Eastern. MSN's website, www.tv.msnbc.com, will augment its television coverage
with a special feature of the newsboys in concert and excerpts of Peter Furler's interview with
MSNBC. As we reported Friday, Newsboys recently joined Inpop Records’ artist roster and will
release two new studio projects this fall. The newsboys’ fall release on Inpop Records will be a
double-disc package that includes a new studio rock album and a new studio worship album. The
special double-disc package will feature over 20 studio recordings from the award-winning band.
(from InPop Records)
Rocketown recording artist Shaun Groves is currently
in the studio wrapping up the final tracks for his self-produced, upcoming third album release set
for July 12, 2005. Titled White Flag, the new CD reflects Groves’ ongoing role as a co-pastor
to college-age students and the recent Bible study series he led on the Sermon on the Mount, specifically Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes.
Rocketown Records’ President Don Donahue said, “On Shaun's third release, White Flag,
we could quickly tell how important it was to let Shaun experience the Beatitudes study and see
what came from that. He was not pushed to meet a release date—these songs came as a pure extension
of Shaun as a teacher and the wait was well worth the time spent. I think you will agree that White Flag
is Shaun’s most cohesive and complete work to date.” “A white flag is a metaphor for surrender,”
said Groves about the album title. “Surrender goes beyond belief; surrender means to give up any
notion of competence without God, any allegiance to this world. It means laying down any desire of
my own if need be, throwing out practicality and success as motivators and replacing them with a
desire to be faithful to the teachings of Christ no matter what. Churches are filled with
believers. The mission field, the food shelters, the AIDS clinics and the history of martyrdom
are filled with surrendered disciples of Christ. That's what this CD is about. It's about being a
surrendering follower of Jesus and not just a believer in Him. How do we get from belief to
discipleship? What does that path look like? It begins with giving up.” For the first time,
Groves is taking the helm of this project, serving as producer. He is supported in this effort by
long-time band members Dan Strain, James Gregory and Ben Showalter as well as recording/mix
engineer Skye McCaskey and executive producer Lynn Nichols (Switchfoot, Amy Grant, Delirious).
“I'm a great admirer of Shaun as a writer and communicator,” said Nichols. “In an industry where
most artists tend to only go ankle deep, Shaun dives in! White Flag feels timely both musically
and lyrically. So much of modern rock is way too polished and formulated, and alternative is
sometimes too raw and uncooked. White Flag is a good blend.” The first single from White Flag goes for adds April 29, and Groves will be heavily involved in Gospel Music Week 2005 as well as doing 25 promotional dates in May and June to offer his fans a first listen to the new songs. In addition, Groves wrote a weekly column in February and March on CMCentral.com to let fans read about the process of making his third album; the site will also offer the first sneak listen this month of a song from the CD. For more information on Shaun Groves, visit www.shaungroves.com or www.rocketownrecords.com.
(from Rocketown Records)
Former Bleach drummer Jared Byers has already found a new band to call home.
"Jared will crush you with his rhythmic time keeping skills as he plays with a band out of Dallas, TX called, The Rocket Summer,"
the band announced on their official site recently. "So check them out, and go see them play when
you can. They will be headlining the Militia Group tour starting March 31 and go thru mid May.
Its is most likely to come thru a city or town near you! The new record comes out in May called,
Hello Good Friend. How ironic for the Bleach drummer, since they just released their new
record called, Farewell Old Friends. Jared was quoted outside of Marble Slab today saying,
'You know, I live my life like I eat this ice cream I am holding. One lick at a time. The older
I get, the more my life melts away. So this is a major lick in my life. Well, step.'
Later that day he was asked, 'What was the reason you joined The Rocket Summer?'
Jared replied, 'I like texas BBQ.'" Bleach just played a one-time reunion show
in Nashville, TN, as part of a benefit for Aaron Marrs and his organization Paper Jack Films.
It has been reported that the show was successful in raising a little over $15,000 in support!
For the JfH review of the benefit show, visit here.
(from Bleached.com)
Congratulations to Caedmon's Call's Andrew Osenga (formerly of The Normals fame)
who recently welcomed the arrival of Elizabeth Claire Osenga! Andy and Alison's new daughter
(they're going to call her Ella) was born last Wednesday night at 10:43 pm. Ella weighed in at 7 pounds 11 1/2 ounces
and was 19 1/2 inches long! In less joyous Caedmon's baby news, Danielle Young recently experienced
"complications" with her pregnancy that has resulted in the remainder of their Spring Tour being cancelled.
The band will be posting rescheduled dates soon so keep an eye on caedmons-call.com for more info and please
keep the Youngs in your prayers! (from Caedmons-Call.com)
With over five million units sold to date, the Dove Award-winning band newsboys recently
joined Inpop Records’ artist roster and will release two new studio projects this fall.
Newsboys round out an acclaimed roster of acts including Superchick, Tree63, Shane & Shane,
Mat Kearney, and Paul Colman, among others. Inpop Records will handle all marketing, sales, radio
promotion and publicity for the newsboys and the new projects.
The newsboys’ fall release on Inpop Records will be a double-disc package that includes a new
studio rock album and a new studio worship album. The special double-disc package will feature
over 20 studio recordings from the award-winning band.
“I love the people at this label,” says Peter Furler, newsboys frontman and Inpop Records
co-founder. “I’ve known many of them for years, and they are like family to me,” he says.
“Words can’t express how excited we are to have this opportunity to work with the newsboys,”
says Rob Poznanski, General Manager for Inpop Records. “I’ve worked with this band for years and
I’ve seen, firsthand, Peter’s creativity, his vision, and his passion for music and ministry,” he says.
With five gold albums (Step Up To The Microphone, Take Me To Your Leader,
Going Public, Shine-The Hits, and Adoration: The Worship Album), over
20 No. 1 radio hits, and a mantle of Dove Awards and Grammy nominations, newsboys is one of the
most popular bands in the music industry. Comprised of Peter Furler (lead vocals), Phil Joel
(bass), Duncan Phillips (drums), Jeff Frankenstein (keys), and Bryan Olesen (guitar), the newsboys
have achieved phenomenal success in its near two decades together. The newsboys, always one of the
most creative and energetic live touring bands in the industry, continue to perform and consistently sell out major markets.
“We appreciate that the newsboys have demonstrated such confidence in this Inpop team,” says Bruno
Pirecki, General Manager of Sales and Distribution at Inpop Records. “Our staff is proud to
represent their product to the industry, and our partners at EMI-CMG distribution are thrilled to
be launching the October release with us,” he says. (from InPop Records)
Aware/Columbia/Inpop artist Mat Kearney and
Word/Curb/Teleprompt Records band MuteMath will
co-headline a spring tour to kick off March 31 in Dallas, Texas. The tour will hit over 50
cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, New York City, and other key college campuses.
The strong pairing of these two rising acts is already generating excitement along the tour route.
“These are two artists I never take out of my CD player,” says Bryan Myers of Creative Artists
Agency, booking agent for MuteMath, “and the buzz is swelling!”
Continues Tim Beeding of CAA, Kearney’s booking agent, “It is truly an honor and a pleasure to
work with these two phenomenal artists.”
Last month Kearney inked a general-market partnership with Aware/Columbia Records, home to
multi-platinum singer/songwriter John Mayer, Grammy-winning rock band Train, and alternative pop
outfit Five for Fighting, among others. Kearney’s music features a blend of acoustic guitar,
thoughtful lyrics and driving rhythms. His Aware/Columbia/Inpop project is slated for release
this fall. Kearney released his Inpop Records debut, Bullet, last October to critical acclaim.
“Undeniable,” the first single from Bullet, broke the record for the largest number of
out-of-the-box adds for a radio single on Radio and Records’ Christian CHR chart. He recently
returned from a winter tour run with alternative-rock outfit Graham Colton Band and select dates with Cary Pierce and Glen Phillips.
Comprised of Paul Meany (vocals, Rhodes, bass), Darren King (drums, samples, programming), and
Greg Hill (guitars), MuteMath melds organic instruments with electronic elements for a cutting
edge, distinctive sound. MuteMath’s debut EP, Reset, released last September and combines elements
of jazz, rock, and electronica. The band’s full-length project is slated for release this summer.
“I’ve been in seclusion in the studio for the last few months, so I’m ready to get out and play
some of new songs and see old friends on the road,” says Kearney. “MuteMath is a very talented
band, and they put on a great show. I’m more than excited about this tour,” Kearney says.
(from InPop Records)
NBC will be making Three Wishes come true in a new special/backdoor pilot starring five-time
Grammy-winning artist Amy Grant in an unscripted format
in which Grant will lead a team of experts to a small town to help make the hopes and
unbelievable dreams come true for deserving people.
“Everyone secretly wants the chance to fulfill a lifelong wish that seems beyond their grasp --
and this show will help transform those dreams into a life-changing reality,” said Jeff Gaspin,
President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment & Cross-Platform Strategy, who made the announcement.
The full spectrum of wishes ranges from paying tribute to an unsung hero to helping a hopeless
family in the grip of a member’s life-threatening medical crisis. Also included: living out a
mind-blowing sports fantasy, helping to save a dedicated teacher’s job, keeping a factory that
provides jobs open as it teeters on the brink of closing down – and even saving a desperate local
economy on the verge of slipping into debt.
Said Grant: “When I heard about this show, I was extremely moved by NBC and the production
company’s concept to provide incredibly positive changes in the lives of different people.
Seeing the initial prep work the producers had done for the pilot episode gave me reason to look
at my own life -- and remind myself, once again, to never underestimate the impact that one life can have on another.
Each wish will involve a deeply personal story and viewers will follow the deserving families as Grant and her team of experts help revive their wishes and bring them to life.
Andrew Glassman (NBC’s “Average Joe” seasons 1-4) and Jason Raff (NBC’s “Average Joe” seasons 1-4) are executive producers.
“There’s an incredible diversity to the people we are going to meet and the heartwarming stories we are going to tell along the way,” said Glassman. “We have already started to feel the magic, as people started sharing their wishes with us. While our team is there to help, ultimately, this show will be about people helping people make their wishes and dreams come true.”
Production on the pilot has already begun. “Three Wishes” is executive produced by Andrew Glassman and NBC Universal Television Studio.
(from Word Records)
Ardent/Lava recording artist Skillet will be
featured on an upcoming VH-1 News special, Religion: A Pop Culture History.
Interviewed last summer at the Creation Festival, the program will air at 11 am and 11 pm EST on
3/26, and 6 pm EST on 3/27, with future airdates to be announced. VH-1 has released the
following copy on the program: Until a few years ago, religion and pop culture kept a safe
distance from each other. Hollywood was reluctant to back movies and TV shows that treated religion
seriously. Christian musicians were reluctant to make records that might compete in a godless pop
marketplace. But in the changed landscape of the post-millennial, post-9/11 world, Hollywood seems
to have found God, and men of the cloth seem to have found, in Hollywood, a chance to reach out to
the masses in a way they never have before. In the half-hour documentary Religion: A Pop Culture History,
VH1 charts the recent explosion of religion and pop, from the blockbuster movie The Passion of the Christ
to Kanye West's hip-hop smash "Jesus Walks" to the aggressive marketing of Christian hard-rock bands to
Hollywood's sudden interest in Kabbalah. We'll dip into history to look at "Davey and Goliath," an
early attempt to promote Christianity through a TV show, and take viewers behind the scenes of such
present-day phenomena as the marketing of "Jesus Is My Homeboy" t-shirts, the staging of a
Christian version of Woodstock, and former child star Kirk Cameron's re-emergence as an evangelical
Internet and TV host. Religion: A Pop Culture History is the next installment of a VH1
News series that began with the award-winning AIDS: A Pop Culture History (2003) and has
also included Politics: A Pop Culture History (2004). In addition to movie and TV clips
and vintage footage, the documentary features interviews with such key figures as Kanye West,
Run-DMC's Reverend Run, born-again actor Stephen Baldwin, actor-turned-televangelist Kirk Cameron,
Christian rockers Skillet, Audio Adrenaline and Rev. Al Sharpton.
(from The M Collective)
Grammy Award winning artist Rebecca St. James is
proving this Easter that having "all of your eggs in one basket" can be a good thing -- as she
celebrates a second season of An Easter Carol in creative partnership with Big Idea --
creators of the wildly popular world of VeggieTales.
St. James is the first recording artist to partner her talents with the VeggieTales brand--a
creative alliance that's already proven to be spectacularly successful. Last year when the
DVD of VeggieTales An Easter Carol--featuring the Australian born singer voicing the
character of a music box angel named "Hope" debuted, it sold over 450,000 copies in eight weeks
during the 2004 Easter selling season. Noted Terry Pefanis, COO of Big Idea: "Big Idea is
thrilled to have Rebecca St. James as the first artist to partner with VeggieTales. The result
has been tremendous. From the launch of An Easter Carol last season fans of the series have
raved over Rebecca's voicing of the endearing character of Hope, the music box angel who helps save the true meaning of Easter."
Inspired by Dickens' Christmas classic, this very special VeggieTales film explains why millions of Christians around the world celebrate Easter past, present, and future.
St. James--who tweaked her Australian accent a bit to sound slightly more British in voicing Hope, also sings an original song--'Hope's Song' on the DVD. She noted in a recent interview: "Countless times kids have approached me at my concerts over the past year to say 'Please do the voice of Hope!' It's been an awesome experience to be a part of VeggieTales!"
(from MorningStar PR)
Tyndale House Publishers has announced an exclusive partnership between Tyndale &
Christian hip-hop artist KJ-52 has agreed to promote its
Metal Bible and areuthirsty.com at nearly twenty five Acquire the Fire events throughout the
country from December 2004-May 2005. The debut single “Are U Real” from KJ-52’s brand new release
Behind The Musik, has also been selected as the theme song for the 2004-2005 Acquire the
Fire events, and features Jon Micah from Kutless. For additional information visit:
www.kj52.com and www.thirsty.com. KJ-52 has agreed to be a spokesperson for the thirsty product
line along with the Metal Bible. Tyndale House Publishers’ Metal Bible is the complete Old and
New Testament in a small, portable size. It features a unique metal cover and the New Living
Translation for ease of understanding and accuracy. areuthirsty.com is the web site for thirsty[?],
Tyndale’s breakthrough young adult imprint that has featured such books as Walking with Frodo by
Sarah Arthur, which sold more than 65,000 copies. Arthur’s Walking with Bilbo will release in
February. KJ has also penned his first Tyndale devotional book, titled 7 days with KJ. It’s a
simple 7 day devotional book that is both instructional and evangelistic in nature.
(from L.A.B. Media)
Word Record’s acclaimed Latin-influenced pop band Salvador is launching the spring leg of its
“So Natural” tour April 1 in Miami. Traversing the nation in support of its third studio album,
So Natural, Salvador will visit Eastern and Midwestern US cities through May. Joining the
band will be renowned Fervent Records’ band By The Tree and independent newcomer
Ricardo. Salvador garnered critical applause during last fall’s stint of
performances throughout the west for its radio hit and cover of “Heaven” by fellow Latin
sensation Los Lonely Boys, which is also featured on the So Natural album.
(from Word Records)
With rumors flying around the web about the demise of Cool Hand Luke, lead vocalist and drummer
Mark Nicks made the following clarification last month on the band's website:
"I know there have been lots of rumors, and I'm sorry that I haven't
posted anything sooner. Let me set the record straight. Cool Hand Luke
has not broken up. We are taking a long, much-needed break. We had a
very exhausting year in 2004, and it is time for us to take some time
off and find out what God wants to do with Cool Hand Luke. Chris has
left the band to pursue what God is calling him to do, and we are in
full support of him in his decision. Brandon is back in school studying
art, and he plans to finish and get his degree. I am playing drums with
The Chariot and will be touring with them quite a bit over the next few
months. Let me say this to alleviate rumors: The Chariot did not break
Cool Hand Luke up or steal me away. Cool Hand Luke would be taking a
break regardless of whether I was playing in another band or not. That
decision was made before I even had the option of p laying with The
Chariot. The Chariot and Cool Hand Luke have been friends for a couple
of years now, and there is mutual respect for one another as bands and
as ministries. Cool Hand Luke will probably not be playing many shows
for a while, but we'll keep you posted. Brandon and I are praying about
and considering options for the future. Thank you so much to everyone
who has supported us and continues to. We can always use your prayers as
we seek God's counsel. Thank you to everyone who has expressed concern
about Cool Hand Luke. I seldom get time at a computer, but I am trying
to answer all the e-mail. Don't give up on me. We love you all, and we
want to encourage you to keep seeking the only Truth there is. I pray
that whether Cool Hand Luke ever plays another note or not that Christ
has been glorified through our music and will continue to be."
(from Coolhandlukeonline.com, thanks to Ben N.)
Six of gospel music’s most popular artists will take center stage to hand out
Dove Awards at Music City’s Grand Ole Opry House
next month. The artists – Steven Curtis Chapman, CeCe Winans, Rebecca St. James, Smokie Norful,
Darlene Zschech and Israel Houghton – will be the hosts for the
36th Annual GMA Music Awards, scheduled for Wednesday, April 13, announced John W. Styll,
president of the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and executive producer of the GMA Music Awards.
“The GMA Music Awards are an opportunity to celebrate excellence in gospel music, so who better to
be the face of the Doves than six artists who have made distinct contributions to the success of
gospel music in recent years. CeCe, Darlene, Israel, Rebecca, Smokie and Steven are not only
beloved artists, but as a group, they reflect the diversity, creativity and boldness that have
helped to raise the profile of gospel music in our culture today. We expect to have a lot of fun
with them, teaming them up in hosting pairs to provide spirited repartee throughout the Doves,” said Styll.
Styll also announced that the GMA Music Awards would be televised in national syndication
during the month of June. Central City Productions of Chicago, Ill., will handle first run
syndication through network affiliates and independent stations nationwide, with an expected
audience reach of at least 75 percent of U.S. television households. The GMA Music Awards website
– www.gmamusicawards.com -- will provide a regularly updated list of confirmed broadcast times
and outlets. The Doves will be offered on several inspirational cable networks after the first-run syndication.
The GMA Music Awards will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13 with a new format for 2005. Previously, the awards show was divided into a pre-show, where most of the 44 categories of Dove Awards were handed out, and the main show, which primarily featured performances. This year’s Doves will be one show, with awards and performances sharing the limelight. The six hosts will team up in pairs to introduce the performances and presenters of the awards. Announcements about performers and presenters for the GMA Music Awards, which are being produced by Steve Gilreath Television, will be forthcoming.
“This year’s Doves will be a terrific opportunity for music fans to see all of the artists they love and to hear from their hearts as they accept their industry’s highest honors. And, the selected performances will represent the most exciting and entertaining music of the year.”
Tickets for the live show are currently on sale through www.gmamusicawards.com, or by telephoning 615-242-0303, ext. 238.
Jesusfreakhideout.com will attend the Dove Awards this year for the first time from the press room, so we
hope to be able to bring you an inside look at the awards ceremony this year! Stay tuned!
(from Spinhouse PR)
For the first time ever, three of the industries favorite singer/songwriters, Curb Records’
Fernando Ortega, Essential Records’ Bebo Norman
and INO Records’ Sara Groves, join forces for a national
tour. The 25-plus-city tour launches April 21 in Chattanooga, TN and hits such major markets as
Baltimore, Washington, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Cleveland, Albuquerque, Ft.
Worth, Colorado Springs and more. “I am thrilled about this tour with Sara and Bebo,” says Ortega.
“It’s been a long time in the planning. I think the music works together really well, and the band
is filled with stellar musicians.” Fernando Ortega has established himself as one of Christian
music’s most popular and prolific singer/songwriters. His music has yielded eight No. 1 radio
hits, 12 Dove Award nominations, two Dove Awards and consecutive No. 1 “Inspirational Song of the
Year” CRR singles (in 1999 and 2000). His live performances have impacted hundreds of thousands
of fans across the globe including sold-out headline tours and special appearances at Billy Graham
Crusades, Ann Graham Lotz’ conferences, Praise Gathering and Promise Keepers conferences.
For the most updated tour dates, go to www.ongtour.com.
(from Hoganson Media)
Krystal Meyers, newly signed Essential Records recording artist will release
her self-titled debut album on June 7, 2005. Sixteen year-old Meyers worked
with producers, "The Wizardz Of Oz" (Avril Lavigne, Liz Phair) and
artist/producer Ian Eskelin on this rock driven, emotionally charged album. The
heavy pop/ rock sound features Meyers on electric guitar and highlights her personal
anthem of "anticonformity." "I've wanted to record an album since I was a little girl,"
said Krystal. "One of the most exciting parts about what I believe in so much
in a way my generation will listen." "It's so rare to find an artist that has such an acute
vision and purpose for their art. It's even rarer to find that in someone only
16 years old," said Robert Beeson, Senior vice president of A&R Provident
Label Group. "We're excited about this authentic artist who wants to speak into
the lives of her peers." Krystal's first single, "The Way To Begin" added to radio March 4
and was the most added song at Christian Hit Radio (CHR) and Rock Radio (ROCK) formats
this week. "I'm thrilled to see programmers get so excited about Krystal," said Andrew Patton,
vice president national promotions, Provident Label Group. "The response in
pre-promotion and the response after only a week on the radio has been overwhelming! This is just
the kind of response we hope for when launching a new artist." For more information on Krystal Meyers,
please visit www.krystalmeyers.com.
(from Provident Music)
Locking themselves in their studio to consume massive quantities of coffee and bagels,
The Rock N Roll Worship Circus has been slaving over their new record The Listening,
expecting a summer release. "As you all know, me and the boys have been hard at work making
the Listening full length," said frontman Gabriel Wilson in a recent journal on
the band's site WorshipCircus.com. "It's been an insane schedule, leaving us exhausted and
fulfilled... Right now, as I'm typing, me and the boys are discussing the latest tune we're
writing, tentatively called, "The Factory." It's a pretty intense ride. Evangelism put into a
parable of gasoline, matches, cops, and smoking guns. This record is so special to us. It's more
than parables, more than songs, more than music and lyrics. Love, discovery, the mysteries of
Christ and how they all intertwine. The lyrics are more real than anything we've written in the
past 6 years of the Worship Circus. It sums it all up, and opens a whole new chapter of life for
us as individuals, and as a band. New songs include "Glory of the Feared," "Be in Your Eyes,"
"Triple Fascination" and many more. 10 songs have been tracked thus far, with 3 more days to go.
There are a few surprises for you all on here, as well. An old favorite had been updated, for all
you fans!" Sounds good to us! We'll keep you posted on the new record. For more from Gabriel on
the new record, visit WorshipCircus.com!
(from WorshipCircus.com)
Celebrate the release of Mae's new album
The Everglow with a very special acoustic performance at Relative Theory Records.
Hang out with the band and enjoy some free pizza! Plus get your copy of The Everglow at
midnight and have it signed by the band. The special even takes place on March 28th from 11:00 PM - 1:00 AM
and will be located at Relative Theory / 271 Granby Street / Norfolk, VA. (from Tooth & Nail)
Spoken has been busy in the studio recording a new record and just debuted a brand new studio site
at spokenmusic.com. "We have been working hard in the studio, pre-production went swell," they announced
on the site yesterday. "Ryan has finished up tracking the drums, and now we're onto guitars. Keep
checking the site often as we will be updating it with pics and updates from the studio.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we are in the studio." The band kicked off the year
with a west coast tour with Falling Up, Mourning September, and subseven. Look for the band
on a 25-city tour with Staple, Last Tuesday, and Kids In the Way next month! For more details
on the tour, visit www.everythingisburning.com. (from Spokenmusic.com / Staplemusic.com)
Frontman Ian Eskelin has been busy writing and demoing for a new All Star United EP, tentatively titled
Love and Radiation, due late summer. A tour with ASU is expected to follow. Eskelin commented to Jesusfreakhideout.com today that he had a
nice break doing the solo thing again, "but must now rock!" Eskelin released his first solo album in
over a decade this past fall, entitled Save The Humans. Recently, Ian has been
busy in the studio producing and co-writing the new Essential Records artist Krystal Meyers.
You can check Krystal out on the Day of Fire tour this spring. More to come!
(from Ian Eskelin)
As Switchfoot returned from their first real tour of Australia (7 performances in 8 days,
including a performance of Dare You To Move at the MTV Video Music Awards), bassist Tim Foreman had
this to say: "Let me simply say this: Switchfoot loves Australia. This was our third time over
there in the last 18 months, and each time we have a harder time leaving. The shows felt great,
thanks to all the fine folks who crammed into the sweaty clubs to sing along with us.
It's an amazing feeling to be on the other side of the world and have a few thousand people
singing our songs louder than we are... it made us feel like family." And now that the guys are
back, it is time to get back in the studio for their next release. To see behind-the-scenes
photos of them in the studio, click this link. http://www.switchfoot.com/updatemain.htm
The new album is rumored for a July release...
(from Switchfoot)
Word Records’ critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Mark Schultz and his renowned music video, “Letters From War,” recently captured one of the first place honors at the 2003-2004 Department of Defense Visual Information Production Award for the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center (CRC).
Telling the story of a World War II Soldier in the European theater and his faithful correspondence with his mother, Schultz’ “Letters From War” music video was an integral part of the CRC’s “Be Safe” campaign. The “period” aspect of the video establishes a strong symbolic relationship between the Soldier of “The Greatest Generation” with the Soldier fighting the War on Terrorism today.
The Department of Defense award ceremony was held at the Pentagon in the Hall of Heroes. Administrative Deputy Secretary of the Army, Mrs. Sandra Riley and Mr. John Hooks, Director of Media and Marketing for the CRC, were present to accept the award. The production was honored in the Internal/Public Information category.
“Our mission is to save Soldiers lives through accident prevention programs and by helping Soldiers make wise decisions,” commented Hooks. “We knew the song and the video would have a powerful impact on Soldiers, their families and citizens throughout this country and felt that hitting an emotional chord with ‘Letters From War’ was a positive call to action.”
“Letters from War” also garnered two more first place honors—First place in the Internal/Public Information category of the 2003-2004 Department of Army Visual Information Production Awards and the Barbara Rosser Award, the Army’s top award for a multimedia product for 2003-2004. Supporting Schultz’ radio hit from his current album, Stories & Songs, both the song and video further received nominations for this year’s Gospel Music Association 36th Annual Dove Awards being held in Nashville on April 13.
Directed by Mark Dobiecki and co-produced by Craig Miller Productions and the CRC’s Media and Marketing department, the music video was a collaborative production between the Army and Schultz. Brigadier General Joseph Smith, Commanding General, CRC, invited Schultz to be a part of the campaign not long after the song was released.
Copies of the video are available through the CRC website, https://crc.army.mil.
(from Word Label Group)
DJ Maj is working on release number 4 schedule for July 2005. This
will be Maj's first project of which he is performing on songs.
Confirmed guest appearances include the legendary BROOKLYN MC -
Special ED, Manchild of Mars Ill, T Bone, LA Symph, Tonex, KJ52, Toby
Mac & more. Production credits include Grammy Nominated David "Da
Monsta" Lynch, Tony Stone, Flynn, The Roc Music Group (out of NY),
Todd Collins (Grits, KJ52, Out of Eden, Verbs, Beatmart,.....). Maj
will also celebrate his 5th year on the syndicated Virtual Frequency
radio show currently airing in 50+ markets. Catch DJ Maj on tour
this Spring with Toby on Winter Fest followed by the TMac/Audio
A/Kutless tour shortly after. (from Gotee Records)
Out of Eden will be participating in the Girls of Grace Championship
Edition Conference April 1-2, 2005, at the Conseco Fieldhouse in
Indianapolis. This event hosted by Point of Grace will also feature
Rebecca St. James and Nancy Alcorn (founder of Mercy Ministries of
America). Presentations will be made by WNBA stars Tamika Catching,
Sylvia Crawley, and Ruth Riley. Sessions will include topics on
self-esteem, family relationships, getting real, and dating. Some
members of the audience will be models for a "Hot and Hip" fashion
show, plus two lucky girls will be transformed by professional hair
and makeup stylists from Nashville. This exciting event is available
for all girls ages 12-20. For more information and tickets visit:
http://www.girlsofgrace.com or call 877-673-2246.
(from Gotee Records)
On May 19, 2005, The Elms will travel to South Bend,
IN, to record a 5-song performance for the globally-syndicated 'Live From Studio B' TV series.
Fans may remember the band's performance on the show in support of their debut album.
Studio seating for this event is extremely limited, and fans of the band are encouraged to come
and be a part of the TV show's taping. It's free to attend, and all available details are given
at the band's official site on their "Shows" page.
The show will also be made available via webcast, and will be archived at the Studio B website for
future viewing. The band will perform mostly new material from their forthcoming album on the
show. The taping will start promptly at 5pm. So, if you'd like to be a part of the show's taping,
hear The Elms' new music broadcast live for the first time, and potentially even get yer mug on
TV, make plans now to attend the taping of 'Live From Studio B' on May 19. (from TheElms.net)
Walt Disney’s new film The Ice Princess, features Superchic[k]’s “Get Up”
and will be in theaters nationwide on March 18. The soundtrack album, also featuring
Superchic[k], releases March 15 on Hollywood Records. Superchic[k] is also part of a new Playstation
2 game Steel Lancers Arena International (SLAI). The game is a Robot shooter
(Robot Combat Game), and Superchic[k] music is featured extensively throughout. Watch for an
upcoming trailer for the game with the special arena mix of "Anthem," from
Beauty From Pain. SLAI will be available
everywhere you can buy video games, and hits shelves Sept. 6
Superchic[k]'s first single from the new album, "Pure," has received significant airplay on both
Christian CHR and Rock radio, already reaching No. 2 on CHR and No. 6 at Rock on the R&R charts.
Currently touring with Josh McDowell on his BOLD TRUTH TOUR, McDowell recently said of
Superchic[k], "I've been so impressed by this band as I've gotten to know them through our
Bold Truth Tour. Not only do they absolutely rock the stage, they are, more importantly,
people of substance that powerfully minister to young people. Superchic[k] has made this
one of the best tours we've ever had, and I can't wait to work with them again on our spring
and fall tours." (from The M Collective)
One of the best selling DJs in the world, Andy Hunter
was recently called upon to perform at Midem’s opening night “Experience More Microsoft” party in
Cannes, France. Hosted by Microsoft, the party featured Hunter playing for a host of music and
technology industry figureheads. The opening night event also presented Microsoft’s high hopes
for the music business and offered opportunities for attendees to get involved.
“Midem was an amazing event to kick the year of with,” says Hunter, “Not only did I share the
stage with a legend, DJ Louie Vega, but I met a lot of influential people in the music industry.”
Midem is an international music conference designed to attract independent and major record
companies, music publishers, online and traditional distributors, A&R executives, agents,
producers, promoters, festival programmers, manufacturers, service companies, retailers,
attorneys, rights organizations and several others. This year thousands of musical professionals,
representing just about every single music genre, and media from 37 countries attended for five
days of networking, market information, live music and parties. More information can be found at
www.midem.com. Becoming a regular at Microsoft’s events, Hunter was also featured at the “Digital Entertainment
Anywhere” launch event hosted by Microsoft Corp. Chairman and Chief Software Architect, Bill
Gates, in Los Angeles, last October. Hunter set the tone for the event as his hit song, "Go,"
in Surround 5.1, was featured in the opening video presentation followed by Gates’s public
unveiling of Microsoft’s Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005. Hunter then entertained VIP
guests that attended the after party at the IVAR Club in Hollywood for six hours, performing his
remixes of “Go,” “Amazing” and other favorites. “It was an incredible opportunity for me to play for an event of this size and to rock the dance
floor,” said Hunter. “I am blown away by the support that people at Microsoft have for me and my music.”
The “Digital Entertainment Anywhere” launch presentation, including Hunter’s “Go,” can be seen
at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/wmx/billg_digitalenter.asx.
Hunter’s upcoming release, Life, a six-track EP will be available May 26. (from Hoganson Media)
2005 Grammy Award winner Steven Curtis Chapman has
aligned with Walmart.com to offer an exclusive download of a previously unreleased track,
“Run Home,” from his All Things New recording sessions.
A Web address and claim code to access the song for free is printed on bookmarks inside 400,000
specially shrink wrapped copies of The Rising, the latest book in the Left Behind series,
now available at all Wal-Mart locations throughout the United States. To find out more go to
WalMart.com. Steven Curtis Chapman is now headlining the All Things New Tour with special guests
Chris Tomlin and Casting Crowns. For complete concert listings, click over to StevenCurtisChapman.com.
(from Sparrow Records)
Pillar's 2004 album Where Do We Go From Here, which JfH readers chose
as the 2005 Hard Rock Album of the Year, is re-releasing on May 24, 2005.
Where Do We Go From Here: Limited Edition will be featuring a new full length Pillar DVD
produced by lead singer Rob Beckley, Pillar's version of "Sunday Bloody Sunday," 5.1 mix of
"Bring Me Down," remixes of "Bring Me Down (Underground Mix)" and the acoustic version of
"Further From Myself," and much more! (from PillarMusic.com)
sixstepsrecords announces the release of their eighth Passion project,
Passion: How Great Is Our God, April 12. Following seven critically acclaimed Passion
recordings that have sold well-over one million units, the highly anticipated CD features brand
new music recorded live from the main stage at the Passion 05 gathering held Jan. 2-5 in Nashville, TN.
Passion: How Great Is Our God captures the heart of Passion 05 and its 11,000-plus attendees with
13 live tracks, including songs by David Crowder Band, Matt Redman, Charlie Hall and Chris Tomlin,
among others. The album also features Chris Tomlin’s No. 1 radio hit, “Indescribable,” along with
five brand new Passion offerings. For a limited time, Passion: How Great Is Our God will
also be available in a special 2-disc set that contains a Bonus DVD with footage from Passion 05
and 4 full-length song videos, including Chris Tomlin’s “Holy Is The Lord,” a song not found on
the companion CD. The Bonus DVD also has the "Reaching" mini-movie, chronicling Passion's journey
to Boston and New York City, and Louie Giglio's Tuesday night talk, "Waking Up To The Whole Gospel."
(from Hoganson Media)
Brian Littrell, member of pop super-group Backstreet
Boys, will be a guest on CNN’s Larry King Live tonight at 9PM EST. The interview will focus
on heart health and the “Brian Littrell Healthy Heart Club for Kids,” a free program Brian
founded in 1999 focusing on nutrition, exercise, self-esteem and heart-healthy living for children
ages 8-12. Other guests on the show will include Kate Jackson, Phyllis Diller and P.K. Shah MD,
director of cardiology at Cedar-Sinai and Pamela Douglas, MD.
Visit www.healthyheartclub.org for information on the club itself, and www.reunionrecords.com for
more on Brian’s music. “In Christ Alone,” recorded for the WOW #1s album, is gaining tremendous
momentum at radio, debuting at #30 on the R&R AC Monitored chart this week. Littrell’s first solo
album on Reunion Records, is scheduled for release to Christian and general market retail Nov. 1.
Backstreet Boys are touring in Europe and also working on an album slated for release in 2005. Further information on the forthcoming project will be made available through Jive Records.
(from Provident Music)
Want to help pick the movie poster that will be used for Michael W. Smith's feature film debut?
As the final touches are being made to bring The Second Chance starring Michael, and
directed by Steve Taylor, to theaters this fall, it's time for you to put your two cents in selecting the all-important movie poster to
be seen across the country, etc. Just click here to see the final three posters producers are
considering. Place your vote!
(from Michaelwsmith.com)
The buzz on John Reuben's new album is heating up! The album, scheduled for a June 21st release,
is titled The Boy Vs. The Cynic and is being said to have a mix of what made Professional Rapper
such a great record with new, more lighthearted material (which we all know Reuben is good for as well).
Look for a new single and a new video coming soon that features John teaming up with good friend
Matt Thiessen of a little band we know of called Relient K... (from John Reuben)
The World Vision-sponsored All God’s Children Tour will feature a bevy of
international talent with a triple headlining bill including Inpop Records’ artists Tree 63 and
Paul Colman, and Word Records’ artist Building
429. South African-bred pop/rock band Tree63, former Paul Colman Trio leader and native
Australian Paul Colman, and Word Records’ American rockers Building 429 will kick off the All
God’s Children Tour on March 4 in Belton, Texas. German-based J-STAR Records artist Claas P.
Jambor will open on all dates. The All God’s Children Tour will hit over 30 cities, including
Phoenix, Arizona; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Cincinnati, Ohio.
The pairing of talents, world music influences and accents make this tour a unique experience, as
all four acts hail from various parts of the globe. Each headlining artist has achieved success in
his respective home abroad and in the United States. Tree63, Paul Colman and Building 429 share
various Dove Award accolades - past and present - celebrating their talent and popularity here in
the United States. “The All God’s Children Tour has been an exciting tour to represent,” says Jeff
Roberts of Jeff Roberts & Associates, the agency booking the tour. “The response from the
promoters has been overwhelming, and we’re looking forward to a bunch of great dates,” he says.
For tickets, tour dates and additional information, visit www.Allgodschildrentour.com.
(from InPop Records)
The missing KJ-52 hidden tracks are now available online.
"It's going to be a minute before these trax are uploaded to itunes so in the meantime you can
hear the 2 missing hidden trax here... www.soundclick.com/kj52," KJ reported last month.
"For those that dont know the hidden trax had to be cut off the album due to length.
However the booklets were printed before that happened. So in order to make up for it we will be
posting them as itunes downloads but in the meantime they are available for listening at the above
site." (from KJ52.com)
Jars Of Clay is following the new trend of online-exclusive project releases with a new
online-only EP entitled The Roots & Wings EP. You can fet a taste of their new music by downloading these
these exclusive tracks available now at iTunes, Real, Napster, Sony Connect, MSN, Walmart and
other online services. The Roots & Wings EP includes the brand new radio single
"God Will Lift Up Your Head" (from Redemption Songs), "What Wondrous Love"
(14th song off Redemption Songs, only available digitally) and "Tonight" and
"Shipwrecked" (both from the Who We Are Instead Limited Edition CD - never before
released digitally). This all serves as a digital appetizer for their March 29 release
Redemption Songs. Keep an eye out
for a special contest to win cool rare Jars Of Clay stuff only here at Jesusfreakhideout.com!
(from Essential Records)
BEC Recordings’ singer/songwriter and reigning GMA Dove Award winner
Jeremy Camp has reached the number one position on radio
for the seventh time in his career. His single “Take You Back” from his current project Restored,
nabs the top spot on both R&R’s AC and CHR radio charts.
In addition, his music video for “Take You Back” hit the top spot last week on MTV’s mtvU, the
video channel broadcast at colleges and universities across the country. mtvU is found in over
700 campuses, reaching over 6 million students. To see the video,
please visit www.mtvu.com/music/freshmen.
Returning from a recent missions trip to the Dominican Republic, Camp will travel to Morocco to
join FriendshipFest on May 6th through the 8th. FriendshipFest is an outdoor festival and historic
gathering, bringing together Christians and Muslims. Musicians from both the U.S. and Morocco,
located in northwest Africa, will be performing on the same stage to celebrate peace and tolerance. For more information, please visit www.friendshipfest.com.
Currently, he is on a nationwide tour with MercyMe, hitting such markets as Grand Rapids, Irvine, Houston, St. Louis and Oklahoma City. The tour ends May 1st in Dekalb, IL.
This fall, Camp will headline the “Restored Tour,” performing in 40 cities from September 2nd to November 21st. Confirmed opening acts are Bethany Dillon and Tree63.
(from The M Collective)
TobyMac just filmed the new music video for "Gone"
in Los Angeles with director Brandon Dickerson (Switchfoot, Sixpence None the Richer, Vince Gill,
Dishwalla, Playstation 2, Converse). The video was done in HD, a very exclusive and rare process,
one of the first for the Christian music industry, and will be available for view soon
For the HD process, the film is directly transferred to the HD format from 35mm.
Also, Toby has once again broken new ground at Christian radio, crossing over yet another hurdle
in his career as his latest singles, "Atmosphere" and "Slam" take over CHR and Rock radio once
more. For three weeks in a row, "Atmosphere" was the most added single on R&R's CHR chart for two
weeks in-a-row, has the most-increased spins this week, and at Rock radio, "Slam" has already hit
#7 in just seven weeks. TobyMac's music ("Diverse City" and "Getaway Car") was chosen to be the
theme music for a new website sponsored by Chevy that showcases music, sports and more. Go to
http://www.27thelement.com to check it out.
(from The M Collective)
Project 86 will be recording their fifth full length
release with producer GGGarth Richardson (R.A.T.M., Chevelle, Atreyu)! Fans will remember GGGarth
fondly from his contributions to the band's 2000 record Drawing Black Lines. The band will be entering
the studio on April 18th to begin the recording process. Lead vocalist Andrew Schwab had this to say about this opportunity
in the band's newsletter this week:
"We are beyond thrilled to do another record with GGGarth. Last time we worked with him the
results were amazing, and I am sure this time it will be magical as well. We have been waiting for
our schedules to line up to work together again for some time, so it seems that now is the time
for all of this to come together. We have been writing every single day. The material is very
heavy, very powerful, and very new. I can't wait. So many things are lining up right now in ways
they never have before for this band, from our relationships, to doors opening, to our spiritual
state. I believe there is a very important reason why we are in this position, and I believe that
reason is from above." We're stoked and will keep you posted! (from Project 86)
Now 25 years old and married, Jaci Velasquez
continues her growth as an artist and songwriter on her fifth studio album, Beauty Has Grace.
The two-time Dove Award-winning Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year headed to
London where she teamed up with British producer Martin Terefe (Ron Sexsmith, Shea Seger,
Kim Richey). The new album has a refreshingly organic sound that reveals a new musical and lyrical side of Jaci.
Jaci was actively involved throughout the recording of Beauty Has Grace, making it a
personal statement of who she is as an artist. Jaci shares writing credits on six of the 10
songs (including two co-written with Dove Award winner Marc Byrd) which include lyrical content
dealing with God's great love, personal struggle, and joy about her recent marriage.
Out of the writing sessions with Marc Byrd comes her first radio single, "With All My Soul."
The song goes for adds at AC and CHR radio this Friday. To hear a full
mp3 of "With All My Soul," click here!
(from Word Records)
Seldom has more of the "history" of contemporary Christian music been captured in one photo.
Rebecca St. James (left) and Amy Grant (right) offered
congratulations to the singer who blazed the trail for them to later follow -- Evie Tornquist --
who was on February 22nd inducted into the Gospel Music Hall Of Fame, in ceremonies in held in Nashville.
Rebecca had the honor of making the formal induction speech for Evie as well as performing a medley of songs onstage with her.
In their personal lifes offstage, Evie and her husband Pelle have been long time family friends, and for the past several years
Evie has been a personal mentor in Rebecca's life. Like Rebecca, Evie became a top artist in
Christian music while still in her teens -- rising to the honor of being named "Female Vocalist Of The Year" in the
1977 Dove Awards -- the same year Rebecca was born in Sydney, Australia. Evie repeated the Dove honor in 1978.
Rebecca recalled in a heartfelt moment onstage at the induction ceremony:
"I met Evie for the first time in 1978 at the Sydney Opera House with my mum and my dad who was a
concert promoter in Australia. I was one year old at the time and if someone there snapped a
photo of Evie holding me on her lap, it would be my dearest wish to have that photo!"
Rebecca also recently earned the title of Female Vocalist of the Year in the Jesusfreakhideout.com
Reader's Choice Awards 2005!
(from Morning Star PR)
Rocketown recording artist Ginny Owens is set to
release a new live album on May 3. The project, Live from New Orleans, was recorded last
fall in the French Quarter’s House of Blues and will offer live versions of past Owens’ hits in
addition to two new songs. Permanently price pointed at $11.99, the new live CD will prove a
perfect precursor to Owens’ highly anticipated October 2005 studio release.
“I grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, about two-and-a-half hours from New Orleans,” said Owens.
“I made enough trips to the city to fall in love with its mystique, diversity and fascinating
history. It seemed a logical choice for the city in which to record a live concert… By the time
we recorded this project, the band guys and I had been on the road together for a little over 100
shows so this set of live songs sounds low-key, lived-in, relaxed. I have settled into the vocals
in a new way, and the guys and I have rearranged some things as we've played concerts.”
In addition to touring throughout the Spring, Owens is writing songs for a new studio release,
tentatively scheduled for October 2005. For more information on Ginny Owens,
visit www.ginnyowens.com or www.rocketownrecords.com.
(from Rocketown Records)
FmStatic is currently working on a new record that should release in late summer or early fall this year!
"We are so stoked to be doing another record," the band announced on
FMStatic.com last week, "and have a few fun little surprises up our sleeve for the new record.
Trevor has been writing some fun lyrics that I think will have you crying laughing and everything
in between. It's going to be a fun mixture of the pop rock style with maybe even an old cover
song made new. ;) Love for you guys, and we'll see you on the road!" Sounds good! We'll keep you
posted... (from FMStatic.com)
Mixing is almost finished on Plumb's forthcoming project Chaotic Resolve.
Only a few tracks remain to be mixed and the album will be finished and shipped from L.A.
to New York for mastering. Meanwhile, Tiffany (aka "Plumb") is all the more closer to motherhood!
"Pregnancy is still going great," Plumb said on Plumbinfo.com yesterday. "Check out the photo of
me and my belly I'm putting up this coming Friday the 4th. I chose Friday because I will be a full
36 weeks (9 months)!" Visit her site for more details on the pregnancy and her new record!
(from Plumbinfo.com)
New Gotee Recording artist 4th Avenue Jones latest project Stereo: The Evolution Of HipRockSoul hits shelves this
month and Gotee has posted a new ecard online to help promote the release: http://www.gotee.com/ecards/4thave.
In addition to an EPK video with clips from the record and brief interviews from the members, you can
see a brand new concept video for the album's first single "Stereo." Look for the album's
release on March 29th. In the meantime, check out the JfH PReview for a short take on the record
and a few sound clips... (from Gotee Records)
Casting Crowns continues its journey into
unprecedented levels of success with the RIAA Platinum certification of its self-titled debut
album for sales of more than one million copies. This momentous occasion comes only sixteen
months after the Sept. 30, 2003 release of its award-winning album, making them the fastest
selling debut artist in recent Christian music history.
Spurred on by record-breaking success at Christian radio, with three consecutive No. 1 singles,
its latest hit, “Voice of Truth,” is currently spending a record-setting thirteenth week at the
top of R&R’s Christian AC Monitored Chart. Two weeks ago, the band set a record at radio for being
the first artist on the R&R AC Monitored chart to hold the #1 spot for 11 consecutive weeks. With
massive touring already underway for 2005, the opening chapters of this amazing success story are
still being written. On this recognition, lead singer Mark Hall commented, “A year and a half ago,
we were amazed that God was taking our ministry in a new direction while still leaving us planted
in the church. By faith, we dove in with no script of predictions on how this was all going to
work. And now God is using songs we thought were written for our students as a ministry tool for
the church worldwide. We’ve seen the body of Christ at work through radio, retail and local
churches and we are more passionate about our ministry through Casting Crowns than when we started.”
“It’s difficult to find new ways of acknowledging the success of Casting Crowns and this album.
The words that come to mind are ‘thankful’ and ‘grateful’,” noted Terry Hemmings, Provident Music
Group President and CEO. “Provident is so thankful to be a part of this music and to know the
members of this group. We are also grateful for the support we have received from radio, retail
and the consumers of contemporary Christian music. Retailers and programmers recognized early on
that this band was special and provided them an opportunity to be heard.” (from Provident Music Group)
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Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)
