performed to a
crowd of 30,000 at a campaign rally supporting the Bush-Cheney ’04 Campaign. The band
brought the audience to its feet with “I Believe” and “I Got A Feeling” from its acclaimed studio
release, Wire (5/4/04). Following the rally, the band loaded-in to nearby Giant Center for a
“
” tour date with tobyMac and Day of Fire.
Third Day recently celebrated a second consecutive American Music Award nomination, and is preparing
for the upcoming release of
, a special two-disc live DVD/CD set on Nov. 23.
Sure to be a collector’s item for Third Day fans everywhere, Live Wire hits store shelves
Thanksgiving week, traditionally the biggest retail week of the year.
The “Live Wire” Tour follows the hugely successful release of Third Day’s latest studio album,
, earlier this year on Essential Records. Debuting at No.1 on Nielsen SoundScan’s
Top Christian Albums chart and No. 12 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart in its first week,
has shipped more than 450,000 units in just five months.
In addition to a 2004 GRAMMY nomination for
, and being
referred to as the ‘touring band of the year’ by promoters for the past three years, Third Day was
also honored with two consecutive American Music Award nominations (2003, 2004). The band received a
GRAMMY in 2003 for
and honors from ASCAP in the Song of the Year category. Over its
11-year career, the five-piece rock band has garnered 21 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards,
21 No.1 radio singles. In addition, they have amassed more than four million in career sales.
The “Live Wire” Tour is sponsored by Chevrolet. (from
Jaci Velasquez is coming to TV on Sunday!
Jaci has a guest appearance on PAX TV's popular show
Doc.
Here's the episode description... "When a hospital security guard's job is threatened,
Clint (Billy Ray Cyrus) takes up his cause and finds himself fighting - the tabloids? Meanwhile,
Nate (Richard Leacock) gets drafted to direct the church choir and, with the help of a shy organist
(played by Latin contemporary Christian singer Jaci Velasquez), learns first hand sometimes you need
to preach to the choir." The episode, number 418, is entitled "Nip, Tuck And Die"
and airs on PAX this Sunday, October 31 at 8:00 pm EST. (from
JFH Msg Boards. Thanks JhG!)
Principal photography began September 29 on
The Second Chance, starring award-winning
and multi-platinum recording artist
Michael W. Smith in his first leading role in a feature film.
The film is directed by
Steve Taylor from an original screenplay by Taylor, Chip Arnold and Ben Pearson.
Smith plays Ethan Jenkins in the film, which revolves around Jenkins and Jake Sanders
(introducing Jeff Carr), both passionate pastors who worship the same God from the same book…
but that’s where the similarity ends. White and well-to-do Ethan is comfortable in his music ministry
at the media-savvy suburban mega-church, The Rock; Jake is a street smart African-American who
ministers to the gang members, teen mothers, and drug addicts of the urban Second Chance.
When they are suddenly thrown together in a tough neighborhood and forced to work side by side, Ethan
discovers there is no boundary between the streets and the sanctuary. But can the faith these two
men share overcome the prejudices that divide them to give themselves and a struggling urban church
a second chance? The film is produced by Taylor, Clarke Gallivan and Coke Sams in association with Ruckus Films.
Executive producer is Ben Howard. Franklin, Tenn.-based Cedar Partners is financing the project.
(from
Reunion Records)
Rocketown Records recently announced a 13-city December tour to support its various artists
Christmas release,
Gloria. Produced by Runway Network’s Charlie Peacock and Scott Dente,
Gloria includes both traditional Christmas classics and new original songs written in
community by the artists. David Breen of The Breen Agency is booking the tour surrounding the
Gloria CD, with confirmed concerts in Wheaton, Ill., Houston, Texas and Lakeland, Fla.,
among others. Rocketown artists
Watermark,
Ginny Owens, S
haun Groves,
Alathea,
George Rowe and
Taylor Sorensen are confirmed for the tour along with longtime Rocketown friend
Cindy Morgan.
The tour is partnering with child development organization Compassion International to drive child
sponsorships. Suzie Johnson, artist relations manager for Compassion, says, “During this special
season, we are honored to be involved with Rocketown and these outstanding artists. The impact of
this one evening and how God can use it to not only entertain hearts but to feed souls ensures that
the impact will be felt far beyond the tour. We believe that this will be a great opportunity for
families to reach out by sponsoring a child and tangibly taking the message of Christ around the
world to children in need.” David Breen says, "I am excited to be involved in the booking of this year’s Gloria Christmas Tour.
The bringing together of so many talented singer/songwriters on one stage to present this wonderful
story of our Savior’s birth will be an evening that we feel will become an annual touring tradition
and grow over the coming years. I think that we will not only see the whole family wanting to
attend these concerts but also churches using these songs to usher in the Christmas season." (from
Rocketown Records)
In the course of 2004, BEC Recordings has truly made a name for itself amongst its musical peers.
Beginning the year off with highly successful follow-up releases from bands like Kutless and Jeremy
Camp, the label continued on through the spring garnering three Dove Awards at April’s ceremony;
the first ever in BEC Recordings’ history. With new fall albums from Smalltown Poets and Seven Places,
along with Jeremy Camp’s “Restored,” still to come, BEC is sure to end the year on a high-note.
Now BEC has even more reason to celebrate with the signing of
Adam Watts.
While Watts’ accomplishments to the label until this point have been for his producing abilities,
co-producing all of the Jeremy Camp records (including Camp’s independently released six-song EP)
as well as Jadon Lavik’s June release, “Moving on Faith,” Watts is excited to release his own music
with his new label family. “I had seen Jeremy’s experience with BEC,” Watts explains. “There was
so much creative freedom and so many cool people at the label, I knew this was the right place for
me. Brandon (Ebel) knew my music really well and understood my creative process. It’s been a great
experience, and it’s just the beginning.”
Ebel shares in Watts’ excitement saying, “Adam is very talented. Not only does he write amazing songs,
but he also played every instrument on his album as well. He even produced, engineered, and mixed the
record, and we couldn’t be happier with the results.”
With Adam’s November 16th album,
The Noise Inside, just weeks away, he will continue as
support for Jeremy Camp’s Restored Tour until November 21st. Look for his first single,
“God of Grace,” currently hitting radio. (from
BEC Recordings)
Sixsteps/Sparrow Records’
Chris Tomlin, 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, receives his first No. 1 radio hit.
“Indescribable,” the debut single from his widely acclaimed, Sept. 21 release,
Arriving, has
climbed all the way to No. 1 on the R & R AC Monitor chart, while holding the No. 1 position on R & R’s
AC Indicator and PDAdvisor’s Top 20 AC charts for three consecutive weeks. The song is also No. 2 and
No. 6 and climbing on the CRW and Billboard AC charts, respectively.
Arriving producer Ed Cash calls the song “one of the best songs I’ve ever heard.” “It is the
kind of song with the anthemic appeal of Darlene Zcech’s ‘Shout to the Lord’ or Tim Hughes’ ‘Here I Am
to Worship’…expect to hear it for some time to come,” agrees CCM Magazine.
“As radio programmers have connected with Chris Tomlin around the country over the last couple of
years, they have been waiting for a single like this from him,” reflects Grant Hubbard, EMI CMG vice
president, national promotion. “We knew after hearing ‘Indescribable’ for the first time what kind
of potential it had, and it’s exciting to see that potential turn into such a great response from both
radio and its listeners across the country.”
With more than 42,000 units sold in just four weeks,
Arriving debuted at No. 1 on the Praise & Worship
chart, No. 3 on the Top Current Contemporary Christian chart and No. 39 on the Billboard Top 200.
Tomlin’s fastest selling recording to date,
Arriving more than quadrupled the debut sales
of his lauded sophomore release,
Not To Us, and received a mention in USA Today for its
sales success. (from
Hoganson Media)
*Sunday, October 24th, 2004*
Jesusfreakhideout.com attended the October 22nd Bethlehem show of Third Day and
TobyMac's Fall
Live Wire Tour and had the pleasure of interviewing Toby after the show. Toby, who celebrated his birthday
on Friday, was paid a visit by former bandmate Michael Tait on Thursday. TobyMac revealed to JfH
an update on the status of
dc Talk. When asked if he thought
they would ever make another record together, he replied, "I think we will. We actually had a long talk
about it today. Tait came to the show last night - we hung out all day yesterday and last night.
But it's like, I was sitting in the studio recording my song 'Atmosphere' and I would just hear Michael
and Kevin's voices. It's like they were literally haunting me." Toby discussed his new record and future
solo plans in further detail (full interview debuting on JfH soon). But while there are no set plans yet for another
dc Talk album, the hope remains alive. We'll keep you posted on any future developments!
TobyMac finishes up the incredible Live Wire Tour this December and has tentative plans to join Tait
and others for 2005's Winter Jam tour. From there, Toby is looking to coheadline a tour with Audio Adrenaline
featuring special guests Kutless and Hawk Nelson. (exclusively from
Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Last year, word hit the net that artist
Katy Hudson was beginning to do music again.
Apparently, Hudson has changed her name to
Katy Perry to avoid confusion with actress Kate Hudson
and has hooked up with The Matrix production team. She's poised for a 2005 Java Records debut, but
from the looks of some new online materials, it appears that Katy is trying to distance herself
from any kind of ties with the Christian industry. A new article in the October 2004 issue of
Blender Magazine writes, "Unlike Beyoncé, she spent her adolescence not being 'your typical Christian,'
she says with a wicked laugh. 'I’ve done a lot of bad things. Use your imagination.'"
The article, featuring new photos of Perry, goes on to discuss her new music. You can read
the disappointing article here:
http://blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=1061.
A behind the scenes video on Katy can also be found at javarecords.com. (from
Blender.com)
Acclaimed folk-pop artist
Bebo Norman secures the No. 1
spot this week on both Radio & Records and Christian Radio Weekly’s Inspirational charts with
“Disappear,” the first single from the new album,
Try.
As his new music tops the charts, Norman continues to connect with fans on the road this fall
headlining the “Bebo Norman Fall 2004 Tour,” featuring special guests Bethany Dillon and Jason Morant,
playing 40 cities through November in support of Norman’s latest release.
For the latest tour dates and additional information on Bebo Norman, please visit www.bebonorman.com.
Performing independently for three years before signing to Essential Records in 1999, Norman has earned
the distinction of being a premier lyricist with accessible music and a personable stage presence.
Norman's popularity has grown exponentially with the release of his four label titles,
Ten Thousand Days (1999),
Big Blue Sky (2001),
Myself When I Am Real (2002) and
Try (2004). Boasting a fiercely loyal following, Norman draws standing-room-only audiences
across the country and continues to garner significant media attention, including the covers of
CCM Magazine, Christian Single, Premier, Believe and Release. Norman’s song “Our Mystery,”
recently appeared on the WB’s popular hit TV show “Smallville” starring Tom Welling, and in the
promotion of UPN’s new series “Kevin Hill” starring Taye Diggs and Michael Michele.
*Friday, October 22nd, 2004*
One of the industry's "sweethearts" just two short years ago after the success of her debut smash,
Jordan's Sister,
Kendall Payne found herself
treading water and slowly slipping under as the unstable music business blew through a strong wave
of changes. After taking time for soul-searching and rediscovering her passion for life and music,
Kendall Payne has weathered the storm and re-emerges with her much anticipated sophomore project,
Grown.
"People always say 'what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger...' I'm a firm believer in that
principle," declares Payne. "In fact, I'm living proof of it."
Taking college classes, working odd jobs and getting involved in her local church helped Payne to
re-focus, and songs started pouring out. Without a record label, however, Payne didn't think she
would have an outlet to share the new music.
Friend and actor Zachary Levi (ABC's "Less Than Perfect") offered to fund the follow-up record and
producer Tim Schoenhals sat down at the controls.
"I believe in Kendall Payne because her music leaves me no choice," says Levi. "It is 'music of
necessity.' Not music that you should hear, but rather music that you need to hear. If you live
this life without it, you live this life incomplete."
Recorded at the Treatment Room in North Hollywood (with additional recording by Justin Schier at
Sonik Wire), the musicians for GROWN were hand-picked by Payne for each song, with special appearances
by Jason Wade (Lifehouse), Ricky and Randy Jackson (The Daylights) and Jamie Wollam (Avion).
Wade also shares songwriting credit on "Backwards," a song about looking to the future instead of
living in the past.
"I already had the verses to the song, but was really stuck on where to go from there,"
Payne explains. "So, I took it to my friend Jason Wade and in five minutes he wrote a chorus
and bridge. After taht, I took it home and wrote all the lyrics in a few hours. It's a rare thing
when a song comes that easy!"
Grown is available now and can be purchased online through www.kendallpayne.com and www.cdbaby.com.
(from Springboard Entertainment)
John Reuben will once again headline the "12 Days of Christmas
Tour". Check www.johnreuben.com for more dates as they're being
added. John will also be releasing a re-mix album exclusively through
www.audiogoat.com this Fall. The album (title still to be announced)
will include 10 John Reuben favorites remixed by various Producers
and DJs. Everyone who comes to the 12 Days of Christmas dates will
receive a free copy of the remix album.
(from Gotee Records)
Sarah Kelly has been keeping busy this Fall. Touring extensively with Jars Of Clay,
Sarah has been gearing up for a brand new tour later this year in December for Christmas
with Everyday Sunday and Paul Wright. She's also been hard at work planning for a follow-up
record to her debut
Take Me Away. According to her journal on SarahKellyMusic.com,
Sarah is so pleased with her live band and the music they've been collaborating on that
she hope to bear the artist name of "Sarah Kelly and the _____." She's currently searching
for a band name for the accompanying members and is open to your suggestions!
(from SarahKellyMusic.com)
The release of
Mars ILL's third official full-length
album entitled
Pro Pain, due out on Gotee Records on October 19th HAS BEEN PUSHED BACK!
At this point, the band is not certain when the new official release date will be. They just know that
it has been delayed and will not hit on the original date. The tentative release date is now set as:
February 12th, 2005. Hold Tight.
(from MarsIll.com)
The newest project from best-selling and multiple GRAMMY Award-winning artist
Amy Grant,
Greatest Hits 1986-2004, scanned over
22,000 copies during its first week of release. The project made its Billboard “Top 200” debut at
#48 and entered the overall Christian retail SoundScan chart at #3. The project has enjoyed wide
national exposure via major media appearances including “The Tonight Show” and “The View.”
Greatest Hits 1986-2004 encompasses 17 of Grant’s digitally re-mastered pop hits including
“Baby Baby,” “The Next Time I Fall” and “Every Heartbeat,” along with two new recordings,
“Come Be With Me” and “The Water,” which was produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Bebo Norman)
and co-written by Grant and features her husband, Vince Gill, on electric guitar. “The Water”
is the first Christian radio single from the project and is rapidly climbing the AC radio charts.
(from The WMG)
Critically acclaimed rock band
Switchfoot on Nov. 2 is
releasing
The Early Years: 1997-2000, a double-jewel-case, three-CD set featuring the
band’s complete original albums,
The Legend Of Chin,
New Way To Be Human and
Learning to Breathe.
Switchfoot’s The Early Years: 1997-2000 features 32 songs and includes the first recording
of the band’s radio hit, “I Dare You To Move,” in addition to radio favorites “Chem 6A,” “You,”
“New Way To Be Human” and “You Already Take Me There,” among others. With almost two hours of music,
The Early Years further features the original CD artwork and booklets from each of the
three albums.
(from Sparrow Records)
As folk-pop group
Caedmon’s Call releases
Share The Well
(10/12), the band garners industry support of its outreach to the Dalits in India with a donation from
the Berean chain of retail stores to the Dalit Freedom Network on behalf of the band’s new project.
Share The Well is the first album of its kind in Christian music, recorded with local
musicians in remote areas of India, Ecuador and Brazil to raise awareness of the oppressive caste
discrimination against India’s 250 million “Dalits,” considered less worthy than even the lowest class
and referred to as the ‘untouchables.’ It also serves as a reminder of the existing persecution and
poverty in the three countries overall.
Caedmon’s Call partnered with the Dalit Freedom Network in its travels last spring to India.
DFN works to empower the Dalits in their quest for social freedom and human dignity by networking
human, financial and informational resources.
“We at Berean are delighted to be part of Caedmon's Call’s partnership with the Dalit Freedom Network,”
notes Les Dietzman, president of Berean Christian Stores. “Our music buyer, Greg Knake, was touched
by the needs of the Dalits and urged our participation. We are proud of the work that Caedmon’s Call
is doing to give a cup of cold water in Jesus name.”
(from Provident Music Group)
As their first studio recording in 3 years,
I Choose
You enters the charts this week scanning nearly 14,000 units the women of
Point Of Grace have hit the ground running all over
the country. On street date, October 12th, they conducted a national Satellite Media Tour with
TV stations including Milwaukee, Houston, Denver, St Louis and Phoenix as well as national outlets
like FamilyNet and The Associated Press. In addition to the SMT, the girls conducted interviews with
The Fish in Portland and sang at a Pastor Appreciation bruch for 500 pastors and their wives.
Wednesday the 13th found Point of Grace in Chicago where they performed live on both WGN TV's
Morning Show, and on Moody's WMBI radio morning program. That afternoon they taped a segment in
downtown Chicago with LeSea Broadcasting and with the Total Living Network.
Coming up on October 25th from 8-9 pm EST, Point of Grace will be "Live From Times Square"
at Theater 315 in New York City! During this intimate, live radio broadcast, Denise, Shelley,
Heather, and Leigh will perform brand new songs from their new album
I Choose You.
As an added treat, they'll perform many of their career-spanning signature songs and radio
favorites too, laced with personal thoughts and stories. This broadcast will be available on The
Salem Radio Network Satellite.
(from The M Collective)
*Thursday, October 21st, 2004*
To help fund the
Hands & Feet Project,
Audio Adrenaline (AA)
is auctioning a LIVE concert and various personal band items on eBay. Bidding for the Charity Auctions
began Tuesday. Known for their high-energy performances and hit songs, Audio Adrenaline is giving
what they have - their music in live performance - for auction.
"We hope there are lots of bids from all over," says Mark Stuart, AA front man. "The concert will go
to the highest bidder, and we hope this effort gives Hands & Feet a significant financial blessing.
It is really what we have to give - our live show. The money will help pay for the land and houses
that make up the campus." Already, land has been acquired and floor plans and elevations drawn
for the administration building and residential homes to accommodate a family and six to eight kids.
Click here for the official AA eBay auctions!
Other auctions include original handwritten lyrics by the guys in the band, Will's Converse shoes,
the backdrop from their
Bloom tour, Ben's Casio Keyboard from the Jesus Freak Tour, t-shirts
worn on stage and much more!
Bid for the children of Haiti today!
*Wednesday, October 20th, 2004*
For the first time,
Steven Curtis Chapman's
official
site is auctioning Two (2) Front Row Tickets and Two (2) Meet Greet Passes to see Steven Curtis
in concert on the All Things New Tour in every city. So you'll see Steven in concert and then meet him
at the conclusion of the concert.
It's happening now at StevenCurtisChapman.com and proceeds from the Steven Curtis Chapman Online
Auction support Shaohannah's Hope, the non-profit foundation Steven and his wife, Mary Beth,
established to care for orphans by engaging the church and helping Christian families reduce the
financial barriers to adoption.
Additionally, if you already have your seats for the show, you can bid on the chance to grab two
(2) meet and greet passes, available in each city.
More items including autographed guitars, tour jackets and whatever else we can think of will be
available in the future, always benefitting Shaohannah's Hope. Check it out today!
www.StevenCurtisChapmanAuction.com
(from StevenCurtisChapman.com)
Tim Hughes, the author of worship songs such as
“Here I Am To Worship”, “Beautiful One” and “Consuming Fire,” partners with Soul Survivor founder,
Mike Pilavachi, on the first ever Soul Survivor Nationwide Tour. The 11-city tour begins Nov. 22
in Merritt Island, FL and travels to such major markets as Los Angeles, San Jose, Denver (Boulder, CO)
and Portland (Newberg, OR).
Presented in association with WorshipTogether, Gospel Light, Media Shout, Yamaha and Shure, Soul
Survivor will provide a day of training, resourcing and worship for all involved with church
leadership and worship ministry. With seminars lead by Hughes and Pilavachi, as well as resource
and technical training provided by the tour partners, the day will conclude with a night of worship
and celebration.
“The plan for the tour is to just do what we do at Soul Survivor and take it on the road,” said Hughes,
whose critically acclaimed sophomore project,
When Silence Falls, released last month.
“It won’t be a gig, no one will be there to try and impress you. It’s just about coming before God
and being open to what He’s doing. Mike Pilavachi is a fantastic communicator and preacher. He’ll
be speaking and we’ll spend time praying for each other because unless the Holy Spirit moves and
touches our hearts and communicates what He wants to communicate, it’s a waste.”
“The vision and heart behind the Soul Survivor Tour is to communicate the values of worship and
justice and how they are inseparable,” said U.S. Soul Survivor director Paul Martin. “Our hope for
this tour is to train and resource the church for a day and share the vision and values of Soul
Survivor with as many people as possible.”
Over the past ten years, Soul Survivor, an international, non-profit Christian ministry, has been
demonstrating what those who believe in Jesus are about: helping those in need and showing
compassion with tangible acts of service.
(from Hoganson Media)
Superchick has disappointed fans again by pushing back the release of their brand new album
a second time.
Beauty From Pain was set to release this October but was pushed back till
December 14th to give the band more time to finish the record. Well, the band has been running out of
time and has reluctantly decided to push the release off until sometime in early 2005.
Here's what the band's most recent newsletter announced...
"Hey everyone...we just got word that Superchick's new album
Beauty From Pain, has
been pushed back from it's original December 14th release date. The album will now come out in 2005.
This Fall has been very hectic for the band and they feel that they need more time in order to give
their fans the best new album possible. That's all the information we have so far. We will keep
you posted on any new information we get. In the meantime, keep spreading the word about Superchick."
(from Superchickonline.com)
Starflyer 59 has offered some information on new projects
on the not-so-distant horizon...
"The new record has been mixed by Ken Andrews, and we are very
happy with the results. We still have not finalized the title of the
record, we need to do that sooner than later! A release date has been
set for March of 2005. The record should be mastered sometime in the
next few weeks and we will put up a song for you to check out at that
time. We have also finished our new EP titled,
The Last Laurel which our
friends over at BADOUT are helping us release. The EP features 5 new
tracks (1 being a rough mix of a song off the new record, and the other 4
songs being ones that we didn't include on the new record). We will begin
shipping this on November 1st, you can pre-order a copy today. This will
only be available from our website and from live shows, when it's gone
it's gone. We will be doing 12 dates with Pedro The Lion in November, you
can find out more details from the "tour" section of the site...hope to see
you there."
(from sf59.com)
"
The Elms' long-awaited live concert DVD is nearing it's
final stages of preparation! The band collectively attended the first private screening of the
completed film this week, and were absolutely floored by the results!
The band has decided to officially title the film:
Burn The Fields: The Elms Live In Indiana.
The concert is 90 minutes in length, and the DVD will also feature a 50-minute documentary piece
revolving around the making of the show. Features will also include interviews with The Elms,
post-show interaction and interviews with fans, and bonus performances of requests made by fans
following the concert. Progress continues daily on the DVD's final presentation... More information
will be released very soon regarding the film's release.
The Elms wish to make the following information known: Everyone involved with the band's organization
fully understands that the DVD has been longer in the making than originally intended... Several
factors are decidedly responsible for the delay! THE ELMS' studio commitments, touring, and business
affairs made it nearly impossible at times to coordinate screenings and proofing of much of the
material that must be approved before work continues - Also, decisions were made for the sake of
quality and content value that inevitably caused delays because they required more time to cultivate.
The work is now on the home stretch! The band thanks their fans for the patience...
A special note to those who pre-ordered copy of the DVD the night of the event - Your purchases are
absolutely on record, and we'll be shipping the DVD to you as soon as it is released. Please do not
feel concern or alarm because of the delays associated with the DVD."
(from TheElms.net)
And here's the latest from acoustic solo artist extraordinaire
Justin McRoberts...
"I have been writing a bit more recently and looking over the collection of songs already written,
or near completion I’m pretty sure another EP is in the works. This means of course that I will have
to struggle again to find a title in order to avoid another
Untitled. Or maybe that’s a good route.
Maybe I can call it
EP2 Return of The Untitled or
Untitled Again... probably not."
Also, McRoberts is planning his first ever live project. He writes, "It's like a bootleg without being
sneaky. It's in response to countless requests for a live recording made available for people like
you. Recorded in May 2004 with just a board feed and a house microphone, this
Live At Grove City
has all the elements of a quality bootleg recording without any nasty guilt associated with stealing."
This will be a limited edition available only from Justin’s website. Orders will be taken next month.
Until then, you can visit the
McStore (from Justin McRoberts)
*Tuesday, October 19th, 2004*
TobyMac's song "Diverse City" (from his brand new CD
Welcome To Diverse City) will be featured on tonight's (10-19) episode of "
Veronica Mars"
at 8:00pm CST on UPN.
The song will be used as background vocal during a scene where Wallace and Veronica try to get inside
a computer tech's dorm room.
"Veronica Mars" is a one-hour detective drama produced by Joel Silver (the "Matrix", "Swordfish").
The story is set in a small town and centers around 17-year-old Veronica Mars. Veronica is an
apprentice to her P.I. father, who investigates the murder of her best friend, unraveling a town's
secrets in the process.
(from The M Collective)
*Monday, October 18th, 2004*
Best-selling and multiple GRAMMY Award-winning artist
Amy Grant is set to perform
“Come Be With Me,” from her newest project,
Greatest Hits 1986-2004, this evening on
“The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Her performance will also feature OKeh/Epic Records
artist
Keb’ Mo’.
Greatest Hits 1986-2004
encompasses 17 of Grant’s digitally re-mastered pop hits including “Baby Baby,” “The Next Time I Fall”
and “Every Heartbeat,” along with two new recordings, “Come Be With Me” and “The Water,”
which was produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Bebo Norman) and co-written by Grant and features her
husband, Vince Gill, on electric guitar.
In addition to her performance on “The Tonight Show,” Grant is also scheduled to perform on ABC’s
“The View” this Thursday. Check local listings for specific station information.
(from Word Records)
Rebecca St. James has been real busy lately. She just released a brand new book entitled "SHE"
and is already planning for the future. Rebecca and her band visit Europe again at the end of this
year starting in Switzerland (visit www.rsjames.com/concerts for more details).
Rebecca is also writing and doing pre-production for her next full-length studio project that is
currently due out in mid 2005. This should be her first regular studio project since her 2000 release
Transform. Also, at the end of 2004, RSJ's bass player and band leader plans to leave her
live band to write a book and reignite his computer programming skills. Keep the RSJ camp in prayer
as a lot will be keeping their schedule filled in these coming months!
(from RSJames.com)
The Complex Infrastructure Known As The Female Mind: According To Relient
K aims to be the definitive guide for teenaged girls about the various other "girl types"
out there.
Relient K gives their take on the pop-culture
stereotypes including the Homecoming Queen, The Athlete, and The Overachiever among others.
The band shares both personal experience and advice for girls of all "types" on becoming women of God.
The 192-page book debust November 3rd and will retail for $12.99 and highlights Relient K's fun-loving attitude towards life
through quizzes, lists, stories and more! Their newest album,
Mmhmm releases the day before
on November 2nd!
(from LB Public Relations)
On October 6
MercyMe provided an unplugged, energetic set for radio
industry VIPs (Clear Channel, Salem/KLTY, Infinity, Moody, Country Music Broadcasters, WMHK among
others) and key radio personalities such as John Tesh and Delilah during the Christian Music
Broadcasters (CMB) Reception. The CMB reception was held at the Hyatt Grand Manchester in San Diego
in conjunction with the National Association of Broadcasters Radio Show.
This special showcase was presented by CMB, INO Records, Curb Records and McVay Media.
The award-winning band performed 40 minutes including the radio mega-hit “I Can Only Imagine,”
current top 10 single, “Here With Me” and the forthcoming single, “Homesick.” MercyMe also interacted
with the attendees with a meet-and-greet and Q & A hosted by Heather Lloyd (KPRZ San Diego).
They were able to present their faith and discuss their experience with their mainstream crossover
success. MercyMe became one of the fastest-selling new artists in Christian music history with their release
of
Almost There in the fall of 2000. Their newest release,
Undone, released 4/20,
entered the Billboard top 200 sales chart at #12, selling nearly 56,000 units. “Here With Me” also
became a mainstream AC radio top 10 hit and No. 1 radio hit on CHR, AC, and INSP.
(from The M Collective)
The Choir - Steve Hindalong, Derri Daugherty, Tim Chandler and Dan Michaels -
have hit Neverland studio once again to record a brand new studio album.
Marc Byrd of Common Children and Glassbyrd,
City On A Hill fame is co-producing
along with Steve and Derri. To date, about 10 songs have been recorded over
the past few months. A title hasn't been settled on for the record, but
How
The Mighty Have Fallen and
Can I Touch Your Scars have been discussed.
The band is posting updates as the record moves along at their website -
www.thechoir.net. Stop by to read updates, hear song samples and view some
video taken at the studio. As always, the band needs your help getting the word
out so please pass the news on about The Choir to those you think would want to
know. They are offering a pre-order opportunity at their online store where you
can get your copy first and autographed by each of the members in The Choir. Stop by
http://www.thechoir.net/store to check it out. The record should be completed next month!
Before starting on the new Choir record, Steve and Derri worked on a new
Lost
Dogs album along with Mike Roe and Terry Taylor.
Mutt is the result... a new
full length CD that features each Lost Dog member singing the other's
respective band's songs! This record is a collection of songs from the
other bands with which the Lost Dogs have been involved: The Choir, The 77s, and
Daniel Amos plus one brand new song "I'm Setting You Free (But Not Letting
You Go)." Mike Roe does the vocal duties on Choir classic "Beautiful Scandalous
Night." For more info and to order
Mutt, visit The Choir's online
store at
http://www.thechoir.net/store!
(from The Choir)
TobyMac's brand new release
Welcome To Diverse City took over the #1 spot on the
Christian Soundscan charts, selling 20,987 units in its first week. Likewise, the CD was also
the #1 selling project at Family Christian Stores as well as the Berean chain. "Toby is the
personification of the word ‘ambition,’" exclaims Nick Barre, Vice President Artist Development for
EMI CMG Label Group. “He has a deep-rooted sense of his calling as an artist and it bears fruit in
terms of the high level of creativity in his songwriting, his perfectionism in the recording studio,
his riveting, unparalleled live show, and his impassioned commitment to live a life of authenticity
consistent with his faith. The tremendous initial success we're experiencing with the launch of
TobyMac's new project is the outcome of a lot of hard work on behalf of the artist, management,
and the label. It's especially encouraging to see the impact of EMI CMG's reorganization deliver
results even greater than we anticipated."
(from The M Collective)
Everyday Sunday has kicked off the second half of the "Imperfect
Tour." Flicker Records is auctioning off one of their signed guitars on
E-Bay
and there's just hours left! Remember to check out their official webpage at
www.everydaysunday.com for show dates. Click here for the guitar auction!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=64415&item=3753772173&tc=photo
(from Flicker Records)
The newest addition to the Flicker Records family,
Monk And Neagle has a huge hit at radio
called "Dancing With The Angels." Here's a little insight from Monk on the meaning behind this hit...
"I first began writing this song seven years ago, after my
great-grandmother passed away. It was the first time I had lost
someone I loved, and I wanted to capture what I was feeling in a
song. When we were in the studio putting this album together,
Michael added some of his own feelings to the song about the death
of his father, who had passed away about a year and a half before.
This song expresses the loss that everyone of us will face at some
point in our lives, but it also celebrates the promise we have as
believers that we will see our loved ones again someday." Their
self-titled
debut record is in stores now!
(from Flicker Records)
Within the Christian concert scene in Germany the annual “
Christmas Rock Night”
in Ennepetal (near Düsseldorf) has played an outstanding role as the only international festival for
the last 25 years. Many US bands performed their first shows in Europe on this stage, including P.O.D,
Supertones, Pillar, Skillet, Paul Colman, Pax 217 and The Rock’n Roll Worship Circus to name just a
few who made their European live debuts here within the last five years. UK bands who played this
event several times include Delirious?, The Electrics and Split Level.
The 25th annual is scheduled for Dec 3 and 4, to be headlined by The OC Supertones (Friday night)
and Pillar (Saturday night): The 30-band-line-up includes a special one-time reunion-show by Split
Level from Britain. Germany’ s biggest record distributor Gerth Medien will release a sampler of 15
bands performing here this year (
CRN Blessings – Get The Rhythm, to be released end of
November). A live streaming of mainstage bands is to be broadcast by internet radio
www.crosschannel.de
The International Songwriting Competition has extended its deadline for two
weeks to Oct 30, 2004. If you are an artist, songwriter or band member
looking to gain exposure in the music industry, ISC is the competition for
you. ISC has the most prestigious judging panel out of any songwriting
competition; giving you the opportunity to have your songs heard by some of
the most high-profile and influential members of the music industry.
More than $100,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to 50 winners,
including $10,000 in cash and $30,000 in merchandise/services to the 2004
Overall Grand Prize winner. Don't miss out on this great opportunity, visit
http://www.songwritingcompetition.com to enter your songs!
All entries have to be postmarked on or by Oct 30, 2004. Online entries
have to be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST, Oct 30, 2004. This will be your
very last chance to enter the 2004 competition; there will be no further
extension of the deadline.
*Tuesday, October 12th, 2004*
Chevrolet announced the launch of its promotional campaign and sponsorship of
Third Day’s Live Wire Tour with
tobyMac.
Coming off the past success of the last two years with Third Day, Chevrolet’s southeast region has
developed an inclusive marketing promotion that focuses on launching the all-new 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
and continuing the successful An American Revolution campaign. The campaign includes radio promotions,
an online campaign and website, and onsite activities at seven concert dates in the southeastern US.
Supported by Top 40 and Christian radio stations in the select markets, the radio promotional spots
features Mac Powell, lead singer of Third Day, and music from Third Day, including “I Got A Feeling”
and “Wire.” The online campaign includes a website,
www.thirddaycobalt.com with links from
ThirdDay.com, where Third Day fans can register to win a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt SS, the new
supercharged coupe, accessorized by Third Day’s members. The website will feature samples of six
songs from
Wire, Third Day’s acclaimed album; news about the tour; and Chevrolet’s activities
before, during and after the concerts.
On location at the concerts, Chevrolet will bring its iconic An American Revolution car carrier
featuring the Cobalt, Corvette C6, Equinox, Malibu Maxx, Colorado and the 2005 SSR to the seven
concert locations. Chevrolet has developed the Cobalt Lounge, an in-venue area roped off that gives
a relaxed vibe with Cobalt blue couches, bean bags, lava lamps and an off-the-floor view of the
concert for select fans that visit the Chevrolet display. The selected locations include: Atlanta,
GA; Hampton/Norfolk, VA; Fayetteville, NC; West Palm Beach, FL; Jacksonville, FL; Huntsville, AL;
and Knoxville, TN.
“Chevrolet continues to add new dimensions to the relationship with Third Day and fresh opportunities
for their new and loyal fans to experience our stylish new cars and trucks,” stated Tim Hudgens,
southeast regional marketing manager for Chevrolet. “Our partnership with Third Day has been a
successful example of how to reach potential customers through great music and performances.”
“It’s been incredible to work with Chevrolet during the past three years. Chevrolet’s support has
helped us produce exciting shows, expand our reach and given us the opportunity to drive their amazing
cars and trucks,” stated Mac Powell of Third Day. “Now, Chevrolet has let us accessorize their new
Cobalt SS that we will give to one of our fans. We’ve added all the elements each of us would want –
OnStar, MP3/CD player and a high-powered engine.”
(from Provident Music Group)
The hard-workin' UK boys in
Delirious? already have a new project releasing this Fall.
Here's an update from their official UK newsletter... "It seems that there are some seriously exciting
things going on God-wise down under, and it just so happens that Delirious got themselves a sniff
of the barbie when they helped lead worship at Hillsongs back in July 03.
Out on November 1st is
UP/Unified Praise - the most exciting worship album the band have been
involved in for years. Captured with the aid of 20,000 Aussie worshipheads at the Sydney Olympic
Superdome, the night went off like none other. According to Martin Smith 'it was an historic event
being the largest gathering of believers ever in Australia. It was also a privilege to share the
stage with Darlene (Zschech) and the team and a night we will never forget' and all it takes is
one look at the track list to know that as Delirious and the Hillsong band shared the honours,
the worship would have flowed... it all kicks off with United Live's classic 'Everday', takes a
trip 'Rain Down and Majesty (Here I Am)', ending up checking out the view from the heights of
'History Maker'. Things don't just stop at the CD, though. Some clever bloke thought up the idea
of bunging the whole gig onto a DVD, which was nice of them. As well as getting to see the whole
thing as it happened you can plug into the following tasty extras.
As the first live performance by the boys to be put onto DVD in some time, the demand is looking high,
but because they're nice they'll sign the first 500 copies pre-ordered by you lot."
For pre-order info in the UK, visit
https://secure.electricurrent.com/fierce/01music.cfm?store=3?store=3
In February 2003, Norfolk, Virginia introduced the world to the charming quintet collectively
known as
Mae. Not only was their debut album,
Destination: Beautiful an instant success with audiences, but their live show proved their
talent moved even past just writing alluring hits. Now, nearly 2 years of non-stop touring,
Mae are gearing to release,
Destination: B-Sides, their first recorded project since the
release of
Destination: Beautiful. With 10 tracks of new and unreleased songs, live
recordings, and even acoustic takes on old favorites, the album gives an inside look at the band's
beginnings, as well as their transformation to the future. Look for
Destination: B-Sides
everywhere November 16th, and a brand new full-length March 29, 2005!
(from Tooth & Nail Records)
Andrew Schwab's bandmates in
Project 86 are trying to sabotage him... His merch guy is trying to get them all
arrested... His guitarist is trying to get them all killed... Fans are stealing his things. Even his
own fragile, uptight psyche is antagonizing him. "
It's All Downhill From Here: On The Road With
Project 86" is available now on [Relevant Books]! It's author and lead singer Andrew Schwab's
first nationally released book. A book for anyone who has ever wanted to play in a rock band and leave
their mundane, everyday lives behind... This is NOT just another book of tour journals and cliche
stories of rock n' roll debauchery; this is every man's attempt at a forbidden fantasy... and coming
face to face with failure with hilarious results. Don't miss the opportunity to pick up the book and
the new release from Project 86 for cheap
here!
(from Tooth & Nail Records)
Emery's debut album,
The Weak's End, is in stores now
and the band is tearing up venues across the nation on tour now! Right now, Tooth & Nail Records are
giving away a custom limited edition Emery skate deck! This contest ends on November 30th, so enter
to win now and then pick up
The Weak's End in stores now!
Enter here!
(from Tooth & Nail Records)
In just a few short weeks,
Denison Marrs’ self titled
CD will be hitting stores nationwide. And to celebrate, the guys will be hitting the road,
playing all over the south! They guys have been home practicing, getting their set down –
should be a great combo of old and new. For album release tour dates, check out the end of this
email!
(from Floodgate Records)
Anberlin, fresh out of the studio after tracking their
new record,
Never Take Friendship Personal, is already back on the road! They are currently
on a 3 week headlining run right now that features friends Noise Ratchet, The Beautiful Mistake,
Mourning September, and Number One Fan. They'll follow it up with a leg of the Nintendo Fusion
Tour with Story Of The Year, Lostprophets, and My Chemical Romance!
(from Tooth & Nail Records)
Ever wonder what it’s like being on tour with
Forever Changed &
Cool Hand Luke?
Here’s a recap. Not only did both bands team up to write and record a rap album, they had the first
annual Cool Hand Luke/Forever Changed Triathlon. An example of one of the events was the "Highway
to the Danger Zone" competition; each band had to use the phrase "Highway to the Danger Zone" in a
sentence from stage. The final results of the triathlon were too close to call, so the judges went
to a bonus round… which band consumed the most parking tickets? Cool Hand Luke were the winners,
beating Forever Changed by a hair with $90 in parking tickets vs. FC's $60 - thanks to a lovely
meter cop in Ybor City, Florida.
(from Floodgate Records)
Since the
East West guys have been home, Bobby and JJ
decided to catch the film bug – and should have some pretty good face time as extras in the upcoming
Adam Sandler film
The Longest Yard. The film comes out in May –
so lookout Hollywood!
(from Floodgate Records)
According to one of our faithful readers, they were listening to radio U when John Cooper from
Skillet said that they have written 6 songs for a new record
due out sometime in '05... Sounds good to us! Thanks for the news Jeremy!
Out of Eden will be heading back to the studio to record a Hymns
album that will be released next spring. Keep checking their website,
www.outofedenonline.com, for updates on how the album is coming
along. If you love Out of Eden's current single, Soldiers , than you
gotta have the Official Soldiers tshirt, and matching camo wristband
from the Out of Eden Store at www.outofedenonline.com. While there,
check out Out of Eden's back to school specials! You can buy a CD and
t-shirt for only $19.99. A great deal to get Out of Eden's latest
CD,
Love Peace and Happiness and a t-shirt of your choice for a
great price! Also, select shirts 35% off. Missed the Out of Eden Jump
Off tour with LA Symphony? Get the official Jump Off shirts and hats
that you can't find anywhere else at the Out of Eden webstore!
(from Gotee Records)
Following the release of his powerful solo debut
She Must and Shall Go Free,
comes the next solo venture from one of Christian music’s most prophetic voices.
Derek Webb has
returned with an equally impressive offering,
I See Things Upside Down, to be released
November 9, 2004 on INO Records.
I See Things Upside Down is a record that’s true to its name from start to finish by one of
the co-founders of Caedmon’s Call. Unlike
She Must and Shall Go Free, this project is not a
concept record but does have a predominant theme.
I See Things Upside Down explores the topic
of value and what it looks like in different aspects of faith and culture, but not always from the
most obvious angle. The theme of value is traced not only through issues of the Church and culture but
more personally through stories and relationships.
“What are the things that we American Christians value in our culture and how is that different and
often ‘upside down’ from true Kingdom values? I’ve found that often success looks more like failure,
riches more like poverty, and that real life often feels more like death,” says Derek Webb.
In addition to challenging us to look at our values, Derek was motivated to simply make a great record
that would engage culture through its musicality. “I tried hard to make a record that I believe is
good art. Since the Renaissance, the church has been short on good art and long on mediocre but
explicit art. My hope is to make a quality record in order to respectfully engage culture,”
Derek explains. The final product is an artistically ambitious record that challenges our ideas
on what has, and gives us value.
(from The M Collective)
Phillips, Craig & Dean’s tenth studio project,
Let the Worshippers Arise (INO Records), debuts in the Top 5 on the Contemporary Christian
Albums’ Soundscan chart and at No. 7 on the Billboard “Heatseekers” chart during its first week of
release. The trio is currently on the road promoting their release in major cities across the nation
visiting such markets as Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Seattle and Houston. The first
single from this project, “You Are God Alone,” is making its mark on the Adult Contemporary (AC) and
Inspirational charts currently in the Top 10 on CRW ( No. 7 AC) and R&R (No. 9 Inspo).
After 18 No. 1 radio singles on the AC and Inspirational charts and almost two million units sold
since their formation in 1991, PC & D remain dedicated to providing music for all church genres
facilitating the church into times of worship. Let the Worshippers Arise also features four songs
co-written by the trio as well as representing the classic sound of Phillips, Craig and Dean.
(from The M Collective)
*Wednesday, October 6th, 2004*
Dove Award-winning artist
Bebo Norman receives national
TV placement on two networks this fall with his song “Our Mystery,” from the 2002 release
Myself When I Am Real. The song will appear in the Oct. 13 episode of the WB’s popular hit
show “Smallville” starring Tom Welling, and through October in the promotion of UPN’s new series
“Kevin Hill” starring Taye Diggs and Michael Michele. “Smallville” airs Wednesdays at 8 PM ET/PT and
“Kevin Hill” airs Wednesdays at 9 PM ET/PT.
Madonna Wade-Reed, music supervisor for WB’s “Smallville” comments, “Bebo Norman has an amazing sound
and warmth to his work that just draws you in and can naturally “score” a moment in your life.”
Jen King, director of strategic markets for Provident Label Group adds, “Bebo’s music is a perfect fit
for television and films. These highly visible placements will introduce his unique style and sound
to a wider audience.”
Norman is currently headlining the “Bebo Norman Fall 2004 Tour” featuring special guests Bethany
Dillon and Jason Morant, playing 40 cities through November in support of Norman’s highly anticipated
Aug. 24 release of
Try.
You can get your first sneak peak of the new
Jeremy Camp
album,
Restored, on the BEC Recordings website! Check out the video for the new song,
"Take You Back", here:
http://www.becrecordings.com/video_details.php?id=53
On November 2nd, Forefront Records will release a brand new DVD from
Stacie Orrico
entitled
Live From Japan, taped while on tour during a sold out show in Tokyo this past winter. The tour
also sold out in Hiroshima, and saw capacity crowds in Fukuoka, Osaka and Nagoya.
At approximately 78 minutes running time, the DVD will feature Orrico live concert footage of hits
from both the
Genuine and
Stacie Orrico projects, including "Stuck," "I Promise," "Genuine,"
"More to Life" and "Dear Friend."
Also included will be two music videos for Stacie's Top 10 mainstream radio hit "Stuck " and top
5 mainstream hit "(there's gotta be) More To Life".
Festival Con Dios and Food For the Hungry recently
collaborated on a trip to Bolivia as part of a larger vision to bring child sponsors to the children
and communities they help support.
Festival Con Dios, a pioneer among Christian music tours, is no stranger to big ideas.
The traveling festival has become a cultural event, combining a carnival atmosphere -- complete with
inflatable games and stunt shows -- with top artists and a passion for ministry. With the help of Food
For the Hungry, Festival Con Dios is taking that ministry in a bold new direction.
The two organizations first teamed up last fall to encourage audiences to show their love for the poor
by sponsoring a child or going on a short-term mission trip. They raised the stakes with an
unprecedented offer: to take a sponsor on an all expenses paid trip to visit his or her child
overseas. The eventual plan is to make similar trips a regular event to give concertgoers at Festival
Con Dios opportunities to meet the children they sponsor.
On Nov. 23, Rocketown Records will re-release
Exodus, a various
artist compilation of original songs that many credit with launching the modern worship movement.
First released in 1998,
Exodus boasted a who’s who of Christian music artists, including dc
Talk, Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, Sixpence None the Richer and Third Day, among others. The
Exodus of 2004 offers all the original recordings plus three new tracks from new artists
Nirva, Taylor Sorensen and Robbie Seay Band.
Since before the inception of his label Rocketown Records in 1996, founder
Michael W. Smith had
dreamed of an album that would pull together many of his friends to participate in a modern movement
of worship. Producing the album himself, Smith entered the studio with fellow artists dc Talk,
Jars of Clay, Sixpence None the Richer, Third Day, Cindy Morgan, Chris Rice, Crystal Lewis and
The Katinas. Planning and recording the album took a full two years, but the end result still
stands the test of time six years after its release.
“I still love listening to the album,” said Smith. “It struck such a nerve when it came out, and
I have so many of the current artists in the modern worship world tell me all the time how much
they were impacted by
Exodus. I can take very little credit for that as a producer—the
artists on this album were amazing, and I think the songs were all truly great songs."
Big Idea teaches kids about giving and God's love for us, spreading holiday cheer in
VeggieTales: Holiday Double Feature. Two timeless
VeggieTales® classics,
The Toy That Saved Christmas and
The Star of Christmas are together for the first
time and available in CBA and general market stores beginning tomorrow on VHS for $14.99 SRP and on
DVD for $19.99 SRP. Originally released in 1996,
The Toy That Saved Christmas has sold over 2.5 million units,
while
The Star of Christmas, released in 2002, has sold over one million units. In addition
to a 90-minute run time, including 12 minutes of rarely seen
Toy That Saved Christmas
animation from the VeggieTales Christmas Spectacular!, the two classic tales in
VeggieTales: Holiday Double Feature boast over two hours of bonus features.
In the spirit of the season, Big Idea is also giving away 200,000 collectible kid’s mugs at
participating retailers free to consumers with the purchase of
VeggieTales: Holiday Double Feature
or any other VeggieTales audio or video product! There are three mugs to choose from,
VeggieTales: Sumo of the Opera,
VeggieTales Merry Christmas 2004 or the VeggieTales
characters mugs. To add to the fun, consumers can visit www.bigidea.com and download a free
Christmas greeting from Larry the Cucumber, as well as Holiday Double Feature-themed coloring sheets.
*Friday, October 1st, 2004*
Award winner singer/songwriter
Steven Curtis Chapman’s
fourteenth studio release,
All Things New (Sparrow), debuted at No. 1 its first week of
release. On the heels of the release, Chapman has graced numerous magazines (Billboard, R&R, CCM,
Christian Music Planet and more) in addition to hitting the top of the radio charts for the 42nd time.
To promote the new project, he is planning his 75+ city nationwide tour this fall and spring.
Since it hit shelves September 21st,
All Things New scanned 38,289 units, making the CD the
No. 1 project on the Contemporary Christian Charts and entering the Billboard Top 200 at No. 22.
The CD’s first single, “All Things New,” has already nabbed the top spot on the radio charts
(R&R AC and INSP). The next single, “Much Of You,” goes for adds today, October 1st.
Following last year’s win, the American Music Awards has recognized Steven again as he was
recently nominated for the third time in the category of Favorite Inspirational Artist.
The Awards will air live on ABC Sunday, November 14th. In addition to walking away with his award
last year, Chapman was also a presenter.
Following their recent nomination for an American Music Award in the Category of Favorite
Contemporary Inspirational Arist,
MercyMe has officially
been confirmed as a presenter for the show, which will be presented during a three-hour special on
the ABC Television Network, Sunday November 14, 2004, 8-11 PM (ET and PT). The special will emanate
from the Shrine Auditorium on Los Angeles, California and be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.
The band's new live double disc DVD,
MercyMe Live, will ship Gold when it hits the streets on
October 26th. The two discs are jam-packed with footage, including over one hour of live concert
footage and performances of favorite MercyMe songs like "I Can Only Imagine" and "Word of God Speak,"
as well as hits from
Undone, "Here With Me" and "Homesick." In addition, disc two features
behind-the-scenes footage at rehearsals, band member interviews, their 2004 Dove Award performance,
multi-media accompaniment tracks and devotional moments with Max Lucado.
Finally, MercyMe's "I Can Only Imagine" book with J Countryman (Thomas Nelson) has also had an
incredible successful first three months--selling more than 90,000 copies!
Details are out on
PFR's brand new comeback album,
The Bookhouse Recordings. The record
will include three brand new cuts as well as seven new renditions of classic PFR songs including
"Pray for Rain", "Wonder Why", "Last Breath", "Dying Man", "That Kind of Love", "Great Lengths",
and "Anything". The album is available for preorder right now from FamilyChristian.com with a street
date scheduled for November 23rd!
http://www.familychristian.com/shop/product.asp?ProdID=11190
Hmmm... just in time for Christmas!
Hands & Feet Project co-founders,
Audio Adrenaline (AA),
have announced the date for the eBay auction of an AA concert to benefit the Hands & Feet Project in
Haiti. Bidding will begin October 18 and end October 28. Known for their high-energy performances and hit
songs, the band is giving what they have –their music in live performance – for auction. When AA and
Flicker Records decided to act on their heart for the youth of Haiti, the decision was clear -
to step up and commit their own resources toward the funding of the project, including both the
concert and a collection of band items.
“We hope there are lots of bids from all over,” says Mark Stuart, AA front man. “The concert will go
to the highest bidder, and we hope this effort gives Hands & Feet a significant financial blessing.
It is really what we have to give – our live show. The money will help pay for the land and houses
that make up the campus.” Already, land has been acquired and floor plans and elevations drawn for the
administration building and residential homes to accommodate a family and six to eight kids.
To bid on the concert or band items, go to www.eBay.com. For more information on the Hands & Feet
Project, visit www.handsandfeetproject.org.
Bob Herdman, Mark Stuart, and Will McGinniss, representing both Audio Adrenaline and Flicker Records,
have announced the launch of the Hands & Feet Project in Haiti. The project is dedicated to building
a community of cottages to raise orphans in a land suffering political upheaval and extreme poverty.
The Hands & Feet Project will be under the leadership of Drex and Jo Stuart, parents of co-founder
Mark Stuart and lifetime missionaries who have previously served in Haiti. Audio Adrenaline named the
foundation after their song of the same name. For more information about the Hands & Feet project,
visit
http://www.handsandfeetproject.org!
Sixsteps/Sparrow Records’
Chris Tomlin released his
third studio album,
Arriving on Sept. 21. In its first week at retail, SoundScan® reported
22,349 copies of the recording sold, landing the album at No. 1 on the Praise & Worship chart, No. 3
on the Top Current Contemporary Christian chart and No. 39 on the Billboard Top 200. Tomlin’s fastest
selling recording to date,
Arriving more than quadrupled the debut sales of his lauded
sophomore release,
Not To Us. Receiving a mention today in USA Today for its sales success,
Arriving also outsold release week debuts by Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson and Lil’ Romeo, as well as
current projects by Linkin Park, Modest Mouse, Maroon 5, Evanescence and others.
“All of us at sixsteps are so excited about the release of Arriving and humbled that God would
allow us to be a part of it,” says Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords founder. “Once again, Chris displays
his unique and God-breathed gifting, bringing songs to the world that are easily accessible, yet
theologically rich.”
“We are ecstatic for the response to
Arriving and for all the support received from retail,
radio and the industry,” says Peter York, EMI CMG Label Group president. “Chris Tomlin creates a
worship experience through lyrics and melody that engages its listener. Whether leading worship on
stage before thousands or simply sharing stories one-on-one, he encouraging us all to come along.”
Rocketown recording artist
Alathea recently inked a
sponsorship deal with Milligan College, the alma mater of two of the band’s members. In exchange for
promoting the school at concerts and events, Milligan is underwriting the expense of Alathea’s
transportation for their Fall 2004 tour. The van provided by the college will be decorated with the
Milligan logo, and materials about the school will be available at all Alathea performances.
Don Jeanes, president of Milligan College, said, "We're pleased to partner with
Alathea. Milligan's mission is about preparing men and women as servant-leaders and Alathea is a
living testament of that mission. They have followed God's call in their lives and are certainly
being used by God to make a Kingdom impact. We support their ministry and know they represent Milligan
College and its mission quite well in their travels."
The partnership will serve to increase Milligan’s visibility and awareness among Alathea’s audience
while also communicating the college’s unique approach to higher education. The small Christian
liberal arts college offers a strong academic program from a Christian worldview and an emphasis on
helping students fulfill their calling. Located in Johnson City, Tenn., the college is consistently
named among “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report.
Alathea, the current cover artist of Christian Single magazine, will be traveling to more than
30 cities this fall sharing their unique brand of authentic Appalachian roots music. In addition
to their own tour dates and appearances with independent band Lost & Found, Alathea will also be
a featured artist on December’s
Gloria Christmas tour with labelmates Ginny Owens, Shaun Groves
and Watermark, among others.
Our friend David from Australia sent in this update on how some of our favorite artists
are affecting the land down under... "
Switchfoot have been touring with Killing Heidi, who also
featured with Switchfoot on the recent
Spiderman 2 soundtrack, and have
played to sell-out crows in Sydney and Melbourne. Reports from the show are
that much of the crowds departed after Switchfoot's performance, not
interested with the main act. Switchfoot has also been appearing on Sydney's
top 3 contemporary rock stations, Nova, Triple M and 2DayFM - an absolute
rarity for any band with any Christian inclinations. "Meant To Live" and "Dare
You To Move" have been the favourites. Congratulations to Switchfoot!
In addition,
Third Day and
Audio Adrenaline
are touring the east coast of
Australia in January, and will play to sell out crowds in Sydney, Melbourne
and Brisbane. Tickets sold out for the Sydney concert within three days, and
within five for the other two venues - a record for Christian music in
Australia!" Thanks David!
The October 15 deadline for the third annual
International Songwriting
Competition (ISC) is only two weeks away. If you are an artist, songwriter
or band member looking to gain exposure in the music industry, ISC is the
perfect opportunity for you. "In addition to great prizes, ISC offers the
unique opportunity to have your music heard by the most impressive group of
judges from a variety of industry backgrounds in any songwriting
competition. This makes ISC the songwriting competition to take note of,"
says Robbie Woliver of the New York Times. More than $100,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to
50 winners, including $10,000 in cash and $30,000 in merchandise/services to the 2004
Overall Grand Prize winner.
Visit
http://www.songwritingcompetition.com for an entry form, or to upload
your songs. ISC accepts entries via mail and online. All entries submitted
by mail have to be postmarked on or before October 15, 2004. Online entries
have to be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST, October 15, 2004.