Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: December 2003

December 2003

*Tuesday, December 30th, 2003*

Five Iron Frenzy recently made some announcement updates regarding final projects releasing from the band in 2004. The ska act recently played its final show ever on November 22nd in Denver, Colorado... "The End Is Near, as we said, will not be released in stores. There are some on-line stores that might still have copies (Check zambooie.com). However The End Is Here will be released in stores during the early part of 2004. The End Is Here will be a 2 disc affair with disc one being our final studio album (AKA: The End Is Near) and disc 2 being the audio recording of our final show in Denver. We will keep you updated as to when this CD will be available in stores." And regarding a DVD? "Yes it's coming. We are working on our DVD. We don't know exactly when it will be done, but we will keep you posted. We know that it will have all 5 of our music videos on it ("A Flowery Song", "Handbook For The Sellout", "All That Is Good", "Farsighted", and "The Wizard Needs Food Badly"). The video for "Wizard" is currently being worked on. It is a completely animated video featuring the work of Roque Ballesteros, who has won numerous awards for his animation work on his internet cartoon 'Joe Paradise'." More from FIF is coming! We'll keep you posted!

The rumors are true! Another Avalon member, Michael Passons, has made their exit. But the most interesting fact of Passons departure is the identity of his replacement... member Janna Long's husband, solo artist Greg Long. Greg recently confirmed this truth on his message board in a response to fans' inquiries. "YES, it is true. I am now in the group Avalon and am happy to be so. NO, I am not stopping what I do. My calling has always been writing and singing and this will continue as well. My new album will be released at the end of February and Avalon's will around the same time. Please say a prayer for me as I try to juggle both ministries so that God can be glorified and so that I may do them both justice. Please know that I appreciate your support. I am, as always, honored to know that God allows me to do what I love and that you listen. May God bless and keep you, GREG LONG". Greg's fifth solo record, Born Again streets February 17th, 2004.

Fusebox has confirmed that the hit !Hero: The Rock Opera Tour is returning!! The band made this announcement in a recent newsletter... "Well, 2004 is already shaping up to be a busy year. Our new single will be released in January of 2004, our new album is scheduled to be released in April 2004 (for sure!!), and our touring schedule is starting to fill up. Look out for a new and updated Fusebox website (still at fuseboxmusic.com) very soon. Also, look for Billy Buchanan (lead singer and bassist) back out on the "Hero" tour as "Kai, the high priest" in April and May of 2004(herouniverse.com)."

Ethan Luck of The O.C. Supertones offered this recent update on their official site about their upcoming project... "We are still writing a ton of songs for our new record. It looks like we will begin recording sometime after the first of the year to get you all a new tones record before summer. The songs are coming along great! All I have to say is... Ska, Ska, Ska... get it?" Luck also mentioned that the band will be apart of an upcoming VeggieTales cover record, which Tait, Sanctus Real, and many others have also recently recorded songs for.

Essential Recording artists Jars of Clay and Caedmon’s Call along with special guest eb+flo Records’ Steven Delopoulos concluded the fall leg of their successful “Jars of Clay/Caedmon’s Call Tour 2003” recently in Florida with two sold-out shows in the Tampa area. It was a fitting end to a tour that saw 11 sell-outs and several other capacity shows, including more than 10,000 at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Each evening’s concert featured the trademark organic Caedmon’s Call sound, Jars of Clay’s unique, award-winning musical style and the raw, edgy performance Delopoulos (Burlap To Cashmere) is well known for. Most shows were on or near major college campuses. "We really enjoyed our time out on the road with Caedmon's and Steven. We love playing colleges because this is where you find people expanding their worldviews and a real hunger for truth in all its forms. For some reason we really identify with that audience and they seem to identify with our music,” said Jars of Clay’s Steve Mason. “We’ve never co-headlined a tour with another artist before, and our experience with Jars over the last few months has been one we will never forget,” said Cliff Young of Caedmon’s Call. Our music really complimented each other and created an intimate evening for everyone.”

Grammy Award winners Rebecca St. James and Michael W. Smith will co-host a two hour New Year’s Day television special, "Night of Joy", set to feature an array of the biggest names in Contemporary Christian Music, and scheduled to air in late prime time on the Hallmark Channel, Thursday January 1st (10:00 P.M-12 Midnight E/P). Highlights of the program will include performances by both Ms. St. James and Michael W. Smith as part of the two hour concert recorded live before a sold-out audience at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park in Florida. Australian born Rebecca St. James is a multiple award winning artist internationally and considered to be a defining voice in today’s contemporary Christian music. Most recent accolades include last month being named “Best Female Artist of 2003” by ChristianityToday.com voters in their online music poll. Michael W. Smith, has virtually swept the awards field in the Christian genre. He was named “Artist of The Year” in 2003 by the Gospel Music Association. “Night of Joy” boasts the biggest line-up of talent in the 21 year history of the event—annually one of the biggest concerts in Contemporary Christian Music—and it marks the first time the concert is being televised. The two hour special will boast an array of musical styles from contemporary sounds to Latin rhythms, to hip hop, to traditional gospel. It will also feature behind-the-scenes interviews with the performers. Joining Rebecca St. James and Michael W. Smith will be fellow artists Jars of Clay, Kirk Franklin, Point Of Grace, Yolanda Adams, Nicole C. Mullen, Rachael Lampa, Freddie Colloca, Salvador, ZOEgirl, and Stacie Orrico.

Pillar will be hitting the road again this spring with Big Dismal, Grits, Skillet, and 12 Stones. The sequel to last year's See Spot Rock Tour will begin in early March and continue on to May 2004. It should be hitting around 40 dates all across the country. "Since we didn’t get to the west coast on the Underground Uprising Tour, we will be sure to visit you all for a few shows," the band mentioned in a recent newsletter. "On this tour we will be heavily promoting our new album which will release May/June 2004. That means you will probably hear a few all new songs."

Newcomers Sleeping At Last made the following tragic announcement in a newsletter this week, "As we write this email, Christmas has come and gone and we hope that yours was a good one! Unfortunately it was not for someone we care about. On Christmas Eve day some friends of ours got the bad news that their Dad had cancer and the prognosis wasn't good. We were notified on Christmas night. This family has been a very giving and sweet family and has really had some hard times over the last 3 years due to circumstances beyond their control. They want to try everything to get their Dad well but their health insurance isn't very good and they also have a high deductible. This family has never asked for or received any kind of financial help and yet has given so much to others. Medical bills are mounting and we want to help them get their Dad all of the possibilities to get well that are available. Along with prayer and support, they need financial help to pay the deductible for this year and then on January 1st the next year as well! They also need financial help to get their Dad to Mayo Clinic so that he can receive the best treatments available, ASAP! Time is critical here. As you know, we have a New Year's Eve Show on Wednesday night at a venue that holds almost 900 people (the Wheaton Grand) and is an all ages show. We get paid according to how many people attend this show and we would like to donate the money to this family. So we are asking you to bring as many people as you can. Your friends, youth groups, families and anyone else you can think of. We know that it's short notice but we hope that you can help. With all of us together we have a chance to help them and at least ease some of the stress of the finances so that they can focus on the other things that they are facing. The show will be the same as planned with 5 bands and food available to purchase all night. So please come and bring your friends to ring in the New Year with us while we help someone who really needs it! Thank you so much!!! God Bless!
Sincerely,
Chad, Ryan & Dan - Sleeping At Last
PS...For those of you that would like to help but can't make the show...please feel free to send us your donation and we will see to it that the family receives it right away. Thank you so much! Make checks payable to Kimberly O'Neal (our manager) and write "family donation" on the memo section of the check." Sleeping At Last-Family Donation
P.O. Box 4115
Wheaton, IL 60189-4115
For information on the show, please visit this link.

"On-Air with Ryan Seacrest" will be having Switchfoot perform on their show which will be taped on January 5, 2004 at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Complex in Los Angeles. The producers are inviting any and all Switchfoot fans to come and be a part of this event and see Switchfoot perform live! Get your FREE reserved tickets by calling 323-308-7082. Let us know if you go!

Dove nominated recording artist Joy Williams recently signed an exclusive booking representation agreement with industry leader, William Morris Agency. Charles Dorris, vp, Head of Christian Music at WMA notes, “We’re extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with Joy. She represents the future of Christian music in many ways and has already had a great impact on many, many people. Moving from being nominated for a Dove Award for ‘New Artist of the Year’ in 2002 to ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’ in 2003 is a reflection of the respect she has gained as an artist.” “I’m so excited to be at William Morris,” adds Williams. “Charles has been a friend for years and to have him as such a vital part of my life feels so natural. It’s important to me to surround myself with people I respect and who will challenge me. I’m so grateful for the partnership with them.” Williams recently wrapped up a 13-city tour with Gotee recording artist, The Katinas, as well as appearances on Point of Grace’s “Girls of Grace” conferences this fall. Joy is preparing to hit the road again in Feb. 2004 with Zoë Girl and Superchic[k] on the 40-date spring FREE Experience tour. Williams is currently in the studio working on her spring/summer 2004 album release.

Still in the Christmas mood? You're in luck! Watashi Wa recently released an exclusive Christmas song on purevolume.com! This song is not available anywhere else! Check out the exclusive Watashi Wa song, "Wonderful," at http://www.purevolume.com/WatashiWa!

Congratulations to Justin Unger, one half of the pop duo Across The Sky, recently tied the knot to his fiancé Falon. The two were married on December 6th in Nashville, Tennessee.

This Christmas, Geoff Moore and his family went to Michigan for the holidays, but before packing up the family for the long trip, Geoff had to finish writing with his friends. Geoff spent the last few weeks collaborating with friends such as Phil Joel of the Newsboys, Tyler Burkum of Audio Adrenaline and Ben Glover to write songs for his upcoming 2004 ForeFront release!

*Friday, December 12th, 2003*

Audio Adrenaline's celebrating Christmas this year in a big, big way! The band is hosting a series of giveaways and charitable fund raisers this month with yesterday afternoon launching the official "Big House" Bass Charity Auction. Bassist Will McGinniss is auctioning off his prized bass guitar used in the band's video for their smash hit song "Big House" over 10 years ago! This 4-string Charvel Surfcaster was used a decade ago to record "Big House," This bass has traveled two Jesus Freak tours, a Steven Curtis Chapman tour, the Zombie tour and much more. The bass is also autographed by the entire band. In an effort to raise money for missions, Will McGinniss has donated this sea-foam green bass with volume, tone and phase switch. All proceeds from the auction will go toward Go Ministries, which is part of The Go Foundation. Will and his wife Andrea have been supporters of "Go Ministries" ever since they traveled with this organization on a short-term mission to the Dominican Republic and Hattii. Bid now on this unique piece of CCM history! Also, as many know, Jesusfreakhideout.com is giving away the exclusive Audio Adrenaline Will McGinniss Mohawk dolls. But now the band is making just ONE other doll available through ebay in another effort to raise money for the Go Ministries. The doll is made with Will's actual hair and is being auctioned for charity. The figurine is autographed, hand-painted to resemble Will's actual concert attire, and topped off with Will's famous mohawk; which made numerous appearances throughout the Worldwide tour. Batteries are included for the LED light-up guitar! Don't forget the JfH Contest as well for your chance to win it for free! Go to AudioA.COM for more information about more AudioA Christmas Giveaways!!

Atlanta-based rock band Third Day announced the signing of a new recording contract with Provident Label Group. The renowned group has been honored with numerous awards, set touring records and established a new pace for the Christian music industry through its vision, commitment and art. Driven by a love for its fans and integrity to its message, the band members constantly strive to produce acclaimed recorded music and riveting live performances. “We were originally signed seven years ago by Terry Hemmings who was, at the time, president of Reunion Records. Later, we moved to Essential Records where we’ve grown over the last six years,” commented lead vocalist, Mac Powell. “We believe strongly in the partnership with Provident Label Group and are enjoying working with Terry and the rest of the team.” Hemmings, President and CEO of Provident Music Group, shares in this optimism and projects another run of success through this alliance. “There is no doubt that this band has set a higher bar for all of us in the Christian music industry. We see very exciting things developing for 2004 as the band continues to evolve and grow.” Headed into the studio with producer Paul Ebersold (Skillet, 3 Doors Down, Jane’s Addiction, Sister Hazel) to record its 2004 release, the band is already planning spring and fall touring runs, which will impact more than 80 cities. More information on its new music and the highly anticipated 2004 tour to follow in coming weeks. Can't wait? Well from January 5th through the 9th, you will be invited into the recording studio as Third Day records their next album. Stay tuned to this page...

After spending the holidays with her family, Stacie Orrico will begin 2004 with a European promotional tour on January 12th. She will be traveling throughout various countries in Europe until the 26th. Two stops will include the NRJ Radio Awards in Cannes, France on Jan. 24th and in Stockholm, Sweden on Jan. 25th. Starting Feb. 1st, Stacie will head to Asia for two weeks!

The rumor mill has been churning about the group's break-up, but here’s an update from Michael Williams, vocalist of The Agony Scene: “The Agony Scene will be taking a break for the rest of 2003 and regrets that they will not be able to participate in the Mushroomhead and Integrity tours. With the announcement of guitarist Chris Emmons leaving the group, the band will be announcing a new replacement in the near future and will be on the road in early 2004. This has been a great year for The Agony Scene and we appreciate everyone’s interest and support. e respect Chris' decision to move on and wish him the best. The Agony Scene will be back - we're writing some great new material and look forward to hitting the road again soon.”

Jeremy Camp's new worship CD, Carried Me: The Worship Project, releases February 10th. He was just in Nashville putting the final touches on a couple songs, and will be recording again at the start of the year for his sophomore project set to release in the fall of 2004!

Paul Colman Trio is currently in the midst of its 2003 European Tour, wrapping this weekend. The band kicked off events with the Netherlands' Winter Wonder Rock festival last Friday and Saturday before traveling this week to clubs, churches and schools in Holland, Sweden as well as Denmark. All concerts were extremely well-attended, and pc3 took part in additional promotional opportunities when time permitted. The group also played at Germany's Christmas Rock Night, before taking a break for the holidays.

Casting Crowns, the Atlanta-based band who has become the “fastest-selling new artist of 2003,” is maintaining its No. 1 stay at CHR radio with “If We Are The Body.” The single claimed the No. 1 spot on Radio &Records’ Christian AC radio chart for three consecutive weeks and now has spent three consecutive weeks at R&R’s CHR No. 1 spot. In addition to its impact at radio and retail, Casting Crowns is making a name for itself among media. Worship Leader magazine recently announced its 2003 nominees for the 3rd Annual Praise Awards. Casting Crowns was nominated as a 2003 Breakthrough Artist, along with Jeremy Camp, Todd Agnew, Dave Lubben and Kathryn Scott. Winners will be announced in its March/April issue. “Once again we are amazed at the aftershocks this song is making in our culture,” notes Mark Hall, Casting Crowns lead singer. “We’re thrilled about the nomination with Worship Leader and just pray we continue to make an impact on listeners spiritual lives.” Casting Crowns recently returned home from a week-long radio promotional tour. The band visited with WDJC/Birmingham and KLRC/Fayetteville. The band were guests on the KSBJ/Houston morning show and performed that evening for the KSBJ Christmas party at Relient Stadium.

In support of the Dec. 2 street date of his debut CD, Think About That, Rocketown recording artist George Rowe spent last week traversing the country, showing up in Chattanooga, Atlanta, Grand Rapids, Detroit and Minneapolis to say thank you to Christian radio and retail for their partnership and support. In addition to joining the Saturday morning show at KTIS in Minneapolis/St. Paul, George, KTIS and Northwestern Bookstores partnered for a special contest in which selected winners joined Rowe for dinner and the Michael W. Smith/Point of Grace/Katinas "Christmas" concert that evening at the Xcel Center in downtown St. Paul. Dave Palmer, Rocketown's Vice President of Marketing, said "This event was a great model for what can happen when radio, retail and a label partner together to help launch and break a new artist, especially in the 4th quarter. If our industry had 50 of these relationships, we'd have the healthiest climate of any segment of the music business. It didn't hurt to have our company Chairman in town that night to invite George and friends to his Christmas shin-dig."

The Passion Experience Tour 2003, presented by the non-profit Passion Conferences, a division of Choice Resources, was attended by more than 80,000 people in 35 cities, more than doubling the most recent 29-city 2001-2002 Passion tour attendance. In addition to 15 sold out tour dates, two free performances on the tour drew capacity crowds: 2,650 attended in Boston at the Orpheum Theatre, potentially drawing the largest collegiate worship gathering in Boston's history, and 8,502 attended in Louisville. Following the release of the newest, best-selling Passion album, Passion: Sacred Revolution- Songs From OneDay03, and the September 16 release of a companion DVD, Passion: Sacred Revolution- Live From OneDay03, the major market Passion Experience Tour 2003 began in Phoenix Sept. 28 and ran through Nov. 23 in St. Louis. The tour featured author and Passion founder/director Louie Giglio, as well as critically acclaimed sixstepsrecords’ artist-worshippers Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band and Charlie Hall performing music from the highly successful Passion albums, which have sold over one million units to date, as well as selections from each of their respective solo projects.

Michael Card recently finished up his series on Creativity for his radio program, In The Studio with Michael Card, which included interviews with Dr. Larry Crabb and INO recording artist, Sara Groves. The program broadcasts weekly on the Moody Network and is taped at Mole End studio in Franklin, Tennessee. For a list of stations that carry In The Studio with Michael Card please visit: http://www.michaelcard.com/stations.asp

Andrew Peterson reels toward the close of his most stellar year to date. Recently completing his sixth headlining tour, Peterson, always the whimsical and captivating storyteller, teamed up with Revell, an imprint of Baker Book House, on the audio book version of Flabbergasted and will gather crowds together this weekend for an original Christmas musical, "Behold the Lamb of God-A Lyrical Retelling of the Story of Christ." Joined by opener Andrew Osenga (of The Normals) during the month of September and Jill Phillips in October and November, Andrew was backed by a guest band comprising independent talents Laura Story and Ben Shive on his 25-city fall 2003 tour. In true Peterson form, the venues--churches, chapels and coffeehouses--were conducive to an intimate evening of laughter and worship. This fall, Peterson also wrapped narration of the audio book accompaniment to Flabbergasted. The award-winning, critically acclaimed original novel by author Ray Blackston, is a story, according to Blackston, "about singles and their volatile dynamics." Once again, Andrew Peterson prepares for his annual interpretation of Jesus Christ's birth narrative, this Sunday, Dec.14, in Nashville at local club Rocketown. The fourth year of his self-penned Christmas musical, Peterson will be accompanied by featured artists Phil Keaggy, Derek Webb, Alison Krauss, Ron Block, Randall Goodgame, Steve Hindalong, Phil Madeira, Ken Lewis, Ben Shive, Gabe Scott, Jonathan and Amanda Noel, Marcus Meyer, Chris Weigel, Andy Gullahorn, and Laura Story (line-up subject to change).

Word Label Group announces the newest addition to their Squint Entertainment roster, Building 429, a straight-on rock band with an unwavering commitment to God-centered lyrics. "We are extremely excited to be a part of the Word family," says frontman Jason Roy. "It took many months in prayer, deliberating on what the Lord would have us do with His ministry, but we truly feel blessed that we've been afforded this opportunity. Our new home at Word is full of amazing people who we believe will help us impact the world one step at a time and we can't wait to get to work!" Blaine Barcus, Sr. Director of A&R, brought the band to the label group for consideration. "I am thrilled to be working with Building 429. Their relationship with Word began earlier this year when our publishing folks began hooking Jason Roy up with great producer/writers like Jim Cooper. These four guys have it all; sincere faith in Jesus, a vision for ministry, amazing talent, and a strong work ethic. We are prepared to rock with this band!" Building 429 is currently in the studio recording five songs to be released on an EP in April 2004, with a full-length project planned for the Fall.

*Friday, December 5th, 2003*

The nominees for the 2004 Grammy Awards are in! The 2004 nominees for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album include Adoration: The Worship Album from Newsboys (Sparrow), Stacie Orrico by Stacie Orrico (ForeFront/Virgin America), Furthermore - From The Studio: From The Stage from Jars Of Clay (Essential), Third Day's Offerings II (Essential), and Michael W. Smith's 2002 release Worship Again. For Best Rock Gospel Album, Audio Adrenaline's Worldwide (Forefront), Petra's Jekyll & Hyde (Inpop Records), and Relient K's successful Two Lefts Don't Make A Right...But Three Do (Gotee) all snagged nods yesterday. Congratulations to all of the nominees!

Tooth & Nail rockers, Bleach, have had a life-altering year, and now they’re sharing their story with the world. This past summer the war hit home for the Nashville band when the brother of two Bleach members passed away while serving as a military captain in Iraq. The passing of their brother, Josh Byers, came as a shock to the entire band as well as their family and supporters in Nashville and around the world. Since then the band has spent time both grieving and healing. But mostly, they have been set on teaching others about Josh’s legacy. “He was a hero,” Jared Byers explains of his brother with pure admiration. “Had he not died, we would have never known about all the ways he was a hero. We looked up to him because he was our brother and our friend, but to the world he was even more than that. He saved lives, was full of encouragement, and at the end of the day, he did it all for God.” It was no wonder then that Bleach’s members were asked to join CBN’s 700 Club for what will be a special broadcast of the show. Its theme will be one geared toward the troops and families of troops serving in Iraq during this holiday season. With Bleach’s new found faith in the midst of their loss, their story of encouragement is a welcome one to the show that will air Friday, December 5th. “It is extremely important to continue praying for the soldiers who are serving our country in Iraq,” says Heather Boyd, a 700 Club Producer. “The war has been declared over, but our men and women of the armed services continue to loose their lives. ‘Bleach’ gave us the opportunity to remind our viewers of this and ask them to agree with the hosts in prayer for the military men and women who will be away from their families during the holiday.”

Where's LaRue?! It's a question that's been circulating, and we decided to take a look into it. Natalie and Phil both married this year and the siblings are currently living across the country from each other. Phil is in Florida while Nat is in California. As far as the future, it is unknown what their plans are but for now they are just enjoying being married. We'll keep you posted if we learn anything else!

Word Records artist, Mark Schultz, took the #1 slot on R&R's Christian AC Radio Chart this week with "You Are A Child Of Mine," the first single from his third release, Stories & Songs. The song debuted on the charts 10 weeks ago at #23 and quickly moved up the charts to land the #1 position. "Mark Schultz is not just another artist to radio, he is truly a close friend to programmers and that relationship, mixed with his incredible talent and ability to connect with listeners through his music, is something that most programmers do not pass up," says Lori Cline, Word Label Group's director of national promotions. "The #1 success of 'You Are A Child Of Mine' at radio is a perfect example of that and it is the first of many great singles from Stories & Songs that our National Promotions team is excited to offer to radio in the days ahead." Schultz already has five #1 singles under his belt with mega-hits "I Am The Way," "Back in His Arms Again," "I Have Been There," "Remember Me" and "He's My Son," (also a top 20 hit at mainstream radio) from his self-titled debut project and his sophomore release Song Cinema.

tobyMac is giving fans a chance to have input on his new album. When fans visit his website at www.tobymac.com they can listen to samples of four new songs tobyMac is considering for his next studio album. He's asking fans to vote on their favorite songs to help determine which ones will make the cut for the new album due in stores in 2004.

It’s finally here! Nearly eight years in the making, Switchfoot's first video project Switchfootage is the story of a band making the most passionate music of their lives. The extensive DVD documentary is only available through Switchfoot.com. Shipping Dec. 15th, you can order your copy now just in time for Christmas!

Audio Adrenaline bassman, Will McGinniss was featured in a recent LA Times article about the current Sparrow Records project, In The Name Of Love: Artists United For Africa, which was created as a practical means to channel prayer and resources to the fight against AIDS in Africa. A portion of the proceeds from this project goes to charities which help fight the crisis in Africa. On this project, which features fresh interpretations of hits previously made popular by U2, Audio Adrenaline performs U2's 1981 hit, "Gloria." As Will shared with the LA Times, the band participated in this project because of its commitment o help those suffering from AIDS in Africa. "If it had been just another album with no one to gain from it, we probably would have passed," McGinniss says. "But since we do feel there's a direct link to helping people, we said yes." The record will release in January 27, 2004. Speaking of Will, Jesusfreakhideout.com is giving away exclusive Will McGinniss dolls that the band has supplied us for to give to YOU! These dolls are made with real strands of Will's famed mohawk he sported the past year and a half. Enter now for your chance to win one of 10 of these exclusive dolls! You won't find them anywhere else so hurry!

P.O.D. made this exciting announcement recently, "Against all odds, Payable On Death is expected to be certified GOLD by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) and is picking up steam towards Platinum. The RIAA have to wait one month from the release date to certify Gold status. Stay tuned... and THANK YOU! We know we took risks with the new record... in many ways it's like our first record. Thank you for trusting us as we move into a new an exciting era."

Stacie Orrico was in New York City on Wednesday for the Christmas in Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting. Along with artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Gloria Estefan and American Idol Ruben Studdard, Stacie performed two songs, including the title track from her Christmas record, Christmas Wish, during the first hour of the event which will be televised in New York on WNBC. Stacie is very excited to be included in this American tradition. Following her rehearsals for the evening’s performance, Stacie said from Rockefeller Plaza, “This is just so cool! It’s so exciting to be here now!” It is an honor for Stacie to be a part of this celebrated event! Before heading to Rockefeller Center, Stacie spent some time at the Virgin Megastore for a live acoustic performance and to sign some autographs. After her performance at the Tree Lighting, Stacie took part in an interview for WNBC-TV and then it was off to the airport to catch a plane to head out to LA for the GRAMMY Award nominations press conference for which she was nominated in the Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album!

Reunion Records artist NewSong promises to add some heat this winter by kicking off its ninth annual Winter Jam tour this January. NewSong will continue their duties as tour host for this year’s stellar lineup which includes Audio Adrenaline, Relient K, Todd Agnew, and Jadyn Maria. Tour producers are dubbing the show the “All New Winter Jam Spectacular” as the show’s format is being overhauled to give it a fresh appearance including full video and a performance by Brock Gill, an up and coming illusionist who’s quickly gaining notoriety in both Christian and mainstream circles. “This is definitely one of the strongest lineups we’ve had,” says Eddie Carswell, one of NewSong’s founding members. “Audio Adrenaline is a consistent youth group favorite. Relient K is one of the biggest acts of 2003. Todd Agnew is certainly one of our industry’s breakthrough success stories. Jadyn Maria has been one of the most talked about new artists in the industry and illusionist Brock Gill is going to add a whole new dimension to the show.” The tour is scheduled to kick off in Augusta, GA on January 8, 2004, and will stop in 20-plus cities. A full listing of the tour cities can be found below and at www.jamtour.com.

Floodgate Records is proud to announce the signing of Mourning September to their growing roster. The two-year-old band has been creating a stir in their regional scene in and around Oklahoma, playing with bands as diverse as Blindside, Bowling for Soup, Five Iron Frenzy and the Juliana Theory. “Instantly we became fans of the Mourning September the first time we heard their music. They are just a solid rock band, and we kept hearing their name from other artists that had done shows with them,” states Tim Taber, president of Floodgate Records. “We really became interested however when we saw the momentum the band had created on their own. Since we are a small label, we need bands that are committed to working hard and being on the road. Mourning September has more than proven themselves with how much success they have achieved around their local area.” Dave Walker, drummer for the band states, "I think it's a perfect match. Floodgate had been on our hearts from the beginning, and we've been fans of all the bands on the label. We are looking forward to good times in the future."