Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: February 2002

February, 2002

*Thursday, February 28th, 2002*

Congratulations to dc Talk for taking home a Grammy Award last night in the category Best Gospel Rock Recorded Album for their 2001 EP Solo. Solo served as an intro to fans of the band members' separate solo careers. In other Grammy news, CeCe Winans walked away with the Grammy for Best Pop/Comtemporary Gospel Album of the year from her self-titled album release in June 2001. Congratulations guys!

Mr. John Reuben is back, folks. With his brand new album Hindsight, the follow-up to his debut album Are We There Yet?, Reuben's artistic vision is focused and compelling as he delves into themes such as accountability, humility and redemption. Hindsight is a vulnerable celebration--playfully spirited one moment, poignantly deep the next. Hindsight makes its home on your local music store shelves on Tuesday, May 21st. More info to come soon!

Gotee recording group Relient K has recently been added to the line-up for the annual Asbury Park Skate ‘N Surf festival, April 19-21, which will feature over 150 bands including Newfound Glory, Get Up Kids, The Descendents and Good Charlotte.. In addition to lots of music, the festival boasts surprise guests, innovative exhibits, BMX team performances, and the top Skate and Surf videos . The "Cool Things" Village will return on the second floor of the Convention Hall, and more information can be found by going to: www.skateandsurffest.com.

Audio Adrenaline is once again exercising their writing abilities. The band is in production of another book entitled Hands and Feet, based on the song by the same name from their 1999 Underdog album. They're currently seeking fans' stories about a time God really ministered through them in their life. The band's first literary adventure was their devotional book Some Kind of Journey released in 1998.

*Tuesday, February 26th, 2002*

Steven Curtis Chapman, who kicked off a nationwide tour last week in Minneapolis, is donating his voice to a very special compilation project, titled Music From And Inspired By WE WERE SOLDIERS, which releases today in conjunction with the new Mel Gibson film We Were Soldiers. Chapman’s song, “Soldier,” originally titled “When You Are A Soldier” from his 1990 gold-certified project For The Sake Of The Call, was completely re-recorded and partially rewritten for this soundtrack. This multi-genre collection of songs, written and recorded specifically for the film, includes some of the biggest names from Contemporary Christian, Pop/Rock and Country music such as Chapman (“Soldier”), critically acclaimed newcomer India.Arie, Train, Johnny Cash, Dave Matthews Band, Five For Fighting, Jars Of Clay, Mary Chapin Carpenter and more. The compilation releases in conjunction with Columbia Records, Combustion Music and Sony Music Soundtrax. The film, which is rated R for war violence, opens in theaters nationwide this Friday. In other SCC news, Steven has been nominated for Best Acoustic Guitarist for the 2002 Gibson Guitar Awards. His competition is steep with the likes of Dave Matthews, Willie Nelson, David Gray, and John Mellencamp. Go Steven!

Rebecca St. James' new album Worship GOD hits shelves today! But almost a week before hitting stores, Worship GOD was already breaking sales records. Surpassing previous promotions with artists such as Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman, Rebecca has outsold all other pre-sale promotions facilitated by Family Christian Store's website, www.FamilyChristian.com, to become the most successful pre-sale artist ever on their website. In addition to being the best-selling promotion overall, Worship GOD also set the record for greatest number of albums sold in a single day. Check out the Jesusfreakhideout.com review here!

Randy Williams, former Big Tent Revival guitarist, will take over Pete Stewart's spot in Michael Tait's (of dc Talk) solo act Tait. In other Tait news, their single “All You Got” has made its way to the Olympics. It was used as the background music for the slow motion racing highlights.

Five Iron Frenzy will join the likes of MxPx, Stavesacre, and Stretch Arm Strong on a few dates on this year's Warped Tour.

Word Records artist Downhere has been nominated for 'Best Gospel Album' at the 2002 Juno Awards. Some would call this the "Canadian Grammys." The Barenaked Ladies will host this show on April 14th. Downhere is also about to embark on The Resonate Tour with SONICFLOOd across the border in the US.

February 20th, 2002 is now Point of Grace Day in Nashville, Tennessee. Mayor Bill Purcell honored them for their 24 consecutive No. 1 singles. This accomplishment is not matched by any artist in all genres of music.

Prime Time Live (ABC) and Larry King Live (CNN) both featured music from Let’s Roll, the forthcoming full-length music CD to a benefit the Todd M. Beamer Foundation, releasing April 9th. On Friday, February 22nd, Nicole C. Mullen performed the first single to be released to AC pop radio, “I See You In His Eyes,” on Larry King Live, following a live interview with Lisa Beamer, along with baby Morgan. In addition to Mullen, the CD will feature an incredibly diverse group of artists and genres, featuring songs that will inspire and bring hope to listeners. Artists include Grammy Award winning/nominated artists Wynonna, dcTalk, Jennifer Knapp and Steven Curtis Chapman, country star Jeff Carson, as well as world-renowned cellist Yo Yo Ma , Chaka Kahn and more. The multi-platinum selling group dcTalk performs the patriotic and energetic track "Let's Roll," Todd’s last words and a phrase that has become a call of unity and courage as noted by President Bush, including his recent State of the Union address on January 29th and to the U.S. Olympic team on February 8th. Other new tracks special to this project include Wynonna’s track “Carry On” and Carson’s, “Don’t Ask Why.” A special group recording of "The Lord's Prayer,” Beamer’s last prayer from flight 93 will close the CD. The Todd M. Beamer Foundation was created in October by the Flight 93 hero’s wife, Lisa, and seeks to help meet the long-term needs of the children who lost a parent in the Sept. 11 attacks and fight future terrorism. The foundation also will work to develop character, faith and courage in youth.

Katinas fans, you have been heard! On March 7th, The Katinas will record a live worship album at 7 PM at the Bethel World Outreach Center based in Nashville, Tennessee. Fans have been asking and waiting for this release for sometime now and Gotee has decided to abide by their wishes. Two new studio tracks will accompany this album as well as a possible Jason Upton live song. Anyone in the Nashville area is welcome to show up.

February 22nd, 2002 marks the birthdate of the newest Bleach member... well, kinda. Journey Barnhart joined his father Sam Barnhart and mother at 3:30 pm CST. Weighing in at 8 lbs, Journey was sporting black curly hair. Congratulations and blessings to the Barnhart family!

Kevin Max's song "I Don't Belong" from his debut solo album, Stereotype Be, was featured prominently on the February 23, 2002 episode of MTV's WWF Tough Enough. It was played multiple times during the episode. His debut single "Be" from the same album was also featured on the following day's episode as well. (Thanks to Joel for the reports!)

Superchic[k] recently grabbed some media attention from none other than CDNow.com. Check out their article on the band here.

Sandi Patty has been invited to perform at "Tribute to Freedom," a ceremony honoring former President, Ronald Reagan. It will feature Margaret Thatcher, The Oak Ridge Boys, former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, and more.

Sparrow Records recently announced they are working with Microsoft Corp. to provide advance online access to streaming media files for the entire Newsboys' new studio recording Thrive, which releases on March 26th. With the pre-purchase of Thrive, consumers receive a free CD featuring 5 never-before-released song mixes and the first single from Thrive, "It Is You," as well as an access code to listen to the full Thrive album, in advance of its retail availability, at NewsboysBackstage.com, a new site designed to provide fans with exclusive access to the band. Check out the Jesusfreakhideout.com review of Thrive right here!

Relient K will hit the road with secular bands The Ataris and Catch 22 in April. They will be doing shows in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and possibly more.

The band Redline is no more; but the band Radium has just begun. Founding members, Adam Redding and David Mast, with help from Jaren Johnston and Sean Clark, have formed "Radium" (named after the Redline song of that same title). They are no longer on Freedom Records but on brand new label, XS Records. They're working at Smart Studios with producer Mr. Colson (Remy Zero) on their upcoming album. Look for a release this summer as well as a tour with Stavesacre.

Society's Finest has signed a one record deal with Pluto Records. This comes quickly after being dropped from Solid State due to not being up to par with their new material. That being said, this new material The Dead and Buried Outside of Reno will be out shortly.

Bill Mallonee, former Vigilantes of Love frontman, has asked Billy Holmes, former VOL member, to take the place of Ken Hutson, another former VOL member, on tour when his job doesn't permit him to go on the road. Holmes can play guitar, mandolin, keyboards, bass, fiddle, and also sing.

Don't forget that new albums hit shelves today from Fusebox (Lost In Worship), Rebecca St. James (Worship GOD), Secrets of the Vine (a project inspired by the book), The Normals (A Place Where You Belong), Plus One (Obvious), and others! Also, the Christian film Megiddo releases on DVD and video today. (For a full list of new releases, visit our Releases section!)

*Monday, February 18th, 2002*

Happy Presidents Day! President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush hosted a concert entitled, "Celebrating America's Gospel Heritage - A Salute to Gospel Music," at the White House in the East Room on February 14. The Gospel Music Association (GMA) produced the program for the White House. Recording artists Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans served as emcees for the concert, which featured performances from fellow gospel artists Shirley Caesar, Blind Boys of Alabama, Gaither Vocal Band, Jump5, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jaci Velasquez, The Martins, Twila Paris, Yolanda Adams and the D.C. area Ministers of Music. PAX-TV's premier telecast of the concert will be a one-hour special on Tuesday, March 5, at 8 p.m. (EST/PST) and 7 p.m. (CST). It will air again as part of an expanded two-hour presentation on Saturday, March 9, at 10 p.m. (EST/PST) and 9 p.m. (CST).

P.O.D. is now "bling blinging" even more. Their latest smash CD Satellite has gone Double Platinum. That is 2 Million Records, folks!

Jars of Clay received their 14th No. 1 radio hit with its debut single, "I Need You," from The Eleventh Hour. As the band readies for a March 3 international pay-per-view debut, the March 5 launch of its critically acclaimed recording, The Eleventh Hour, and a 50-plus city tour that kicks off March 14, the band also had the opportunity to introduce songs from the new album for thousands of registrants at the 2002 CBA Expo held recently in Indianapolis. "I Need You" captures the No. 1 position this week on the R & R CHR chart while simultaneously holding the No. 1 spot for the second consecutive week on The CCM Update Pop chart.

On Wednesday, February 13, 2002, live from Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, Reunion recording artists LaRue and New Artist of the Year Dove Award nominee Joy Williams participated in "Seize the Net Goes Live". "Seize the Net Goes Lives" is a FamilyNet broadcast celebrating purity across the nation. The one-hour program was hosted by Reunion's brother/sister duo LaRue. The broadcast also featured label-mate Joy Williams and True Love Waits founder Richard Ross.

James Blackwood, co founder of the GMA, died on February 3rd. He was a founding member of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet that began in 1934. They won 8 Grammy awards and James won 7 Male Vocalist of the Year Dove Awards as well as winning countless other things. He was 82.

With over 700,000 units sold to date, Passion continues its groundbreaking worship music efforts on April 9, 2002, with the release of Our Love Is Loud, an all-new live album from sixstepsrecords featuring respected artist/worshippers Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall, and the David Crowder Band. Showcasing highlights from the recent Passion Experience Tour, including nine songs never before available, the project will reach its growing audience through Internet, college campus, and retail marketing.

In a time of horrible tribute albums, Not Lame Records hopes to change that tune. Lynne Me Your Ears will be an album chock full of some of Jeff Lynne's finest work covered by bands such as Sixpence None The Richer, PFR, Fleming And John, Rick Altizer, and countless secular acts, most notably Todd Rundgren. Pick this up now.

Ghoti Hook has decided to throw their catch back in the sea. The band is calling it quits but not before a farewell tour. Their final material, a 6-song EP, is available now on Velvet Blue Music. June 18th is the date for a Retrospective of Ghoti Hook. With the demise of the band comes news of a greatest hits project. More info to come soon.

The Lost Dogs' song "Golden Dreams" from their latest BEC release, Real Men Cry, will be featured in the upcoming motion picture Joshua, starring F. Murray Abraham (who received an Oscar for his work in the film Amadeus). The song will also be on the Joshua movie soundtrack, which will be released on March 5, 2002 through Word Records. The Dogs will be featured alongside Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Phil Keaggy, Jaci Velasquez and others.

New Jersey-based band, Element 101, is putting the finishing touches on songs for their new to-be-titled album which is the follow up to their Stereo Girl CD. The group is returning again to the Blasting Room in March with producers and punk legends Bill Stevenson and Stephen Egerton along with Jason Livermore. The band is expanding it's sound this time around adding "five string bass and guitar effects". The tentative release for the new album is early September of 2002.

The video for Project 86's "One Armed Man (Play On)" was added to MTV2 rotation. Vote for the video by going to MTV2 Requests (http://www.mtv.com/onair/mtv2/requests.jhtml).

Minneapolis band Ace Troubleshooter is currently in the studio recording their sophomore effort. They are recording in Saline, Michigan at The Loft Recording studios with producer Tim Patalan (Sponge, Fretblanket). The new songs are more "rock" oriented and less pop-punk than the group's previous efforts. The new CD will be in stores this summer.

BEC Recordings has partnered with World Relief to provide aid to Sudanese refugees living in the greater Seattle area. BEC will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sales of the new Any Given Day 3: Old Soul For New Voices album to help in this effort. Any Given Day 3, which features the Sudanese Refugees Children's Choir, is a Praise and Worship album produced by songwriter & Worship leader Andrew Bray.

Bleach's new record is nearing completion. The vocals for the last songs were cut this weekend. The record will be mixed the first week of March. World domination August 27th. 191 days and counting.

Zao will be entering the studio in March through April to record a follow up to last year's release, "Self-Titled". Most of the upcoming record is written and will feature Dan Weyandt on vocals, Scott Mellinger on guitar and Jesse Smith on drums. Jesse says the new material is similar in many ways to the album Liberate te ex Inferis. If all goes well look for a late summer release date. The band will begin touring again in June.

Japanese hardcore fans have something to look forward to. A Revolution Transmission by Stretch Arm Strong will hit stores on March 6th courtesy of Howling Bull Records. The band will also be doing a brief tour in Puerto Rico this March.

Indie rockers Inside The Outside will soon begin a tour with The Normals in late February. Aluminum Records will put out their debut release on March 16th. Be sure to pick that up as well as go right here for a review. Speaking of the Normals, their new and third studio album entitled A Place Where You Belong hits shelves next week, February 26th.

HXC reports that hardcore band Alove for Enemies was told they weren't welcomed at a venue in Long Island, NY. This was because of their Christian beliefs. The show has now been moved but word has it that this band does not preach or force beliefs on anyone at their shows. Standing strong in your beliefs is the most hardcore thing you can do!

*Monday, February 11th, 2002*

inPop records has announced the signing of comedian Bob Smiley. Seen by thousands around the world opening for such high profile acts as Newsboys, O.C. Supertones, Third Day, Audio Adrenaline, SONICFLOOd and as an MC for most of the Festival Con Dios dates, Smiley's album, I've Got A Funny Feeling About This will release April 23. From fatherhood to a trip to the emergency room, I've Got A Funny Feeling... focuses on the humor found in everyday situations and in turn, the glimpses of God we see in the real world. The Texan's clean sense of humor has won him fans all around the world; his recent stint in England proved that the British love him. On tour through the spring as a solo act and later in September on the Festival Con Dios tour, rumor has it that he may be on the Newsboys' fall tour. You can find out more information on Bob Smiley and where he'll be by visiting www.bobsmiley.com.

Kevin Max's video for "Existence" has been added to the mainstream video channel, Much Music. "Existence" will air on Much Music's program, "Oven Fresh" beginning Monday, Feb. 11. The show airs Monday through Thursday at 2:30pm (Eastern) and will air approximately six to nine times during the week. By logging onto www.mmusa.tv, viewers can vote to keep their favorite videos playing.

Recently signees to BEC, Bleach, have moved over to Tooth & Nail. The band has been in the studio recording their new album with producer Oran Thornton, and engineer Dan Lefler. This is the groups fourth studio project, the follow up to their 1999 self-titled release on Forefront Records. You can find out all the latest on the band (including a studio journal) at their official website: www.bleached.com You can also download a demo version of one of the new songs called "We Are Tomorrow" for free at www.mp3.com/bleachrock. Other recent Tooth & Nail switcheroos include Joy Electric and surprisingly The O.C. Supertones.

Project 86 has been hard at work with pre-production for their new yet-to-be-titled album. They hit the studio in April with producer extraordinare Dave Sarde who has worked on albums by such artists as Nine Inch Nails, Helmet, Red Hot Chili Peppers and System Of A Down. Tentative release date is sometime around September.

The official release date for Pillar’s new album Fireproof is May 21, 2002. It was originally set for May 7, but was recently pushed back. The first single from Fireproof hits Christian rock radio on Feb 22, 2002. The song, entitled "Fireproof," is said to feature the band's style being heavier, more melodic, and bolder than ever.

Grits have started 2002 on tour with dc Talk in January and February, and then will be off to the studio in March. This highly anticipated follow up to the Dove nominated album, Grammatical Revolution, which saw its video "All Fall Down" nominated for a Billboard award and in heavy rotation on MTV2, BET, and The Box, will release in August.

Rebecca St. James and her camp are gearing up for a March tour to promote her new album, worshipGOD. She will be hitting the road with Ginny Owens, Go Fish and Fusebox and will be performing songs from past albums as well as showcasing some of her new worship music.

Geoff Moore will be part of a Father's Day special produced by PAX TV that will include interviews from athletes, musical artists, soldiers and kids on the importance of fathers. Geoff will be talking about what it's like being a father, adopting Anna, sharing funny stories about his kids and other tid bits about his family life.

*Friday, February 8th, 2002*

As Jars of Clay readies for a March 3 international pay-per-view debut, the March 5 launch of its critically acclaimed and self-produced recording, The Eleventh Hour, and a 50-plus city tour that kicks off March 14, the band will be featured in two significant motion pictures and on one star-studded film soundtrack. Jars of Clay members were selected to attend an exclusive screening of Mel Gibson's We Were Soldiers. Encouraged to write a song based on their emotional response to the film, Jars of Clay wrote "The Widowing Field." The song was chosen to be featured on a 14-track CD set to release February 20 on Sony/Combustion Music and titled An Album Of Music Inspired by We Were Soldiers. Another surprise on the record is a song entitled "Soldier" by none other than Steven Curtis Chapman. In addition to its involvement with We Were Soldiers, Jars of Clay's hugely successful radio hit "Flood" from the band's self-titled debut is featured prominently in the Warner Bros Pictures film, A Walk To Remember. The film stars Mandy Moore in her first feature film role and was released nationally January 25. Jars of Clay's No. 1 radio hit, "Unforgetful You," from the band's third album, If I Left The Zoo, will also be showcased in the upcoming feature film Crossroads, starring Britney Spears, which is slated for a February 15 release.

Pop/rockers The Elms were recently in a car wreck while driving through Tennessee. Their van hit some black ice and flipped over almost two times rendering it now completely totaled. Lead singer Owen Thomas was hospitalized with a concussion, but now everyone is doing ok. We will all definitely be praying for you guys!

MxPx has been confirmed to play The Warped Tour 2002. Right now, though, they are working on a new album and will soon be underway on a new "Arthur" side project.

Jaci Velasquez has been invited by President George W. Bush himself and the First Lady to perform a concert entitled "White House Salute to Gospel Music." This will be at the White House on Thursday, February 14th.

Starflyer 59 has signed a management deal with Monterey Peninsula Artists Booking Agency. They will be joined by bands such as Dave Matthews Band, Chris Issac, Aerosmith, Live, Fiona Apple, and many others.

Nicole C. Mullen will be a guest on UPN’s, "The Parkers." It will air in late March.

Fans of Brandtson and Element 101 will have to wait just a little longer for their split on The Militia Group. Due to some problems, the EP has been pushed back to a later date. More news to come soon.

Gotee recording artists Out of Eden recently visited the nation's capitol during the promo tour supporting their new album, This Is Your Life, and their new #1 pop single, "Different Now." In addition to meeting with new friends at the Capitol Building and the Pentagon, the three sisters enjoyed an energizing dinner with representatives from the Family Research Council, Center for Christian Statesmanship, Washington Times, Concerned Women for America, Traditional Values Coalition and surprise visitor, Congressman J.C. Watts, Jr. (Republican - Oklahoma).

Squint Entertainment, home to critically acclaimed bands Sixpence None the Richer, Burlap to Cashmere, LA Symphony, Waterdeep and new highly regarded rock band 38th Parallel, has announced the addition of San Diego based and admired pop/hip-hop group, SoulJahz (sol-juz; sole-juz), to its already impressive roster. SoulJahz is currently in the studio recording and self-producing its debut project for Squint, scheduled to hit retail shelves June 4. Co-producing with the group is Chris Rodriguez, who has performed with Kenny Loggins, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Faith Hill and more, as well Los Angeles-based producer and hip-hop/Gospel artist Tonex.

Rumors centering the fun-loving Canadians Hokus Pick include that the band has been working on a new project, but their home label Freedom Records has dissolved. We'll probably be looking into it further, so we hope to provide you with some good news on the whereabouts of this excellent foursome!

*Monday, February 4th, 2002*

Kicking off the beginning of the 10th anniversary of their first release on ForeFront Records, Audio Adrenaline celebrates the success of its most recent release, LIFT, which has already produced two #1 hits. Since their first ForeFront Records release in 1992, Audio Adrenaline has quickly become one of the best-selling rock acts in Christian music. In addition to 16 #1 radio singles, Audio Adrenaline has sold more than 2 million records, picked up a Gold record for their 1997 release bloOm, received several GRAMMY nominations and won numerous Dove Awards, and have performed approximately 1,000 concerts including a co-headlining stint with both the spring and fall legs of 2001's highly successful Festival Con Dios. You can see the world premiere of Audio Adrenaline's new video "Rejoice" from their CD LIFT right now at www.forefrontrecords.com.

Plumb is finally coming back into the spotlight slowly. On Plumbinfo.com, the band's official website, lead singer Tiffany announced that the group has found a new home label in Curb Records. She reassures, "For any of you who are familiar with them, have no fear -- 'I ain't become no country singer.'" She also announces that the record will be mostly rock, with a couple ballads, and is set to hit shelves sometime this June.

The Benjamin Gate has finished recording their new release Contact, which will hit the shelves on July 2nd. Here's a picture of them in the studio and some news on what's been going on with these South Africans - http://www.forefrontrecords.com/news/news.asp?NewsID=384.

Steven Curtis Chapman has added special guest Nichole Nordeman to his Live Out Loud tour. Nordeman's incredible, refreshing, and thoughtful songwriting, on both her debut album Wide Eyed and her most recent release This Mystery, has connected with critics and fans alike... including one Steven Curtis Chapman. Awarded the 2001 Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year, she's now in the studio recording for a 2002 release on Sparrow Records. In between studio and writing sessions, Nichole will join Steven Curtis on the Spring Live Out Loud tour.

And then there were three... Pete Stewart has decided to leave Tait, Michael Tait's solo band, to get back into his own thing. He is not on the current tour and had only planned to stay with the band until they got the ball rolling. There are no hard feelings between the guys and he may even produce the next offereing from the Tait band. Stewart is now working on some of his own material as well as producing other bands. Best of luck!

Essential Records announces the release of God of Wonders, an original compilation of popular worship songs recorded by contemporary Christian music's most renowned artists. An extension of the Dove Award-winning brand City On A Hill, God of Wonders continues the artists-in-community tradition, providing a well-rounded worship experience for personal and collective growth. God of Wonders, available in stores April 23, boasts contributions by multi-GRAMMY-winning and platinum-selling artists Jars of Clay and Michael W. Smith, multi-GRAMMY-nominated Third Day, also voted best group and artist of 2001 by the Gospel Music Association, as well as Caedmon's Call, FFH, SONICFLOOd with Jason Ingram, and Adore. Additionally, the album showcases the talents of two up-and-coming artists, Sarah Sadler and the Paul Colman Trio.

Lifehouse was on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno this past Thursday playing their latest hit "Breathing." If you were counting along at home, this would be their 3rd appearance!

Couldn't get enough Oxygen? Well, here's your chance to for more to breathe. Avalon will release O2 Avalon Remixed - the first complete remix album in the Christian music industry. The album will include upbeat remixes of 10 of Avalon's No. 1 songs and will feature cameo appearances from ZOEgirl, Stacie Orrico, Out of Eden and DJ Andy Hunter.

Third Day will join Christifari, Crystal Lewis, Youth Exodus, Denver & the Mile High Orchestra, and many secular bands at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.

All Stars of Christian music have put their minds together, and out came Doxology Records. This is a label filled with people dropped from Word/Myrrh Records recently. Former vice-president of A&R Dan Posthuma will be the President/GM and Roland Lundy will serve as chairman of the board. Other board members will be Bill Gaither, Jerry Weimer, producers Michael Omartian, Dan Huff and Monroe Jones, as well as John Newcomer.

In recent months many veteran Tooth & Nail artists including The Blamed, Havalina, and Bon Voyage have returned to the label. Now, after releasing several albums with BEC Recordings, Ronnie Martin of Joy Electric is returning to Tooth & Nail. The upcoming Joy Electric box set The Art and Craft of Popular Music (due Summer of 2002) will be co-released by BEC and Tooth & Nail. Future albums by the group will be on the Tooth & Nail label.

Speaking of Bon Voyage, the band's song "I Just Wanna (Be With You)" will be featured on the soundtrack to the upcoming film Longshot. The movie is a teen drama about "overcoming adversity and staying true to love". There are cameo's in the film by Britney Spears (as a flight attendant), N Sync's Lance Bass, wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Kenny Rogers and many others. The soundtrack hits stores on March 5, 2002.

Brother/sister duo LaRue is heading back into the studio, working on a new album slated for a fall release. Monroe Jones is on board to produce portions of the upcoming LaRue album.

NewSong is also heading back into the studio this spring; the band is working on a new studio project scheduled for an early fall 2002 release.

Tooth and Nail Records has a list of new albums in the works for 2002 to look forward to. New projects include Poor Old Lu, Project 86, Mortal, Ace Troubleshooter, Bon Voyage, Further Seems Forever, Starflyer 59 (new EP), Two Thirty Eight, Element 101 as well as a new T&N Box set and Songs From the Penalty Box Vol. 5. The label promises other new signings including possible other surprises.