February, 2007
Revolutionary pop-rock group Superchick challenges youth to stand up and be counted on
its spring “Generation Rising Tour,” featuring emerging stars Krystal Meyers, Nevertheless, DecembeRadio, and Group One Crew.
Opening late April in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., the 25-city tour takes its inspiration from I Timothy 4:12 which says, “Let no one despise
your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Superchick, joined by
those new artists who will be at the forefront of this generation’s music scene, hopes to encourage its young attendees to join together
and make a difference.
“This tour is going to be the biggest and most high-energy event in Superchick history,” comments Matt Dally, Superchick’s bassist.
“It is definitely a life-changing tour for us, and we hope it will have the same impact on all those we encounter along the way.”
For up to the minute “Generation Rising Tour” updates, please visit www.superchick.net.
The band had a close call on Saturday, losing control of their vehicle on the road. Guitarist Matt Dally writes, "This morning at 9:30 am,
we were driving from a show in Peoria, IL to Lincoln, NE for our DARE 2 SHARE show, when our van and trailer hit some ice and spun 180
degrees and landed in a ditch. Surprisingly we didn't hit any cars and we didn't even damage the van or trailer. We probably should have
flipped but God protected us as usual. So we are sorry for missing the show and we hope that you can forgive us... thanks again all of
you NE fans for coming out and a special thanks to DARE 2 SHARE for being understanding." For the latest on Superchick, tune into
Myspace.com/Superchick.
(from Savvy Media; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
The spotlight continues to shine brightly on singer-songwriter Ayiesha Woods with her most
recent recognition coming in the form of a Dove Award nomination for “New Artist of the Year” for the upcoming 38th annual GMA Dove Awards.
Since unveiling her debut album last June 6th, Woods has seen popular and critical acclaim for her Gotee debut
Introducing Ayiesha Woods. Charisma Magazine hailed Woods’ musical
offering as one with “rich vocals and thought-provoking lyrics.” CCM Magazine followed her career as one of three emerging musical
talents for 2006 in their “Band Wagon” column, and MTU.com’s URGE service (www.urge.com) picked Introducing Ayiesha Woods in their 2006
TOP 10 year-end list for Inspirational music. The album also garnered Woods a GRAMMY nomination for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album”
this year alongside of acts including Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Leeland, and category winner Third Day.
On the Christian radio front, Woods’ single “Big Enough” is making a steady climb, and is currently eyeing the #6 position at the AC format. Her song “Happy” merited a Top 5 slot on the CHR charts, as well as a Top 10 title at the AC charts. “Happy” is currently being heard in an ad campaign for the DVD release of the Russell Crowe film, A Good Year.
Woods has also been busy touring the country, and is just off the Winter Wonder-slam Christmas tour with tobyMac, Family Force 5, Hawk Nelson, and The Afters. The upcoming 2007 Revolve Tour, presented by Women of Faith, has enlisted Woods for 14 event dates.
Musically inclined since childhood, Ayiesha Woods has already seen her share of accolades. In 2004, she became the first female to walk away with the “Producer of the Year” award from the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards, that same year she also received the Marlin Awards’ “New Artist of the Year” and “Contemporary Vocal Performance of the Year (Female).”
For more information on Ayiesha Woods, check out www.gotee.com or www.ayieshawoods.com
(from LB PR)
Legendary Christian metal group Bloodgood has reunited to tour and record a new record!
The band exploded onto the Christian music scene when they opened for Stryper in the
Pacific Northwest in 1985, after which they recorded their 4-song EP, Metal Missionaries. It was Christian music veteran Darrell
Mansfield who brought Michael Bloodgood (bass), Les Carlsen (vocals), David Zaffiro (guitar) and J.T. Taylor (drums) to Los Angeles to record their self-titled debut album for Frontline Records. Bloodgood dared to take Christian hard rock to the next level of intensity and boldness, featuring a more street metal sound not found in any other Christian releases. Stryper had paved the way for commercial metal bands, but Bloodgood opened the doors for the sounds that would eventually lead to speed and thrash metal to be accepted in the Christian market.
In 1987, the band followed their national debut with their most successful album, Detonation. Bloodgood hit the road for their
first major tour, which almost proved to be their last. Prior to the start of the tour, a popular television evangelist spoke out against
them, and protestors began to picket their shows. National media outlets soon came to see what all the fuss was about, but even with all
the press, there was no tour circuit for a Christian metal band to tap into so the schedule was filled with dates that were poorly promoted.
"When we left on our first tour back in ’87, we had three families in our 22’ RV," says Michael. "To say it stretched us would be an understatement! But we were determined to carry on and no matter where we ended up, we could see the Lord’s hand on us."
Making it from one city to the next was a financial struggle, but the band saw the fruits of their ministry as many hardcore unsaved teens came to know the Lord. With that, the band built a reputation as one of the best performing bands and most effective youth ministry's in Christian music.
Bloodgood has left its mark on the Christian rock music industry. Many of the newer rock bands continue to look them as examples on how
to conduct a viable and effective rock and roll ministry. Though inactive as a touring unit since 1993, the band’s catalogue has
continued to sell through a series of re-releases. In the interim years, Michael became the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Redmond and
Les went on to star in the musical HAIR on Broadway, and established a successful art distribution company in Southern California.
In 2005, Michael was stricken with a near-fatal arterial dissection that left him ill for over four months, leading to paralysis of his
left vocal cord. Barely able to talk over a whisper for nearly a year, Michael has since recovered the use of his voice. In addition to
pending Bloodgood projects, he is currently working on a worship album along with guest artists including Les and current drummer Mark Welling.
Now, after thirteen years, Bloodgood is back, though they never really left. The band recently acquired the services of Ricky B.
Rogers and Fused Management, and they are looking forward to performing live and recording a new album. They have also welcomed a new
member. Though not leaving Stryper, Oz Fox is excited to become a part of Bloodgood and will be writing and performing with the band.
A new record is planned for release in 2007, and the band will begin touring this summer, including a headlining performance on the
HM Stage at this year's Cornerstone Festival. With nearly 1 million records sold, Bloodgood is looking forward to getting back on the road and reconnecting with fans who have supported the band through the years.
"Even though it’s been thirteen years since our last performance, the Lord continues to use our music and ministry to touch lives," says Michael. "Not a day goes by that I don’t hear from someone who has been touched by our music, either back in the day, or just recently."
For the latest information on Bloodgood, please visit the official website at www.bloodgoodband.com.
(from Nashville Publicity)
On the heels of receiving a Juno Award nomination, BEC Recordings hip hop artist, Manafest,
has also been nominated for two Dove Awards. In addition, he has garnered a slot on JesusFreakHideout.com’s 2007 Reader’s Choice Awards list.
The Gospel Music Association announced the nominees for the 38th Annual Dove Awards on Tuesday, with Manafest receiving nods for
“Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year” for his sophomore release Glory and “Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year” for “Skills”, from his first
album Epiphany. The award ceremony will be held April 25th at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN and will be televised in
national syndication in May. Adding to the many accolades Manafest has recently received, JesusFreakHideout.com announced the winners of their 4th Annual Reader’s
Choice Awards. Glory has been listed in the Top 5 for “Rap/Hip-Hop/Party Album of the Year,” alongside KJ-52, Grits and Ayiesha Woods.
“When I heard the news, I was like ‘YEAH!!! Year of the open door baby!’ God continues to pour out his blessings,” exclaims Manafest.
“I have worked really hard the past few years, and it's awesome to be recognized for it."
Currently playing solo dates across the country, Manafest will team with Boarders for Christ for a tour in April and May.
San Diego-based Boarders for Christ is a team of professional skaters and snowboarders who are dedicated to sharing the gospel.
Manafest will be the headline performer for the event and will be skating alongside Tim Byrne and his team of skateboarders,
making stops in Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, Kentucky, Arizona, Texas to name a few.
Suffering a severe ankle injury and ending his dream to become a pro skater, Chris Greenwood, aka Manafest, signed with BEC Recordings
and released his debut album Epiphany in 2005 and the follow-up, Glory, in 2006.
Glory has received great response since it’s release, with Christian Music Today’s Andree Farias commenting, “the album…manages
to be a study on how to fuse rap and rock the right way. It even trumps recent offerings by tobyMac, KJ-52, and John Reuben—all
practitioners who have a thing for rap-rock, but that don't do it as well. Highly recommended.”
For more information about Manafest, Glory, or to find tour updates, please visit www.Manafest.ca.
(from Springboard Entertainment)
Curb recording artist and GMAs reigning Female Vocalist of the Year,
Natalie Grant, has completed work on her seventh album and
first studio recording in two years. On the heels of her 2005 watershed release, Awaken,
which poised Grant to become Christian musics top-selling Adult Contemporary female solo artist in both 2005
and 2006, the forthcoming project, produced by Grants husband, Bernie Herms, and longtime collaborator Shaun
Shankel, is slated for release later this year.
Following the birth of her twin daughters last week, Grant will return to the spotlight on April 25 as co-host
of The 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards. The show will also feature co-hosts Brian Littrell and Donnie McClurkin
and is scheduled to air in national syndication this May. In addition to co-hosting, Grant has again been
nominated for the prestigious Female Vocalist of the Year award.
Gospel Music Channel cameras have been following Grant for months and were rolling on arrival day of the twins
for an original new television special, which will offer viewers a glimpse into her life as she prepares for
motherhood. The nation's only 24-hour, all Gospel/Christian music television network will premiere the special
this Mother's Day weekend. Continuing her role with Women of Faiths The Revolve Tour for teen girls, Grant will be a featured speaker and
performer on the organizations 2007 tour. Participating in The Revolve Tour since its inception in 2005,
Grant, who overcame a battle with bulimia as a young adult, presents a message on self-esteem at the youth
events. Throughout the year, Grant will continue her groundbreaking campaign to raise awareness about
international human trafficking. Educating audiences on the plight of children around the world who have
been forced into the sex trade, one of Grants most significant career accomplishments is her HOME Foundation, which raises funds for various human trafficking-related relief efforts.
Recognized as Christian musics top-selling Adult Contemporary female solo artist for a second consecutive year
in 2006, Grant also made appearances on CNN and FOX News last year, in addition to being featured in the Macys
Thanksgiving Day Parade, which was broadcast on NBC. She culminated the year with her Believe Christmas
Tour, hitting 13 cities with special guest Anthony Evans.
The title-cut and fifth single from Awaken is currently at #17 on R&Rs February 23 Christian AC
National Airplay chart. The album has produced the hit singles "Live For Today," "What Are You Waiting For,"
"The Real Me" and Grant's signature song, "Held," which remained on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart
for 20 weeks and was a #1 hit at Christian radio in 2005.
(from Turning Point PR)
The UK-based, globally relevant band Delirious? recently
completed its second tour in India, performing outdoors in Bangalore, Mumbai (Bombay) and Pune and visiting
childrens projects in the slum areas of Mumbai. The tour featured songs from their current and world-acclaimed
DVD-CD, Now Is The Time Live At Willow Creek.
"Another tour, another crowd, another continent, another plane ride. So why does my heart feel like it has
been pulled out, turned round and put back a different way round? Why do I feel like life can never be the
same again?" asks Delirious? frontman Martin Smith.
As thousands gathered outdoors to worship with Delirious?, the band members began to see their dreams
materialize in the middle of rural Indian fields.
"It's still a very strange experience to me that you can show up in a field in India and there is a bunch of
people singing our songs and wanting the heavens to open above their city. This is what we sang about 15
years ago," reflects Smith, "that the streets would be filled with singing. I guess I should be getting used
to it by now, but I'm still in awe and wonder."
"We feel humbled to be received so favorably by so many," adds band mate Tim Jupp, "but even more humbled that
we have the opportunity to play our small part in what God is doing in this incredible nation."
In addition to the concerts in India, the band spent time in the slum areas of Mumbai visiting and serving
meals to children and their mothers.
"For us as a band," says Smith, "we are living in our dreams, our future is now and we are seeing what we
longed to see. Having top twenty singles in the charts was a good part of the journey, but going to a slum in
Mumbai and singing 'Rain Down' to those who own nothing is something extraordinary."
Before leaving the slums, the band rounded up and transported around 40 children and their
mothers from the projects to that evenings concert. The families were able to sit towards the back of the
stage and look out into the crowd as Delirious? led worship. During a couple of the songs, the children came
out to the front of the stage to sing and dance with the band.
"We have played with some great artists," says Smith, "but none were as radiant as the children rescued from
the red light district, dancing with us on stage with so much joy on their faces you would think they had one
foot already in heaven. A more complete glimpse than I will ever have whilst down here."
(from Hoganson Media)
Award-winning Singer/Songwriter, Kristin Schweain of ZOEgirl,
the fastest selling debut artist in the 27-year history of Sparrow Records, selling more than 1 million
albums worldwide, gave birth to her first child Stella Rose Elisabeth Schweain on Tuesday, February 13, 2007.
Kristin and her high school sweetheart Ryan Schweain were married on May 25, 2002. The members of ZOEgirl
announced late 2006 after the release of their seventh album, With All of My Heart: Greatest Hits
(Sparrow), that they were venturing into different avenues. Currently Kristin is working on her ambient style
solo album, "I have always been drawn to piano and piano vocal music. My favorite place is at the piano with
my songs and I can't wait to share them with people and show a more vulnerable side to my life and music,"
Kristin says, "I am honored to have shared a platform with Alisa and Chrissy, whom I respect immensely,
I will forever be grateful for their friendship." Some of Kristin's best-loved songs "Plain" and "Skin Deep"
have become anthems for young girls worldwide, "I have gradually entered into a new and deeper place in my
writing, in my life, and in my faith," Kristin continues, "My goal is to be personal and candid, sharing my
thoughts, the insecurities, the questions, the joy and pain, my love of life and God, all of it. Some days
I'm a mess and some days I'm only slightly a mess, but that's part of my own story; the freedom and
opportunity to express it all with my music is what drives me." Kristin also serves as co-owner and designer
of a hip, new designer apron company, Apronique, with fellow Missouri-based designer Marilyn Brown.
Customers can browse through a selection of designs and purchase immediately from their web site
www.AproniqueStore.com. Chic new designs will be
released in Early 2007. Kristin also keeps in contact with her fans worldwide through her MySpace web site,
www.myspace.com/kristinschweainmusic.
(from In the Times PR)
Since their debut release, Live Like We're Alive,
Nevertheless has received critical acclaim from the media in
addition to an increased fanbase especially among the collage-age crowd. On Tuesday, Nevertheless performed
in front of 1,000 college students attending the National Association of Collegiate Activities (NACA)
Convention in Nashville at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. The students attending this convention are responsible
for confirming talent to perform on their particular campus. Within three hours of Nevertheless' energetic
performance, William Morris Agency received such a positive response from the colleges with offers that will
keep the band busy throughout 2007. NACA is the nations largest collegiate organization for campus activities,
with programs and services designed to reflect the fields increased responsibilities for student leadership
development as well as entertainment programming.
"The room was packed for Nevertheless' set, and we had a huge response from colleges wanting to book the band
on the spot," shares Mark Claassen of William Morris Agency. "Afterwards the band was swamped with people
wanting to get photos and autographs. Needless to say, we were very pleased."
It is determination that gives Nevertheless an asterisk amidst their contemporaries in indie pop/rock.
At first listen they would fit nicely in the vein of such bands as Jimmy Eat World and Cartel, except for one
difference: Their songs deal in as much substance as they do in relationship experience. On Live Like We're
Alive (Flicker Records 2006), the band delivers diversity in emotion as well as depth in empathy. At the
heart of the album is an energy created by a dynamic between high and low, verse and chorus. They have
received ink in the likes of Billboard, CCM, Blogcritics.com, Decoymusic.com, PunkUnited.com, HM Magazine and many more.
Their rock single Live Like Were Alivehas broken into the Top 5 with a bullet on the R&R Christian Rock Chart.
Their debut CHR radio single "The Real" has made a great impact by going to the Top 10 on the CHR as well as
the music video being played at American Eagle stores across the nation during the holiday season. With all
that is going on, Nevertheless continues to strive to share their music with their peers and fans across the nation.
Check out Nevertheless in a city near you this spring when they head out on tour with Superchic[k]. Dates to
be announced soon. For more information on Nevertheless check out their website
www.neverthelessmusic.com or
myspace.
(from The M Collective)
Inpop/Aware Records singer-songwriter Mat Kearney received
three prestigious Dove Award nominations on Tuesday, Feb. 20 including Male Vocalist of the Year,
Pop/Contemporary Album for his 2006 release Nothing Left to Lose,
and Song of the Year for the record's title track.
"We are extremely proud of Mat and his achievements," comments Dale Bray, Inpop Records' president. "It's been
a breakthrough year for Mat, and we are grateful that the GMA members have recognized his amazing accomplishments.
To be nominated in these categories is a huge honor."
The 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held April 25, 2007 at the Grand Old Opry House in Nashville, Tenn.
For more information, visit www.gospelmusic.org.
Kearney sprung onto the music scene in October 2004 with Bullet,
his first national release and label debut on Inpop Records. Bullet spawned the hit song "Undeniable,"
which broke the record for largest number of out-of-the-box radio adds on Radio and Records Christian CHR
chart. The record also won him a Dove Award for New Artist of the Year as well as Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song
for "Trainwreck."
In 2005, Kearney and Inpop Records inked a general-market partnership with Aware/Columbia Records, home to
multi-platinum singer-songwriter John Mayer, Grammy-winning rock band Train, and alternative pop outfit Five
for Fighting, among others. His sophomore record, Nothing Left to Lose, released April 18, 2006 and
has scanned more than 160,000 copies to date. Its title track climbed to No. 2 on Christian CHR and was the
sixth most played song on Christian CHR in 2006. Mainstream radio has also embraced Mat, with
Nothing Left to Lose landing Top 10 on the Billboard Hot AC chart and the Radio & Records Triple
A chart. In addition, Mat was featured as One To Watchby AOL Music and was a VH1 You Oughta Know: Artist on
The Rise. Amazon weighed in on the album as well, calling Nothing Left to Lose one of the top
releases of the year.
Kearney, who has spent the majority of the year touring with John Mayer, Sheryl Crow and The Fray, first
launched his career with a successful tour alongside label mates Shane & Shane, followed by alternative
rockers Graham Colton Band, and a co-headlining tour with Warner Bros/Teleprompt artist MuteMath. Later this
spring he headlines the VH1 You Oughta Know tour. For more information on Mat Kearney, visit: www.matkearney.com
(from Savvy Media)
Steven Curtis Chapman's son Will Franklin Chapman is having quite a 2007 so far. He's been on his first national tour, the Winter Jam
tour, as the drummer backing up his Grammy and Dove Award winning boss... His Dad. On the side, he's in a band
called, The Following and Will's got school too, keeping up with his classes as a Sophomore in high school.
Oh yeah, and he's also the starting guard on his school's varsity basketball team and he's got a problem.
His basketball team is crowding his drumming schedule, since they are highly ranked and now only 7 tournament
games away from playing for a state high school basketball title in Tennessee. Will will have to miss a few
Winter Jam concert dates in March, depending on how far his team goes.
StevenCurtisChapman.com will keep you up to date. Fortunately for fans, longtime SCC player and prolific
drummer, Will Denton will sit in in Will's absence.
For more, a Nashville's channel 2 featured Will, click here
and scroll down in the archives on left of page about a third of the way to click the link
“Steven Curtis Chapman, Son trade b-ball for drums,” and scroll back up to the top of the page to see the
player. Will's story in inside this report.
(from Steven Curtis Chapman)
Dizmas has been working hard on their follow-up to their 2005 debut On A Search In America. The band has just released
seven brand new songs on their Purevolume.com page to listen to to get a taste of what's to come. Visit
www.purevolume.com/dizmas now to check out the songs!
The new album Tension hits stores on May 22!
(from Dizmas; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Fans who pick up Anberlin's brand new record Cities, which released this week, will get a little bonus inside
their CD case. Each copy of Cities comes with a special insert called the "Anberlin City Pass." That's right, not only is your
Anberlin City Pass the gateway to over 20 cities, but it also gives you the opportunity to win big. You could win a brand new 2007
Volkswagon Rabbit, XBOX 360, 30GB Video iPod, Sony PSP, custom Anberlin Epiphone Guitar, and so much more!
Just take your City Pass, head to anberlincities.com (full site coming soon), check a full list of pizes, and then enter your code for
your chance to win!
(from Tooth & Nail Records; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Newsboys are full-swing into their Spring Go Tour with Stellar Kart and Kutless and are also prepping for a new musical project to
be hitting stores soon. Go Remixed will feature remixes from their latest project, Go, all mixed by band member Jeff Frankenstein,
Superchick's Max Hsu, producer Tedd T. and others! Go Remixed hits stores May 8!
(from Newsboys.com; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Word Records’ recording artist Building 429 returns with its third and most compelling
full-length release to date, Iris to Iris, in stores May 1. Filled with vertical rock worship songs that point straight to the
Creator, Iris to Iris encourages listeners to be drawn in closer, in awe and wonder at the beauty of our God.
After much thought and prayer, the members of Building 429 set out to create an album which they hoped would redirect the focus from them
to a place where listeners could meet God face to face. This resulted in a collection of songs whose vulnerability is unprecedented for the band.
“I’ve never been one to hear audibly from God,” says frontman Jason Roy, “but during the time I spent in prayer and preparation for this
record, God spoke to me. He said simply, ‘sing to me,’ and that’s what we did.”
Produced by Brown Bannister (MercyMe, The Afters, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day) and mixed by F. Reid Shippen (India.Arie, Johnny Lang,)
the project is already having an impact on all those involved. “If I had to use one word to characterize working on the new Building 429
record, Iris to Iris, it would be ‘joy,’” says Bannister. “These are a great group of guys, wonderful spirits, great hearts,
and great talent. I am proud of these guys. I am so pleased that they are figuring out who they are, and discovering the vision of what
God has called them to. If you are familiar with their discography, I would describe this record this way: If ‘Glory Defined’ had an
entire album recorded to compliment the quality of that song, it would be this album.”
The first single from Iris to Iris, “You Carried Me,” will be released to radio March 2. Also, the band will be touring in
support of its new album alongside headliner tobyMac this spring. For tour dates, visit www.building429.com.
Currently comprising Jason Roy (lead vocals, guitar), Jesse Garcia (guitar, keyboard), and Michael Anderson (drums), Building 429 released its
national bow, Space In Between Us, in 2004. The project’s debut single, “Glory Defined,” set multiple radio records and hit the No. 1
position on eight different radio charts. The song climbed to number one on Christian Radio Weekly’s Adult Contemporary chart faster
than any other single in the publication’s history, remaining there for ten consecutive weeks. On Radio & Records, “Glory Defined” was
the first single from a debut artist to hold 100% of the Adult Contemporary panel all at the same time, and only the second time for a
ny artist, debut or veteran.
(from Savvy Media)
With all of Tuesday's Dove nomination announcements, come the inevitable individual announcements and press releases for individual artists. Here
are exerpts from some of them...
The Atlanta-based rock band Third Day was also recognized for its smash hit “Cry Out to
Jesus,” written by lead singer Mac Powell, with a nomination in the Song of the Year category. In the newly added Dove category of
Christmas Album, Third Day was acknowledged with a nod for Christmas Offerings,
its very first Christmas worship album.
Band members Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, Brad Avery, David Carr, and Mark Lee each receive nominations as artists and producers on the
Christmas project. Adding in his nod for writing “Cry Out to Jesus,” Mac Powell receives four total nominations, with each of the other
band members individually receiving three.
The band is fresh off its third GRAMMY win for the RIAA Gold certified Wherever You Are (11/1/05) in the Pop Contemporary Gospel Album
category. From its seven previous nods, the band has been awarded GRAMMYs for both Wire
(5/4/2004) and Come Together (10/17/01), each RIAA Certified Gold.
2007 finds Third Day releasing two milestone projects, Chronology, Volume One (1996-2000) which drops March 27, followed by
Chronology, Volume Two (2001-2006) which hits retail, August 7.
(from Provident Label Group)
Progressive rock band Leeland received five Dove Award nominations during Tuesday’s press
conference announcing the 38th Annual Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Award nominees at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville,
Tenn. The Dove Awards will be handed out on April 25, 2007 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The awards show will be televised
in national syndication in May.
Leeland received nominations in the following categories: New Artist of the Year; Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song, “Sound of Melodies”;
Worship Song, “Yes You Have”; Rock/Contemporary Album, Sound of Melodies; and Praise and Worship Album, Sound of Melodies.
According to Leeland frontman, Leeland Mooring, “When I heard we were nominated for five categories, I thought someone was playing a joke
on us. We are so honored to be nominated with so many artists that we have grown up listening to and respect. This is very surreal.”
Sound of Melodies, the Dove and GRAMMY-nominated, 11-track debut from Leeland was produced by Matt Bronleewe, Marc Byrd and
Steve Hindalong. According to Leeland Mooring, “Whenever we play, our main goal is to be able to minister to our generation.”
For all concert dates and further information, visit www.leelandonline.com or www.myspace.com/leelandmusic.
(from Provident Label Group)
GRAMMY®-nominated rock band DecembeRadio has received four Gospel Music Association (GMA)
Dove nominations for the upcoming 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards ceremony...
The Slanted Records recording artists have been nominated for Song of the Year with their current radio smash “Drifter,” New Artist of
the Year, Rock Album for their self-titled debut and also for Rock Recorded Song of the Year (“Dangerous”).
"We are totally blown away…we are so grateful for all the nominations,” stated group member Eric Miker. “We look forward to the Doves
and for what is to come in ‘07. Until then we will keep writing music for our next release in our little studio in the mountains of
Virginia. Thank you to all who have made these nominations possible.”
The GMA Dove Award nominations have come on the heels of the band’s debut appearance last week on the red carpet of the 49th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, held at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Elated to be honored among many of the most acclaimed musicians and artists in the country for their debut release, the band interfaced with national media to discuss their first GRAMMY nomination-a nod for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album.
(from Spring Hill Music Group)
Pop/gospel superstar Brian Littrell has been
receiving continued recognition for his solo debut gospel project, Welcome Home
(5/2/06). Chosen to be one of the presenters during Tuesday’s GMA Dove Awards press conference, Littrell also celebrated his 32nd
birthday from the podium with a stirring four-part harmony birthday wish sung by all in attendance.
Not only will Littrell be competing in the Short Form Music Video category for his clip “Welcome Home (You),” but he will also
be co-hosting this year’s show with Dove-winning artists Natalie Grant and Donnie McClurkin.
Littrell, a member of the multi-million selling, superstar pop group, Backstreet Boys, scored his first Dove Award at last year’s show in
the Inspirational Recorded Song category for his hit single, “In Christ Alone.” This chart-topping track was recorded for the WoW #1’s
project, and was Littrell’s first foray into the Christian market.
After presiding over Tuesday’s nomination announcements, Littrell flew to Los Angeles to perform at the 15th Annual MovieGuide Faith &
Values Awards hosted by John Ratzenberger. Littrell will then fly to Japan on Friday and play four sold-out shows.
Littrell is currently on Christian radio airwaves all over the country on the song “By His Wounds,” the first release from the
multi-artist worship album Glory Revealed: The Word of God in Worship. Littrell takes the project on the road this April and will be
joined by Mac Powell, David Nasser, Shane & Shane, Tim Neufeld (Starfield) and more.
(from Provident Label Group)
Modern rock band Red can add three Dove Award nominations to its growing list of accolades.
This week, the band learned of its nominations in the Dove Award categories Rock Album, End of
Silence; Rock Recorded Song, “Breathe Into Me”; and Short Form Music Video, “Breathe Into Me”. The Dove Awards will be handed
out on April 25, 2007 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Red guitarist, Anthony Armstrong, comments on the nominations, “We could not be more excited that we received three Dove Award
nominations. We have dreamed of this moment ever since we were going to Christian festivals as teenagers – and for it to be here for us,
truly is a dream come true. We are very thankful for this opportunity.”
During March and April 2007, Red will be on tour with Sevendust. Visit www.myspace.com/dropofred for all tour dates.
(from Provident Label Group)
Artist / producer / composer Bebo Norman received a Dove Award nomination in the category of Pop/Contemporary Album for his
critically-acclaimed Between the Dreaming and the Coming True.
Norman shares, “During the making of Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, I was reminded of just how much I love the
process of writing and recording music, and how amazing it is that I get to continue to do this. That, coupled with receiving this
nomination for the work that Jason (Ingram) and I put in to producing this album, is one of the most rewarding experiences in my life, and for that, I am truly thankful.”
Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, Norman’s fifth major studio project, released September 19, 2006. “The title,
Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, was inspired by a book by Robert Benson with the same name,” explains Norman. “It was
so poignant to me because this really is where life as a believer is lived. I’ve never written a group of songs that expressed more
intently life lived in the real and in the everyday. It is about hope eternal played out against the backdrop of a difficult world.”
For all tour dates and additional information on Bebo Norman, visit www.bebonorman.com.
(from Provident Label Group)
sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records lead-worshiper and 2006 Gospel Music Associate (GMA) Artist and Male Vocalist of the Year,
Chris Tomlin, returns in 2007 to lead the field of artist nominees for the second consecutive
year. Receiving nine nominations, Tomlin also receives his second consecutive nod for Artist and Male Vocalist of the Year, as well as
Song and Worship Song of the Year for “Made To Worship” from his current, best-selling album, See The Morning.
Additional nominations Tomlin received include Pop/Contemporary Album and Praise & Worship Album of the Year for See The Morning,
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song for “Made To Worship,” Worship Song of the Year for “Holy Is The Lord,” and Special Events Album for
Passion: Everything Glorious.
“Wow! I am so humbled to receive these GMA Dove nominations in recognition of this music,” says Chris Tomlin after receiving the news of
the nominations today. “In our world and culture of music that seems to be all about making a name for yourself, it's an honor to carry
the message of the everlasting God and His unending fame. I will continue to try to write songs that give people a voice to worship God.”
Leading all artists last year with 10 nominations, Tomlin walked away from the 2006 GMA Music Awards with five Dove awards, including the
top honors for Artist, Male Vocalist and Song of the Year for “How Great Is Our God,” which was also named Worship Song of the Year.
(from Hoganson Media)
Aaron Shust, one of Christian Music’s most successful artists, has added to his extensive
string of accolades, as he was nominated for five GMA Dove Awards. Nominations include “Song of the Year,” “Male Vocalist of the Year,”
“New Artist of the Year,” “Worship Song of the Year” and “Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year.” Other award nominations
associated with Shust’s work included a “Musical of the Year” nomination for a musical based on his hit song “My Savior My God.”
The announcement follows a groundbreaking year for the debut artist in which Shust saw his hit single “My Savior My God” end 2006 as
the year’s most played song at Christian Radio on multiple formats with over 5 million impressions.
This week also marked the beginning of Shust’s 40-city tour with MercyMe and Audio Adrenaline, which began with a stop in Tulsa, Okla., where Shust’s
performance was met with a standing ovation from the capacity crowd.
“I am absolutely stunned,” said Shust. “I’ll have to be honest that in the midst of kicking off the tour, I forgot that the
announcements were today, so it’s a total surprise. This year has been more amazing than I could have ever imagined. I’m humbled and
speechless except to say ‘thank you’.”
In addition to the explosive radio success of “My Savior My God,” Shust has seen two additional radio singles reach the Top 5,
including his current song “Give It All Away,” which continues to climb the radio charts and impact sales of his debut project,
Anything Worth Saying. Accolades extend well beyond award nominations and
radio, as fans embraced the debut record, whose sales have topped 140,000 units in the last twelve months alone.
(from The WMG)
Singer-songwriter Brandon Heath was recognized at the Doves for his hit anthem
“Our God Reigns” which was selected as one of the year’s top worship songs. Taken from his debut album Don’t Get Comfortable,
“Our God Reigns” hit the top 5 at AC radio this past fall. With worship music being one of the most popular genres of contemporary
Christian music, this recognition proves that Brandon Heath has secured his place as one of the top new artists of the past year.
Appearing in the Worship Song category with Chris Tomlin, Aaron Shust and Leeland, Heath notes, “I’m so thankful for this nomination!
To be mentioned in the company of these songs, artists, and friends is an incredible honor.” He adds, “I wrote ‘Our God Reigns’ to
worship our God at a difficult time in a scary world. With today’s encouraging news, my response is still the same, to worship Him.”
Teaming up with famed producer Dan Muckala (Nick Lachey, The Afters, Backstreet Boys), Heath’s project hosts an arsenal of intelligent,
pop-rock tunes that are as smart as they are catchy. CCM Magazine declared that “Heath is that rare, singular combination of truly gifted
singer, songwriter and musician all three in one. Actually all the tracks are outstanding…and believe me, that’s not something I often hear myself saying.”
Brandon Heath just returned from a trip to Africa with Jars of Clay’s Blood:Water Mission, and was recently nominated in the Breakout
Artist category in Worship Leader magazine’s 6th annual Praise Awards. He is currently touring through the United States and opening for
Bebo Norman on selected dates. His new single “I’m Not Who I Was” is currently adding at Christian AC, CHR and INSPO radio.
(from Provident Label Group)
Multi-Platinum artist Casting Crowns celebrates key nominations in top categories for the
38th Annual GMA Dove Awards. The band’s impressive showing includes nods for Artist of the Year, Group of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Song,
and Long Form Music Video, while lead singer Mark Hall is nominated for Male Vocalist and Song of the Year for penning the group’s No.1 radio hit “Praise You In This Storm.”
Dove statuettes will be handed out on April 25 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, and the awards show will be televised in national syndication in May.
The band’s Group of the Year nomination comes alongside a streak of wins for Casting Crowns in this prestigious category, an award the
band has taken home for the past two years. In addition to Song of the Year, the band’s anthemic hit “Praise You In This Storm” from its
GRAMMY Award-winning album Lifesong is nominated for Pop/Contemporary Song, giving Hall an
additional writer nod. Hall was GMA’s Songwriter of the Year in 2004 and 2005, this year’s nominees and winner for Songwriter of the Year
will be announced the night of the show. Hall notes, “All thanks to God for giving us songs and letting us sing them. We are blessed to
be a part of an amazing group of people at Provident Music Group, and we thank them for their ministry to us.”
Rounding out the Dove nods is the band’s RIAA Gold-certified Lifesong Live DVD which
is recognized in the Long Form Music Video category.
(from Provident Label Group)
And finally, Integrity Music and Integrity Gospel artists received 22 nods in 11 different categories in this year's Dove Award nominees.
Israel Houghton led Integrity’s nominations with four, including two in recognition of his Alive In South Africa project
and two for producer credits (working with Karen Clark Sheard). Israel & New Breed, Martha Munizzi, Mary Mary, Virtue and Paul Baloche
were recognized twice each. Other Integrity artists receiving Dove Award nominations are Tye Tribbett, Alejandra, NewSong, Don Moen,
Lincoln Brewster, Robin Mark, Jared Anderson and Lenny LeBlanc.
(from Spinhouse PR)
Daniel Kirkley, one of Christian music’s most talked about new artists, has signed with
Centricity Records and his debut CD, Let Love Win, is scheduled for release, May 22, 2007. The first single,
“My New Dawn,” is already getting radio airplay while Tulsa’s KXOJ already invited Kirkley to perform at their 30th birthday party
with Point Of Grace on March 9th. The “My New Dawn” video was selected by Gospel Music Channel as a world premiere and started airing
this past weekend. The video was produced by William Zabka, who won an Academy Award for the Short film (live action), “Most
(The Bridge),” and played Johnny Lawrence in the hit movie, “Karate Kid.”
“Working with Daniel has only been a blessing,” says John Mays, Vice President, A&R, Centricity Records. “Of course, we love him, his
heart and his gift, but as much as that, we love his story. To trace back over his days of quietly working away, being faithful in the
little things that God had given him to do, has been an inspiration and challenge to all of us. I'm so proud of the work Guy Zabka and
Daniel have done together and can't wait for people to experience this music. All of us at Centricity feel grateful to get to play our
part in partnering with Daniel to bring his voice to the world.”
For a new artist, Kirkley’s new CD is drawing support and talent from a “who’s who” in the Christian and mainstream music worlds.
Producers for Let Love Win include Matt Bronleewe (founding member of Jars of Clay who has produced Plumb, Michael W. Smith,
Natalie Imbruglia) and Mark Hammond (Josh Groban, Nichole Nordeman). Bronleewe wrote “New Dawn” with Josh Groban in mind and before
Kirkley got his Centricity deal, Bronleewe had hired him to sing the demo of the song. After Bronleewe heard how Kirkley’s vocals
matched lyrically with the song it was added to Let Love Win.
Several notable songwriters (Tony Wood, Mark Heimerman, Chris Eaton, Sue C. Smith) have contributed to Kirkley’s new CD including multi-Dove Award winning artist, Nichole Nordeman. “Daniel has this voice that just makes you want to sit up a little taller and bring something more beautiful to the table of worship...something more than we're accustomed to bringing. Once I heard that voice, I was both inspired and intimidated to write something remotely worthy of it.”
Besides performing, Kirkley is also a notable songwriter himself and has teamed up on several co-writing sessions with one of Christian music’s highly respected singer/songwriters, Cindy Morgan. "It has been years since I have heard a voice as rich and timeless as Daniel's. I have loved the opportunity to write with him and hear his heart for God. I think audiences will be blown away by his talent. I think he is the fresh face that Christian music has been waiting for."
Kirkley hails from North Carolina and was in pre-med before being encouraged by fellow North Carolina native, Country star Julie Roberts, to come to Nashville to pursue his dream of a recording career. In January of 2000, Kirkley enrolled at Belmont University and started interning at BMG Publishing, where he began developing his songwriting skills. He then landed a job at Brentwood-Benson Music, while finishing his BA degree, and next came the opportunity of a lifetime. Kirkley’s pal, Julie Roberts, asked him to sing backup for her during a performance at a Nashville Predators game. His remarkable vocals got noticed and his long-awaited performing career was underway.
Kirkley is being managed and booked by Jim Scherer at WHIZBANG, Inc. and for concert information or career updates on Kirkley please
visit www.danielkirkley.com, or www.myspace.com/danielkirkley.
(from Bozeman Media)
The nominees for the 28th Annual GMA Dove Awards were announced this morning in Nashville, TN today. The full list of nominees is also available
online right now for viewing at DoveAwards.com.
Some of the nominees include: For Male Vocalist of the Year - Aaron Shust,
Chris Tomlin, Jeremy Camp, Mark Hall, Mat Kearney; Female Vocalist of the Year - Christy Nockels,
Krystal Meyers, Natalie Grant, Nichole Nordeman, Rebecca St. James;
Group of the Year - BarlowGirl, Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band, Jars of Clay, MercyMe;
Artist of the Year - Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Jars of Clay, Stellar Kart, The Crabb Family,
Third Day, TobyMac; New Artist of the Year - Aaron Shust, Ayiesha Woods, DecembeRadio,
Leeland, and Pocket Full Of Rocks. Full the full list and all of the categories, visit DoveAwards.com.
(from DoveAwards.com; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Honored as “Group of the Year” by the 2006 Covenant Awards and 2007 Shai Awards, Starfield
continues to garner accolades, becoming today’s most awarded Canadian Christian band. At the beginning of the month, they received a
2007 Juno nomination, the Canadian equivalent to the GRAMMY Award, for “Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year” for its current,
acclaimed album, Beauty in the Broken. The album was also named
“Contemporary/Pop Album of the Year” by both the 2006 Covenant Awards and 2007 Shai Awards, as well as received the 2006 Covenant Award for “Album of the Year.”
The Juno nomination came after Starfield received three 2007 Shai awards (Canada's Christian Music People's Choice Awards). The band not
only claimed “Group of the Year” and “Contemporary/Pop Album of the Year” honors, but received its fourth consecutive Shai for “Artist of
the Year.” The 2007 Shai Awards were held January 25 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (www.shaiawards.com).
Late last year, the band was similarly honored during the 28th Annual Gospel Music Association (GMA) Canada Covenant Awards ceremony held
October 27, 2006 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. After opening the ceremony with a well-received performance of “Hand That Holds The
World” from Beauty in the Broken, Starfield went on to claim four 2006 Covenant Awards. In addition to the awards already
mentioned above, the band took home the trophy for “Song of the Year” for “Son of God” from Beauty in the Broken. The Covenant Awards
are Canada’s equivalent to the GMA Music Dove Awards. For a full list of the winners, visit www.gmacanada.ca.
Recipients of the Juno 2007 Awards will be announced during the awards ceremony broadcast live from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada,
Sunday, April 1 on CTV (www.junoawards.ca).
"We are continually blessed and humbled by the amazing support base we have in Canada,” says Jon Neufeld. “It is a huge honor to be nominated for a Juno award, especially when added to the recognition we've already received this year. Thanks to all the fans, friends, and family up North for believing in us."
Produced by GMA Award winning Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Steven Curtis Chapman) and GMA Award nominated Matt Bronleewe
(Jars Of Clay, Michael W. Smith) Beauty in the Broken is the follow-up to Starfield’s critically acclaimed,
self-titled debut release in 2004. Released
in May 2006, the album not only recognizes the vastness of God in His sovereignty, but also our ability to worship this God of the
universe on a deep and personal level while echoing Starfield’s skill in crafting passionate, authentic songs. Selling 32% ahead of
their debut record, the album has further sparked unprecedented radio success for the band, impacting every major Christian radio chart
(Rock, AC, CHR, INSPO) with three radio singles, “My Generation,” “Son of God,” and the current hit single climbing the charts, “Everything Is Beautiful.”
Taking its hits on the road, Starfield performs 23 concerts before April 1 in theaters, churches, arenas and more. In April, Starfield
frontman Tim Neufeld joins Mac Powell (Third Day), Shane & Shane, Brian Littrell (Back Street Boys), David Nasser (author and speaker)
and more for the Glory Revealed Tour. The tour is billed as a unique experience where all the artists are on stage at the same time,
taking turns singing and sharing God’s Word. Neufeld will rejoin with the rest of the band in May for a series of tour dates throughout
the spring and summer. For more information on upcoming Starfield dates and the Glory Revealed Tour visit www.starfieldonline.com and www.gloryrevealed.com.
(from Hoganson Media)
On March 20th, Family Force 5 will be re-releasing their critically acclaimed debut Business Up Front, Party In The Back,
tagged as The Diamond Edition. This re-release will be a special one as it will include four brand new tracks specifically recorded
just for this edition. The band gave Jesusfreakhideout.com a sneak peak of some early mixes of three of the tracks ("I Love You to Death," "Face Down," and "Never Let Me Go") and we can assure fans
that the high energy crunk rock continues as the band holds nothing back on the new cuts. A great album looks to only get even better this March 20th,
so mark your calendars. In the meantime, catch the guys performing selections from the stellar album right now on The Scars Remain
Tour with Disciple, Fireflight, and Decyfer Down and later this Spring with TobyMac and Thousand Foot Krutch!
(from Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Over the years worship leader Israel Houghton has led millions worldwide into the presence of God. With praise as a weapon and
worship as the focus, he has humbly submitted himself as an ambassador for the kingdom. In striving to take worship to yet another level,
Houghton and New Breed Ministries have decided to go deeper!
“The very least I can do is enter his gates with fresh thanksgiving, his courts with a passionate praise and bow before the throne in
intimate worship”, says Houghton. A deeper level of worship requires a certain understanding which birthed the three-day Deeper Level Conference to be held at Grace
Church of Humble (Houston, TX) on March 2-4, 2007. This three day weekend provides an unforgettable experience for both worship leaders
and worshippers. The weekend will feature an assortment of sessions taught by Peter Wilson (Hillsong Music / London) and the New Breed
team. Times of Impartation will be shared by Bishop Joseph Garlington, Bishop Tudor Bismark and Israel Houghton on Saturday morning. Each
night will feature the live recording for Israel and New Breed’s sixth Integrity Gospel release aptly titled “A Deeper Level”.
This conference is intentionally designed to empower, refine and refresh the worship leader regardless of nationality or creed. “I believe we all share one common goal as worship leaders…that is to usher others into the presence of God. As we pour out we also need to be poured into,” said Houghton. “This weekend gives worship leaders that opportunity.” The conference will conclude with a Sunday night concert to begin at 6 p.m. Israel Houghton is encouraging local and national worship leaders to attend. “We have heard the cries of a generation of worshippers who won’t settler for less.”
For more information, tickets and more information please visit www.adeeperlevel.com
(from Spinhouse PR)
Casting Crowns achieves an extraordinary milestone with the RIAA Platinum certification of
its sophomore album Lifesong. This certification, signifying U.S. album shipments exceeding 1 million units, comes only sixteen months after the Aug. 30, 2005, release of the GRAMMY Award-winning album, making Casting Crowns the fastest Contemporary Christian music artist in its career to have its first two albums certified Platinum, and only the second in RIAA history ever to achieve it (the other is Jars of Clay, also a Provident Label Group artist, with its self-titled debut in 1996 and Much Afraid in 2000).
Lifesong debuted at No. 9 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart with the highest first-week sales at the time for a Christian act since Nov. 2003.
In its three-year career, all four Casting Crowns projects have received RIAA honors, including its Platinum self-titled debut album (2003),
its Platinum DVD Live From Atlanta (2004) and its Gold DVD Lifesong Live (2006).
Terry Hemmings, Provident Music Group President and CEO, notes, “Our company is so grateful to be a part of Casting Crowns’ incredible
music and ministry.” He adds, “We are also thankful for the support we have received from radio, retail and the millions of Casting
Crowns fans. The impact this group of people has had on all of us will be felt for many years to come.”
The band remains a Christian radio-playlist staple across the country, with Lifesong delivering three No. 1 songs: the anthemic hit
“Praise You in this Storm,” the album’s title track “Lifesong,” and the latest chart-topper “Does Anybody Hear Her,” currently No. 1 on
five charts.
(from Provident Label Group)
Curb recording artist and GMA’s reigning female vocalist of the year Natalie Grant and her
husband, acclaimed producer Bernie Herms, welcomed twin daughters into the world Friday morning, February 16. Grace Ana Herms made her
debut at 7:44 am Central time, weighing in at 4 pounds, 3 ounces, followed just one minute later by Isabella Noelle Herms at 5 pounds,
9 ounces. Mom, Dad and babies are healthy and happy! Congrats guys!
(from Turning Point PR)
Steven Curtis Chapman, who has the most Dove Awards in the history of Christian music,
hosts “Best of the Doves” this Saturday (TODAY!), February 17, at 8 p.m. ET on television’s Gospel Music Channel.
“Best of the Doves” features unforgettable performances and highlights from the past 37 years of Dove Awards ceremonies. New episodes
will air every Saturday through March 30th. Chapman, who is currently headlining the Winter Jam Tour, is also working on his next studio album with a team of world class musicians
that includes guitarists Eric Schermerhorn (David Bowie) and Lyle Workman (Sting), bassist Chris Chaney (Alanis Morissette), drummer Abe
Laboriel, Jr. (Imogen Heap, Paul McCartney), and keys player Patrick Warren (Taylor Hicks, John Legend).
Stay tuned to SparrowRecords.com and StevenCurtisChapman.com for details as they develop.
(from Sparrow Records)
Superchick bassist Matt Dally has announced that the band is hard at work on their next release and first official new project
since signing to Columbia Records... "We have been so busy trying to prep for our new record. Max has moved the studio to Franklin, TN,
and we have pretty much built it from the ground up. We have all learned a lot about painting and sound proofing and we are now
in writing mode. This is going to be a great record. This is going to be the first official Columbia records release, so it will hit all
the major and Christian radio and TV stations at the same time. We have also announced an amazing spring tour line up with Krystal Meyers,
DecembeRadio, Nevertheless and Group 1 Crew. We are playing at a town near you, so please order your tickets now before they sell out!"
More to come from the Superchick team...
(from MySpace.com/Superchick; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Got a cool design for a t-shirt? Got a cool design for a Leigh Nash t-shirt?? Well if that happens to be a strange coincidence,
you're in luck. Leigh Nash is running a contest for fans to design a unique tee for her to use!
The contest is simple, all you have to come up with your own Leigh T-shirt design following the below specifications...
Design Rules: Only jpg images in RGB color will be accepted (not CMYK);
Entries can be hand drawn or created on the computer; A maximum of 4 colors to be used in the design;
The image uploaded should be approximately 600 x 600 pixels and under 1 MB file size;
and the design must be 100% your work (No copyrighted images can be used in anyway)!
To make this contest happen, Nash & Co. have joined forces with www.myhotelromeo.com in Nashville who's site will be hosting the contest.
To submit your designs simply go here and upload!
Entries will be accepted starting February 15th and the contest will run until March 9th.
(from MySpace.com/LeighNash; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
BEC Recordings artist, Manafest, has been nominated for a Juno Award for “Contemporary
Christian/Gospel Album of the Year” for his sophomore album, Glory.
The Canadian equivalent of the GRAMMY, Juno nominees are selected based on a combination of sales and votes from members of the Canadian
Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS). Joining Manafest in this category are Hawk Nelson, Downhere, Carolyn Arends and
Starfield. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Nelly Furtado on April 1 at Saskatoon’s Credit Union Centre and broadcast live on CTV.
“When I first got into the music industry I never thought I’d be at the level I am now with a Juno Nomination,” exclaims Manafest. “Crazy Dope God is good!!!”
In addition to the Juno Award nomination, Manafest has a lot going on! His video for the song “Runaway” had world-wide premieres on MonsterPod.org
and the Gospel Music Channel, where the video debuted at #1 on their Top 30. “Bounce,” the second single from Glory, just went for adds at radio the beginning of this month.
For this unique rapper, his music is about much more than garnering nominations, having world-wide premiers and making it to the top of
the charts…he wants to connect with listeners one-on-one and impact lives. Manafest’s vision for 2007 is to play over 200 shows and see
at least 3,000 people saved through this music ministry.
“Performing music gives me a platform where I can speak God’s love to the masses,” Manafest explains. “I want to be sure I’m making
good use of the stage He has provided me, by using it to pull people in to hear my story and songs and then have the opportunity to
connect with them on a more personal level when I step off the stage.”
Currently playing solo dates across the country, Manafest will team with Boarders for Christ for a tour in April and May.
San Diego-based Boarders for Christ is a team of professional skaters and snowboarders who are dedicated to sharing the gospel. Manafest will be the headline performer for the event and will be skating alongside Tim Byrne and his team of skateboarders.
(from Springboard Entertainment)
Featured on the soundtrack, Music Inspired By The Motion Picture Amazing Grace, and written by 2006 two-GRAMMY nominee and
the Gospel Music Association’s Artist of the Year, Chris Tomlin, “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are
Gone)” will be sung on Amazing Grace Sunday, February 18. Over 3,600 North American churches from all 50 states and 10 provinces have
already signed up to sing “Amazing Grace” and pray for the end of slavery as an estimated 27 million men, women, and children are still
enslaved around the globe. Churches in the United Kingdom are joining together for Amazing Grace Sunday, March 25.
In addition to the traditional hymn, churches are encouraged to download Tomlin’s music and lyrics of his adaptation of Amazing Grace for
use as bulletin inserts on Amazing Grace Sunday (www.worshiptogether.com/amazinggrace). To hear a clip of Chris Tomlin singing “Amazing
Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” and for more information on Amazing Grace Sunday or to register to participate, visit www.amazinggracesunday.com.
“I wanted to keep the hymn exactly the way it was, as much as I could, with the heart of what I feel like John Newton was writing,”
reflects Tomlin on the new adaptation that is also featured on his acclaimed, best selling album, See The Morning. “Him coming at this
slavery issue really spurred the thoughts and the words My chains are gone/ I’ve been set free/ My God, my Savior has ransomed me.”
A moving visual/lyrical history of the song “Amazing Grace,” set to Chris Tomlin’s adaptation of the song, can be downloaded at
www.amazinggracemovie.com/video/amazinggrace_story-of.mov.
The story includes when the song has been used to inspire hope, even during tragic times in history: It was sung by both sides of the
civil war, on the day Dr. Martin Luther King shared his dream, when the Berlin wall came down, on September 11 and when the saints marched
back into the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina, and more.
In addition to Tomlin’s “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone),” the Music Inspired By The Motion Picture Amazing Grace soundtrack,
which released January 23, fittingly showcases other modern day versions of period hymns performed by today’s top Contemporary Christian,
Gospel and Country artists. Highlights of the “Inspired By” soundtrack for the Samuel Goldwyn Films/Roadside Attractions/Bristol Bay
Productions film include Country Music Award-winner Martina McBride’s powerful version of “How Great Thou Art” and selections from Grammy
Award winners Jars of Clay and Steven Curtis Chapman, Gospel music stars Smokie Norful and Kiki Sheard, best-selling group Avalon, GMA
2006 Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant, and Bart Millard of the platinum-selling group MercyMe.
Rounding out the artists contributing to this soundtrack are two-time GMA Award-winning Female Vocalist of the Year Nichole Nordeman and
the innovative and well-known David Crowder, who sings on the track “Rock of Ages.” Rising stars Shawn McDonald and Bethany Dillon duet
on the original song “All Creatures Of Our God And King,” as do hit-maker Jeremy Camp and is wife Adrienne on the track “It Is Well.”
Opening in theaters February 23, 2007, the Amazing Grace film tells the story of British politician William Wilberforce (played by Ioan Gruffudd) and his band of loyal friends who 200 years ago took on the most powerful forces of their day to end the slave trade. His mentor was John Newton, (Albert Finney) the slave-trader-turned-song-writer, who wrote the words to the world’s most popular hymn, “Amazing Grace.”
(from Hoganson Media)
Former 5 Minute Walk recording artist Justin McRoberts will be releasing a new 5 song EP this month. This new project will feature
his rendition of the classic hymn "Amazing Grace" (with the Lily of the Valley Gospel Choir), special acoustic versions of three favorites
off his latest full-length project Grace Must Wound, and the song "Man Like Me."
All five tracks for only five dollars. Check the website www.justinmcroberts.com next week to order!
(from Justin McRoberts; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Roses are Red, violets are blue... the biggest Jars fan may have all their wildest dreams come true! In light of Valentine's Day,
Jars of Clay would like to get you in the mood for their upcoming Spring Tour. Simply help the guys
out by doing any four items listed below, and enter to win a Valentine's Day Package including a Compilation CD made by Jars of Clay,
a video note personalized to you from the band and more! Three runners-up will also receive Valentine's gifts from Jars of Clay.
The Wedding is gearing up for their April 17th release of their sophomore record, Polarity, by giving away new music!
This friday they will be giving away one of their new songs on www.myfreemusicfriday.com. There will be a limit of 5,000 downloads,
but this is an actual download from the record. Also, this Friday at midnight, the band's label will be putting the album's first single
on their myspace and the song will go to radio the very same day. Finally, also on Friday night, The Wedding we will have a brand new
myspace page. Visit myspace.com/thewedding this Friday for all of this and more!
(from Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Multi-million-selling, GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning rock band Third Day
received its third career GRAMMY yesterday for the RIAA Gold certified
Wherever You Are (11/1/05) in the Pop Contemporary Gospel
Album category. From its seven previous nods, the band has been awarded GRAMMYs for both
Wire (5/4/2004) and Come Together (10/17/01),
each RIAA Certified Gold. Caught up in the celebratory moment, a very thoughtful Tai Anderson offered, "Wherever You Are seemed
to connect to our fans in a more meaningful way than any of our previous recordings. To have it be recognized
by the GRAMMYs is an incredible affirmation for both the band and our fans."
"I always say the cliché 'it's great just to be nominated.' And it's true. But I tell you what, it sure is
more fun to win! What an honor for us to win another Grammy! It doesn't get old!" said Mac Powell.
Recently releasing its first Christmas worship album, Christmas Offerings (10/10/2006),
and wrapping up a successful headlining tour on Nov. 19, the band is excited about kicking off 2007 with such
momentum behind Chronology, Volume One (1996-2000) which drops March 27, followed by
Chronology, Volume Two which hits retail, August 7.
(from Provident Label Group)
MxPx has rejoined Tooth & Nail Records, reestablishing a strong
and familiar relationship that dates back to the beginning of the legendary Washington state trio's
illustrious recording and touring career.
"We were at a place where, somehow, we found ourselves on this freeway looking at a Tooth & Nail off-ramp.
And it looked pretty good!" says singer/ bassist Mike Herrera.
After three albums and two EP's on Tooth & Nail (including the landmark Life in General), as many
more for a major label and 2005's widely-hailed return to form Panic,
MxPx is hard at work in a Seattle studio on what will be their first album for The Nail in over ten years. And the new material? It's incredible.
"There was nothing we didn't like about our last label, we just felt like we have to try new things and always keep things fresh," Herrera explains. "Tooth & Nail has grown tremendously as a label since we parted ways. In talking to the people there, there is a real enthusiasm for our band. It's awesome."
Comments Tooth & Nail founder Brandon Ebel:
"MxPx was a huge part of establishing Tooth & Nail. It was exciting to put out their first album and it will be equally exciting to introduce their new material to the world."
A staple of the Warped Tour, MTV2 and Fuse, an international draw in countries as diverse as Australia and Japan, MxPx has been making records since they were in high school, starting with the seminal "Pokinatcha." They have survived the ebbs and flows of the trends, sticking to their guns with their integrity and credibility intact, with critical love from Alternative Press and praise from their peers.
And as much as the band has returned home to the label that launched them, MxPx is working hard to deliver an album that reestablishes their core sound, as well. Their as-yet untitled new album, due out in the summer, promises to offer a fresh take on the core elements their fans have always loved.
The new album also reunites MxPx with Aaron Sprinkle, who produced the band's very first album, and went on to work with Pedro The Lion, Anberlin, Eisley and Emery, to name just a few.
"It's going to be a good mix of stuff. It's going to be mixed with super pop and super fast, melodic punk rock. A lot of aggression, energy and hooks," Herrera enthuses.
"I think we're over trying to experiment too much with too many different styles," he elaborates. "Everything is very honest and straight-forward. Our last album was the reintroduction to MxPx but I still felt like it wasn't as much MxPx as this record is going to be. We were just on our way and now we've arrived. This definitely won't be our last record, but, we want to approach every record like it could be."
Close followers of MxPx's career may recall a bit of acrimony from the band's initial split with their original home. But it's all water under the bridge for The Nail's prodigal sons now.
"We regret a lot of things that happened and I think the label does, too. This was a chance to rebuild the bridge over some of the mistakes we had all made," Mike says.
"We were both very young and the label and the band were growing very fast," agrees Ebel. "It feels great to put all of that behind us and move forward with a brand new MxPx album on Tooth & Nail."
There is so much positivity and enthusiasm that it can't help but propel MxPx even further to uncharted heights in 2007 and beyond. Look forward to a major tour announcement from MxPx soon!
Right now, you can watch the band recording, goofing off, and chatting with you in the chat room live in the
studio. Check out MxPx in the studio now here! They turn the camera off when they aren't around but keep checking back.
(from Tooth & Nail; Jesusfreakhideout.com; Thanks to R. Shaw)
Sarah Kelly has answered the call of fans to provide an acoustic rendition of "About Midnight." So now fans
of Kelly's emotive classic rock can log onto the singer's myspace page to purchase three brand new acoustic
versions of "Still Afraid," "About Midnight," and "Fall Into You." Each track is merely 99 cents each and are
only available digitally. Visit MySpace.com/SarahKelly to get the tracks or listen to clips.
(from Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Want a unique keepsake from your next Switchfoot live show attendance?
Well, on top of letting fans help choose the setlists for the band's shows this Spring, the band is exploring options for creating
limited edition live albums every night of every show that would contain a couple songs from the performance! Here's what the band said...
"...for the upcoming tour in the US and Canada we wanted to do something that we've never done before. You can now go to our site and
vote for the songs we will play in your city. It may be the coolest thing or a huge mistake...but we are going for it. If you don't see
something on the list, you can even write in a song for us to cover during our set. To vote, just go here...
Another thing that we've never done before: sell bootlegs of a few songs from the show at the end of the night. See, for a lot of us, the
end of the night comes too soon. This way, you could actually be listening to the show in your car on the way home from the gig! So we're
still trying to figure this one out logistically, but where there's a will there's a way. This is the closest we've come to a live CD.
At the end of the tour I suppose we'll have 39 of 'em!- only available that night. We'll keep you posted." And so will we...
(from Switchfoot; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
With the latest installment from two-time Dove Award-winning rapper KJ-52,
The Yearbook treats listeners to a musical flashback of school days and life lessons learned this coming April 10th.
KJ-52’s The Yearbook serves up topics with both seriousness and some just plain fun. Songs include “Fanmail” based on
letters KJ-52 has received about kids cutting themselves, struggling with sexuality, divorce, and alcohol and what to do when faith
doesn’t make sense. “Daddy’s girl” deals with the self-esteem issues girls deal with growing up. The song “You Hang Up First” tells
the common story of young love and breaking up. “It Ain’t Easy Being Tweezy” pokes fun at the KJ-52 being a white rapper and sometimes
being mistaken for a band instead of solo act.
“When I look back on my yearbook (then) I see mullets, big hair and a whole lot of bad fashion,” says KJ-52. “When I look at my yearbook
now (my album) I see a collection of songs that reflect what God has done in my life in the last year... I think I like this one better.”
This album, which will include a bonus disc of music videos and behind-the-scene footage, proves to be a first for KJ-52 as he produced
all but two of the songs on the album. The other two songs were produced by industry veteran Aaron Sprinkle (Kutless, Eisley, Jeremy Camp).
There are also guest appearances by the Disciple (INO) frontman Kevin Young on the song “You’ll Never Take Me Down,” as well as Emery’s
(T&N) frontman Toby Morell on the first radio single “Wake Up.”
In support of the album release, a virtual high school, www.fivetweezyhigh.com,
will be launched early March. Fans will be able to participate by posting yearbook photos, listening to weekly podcasts, and sharing
personal stories. KJ-52, who has shared the stage with Kutless, Disciple, and Falling Up, will tour this spring and summer, including all
the major music festivals, Women of Faith’s national conference, six Acquire The Fire events, and 14 cities on this fall’s Revolve Tour.
He also recently had the honor of being invited by the government of Morocco to share his music with over 50,000 at the Friendship Fest.
With seven albums to his credit, KJ has amassed over 500,000 records sold to date. He has heralded the title of favorite “Hip Hop
Artist” in the CCM Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards twice and has numerous Dove Awards to his credit.
(from LB PR)
Jars Of Clay have pieced together a new video for their hit single "Dead Man (Carry Me)" using unique footage that they've never tried
before for a video - cell phone video! "Back in November, some of you may have heard buzz about a Mobile Mash Up contest that we ran to
create a video for Jars of Clay's new hit single, 'Dead Man (Carry Me),'" announced the band in a recent blog. "We knew this couldn't be
just another music video produced in Hollywood by some famous, over-priced director, no, we decided to spice things up a bit! Here's what
we did...we invited fans from three west coast shows to play director, using their mobile phones to record footage. These fans were
invited to get up-close and personal with the band as they were ushered towards the front of the stage during the live performance of
'Dead Man.' After sorting through hours of fan footage, the video is finally finished and ready for the world to see! We want to invite
you to be the first to view our exclusive video for 'Dead Man (Carry Me)!'" To see the video visit the band's myspace by clicking here.
(from MySpace.com/JarsOfClay; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
And we enjoyed this little plug on SparrowRecords.com...
GRAMMY Award-winning band Casting Crowns has its sixth consecutive No.1 song with “Does
Anybody Hear Her” holding the top spot on multiple radio charts this week, including R&R’s Christian AC Monitored, Billboard’s Hot
Christian Songs, and a fourth week atop R&R’s AC Indicator chart. This is the third No.1 single from the band’s RIAA Gold-certified
Lifesong album (2005).
“Does Anybody Hear Her” marks the band’s sixth career radio No.1. The group’s self-titled, platinum-selling debut (2003)
produced mega hits “If We Are the Body,” “Who Am I,” and “Voice of Truth” which claimed a record-breaking 13 weeks on top. The radio
streak has continued with chart-toppers “Lifesong” and “Praise You in this Storm” off the group’s GRAMMY-winning, sophomore record.
Over its three-year career, Casting Crowns has been the most played artist on all Christian radio formats combined. The band has sold
more than 2.3 million albums to date, with RIAA certifications including two Platinum records and two Gold records. Casting Crowns won a
GRAMMY for its sophomore studio album Lifesong, and was named Group of the Year for the second consecutive year at the 37th
Annual Gospel Music Awards. Lead singer and songwriter Mark Hall has been a student pastor for 15 years and currently serves on staff
at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in Atlanta.
For more information, please visit www.CastingCrowns.com or www.reunionrecords.com.
(from Provident Label Group)
Dove Award-nominated artist Krystal Meyers is excited to share that her song,
“Together,” from her latest album, Dying For A Heart, will continue to be used by
NBC throughout 2007 for promotional purposes. Beginning in October 2006, NBC called on the song to be used in promotional efforts behind
their hit, drama “Heroes.” The network now has plans to include the song in several DVD releases of their hit primetime shows. The DVDs
will be available between September and December of 2007. In addition, Krystal’s song will remain a feature on NBC’s music website
for the rest of the year. “I am so excited to know that NBC is continuing to use my music for the upcoming year,” shares Krystal Meyers. “The NBC Network is
obviously a huge part of the television world so it’s humbling and a little overwhelming to turn on the TV and hear my song as part of that show!”
Since the release of Krystal Meyers’ self-titled debut on Essential Records (2005),
the eighteen year-old has garnered a Dove Award nomination for New Artist of the Year, landed the No. 1 spot on general market radio in
Japan (“Anticonformity”) knocking the Red Hot Chili Peppers from the top position, had six Top 10 singles in the U.S. (“The Way To Begin,”
“My Savior,” “Anticonformity,” “Fire,” “Collide,” “The Beauty of Grace”), and performed before more than 400,000 people.
Dying For A Heart, the second record from Meyers, landed in stores September 2006.
For additional information on Krystal Meyers, visit www.krystalmeyers.com.
(from Provident Label Group)
GRAMMY-nominated, progressive rock band Leeland is currently in Japan in support of the
March 21, 2007 Japan release of its debut album, Sound of Melodies. Following a
week-long, whirlwind schedule of media appearances and a concert in Japan, Leeland will make the return flight across the Pacific to Los
Angeles for the 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards, where the band is nominated in the category of Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for its
debut album, Sound of Melodies. The 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on “GRAMMY Sunday,” Feb. 11, 2007, at STAPLES Center in Los
Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
Beginning this Thursday, fans will have the opportunity to catch Leeland on television. On Thursday, February 8, 2007, Leeland’s episode
of “The JONI Show” will air on the Daystar Television Network. According to Joni Lamb, host of “The JONI Show”, “I loved the new,
refreshing sound and lyrics of Leeland. It was a joy to host this new band on ‘The JONI show’!” Visit www.daystar.com for additional information.
During the month of April, Leeland’s episode of CBN’s “One Cubed” will premiere. Morgan Pride, Associate Producer of “One Cubed” shares her excitement for the band, “I’ve never seen a group of guys more humble and more passionate about reaching their generation. Not only are they incredible musicians and songwriters, that may very well change the face of Christian Music, but they demonstrate in their performances, a true heart of worship.” Visit www.1cubed.com for further information.
Sound of Melodies, the 11-track debut from Leeland was produced by Matt Bronleewe, Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong. According to Leeland Mooring, “Whenever we play, our main goal is to be able to minister to our generation.” The songs on Sound of Melodies establish a doorway to God’s presence while musically containing layer upon layer of emotional, majestic melodies constructed on rock influences, European groups such as: Travis, Coldplay, Delirious, Doves, and Godfrey Birtill, among others. Leeland is comprised of: Leeland Mooring, guitar/lead vocals; Jack Mooring, piano/vocals; Jake Holtz, bass; and Mike Smith, drums.
For further information, visit www.leelandonline.com or www.myspace.com/leelandmusic.
(from Provident Label Group)
Music Industry veteran, Barry Blair, announces the launch of Tonecrash Records, a ministry focused
label with the goal of developing and building young independent artists.
With 16 years of history in the Christian music industry, Blair has won Dove Awards, received Grammy nominations and been a part of
several number 1 radio singles as an artist, producer, and songwriter. As a founding member of the band Audio Adrenaline,
Blair performed on and co-wrote many of the band’s early radio singles, including the #1 song of the 1990’s, “Big House”, and the Grammy
nominated album Bloom. Blair also played an integral part in the early success of the band
Bleach by introducing the band to Forefront Records in 1996, and producing the band’s number 1 radio single “Super Good Feeling” and
“Modern Rock Song of the Year” Dove winner “Epidermis Girl.”
In recent years, Blair has continued to work as a record producer and session guitarist. He has produced records for many up-and-coming
independent bands including eight rock singles from independent bands that have landed on Radio and Records Magazine’s Christian Rock airplay charts.
“Tonecrash Records seemed to be the next step in my career after working with so many great independent bands in the last few years,”
explains Blair. “I really felt that I have a good sense of what was going on in the independent world of Christian music and could help
a few bands to further their ministry. Through Tonecrash, artists will gain access to retail distribution channels and receive radio
promotion and other marketing to increase awareness of their music within and outside the Christian community.”
Marketing for the label will be provided by Randy Maricle and the retail marketing division of Maricle Management. Group. Maricle comes
to Tonecrash from Wellspring Christian Book Center in Louisville, KY, where he served as general manager and music buyer for 12 years.
While there he also provided artist management for Word Records duo Across The Sky and Fervent Records group Palisades. In August 2006,
the family sold the Wellspring stores to Berean and Maricle and his wife moved to Spring Hill, TN to build the Maricle Management Group.
Tonecrash Records’ first signing is Two Empty Chairs, a rock foursome from Smackover, Arkansas. The band’s national debut, Brighter Day,
will be available April 3rd and “There You Go,” the first radio single from album is going for adds now at CHR and AC radio.
Brighter Day will be distributed nationally through Infinity Distribution.
For more information about Tonecrash Records, please visit www.tonecrashrecords.com.
Information about Two Empty Chairs can be found on the following websites: www.twoemptychairs.com and www.myspace.com/twoemptychairs.
(from Springboard Entertainment)
XXXChurch.com and World Impact Wrestling presents... "Unscripted 2007" The event will be
held at the infamous Center Stage Theatre in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, April 28, 2007 and will feature pro-wrestlers, including
"The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase (**No relation to anyone on the JFH staff**), Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka,
Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake and many more. In addition, there will a "Porn Debate" between adult film star and VH1 Surreal Life
castmember, Ron Jeremy and Founder of XXXChurch.com, Craig Gross. To Top off the night, legendary rock band, Stryper will be in
attendance to perform! Tickets go on sale February 12 at Ticketmaster.com and at the Center Stage Box Office.
Info can be found at xxxchurch.com and Unscripted2007.com
(from Unscripted2007.com)
With the band's sophomore effort being anticipated without a set release date for awhile now, Fervent recording artist
Inhabited have decided to part ways with the label that gave them their start with their 2005 debut, The Revolution.
Frontwoman Sara Delight recently posted a handwritten letter online for the fans, "Well this letter
is long overdo, but I feel that you all deserve some sort of answers! I know you're tired
of hearing, 'uh... our CD is going to be released... uh, soon! Yep, we don't know when, but
soon!' So the time has come to let you in on the BIG NEWS! We have officially LEFT OUR LABEL!
We did it! We gave it all we had and NOTHING less! It was through our blood, sweat, and tears that
our new CD, called The Life Unfolding was created. We are more excited about this project
than anything we have ever done! So, we delivered the CD to our label, who was less than enthusiastic
than we were. After realizing they couldn't get a hundred percent behind it, we knew we needed to leave
the label and go in another direction." Sara goes on to explain that there were no ill feelings
with anyone at Fervent and that they give the company credit for helping them get where they
are now, and continued, "We are currently talking to several labels, and don't worry, we will
get that release date to you soon! Understand, Inhabited has never been more certain of the calling
God has on us as a band! We will continue to pursue that vision with or without a label, because
it runs in our blood!" Delight closes the letter with assurance that any rumors of the band's break up
were false and that the troubles with the new record have brought them closer together.
For the full handwritten letter, visit the group's MySpace page and their recent blogs.
(from MySpace.com/InhabitedtheBand; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Classic nineties' rock band who, several of which have long disbanded, are joining together once again on stage, including
Tourniquet, Bride and Guardian
joined by well known British bands The Electrics, Split Level and Why?. The groups are set to perform at a classic rock festival called Legends Of Rock in
Düsseldorf, Germany, on Saturday, February 24. You can get more info at www.legendsofrock.de, but you may want to brush up a bit on your German first!
(from Legends Of Rock; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
‘Revolution’ is defined in Webster’s dictionary as "the motion of any figure around a center or axis."’
‘Worship’ is the axis center-point of a tour that's emerging as one of the spring’s most anticipated events with concert goers.
‘The Worship Revolution Tour’ launches in mid-March, bringing together a mix of artists passionately committed individually and
collectively to international touring, bold ministry outreach, and theology rich music that rocks.
Australian born Grammy winner Rebecca St. James will share the stage with England’s most
popular Christian rock band, Delirious? in a combination that brings the global impact of
Christian music into sharp focus. Joining the bill is EMI-Sparrow’s gifted singer/songwriter Vicky Beeching, also from
the UK, and considered a major new young voice emerging in worship music.
The tour will cover more than 20 U.S. markets between March 14th and April 12th. Additional dates are expected to be added to those
already confirmed. Ticket ordering information online can be found at www.itickets.com
(from Morning Star PR)
Relient K has debuted their brand new music video for their hit single "Must Have Done Something Right." The video is the first to be
shot for their brand new record Five Score And Seven Years Ago, which is due out on March 6th. The album, which JFH staff chose
as one of their top 5 most anticipated releases of 2007 (see feature here), is set to release
in a month on March 6th. To view the "Must Have Done Something Right" video, click here.
You can also read the Jesusfreakhideout.com preview review for the album right now,
here!
(from Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Former Audio Adrenaline guitarist/vocalist Tyler Burkum may be done with the band for all but their final bow in April, but music is far from
out of this artist's blood. While Tyler is touring with InPop/Columbia recording artist Mat Kearney, he's also independently promoting his
debut solo indie project. The ten track acoustic CD is self-titled (also being dubbed "Demo LP" on his website) and offers a mix of raw and
intimate recordings mostly penned for his wife. The disc is available online for just twelve dollars. For a taste of Burkum's solo venture and information on how to order,
visit his MySpace page.
(from Jesusfreakhideout.com)
This Thursday will go down in history for premier Christian hip hop label Beatmart Recordings as the date it unveils the
label's first ever music video. The standout video for the retro 80s sounding single “Whoa Whoa!” off newcomer
Soul P.'s successful December 2006 release The Premiere
will also debut as the west coast rapper's first music video. It was shot by director Justin Purser of Anonymous Content—the same
production company that works with top writer/director Quentin Tarantino—in downtown Los Angeles at the beginning of December.
The "Whoa Whoa!" video will be aired for the first time this Thursday, February 8 on Beatmart.com at Noon Eastern. This online debut will
be followed by an international broadcast premiere on Gospel Music Channel. The video will also soon be available for download on iTunes.
Beatmart Recordings was founded by Todd Collins—one of three Gotee Records founders—and his brother Troy Collins in 2004. The label has
grown to an impressive roster of nine artists in three short years.
The Premiere has ranked #9 on the Nielsen SoundScan R&B/Hip Hop chart for the past five weeks, joining fellow label mates
Pettidee's Thug Love (#24) and Japhia Life's Fountain of Life
(#37) in the top 50. The album's celebratory, danceable, catchy, and life-affirming songs deal with the social ills of inner-city life
and offer hope of redemption and happiness through Christ.
Anonymous Content, the production company that "Whoa Whoa!" video director Justin Purser works for, is best known for providing a home to
filmakers where they can develop and produce artistic and unique projects with commercial potential. Its filmography includes Babel,
50 First Dates, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Oscar winner for Best Original Screenplay), and
Being John Malkovich (three Oscar nominations including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay).
Click here to watch the video (starting Thursday): Beatmart.com
(from Recah)
Former Mono Vs. Stereo southern hardcore act Maylene & The Sons Of Disaster are back with a sophomore project simply titled II
due out on March 20th. Fans can get a taste of the new record right now by grabbing an exclusive new EP that released to iTunes yesterday entitled
The Day Hell Broke Loose At Sicard Hollow. For more info, either
click on the album titles above, or visit the band's MySpace for recent blogs from the band members (MySpace.com/MayleneandtheSonsofDisaster)
(from Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Sanctus Real is getting ready for their fourth studio recording. The band released their stellar third project The Face Of Love
last April and guitarist Chris Rohman recently let the fans in on what the latest is... "We've been spending as much free time on the
road as we can writing music and kicking around lyrics for new songs. We hope it pays off because we're about to start spending some time
in the studio again during days off from the Winterjam tour. Thanks to everybody that's commented on the shows too. We're really stoked
to be on such a huge tour and we're always excited to get our music out to people who have never heard it. We do have a new single out
right now at radio, so if you hear 'Don't Give Up' on your local station be sure to call them up and say thanks for playing it!"
Sounds good to us. We'll keep you posted as things develop...
(from MySpace.com/SanctusReal; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
TAG Artist Group has announced the signing of former Avalon member Cherie Adams to a
long-term distribution agreement. Adams’ solo debut, The Sweet Life, will be in stores April 10th.
Adams spent five years with Avalon, performing for fans all over the world and achieving two gold records, 11 number-one singles, an
American Music Award, two Dove Awards and two Grammy nominations. Now she is now sharing her personal testimony on her debut solo
release, on which she co-wrote eight of the eleven songs. “I have a deep passion for souls,” says Adams. “I want to share my personal testimony of how God made Himself real to me during a
shattering loss, complete brokenness and a time of severe depression. This may be a soulful pop album, but it expresses the deep care
that God has for even the smallest concerns in our life.” “It is a Joy for TAG to partner in ministry with Cherie Adams,” says Dan Huisinga, President of TAG Artist Group. “Her Voice and love for
the Lord will continue to bless so many people.” The Sweet Life will be supported by a national radio, publicity and marketing campaign, and a full schedule of live performances
and speaking engagements at women’s conferences around the country.
(from Nashville Publicity)
Balancing dual roles as a professional football player and musician, Indianapolis Colts’ punter
Hunter Smith has many things to be excited about as his team won the coveted Super Bowl XLI
title on Sunday, and his group, Connersvine, recently signed to INO Records. Connersvine is the
acoustic duo made up of Hunter Smith and Chris Wilson, who both lead worship at the Every Nation Church in Indianapolis.
"Winning the Super Bowl has been one of the highlights of my life and career. It is completely humbling that God has allowed me to not
only be a part of an amazing football team, but also is giving me the chance to pursue His calling in music." shares Hunter Smith.
"I feel just as strong of a call to worship leading and ministering through music as I do in football."
In the summer of 2001, the two began their friendship by leading worship together for a young adult ministry on the south side of
Indianapolis. As they began to feel God calling them into music professionally, they focused on their song writing and worship style.
Connersvine has an acoustic-driven rock sound that communicates through worshipful melodies and passionate vocals. They feel that their
purpose is not only to write songs as artists, but to also pen songs that can be used by the Church for corporate worship. Making the
most of the off-season and wasting no time to record their INO Records’ label debut, Connersvine will be entering the studio on Wednesday
with award-winning producer Pete Kipley (MercyMe, Rebecca St. James, The Afters).
“If someone would have asked me a few years ago to sit down and write out my musical path, it would not have included a professional
football player,” explains Chris Wilson. “We met leading worship at our church and God opened the door to Connersvine. We may not be the
most traditional duo, but INO Records, Third Coast Artist Agency and BrickHouse Entertainment have helped us to see the unique
opportunity in our situation.” Born and raised in Sherman, Texas, Hunter Smith has had a passion for leading worship as well as a talent in football. Smith graduated
from Notre Dame and went on to be drafted in the NFL by the Indianapolis Colts as their punter in addition to the holder for kicker Adam
Vinatieri. Smith has just finished his eighth season with the Colts, providing him with a great platform to share his faith with others.
He resides in Indianapolis with wife Jennifer and their 23-month-old son Josiah.
Raised with a great appreciation for music, Chris Wilson began playing guitar at the age of ten and was helping on the worship team at
his local church by the time he was in middle school. Through his passion for both God and musical expression, Wilson has continued to
develop his skills as a musician, songwriter, artist and worship leader. He also resides in Indianapolis with his wife Jenna.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/connersvine
(from The M Collective)
Six months into the release of the national debut album, The Healing Of Harms,
Flicker Record’s rock band Fireflight blaze up the charts reaching No. 1 on both R&R and CRW
Christian Rock Charts with its second single, “Waiting.” This follows their debut smash single "You Decide,” which also went No. 1 at CRW
Christian Rock and named one of Air1's Top 25 songs of 2006.
With more than 20,000 units scanned in the first six months after their debut release, Fireflight is seeing success that reaches far
beyond the Christian market. Fireflights’ song “Star Of The Show” was recently selected for America’s Funniest Video’s music montage in
the January 28 nationwide airing, rebroadcasting March 20, in addition E! Entertainment’s “Style Network” chose the song to promote their
upcoming spring season. Also catch Fireflight’s “You Decide” on the in-store video reel for both American Eagle and Journey’s stores across the nation.
Fireflight is currently on a 36-city run as part of the Scars Remain tour, which goes through March, with Decyfer Down, Family Force 5,
and headliners Disciple. The band will head out this spring with Seventh Day Slumber.
(from The M Collective)
John Reuben's Word Of Mouth streets
today, February 6th, as he hits the road for a 40-city tour run, and hits the world-wide web with a series of videos on both the
YouTube.com and MySpace.com sites.
Reuben will kick off his 40-city Word Of Mouth tour run in his hometown of Columbus, OH and zig-zag across the nation for the next two
months (see dates at MySpace.com/JohnReuben). With his recent 2005 The Boy VS The Cynic,
Reuben toured extensively as well, including a 30-city nationwide stint with Pillar and Thousand Foot Krutch, and dates with Superchick and Sanctus Real.
Today the first video in a special series is unveiled online at both YouTube.com and Reuben's
MySpace.com site. The "mockumentary" styled video series follow last year's
9-minute "pilot" featuring an exaggerated John Reuben alter-ego. The clip, produced by Reuben and his brother and recalling classic
satires like Waiting For Guffman, found a large audience quickly, amassing over 175,000 views on Youtube.com and setting the
stage for these upcoming video clips. Fans can anticipate 17 video clips beginning next week through the end of May, with one releasing online each week.
Word Of Mouth is already creating a buzz including being featured last week on NPR's "All Things Considered" online music show.
With five prior albums already to his credit and sales of over 200,000 albums, John Reuben has garnered attention of new and long-time
fans everywhere. Click here to read the Jesusfreakhideout.com review of Word Of Mouth!
(from LB PR; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
While legendary metal band Bride released a brand new album last year, music is not
all the guys in the band are focusing their time and attention on. Well-known for his strong conservative viewpoints, it may not be
too much of a shock to find that band leader Dale Thomspon has decided to run for the U.S. Presidency.
"This is Dale's myspace site for his run for the White House in 2008 (www.myspace.com/philipdalethompson)," announced Thompson's
Campaign Finance Manager Zachary Christian in an email sent out last week. "His
slogan is 'I am not one of them I am one of you.' He has left a video
greeting there for anyone interested in some of his policies. He would
welcome your impute and support. You will notice that the video portion of the site is done very
inexpensively. Dale doesn't believe in government waste. Also his speech was
not rehearsed because he wanted to appear as he really is unlike most
politicians." For more information about Thompson's run for presidency, visit www.MySpace.com/PhilipDaleThompson
(from Bride; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
What better way to celebrate the Gold-selling certification of your self-titled debut album than to head out your first headlining
tour? With a devout fan base firmly in place, the heralded Austin-based band Flyleaf will
embark on a headlining tour kicking off in Memphis, Tennessee on March 25th. Atlantic/Lava/Ardent/SRE hard rockers Skillet
have been tapped to support the band throughout the tour following the release of their best-selling project,
Comatose, along with Dropping Daylight, Resident Hero and others supporting in select
markets. Tickets everywhere go on sale Saturday, February 10th, but an exclusive fan presale will begin today, February 6th at 3pm local
time (details available at www.flyleafmusic.com).
Calling it the “Justice & Mercy Tour” holds special significance, since the band is teaming with World Vision to offer fans a
limited-edition four song EP (available exclusively on the road) and a specially designed t-shirt. All proceeds for both items will
benefit World Vision, which provides worldwide aid to those in need (for more info, visit www.worldvision.org).
(from The M Collective)
Seattle independent label Tooth & Nail has announced they’ll partner with major label Virgin Records for the forthcoming debut album
from The Almost.
The Almost--the brainchild of Underoath drummer/vocalist Aaron Gillespie--will release their debut album Southern Weather
April 3 via Tooth & Nail and Virgin Records. Gillespie--who sings and performs virtually every note and instrument on his solo debut--
teamed with acclaimed producer Aaron Sprinkle for Southern Weather. It kicks off with the attention-grabbing, percussion-driven
anthem "Say This Sooner," set to impact radio February 14.
Manager Randy Nichols (Red Light Management) states: “I couldn't be more excited to set this record up with some of the most talented,
intelligent and good-looking people in the record business. It's not often that a band can get the best of both worlds. We have an
unbelievable indie team at Tooth & Nail capable of selling records as well as most majors and then to have them complimented by the
spectacular promotion and marketing team at Virgin/Capitol Music Group, it's a dream come true for any manager.”
Brandon Ebel, head of Tooth & Nail/Solid State/BEC recordings, explains, “We are incredibly excited about the release of Southern
Weather. For some time now, Jason Flom and I have been looking for the right record to team up on, and we have found a perfect fit
in The Almost. The band blends HIT song-writing with relevant, accessible rock. We really think this record will appeal to a wide variety of music fans, and we can hardly wait for it to hit stores.”
Jason Flom, head of Virgin Records and the newly formed Capitol Music Group, notes, “We couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with
Tooth & Nail on one of the best new rock bands in a long time, The Almost. I have the utmost respect and admiration for Brandon Ebel and
his team and…I LOVE THIS RECORD!”
Chad Johnson director of A&R for Tooth & Nail/Solid State Records adds, “Having worked with Aaron since he was 15, I'm very proud to see
how much he's grown both personally and musically. He's delivered an album that is catchy, moving, and mature....all tightly woven in a
debut effort. The relationship with Virgin has been a great experience thus far and I'm convinced that two teams working hand in hand
will prove a winning combination.“ *Southern Weather was recently chosen by JFH staff as one of the most anticipated releases
of 2007! Check out our top 25 picks here.
(from MSO PR; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Mainstay went back in the studio this past weekend to work on their sophmore album.
They are very excited about it and yesterday began what they call "Mainstay Mondays."
Every Monday (starting February 5th), they will be posting a video on how the studio time is going and not only that,
they will be keeping you up to speed on their blogspot. Visit their YouTube
page for more!
(from BEC Recordings; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Word Entertainment announces its continuing partnership in the WOW brand with the March 6 release of WOW Hymns.
Featuring 30 songs on two CDs, the WOW Hymns compilation provides hymn fans and contemporary Christian music buyers with
performances from today’s top Christian artists, including five exclusive new recordings.
The songs offered on the double-disc feature include Chris Tomlin's, "Take My Life," BarlowGirl's, "For The Beauty Of The Earth,"
Third Day's, "All The Heavens," Jeremy Camp's, "Wonderful Maker," Natalie Grant's, "Fairest Lord Jesus," Jars of Clay's, "I Need Thee Every Hour,"
Nichole Nordeman's, "Just As I Am," Amy Grant's, "This Is My Father's World," and Michael W. Smith's, "The Wonderful Cross," among others.
WOW Hymns additionally features five new recordings of classic and modern hymns including Casting Crowns' "Tis So Sweet To Trust
In Jesus," Brian Littrell's "I Surrender All," Mark Schultz' "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing," Building 429's "Grace Greater Than Our
Sin" and Point Of Grace's "All Hail The Power Of Jesus' Name."
The Word release is part of the multi-platinum WOW series. Created through a partnership between the three largest Christian
music/entertainment companies in the industry -- Word Entertainment, EMI CMG and Provident Music Group -- the marketing and distribution
of WOW projects are shared among the companies, with Word leading efforts for WOW Hymns.
(from Word Records; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Word Records' popular rock act, Building 429, finished out 2006 with a trip to Germany
where they ministered to American soldiers on German military bases, in addition to playing several shows throughout the country.
In December, Building 429 was featured at the 27th annual Christian Rock Night in Ennepetal, Germany along with Tree 63, Thousand Foot
Krutch, RED, Decyfer Down and local bands such as Saphena, Crushead and Allee der Kosmonauten. The band also performed at the Heidelberg,
Hanau and Baumholder US Army installations. The performances ranged from a Sunday morning worship service to a welcome home event in
Baumholder for over 4,500 troops returning from Iraq. Building 429 was also invited to spend time with the troops and their families while in Germany.
"We have never been more sure of the presence of the Lord than we were as we stood on the stages in Germany and played for our heroes ...
the ARMY," says lead vocalist, Jason Roy. "Every conversation that we had, and every soldier that we spoke with reminded us of just how
BIG our God is. The Lord's presence was tangible on the Army bases and in the cities that we visited while in Germany, and we have returned home changed men."
While in Germany, the band also had the opportunity to use the city of Heidelberg as a backdrop for a photo shoot in support of their
upcoming album, Iris to Iris. The album, which is set to release May 1, 2007, is currently receiving final touches with
esteemed producer Brown Bannister. A spring tour with TobyMac is set to begin mid-March.
In addition to their travels and touring, Building 429 is also currently the featured artist on Big Shiny Planet, an innovative,
video-driven Bible study for teens, led by popular Christian artists.
Each featured artist presents a Bible lesson based on one of their songs. Building 429's study, "Buck Up!" is based around the popular
track, "Fearless," from the group's latest album, Rise. The study focuses on battling fear
with what we know to be true about God, with the foundation of the message coming from Joshua 6.
Lead singer Jason Roy says, "We're very excited to be a part of Big Shiny Planet Bible studies and believe that music is a great way to communicate God's Word."
In addition to participating in the Bible study, teens have an opportunity to enter the Big Shiny Planet contest for a chance to win an
autographed Building 429 CD (one given away weekly), or a grand prize consisting of a Big Shiny Planet study and collection of CD's from Word Records.
Big Shiny Planet is committed to meeting the media-driven, interactive needs of teenagers living in the 21st century. The Big Shiny
Planet Bible studies allow teens to hear the Word, be encouraged and still engage in a relevant, musical and media-savvy study experience.
For more information on Big Shiny Planet or Building 429, visit www.bigshinyplanet.com and www.b429.com. *Also, check out a special
contest to win Big Shiny Planet resources here at Jesusfreakhideout.com.
(from Word Records; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Mac Powell (Third Day front man) and author/speaker David Nasser will hit 15 cities with
the Glory Revealed tour beginning March 29th. The powerful night of worship and the
Word along with “friends” Shane & Shane, Brian Littrell, Starfield’s Tim Neufeld, Hyper Static Union’s Shawn Lewis, Trevor Morgan and
Candi Pearson-Shelton will support the March 6th album release from Reunion Records.
“We are so excited for the opportunity to do something a little different on the road,” says Mac Powell, “coming together to celebrate
the Word of God through each of our individual songs as well as the songs written for the Glory Revealed record. One minute you might
hear us doing a Third Day worship song and the next minute a Shane & Shane song, all the while mixing in these compelling new worship
songs that were written just for this project. It will be a great night of music and teaching centered around the Word of God.”
“The glory of the Lord is best revealed in His Word,” David Nasser explains. “When we begin to dig into the truth that is found within
the pages of the Bible, we will begin to see His glory revealed.” This, the overarching message of the project will be the centerpiece of
a one of a kind night of music featuring all artists in the round as well as a powerful message from Nasser.
The album, Glory Revealed: The Word of God in Worship comes from the creative, collaborative spirits of Mac Powell and David
Nasser. Releasing to retail on March 6, this diverse project features songs crafted directly from Scripture, lending a tangible,
familiar base for the overall worship experience, set to a musical canvas drawn from every corner of the modern acoustic mold, touching
on folk, rock, country, bluegrass and more. Taking this unique sound and powerful message directly to the church through this tour;
Powell, Nasser and friends will present a beautiful night full of worship and a celebration of the Word of God through music and teaching.
The desire from local churches and promoters has been strong for this unique worship tour. “We’re glad to welcome this first tour date into Mac’s hometown,” say Greg Ashford of Outerlight Entertainment, “We know people are ready for a great new worship event.”
There is no question that those who have the opportunity to be a part of this moving night of worship and the Word will be forever changed as they allow the glory of the Lord to be revealed in their own lives.
Also available this spring, David Nasser’s book Glory Revealed: How The Invisible God Makes Himself Known includes 20 study chapters examining different attributes of God found in the Scriptures and how they can reveal His glory in our everyday lives. The book will release exclusively through Family Christian Stores April 8th with national distribution coming this summer. The book follows Nasser’s debut release, A Call To Die, which has sold over 100,000 copies to date.
For updated information on Glory Revealed, please visit www.gloryrevealed.com
(from Provident Label Group)
Coinciding with a special guest slot on the Delirious?/Rebecca St. James Worship Revolution Tour this spring, British worship
artist Vicky Beeching will release Painting The Invisible, her second album with Sparrow Records, on April 3.
Vicky stood out from a pack of new artists last year as a graduate of England’s prestigious Oxford University. CCM magazine editor
Jay Swartzendruber said, “If you haven’t heard her debut, Yesterday, Today, & Forever, you’re missing out. The modern worship
gem would be a unique complement to any CD library. Beeching’s worshipful art is immediately accessible—think thought-provoking pop.”
Painting The Invisible was produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman) and Nathan Nockels (Passion) and is led by
the just-released radio single, “Join the Song.” Other tracks on the project include future single “Hallelujah, What a Savior,” “You Have
Won My Heart,” and “The Wonder of the Cross.”
Explaining the new album’s unique title, Vicky said, “Trying to describe the Eternal using earthly words is like trying to scoop up the
whole ocean into the palm of your hand. Yet, we joyfully struggle for words and continue on our worshipful quest of expressing the
inexpressible; describing the indescribable; pronouncing the unspeakable; painting the invisible.”
For developing news and forthcoming concert dates, check out www.myspace.com/vickybeeching.
(from Sparrow Records; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Well, our speculation over P.O.D.'s new label signing being with INO Records was confirmed last night in the band's latest newsletter...
"INO & Columbia Records announces a partnership with multi-platinum selling and critically acclaimed recording artist, P.O.D., fresh off
the heels of their New Year's Eve performance in Times Square. This event marked guitarist Marcos Curiel's first performance with P.O.D. in nearly four years.
Currently involved in pre-production, P.O.D. and are scheduled to release their new project late summer 2007 with the band's original
formation of Sonny (lead vocals), Wuv (drums), Traa (bass), and the recent return of Marcos (guitar).
Regarding this new partnership, INO President Jeff Moseley stated, 'I am thrilled to work with P.O.D. I have been a big fan of the band
for a long time and think they are at a special place in their career. I anticipate a landmark record. I look forward to a long and
fruitful relationship with the guys and their manager Tim Cook.'
Following a successful relationship with Atlantic Records, P.O.D. is excited about this unique endeavor.
'Sonny, Wuv, Traa, and Marcos are back together and they're making the record of their career. I believe Jeff Moseley at INO and the
Columbia Records staff will be exceptional partners as we continue this journey.' (P.O.D. manager - Tim Cook of Cook Management)"
(from P.O.D.; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
As if there were any questions left about how diverse Switchfoot could get following rave
reviews for the band’s dynamic new disc, Oh! Gravity., the multi-platinum San Diego rock
act takes its talent another step further with a cool rendition of Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love” now playing at Yahoo.com.
The unique performance choice is part of Yahoo’s ongoing CoverArt™ series sponsored by Pepsi. Other recent participants have
included Daughtry covering U2 and Matisyahu covering a classic by The Police. Switchfoot’s fresh take on the Beyonce hit is full of
great musical surprises. Watch the guys rock it here.
(from Sparrow Records)
Inpop Records’ newest addition, modern rock band Everyday Sunday makes an extraordinary
debut on both the Christian Hit Radio and Christian Rock charts after 29 stations added singles “Find Me Tonight” and title track
“Wake Up! Wake Up!” their first week. This early radio success sets the stage for the band’s anticipated May 22 release.
According to this week’s Radio & Records Christian Hit Radio chart, “Find Me Tonight” entered at No. 27, while scoring the No. 22
position as maintained by Christian Radio Weekly. Stace Whitmire, WAY-FM music director, affirms “We are so excited about ‘Find Me
Tonight’ - it’s definitely got what we look for in a song: amazing lyrics that connect instantly, as well as a great sound!”
Additionally, the band’s debut Christian Rock single “Wake Up! Wake Up” also received 29 adds its initial week, landing at No. 22 on R&R and No. 19 on CRW.
“To debut in the Top 30 in the first week is unheard of,” says Dale Bray, president of Inpop Records. “It’s certainly an incredible
start to 2007. We love this band, and we are pleased that radio is 110% on board in supporting them. For Inpop and Everyday Sunday it’s just the start!”
Band frontman Trey Pearson comments on the news, “We are very excited and honored that so many people are taking to the singles and our
new album already. We just can’t wait to see where God continues to take us.”
Comprising Trey Pearson (lead vocals), Jesse Counts (guitar), Dan Hunter (bass) and Chris Hines (drums), Everyday Sunday hails from
Columbus, Ohio. Attracting a national audience with its 2001 independent Christian Hit Radio single, “Just a Story,” Everyday Sunday
joined Flicker Records’ roster in 2002. The band released two successful projects with Flicker,
Stand Up and Anthems for the Imperfect,
while raking in numerous accolades, including being named among CCM Magazine’s “Favorite New Artists of 2003,” as well as
“Best New Artist of the Year” by TVU Music Television. Also in 2003, Everyday Sunday made an impact as one of the Top 10 “Major Impact Artists” for CHR, and its single “Hanging On,” from Stand Up, was the No. 6 most played CHR song of the year.
Produced by Ian Eskelin (Krystal Meyers, Stellar Kart, All Star United), Wake Up! Wake Up! delivers
the same diversity and solid pop sound that has come to define Everyday Sunday’s music. The album was just recently picked by the Jesusfreakhideout.com
staff as one of the top 10 most anticipated releases for 2007. The complete list of the top 25 picks for 2007 can be found here in
the "Highlighting 2007" feature.
(from Savvy Media; Jesusfreakhideout.com)
After seeing the excitement from the fans during the fall leg of the Coming Up to Breathe Tour, MercyMe asked
Audio Adrenaline to continue touring with them into the spring. “When MercyMe asked us to
extend our farewell tour into 2007, we weren’t sure what we were going to do,” said Audio Adrenaline member Will McGinniss. “We had
been planning to end in 2006, and all four of us were busy trying to figure out what we would do after AudioA ended. Tyler and Ben had
already found other gigs, but with their blessing, we decided to carry on in the spring of 2007 to be able to see a few more fans one more time.”
Accepting MercyMe’s invitation, AudioA extends its fall touring with an encore 40-city winter/spring tour that kicks off February 16 in
Tulsa, OK and wraps up April 28 at the final farewell concert in Honolulu, Hawaii. (See full tour date listings at AudioA.com) Due to
previous commitments made prior to the tour being carried over to the spring, Audio Adrenaline members Ben Cissell (drums) and Tyler
Burkum (guitar and vocals) will not be on the road this spring, with the exception of the final concert in Hawaii. Ben and Tyler played
a key role in selecting the individuals who will be filling their roles. Brian McSweeney, who previously performed on stage with Audio
Adrenaline during the band's Some Kind of Zombie tour, will step into the role of guitar and background
vocals. Jared Byers, formerly of Bleach, will be the drummer.
(from Hoganson Media)
Bethany Dillon, the popular young singer/songwriter who released her 2004 self-titled debut
album to commercial and critical acclaim at age fifteen, returns April 3 with her third studio project, Waking Up.
Led by first single “The Kingdom” (serviced to radio stations January 24), Waking Up clearly reflects Bethany’s artistic and
spiritual growth. Now eighteen, Dillon is beginning to experience her faith in profound new ways. After a recent mission trip to India,
she said, “I feel like God is widening my eyes as I’m walking in this new season.”
Waking Up is produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin), John Alagia (John Mayer, Dave Matthews), and Will Hunt (Shane & Shane).
Other standout songs on the album include “Something There,” “You Could Be The One,” “When You Love Someone,” “Beggar’s Heart,” and “Top
Of The World.” Pre-promoting the disc, Bethany will embark on a 20-date college tour with Robbie Seay Band through February and March.
In related news, Dillon has also contributed to a couple of new movie related albums. She sings “All Creatures Of Our God And King” with
Shawn McDonald on Music Inspired By The Motion Picture Amazing Grace (in stores now) and contributes to the Bridge To Terabithia
original soundtrack (in stores February 20) that also includes performances by television stars Miley Cyrus (Disney Channel’s Hannah
Montana) and Hayden Panettiere (NBC’s Heroes).
(from Sparrow Records)
“Undo,” the first radio single from premiere new Midas Records band Rush Of Fools,
landed at #22 on the AC Monitor chart this week as reported by Radio & Records. The single is from the group’s forthcoming May 8, 2007
Midas Records release being distributed into the CBA marketplace through EMI CMG Distribution. The position places “Undo” as the most
added song on the chart with 288 total monitored spins. After going for adds on Christian radio January 12, 2007, the single’s
unprecedented multiple chart action garnered the highest score in the history of “20 The Countdown Magazine’s” listener poll.
In addition to the R & R chart success, “Undo” had charted on the CHR charts, has climbed two spots to #19 on CRW’s Comprehensive Chart,
to #19 on CRW’s AC chart and made a significant jump from #66 to #33 on CRW’s Inspo chart. Included in those who have quickly added
“Undo” are highly respected stations such as K-LOVE (National network), KKCM in Tulsa, OK and KCBI in Dallas, TX, among others.
The group’s much anticipated May 8, 2007 debut release is already being sought after by radio listeners nationwide and the group has
received numerous MySpace messages, requests for the song and incredible life-changing stories of hope and inspiration. Multiple
requests have started to come in on a regular basis for copies of the song, in addition to personal stories told about how lives have
been impacted by the lyrics, heart and message of the song.
The group embarked on a nationwide 2 week radio promotion tour in December, 2006, visiting numerous key radio stations and “launching” the single early on, with strong, positive response from general managers and programmers across the country. Rush of Fools is slated to embark on the “World On Fire” tour, a major market concert tour in the spring of 2007 with By The Tree and The Turning into 10-12 cities and perform at Alive Festival in Canal Fulton, OH June 20-23 along with Switchfoot, Chris Tomlin, Leeland, David Crowder Band and Toby Mac. Spring tour dates and cities to be announced in the coming weeks.
(from L.A.B Media)
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