Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: July 2002

July, 2002

*Tueday, July 30th, 2002*

In the footsteps of the successful Festival Con Dios, Reunion Records and Jeff Roberts & Associates recently announced plans for a new fall traveling festival called ShoutFest. Designed as a one-day event, ShoutFest will be hosted by churches across the country aiming to build a spirit of community and worship in each city. ShoutFest is scheduled to hit 30 markets this fall including Minneapolis, Miami, Orlando, Fla., Phoenix, Evansville, Ind., among others. Running from mid-September to mid-November, ShoutFest will feature co-headliners Salvador and Rachael Lampa as well as performances from Jeff Deyo, Brother's Keeper, Daily Planet, Rock 'N' Roll Worship Circus and 38th Parallel (artists subject to change). With the theme "Let the walls fall down," ShoutFest is intended to become an annual tour that will encourage and work with churches to shout and cry out to God as the Israelites did around the city of Jericho and see the walls around their cities fall.

Essential Records announces the unwrapping of City On A Hill- It's Christmas Time, available in stores September 24. This is the first Christmas project in the Dove Award-winning City On A Hill series. Whereas its predecessors feature a variety of original and traditional worship songs, City On A Hill- It's Christmas Time blends traditional carols, seasonal hymns and original songs to unite generations this holiday season. The album incorporates vintage and new, including "Silent Night" (interpreted by Sixpence None the Richer), "Babe in the Straw" (an original, sung by Caedmon's Call), "Bethlehem Town" (another original, performed by Jars of Clay) and "Do You Hear What I Hear?" (performed by Out of Eden). Other tracks include "It's Christmas Time" featuring Cliff & Danielle Young (Caedmon's Call), Derri Daugherty (The Choir), Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay), Leigh Nash, Out Of Eden, Michael Tait, & Mac Powell (Third Day); "O Holy Night" by Michael Tait and Leigh Nash; "In The Bleak Midwinter" by Paul Colman Trio; and more!

All Star United has made their recent UK-only released album Revolution available to all of their friends in the United States! Although the album is not available in stores, you can now order it online at the band's site for a jaw-dropping $13.00! This record isn't one to miss folks, pick it up at AllStarUnited.com today!

*Monday, July 29th, 2002*

P.O.D. is releasing a Limited Editon version of their smash CD, Satellite. The release date is August 27th and is a double disc set containing one audio CD and a second DVD video disc. The audio CD contains 3 bonus remixes of "Alive (Semi-acoustic)," "Youth Of The Nation (Conjure One Remix)," and "Boom (The Crystal Method Remix)." The DVD disc contains 4 live tracks ("Set It Off," "Without Jah, Nothin'," "Youth Of The Nation," "Outkast"), filmed live at a show earlier this year in Hamburg, Germany, and "Into the Satellite," a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the album and the band members. This is a limited run (100,000 units) only release, with special "brilliant box" packaging that holds both discs in a standard-size jewel case and that features a slightly different album cover. List price is $19.99 but you can pick it up for a more reasonable price at Walmart.com or BestBuy.com (make sure it says "limited edition") A longform P.O.D. DVD video is in the works for this Fall, featuring an extended behind-the-scenes look at the rise of the band, more live footage, and all of their groundbreaking videos. Finally, in recent P.O.D. sightings, the band has been featured on the cover to the July issue of YM Magazine. You may have also recognized a P.O.D. tune playing on the trailer to the Estrogen-fueled surfer flick Blue Crush or spotted a poster of the band in the arachnid-burdened movie Eight Legged Freaks.

Will someone please cut these guys a break?! That's right, Sixpence None the Richer's new album Divine Discontent has been pushed once again! The two year old album that got caught up in legal setbacks and label issues has been pushed back from September 17 to October 29. Let's just hope and pray this will be the final arrival date!

Members of Third Day recently returned from Africa after having helped former President Jimmy Carter, his wife, Rosalynn, and 4,000 other volunteers complete the largest home building effort in Habitat for Humanity's history for the 19th annual Jimmy Carter Work Project 2002 (JCWP) in Africa. Third Day members Tai Anderson and Mark Lee traveled with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) to Durban, South Africa last month to help JCWP finish the final 100 homes as part of HFHI’s work to build 1,000 houses in 18 African countries. As the band’s latest and critically acclaimed recording, Come Together, becomes its third RIAA certified Gold album in less than 15-months, Third Day continues its theme to “come together” in a tangible way to help make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action throughout Africa. Thanks for walking the talk, guys!

Big Idea Productions, creators of the best-selling VeggieTales children's video collection, continue to shine bright with the best selling 3-2-1 Penguins! video series starring Zidgel, Midgel, Fidgel, and Kevin with the release of the fourth episode entitled Runaway Pride at Lightstation Kilowatt. Everyone's favorite space-travelin' arctic birds will make their next appearance exclusively at Christian bookstores on September 21, 2002 for a suggested retail price of $14.95 for VHS and $19.99 for DVD. Since it's debut in November 2000, 3-2-1 Penguins! has shipped over one million units and held the #1 position of the CBA kid-vid charts for more than 45 consecutive weeks running, making it the most successful new product launch ever in CBA history!

The people at Cornerstone Festival have posted the video clip U2's Bono recently filmed for the U.S. on behalf of DATA for helping save Africa from its poverty. To view the PSA go to: http://easylink.playstream.com/g1network/bono_high.rm

California native, Joy Williams led worship for a standing room only crowd prior to Franklin Graham leading devotions during the 2002 CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) International Convention in Anaheim, CA. Joy met with numerous media outlets and gave several performances throughout CBA Week. She unveiled new music from her upcoming album, By Surprise, before a packed house of 1400 retail affiliates at the Provident Music Distribution Fourth Annual Big Ticket Event. Joy kicked the week off performing for 500 international retailers at the CBA International Luncheon. By Surprise hits shelves October 8th!

tobyMac will be in LA next week filming the video for “Irene.” The video will be produced by the same company that produced the latest videos for The Goo Goo Dolls, Alanis Morisette, Pink and the new Will Smith single from Men in Black 2.

Birthday wishes go out to Australian wizkid, Rebecca St. James. She turned 25 on Friday!

The latest chapter in the ever changing hair of Will McGinniss… Seen Will from Audio Adrenaline with his new mohawk yet? Check out www.audioa.com for the recent photos from their Freedom Festival and Sonshine performance.

Elevate Records’ Rivertribe has just completed a ten day tour in Canada. During that time, they sold over 3,500 albums and wowed the audiences with their live shows. They’ve also been moving up the charts on MP3.com. This week, they’re in the #4 postion, with over 2,200 listens to their song “Northwest.” Rivertribe will be heading up to Halifax, Nova Scotia in August, then hitting the road with Rebecca St. James’ Worship God Tour in the fall. With early responses coming in from promoters, the tour is already looking like it will sell out.

*Wednesday, July 24th, 2002*

Reunion Records’ artist Michael W. Smith, the 2002 Artist of the Year Dove Award-winner, led worship for an overflow crowd of 11,000 - some from as far away as Alaska -at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky on July 19. The worship experience lays the groundwork for Smith’s second live praise & worship CD. Titled Worship Again and set to release through Provident Music Distribution/BMG Oct. 22, this is Smith’s 16th record of his career. “We were in Louisville a few months ago for a solo performance,” Smith told the crowd. “When it came time to pick a place to do this event, I automatically thought of this place,” he said, to the overwhelming approval of the congregation, on its feet nearly the entire evening. Smith added later, “I was only open to doing a second worship record if I could find songs that I thought could impact people in the same way the first album did, and I believe these songs fulfill that requirement. One of the highlights of my career has been getting the feedback about how God has used songs from the Worship project in peoples lives…I can’t wait to see what God will do with Worship Again.”

The Switchfoot guys have been back in the studio completing their upcoming project, The Beautiful Letdown. According to inside sources this is "Switchfoot like you've never heard them." The new album has been pushed back from a Fall release to early next year. This is due possibly to the recent news of a joint signing with Columbia Records (in addition to the current deal with Sparrow Records). The band has plans to preview some of the new material at shows during the coming months.

The Elms have been scheduled to go on the road with the legendary Peter Frampton for several of his August and September tour dates. Having been impressed by the band's music, Frampton extended the invitation. "We realize how great of an opportunity this is and we are honored by it. It's something to write home about," said Owen Thomas, lead singer of The Elms. In addition, the fall holds the release of The Elms’ highly anticipated sophomore album Truth, Soul, Rock & Roll. This time around, The Elms have opted for a grittier, soul-driven sound. To achieve this goal, they acquired the talents of producer Brent Milligan (Seven Day Jesus, Chasing Furies) and engineers Richard Dodd (Sheryl Crow, Delbert McClinton, Wilco) and David Bianco (Tom Petty, The Black Crowes). The release date has been slated for October 22, 2002.

Third Day is bringing a special worship experience to Family Showcase. Titled Third Day: The Offerings Experience, the one-hour special will debut Wednesday, July 24 (today), at 8:00 p.m. ET on FamilyNet TV. More than 35 million homes nationwide will have access to the FamilyNet TV program that features footage from the 2002 Dove Award-winning DVD/VHS, Third Day Live in Concert - The Offerings Experience. Like the DVD, released to retail last February, the special will feature Third Day performing live in front of 15,000 enthusiastic fans packing the HiFi Buys Amphitheater in the band’s hometown of Atlanta, GA. In addition to songs from its RIAA Certified Gold recording Offerings – A Worship Album, along with other timeless hits from the band’s extensive repertoire that includes 18 No. 1 songs, the FamilyNet TV special will include conversations with each band member and many behind-the-scenes moments.

P.O.D. was among a total of three artists that scored the most nominations for this year's VMAs, with each artist garnering six nominations apiece when nominations were unveiled the morning of Monday, July 22nd. The other two artists were the foul-mouthed Eminem and Missy Elliot. Guys, it's your time to shine. Let's see the worshipful sounds of "Alive" rise above the others nominated and cast your vote for P.O.D.! Follow this link: http://www.mtv.com/onair/vma/2002/polls/viewerschoice.jhtml and be heard! In other P.O.D. news, the quartet will soon release their 4th new single, the title track from their latest album, "Satellite." This week the boys filmed the video for "Satellite" at their show at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Virginia Beach, which sold out with 22,000 tickets sold. It's reported that the video, directed by Marcos Siega, will incorporate live footage along with a very unique story line. Finally, since signing to Atlantic Records, P.O.D. have now sold an astonishing 5 million records with combined sales of Satellite and their 1999 release The Fundamental Elements of Southtown. Satellite is nearing 3 million units sold (that will be triple platinum) of Satellite and are the number one selling artist on Atlantic.

Stacie Orrico sang the National Anthem recently in LA. She performed during a LA Dodgers game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Award-winning, Tooth & Nail recording artist Bleach will be a featured artist on the highly anticipated Back To The Few tour with Gotee Records artist Relient K. Bleach joins the tour this fall in support of its already critically acclaimed and first new project in over three years, Again, For The First Time, which is set to release August 27. The Back To The Few tour also features XS Records band Philmore and Tooth & Nail band Holland (formerly called Somerset). In other Bleach news, FamilyChristian.com is offering a preorder special where you can order the record online before it's August 27th release and your CD will be mailed to you with an autographed cover by the band! Follow this link for more information!

As reported by JimmySwan.com, Flicker Records' Riley Armstrong recently wrapped filming on the video for "What I've Found," the new single from his sophomore album Whatever the Weather, releasing August 27. The video, directed by former Hocus Pick drummer Rick Colhoun, showcases a live performance by Riley and features the video debut of his younger brother, Kirby. Armstrong is often known as the "One Man Band in the Land," but the video will also introduce fans to Riley's new band. Joining him for the Fall Whatever the Weather Tour will be bassist Rick Enns, drummer Jared Falk, and keyboardist/guitarist Dan Kim. Expect the video to pop-up on national and local videos programs in August.

Rebecca St. James has commented on her 6-month sabatical in a recent RSJames.com newsletter: "I am an idealist, a dreamer, a romantic. I think I had dreamed that my 6 month sabbatical would be a renewing, God-focused, fun-filled, vision building time, but it was even beyond what I could have dreamed! I spent 2 months in Australia during my time off and God blessed and renewed me there spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally. I am pumped about what is to come!" All concert dates for The Worship God Tour are at http://www.rsjames.com/concerts.html. Email a friend about the tour today. Chris Tomlin or Charlie Hall with the Passion Band, Fusebox, Charmaine, and Rivertribe are also part of The Worship God Tour.

*Friday, July 19th, 2002*

It's "Lights! Camera! Action!" for Jaci Velasquez. The Latin pop star has signed on for a three movie deal with 20th Century Fox with Papi Chulo being the title of her debut. It is said to be a major motion picture romantic comedy for Hispanic movie fans. Other lead stars in the movie will be Eduardo Verastegui, Roselyn Sanchez (from Rush Hour 2) and Sofia Vergara (from Big Trouble). No release dates have been set yet. We'll keep you updated on any new developments!

Rumors have it that Switchfoot has inked a deal with Columbia Records for their fourth album, The Beautiful Letdown, due out later this Fall. The album will also release to the Christian market on Sparrow Records as well. More news to come soon.

In other label jumping, Pillar performed a showcase for Epic Records in New York recently. MCA and Atlantic also seem to have their eyes on Pillar.

CCM reported from PfR frontman Joel Hanson that the band will probably never release another album again as a trio. Mark Nash is working on a television soundtrack in Nashville, Patrick Andrew is a worship leader in Arizona, and Joel is working with a camp in Minnesota. Joel also just released a new regional CD, entitled Broken, that you can pick up at joelhanson.com. PfR still plays shows together occassionally, so all hope isn't gone.

The new anticipated Delirious? UK album will be released in North America as a double CD set. One disc will be the UK album Audio Lessonover? while the other will be a brand new live album. In other Delirious? news, their worship collection project from last year, Deeper will be releasing soon in a new Spanish format with Martin Smith's re-recorded lead vocals.

In recent Skillet news, they have a new keyboard player joining them on the road for a few months. As most of Panheads already know, Korey Cooper (Skillet keyboardist and wife of lead singer John Cooper) is pregnant! She is still playing after six months and is the little Cooper is starting to show! She will be slowing down in August and a girl named Faith Stern will begin to play for a few months. To make sure there's no confusion, John made it abundantly clear in a recent newsletter that Skillet is NOT quitting, and Korey will be back next year on the stage!

Oregonian pop rock act Cadet will be touring with Dove award winning SonicFlood this Fall to promote their sophomore release, The Observatory, which marks a significant progression in the band's maturity. The Fall tour will hit 35 cities and will also feature INO recording artist Jason Ingram.

Blindside's first single, "Pitiful," off their 3 Point/ Elektra release Silence has been making waves on radio and has just hit MTV2 rotation, so be sure to keep requesting.

BEC Recordings is adding male singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp to its current roster of cutting edge acts. Stay, his debut album, releases on September 24th. BEC's commitment to Camp shows in their plans to release two albums over the next several months. The first, Stay, is a unique blend of rock and progressive pop, and the second will be a praise and worship project due out sometime next year. "I have never been this excited about a new artist since the OC Supertones," says Brandon Ebel, president of BEC Recordings. "I have known Jeremy and his family for over eleven years and am truly amazed by his ministry. This album is full of incredible, personal songs based on Jeremy's experiences in faith and trust in the Lord through any circumstance. I know that God is using and will continue to use Jeremy to bring people to him through his music and testimony." Check out Stay on September 24th!

Jars of Clay will be doing a special in-store presentation at the Apple store in SOHO, New York. The guys will be talking about what and how they recorded the their new album theeleventhhour. The presentation will be at 6:30pm on July 29, 2002. The store is located at 103 Prince Street, New York, NY. So if you are in the neighborhood, stop by!

Crystal Lewis is in the studio, as we speak, working on her latest project pitting her with Jyro Xhan of Mortal, and Kirk Franklin. This project, composed of all hymns, will be something to behold.

Tait recently joined Vince Gill on an invitation from Eddie George, star running back of the Tennessee Titans for his "Visions with Infinite Possibilities" benefit foundation. The proceeds will help children in need of financial support for their education.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas for Plus One. The guys were just in the studio working on a new Christmas album that should be out by September 17th.

Making God Smile will be the title of the upcoming Brian Wilson tribute. Look for it in stores on July 30th from Silent Planet Records. Also, Cornerstone Festival, the unofficial biggest concert festival in Christian music, was the setting for the taping of a live tribute of Wilson that will be released as a Making God Smile EP.

On August 20th, Point of Grace will be releasing a new project entitled Girls of Grace, but don't expect a new POG studio album. Girls of Grace is a thematic collection of new worship songs from Point of Grace and some of today's top female Christian artists including Jaci Velasquez, Out Of Eden, Joy Williams, Rachael Lampa, Nichole Nordeman, Jennifer Deibler of FFH and Christy Nockels of Watermark. Preorder the project online now for only $11.97!

Family Christian Stores continues their bonus sprees with some sweet new pre-order offers! Preorder Jars Of Clay's brand new DVD/Video 11 Live and you'll get a Free Bonus Pack! The DVD features almost two hours of performance footage & behind-the-scenes interviews! The DVD hits shelves August 20, 2002. FCS is also offering a new feature with select preorders. If you preorder new projects from artists True Vibe or Sarah Sadler, you'll be given "Audio Access" immediately to the album online until the CD reaches your doorstep! With your preorder for True Vibe's See the Light, your order will include Audio Access as well as an autographed album cover! Sarah Sadler's self-titled debut album's preorder also includes Audio Access while preordering Bebo Norman's new album Myself When I Am Real drops the album at your doorstep with an autographed cover!

*Wednesday, July 17th, 2002*

Wanna be a part of the taping of one of the next Jars of Clay concerts? NBC will be taping on Saturday, July 27, 2002 at the Mohegan Sun's arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. You can be a part of the audience as Jars joins Michelle Branch, Uncle Kracker and others as they rock the house to raise money for the fight against cancer at the fourth annual Dare To Dream: A Concert For Hope event.

Sparrow /sixstepsrecords is eagerly preparing to launch the sophomore recording from highly successful artist/worshipper Chris Tomlin. Entitled Not To Us, the album features all original songs written or co-written by Tomlin. Additionally, the anticipated release includes one song co-written by the UK’s renowned and prolific songwriter, Matt Redman (Michael W. Smith, Tree63, Passion Worship Band). “Matt and I simply placed ourselves in a quiet spot in the back of a church for a couple of days,” explains Tomlin. “We wrapped our minds around the enormous idea of God creating the world and redeeming the world at the same time, and we both sensed something special in that room, in the wedding of lyric and melody.” Not To Us, produced by Matt Bronleewe (Jars of Clay, dcTalk, Natalie Imbruglia), will release September 10 amidst a multi-faceted marketing campaign, strategically implementing an aggressive combination of retail, radio, Internet, publicity and touring elements.

On Friday, July 12th, you early risers who thought you heard something familiar during one of your favorite morning shows were not just hearing things. On Live with Regis and Kelly, as they were going into one of their commercial breaks they, played "Lift Me Up" from The Benjamin Gate's new record Contact which hit stores July 2nd. In other Benjamin Gate news, lead singer Adrienne Leisching celebrated her 21st birthday on Friday! Happy belated birthday, Adrienne!

It has just been confirmed that Geoff Moore will lead the pre-race devotional at NASCAR’s Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motorspeedway in Bristol, Tennessee on August 24.

Rebecca St. James is back in the states, safely, after spending a few months back in her home country of Australia. She is currently still on sabbatical and preparing for her “Worship God” tour (which kicks off August 2), as well as the release of her first book, Wait For Me. Prior to that, however, Rebecca will be making a special appearance at Focus on the Family as part of their 25th Anniversary Celebration, on July 25.

For all the Carman fans out there, his latest album Ultimate Praise is out now, but is only available through his official site, www.carman.org. You also have the option to download the entire 10-song album for $12.95 aside from the $14.95 preorder.

Inpop Records is gearing up for a big Fall season. In August, expect Rebecca St. James' backup vocalist Charmaine's debut solo album All About Jesus on the 13th as well as the second volume of the Festival Con Dios soundtrack on the 27th. Newsboys’ bassist Phil Joel’s sophomore album, Bring It On, goes public on September 24th. Surprise hit Superchick releases their sophomore project Last One Picked on October 8th. South African-based modern rock worship band Tree63 is currently in the studio working on their October 22nd release, The Life and Times of Absolute Truth. Partnering with Teen Mania Ministries, inpop will release its second Acquire the Fire soundtrack, Live the Difference on October 22nd. And ending the year will be the second release from pop trio Go Fish, which comes out on December 24th. Start saving those pennies!

On that note... Continuing to add to their 30+ soundtrack nods, Superchic[k]'s "One Girl Revolution" was used as the opening theme song and as the music over Cadet Kelly’s climatic competition scene, on ABC's "The Wonderful World of Disney" this past Sunday evening, July 14. Cadet Kelly made its debut on ABC after scoring a milestone on The Disney Channel by delivering that cable broadcaster's highest Nielsen Household rater ever. Also, the promo's for the film appeared last week on ABC featuring Superchic[k]'s "One Girl Revolution". Superchic[k] is currently in the studio finishing their October 8th release, Last One Picked.

Atlanta, Georgia Mayor Shirley Franklin has proclaimed July 2 as Ray Buchanan Day in the City of Atlanta, recognizing the Atlanta Falcons defensive back for his contribution to the region, particularly the positive role model he has provided. Buchanan was featured in the Georgia Fatherhood Program promotion, and is quite involved in the area through his Ray Buchanan Foundation. Buchanan is a pro-bowl defensive back for the Falcons, and ranked as one of the premiere cornerbacks in the league. The July 2 day was selected to coincide with the day of release for Buchanan¹s debut album on BEC Records, as well as the album release party that evening at the ESPNzone in Buckhead from 7:00 9:00 p.m. A copy of the proclamation will be presented to Buchanan at the festivities.

P.O.D.'s album Satellite has achieved Platinum status in Canada (1 million units sold). Satellite has already gone Platinum in Indonesia and is on its way to this status in Germany as well! Congrats, guys!

Congratulations to new artist Daily Planet's lead guitarist Bobby Reinsch and his wife Karen who welcomed their first child to the world on Wednesday, July 10, at 9:37 p.m. Bethany Lynn Reinsch weighed in at 5 pounds, 15 ¼ ounces, and measured 19 inches long.

*Wednesday, July 10th, 2002*

The legendary Bryan Adams will be touring the UK this summer on his 'Route of Kings' tour in conjunction with Clear Channel Entertainment and the delirious? boys have been especially invited to join him for 3 dates in July. "This is a serious privilege," says delirious? frontman Martin Smith, "and one of those opportunities that have to be jumped on as soon as they come along." Delirious? will be sinking their teeth into some hefty exposure, playing to tens of thousands of people.

Michael W. Smith and legendary producer Phil Ramone (Bono, Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand, Luciano Pavarotti) are teaming up to record a song for the album Songs For Life. Executive produced by Ramone, proceeds from the album to be released on Interscope Records in October, will go towards AIDS relief efforts in Africa. The song, tentatively titled “Reaching Out,” was penned by Smith and Dan Hill and is being produced by Ramone. He says of Smith, “Michael’s voice rings in a whole different way.” He adds, “Michael sent me a demo of this song, and I fell in love with it.” Songs For Life will contain songs of positive messages performed by prominent recording artists dedicating their time and talents to the cause. The album will be distributed internationally in the fall by Interscope Records on a cost reimbursement basis only. It will contain 12 to 15 songs, each with themes that invoke unity, friendship and strength. Artists who have already recorded songs for this project include Mary J. Blige, Willie Nelson, Patti LaBelle, Judy Collins and Billy Gilman.

Prayer Request: Big time Christian music songwriter Grant Cunningham died this week. He wrote many of the hit Christian songs for some of the top artists. He was playing soccer last week when he collided with the goalie. He got up and went to the bench and passed out, slipped into a coma and died 3 days later. He was 37 and had twin boys 6 years old and a 3.5 year old. Please keep the Cunningham family in prayer as this is a rough time for all of them.

At a recent summer festival, you may have caught something interesting during Michael W. Smith's set. He has been introducing the masses to a Biblical movement that's recently harnessed the attention of folks ranging from the Rev. Billy Graham and President Bush to the Pope and President Vladimer Putin. This movement focuses on one region of our world and three critical problems within the region. The place is Africa--the world's poorest continent. A land where a staggering 70% of the world's AIDS victims reside. A few months ago President Bush met face to face with DATA (Debt, AIDS and Trade for Africa)'s founder, U2's Bono. The two discussed the 2,400+ passages in the Bible that address the plight of the poor. Just prior to "signing a check" for $5 billion dollars in aid, the Bush administration encouraged Bono to build bridges with faith-based organizations. Both Bush and Bono have voiced their belief that the church is a critical partner in responding to the African crisis. Christian artists and leaders Charlie Peacock and Steve Taylor have agreed and taken action themselves. Along with a few friends, they recently contacted Bono about a growing number of CCM artists who want to encourage the church as she turns her attention to the unfathomable suffering in Africa. For more information, visit DataData.org.

In response to Relient K covering "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" for the upcoming JONAH a VeggieTales movie, Bob & Larry have responded by covering the RK song "Breakdown" and they have done it polka style! It will be included on the single that hits stores soon for $1.99. If you want to hear the Relient K version of "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" click on the following link http://www.gotee.com/audio/Pirates.mp3 If you want to see a trailer for Jonah surf over to http://www.jonahmovie.com

The momentum has just begun on the sales of tobyMac’s debut album. Selling over 200,000 units since it’s release in November of 2001, tobyMac is making quite an impact on the fans, and the sales, at festivals this summer. “Response to tobymac at festivals has been tremendous. Reports from Alive, Atlantafest and Creation indicate that Momentum is selling twice as fast as our next biggest title. We anticipated strong reaction to his live performance at festivals, but this is exceeding all expectations;” stated David Crace, VP of Chordant Marketing. “We keep increasing the order for each festival, but we continue to sell out. We went through 1,200 units at Creation alone... which rivals any record we have ever sold at Creation, including Jesus Freak which is now double platinum." Go toby!

Award-winning rock act, Bleach recently finished filming a music video for “We Are Tomorrow,” the first radio single from their fourth and upcoming album, Again For The First Time, set to release August 27 on Tooth & Nail Records. Filmed at Henry Grady High School in Atlanta, the upbeat, high-energy single brings a universal message to this generation about unifying, moving on from past mistakes, and making a fresh start. (Also, while watching the video, if you spot a crazy fan wearing sunglasses and a very patriotic cap, that's none other than the JfH's own Blake!)

Bebo Norman, Sarah Sadler and the Paul Colman Trio will make guest appearances on FamilyNet's new Christian Reality series called TruthQuest: California. Norman, Sadler and pc3 are all represented by the Nashville-based Essential Records label.

The new Grits album The Art Of Translation and a compilation called we are HIP HOPe are the next big Gotee Records releases and both hit shelves August 13th! The compilation features 2 songs from tobyMac, GRITS, John Reuben, Dj Maj, and 2 brand new songs from Knowdaverbs. The comp is $2.99 or FREE with the purchase of any Gotee Records hip hop release or toby's Momentum. Look for the We Are HIP HOPe display in your local Christian music store and help educate the Christian community on hip hop and how it truly effects today's younger generation.

*Tuesday, July 2nd, 2002*

Gospel Music Association Group of the Year, Third Day, completed an interview while on its record breaking “Come Together Tour” with CNN Student News for a segment about Christian music. The segment is slated to run on the CNN network July 2 at 4 a.m. EST. CNN Student News is also slated to carry the feature into schools across the country this fall, where it will reach over 500,000 student viewers. A preview of the feature is further scheduled to run on CNN’s website (www.cnn.com/fyi). Along with Third Day, the feature will include Joy Williams, All Together Separate, and Delirious.

Gotee recording artist Relient K will launch their first headline tour this fall, on the heels of debuting the lead single from Jonah-A Veggie Tales Movie. The “Back to the Few Tour,” will also feature Bleach, Philmore and Holland. The 40 + city tour, which will hit key markets including Chicago, Minneapolis, Seattle, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta and Boston, is taking a diverse approach to venues, with performances scheduled in every outlet possible, from high schools and auditoriums, to clubs and churches. "We hesitate to headline a band on their second record, but Relient K's growth is undeniable,” commented Steve Thomas, of Alabaster Arts. “Gotee and Jeff Risden are making good decisions, and the climate is perfect for this type of band to take a leading role." In addition to the tour, Relient K has recorded a single for the upcoming film, Jonah-A Veggie Tales Movie, which releases in theaters nationwide October 4th, and the single will be sold at retail beginning in August. The song, produced by industry veteran Steve Taylor, is a rendition of "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything.” The single will be supported by Gotee Records through a summer-long campaign which also aims to support the fall tour.

After months of rumors, P.O.D. have announced the start of 3 points records. As most of you know by now, Stockholm Sweden’s, Blindside will be the first to join 3 points in a partnership via Elektra Records. Blindside will release their major label debut, Silence on August 20th.

The new Bleach video for "We Are Tomorrow" from the upcoming album Again, For The First Time was directed by Jonathan Rej who has done other videos for Further Seems Forever and Stretch Arm Strong. You can check it out right now by going to: http://www.toothandnail.com/downloads/bleach/

The Deadlines have recently made the following announcement: "Well, fans, friends, and foes, the time has come for the Deadlines to ride off into the sunset. Yes, the rumors are true, we've decided that it is best at this time to bring the Deadlines to an end. There are a variety of reasons but mainly we just feel that the direction that the band is going now is so far from where we started, nearly four years ago, that it's best to end it and start over anew. So, no, we're not just quiting and going our seperate ways, we are ending the Deadlines and forming a new band. The new project will be called "the Bang!" We'll be starting over and building from the ground up. We'll no longer be on Tooth and Nail and we won't be touring till we build a local and regional following. Our sound won't be too much different from what it is now, especially if you've seen us in recent months, we've been debuting new songs that we'll be playing in "the Bang!". We're going to write whatever we want to write and play whatever we want to play regardless of genre or musical label. We're really excited about this new chapter in our lives and can't wait to get the ball rolling. We'd like to thank everyone who's supported us over the years by coming to our shows, buying our albums, and just hanging out..."

Skillet update: Lead singer and bassist John Cooper's keyboardis wife, Korey is now five and half months pregnant. She's starting to show a little, but she hasn't let that stop her from rocking the stage at the summer festivals! The Coopers have just recently found out that they're going to have a girl and are very excited. No name has been chosen as of yet. As far as Korey's position with the band? She will be around until some time in August when she'll have to be temporarily replaced till the little Coop arrives. The band was also honored last week for the second consecutive year at the annual BMI Christian Music Awards. The title track from the band’s critically acclaimed and best-selling recording, Alien Youth, received a Citations of Achievement award for most performed Rock song in 2001. A mainstay on Rock radio, Skillet received the same award last year for its single “Best Kept Secret” from its year 2000 release, Invincible.

tobyMac proved he still had some momentum at Creation East Festival this year. It has been reported that at last weeks festival, toby's debut solo record Momentum sold a whopping 1,200 albums! This is the most any record has sold at Creation festival!

Reunion Records' artist, NewSong, and VanLiere-Wilcox Management recently announced that the CBS Television Network will air "The Christmas Shoes" movie as a holiday special Movie of the Week this upcoming holiday season. Starring Rob Lowe ("The West Wing") and Kimberly Williams ("Father of the Bride"), The Christmas Shoes movie will be based on Donna VanLiere's New York Times best-selling novella of the same title, which was published by St. Martin's Press in October 2001. The novella was inspired by NewSong's mainstream adult contemporary radio single, "The Christmas Shoes," which hit No. 1 in January 2001 after just three weeks on the chart.

Isn't God's timing very ironic sometimes? Several weeks ago Family Christian Stores released an EXCLUSIVE t-shirt called "One Nation Under God". Yes, it is a reference to the Pledge of Allegiance. Well, with the recent court ruling in San Francisco, and the public outcry against that ruling, this t-shirt has become the number one selling item on our site. As I write this note we are literally selling over 100 units every HOUR! This shirt is a great way to show patriotism, support for our country and a reminder of the Christian heritage this country was founded upon. And the best part, this t-shirt is only $4.97! No, that's not a typo... $4.97. Order yours online today!

Flicker Records, home to artists like Pillar, Phat Chance, and T-Bone, is proud to announce the newest addition to their artist roster: Ohio-based rock band Everyday Sunday. After months of trips to Nashville, meeting with numerous record labels, and relentlessly seeking the next step for their band, Everyday Sunday met with Flicker Records early this year and realized their shared vision: to bring the power of Christ to today's youth through creating meaningful music that they can relate to. The band's album Stand Up debuts on September 24.

Steven Curtis Chapman has once again nabbed honors from the annual BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) Christian Music Awards. Held last week at the company’s Music Row offices, Chapman’s song, “Live Out Loud,” was awarded as BMI’s most performed CHR (Christian Hit Radio) song for 2001. CHR is one of five categories of songs awarded. Other categories included are AC (Adult Contemporary), Inspirational, Rock, Southern Gospel, and Urban Gospel. In other award news, dc talk founder, tobyMac was named BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year during BMI's 2nd Annual Christian music banquet. This is an award he shared last year with Steven Curtis Chapman.

Having recently wrapped up a 53-city stint on Third Day's "Come Together" tour and on the heels of his first multi-format Top 10 radio hit "Holy Is Your Name," Essential Records artist Bebo Norman readies for the release of his next project, Myself When I Am Real, September 10th. Produced in conjunction with Ed Cash, who joined Bebo on his three previous records, Myself When I Am Real provides an introspective look into the artist's life and music. Photographed in his native city of Columbus, Georgia and recorded in his new hometown, Nashville, the album reflects Norman's appreciation of both his past and present. Additionally, Bebo commissioned the project's cover artwork from a Houston-based artist and friend, Tierney Malone.

Reunion Records artist, Kathy Troccoli is currently in the studio working on her 13th project slated to release September 24, 2002. Under the direction of Nathan DiGesare (Donna Summer, Steve Winwood, Boyz II Men) and Chris Harris (Jaci Velasquez, Anointed), The Heart of Me touches on issues of hope, finding one's strength in the Lord and trusting that God is in control of our lives.

Sparrow Records teen group Jump5 is heading straight into the national limelight with a new single, album and extensive U.S. summer and fall tour. In the biggest itinerary of their career, Jump5 will share the bill this summer on tour with superstars A*Teens and Baha Men for their summer tour as well as Aaron Carter for his fall tour. The dates begin July 12 in Myrtle Beach, SC and wrap up in Syracuse, NY.