July, 2005
Last week Blindside filmed the video for their new single
“Fell in Love with the Game” with director Shane Drake. The video was shot on a depression era film
set outside of LA. Continuing the The Great Depression look of the album art work, the band
performed in their current onstage attire of depression era clothing. But don’t think for a minute
this video is laid back. “We were really excited about working with Shane," the band commented. "The
song tells the story of a gambler but we didn’t want to shoot a straight interpretation of the lyric.
Shane had a really clever treatment with a great twist. Musically, it has a lot of energy -
we are playing it on tour right now and it is great fun to play and the crowd seem to get into it
really quickly. Lyrically, it is more of a straight story song than we have written in the past and
ultimately the song is about wrestling with God and trying to understand what He wants to do
with your life.” The band's latest album, The Great Depression, releases this coming
Tuesday, August 2nd!
(from Blindside, gathered by JfH)
Jesusfreakhideout.com recently reviewed a new unique tribute for Switchfoot entitled
The String Quartet Tribute To Switchfoot, but the fun doesn't stop there. Coming
this November, fans can get their hands on a String Tribute for... you guessed it... Relient K!
Composed by Todd Mark Rubenstein, The String Quartet Tribute To Relient K will include
such fan favorites as "Pressing On," "Getting Into You," "Softer To Me," "In Love With The Eighties,"
"Failure To Excommunicate," "For The Moments," "Be My Escape," "Jefferson Aeroplane," "Let It All Out,"
"I Am Understood?," "Moodrings," and "Sadie Hawkins Dance." The record releases November 15, but you
can preorder it now at www.tmrpro.com and hear streaming audio from the record at the tmrpro.com forums!
(from TMRpro.com, gathered by JfH, Thanks to Jordan for the tip)
Disciple has run into some bus trouble and they need your help! "For those of you who don't already know Jerome (our bus) is hurt. The transmission went out and
putting a new one in cost approx. $13,000 - money that Disciple does not have right now.
Last weekend we borrowed a van and trailer, for our trip to Washington state. We would greatly
appreciate prayers and any donations. We have already raised $900 in the bus fund from the two shows
we did this weekend - praise God! Someone on the message board suggested doing a spare change drive
and it's working! People have been mailing in their spare change and every bit helps! Thanks so much!
If you feel led to give towards the transmission there are two ways to do it (through mail or PayPal).
Disciple
With overwhelming momentum surrounding the release of the Backstreet Boys sixth album,
Never Gone, Reunion Records and Backstreet Boys member
Brian Littrell have announced that Littrell's solo album on
Reunion will move to 2006. The move will allow Littrell extended time to focus on final touches of
writing and recording for his debut solo project. No specific street date has been announced.
Brian Littrell explains, "Because I want to put out the best quality record I know how to do, we
thought it'd be best to move my solo album on Reunion Records into 2006 to allow for time to focus on
finishing the writing and recording. This album means so much to me and I want to dedicate my best to
it. With all the travel we're doing around the Backstreet Boys' new record, it would be challenging
to give it 100 percent, and I can't see giving any less to this record." He continues, "God has
blessed me with a truly amazing platform and the ability to touch people in a special way through
music. I appreciate that Terry and the Reunion team is supporting me in this."
Terry Hemmings, Provident Music Group President and CEO, adds, "Our mutual decision to move Brian's
first Reunion Records album was made in an effort to provide him with the best scenario for writing,
recording and supporting this project. We're pleased that this will support his schedule and, although
we have fans awaiting the release of this record, we know that he'll be able to pour his heart and
soul into it."
(from Reunion Records; Thanks to Burton for the tip)
Following two No. 1 Radio Disney songs, “No One” from the Ice Princess film soundtrack and
“Do You Believe In Magic”, (the single for which has sold over 50,000 copies), sister duo
Aly & AJ will release their debut project,
Into The Rush, to the general market August 16th and to the CBA market October 4th on Hollywood Records.
Having developed a strong passion for music at very young ages and playing the piano since they
were six years old, Aly & AJ now 16 and 14, compose most of their songs on their guitars. The energy
and spirit the sisters bring to their music colors the entire album, for which they have written or
co-written all of the songs. Though they may be young teens, when it comes to writing songs, they
aim high. “We want our songs to be fun, but we also want to write about deeper issues that make
people think and issues that we can all relate to in one way or another,” says AJ.
Aly & AJ’s song "I Am One of Them" tackles the tough subject of child kidnappings.
They want to bring awareness by encouraging kids to look out for one another and use precautions
and safety measures to empower them. AJ contributed a track called "Protecting Me," a song featured
in a Disney Channel "Phil of the Future" episode, which addresses the vulnerable nature of being a
kid today. Says Aly: "We want to let kids know they have the power to protect themselves and one
another." Aly & AJ have also written songs that address the issues of relationships, heartaches,
staying true to yourself and celebrating your own uniqueness.”
Aly co-starred recently in the hit Disney Channel series "Phil of the Future” and AJ has had recurring
and guest-star roles in many major network shows including "Six Feet Under," "Oliver Beene," “Birds
of Prey,” "The Guardian," and "General Hospital."
(from The M Collective)
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is now accepting entries
for 2005. One of the largest songwriting competitions in the world, ISC
offers entrants a chance to compete for over $100,000 in cash and prizes,
including an Overall Grand Prize package of $10,000 (US) in cash and $20,
000 in merchandise. ISC winners benefit from extensive press and publicity,
gaining exposure and recognition from an international music market of
industry professionals and fans. For more information on what ISC winners
have been up to, visit http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/news.htm.
Internationally renowned for its high-caliber judges, ISC offers entrants a
unique opportunity to have their songs heard by some of the most
influential decision-makers in the industry.
MercyMe and BeBe Winans are among many renowned mainstream judges for the competition.
Deadline for submission is October 14, 2005.
(from The ISC)
Soul2Soul Radio will host the second annual Soul2Soul Honors on Friday, August 26,
recognizing Jaci Velasquez, Petra, Out of Eden, NewSong, Bryan Duncan, Larnelle Harris, and Randy Stonehill.
The event, which is open to the public, will be held at 7 p.m. at Okolona Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
"Soul2Soul Honors was established to recognize extraordinary artists for their distinct achievements and unique endowments to Christian music," said Soul2Soul president and event co-host, Chris Coppernoll. "These honorees have advanced the artistry of Christian music and ultimately strengthened the faith of countless listeners‹something worth celebrating."
Highlighted by performances from all of this year's honorees, a video montage of each artist's career, and award presentations, the event will be capped by one of Petra's last concert appearances together after 33 years of ministry. Soul2Soul Honors will air on a future broadcast of the Soul2Soul Radio program, and will be taped for Christian television.
Last year's Soul2Soul Honors was held at The People's Church in Franklin, Tennessee, recognizing Avalon, Chris Rice, 4HIM, Out of the Grey, DeGarmo & Key, Point of Grace, Sandi Patty, Pastor Scotty Smith, the late Rich Mullins, and Margaret Becker. "The Soul2Soul Honors event is a long needed addition to the CCM community," said Becker. "Their gracious 'nod' is one that I treasure, because it recognizes achievements in radio, as well as overall impact on the general culture of Christian media. I am so honored to have been a part of their history, and hope to see them encouraging others for years to come."
(from Turning Point PR)
GRAMMY award winning Audio Adrenaline rides into the
August 30 release of their highly anticipated ninth studio project Until My Heart Caves In
“Victory-style,” cycling across America in its first “bike” tour. Frontman Mark Stuart will ride his
Victory motorcycle coast to coast to raise awareness and funds for the Hands & Feet Project.
The “Hands & Feet Across America” Tour will rev up August 15 in West Palm Beach and roll through
Orlando, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Birmingham, New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, Tulsa, Albuquerque, Phoenix,
Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo and Visalia before its final stop in Sacramento, August 26.
Braving the elements, Stuart will be traveling approximately 3,000 miles driving his Victory
motorcycle to raise money per mile for the Hands & Feet Project, benefiting the ministry that his
parents run in Haiti for orphans. Individual or group sponsors of the ride can go to
www.handsandfeetproject.org or
www.AudioA.com to pledge their support.
At the end of the trip, the motorcycle, which will be autographed by various celebrities along the
way, will be offered in the band’s Second Annual Charity Auction on Ebay. In addition to the “bike”
and other items, Audio Adrenaline will once again offer a live concert to the highest bidder!
Last year’s concert and other items raised more than $60,000 for the Hands & Feet Project. No
strangers to the road, Audio Adrenaline is one of today’s top touring attractions and are well known
for their live performance and state of the art production.
The 10-day charity auction for the concert is scheduled to begin Aug. 22. The auction for the
motorcycle begins Aug. 20 and ends Aug. 30. Other items, such as a drumhead and drumsticks used
in the studio to record Until My Heart Caves In, one-of-a-kind t-shirts that Stuart created
and wore on stage, a bass used by band member Will McGinniss, a band-owned go-cart and more, will be
auctioned for charity between Aug. 15 and Sept. 1.
On select stops along the “Hands & Feet Across America” tour, fans will have the opportunity to win
an exclusive time to meet Stuart through participating radio stations, as well as the chance to
win an advance copy of the Until My Heart Caves In CD. Fans will be able to learn which
stations are participating, track the progress of the trip and find tour updates at www.AudioA.com
or www.handsandfeetproject.org. The Hands & Feet Project is an orphanage in Haiti Audio Adrenaline is
building from the ground up. The goal of the Hands & Feet Project is to provide a caring and loving
environment for orphaned children in Haiti. The need is great and Audio Adrenaline is committed to
saving the lives of orphaned children, giving them life more abundantly with a home, food, education
and most importantly, the love and acceptance of a Christian family.
Click here for a photo, taken this week, of Thamara Pierre, the first orphan
taken in by the Hands and Feet Project in Haiti!
As Stuart gears up for his ride, Audio Adrenaline’s
Until My Heart Caves In is making headlines
with its debut radio single, “King,” which is already an R & R Most Added song. For the new album,
Audio Adrenaline teamed with a predominantly mainstream producer for the first time, Jay Joyce
(Patty Griffin, The Wallflowers, Iggy Pop, Macy Gray). The band credits Joyce for really capturing
the Audio Adrenaline sound, in some ways for the very first time. The album reflects a raw, more live
feeling, and Joyce inspired the band to dig deeper for this record.
(from Hoganson Media, gathered by JfH)
GMA Music Award-winning rock band downhere has signed an
exclusive recording agreement with Centricity Records, it was recently announced. Downhere¹s
Centricity debut is slated to release in 2006. "The opportunity to work with John Mays and the
Centricity team is something we've been looking forward to for quite a few months now," said
downhere¹s Marc Martel. "We're due for some new material out there, and Centricity really resonates
with us on how to go about doing that." "We have worked as a band to stay small in the right ways and
big in the right ways," added downhere¹s Jason Germain. "A grateful thank you to Centricity for
understanding that and believing in us."
"Downhere is a perfect fit for us at Centricity and the types of artists we want to work with
people who take their art and ministry very seriously, but don't take themselves too seriously,"
said John Mays, vice president, A&R, Centricity Records. "Not only do I respect the music they make,
but I respect the lives they live. I can't wait to start on a new recording with them."
(from Turning Point)
Rocketown recording artist Ginny Owens sang the National
Anthem Sunday at “Tee-Ball on the South Lawn,” a special initiative launched in 2001 by President
George W. Bush to “promote interest in baseball and a spirit of teamwork and service for America's youth.”
Sunday’s game featured District 12 Little League Challengers from Williamsport, Penn. playing West
University Little League Challengers from Houston, Texas. The Little League’s Challenger Division is
organized for and features teams comprised of mentally and physically disabled children, and this
game celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), which guarantees
equal opportunity for people with disabilities. Baseball Hall of Famers Paul Molitor (2004) and Ozzie
Smith (2002) as well as special guest Andy Pettitte (Houston Astros) joined White House Tee Ball
Commissioner of the Game Steve Palermo on the field with the players and their buddies. After
welcoming the Challenger teams to the White House in recognition of the ADA, President Bush placed
the first ball on the Tee to begin the game and then joined Mrs. Bush in the stands with the players’ families and friends.
“Meeting the President and singing the National Anthem at the White House are two experiences I’ve never imagined being allowed to have,” said Owens. “Both opportunities were unbelievably exciting, but shaking the hand of President George W. Bush will forever remain one of my favorite memories and greatest honors.”
Earlier this year Owens began her own non-profit venture to meet the needs of disadvantaged children. The Fingerprint Initiative (fingerprintinitiative.org) seeks to bring hope to children through partnerships with other non-profits, with fans and with special events led by founder Ginny Owens.
For more information on “Tee-Ball on the South Lawn” or to see streaming video of Owens’ performance
and Sunday’s game, visit www.whitehouse.gov/tball. Owens' recently completed work on her fourth studio
album, Long Way Home, which releases Oct. 11. For a photo of Bush greeting Ginny, click here.
(from Rocketown Records)
Congratulations to the Coopers once again! Skillet's John
and Korey Cooper would like to announce the birth of Xavier Timothy Cooper, born yesterday, July 27th, 2005!
Speaking of babies, congratulations also to the Burkum family! Audio Adrenaline's Tyler Burkum is a dad once again.
Little Osten Lowe Burkum arrived earlier than scheduled, entering the world at 1:30pm on July 25th!
Osten is Tyler and wife Ali's second child and weighed in at a healthy 7lbs 6oz. The Burkums have
another son, Soren, who is now two and a half years old.
(from Skillet / AudioAJunkie.com, gathered by JfH)
INO Records’ singer/songwriter Derek Webb has teamed up
with again with Apple© iTunes, this time with iTunes’ “Podcast.” This past spring, he worked with
Apple© for the “iTunes Unplugged EP-Special Edition,” where fans can download acoustic versions of
his new songs and unreleased tracks created just for this special EP. Now with Podcast, Derek is
excited to continue his relationship with Apple© and mark a first for the Christian music industry.
Similar to having his own radio station, Derek’s Podcast, debuting in August, will feature exclusive
music, performances and interviews with him which can then be downloaded for free and listened to on
iTunes or in your iPod. To access Podcast, visit the iTunes Music Store.
In addition, fans will be able to take home the “live” experience with the release of Derek’s
first-ever live DVD, How To Kill And Be Killed this fall. The DVD will feature live concert
footage as well as unique and extensive behind-the-scenes interviews. Well-known song favorites such
as “Wedding Dress” and “I Repent” will be featured. The DVD is currently available for purchase only
at Derek’s concerts and officially hits store shelves October 11th.
(from The M Collective)
Mmhmm, the current hit album from Gotee/Capitol recording artists
Relient K, has been certified gold by the RIAA for U.S.
sales in excess of 500,000 units. The certification marks the band’s second gold album, following
this spring’s RIAA sales award presentation for 2003’s Two Lefts Don’t Make a Right…But Three Do.
The announcement comes as the Canton, Ohio-based band continues to thrill sun-baked North American
audiences as a main stage act on this year’s installment of the celebrated Vans Warped Tour.
Relient K will continue the trek through to its final bows, set for August 15th at Northampton,
Massachusetts’ Three Counties Fairgrounds.
Released last November, the Top 15 Mmhmm has proven to be Relient K’s most successful
outing to date, reaping unanimous critical commendations and the fastest sales of the band’s career.
Fuelled by non-stop road work – including last spring’s arena/amphitheater tour alongside Good
Charlotte and Simple Plan – the band’s fourth album recently jumped 38 places to re-enter the top
half of the Billboard 200 (spurred by a one-week 27 per cent sales increase).
In other Relient K news, the video for the album’s first single, “Be My Escape,” has been added into
rotation on MTV this past week – where it will also make its debut on Total Request Live.
Small screen viewers may also take in the quartet’s scheduled August 22nd appearance on ABC-TV’s
Jimmy Kimmel Live!, during which they will perform “Be My Escape” outdoors. News of the
performance follows last week’s appearance on NBC-TV’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Additionally,
Relient K are to appear July 22nd on the MTV Hits program Summer on the Strip from Las Vegas; an
appearance on MTV’s Hard Rock Live will air later this summer.
(from LB PR)
EMI/Tooth & Nail rock band Thousand Foot Krutch
released their new album, The Art Of Breaking - Produced by Arnold Lanni (Our Lady Peace,
Finger Eleven, Simple Plan), on July 19. It is the follow up to their previous release, Phenomenon.
Trevor McNevan, lead singer, exclaims, “This record is a new page for us that we're excited to turn.
It doesn't follow clichés - it is exactly the record we wanted to make. We're very excited about
playing it live.” The first single from The Art Of Breaking, “Move,” doesn’t go for adds
until August 23, but one station, 89X in Detroit, has already jumped all over it. When the single won
their People’s choice vote for one week (beating Bif Naked, Disturbed, Trapt and others) AND it also
shot into their daily top 5 phone requests, they had to put it into rotation now.
TFK will be out to support this record on the road, and for more information log onto
www.thousandfootkrutch.com or
www.theartofbreaking.com.
For review of The Art Of Breaking, click here.
(from Big Machine Media)
Earlier this month, Shawn McDonald updated his fans on his whereabouts via a news report
on his official website. "So the word on the street is where is Shawn," began McDonald. "Hmmm…
I guess I would say I disappeared for awhile. Well kind of... I met a beautiful young lady a little
over a year ago and, well, took her hand in marriage on May 28th. And that has definitely kept me
busy. She is a lovely little lady named Kate. You will have to say hi to her at one of the shows
since she will be out on the road with me. On top of getting married, I am writing for record #2.
So much pressure with this record. I am heading into the studio this month to start recording.
Please pray for my heart that God will inspire yet another record. Without him my songs are bland."
For more from the heart of McDonald, visit shawnmcdonaldmusic.com!
(from ShawnMcDonaldMusic.com, gathered by JfH)
Sara Groves has just completed tracking 12 new songs
for her new album entitled Add To The Beauty, set to release worldwide on INO Records October
4th. She is currently in the studio working on overdubs and mixes.
"The 4th national release from acclaimed singer/songwriter Sara Groves promises to be another
creative expression of faith and relationships. This new project echoes Sara's first release
Conversations in it's intimate and honest lyrical journey. This is Sara's bridge building
statement to the fellow man pointing to the adventurous, transcending, life-changing Kingdom story."
Sara will be joining Jars of Clay and Chris Rice on tour this fall.
Select cities will also include Blue Like Jazz author Donald Miller.
(from SaraGroves.com, gathered by JfH)
You can pre-order the first ever Project 86 DVD now for only $15.00 beginning on August 1st
from Project86.com. The DVD will include over 1 hour of footage from
the making of the band's forthcoming new release ...And The Rest Will Follow, as well as
brand new songs, photos, featurettes, the "Spy Hunter" video,
and also a $2.00 off coupon for the new record which hits stores on September 27th, 2005 through
Tooth & Nail. (from Project86.com, gathered by JfH)
Rocketown recording artist Shaun Groves recently
announced his fall tour with special opening acts Kendall Payne and Jason Morant on the heels of
his third CD’s No. 1 debut on the SoundScan Christian retail chart. White Flag, which Groves produced
himself, released July 12 and has quickly garnered immense critical and commercial acclaim. The
album’s 12 songs were inspired by a Bible study on the Beatitudes that Groves taught as a pastor
to college students at his home church.
Rocketown Records’ President Don Donahue said, “With the success we've had with ‘Bless the Lord’
at radio and White Flag at retail, Rocketown Records is excited to keep the momentum turning this
fall with a great tour package. The White Flag tour with Shaun Groves, featuring Kendall Payne and
Jason Morant is not to be missed. Expect a LOT more than just great music.”
Groves said, “Kendall Payne inspires me to make better music. The gears in her head turn at a
different pace than the rest of us, and she sets the standard for songwriting for many of us
who do it for a living. And Jason Morant's name comes up often on the road as people after shows
tell me about the amazing worship experience his concerts have been for them. I'm looking forward to
sharing a stage with two people I respect so much and together ministering while entertaining. The
goal is to come together as a team to move religious people just like us beyond religion to following
Christ. I believe together we can make people smile, dance, laugh, think and love a little more.
I can't wait.”
(from Rocketown Records)
Calling all guitar players! Everyday Sunday is recruiting a new guitarist and here's your
chance to join the band! "Andrew, our guitar player is moving on in life, and Everyday Sunday is
looking for a new guitar player as we're getting ready to do our third album," announced vocalist
Trey Pearson yesterday. "We're very excited about the new album, so if you're interested or
know anyone interested in auditioning, you can send a video playing "Gypsy Girl," "Comfort Zone," and
"I Wish I Could Say" to the following address... Everyday Sunday Auditions / 3545 Bigby Hollow Court /
Columbus, OH 43228. Thanks so much! -Everyday Sunday"
(from Trey Pearson, Everyday Sunday, gathered by JfH)
Bleach may have disbanded last fall, but the best may be yet to come? Jerry, the band's former bassist
made the following announcement on the band's website Bleached.com this week, "We'll theres a little
flurry of action here in Bleach world. Before you go thinking "REUNION," just know it's nothing like
that haha. Most of you know that we filmed and recorded our last show with the intentions of
releasing it on DVD somehow. Well, we are currently working on that now. There was also talk of T&N
doing a "greatest hits" type release as well. Since we really don't like the idea of a standard
"greatest hits," we have decided to combine the two. While we are still working out details, it seems
as if it will be a "best of" CD/DVD of the last show. The CD will also feature two brand new songs.
We are trying to get the 5 of us together real soon to record them, hopefully with Oran Thornton
twisting knobs (like always). Keep your eyes peeled here for more info and track listing for the CD...
Love you guys!! Jerry." Looks like Bleach fans (like ourselves) have a lot to look forward to this
in coming months. For our coverage of the band's final show that took place in Nashville, TN
last Fall, click here... (from Bleached.com, gathered by JfH)
BEC Recordings proudly announce the signing of Minneapolis, Minnesota-based, Mainstay.
Ranging in sounds from moody and thoughtful to full-blown rock and roll, Mainstay push musical
dynamics to create a sound all their own. Adding introspective lyrics to the mix, Mainstay build their
band around their faith, and that alone.
“Our goal as a band is to walk in an authentic, humble way that would cause outsiders to see us as
people that have been changed inside by Jesus,” explains vocalist Justin Anderson. “Hopefully our
lyrics convey a sense of being honest enough to admit our faults. Our focus is to glorify God – not to please man.”
Originating in 2001, Mainstay was formed when vocalist Justin Anderson and drummer Ryan Deyounge
joined forces after their previous bands’ demise. Their name emerged from a nautical term used to
stabilize a ship. “Symbolically, this refers to the stabilizing role that God plays in a Christian’s
life, helping us weather the storms of life,” Anderson elaborates.
Currently in the studio with veteran producer Aaron Sprinkle (Kutless, Jeremy Camp, Anberlin),
Mainstay’s debut album “Well Meaning Fiction” is set to hit shelves in early 2006. In the meantime,
the band will be hitting the road this fall with Falling Up and John Reuben.
(from BEC Recordings)
A lot has been going on with Grits lately. The band's song, "Make Room," is featured in the new Hillary Duff and Heather Locklear movie,
The Perfect Man. The rap duo has also started recording a new album which will be released
early 2006. New studio pics will be available soon on the band's site grits7.com. Grits clothing line
will be available in stores mid-July. Finally, a new video for Grits' song "High" may now be viewed in the
Extras section of the grits7.com as well. You can catch the guys on a 5 day concert run in Texas from today, July 21st - 25th.
They will appear in Leuders on the 21st, Tyler on the 22nd, San Antonio on the 23rd and Lindale on the 25th.
(from grits7.com, gathered by JfH)
Rocketown recording artist Shaun Groves entered yesterday’s
SoundScan Christian retail charts at No. 1 with more than 4,000 units sold on the street week
release of his third studio album, White Flag, marking Groves’ highest first week of sales to
date. Groves’ position atop the SoundScan Christian retail chart also signals the first No. 1-selling
album in the nine-year history of Rocketown Records.
Rocketown Records’ Director of Sales and Distribution Mike McCloskey said, “Shaun Groves has not
only established himself as a premier artist and musician but also as a compelling communicator and
teacher. With the strong release of White Flag, we are excited to see consumers respond as they’re
impacted by Shaun’s music and message. Not only is this a No. 1 debut, but it’s also Shaun’s highest
sales week to date.” The intentionally aggressive Street Week promotional plan, which saw Groves play
live in front of more than 4,500 people, was a direct result of the intensive work behind-the-scenes
by Groves over the past year. On staff as a co-pastor at his home church, Groves conceived the theme
for White Flag last fall after he taught a Bible study to college students on the Beatitudes
(Matthew 5:1-12). The album’s 12 songs reflect the ideas expressed by Jesus in those verses, inviting
listeners to a life of faith that moves beyond belief to discipleship. After being inspired by the
Scripture to write these songs, Groves and his label, management and booking team have diligently
worked to inform consumers of White Flag’s message as much as its music, pursuing every opportunity
for Groves to share his consummate communication talents as both teacher and artist. Randy Davis,
Vice President of CBA Sales for Provident-Integrity Distribution, said, “Shaun's passion is to
convey the truth of the gospel through music. He has an incredible ability to craft the sometimes
difficult reality of Scripture in small, palatable morsels to share with his listeners. His impact
can be seen within his home church where this study of the Beatitudes started, within his distribution
company where we were taught for six weeks by Shaun, and soon to be seen, with his listening audience
in a larger scale through the release of White Flag. We look forward to great things ahead for
Shaun with this release.” For our review of White Flag, click here!
(from Rocketown)
Big Idea Productions founder and VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer is
launching a new creative shop, dubbed “Jellyfish,” to develop Christian book, video, television and
film projects for families. “God has taken me on an incredible journey since the collapse of Big Idea Productions in 2003,”
Vischer says. “After spending months buried in Scripture and in prayer, I’ve been able to see
God’s hand in everything that has happened. I’ve been able to face my mistakes, learn some
extraordinary lessons and deepen my relationship with Him. Now I feel Him telling me it’s time
to start creating again.” More information about staff, new projects and the meaning behind the “Jellyfish” name coming soon...
(from Creative Trust/The M Collective)
One of the premier songwriters of today, sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records’
Chris Tomlin garners another unprecedented first with the
release of his third single, "The Way I Was Made," from his current, best-selling recording,
Arriving. The song debuts this week at No. 27 on the R & R AC monitored chart, while his
past No. 1 hits, "Holy Is The Lord" and "Indescribable," continue to capture the No. 4 and 14 positions
respectively. Three singles on the Top 30 has never happened in the history of the chart.
“It’s an unprecedented feat, it’s never been done,” says Grant Hubbard, EMI CMG Label Group vice
president, national promotion. “This is the next chapter in the Chris Tomlin success story.”
“'The Way I Was Made' is really about the life ambition for all of us,” says Tomlin. “To shake loose
of all the lesser things that hold us down and live this life to the fullest.” The song’s chorus
boldly proclaims: “I wanna live like there’s no tomorrow / I wanna dance like no one’s around /
I wanna sing like nobody’s listening / Before I lay my body down / I wanna give like I have plenty /
I wanna love like I’m not afraid / I wanna be the man I was meant to be / I wanna be the way I was
made.” As "The Way I Was Made" continues to climb the chart, "Holy Is The Lord" and "Indescribable" have
already made radio history by becoming the first two singles from an artist to simultaneously land
in the Top 10. The songs have now held onto their top 15 positions for 19 consecutive weeks!
In fact, "Indescribable" has remained on the Top 30 for a remarkable 48 weeks after releasing to
radio one year ago (July 16, 2004) and hitting No. 1 on Oct. 10, 2004.
In addition to his immense radio success, Chris Tomlin continues to receive accolades for Arriving,
which has sold nearly 300,000 units. Following his first GMA Music Award for Praise & Worship Album
of the Year received in April, last week Arriving was also voted best album in the 2005 Christian
Retailing Retailers Choice Awards’ Music category.
(from Hoganson Media)
Two of the biggest names in Christian music have joined together to present one of the biggest
Christmas tours of the holiday season. Steven Curtis Chapman
and MercyMe have announced they will be touring together,
appearing in 20 markets beginning the day after Thanksgiving in Greenville, SC and ending December
20th in Indianapolis, IN. Chapman and MercyMe will be sharing the stage each night as well as
performing their own songs, while fans can also look forward to caroling along with them. They will
also be promoting their upcoming holiday projects – Chapman’s All I Really Want For Christmas
(Sparrow Records) and MercyMe’s The Christmas Sessions (INO Records) - both scheduled to
release September 27th. "We have wanted to do a Christmas record for some time," commented MercyMe's
lead singer Bart Millard. "We recorded this record just before Christmas last year, while we were in
a very festive mood, and we're really excited to have the opportunity to play our favorites live.
Teaming up with Steven on this tour is also something we're really looking forward to - I think we're
going to have a great time, and really hope to bring the joy of Christ and Christmas and the music of
the season to audiences." Chapman agrees. “I've thought about a Christmas tour for almost ten years
now since my first Christmas album released. I love Christmas music and there's nothing like getting
together with friends at Christmas time to celebrate with music the incredible reality of the Savior's
birth.” He continues, “I'm so excited to have the privilege of touring with the great guys of MercyMe.
We believe there are some greater things that can be accomplished by us coming together for a
significant time of celebration and worship, and that's what we're praying and planning for this tour to be.”
One of the promoters for the tour, The Premier Group’s Roy Morgan, states, “We anticipate stellar
attendance on this tour as it will be the Christmas event that church groups and families will want
to experience during the holiday season.”
Between both acts, they’ve won a plethora of awards, garnered numerous No. 1 radio hits, have sold
more than 13 million records, have performed in front of millions of people and have been touring for
more than 28 years combined.
(from The M Collective)
Musical storyteller Andrew Peterson announces the
release of his new project, The Far Country, available August 30th on Fervent Records.
The project, which is an album written completely on the subject of heaven, was co-produced by
Peterson and bandmate Ben Shive with help from Andrew Osenga (Caedmon’s Call).
Consistent with Andrew’s prior national releases (Carried Along, Clear to Venus, Love and Thunder
and Behold The Lamb of God), the new project includes hammered dulcimer, bouzouki, piano,
mandolin and acoustic guitar.
Featured on the project is renowned vocalist Jill Phillips, bassist Danny O’Lannerghty
(Rich Mullins’s Liturgy/Legacy), percussionist Ken Lewis (Michael Card) and bluegrass fiddler
Stuart Duncan (Emmylou Harris). Motown gospel singers Anklejelly Jones and Jimmy Hoyt-Washington
further provided soulful vocals on “All Shall Be Well.” Another highlight is Peterson’s co-write with
critically-acclaimed folk talent Pierce Pettis on the song titled “More.”
For our PReview of The Far Country, click here.
(from Word Records)
New Rocketown Records signing and Hillsong Australia co-pastor of worship
Reuben Morgan will be leading more than a dozen worship
events in the United States in the next month. Morgan’s debut U.S. CD, World Through Your Eyes,
releases September 13. Rocketown President Don Donahue said, “After spending a week living in Reuben's
world at the Hillsong Conference in Sydney, I have a better understanding of the entirety of the
incredible movement of God that Reuben is a part of from that awesome church. I’m really looking
forward to United States audiences having the opportunity to experience Reuben's worship leading as
he gathers believers in worship this month.” After the first few U.S. events, Morgan and his band were
already singing the praises of their time thus far in the United States. “We are having an incredible
time, and God is doing great things through the nights. There is such a rich sense of the presence of
God and people are hungry. What a great time to be serving Him and building his kingdom—we are so
privileged!” (from Rocketown Records)
Mars ILL just can't seem to get a break with their forthcoming new album Pro*Pain.
Originally slated for a Fall, 2004 release, the album has hit numerous snags for almost a year and
has suffered many delays. Up until the start of this month, the album was slated for a July 19th release.
Last week, Dust, one half of Mars Ill, posted the following discouraging update on their Myspace page...
"On behalf of Mars ILL and Gotee, manchild and I want to announce that the long awaited Pro*Pain
release has been officially put on hold by EMI for an undetermined amount of time. You can only
imagine the disappointment and frustration we are feeling over this news at such late notice.
Mars ILL and Gotee just received this news July 3rd and are still in a bit of shock considering there
have been no new complications since the album was first delayed last October. Regarding pre-orders,
you will have to talk to your individual companies as to how they plan to handle individual situations.
Again, we deeply apologize for the rollercoaster of a ride this has been.
Regardless, Mars ILL is still working hard to bring you the best music we can, and it wont stop here. We trust God's plan for Pro*Pain and for Mars ILL. Stay tuned for His next move.
Until next time, Run it through the garden. -Dust"
We'll keep you posted as this develops...
(from Myspace.com/MarsILL, gathered by JfH)
Rocketown recording artist Ginny Owens appeared yesterday
on "Talk of the Town," a mid-day television talk show on NewsChannel 5, Nashville's CBS affiliate.
Owens joined "Talk of the Town" co-host Harry Chapman for a conversation about her upcoming
participation as a keynote speaker for the "It All Begins With a Song" songwriters retreat that is
being sponsored by the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Also appearing on yesterday's
"Talk of the Town" were Tennessee Titans star wide receiver Drew Bennett (pictured below with Owens)
and champion bullrider Tuff Hedeman.
(from Rocketown Records)
More on AudioA... GRAMMY Award-winning Audio Adrenaline
kicks into fall, headlining its “Until My Heart Caves In” 20-plus-city major market tour. The band is
touring in support of their highly anticipated studio album, Until My Heart Caves In,
releasing on ForeFront Records August 30. No strangers to the road, Audio Adrenaline remains one of
today’s top touring attractions known for members’ explosiveness and energetic outpourings,
coupled with state of the art production.
Joining Audio Adrenaline for this Rock & Roll festival-like tour are some of the top acts in the
industry today: Flicker Records’ Pillar, Inpop Records’ Superchic[k] and Sparrow Records’
Sanctus Real, all of whom have headlined their own successful tours. Also
joining the tour is up-and-coming Flicker Records’ Rock band Kids in the Way.
The “Until My Heart Caves In” Tour begins September 23 in Minneapolis/St. Paul and will roll across
the country into major markets such as Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and more.
Wrapping up in Dodge City, KS October 30, additional tour dates are listed below, with the latest
updates available at www.AudioA.com.
“Until My Heart Caves In is about living for God until your body collapses; it’s about never
giving up,” says Audio Adrenaline lead singer Mark Stuart. “We should be worried less about the nice
clothes and plastic personas and more about getting on the edge, living with authentic and real
passion. This upcoming tour will challenge attendees to live like warriors and to be genuine in
their relationships, faith and lifestyles.”
“This is the perfect Audio Adrenaline tour, and is the premiere mainstream Christian rock tour of the
season,” adds Mike Snider, Third Coast Artists Agency president. “It features a stellar line up of
top artists that will offer a high-energy, fun tour in great rock venues across the country for a
remarkably low price that fans and youth pastors alike will appreciate.”
Together since 1991, Audio Adrenaline teamed with a predominantly mainstream producer for the first
time, Jay Joyce (Patty Griffin, The Wallflowers, Iggy Pop, Macy Gray), to record Until My Heart Caves
In. The band credits Joyce for really capturing the Audio Adrenaline sound, in some ways for
the very first time. The album reflects a raw, more live feeling, and Joyce inspired the band to dig
deeper for this record.
“The music’s got attitude, it’s got teeth and we’re all taking a big step forward, definitely moving
on with less complacency,” says Audio Adrenaline guitarist/vocalist Tyler Burkum. “Sometimes you make
a record and feel like you’ve passed over what it’s saying by the time it comes out, but this one
really does feel where we’re at right now within our hearts.”
For a JfH PReview of Until My Heart Caves In,
including select song clips, click here...
(from Hoganson Media)
This weekend provides more opportunities to watch the 36th Annual GMA Music Awards, formerly known as the Dove Awards,
as the show is broadcast in national syndication in several local markets and nationally on Sky Angel
Network. Additional cable broadcasts of the Doves will happen later this summer and fall.
The coverage will appear on National Satellite Airing via the Guardian Television Network/Sky Angel
Channel 9707 on Friday, July 15, 9 p.m. - 11 p.m. ET, and Sunday, July 17, 6 p.m. - 8 p. m. ET.
For details, visit www.skyangel.com. Handed out this spring, Switchfoot, The Crabb Family, Casting
Crowns and Israel & New Breed were among the most honored artists in gospel music, a music category
that has seen double-digit growth in the past decade.
The 36th Annual GMA Music Awards broadcast will feature performances by some of gospel music's
hottest and most diverse artists including Casting Crowns, The Crabb Family, Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, Selah, J Moss, BarlowGirl, Bethany Dillon, Natalie Grant, Watermark, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Matt Redman, Tonéx, Skillet and Denver & The Mile High Orchestra.
For our coverage of GMA Week 2005 and the GMAs, click here...
(from Spinhouse PR)
The Afters were voted Top Video on mtvU’s Dean’s List recently, beating out Coldplay and The White Stripes!
You can see their video for "Beautiful Love" and their list of competition at:
http://www.mtvu.com/music/deans_list/
“Dean’s List” is featured on mtvU, a college network for students at universities across the country
on more than 700 campuses, reaching over 6 million students in dining halls, student lounges, fitness
centers, and dorm rooms. The “Dean’s List” is voted on by the students to determine the Top 10 videos.
Visit the link to vote for The Afters or mewithoutYou's "January 1979!"
(from The M Collective)
Rebecca St. James gave a studio update in a newsletter yesterday. Rebecca is working on her
first studio record since her 2002 album WorshipGOD. "I am currently sitting here writing
to you, while we cut guitars on two of my new songs, 'Love Being Loved By You' and 'Alive'. In
studio-lingo, 'cut' means record, and the cutting today is going well. Every now and then I contribute
my two cents, which sometimes leads to a good idea and sometimes not! That’s one of the fun things
about the studio... everyone puts in their ideas and at the end of the day the best one wins! It’s a
very creative, sometimes stressful but mostly enjoyable environment. After working hard on writing a
song it’s very exciting to see it begin to come together.
Recording has been going very well... I'm very excited about what God is doing on this project.
I am probably more excited about making music today than I have ever been. This album is more rock
than any of my other albums other than GOD but it still has an accessible feel to it. We are
really being quite experimental in the studio...our goal is to make really fresh sounding,
outside-the-box music that has powerful, life-changing lyrics. I was telling a guy from my record
label today that I feel that the lyrics I'm writing for this project couple very real, vulnerable
thoughts with God's hope. Those are the two things that I feel our generation today is looking for -
reality and hope." Rebecca’s in the studio with producers Tedd T (God album), Matt Bronleewe (Worship God album),
and Shaun Shankel recording her new album - set to be released November 22nd!
(from The RSJ Team, gathered by JfH)
Plumb has been busy preparing for the release of her newest album Chaotic Resolve.
"I have put a new song up on www.myspace.com/plumb," announced Plumb in a newsletter to her fans this week.
"I will be on the site periodically as I have found that it is an easy way to post music, inform
about shows, etc... The new song that is available is "Blush." This is one of my favorite songs on the
record. If you are a Plumb fan from early days this one is a bit reminiscent of "Stranded."
I am not sure if all of you guys use iTunes like I do, but I am constantly downloading more songs for
my iPod. Well, I have good news, the new single "I Can't Do This" is finally up on iTunes. This is the
first opportunity to get any of the new music, although there is another way to get some of the music
as well. The song "Real Life Fairytale" is in the movie (end credits) and on the soundtrack for the
movie The Perfect Man. So you can also hear that song on the soundtrack.
Well, besides having a beautiful baby boy (Solomon Fury Lee) and being mother to him, that is
currently what is going on in my life." Chaotic Resolve is looking at a Fall release, yet
no official release date has been set...
(from Plumb, gathered by JfH)
Renowned rock band Audio Adrenaline returns August 30,
2005, with an all-new album entitled Until My Heart Caves In, the follow-up to its GRAMMY
Award-winning disc, Worldwide. Until My Heart Caves In was produced by Jay Joyce (Wallflowers, Nichole Nordeman) and features
the lead-off hit single, "King," a worshipful cut that was the most added song at Christian pop and
adult contemporary radio stations during its first week of release.
Audio Adrenaline will headline a tour this fall in support of Until My Heart Caves In with
special guest Sanctus Real. Other promotions include the 2nd annual "MoBlog & Win" contest where fans
can win drumsticks used during the recording of the new album or an autographed Baby Taylor acoustic guitar.
In related news, Audio A lead singer, Mark Stuart, will embark on a 3,000-mile cross country
motorcycle trip in August, visiting radio stations from Florida to California to raise awareness and
funds for the band's Hands & Feet Project ministry that benefits orphans in Haiti.
For a JfH PReview of Until My Heart Caves In,
including select song clips, click here...
(from EMI CMG)
2005 GRAMMY Award-winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman (for All Things New) will release
his first all-new Christmas album in a decade this fall. All I Really Want, the holiday
follow-up to 1995’s gold-selling The Music Of Christmas, will be in stores nationwide
September 27, 2005.
Complete details are forthcoming, and a special holiday tour with MercyMe is also in development.
(from EMI CMG)
The industry’s breakout new artist of 2003 Warren Barfield
has signed with Provident Label Group’s Reunion Records as announced Sunday night in Denver at the
Christian Booksellers Association International Convention. The announcement was delivered via
video by labelmate Third Day prior to Barfield taking the stage at CBA’s Sunday Night Live Showcase
where he performed new songs from his much-anticipated sophomore album set to release early 2006 on Reunion.
Barfield notes, “I am very excited about becoming part of Provident. They’ve been very kind and
supportive of me since I first came to Nashville.” He adds, “I am just so thrilled to finish this
new record. It’s been nearly two years since the last album. So, I have had a long time to pour
out my heart in songs and experience different seasons of my life to write about. I am anxious about
getting new music out where people can hear it.”
In addition to his Sunday Night Live performance, Barfield will also showcase new songs at Provident’s
CBA Monday night Big Ticket Event this week at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
Barfield’s self-titled debut album released August 2003 on Creative Trust Workshop and was distributed
through Provident Distribution. The album delivered two top ten singles with “My Heart Goes Out” and
“Mistaken.” Barfield was named the #1 New Artist by Radio and Records Magazine in 2003 and has toured
with artists including Third Day, FFH, TobyMac, Big Daddy Weave, among others.
The son of a North Carolina preacher, one of the numerous reasons why Warren Barfield is such a rare
entity lies in his humble beginnings. Instead of taking the predictable path for most aspiring
singer-songwriters, this young artist spent five years (between the ages of 18 and 23) logging
almost 200,000 miles in his trusty ’93 Mustang, carting himself and his acoustic guitar from church
to church all over the U.S. all year round, all by himself, patiently honing his infectious, earthy
baritone, complex instrumental prowess, and expert stage presence—and without a hint of expectation
before his talents were discovered by Scott Krippayne.
(from Provident Music)
Vertical Music announces the release of critically acclaimed musician
Lincoln Brewster's fourth worship project, All To You…Live.
The CD and companion resources, which include CD tracks, an orchestration, a songbook, a Worship
Leader Assistant CD-ROM songbook and a Vertical Music Worship Tools DVD, will be available in stores
on August 30.
"This is the first time I've ever done a live record, and I'm really happy with the outcome," Brewster
said. "Sonically it sounds great, but more importantly, I think you can feel the heart and spirit of
that night, those moments when we all found ourselves extremely moved…It was a real 'God' night."
Brewster recorded All To You… Live, which he also produced, at Bayside Church in Granite Bay,
Calif., where he serves as worship pastor. The project includes a bonus disc containing chord charts
for four songs ("Majestic"/"Love The Lord"/"You Are The One"/"For These Reasons"), video footage,
studio-recorded versions of three songs and a sample of Vertical Music Worship Tools. The 13-track CD
contains 75 minutes of live worship music including a haunting rendition of "Another Hallelujah," a
worship-infused version of the Leonard Cohen favorite "Hallelujah."
Brewster's phenomenal guitar skills paired with dynamic live performances have created a dedicated
following. According to Vertical Music A&R Manager Jeff Quimby, All To You…Live will not disappoint
fans. "Lincoln blends congregational and relevant styles of contemporary worship while maintaining a
high dose of quality musicianship," Quimby says. "This will be a favorite worship project among
guitar players and worship leaders who are looking for more than your typical live worship CD and
it will be considered a must-have for all worship music consumers."
(from Spinhouse PR)
Three time GRAMMY winning band Jars of Clay performed to a live audience
of more than a million at the Live 8 concert in Philadelphia on Saturday, July 2.
Friday afternoon, upon arriving in Philadelphia, Jars of Clay members spent time interviewing with national media about
its non-profit organization, Blood:Water Mission, its own outreach to Africa. The band shared the successes of its
recent 1000 Wells Projectwhich has a goal of raising funds to build, rebuild and repair 1000 wells in urban and rural
areas of sub-Saharan Africa. To date, 42 wells have been constructed bringing clean water to more than 34,000 people.
On Saturday, Jars of Clay united with high-profile musicians and celebrities including Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band,
Destinys Child, Linkin Park, Maroon 5, Sarah McLachlan, Rob Thomas, Stevie Wonder, Toby Keith, Alicia Keys,
Black Eyed Peas, Def Leppard, Richard Gere, Jennifer Connelly and Will Smith to raise awareness of the extreme poverty
in Africa, encouraging leaders of the worlds wealthiest nations to eliminate Third World debt and increase aid to Africa.
Lead singer Dan Haseltine recalls, "Performing during the Live 8 concert in Philly was incredible. There is a great deal
of purpose in just doing our best to communicate, through performance, during a regular concert... at Live 8 it felt
even more important. We were joining with such a diverse group of artists and activists who may not agree on much else.
But that day, we stood in agreement that poverty should not be something overlooked, and we should all do what we can to
eliminate it from this planet. I hope it doesnt take another 20 years to be reminded that we should all care about
justice and generosity."
The Live 8 event was broadcast entirely online at aolmusic.com, with special programming airing on MTV, and on radio at
XM Satellite Radio and on Premiere Radio Networks. Live 8 featured concerts in Philadelphia, London, Paris, Berlin,
Rome, Cornwall, Toronto, South Africa and Tokyo.
The band's Live 8 Philly weekend was the lead news story of the Tennessean, Sunday edition, July 3.
(Click on link to view Jars of Clay's front-page Sunday Tennessean feature:
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2005507030369 )
Compelled to make a difference in Africa, Jars of Clay members Dan Haseltine, Stephen Mason, Matt Odmark and Charlie
Lowell founded the Blood:Water Mission in early 2002. The first effort of this non-profit was the 1000 Wells
Project with a goal of raising funds to build, rebuild and repair 1000 wells in urban and rural areas of sub-Saharan
Africa. To date, 42 wells have been constructed bringing clean water to more than 34,000 people.
(from Provident Music Group)
New York VOANews.com writer Maura Jane Farrelly interviewed Jesusfreakhideout.com president and writer John DiBiase
at Creation East earlier this month about the growing popularity of Christian music. Farrelly's article, entitled
"Christian Rock Industry Going Strong After 40 Years," addresses the industry's positive messages and its infultration
into the mainstream marker with artists like Switchfoot and Relient K. To read the
article and download an audio version including audio bites, visit
http://www.voanews.com/english/AmericanLife/2005-07-06-voa65.cfm.
(from Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Award-winning Rock band Sanctus Real was seen on MSNBCs Hardball June 27. Footage of the bands June 24 performance
at the WAY-FM Brown Bag Summer Concert Series in Nashville (Franklin, TN) was incorporated into a segment of the show
that focused on the Christian music and book industries.
"The musicians of Sanctus Real are described as rockers for the Lord," said Chris Matthews, Hardball host, MSNBC-TV.
"And they, like other modern Christian bands, connect with their audience through uplifting and spiritual songs."
The transcript for the story is found at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8386912/.
More than 1,000 people attended this event and saw Sanctus Real hit the stage following Matthew West for the first
WAY-FM Brown Bag Concert of the summer.
Sanctus Real and the MSNBC Hardball photographer are pictured onstage during the WAY-FM Brown Bag Summer Concert
Series held on the grounds of the Peoples Church in Franklin, TN.
As the band's best-selling album Fight The Tide continues garner critical acclaim and radio success,
Sanctus Real is in the studio between tour dates working for the first time with producer Chris Stevens
(TobyMac, Shawn McDonald, Paul Wright) on a new album due out Spring 06.
(from Hoganson Media)
Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning artist Paul Colman teamed up with
Habitat For Humanity in Detroit recently for its 2005 Jimmy Carter Work Project. The weeklong project kicked off
Saturday, June 18. Former United States President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, fronted the event. Colman joined
the Carters, along with Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and thousands of volunteers, to help make the dream of
homeownership a reality for 31 families in the Detroit area.
"I had a life-changing experience in Detroit with Habitat For Humanity," Colman said. Seeing 31 houses built in a week
was incredible. I witnessed the sacrifice of the staff and volunteers and the immense gratitude of the new home owners,
and it was truly overwhelming," he said.
In addition to hammering nails and painting walls during the week, Colman provided entertainment for 2,500 staff members
and volunteers, along with the 31 new homeowners during closing ceremonies on Friday, June 24. Colman additionally
performed his new song, "My Heart is Home," which he wrote specifically for Habitat For Humanity.
"I spent two days with a family who had been ripped apart by the breakdown of a marriage and personal tragedy.
To see Habitat assist in the redemption of this family is something I will never forget," Colman notes.
Colman released his first solo album in seven years, Let It Go, in March, and he recently finished the 30-city "All God's Children" tour featuring Tree 63 and Building 429. He is currently touring Europe and performing stateside at festivals this summer, including Spirit West Coast and Soulfest. Colman is also a featured columnist for CCM Magazine beginning with the July issue.
(from InPop Records)
"Blessed Be Your Name: Worshipping God on the Road Marked With Suffering" is set for release August 26 by Regal Books.
Written by sixstepsrecords/Survivor Records artist and lead worshipper Matt Redman
and his wife Beth, the release is inspired by Redman¹s 2005 GMA Music Award-winning Worship Song of the Year,
"Blessed Be Your Name." Examining lyrics from the song and focusing on the Psalms, the Redmans explore how to stand in
the place of praise even in the face of hardship and pain. Candidly sharing many of their own difficult experiences,
including multiple miscarriages, as well as presenting stories of others in crisis who have been impacted by the song,
the Redmans demonstrate the power of being able to truly praise God in the midst of heartbreaking situations.
"Wrapped around the themes of worship, suffering, and the sovereignty of God, the song was born out of a deep conviction
that, come pain or joy, to worship God is always the best decision to make," said the Redmans. "Since writing the song,
we¹ve heard so many stories of how the people of God have responded to Him in trust and praise‹in some of the harshest
life circumstances that we¹ve ever come across. Yet there¹s a common theme linking all of these reports together - a
determined choice to press on with lives of praise amidst a world of pain. This book is for all those who long to be
counted alongside this inspiring group of worshippers."
The book¹s publication follows the July 19 release of Redman¹s latest recording, Blessed Be Your Name: Songs of Matt Redman Vol. 1.
A live compilation of his top CCLI songs together for the first time, cuts include "The Heart of Worship," "Better Is One
Day," and "Let My Words Be Few," among others.
Redman, whose songs have been recorded by such artists as Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, and Passion, is an
internationally known songwriter and worship leader. He is also the author of several books, including "The
Unquenchable Worshipper" and "Facedown."
Beth Redman was formerly part of the World Wide Message Tribe, taking the Gospel to students all over England.
She is also the former leader of Soul Sister, a ministry of the Soul Survivor movement, and the author of
"Soul Sister." The Redmans live in England with their two children.
(from Hoganson Media)
David Crowder*Band, scheduled to release its third studio album,
A Collision, on September 27, will launch the "A Collision Tour" this fall with fellow Texas acts
Shane & Shane and the Robbie Seay Band. Exact dates and locations are forthcoming,
but the modern rock and worship tour is set to begin in September and will hit more than 30 cities throughout the
United States. In addition to A Collision, David Crowder*Band is among the artists contributing brand new
songs to Music Inspired by: The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, also in stores
September 27. The inspirational project is the first of two major soundtracks sparked by the most anticipated film
of 2005, a live action adaptation of the C. S. Lewis literary classic.
(from Sparrow Records)
2005 Grammy Award winner Steven Curtis Chapman was honored to perform at
the historic Billy Graham Crusade in New York City last weekend, which the elderly preaching legend and others said may
be his last in the United States. Newsday reported, "On Friday night, contemporary Christian musician Steven Curtis
Chapman noted that Jesus 'makes all things new,' referring to Revelation 21:5. That's why this likely last U.S.
crusade by Billy Graham was not sad, but instead joyful." According to city officials, 230,000 people attended the
three-day event, nearly 10,000 of them coming forward during Graham's invitations to commit their lives to Jesus.
(from Sparrow Records)
Sparrow Records/Columbia Records is set to release Nothing Is Sound, the fifth studio
album from the multi-platinum San Diego-based rock band Switchfoot, on September 13.
"Stars," the first single from Nothing Is Sound, is last week's #1 Most Added record at Modern Rock radio.
Nothing Is Sound will be available as both a traditional CD and as a DualDisc featuring
the entire album in 5.1 Surround Sound plus exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the band on-the
road and in the studio. The new Switchfoot album arrives two years after the release of the group's major label debut, the
RIAA double-platinum The Beautiful Letdown, which yielded two Top 5 mainstream hit singles:
"Meant to Live" and "Dare You to Move." Since the release of The Beautiful Letdown, Switchfoot, whose transcendent live performances
are legendary among the group's intensely loyal fan base, has sold more than one million concert
tickets worldwide while the group's two long-form videos, Live in San Diego and
Switchfootage, have each been certified RIAA platinum.
"This record was written in back alleys and hotel rooms far from home," says frontman and primary
songwriter Jon Foreman, explaining the difference between Nothing Is Sound and its predecessor.
"It's more eclectic, less settled, with more dissonance. We've tried to capture the emotional ride
that happens on stage and put it into the studio. Playing that hard every night really stretches you,
and all these diverse experiences have played a key role in shaping this record."
Touring nonstop behind The Beautiful Letdown, Switchfoot had no choice but to write and
record the bulk of the follow-up album on the road. "We wanted to release a record this summer, and
we were trying to figure out when in the world we would have time to record it," Foreman admits.
"So we took out a second set of gear, tiny drums and amps, and set up in the dressing room every day
and got songs ready. While the opening bands were playing, we were in some tiny room trying to make a record."
While this on-the-fly approach was predicated on necessity, it did have one major benefit--enabling
the band to road-test a new song in front of a highly vocal crowd immediately after it was finished.
"A lot of times you know a song is good but not how it's going to translate live," Foreman points
out. "Something might be good in the studio, but you have to change a lot of things to make it work
live. These songs were developed for the live show. I've heard that's how bands used to do it back in the day."
Thus, Switchfoot fans may already be familiar with such new songs as "Stars," the first single,
"Politicians," "Easier Than Love," "Lonely Nation," "The Shadow Proves the Sunshine," "We Are One
Tonight" and "Happy Is a Yuppie Word," whose title was taken from a Bob Dylan quote Foreman happened
upon, while the album title was drawn from his resulting lyric.
The band wound up recording parts of the album in unfamiliar locales as far away as South Africa,
and other parts as close to home as one can get--Foreman's San Diego bedroom. John Fields, who
produced The Beautiful Letdown, oversaw the sessions and put them all together for
Nothing Is Sound. "If you can combine the more-professional-sounding elements with the
honesty of doing it yourself, those are the best records," Foreman asserts. "They're honest and
pure but listenable." Foreman's writing was inevitably influenced by what must've felt like a never-ending tour, but
Nothing Is Sound is far deeper and more complex than its origins might lead one to believe.
"For me, the past few years have been an emotional and chaotic time--so many changes, so many
strange memories, like a dream that unfolds in the waking hours," Foreman explains. "And all of
these new songs have been a diary of this strange part of our journey, about the search for truth and
beauty in uncertain times and places.
"The world is at a very volatile stage, with the war and how fast things are changing," he continues.
"But deeper than that, the idea that there is an instability within myself and humanity as a whole--
that's where these songs are coming from."
According to Foreman, Nothing Is Sound marks a sort of culmination for Switchfoot,
which formed in 1997. "I almost feel like everything we've been through as a band up till now
has been like a warm-up, as though we've been preparing this record for eight years," he says.
"The Letdown put us through the fire on many levels, and we've come out the other side
more united than we've ever been. There's this urgency and immediacy in the camp, like this record
might be the most important thing we've ever done together."
(from Hoganson Media)
Have you ever wanted to be out on the road with Mae? On
July 13, 2005 you will have your chance. The best part is that you don't even have to pack because
Mae will be coming to your living room with their new DVD, From Toledo to Toyko.
Brett Brownell a.k.a., "Benji Bozworth" was sent out on the road with Mae to record the band for a
few days as their debut album, Destination: Beautiful was released in February 2003. A few
days came and went. A year came and went. And Benji never left. Now he gives us
From Toledo to Toyko, a DVD packed with insider footage from the first year of Mae, both
onstage and off. The footage includes live performances, interviews with the band, fan confessionals,
van breakdowns, and everything else that happened with Mae in their first year of touring!
DVD extras include Mae's Japan tour, a full live show in Mae's hometown at the NorVa, and
secret bonus material! To order, visit www.whatismae.com.
(from whatismae.com)
Disciple has been making waves with their self-titled
debut record and now has broken R&R Chart history. For the first time since R&R began publishing
the Christian Rock Radio chart, 100% of reporting stations are on Disciple’s first single, “The
Wait Is Over”, which has been #1 for an unprecedented 5 weeks. Disciple debuted at #1 on the
Christian Retail Soundscan charts, and #8 on the Billboard Heat Seekers chart. John Van Der Veen,
VP of Sales for INO Records states, ”What a first week. Disciple sold 5 times more records than they
had ever sold on any pervious week in their career. We were thrilled with the numbers.” Congrats guys!
(from Big Machine Media)
Project 86 will be releasing a DVD very soon
(Early August) with a making-of documentary of the new album And The Rest Will Follow.
The band is in the last stages of editing as we speak, and will be posting preorder information
very soon. The DVD will include several bonus featurettes as well as some additional surprises!
For a full tracklisting of And The Rest Will Follow, click here. Stay tuned to Project86.com for details.
(from Project86.com)
Joy Williams’ upbeat single, “We,” from her 5/3 release
Genesis, received the highest rating by a panel of radio executives in the R&R sponsored Rate-a-Record
session during this week’s R&R Convention held in Cleveland, Ohio. Of all 10 songs presented for
review by the committee, “We” was given top billing beating out several well known artists across all
genres of music. In addition to the panel’s assessment, “We” also received the highest score when
reviewed by the 75 person audience, as surveyed by Broadcast Architecture meters. “We” was the #3
most added song at the Mainstream Hot AC format last week. The single is being promoted by Danny
Buch of Red Ink.
(from Provident Music Group)
This year has already seen two re-releases of popular records from Tree63 and Pillar, but that's just the start.
Expect an expanded version of Building429's Space In Between Us in August,
Seventh Day Slumber's Picking Up The Pieces in September, as well as re-releases
of Hawk Nelson's Letters To the President and KJ-52's Behind The Musik later this Fall...
(from EMI CMG / Jesusfreakhideout.com)
 Lauren Daigle to Perform During Super Bowl LIX Pre-GameThu, 29 Nov 2024 22:10:00 EST |
| Trebuchet SDG Releases Christmas EP, "Lux Mundi" Thu, 29 Nov 2024 21:30:00 EST |
| Starflyer 59 Announces New Project for Preorder, "Dejame Dormir" Thu, 29 Nov 2024 21:30:00 EST |
| TRIBL Records Celebrates 17 2024 Billboard Music Awards Nominations Tue, 26 Nov 2024 14:50:00 EST |
| Eddy Mann Launches Four-Part "Monday with the Mann's" Livestream Event Tue, 26 Nov 2024 14:30:00 EST |
| Amy Grant to Co-Host CMA Country Christmas with Trisha Yearwood Mon, 25 Nov 2024 20:20:00 EST |
| StowTown Records Announces New Project from The Booth Brothers Mon, 25 Nov 2024 17:30:00 EST |
Click here All News Headlines | 
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