Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: June 2002

June, 2002

*Monday, June 24th, 2002*

Any of you die hard dc Talk fans feel like your missing something to become the ultimate fanatic? Well, now you can come one step closer. The all but seen dc Talk movie Free At Last: The Movie will be finally be released to the public! The movie will be released on DVD this Fall with the 10th Anniversary re-release of the album of the same title. Be sure not to miss this, dcT fans. (from ArdentEnthusiast.com)

Tooth & Nail Records announces the launch of a major marketing campaign to promote the upcoming release of Again For The First Time, the first new album from award-winning rock band Bleach in over three years. Since the release of their critically acclaimed self-titled third album in 1999, the band has made two changes in their line-up as well as making Tooth & Nail Records their new label home. Having joined the band not long after the release of Bleach's third album, brothers Jared and Milam Byers are no strangers to rock music. Jared, endorsed by the Orange County Drums and Percussion, is the former drummer of post-pop punk band, Relient K, and Milam is the former lead guitarist for alterna-pop rock diva, Miss Angie. Even though the brothers have toured as part of the Bleach line-up for the past 2 years, Again for the First Time will be their first studio album with the group. This album is also a landmark for the band as it is their first project with new label home, Tooth & Nail Records. Brandon Ebel, president of Tooth & Nail, comments, "Bleach is a band that we've been following for years. These guys have proven themselves as a band that can not only write great rock songs, but deliver them live. More importantly, Bleach is a band with an outstanding reputation with youth pastors, industry folks, other bands, and fans. We're thrilled to have them in the Tooth & Nail family." Bleach's first single from Again For The First Time, "We Are Womorrow," will also be featured in a promotional tie-in between electronics giant, Phillips-Magnavox, and Internet digital music delivery company, Liquid Audio. People who purchase Phillips-Magnavox products such as DVD players and stereos will receive a Liquid Audio pass code to download a free Liquid Audio player that comes pre-loaded with the Bleach single. Liquid Audio will be servicing 4 million players to Phillips- Magnavox consumers. Again For The First Time hits shelves August 27th.

Two-time reigning Gospel Music Association Group of the Year, Third Day, continues to rack up accolades for its critically acclaimed and best selling recording, Come Together. The latest radio single to be released from the project, "It's Alright," has shot to the top of the R&R AC Top 30 chart becoming the band's 18th No. 1 song and the third No. 1 from the new album.

Check out Kevin Max performing “Help Me Rhonda” on the tribute album to Beach Boy Brian Wilson. The album, titled Making God Smile: An Artists’ Tribute to the Songs of Beach Boy Brian Wilson will be released through Silent Planet Records this week and also includes performances by Sixpence None the Richer's Leigh Nash, Steve Cropper, and Kate Campbell.

tobyMac will be featured in an upcoming issue of Charisma magazine. The piece, which will focus on reaching the hip-hop generation, will appear in the August issue. Also in August, check out the PAX217 feature in Breakaway magazine, where the band talks about the ways in which they try to reach out and engage the community around them. And finally, in other magazine news, be sure to be on the lookout for the July 8th issue of Pollstar Magazine. The familiar faces of Third Day will grace the cover.

As Rebecca St. James’ sabbatical quickly comes to an end, many of you may be wondering if she ever got that “real job.” The answer is no. Although she tried! It was recently reported that Rebecca applied for several coffeehouse jobs, but was turned down when her potential employers found out she would only be available for a few weeks!

Stacie Orrico’s highly anticipated sophomore project is preparing for release. The album (title to be determined) will hit stores in September.

Fresh off the editing machine, it's the new MxPx video for their brand new track "My Mistake" from their best of collection Ten Years And Running which is in stores now. The video was done by Mark Osborne who has done other videos for Dogwood and Project 86. You can check it out right now by going to: http://www.toothandnail.com/downloads/mxpx/

Veggie Tales will be releasing their second Larryboy cartoon adventure on August 24th! Right now you can pre-order Larryboy #2: Leggo My Eggo for only $9.97 and receive a free Larryboy watch with your order! For more information, click here!

The Benjamin Gate's stellar new sophomore project Contact releases on July 2nd. You still have time to pre-order the project and receive your copy with an autographed cover! You can also get the Katina's signatures with your order of their new album Lifestyle: A Worship Experience which is available now.

A release date has been set for Stavesacre's new release on Nitro/ XS Records. Look for this in stores everywhere on October 1st.

All Together Separate will join the likes of Skillet and Fanmail to be etched in comic book fame. Look for them in next month's Quest Comic, "Chronicles."

The hip-hop greats of Grits are almost ready to unleash The Art of Translation on August 13th. They recently finished a video for the mega hit single “Here We Go,” produced by Elliott Lester who has worked with N'Snyc, Britney Spears, and Out Of Eden.

Further Seems Forever will take the opening slot for an upcoming New Found Glory October tour. They will be followed by Finch and Something Corporate where then New Found Glory will take the stage. Look out for a brand new FSF release in February of 2003.

Phantom Tollbooth reports of this wrestling news. Fans of the WWE, which most known formerly as the WWF, know well of one such superstar named Chris Jericho. But what some may not know is that he fronts an '80s style metal band named Fozzy which is a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. But what almost everyone doesn't know is that Jericho's favorite bands include Christian metal artists Stryper, Bride, and the Galactic Cowboys.

If you were watching the new hit TV show C.S.I. (Crime Scene Investigation) recently, you may have caught P.O.D.'s song "Set It Off" during an episode's opening. (Thanks to Invin for the news)

Independent wonders Cool Hand Luke have finally signed on the dotted line. They have made a deal with Tim Tabor (Prayer Chain) and Floodgate Records. In other Luke news, Vindicated Records will release a limited edition 7" of two brand new CHL songs that will be ready by Cornerstone. Catch Cool Hand Luke on tour with Noise Ratchet this summer, you won't be sorry.

The band known and Redline, then shortly Radium; will now be sticking, hopefully, with Echocast. Their website is now www.echocastmusic.com and be sure to look for their album Where The Future Ends on XS Records in July. In other news, the Southern Californian band, Radium, is still known as Radium.

*Tuesday, June 18th, 2002*

Jars of Clay receives dual coverage through CNN Headline News surrounding the excitement for its recently completed spring tour in support of its critically acclaimed recording, The Eleventh Hour. CNN's "Music on the Road" captured a feature interview with Jars of Clay while the band was in Los Angeles for a concert at the Greek Theatre last month. The resulting feature is slated to run as part of the CNN Headline News broadcast once per hour for 12 consecutive hours began Sunday, June 16, in the 7:00 p.m. EST hour. Other artists featured recently on the segment include Alanis Morissette, Mary J. Blige, Bonnie Raitt, the Cranberries, Goo Goo Dolls and other high profile artists and celebrities. Fans can find a preview of the Jars of Clay feature online at http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/showbiz.today/music.ontheroad/0206/14.html

2002 Dove Award Winning New Artist of the Year ZOEgirl may soon be investigated as a newfound source of natural energy. The vocal dance trio is kicking its up-tempo tunes into even higher gear this September with the release of a remix album. Its arrival coincides with the group's launch as special guest on the Newsboys arena tour this fall. This follows a seemingly non-stop tour trek that has paired ZOEgirl with Carman, Avalon, and Plus One since 2000.

Today in Nashville, TN, MercyMe is celebrating the certification of Gold status for their debut album Almost There. The album features the Dove Award-winning Song of the Year "I Can Only Imagine." Congrats guys!

CCMMagazine.com reported the following on the Newsboys' release of their first literary work: "Shine: Make Them Wonder What You’ve Got, hitting the streets in July, is a unique glimpse into the lives and faith of one of the world’s top Christian bands—and a call for believers of all ages to enter into a deeper spiritual life of surrender, service, and joy in Christ. With great personal feeling and conviction, the Newsboys share openly about their spiritual journey to greater intimacy with God—seeking God and coming to know Him in a deeper way, meeting the needs of others and encountering new joy, losing themselves in Christ and experiencing a renewed faith. Shine challenges believers to rediscover the dynamics of a living faith. The Newsboys’ personal journeys and spiritual growth are signposts showing the truth and power of a life transformed in Christ."

Sarah Masen (Dark) and David Dark welcome Samuel Edward Dark born June 9th at 8.30pm weighing in at 6lb and 5oz. He has curly hair. Sarah has been heard to describe it as "the easiest birth," and the whole family is doing very well by all accounts. (from JimmySwan.com)

Last week, Festival Con Dios announced the addition of two partnerships that strengthen its ministry focus. First, ZJAM's radio show on 210 stations is launching a 20 week festival pre-tour promotion and an ongoing promotion throughout the fall run for Festival Con Dios. Second, Zondervan Bible Publishers will be distributing Starting Point Bible Samplers at each event. (from JimmySwan.com)

Squint Entertainment's new rock band 38th Parallel will be hitting the spotlight hard this summer with an intense marketing campaign focusing on "Horizon," the group's first single from it's debut project and July 2 release, Turn the Tides. Released to rock radio May 31, "Horizon" will also be featured this summer on Wal-Mart's exclusive compilation sampler, Sonic Fuel. The song will be included on 100,000 music samplers available August 27 at Wal-Mart stores nationwide. To further amplify 38th Parallel's marketing support utilizing "Horizon," Word Distribution will also disseminate 150,000 music samplers to retail outlets for its national "You've Got Music" promotion this summer.

In the upcoming Breakaway magazine issue with the guys from Audio Adrenaline on the cover, readers will have the chance to win some “hang time” with Audio A. Readers will be asked to write, perform and record an original praise song and submit it to Breakaway for judging. The winner will get to spend some quality time with Audio Adrenaline and be included on a disc Breakaway is compiling of their best entries.

Having sold more than 180,000 units to date and performed before an estimated audience of two million since January 2001, including tours with Destiny's Child and Aaron Carter, Essential Records' foursome True Vibe plows ahead with the release of its sophomore album, See The Light, in stores August 20th. See The Light showcases the all-star production team of Dan Muckala (Aaron Neville, Mandy Moore, formerly of the band Mukala), Todd Collins (Out of Eden, TobyMac), Pete Kipley (Rachel Lampa, Plus One) and Take 6's Mark Kibble with Jonathan Lippmann on "Not What I Say." Written in cooperation with True Vibe, Scott Krippayne, Mark Kibble, Dan Muckula and 4HIM's Mark Harris, the record reveals the group's personal and artistic growth since its debut more than a year ago.

Big Idea Productions, creators of the best-selling VeggieTales children's video collection, ushers in its first full-length feature film Jonah - a VeggieTales Movie with a special sing-along video for fans and families to enjoy. Featuring music from and inspired by the upcoming animated movie with over 20 minutes of never-before-seen footage and specially-created animation, Jonah Sing-Along Songs and More! continues the successful tradition as the 4th release in the popular VeggieTales Sing-Along series. A special 12-minute "Making Of Jonah" behind-the-scenes documentary will be included as an exclusive added feature on the CBA release. Jonah Sing-Along Songs and More! will be available in Christian bookstores on VHS July 30, 2002 at the suggested retail price of $9.99.

M2.0 Records recently announced it will produce and distribute the Prisoners of Hope: Songs of Freedom CD featuring Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer, the two Shelter Now International relief workers held captive and rescued by U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan last November. Proceeds from the project will all be given to the Hope Afghanistan Foundation.

Joy Williams recently started working on her sophomore album. The as-yet-untitled project is set to release October 8. Joy built great rapport with producer Brown Bannister even before entering the studio. "He taught me to be confident when going against the grain and to simply write and sing what I'm feeling," says Joy. "I feel safe to dream and stick my neck out when working with him."

The three-piece band known as Brave Saint Saturn from members of Five Iron Frenzy has left their home label of 5 Minute Walk and has joined Tooth & Nail Records. For more info on the band rocket to: http://www.bravesaintsaturn.com/ Look for their sophomore effort on Tooth & Nail in 2003!

M2.0 Communications proudly announces the newest addition to their impressive roster: award-winning comedian Chonda Pierce, who will release her latest video and CD project Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid this September 3rd. Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid discusses a topic relevant to everyone: fear. In her edgiest, funniest and most vulnerable performance yet, Chonda unwraps the common fears women face.

Some JfH eyes and ears have caught the members of P.O.D. making further waves in the industry. Band member Marcos is on the cover of Guitar World Magazine while lead singer Sonny is on the cover of Teen People. Finally, a visitor has spotted the band's song boom playing on the preview to the new dragon-slaying film Reign of Fire that aired on the 12th during the NBA championship post game show. (Thanks Jordan!)

Guitarist/vocalist Brian McSweeney and drummer Matt Sumpter, formally of Seven Day Jesus, along with guitarist Jason Sipe and bassist James Scott (with limited help from former All Star United bassist Brian Whitman), make up the new band Matthew. Their debut album Everybody Down hit shelves June 4th and let me tell you, guys - it rocks!

He has written and performed songs embraced by churches and artists around the globe, from "The Heart of Worship" (Michael W. Smith) and "Let My Words Be Few" (Phillips, Craig & Dean) to "Better Is One Day" (Rebecca St. James) and "Undignified" (David Crowder Band). Now, worship leader Matt Redman pioneers a fresh offering of songs with Where Angels Fear to Tread, his all-new studio album available in stores July 16.

With over 3 million albums sold and 2 Male Vocalist Dove Awards to his credit, Steve Green returns July 16 with Yo Ire ("I Will Go"), his new Spanish language recording anticipated by audiences worldwide.

Dean Diehl, senior vice president and general manager of Reunion Records, announced yesterday the appointment of industry veteran David Bach to Vice President of A & R for Reunion Records. In this position, Bach will oversee the A&R process for the label’s artist roster that includes Michael W. Smith, Joy Williams, Daily Planet, Kathy Troccoli, LaRue and NewSong. Bach is best known for his years as the bassist for the rock band Guardian and more recently for his A&R work at Forefront Records.

*Sunday, June 9th, 2002*

Sparrow Records' award winning band Newsboys recently celebrated in Nashville at the historic Union Station Hotel the unprecedented radio success with their single "It Is You" reigning the No. 1 position for 12 weeks at Christian radio (CHR/POP). Never before in the history of Christian music has a single dominated the No. 1 position for such an extended amount of time. Congratulations guys! Also, be sure to grab the group's brand new live DVD, Thrive at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, when it hits shelves Tuesday, June 18.

Jerry of Bleach has put an old demo on MP3.com that won't be contained on the band's new upcoming record, Again, For The First Time. You can go to www.mp3.com/bleachrock to download the song "Good as Gold." That song has been a crowd favorite live for awhile now, and MP3.com is the only place to get the song! Another tidbit for the fans is an exclusive preview EP that will only be available at the band's live shows this summer. The CD contains three songs, 2 from the upcoming record, and a demo version of "We are Tomorrow."

Forefront Records' official newsletter reported that The Benjamin Gate recently had a reporter come to their show in Houston, TX. The show was at some laser tag place and instead of interviewing the band, they ended up playing laser tag with him all night. He had never played before so he formed an allegiance with Adie and Costa. He said, before he knew it, he came running around the corner and was blasted by Adrienne.... so much for alliances!

Jody McBrayer is getting ready to release his first solo debut on Sparrow Records. McBrayer, one-fourth of the award-winning vocal group Avalon, will release This Is Who I Am, available September 10th, 2002. This Is Who I Am includes a variety of styles throughout, including R&B, Latin-salsa and pop. The songs, eight of them penned or co-penned by Jody, never depart from his deep love of R&B and classic soul styling.

Project 86's long awaited follow-up to their 2000 release Drawing Black Lines now has a release date! Be looking for the as-of-yet untitled album to hit shelves on September 24th!

The video for Rebecca St. James current single, “Song of Love,” will be distributed to outlets next week and will be appearing on TV in mid-June. The video is a live performance video that was taped on the Wait For Me Tour in San Angelo, TX.

In addition to promoting his new single, the title track from his current album A Beautiful Sound, Geoff Moore has taken some time recently to have a little fun. He and his family recently got back from visiting family in Michigan. On their way, they stopped for a few days in Wisconsin. While there, Geoff and his sons Josh and Justin discovered the adventure of fishing in a downpour! Although the three were soaking wet, the fishing turned out to be plentiful! In the meantime, new little sister Anna Grace experienced her first real water park!

NewSong launches its 15-plus city Summer JAM tour on July 24 with special guests Brother's Keeper, Freddie Colloca, Rachael Lampa, Tait (on select dates) and True Vibe.

Audio Adrenaline’s “Ocean Floor” video is still the #1 video on the College Television Network! Continue to log onto www.collegetelevision.com to keep Audio Adrenaline at the top of the video charts! Also, the exclusive web premiere of the “Ocean Floor” video is still available for viewing on Christianity Today’s website. If you haven’t seen the video yet, log onto www.christianitytoday.com and check it out! It rocks!

Reunion Records' Canadian brother trio JAKE launched a Canadian tour with the Newsboys on Friday, June 7. The tour is scheduled to hit cities across Canada in the provinces of Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan.

New female singer/songwriter Charmaine joins the roster at Elevate/inpop Records with the August 13th release of All About Jesus. The first single “I Love You Lord” went for adds on May 24th and is already experiencing great response from radio. “It is a joy to have Charmaine joining the Elevate label. Her fresh approach to worship has encouraged us all,” says label founder (and father of Rebecca St. James) David Smallbone. "We first heard about Charmaine and her family's ministry through my brother who is a pastor back in Australia. When we connected with them, it was their commitment to ministry that grabbed our attention. Now a year later with the recording completed, we are absolutely delighted both with the end result and also with the gentle spirit that Charmaine has maintained throughout this rather lengthy process. We are thrilled to have a ministry partnership with Charmaine and her family. One of Elevate Records’ goals is to support youth worship and Charmaine's All about Jesus does that beautifully." Charmaine, who moved to the US from Australia in 2001, co-wrote over half of the songs on the album, including “I Love You Lord,” “You Found Me,” and “Only You.” She brings both youthful energy and vertical lyrics to her contemporary style.

ETC: Entertainment That Counts will air the 10th Annual MOVIEGUIDE® Faith & Values Awards Gala at 1 a.m. June 23 and 2 a.m. June 29 on TV stations owned and operated by Paxson Communications. Reunion Recording artist Joy Williams attended the 10th Annual MOVIEGUIDE® Awards in Los Angeles, and was an award presenter for one of the Best 2001 Movie for Mature Audiences. Joy also performed two songs from her debut album before the awards show. The program will be seen in approximately 75 million TV households via the Paxson stations, and in syndication.

Solid State's latest signing Beloved from North Carolina have an EP coming out this year just in time for the Cornerstone festival in IL! Running was originally an independently released EP that didn't make it out beyond the bands shows. Solid State liked it so much they wanted to put it out themselves.

Extol is currently writing new material for a Spring release date. It's been a little difficult to keep up with the ever changing cast of characters and their side projects in Extol but one that is well worth mentioning is Ganglion. Ganglion features members from both Extol and Lengsel and have released a limited edition 7" that is pretty scarce here in the States. If you're interested in obtaining a copy, you can email the band at theganglions@hotmail.com.

*Saturday, June 1st, 2002*

Steven Curtis Chapman, fresh off the spring leg of his “Live Out Loud Tour” and gearing up to hit numerous festivals and special appearances this summer, is now celebrating a total of seven gold certified albums. Recently announced, Chapman’s albums Declaration, released just eight months ago on September 25th, 2002, and More To This Life, released in 1989, were certified gold according to the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). They join the ranks of Greatest Hits, Signs Of Life, The Music Of Christmas and The Great Adventure to reach gold status, or 500,000 units sold. Speechless and Heaven In The Real World have already achieved platinum status, or over 1 million in sales.

Known for their groundbreaking and innovative live shows, award winning band Newsboys have joined forces with Much Music and Verizon Wireless for its upcoming Thrive Tour this fall. This partnership marks the first sponsorship for these corporations with a Christian artist. Newsboys' management, First Company Management, JAM Productions, and H2O Booking Agency have come together to produce this history making tour. Featured guests on the tour will include ZOEgirl (Sparrow), Superchic[k] (Inpop), and By The Tree (Fervent).

According to their official site, the band Relient K has begun work on a contribution to the forthcoming Veggie Tales theatrical release Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie due out this Fall. Acclaimed producer, singer and songwriter Steve Taylor is helping the guys in recording their rendition of the Veggie Tales silly song, "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything." The cover tune will be featured on the soundtrack also due out this Fall.

Sixpence None the Richer may finally be able to release their new album Divine Discontent... after being in limbo for almost 2 years. The set release date for the appropriately titled album is now September 17th, but maybe we shouldn't hold our breath...

Jars of Clay member Stephen Mason recently met with one of the band's largest fans, Colorado Rockies mascot Dinger the dinosaur. Mason, along with other members from Jars of Clay's critically acclaimed 50-city, The Eleventh Hour headline tour, recently watched the Colorado Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 16-3 before a huge crowd at Denver's Coors Field ("Mile High Stadium"). Between innings, Mason competed in a baseball trivia contest from over the first-base dugout with another opponent over the third-base dugout. Thousands of fans in the 50,000 seat capacity stadium watched Mason walk away victoriously by answering three questions correctly. Later in the game, Dinger danced with kids to Jars of Clay's "Liquid" on top of the 3rd-base dugout.

Essential Records' pop quartet True Vibe traveled to New York City last weekend for a night of music and ministry, honoring the firefighters, police officers, rescue workers, military and families affected by the September 11th tragedy. The concert took place Sunday evening of Fleet Week, a time designated by New York City to show its appreciation for the sailors and Marines who serve our country. True Vibe joined former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, who shared his testimony, and fellow contemporary Christian artists 4HIM and Out of Eden at the Staten Island Yankees' Stadium (a single A affiliate of the New York Yankees) at 7:00 p.m. The group performed five songs including "Jump, Jump, Jump," "Now And Forever" and "See The Light," a cut from their upcoming August 20th release of the same name.

On Monday, June 3, log onto ChristianityToday.com to view the exclusive web premiere of Audio Adrenaline’s new video for their current hit single, “Ocean Floor.” In other AA news, the band will be featured as the July/August cover story of Breakaway Magazine so go check it out!

In two weeks Bleach will be teaming up with Jonathan Rej (Stretch Arm Strong, Further Seems Forever, Squad Five-0) to do a video for the song "We Are Tomorrow" from the upcoming album Again For The First Time which hits stores on August 27th.

tobyMac will be letting fans into his world this summer while performing at festivals. Once a week, he will be sending in his journal to CCMMagazine.com. Check it out and learn what it’s really like to be tobyMac on the road.

T-Bone is in the studio working with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for his next release. Jam and Lewis are major producers who are arguably the right hand men to Janet Jackson. Watch for this out in October.

Four short months after relocating to the U.S. and only one week since the release of New Map Of The World, the Paul Colman Trio plows ahead with a No. 1 Christian Hits Radio single for the second consecutive week and a highly acclaimed label debut. A mere 8 weeks following its release, "Turn," the debut radio single from pc3's first label project, New Map Of The World, claimed the No. 1 position on Radio & Records' Christian Hits Radio chart. The hit song garners the top spot again this week, with no signs of letting up.

The Elms are in the studio now working on their sophomore release again with Brent Milligan and for the first time with Richard Dodd who has worked with Tom Petty and Sheryl Crow.

Pillar's new album Fireproof has sold more than 8,000 units its first week putting it at #4 on the Christian Retail Chart, #6 on the Top Current Contemporary Christian chart and #139 on Billboard Top 200 chart. Also, they are #6 on the Heatseekers chart. Congratulations guys!

Jaci Velásquez was recently awarded the Latin Billboard Music Award in the "Pop Album of the Year-Female" for her Spanish album Mi Corazón.

Phillip and Natalie LaRue are currently finishing up with their third project, Reaching, set to release on October 8, 2002.

Be on the lookout for the sophomore release in September from Lifehouse, entitled Stanley Climbfall. Look for a more Coldplay, Radiohead, Pink Floyd feel.

After winning Inspirational Life Awards for both Performer Of The Year and Pop/Contemporary Album Of The Year (Found A Place) in 2001, Essential Records' pop quartet FFH garners repeat nominations in both categories, the latter for its current project, Have I Ever Told You. Congrats guys!

Marcos from P.O.D. is featured on the Nappy Roots track "Awnaw" which is the rock remix for the hip hop group's debut "Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz."

Steve Wiggins, former lead singer/guitarist of the late Big Tent Revival, will release his solo debut Faith That Is Real, on June 18th from Ardent Records. The album is produced by John Hampton (Gin Blossoms, Smalltown Poets) and Dana Key.

New Squint artists 38th Parallel is featured on an upcoming WalMart summer sampler CD entitled Sonic Fuel. Look for the band's first single, "Horizon," on this disk. The band's debut album Turn the Tides releases July 2nd.

Further Seems Forever's new music will be released tentatively in February. They are working with James Wisner who has produced bands such as TwoThirtyEight and Stairwell. Look for something a little different this time around.

Stavesacre has enlisted David Bianco as producer for their upcoming Nitro/ XS Records debut. Bianco has worked with Buckcherry, Coal Chamber, and not to mention AC/DC. He also won a Grammy for his work with Tom Petty's Wildflowers album.

Embodyment announces that drummer Mark Garza has left the group. The other members and Garza couldn't seem to see eye to eye. Best of luck for Garza in his future.

One June 28 and 29, Andraé Crouch will be recording his first live album Mighty Wind, under his newly formed label, Slave Records. The record will feature a 25 vocal ensemble which include some of the best singers that has toured with Andraé throughout his career, a full orchestra and special guest appearances by Crystal Lewis and Karen Clark. The recording will take place at The New Christ Memorial Church, where Andraé is currently pastoring.

Bill Mallonee's anticipated solo album, Fetal Position, is now finished. You may know him from his amazing work with the Vigilantes of Love.

Travail has decided to call it quits. Of the members that were left in the end, Brian and Duane will move to Memphis to play in the band Logic 34, Matt has started a new band called Desolation Project, and Kyle will do something other than music. Best of luck to all the members.