Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: June 2003

June, 2003

*Thursday, June 19th, 2003*

Deep South Entertainment announces the 2003 Stryper Reunion Tour, the band’s first nationwide performance junket in more than 12 years, slated to kick-off in the Northeast in early October. The tour will run across the United States, playing approximately 30 concerts. While markets and venues are still being finalized, tour dates will be announced in early July via the Internet on both www.stryper.com and www.michaelsweet.com. Originally formed in 1983 in Orange County, California, by brothers Michael and Robert Sweet and guitarist Oz Fox (joined shortly thereafter by bassist Tim Gaines), Stryper has sold more than seven million records worldwide over its career and has garnered critical and fan acclaim worldwide. The band earned its stripes on the Los Angeles metal club circuit, and in 1984 signed with Enigma Records, releasing its debut mini-album, The Yellow And Black Attack, then going on to record six more records over nearly a decade. While there is no officially scheduled release for another Stryper album, there are talks and a strong possibility for a Stryper live album and/or DVD recorded throughout the upcoming tour.

As it hits Top 20 at #19 on Mainstream AC and #41 on the CHR/Top 40 charts this week, surely one of the biggest surprises at pop radio this year has come from the song “I Can Only Imagine,” the Gospel Music \ Association’s Song of the Year for 2002, performed by one of the biggest bands in Christian music, the platinum-selling band MercyMe. Hitting radio countdown shows like Casey Kasem's American Top 20 and Leeza Gibbons' Hollywood Confidential last weekend, the song is continuing to get listener response most radio stations have never experienced. Sales of the nearly 3 year-old album Almost There, which features “I Can Only Imagine,” have begun to grow again, re-entering the Billboard Top 200 sales chart several weeks ago. According to INO Records, the album has increased in sales at a minimum of 50 percent, and in some cases as high as 300 percent in markets where it is receiving airplay.

Rebecca St. James has also been recognized by a comic strip, which reaches 70,000,000 people on a daily basis through newspapers around the world. The strip is named NANCY and was published in the USA on June 17. Be sure to check ot this month's CCM magazine for an in-depth interview with Rebecca. They also take Rebecca's music to the streets with some interesting responses.

The official ZOEgirl fansite has listed the title of ZOEgirl's upcoming album slated to be released September 16th. The tentative title for the band's third studio project will be entitled Different Kind of Free. The first single from the album will be "You Get Me" and will start playing on the radio the week of June 27th. Check out the announcments at www.thelifesite.net

Leigh Nash recently recorded vocals for a song called "A Charmed Life" which will be featured in the MGM film, Uptown Girls with Brittany Murphy, Heather Locklear and Dakota Fanning, releasing August 15th. The song will also be featured on the soundtrack, which hits store shelves August 5th.

Rachael Lampa picked up a diploma and said goodbye to her high school days as she recently graduated from Monarch High School in Colorado. Now touring nationwide with Geoff Moore on Compassion International sponsored dates, Rachael is also working on a new studio album coming later this year. Be on the lookout...

Jaci Velasquez performed songs from her current Unspoken album release at this year's WalMart shareholders conference. Joining Jaci in performances of their own were platinum-selling crooner Josh Groban and country superstar group Rascal Flatts.

During his visit to the Netherlands, Michael W. Smith was honored for record album-sales in Holland. Smith received a commemorative plaque, signifying the combined sales of both Worship and Worship Again. These albums combined have held the number one spot in the Dutch Album Top 20 (Gospelchart.nl) for over 15 months and are still going strong. "There’s a lot of awards, but I always tend to look at the international ones with special interest" noted Michael. "Gaining a foothold in other countries tends to be a little tougher than it is in the States, so we view it all the more as an accomplishment." In other MWS news, Michael W. Smith's The Bigger Picture hit retailers on June 3, 2003. The retail premium piece includes videos, such as "This Is Your Time," "Cry for Love" and for the first time, "There She Stands." The Bigger Picture also includes video commentary and a Behind-the-Scenes family tribute. Check it out at your local retailer!

Sara Groves offer this announcement about a new member in the Groves camp... "Toby is Here!! Thank you all for your prayers. Tobias "Toby" Jay Groves was born May 16th. Tobias means “God is good." He was 7lbs, 8oz and 20-1/2" long." Sara and family are all soaking this new little one up. They are a family of 4 and loving it! Musically, the latest is that Sara and Sponge/INO Records will be releasing a new project March 2004. During their time off the road this Fall, Sara will be recording the new songs. In the meantime, be on the lookout for City on a Hill 3 to be released this Summer. Sara performs a new original song of hers on the album and sings on a couple of others. Listen for Sara on the first radio single "The Gathering" with Jars of Clay, Caedmon's Call and Bebo Norman.

Bleach is recording their follow-up to last year's Again, For The Last Time, with producer Neil King (Green Day, The Smiths) at Dark Horse Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. The new album is scheduled to be released on October 21st! Be sure to catch Bleach and Holland, on the "Winners Never Quit" with Five Iron Frenzy beginning in September and hitting 60 US cities through November!

Word Records is pleased to announce the signing of pop/rock duo Across the Sky with their self-titled debut album bowing in stores nationwide on July 8th. The Nashville based group made up of 21 year olds Ben Kolarcik and Justin Unger, met in the hallways of Word Records less than a year ago while pursuing solo careers of their own. After spending time together, the two developed a vision to merge their individual talents together and began writing over 50 songs for the project. Produced by Pete Kipley, Jeremy Bose, as well as the production team of Jim Cooper and Kenny Lamb, the project has all the elements of an incredible debut with a balanced mix of pop, rock and harmonious ballads that are primarily penned by the duo.

Curb Records will partner with Word Entertainment to launch a new album by award winning Christian artist, Jonathan Pierce. Pierce pushes the envelope on the innovative album with a new sound and new direction to his music, but thinks that fans will be supportive of the change, "I'm a fan of many musical styles and wanted to explore a new musical path, the sound may be more contemporary, but the spiritual base on which my career was built remains the same."

American television legend Andy Griffith recently completed recording his first Christmas album entitled The Christmas Guest, which will release on September 30th. Produced by Marty Stuart, The Christmas Guest brings a new collection of holiday favorites and 3 short story readings for the 2003 holiday season. A companion gift book of the same title will also release from J. Countryman Publishing on October 9th. The Christmas Guest will be Griffith's third recording on Sparrow Records. Griffith's first release I Love To Tell The Story was released in 1996 and sold over 2 million copies and won a Grammy Award for "Best Southern Gospel, Bluegrass Gospel or Country Album."

*Friday, June 13th, 2003*

Until recently, PAX217 was slated to tour with Five Iron Frenzy for Five Iron's farewell "Winners Never Quit" Tour. Dave Tosti posted, "We're sorry to announce that we will not be a part of the Five Iron tour in the Fall. We have recently made a decision to take this time to write new music and focus on our next record. We're excited to begin this writing process and also understand that this decision heavily affects everyone a part of the tour. We apologize for any inconvenience that his has caused Five Iron Frenzy, their staff, and the promoters that are working hard to make this tour a success. PAX217 truly believes in Five Iron and all they do. They will always stand as a band that inspired us in their passion for music and their love for Jesus Christ. This is their final tour and IT WILL ROCK. Go to FiveIronFrenzy.com to catch the show nearest you!"

Grammy and Dove award-winning rock band Third Day will grace the stage for the closing ceremonies of Habitat for Humanity International’s Jimmy Carter Work Project 2003 in Anniston, Ala. Third Day will share the stage with former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jimmy Carter and Habitat for Humanity International Founder and President Millard Fuller. The festivities of JCWP 2003 celebrate building homes in partnership with 92 new homeowners and their families in the three communities of Anniston, Ala., and LaGrange and Valdosta, Ga. Third Day, recipients of a Grammy for their rock album Come Together and one of the most well-known Christian rock bands in the United States, will perform during the JCWP closing ceremonies in Anniston, Ala., on Friday, June 13, (today!) at 5 p.m. (CDT). They will also hold a benefit concert, open to the volunteers that participated in the JCWP week, and to the general public by ticket-only, Friday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. (CDT). All proceeds from ticket sales will support Habitat for Humanity’s worldwide building efforts.

*Thursday, June 12th, 2003*

Building on the partnership formed over 2002, Third Day and Chevrolet’s Southeast Regional Office announced a yearlong promotional relationship, including the agreement that Chevrolet is the Official Vehicle of Third Day. The expanded affiliation will include several marketing and promotional components to continue to build the affinity between Third Day fans and Chevrolet products. The tag line for the campaign is “Third Day, Chevrolet, Rocks!” “Chevrolet’s Southeast Regional Office has been a great partner for Third Day and we appreciate their continued interest in working with us,” said Tai Anderson, Third Day band member. “We look forward to the growth of this relationship over the coming year. The synergy between our teams is amazing and we anticipate a positive result in our endeavors together.”

Steven Curtis Chapman and wife Mary Beth recently arrived home from China, narrowing escaping the SARS epidemic to bring Stevey Joy home. Stevey Joy is the Chapman’s second daughter to be adopted from China. Chapman has been a long time advocate for adoption throughout his career, then became an adoptive dad himself in 2000 when the Chapman family adopted Shaohannah. The Chapman’s have since established "Shaohannah’s Hope", an organization with the express purpose of providing information and assistance to other families who have the heart to adopt children, but may not have the means. For more information about Shaohannah’s Hope, please visit www.StevenCurtisChapman.com and www.ShaohannahsHope.com

Where's Jennifer Knapp?! We asked Gotee Records this question recently who only had this little information to share... "As far as Jen is concerned, she's been on sabbatical for the past several months and will continue to be until at least late this year or early next year." We'll keep you posted on anything that arrives!

Tune into MTV2 for the "All Things Rock" show this today, June 12, from 6-7pm EST to see the debut of the Relient K video ³Chap Stick, Chapped Lips, and Things Like Chemistry². Once it airs, all of you hardcore RK fans need to start voting on MTV2 so you can see the video in regular rotation.

The people of the fair kingdom of Music Row will notice a new flag waving high over the towering fortress of BMI in Nashville today. It's the Australian flag being flown in tribute to native daughter, Rebecca St. James. In according the 25 year old singer the honor of flying her national flag that day, BMI is signaling that its doors will be opening later that afternoon to welcome inside invited guests from the music industry and beyond for an international celebration. The Grammy Award winning artist is being honored by BMI, in conjunction with her label, ForeFront Records, with a party to celebrate two important career milestones: The certification of "gold" for sales in excess of 500,000 for her groundbreaking album, God and the recognition of her 10th year anniversary as a major voice in contemporary music and ministry. With diversity and depth, the Sydney Australia native has become one of the most outspoken, evangelical, fan connected artists in Christian music today. As one interviewer recently noted, "Rebecca St. James is more than an angelic voice, she's a driving force in Christian music." Ahead of Rebecca on Thursday will be a "surprise" series of presentations from a grateful label and industry. The menu will be filled with "outback" food specialities, Australia décor, and special tributes worth waving flags over.

Audio Adrenaline's Dove-nominated Song of the Year "Ocean Floor" continues to create waves. Last week, Audio Adrenaline was recognized by the performing rights organization, ASCAP, for writing one of the year's most played songs.

Avalon performed a free concert last night, June 11, at the Rocketown club downtown where the #1 Christian vocal group filmed a soon-to-be-released live performance greatest hits DVD! For more information, visit: http://www.avalonlive.com

Nichole Nordeman's music video for Woven & Spun's second single, "Legacy," is ready for viewing, and an Ecard is in the works from Sparrow Records so you can share the clip with friends. And of course, Nordeman continues her journey to motherhood as her first child, a boy, is due in just a matter of weeks. Mom says the little one is doing some major Jackie Chan moves in the womb these days. You'll get a kick out of all this and more at: http://www.nicholenordeman.com

Project 86 is currently writing for an exclusive EP, available only at the band's official site, project86.com (not ANY record label). Project 86 will be recording five songs for release later this summer for the fans, to have at an affordable price before they begin recording their new record. The songs will be heavy, aggressive, and energetic, and will most certainly pack a much needed punch for the hungry. Stay tuned to Project86.com for details and pre-order information in the weeks to come.

Having recently finalized a recording agreement with Hip-Hop innovators Mars ILL, Gotee Records eagerly anticipates the August 19th release of their new album, Backbreakanomics. Gotee founder Toby McKeehan originally announced Mars ILL's signing in April during Gotee's GMA Week showcase. With momentum fueled by imaginative recordings, captivating live shows, and strategic touring, Atlanta-based Mars ILL is already highly regarded in the general market's underground Hip-Hop scene. Their reputation for originality, their focused work ethic and the advocacy of key influencers like Uprok Record's visionary Josh Niemyjski helped Mars ILL establish a committed fanbase, and a national presence on mainstream college radio. Having invaded the Top 15 of CMJ's Hip Hop Chart, Mars ILL recently graced the cover of Southeast Performer Magazine, and has been highlighted in publications like URB, Mixer Magazine and Insomniac. "We consider this label to be an A&R-driven label," explains Joey Elwood, President of Gotee Records. "If you consider yourself that, you have to run towards the great talent and not be intimidated by the unknown. Mars ILL is a terrific blend of vision, ministry and musical ability. In a word, they're vital."

The cover for the new Daniel's Window release Illuminate won a Crabby Award at this year's MAC Design Conference in Chicago. The CD artwork, designed by Stephen Jensen of Chicago-based design firm F3 Design, won "Best In Show". Software giant Pantone will be featuring the cover art in an upcoming ad campaign that will run in various technology and computer industry magazines. The Crabby Awards (named in honor of Macintosh author and columnist Don Crabb) celebrates the year's best graphic design projects in five categories.

Sixstepsrecords/Sparrow worship artist Charlie Hall was a recent “Coffee Break” guest for EMI-CMG staff. Sharing the inspiration behind some of the songs and the heartbeat of the new album, Hall performed several songs from On The Road To Beautiful, which is set to release August 19. “Life is odd. The reality of living in a fallen place is that we want be real, but we struggle and want to place blame,” explains Hall. “Then we realize how small, frail, and pitiful we are. We can choose to be depressed about it, or we can accept God’s glory and the power we have in our weakness through Him. On The Road To Beautiful is about that process, that journey to the realization of who we are in God, that we are truly loved by God and able to fully delight in His presence.”

Living Sacrifice are going to be performing their last show at this year’s Cornerstone Festival. During the month of June we will be accepting emails from fans of the band and Solid State Records like you to write a brief letter telling the band what they meant to you. Solid State will present the letters to the band at this year’s Cornerstone Festival where they will be headlining the last day, Saturday July 5. Email the band here: info@solidstaterecords.com Show the Sacrifice boys how much they have meant to you.

It has been two years since Phat Chance's debut release. The band made this announcement update this week: "Like any 15- to 17-year-old teens, we have matured a lot since then...and so has our music. We have been trying to capture a classic rock sound...and we think you will love it! Along with the new album, we will be announcing the new name. And the new web site. And the new Street Team. And the new prayer team. And the new merchandise items. And the new concert schedule. Like we said, we have been working hard lately."

Singer/songwriter Jill Paquette prepares to release her first nationally distributed album through Reunion Records on July 22. The self-titled project, produced by Steve Rendall (Matt Brouwer) and Phil Madeira (Rich Mullins, Phil Keaggy), delivers songs written or co-written by Paquette, that introduce an acoustically driven signature sound from the classically trained artist.

Reunion Records artist NewSong kicks off its fifth annual Summer Jam tour this July. Hosted by NewSong, the tour will feature TAIT, Plus One, Detour 180, Todd Agnew, Royal Ruckus, and Mizzie. "The Jam tours have a history of diverse and talented artists with strong ministry hearts - this summer is no exception," says Eddie Carswell, one of NewSong's founding members. "We are humbled that God has used these tours to spread his message of hope and love with literally thousands of spiritual decisions made. We are praying for that to continue this summer." The tour is slated kick off in Asheville, NC on July 11, 2003, and will stop in 15-plus cities including Fayetteville, NC, Louisville, KY, Shreveport, LA, New Orleans, LA, Peoria, IL and Springfield, MO among others. A full listing of the tour cities can be found at www.jamtours.com.

If you’ve been wondering where the joy in music went, look no further… FM Static has arrived! Recently signed to Tooth & Nail Records, the Toronto four are proving that music with a purpose can also be the catchy compliment to any summer day! Featuring two members of Christian Rock mainstay Thousand Foot Krutch, FM Static’s sound relies more on the influences of bands like Weezer, Good Charlotte, and the Beach Boys to create their personal brand of sunny-faced power pop with a twinge of punk rock flair. But even with all their catchy choruses, FM Static has not lost sight of their message. In fact, their focus is one not often touched by Christian bands in reassuring teens of their feelings in the path of growing up. “I think these songs will let kids know it’s okay to have bad days once in a while,” comments lead singer and lyricist Trevor McNevan. “These are real things and situations that, as Christians, we don’t talk about enough, and it leaves kids thinking that it’s wrong to express their feelings.”

Salvador returns to their Hispanic roots by releasing their first all Spanish language album August 12th, where they once again exhibit excellence through the ample variety of Latin rhythms and sounds that have made the band unique. Following the success of their previous releases, Salvador and Into Motion, and the great response the songs "Montaña" and "Alegría" have received, Con Poder brings ten uplifting, energizing songs that will enthrall the listener.

One of the most respected managers in the Christian music industry has launched a new Christian record label, Perpetual Entertainment Group. Mike Smith, of Michael Smith and Associates, has guided the careers of such successful artists as Chonda Pierce, Salvador, Go Fish, and 38th Parallel, among many others. Smith is also the creator of the innovative and highly successful annual conference on artist management, “Be The Voice Behind The Voice,” that will take place in Nashville Sept. 26-28, 2003. The first two artists signed to Perpetual Entertainment Group are the vocalist and songwriter, that charted six number one hit songs as former NewSong frontman, Charles Billingsley and very popular funnyman, Brad Stine, who has appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime and The Comedy Channel. Charles new release Secret Conversation will be in stores July 1, 2003 and Brad Stine’s new video Put A Helmet On! is scheduled to be released August 5.

*Wednesday, June 11th, 2003*

Urgent Newsflash!! Creation East 2003 Festival has moved!! Due to excess rain recently in Pennsylvania, Creation Festival will NOT be at Agape Farm like is usually is and has been relocated to Hershey Amusement Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania! Here's some official news... "Due to water-soaked grounds at Agape Farm, we have decided to move the Creation Festival to Hershey, PA. This is the best move for safety and the comfort of our campers. It was back in 1996 that we moved to Hershey due to the torrential rains at the Agape Farm. Once again our Spring out at the Farm has been burdened with heavy rains, to the point that the creeks and streams are 2+ feet over flood stage. This area does not drain water well and we foresee that the grounds will not be able to safely accommodate the ministry, events and people that will be there the week of the festival. With the move to Hershey will come many questions...
1. THE PROGRAM WILL GO ON AS PLANNED. For an up to date event scheduled continue to check our website schedule at http://www.gospelcom.net/creation/east/east_schedule.php
2. STAFF - YES YOU ARE STILL NEEDED FOR STAFF
3. IS CAMPING AVAILABLE? Yes, Camping is available at Hershey.
More info will be coming your way. Also keep checking the website for updates."

*Thursday, June 5th, 2003*

At a ceremony held in Nashville earlier this week, Essential rock band Third Day was honored by the American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers. “Show Me Your Glory,” penned collectively by band members, was named Song of the Year, one of the highest honors of the evening. “Show Me Your Glory” and “It’s Alright,” both having been No. 1 radio hits, were named two of the Society’s 25 Most Performed songs of the year. Dan Keen, Assistant Vice President of ASCAP, was on hand to congratulate the band on their creative achievements. He noted, “Third Day is a cultural change-agent that has altered the way America worships. It’s one of the preeminent bands that consistently delivers fresh, contemporary worship music that Christians use in church, youth groups, concerts and rallies. This band’s music connects any where and every where. Plus, I like the fact that when it’s time to rock, they rock!”

The Circus is coming to town this August! August 26th release date for the Circus' next record! 40+ songs got widdled down to 24 songs. 24 songs were chosen and demo-ed. 24 songs were honed down to 11. 11 songs were chosen to be re-recorded. 10 songs made the cut. And now, after "praying, laboring, and praying a lot more", it's almost finished! The sophomore national release from JfH's favorite new artist of 2002, The Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus, A Beautiful Glow releases August 26th, 2003! The band made this official announcement on their site recently, "It's been quite some time since we've made a full-length record. After all, our last full length was recorded in May and December of 2000- at least for the most part. And since then, it's been a whirlwind. But, as all of you fans of Job know, God can speak loud and clear through a whirlwind..." Want a sneak preview? Well a 3 song EP is headed your way real soon! "Well friends," the band continues, "the good folks at INO/Epic wanted to mix it up a little. They felt as if you've waited a bit too long for some new material from the band. Good news! The sneak preview to A Beautiful Glow will be available at all summer festival dates, as well as concert dates throughout late May and through the summer. The disc features three brand new tunes, including the title track "A Beautiful Glow", the hard hitting "New Wave Revolution", and the song that is already bringing tears to the eyes of the Circus as they sing it, "Blessed Tune (we will sing forever….one day)." There's another reason why to make it out to festivals this Summer!

Petra's been working on getting back to their roots and with their latest release, Jekyll and Hyde, releasing this August, it sounds like old fans will have something to celebrate! You can hear the title track from the band's newest release right now at: http://www.inpop.com/radio/artists/petra/

Pillar's mainstream re-release of Fireproof graces shelves everywhere next week! Check out the band's commercial running on MTV2 June 1-12. It’s also located in the "Extras" section of pillarmusic.com. Apparently the live footage in the commercial are clips from the new DVD that comes free with select copies of the re-release. Check out the commercial: http://www.pillarmusic.com/extras/mca-commercial.mov

Word Recording Artist Amy Grant will release her long-awaited pop album, Simple Things, on August 19. This will be the Grammy and Dove award winning female vocalist’s first album of all new material since the 1997 release of Behind the Eyes. Simple Things will be released simultaneously by A&M Records to the general market. “This album is three years in the making,” said Grant, who released a Christmas album and a Hymns project in the interim. “As a result, Simple Things is a collection of songs that reflect a lot of life that has happened along the way.” “Word Records is excited to be releasing Simple Things. Whether it is a hymns project like her recent Legacy…Hymns and Faith or this new pop record, you can always count on Amy to deliver a first class recording project that is full of passion, faith and redemption… and great music. Her 18th album is as true as her first,” said Mark Lusk, senior vice president of marketing and artist development for Warner Bros. Records Christian Division.

As the first Christian band ever to be invited as a featured act, INO recording artist MercyMe recently performed on the infield at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s annual event the week prior to the INDY 500, in which drivers practice on the track in front of fans and the media. In addition, on the day of the 87th Annual Indianapolis 500, May 25th, the band performed at three morning chapel services for drivers and their families. MercyMe was also invited to ride in yellow convertible Corvettes for a VIP lap around the track along with such celebrities as Wynonna, George Hamilton and Muhommad Ali. MercyMe also had the honor of watching the race from the Emerson Fittipaldi Legends Row Suite. “What an honor to be a part of the Indy 500 chapel services,” commented lead singer Bart Millard. “Being race fans, it was a dream come true to worship with some of the drivers and take a spin on the track. We can now mark that off of our ‘top ten things to do as MercyMe’ list!”

Thousand Foot Krutch is back on the scene and ready for action! With a new record label and a new project in the works, TFK has gotten right back in the thick of things. Their first album, Set it Off was released in November 2000 and blew up selling over 50,000 units. Made up of lead singer Trevor McNevan, bass player Joel Bruyere and drummer Steve Augustine, TFK has just signed with Tooth and Nail Records. Their debut T&N release titled Phenomenon is scheduled to hit stores September 2003. A sample of Phenomenon can currently be heard on Tooth and Nail's rock compilation titled X 2003. The single called “Bounce”, is already a radio favorite and debuted on the R&R rock chart at #17. Nikki Shumate from WUFM-Columbus says, “This song has been at the top of our listener's Ten Most Wanted for awhile now and we can't wait to hear what else is in store.”

Floodgate Records is proud to announce a strategic alliance with Salvage Records for marketing and distribution of the album Celebrate Mistakes by Number One Gun which will hit stores August 12. “I think this is a fantastic chance for Number One Gun to gain some added exposure. Floodgate has a great track record with bands like East West and Denison Marrs. We’re excited to be able to use their resources to get not only the Number One Gun name out there, but the Salvage Records moniker as well,” states David Tosti, A&R Director of Salvage Records. “Number One Gun is the perfect band for a label like Floodgate,” explains Tim Taber, President of Floodgate Records. “They have a serious commitment to touring, they have a great west-coast buzz, and they are just great people. Not to mention, all of us at Floodgate have fallen in love with their music. We are thrilled to have them be a part of our family.”

Speaking of TFK, FM Static, a side project from some of the members of Thousand Foot Krutch has signed to Tooth & Nail as well! With influences ranging from Good Charlotte to the Beach Boys, FM Static brings their own brand of sunny-faced power pop with a punk rock flair to the table in a big way. Their debut album, What Are You Waiting For, is packed full of teenage power anthems full of melodies that conjure up glowing, heartfelt affirmations about the trials of love, loss, and simply growing up. What Are You Waiting For hits stores on July 22! You can download the song, "Definitely Maybe" now and get a taste for FM Static. Let us warn you now, though, it's very catchy! http://www.mp3.com/fmstatic

Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant will reunite for a concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre at The Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa, CA. The show is scheduled for July 20th and starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com!

*Monday, June 2nd, 2003*

It's official, folks! We found out for a fact from the band recently that The Benjamin Gate was to disband later this year. The official announcement was yet to be made, but this announcement was recently sent out to the band's official newsletter... "As you may all be aware, Adrienne Liesching is engaged and will be getting married in December of this year (actually in our home town of Port Elizabeth, South Africa). The sad news is that she will be leaving the band, and that this will be The Benjamin Gate's last year. In fact, the band will be coming to an end on November 2 officially the 'close of play date' for The Benjamin Gate. The Benjamin Gate has been touring the USA for a little over 2 years now and we have seen great successes and made many friends. We are thankful for the time we have had in the USA and thankful for the opportunities we have had to play in very many states across the country, as well as having been able to play in the UK, Sweden and the Netherlands, and in our great home country, South Africa." The Gate's final project is a DVD entitled Contact releasing June 24th on Forefront Records.

If you happened to catch the opening of the new Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron heist flick The Italian Job this weekend, you heard DJ Andy Hunter's hit techno tune "Go" during a driving sequence where Theron's character Stella is test-driving a getaway car.

A recent article in Rolling Stone Magazine revealed that secular rapper Afroman has traded drugs for a Bible! The article read, "There's more to life than smoking weed... and singing about it. That's the lesson Joseph "Afroman" Foreman has learned. The rapper, who had a breakout novelty hit in the summer of 2001 with the stoner anthem "Because I Got High" has been dope- and booze-free for more than seven months (he thinks, though he can't really remember) and he has traded glorifying bongs and babes in favor of praising the Lord. "Believe it or not, I'm developing some maturity," says Foreman, twenty-eight, who split Los Angeles for rural Hattiesburg, Mississippi, shortly before "High" blew up and helped his major-label debut The Good Times sell more than one million copies. "I'm realizing that life is bigger than me and my little clique and my little songs. I've been reading the Bible and taking a look at life. I was at the fork in the road when I got my [record] deal." For the full (and very interesting) article, visit http://www.rollingstone.com/news/newsarticle.asp?nid=18126

Stacie Orrico was coast to coast last week! Early in the week, Stacie was in New York for a photo shoot in preparation for the release of her album in Japan. She left the East Coast to head out to LA to film the video for her upcoming single, "More To Life," which will be sent to both mainstream and Christian radio. The video is being directed by famed video director, Dave Meyers. In other Stacie news, Stacie Orrico leaped to #1 on the SoundScan Top Current Contemporary Christian Chart last week! The jump was prompted by Stacie's appearance last week on the NBC family hit, "American Dreams." Stacie was also the featured artist this week on the website of the popular syndicated radio program, The Lazerbeam Countdown.

EMI Christian Music Publishing hosted a "writer's in the round" that featured EMICMP writer's Rebecca St. James, The Elms, and Steve Reischl, former Newsong member and husband of ForeFront creative champ Annette Reischl. The group performed acoustic versions of some of their favorite self-penned tunes. Rebecca performed "Song of Love" and "Expressions of Your Love." She even gave the crowd a treat when she wrapped up the event with a rendition of her song, "A Cold Heart Turns" from God. What made this rendition interesting is that Rebecca picked up the guitar and strummed along as she sung, which she has never done before! For proof, check out this picture!

Congratulations to Out of Eden’s Andrea Kimmey Baca, and her husband Drew on the birth of their beautiful daughter, Naia Joelle! Naia was born on May 27, 2003 at 8:21 am and weighed in at 6 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 19 inches!

On the heels of the successful West Coast leg of the “Come Together and Worship Tour” with Third Day and Max Lucado, Michael W. Smith is preparing for a two-week European tour, kicking off June 5 in Herning, Denmark. While Smith is confirmed for many appearances, one is of specific significance. This year Michael is scheduled for the closing performance at the biggest event in Dutch Gospel history, EO Youth Day. Taking place June 14 at Gelredone Stadium, this year’s EO Youth Day event will host an audience of more than 50,000. Rocketown recording artist Shaun Groves will open for Michael on nine dates, including EO Youth Day, in support of his sophomore release, Twilight, that hits retail Aug. 5 through Provident Music Distribution. Upon returning home, Smith heads into the studio to put the finishing touches on The Second Decade, his Oct. 7 release, featuring hits from albums spanning the last ten years of his career plus two new songs.

Superchic[k] recently recorded the new theme song to the MTV’s popular show Road Rules, now going into it’s 12th season! Road Rules and its new theme song, aptly titled “Road Rules,” premiered Monday, May 26th but can now be heard with each new episode this season!

Ever heard of the band Liberty n' Justice? No, but you will. 3 Chord recording artist Liberty n' Justice are set to release a new album entitled Welcome To The Revolution which features 15 classic CCM artists like Bob Carlisle, John Schlitt(Petra), Michael Sweet (Stryper), Jamie Rowe (Guardian), Dale Thompson (Bride), Rick Florian (White Heart), Scott Wenzel (White Cross), Greg X Volz (Petra), Mitch McVicker, Jeff Fenholt, Paul Q Pek (One Bad Pig), Mike Roe (77's) and a few others. More info soon!

Over the Memorial Day weekend, Michael Tait opened his doors (and his grill) for a cookout with the Tait band guys. According to Tait bassist, Lonnie Chapin, they cooked an old Chapin family cookout classic, the "Chapin Foil Cookout Dinners." Lonnie even shared the secret recipe: "Take seasoned hamburger meat, carrots, onions and all kinds of special Bar-B-Q sauces, wrap it in foil and cook over coals for about 35 minutes and get ready for a mouth watering experience." Tait's sophomore release Jealous Lover streets this November.

Ready for Father's Day? Well, Andrew Peterson is! Be sure to check out the new Father's Day ecard featuring Andrew's song "Family Man." Also, you can listen to the full song streaming, so feel free to pass it on to anyone you know that might like to hear the song! http://www.essentialrecords.com/ecards/AP/all.html

Listen up Pillar fans! Just got word that you can pre-order the new Fireproof re-release including the FREE bonus DVD for just $9.99 at Best Buy! The awesome thing is that they are running free shipping right now as well! Here’s the link for the page where you can pre-order at Best Buy: http://www.bestbuy.com/mandm/ProductInfo.asp?ProdType=music&ST=11226251

For those of you in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the surrounding area don’t miss your chance to come out and see a free instore performance by The Agony Scene at Wherehouse Music, 8802 E 71st St, on the street date on June 10. Performance starts at 7 pm, get there early, pick up a copy of the record and get a free poster and/or Solid State sampler featuring The Agony Scene, Beloved (US), Figure Four and The Death Campaign.