Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: March 2012

March, 2012

*Friday, March 30, 2012*

We are pretty excited to share the news that the guys in Big Tent Revival are getting back together again! The band launched their career on Forefront Records in 1992 and called it quits in 2000 after a pretty good run. The southern rock band members have all gone on to do some big things since then (Dude, Steve Dale opening his own restaurant!), but the guys are ready to rock together once again! To do so, they need your help though. Check out their Kickstarter campaign and consider joining us in pitching in! On their campaign page is a great video...
<< Full Report >>

After receiving five GRAMMY® awards, countless other accolades, and with album sales in excess of 10 million, it's no surprise that critics and fans alike bravoed superstar TobyMac upon the release of Dubbed & Freq'd: A Remix Project, his first remix album in seven years. Fusing his signature rock-pop, hip-hop and urban styles with a treatment of today's electronic music uprising, the album offers an outstanding new interpretation of 12 of Toby's classics to an incredibly wide audience. Immediately upon release, the album made its debut at No. 2 on the...
<< Full Report >>

Jimmy Needham's new album, Clear The Stage, is being hailed as his strongest release to date with stellar reviews from media and strong support overall from the Christian music industry. The project is the first-time collaboration between producer Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Dave Barnes, Aaron Shust) and Needham, with the first single, "If I Ever Needed Grace" going for adds at radio. The Fish/LA is one of the stations who is on board with an early add. Needham's two-week promo trip covered several cities in six states (Georgia, Illinois, Florida, Indiana, Texas and Michigan) for media appearances...
<< Full Report >>

*Thursday, March 29, 2012*

Once believed to be no more, former BEC Recordings indie worship band The Glorious Unseen is planning a brand new recording, titled Lovesick! Fronted by worship leader Ben Crist, this will be TGU's first new studio album since 2009's The Hope That Lies In You. Their recently announced Kickstarter project gives the following details...
<< Full Report >>

Integrity Music announces the April 17th release of Swell, a new live recording from the critically acclaimed, Louisiana-based worship band Deluge. Known for their ability to engage church audiences of all ages and worship traditions, Deluge calls Baton Rouge's Bethany World Prayer Center home. Not only do the band members attend Bethany...
<< Full Report >>

PULSE Movement founder and chief communicator Nick Hall, featured speaker for Christian music’s largest annual tour—the Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular—has witnessed more than 154,000 people to date make decisions for Christ as a result of the tour’s evangelistic music and ministry focus. Taking center stage to present the Gospel at all 47 Winter Jam...
<< Full Report >>

*Wednesday, March 28, 2012*

Only days away from releasing their ninth studio album, Bremerton, WA, punk rock trio MXPX announce four commemorative "20th Anniversary Shows." With the official anniversary falling on July 6, the band will play select dates this spring and summer to celebrate their new album, PLANS WITHIN PLANS, and the legacy they've built over the years. Their first stop begins in their home away from home, Seattle, WA, on Saturday...
<< Full Report >>

Mat Kearney has had a whirlwind year since the release of his latest full-length, Young Love landed at #1 on the iTunes charts and #4 on the Billboard 200 chart upon its August 2nd release on Universal Republic. Since then, Mat has toured the country not once but twice and sold out shows in major venues coast-to-coast along the way. For his performance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Mat will be playing his latest single "Ships in the Night," which is currently climbing its way up the Hot AC and AAA charts...
<< Full Report >>

Cornerstone Festival, the church's most diverse celebration of Christians in art and culture, is proud to announce a partial lineup of artists truly unique to summer festivals. Abandoning a single main stage this year, Cornerstone has moved to three genre-specific stages, making it easier for all styles of music lovers to have an exceptional experience at the world's most unique Christian music & arts festival. Scheduled for July 2-7, 2012 in Bushnell, IL, the festival draws attendance from around the world...
<< Full Report >>

*Tuesday, March 27, 2012*

JFH News Shorts -- News on Hawk Nelson, David Crowder, "The Covers," War of Ages, Holding Onto Hope, Humble Beast... After original Hawk Nelson vocalist Jason Dunn announced his exit and has since stepped down from his position to focus on his new project, Lights Go Down, the question has been -- who will take over the reins from Dunn? It seems only natural for the band to promote from within and recent tweets from the band's guitarist, Jonathan Steingard have eluded to the fact that this will be the case. Check out his twitter feed to see him accepting congratulations over becoming...
<< Full Report >>

All this week you can catch a listen of the brand new House Of Heroes song, "We Were Giants," as it debuts in the highly anticipated documentary, Once In A Lifetime: The Rock vs John Cena. WWE is going all out by airing the show on many NBC affiliate stations all week long. See this link for airtimes: http://www.wwe.com/shows/once-in-a-lifetime
Check out this link for a sneak peak: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dVJfhFHGKQ...
<< Full Report >>

Asthmatic Kitty's husband & wife duo The Welcome Wagon are set to release their second full-length album, Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, on June 12, 2012 which is an apt sequel to their critically acclaimed 2008 debut, Welcome to the Welcome Wagon. Vito and Monique Aiuto, a Presbyterian pastor and his wife who make up The Welcome Wagon, simply throw those welcoming arms open wider, inviting the listener to join them for 51 minutes of church. "We've always thought our music as a gift from God...
<< Full Report >>

Armed with an abundance of unpretentious Southern charm and laser sharp wit, Chonda Pierce is packed and headed for co-hosting chores on the 43rd Annual Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards to be telecast nationally on April 24 at 8:00 PM on GMC-TV. Dubbed the "Queen of Clean Comedy" Chonda is thrilled with the opportunity to check-off yet another important box on her ever growing list of career "to do's...
<< Full Report >>

*Monday, March 26, 2012*

As the Blue Like Jazz (JFH Review) bus tour treks across the country with its director Steve Taylor, author Donald Miller, and star Marshall Allman in tow, widespread support and praise for the film is burgeoning amongst a diverse crowd. College students, pastors, celebrities, nuns, and critics are all responding to the film with laughter, celebration and high praise. "I wasn't expecting this level of enthusiasm - long queues of early-arriving fans, packed theaters, lots of hugs and hi-fives afterwards," comments Taylor...
<< Full Report >>

in:cast events announced today a partnership with Women of Faith®, where in:cast events will host simulcasts for upcoming Women of Faith® ONE DAY conferences and a Christmas special. This new partnership adds to an impressive list of previously announced simulcast events added to the in:cast events 2012 schedule. "We are happy to be partnering with Women of Faith® to bring unique simulcast experiences to not only the people who know and love Women of Faith...
<< Full Report >>

*Friday, March 23, 2012*

Xist Music announces the signing of Michigan native hip hop artist, Nate Feuerstein (pronounced Fire-stīne) also known as N.F. to a recording contract. He joins The Ambassador, Da' T.R.U.T.H., Andalé, Jahaziel, Yaves, and Xist label president and vocalist, Sean Simmonds to the roster. Xist will produce an EP titled "I'm Free" which is set to release April 24th. "This kid is serious", says T. Black, CEO of Xist Music. "It's very exciting to see the material he's putting out." Simmonds, who is featured on the song, "Alone" says "We want the world to hear why we are so excited about N.F...
<< Full Report >>

*Thursday, March 22, 2012*

Bayside Church, led by senior pastor Ray Johnston, is forging a new model of church growth based on special holiday services which “give back to the community.” Last year, more than 58,000 people attended Easter and Christmas services led by Johnston, with special music from celebrated worship leader and Bayside worship arts pastor Lincoln Brewster. In response to the growth these services have helped foster, Bayside recently launched a new Sunday evening service, bringing their total number of regularly scheduled services to eight...
<< Full Report >>

*Wednesday, March 21, 2012*

JFH News Shorts for Family Force 5, Demon Hunter, Jessa Anderson, Tenth Avenue North, Joy Electric, Third Day, Guardian, PFR, TobyMac, Kevin Max, moral one, Gideon..... Atlanta's Family Force 5 debuted a brand new music video yesterday for their song "Paycheck" from their most recent album, III. Check the video out now, featured on Vevo.com...
<< Full Report >>

PASSION: White Flag has debuted to widespread praise and popularity with the highest street week to date for a Passion recording, selling more than 48,000 units, a 61% increase above 2011's PASSION: HERE FOR YOU, while landing at No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200 and No. 1 on Christian SoundScan. In addition, this marks sixstepsrecords' second album this year to debut in the top 5 of the Billboard Top 200, following David Crowder* Band's No. 2 entry this past January...
<< Full Report >>

Integrity Music announces the April 10th global release of Center Of It All from the critically-acclaimed Desperation Band known for songs such as "Overcome," "I Am Free" and "Yahweh." The new, 13-track album is the band's sixth recording and marks the first project under a new contract with their longtime label partner. And though Center Of It All won't be available in stores or through digital service providers such as iTunes until April 10th...
<< Full Report >>

On the heels of a street week filled with overwhelmingly positive reviews, several sold-out album release concerts and their single "When The Stars Burn Down" poised to crown radio charts, it's good to be Phillips, Craig & Dean! Their latest recording Breathe In (Fair Trade Services) bowed at retail last Tuesday, March 13. This, their 12th studio album, entered the Billboard Christian Soundscan charts at No. 4, and in digital sales, the project peaked at No. 4 on the iTunes® Christian Albums chart. "When The Stars Burn Down" continues to burn up the charts at radio, seizing the No. 2...
<< Full Report >>

*Tuesday, March 20, 2012*

Fans looking for an early preview of new music from chart-topping foursome The Afters will have their chance later this month as the band's song "Life Is Beautiful" is featured in the upcoming feature film October Baby. Releasing nationwide on March 23 via Provident Films, the movie's closing credits play to "Life Is Beautiful," a newly penned song from the band's forthcoming Fall 2012 studio album. Before the movie hits theaters, however, the music video for the song, which also features footage from the film, is available to view online at TheAfters.com. GodTube exclusively...
<< Full Report >>

With numerous honors and stellar reviews for their latest album, Ghosts Upon the Earth, it is no surprise that three-time GRAMMY ® nominated group Gungor is selling out shows in major cities, including Dallas, Houston and Santa Ana. With stops in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and more, the "Ghosts Upon the Earth Tour" launched March 1 in Austin, Tex., and features special guest The Brilliance. To purchase tickets or to check out the latest information on each of the tour stops, click here http://gungormusic.com/#!/tour/)...
<< Full Report >>

Israel Theme Tours is proud to announce that Stryper frontman and accomplished solo artist Michael Sweet will be taking fans to Israel, January 13-22, 2013. The 10-day, VIP-style tour of the Holy Land will offer fans a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience. Travelers will follow in the footsteps of Jesus, explore the ruins of the ancient port city built by King Herod, experience the Western Wall and the ancient city of Jerusalem, float in the Dead Sea, visit Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum), roam the beaches of Tel Aviv...
<< Full Report >>

Thousands of college students throughout the southeast will experience Show Hope's Red Bus Project this spring in the newly launched orphan care program featuring a British double-decker-bus-turned-rolling-thrift-store. Show Hope™, a movement to care for orphans founded by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth, created the Red Bus Project to engage college students in on-going, active caring for the millions of orphans in the world. The unique initiative is on the move to help orphans, visiting 25 campuses this spring throughout the southeast...
<< Full Report >>

Frontline Records has announced a "Legacy Makers Emerging Artist Contest" for unsigned artists. Contestants will vie for a $2,000 Grand Prize from sponsor Meis Music Group, visibility on the label's website, as well as promotion and distribution support of a single or album. The top three finalists will open May 9 for legendary metal band, Bloodgood with Oz Fox of Stryper, as part of the final competition at the famous Fox Theater in Pomona, Calif...
<< Full Report >>

*Monday, March 19, 2012*

Multi-Platinum and GRAMMY Award-winning Gray Matters/Essential Records recording artist Jars of Clay has announced the initial nine dates on their highly anticipated 2012 Spring Tour, with additional dates to follow. The tour will feature special guests LEAGUES, an emerging band comprised of Tyler Burkum, Thad Cockrell and Jeremy Lutito; and acclaimed singer/songwriter Matthew Perryman Jones. Launching April 12 in Minneapolis, the Jars of Clay Spring Tour will travel to...
<< Full Report >>

Making the familiar seem unique might be the most challenging task in popular music today. So many overexposed styles of music merged with so many similar stories, artists are challenged in breaking through the traffic. Rhett Walker Band is breaking through with its signature Southern infused rock songs permeated by themes of grace and redemption and Rhett's unique personal story on its Essential Records debut Come To The River due out July 10. Rhett Walker's story contains familiar refrains...
<< Full Report >>

In a note (http://www.matthewwest.com/2012/02/08/i-need-stories/) posted originally to fans, two-time GRAMMY ® nominee Matthew West is once again extending an invite for people to submit their stores for his new album slated to debut in the fall of this year. After receiving over 10,000 personal stories from all over the globe for his 2010 project The Story of Your Life, the acclaimed singer/songwriter who has been forever impacted by the outpouring of stories, felt as though there was even more for others to say during this season of his music. The singer/songwriter is collecting stories through...
<< Full Report >>

*Friday, March 16, 2012*

Fair Trade Services artist and storyteller Jonny Diaz continues to impact the music listener with his powerful lyrics and heartfelt songs. With his brand new radio single "Scars," the song follows Diaz's other well-known radio hits such as "Break My Heart" and "Beauty of the Cross," as well as his 2010 top hit "More Beautiful You." The important message of "Scars" is poignant during this Easter season, yet it's also a song that Diaz will surely be playing for years to come. Be sure to click here to listen to the song...
<< Full Report >>

They've got a red double decker bus from England... and they're not afraid to use it. When you see it, it strikes you immediately that it's certainly a bit out of place. A huge, bright red, double decker bus dropped on the wrong continent direct from England. And upon closer inspection, you'll see it's been retrofitted. It's not carrying seats and people. Instead, it has clothing and other cool items to buy... a mobile thrift store! And oh yeah, it's carrying hope... hope for orphans... with all the proceeds benefiting them. The Red Bus Project will visit 25 college campuses beginning March 12 and running through mid-April. Part of the Red Bus stop at each college is an evening concert by the band Caleb (featuring Steven Curtis Chapman's sons Caleb and Will Franklin) as well...
<< Full Report >>

Centricity Music Publishing is happy to announce the signing of renowned songwriter Sam Mizell to an exclusive contract. Mizell joins an illustrious roster of composers at Centricity Music Publishing that includes two other award-winning songwriters, Seth Mosley and Jason Gray. "Sam Mizell is truly a master songwriter," says Steve Rice, head of Centricity Publishing. "I've watched Sam receive award after award over the years, heard nothing but great things about him from artists and co-writers, and am now thrilled to know him personally...
<< Full Report >>

One of the largest crowd-sourced creative projects in American history thanks to a fan-generated Kickstarter campaign, BLUE LIKE JAZZ will hit theaters on April 13, 2012. The grassroots support that helped get the film made is now proving to build momentum for the film's release through the "Civil Disobedience" street team, which received over 1000 sign up's in the first 48 hours of the website going live. Presented by Roadside Attractions, the film, one of PASTE magazine's "most anticipated films of 2012" is based on the New York Times best seller by author Donald Miller, which has sold over 1.4 million copies to date...
<< Full Report >>

From You For You, the latest recording from award-winning Canadian-born worship artist Dan Macaulay, is slated to release April 3. Produced by Keith Everette Smith (Meredith Andrews, Jadon Lavik), Nathan Nockels (Laura Story, Tim Hughes), Bryan Lennox (Natalie Grant, CeCe Winans) and Michael W. Smith, From You For You features 11 selections, 10 of which were co-written or written by Macaulay. From You For You includes the first single, "Your Kindness"; "Permanent...
<< Full Report >>

*Thursday, March 15, 2012*

GRAMMY Award nominated, female-fronted rock act Fireflight tops the sales charts this week with its most recent studio release, NOW (3/6/12). The band boasts its highest sales debut to date, beating out previous first week numbers. Coming in at No. 1 on multiple sales charts, including SoundScan's Current...
<< Full Report >>

Australian duo for KING & COUNTRY have been named an iTunes "New Artist to Watch" this week in celebration of their debut album Crave, released February 28th on Fervent Records and available now. The 11-track debut features the duo's first single, "Busted Heart (Hold On To Me)," which reached No. 1 on the Christian AC Chart for 3 weeks and was named the fastest rising debut single across all Christian formats...
<< Full Report >>

Following the critical acclaim of her first solo album, Life Light Up, celebrated songstress and worship leader Christy Nockels is poised to release her second solo album, Into the Glorious with sixstepsrecords. Christy's stunning vocals are the centerpiece and focus of this new album, which will be released on April 3, 2012. Produced by husband, Nathan Nockels (Chris Tomlin, Passion, Laura Story)...
<< Full Report >>

Dream Records is very excited to announce the summer release of Polarized by Dowler. Featuring a high energy track list of Dowler's trademark organic, wide-open 'rock and roll' sound with songwriting that explores where hardship and hope meet. Polarized, Dowler's first release with Dream Records...
<< Full Report >>

Clear Sight Music artist FLAME is off to a strong start with his new album, The 6th, which debuted at #1 this week on Billboard's Gospel Albums chart, while claiming the #2 spot on Billboard's Christian Albums chart, #8 on the Rap Albums chart and #67 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album, distributed by Central South and Infinity Music Distribution, immediately shot to #1 on iTunes' Hip-Hop Chart, and held court at #8 on the Top Albums Chart for the first week of...
<< Full Report >>

*Wednesday, March 14, 2012*

BEC Recordings' and international rock artist Manafest (aka Chris Greenwood) will be releasing his fifth label studio project, Fighter, on April 10th. Produced by Adam Messinger (Justin Bieber) and Seth Mosley (Newsboys), Fighter vents the Toronto native's losses and draws hurting people toward inspiration like never before. With great hope, the starting title track crunches down hard on life's oppression while Manafest retells his story to encourage others going through their own hard times...
<< Full Report >>

GRAMMY®-nominated singer and songwriter Dave Barnes' new studio project, Stories To Tell, released yesterday courtesy of Razor & Tie. Featuring 11 new tracks produced by John Fields (Lifehouse, Switchfoot, Goo Goo Dolls, Jonas Brothers, P!nk), Barnes is ready to tour the new album, kicking off tomorrow in Chicago and hitting other cities such as New York, Nashville, Memphis, Philadelphia, and DC. Tour dates are listed below. The album is already topping iTunes' Singer/Songwriter page and at press time...
<< Full Report >>

*Tuesday, March 13, 2012*

Celebrating 20 years of music and ministry, modern worship trailblazer Paul Baloche releases his acclaimed, 12th recording with Integrity Music, The Same Love, through CBA market stores today. On April 3, the album will be available through digital providers iTunes® and Amazon.com, among others, as well as available in general market stores through Sony Music Entertainment, marking the first time in five years that new music from Baloche has been distributed by Sony...
<< Full Report >>

It has been 10 years since Rick Elias recorded his last solo album. Why the long absence? Let Rick explain it: "I've always felt there are two kinds of writers--those who write until they have something to say and those who write when they have something to say. I've always wanted to be the latter. And now, I'm ready…more than I have ever been." Thanks to Kickstarter.com, the world's largest funding platform for creative projects, this new album just got closer to being a reality...
<< Full Report >>

Artists across Canada and the United States have shown their support for the release of "Kaitlin's Song (Coming Home)," since it hit iTunes on March 7th. The track is part of Kaitlin's Legacy, a Compassion Canada project to build wells in Uganda in memory of Kaitlin Boyda. The song reached #1 its first day out, in addition to heavy radio play in Canada. Spearheaded by producer Wayne Young, the heartfelt song features the vocals of Stephanie Poort (vocalist for Hello Bella)...
<< Full Report >>

An opportunity to lead worship at a pastoral conference in Africa led to a life-altering personal mission for Christian recording artist Brandon Scott Smith, who has partnered with Kenya-based Manna Ministries to create the No Hungry Children initiative. The program will directly affect and potentially save the lives of thousands of poverty-stricken children each year. In 2002, Smith took his first mission trip to Africa, where he led worship for a pastors' conference in Zambia and Zimbabwe...
<< Full Report >>

*Monday, March 12, 2012*

P.O.D. have announced their first U.S. tour of 2012. The band will head out this Spring and Summer for a series of high profile radio shows and festivals and will co-headline a tour with RED with support by Love and Death featuring Brian Head Welch and Icon For Hire. The tour will make stops throughout the Midwest and East Coast (full tour dates below). Buy tickets HERE (http://payableondeath.com/tour). P.O.D. have just wrapped work on their upcoming full-length album to be released this summer via Razor & Tie...
<< Full Report >>

California's Saddleback Church worship pastor Travis Ryan releases his debut album, Fearless, through Integrity Music on April 10, 2012. Featuring songs co-written with Matt Redman, Jason Ingram, Brenton Brown, Ben Cantelon, All Sons & Daughters, Dan Bailey and others, the album was produced by Ryan's band mate, Josh Auer (PAX217). Additional band members Dan Bailey (Fiction Family, Phil Wickham) and Brandon Collins join in to create the resulting melodic, dynamic rock influenced worship on Fearless that shares themes of God's pursuit of his people ("Chase"), the rise of the church ("Battle Song") and Holy Communion ("Jesus My Victory"). The first radio single from the album, "Jesus, Precious Jesus," speaks to the theme of grace...
<< Full Report >>

Today Tooth & Nail Records' Sent By Ravens debuts their music video for "We're All Liars" on AP TV. Click here to view the video. This premiere follows the highly successful street week that resulted in nearly triple the street week sales of their 2010 label debut, Our Graceful Words. This new release, Mean What You Say, debuted on the Rock iTunes chart at No. 5 and in the Top 30 on the iTunes overall chart. On Billboard, this album debuted...
<< Full Report >>

In 2011 Jenny & Tyler Somers, who make up the folk-pop duo Jenny & Tyler, made an impressive impact on critics and fans a like with the release of their poetic and musically eloquent album, Faint Not, and opened for artists Sara Groves and Audrey Assad on a national tour. With the release of Open Your Doors, which will be available April 3rd, the duo explores the journey of opening themselves to the Lord and finding true rest in Him, all the while skillfully merging their individual styles into a fresh and engaging sound. Open Your Doors will be available on iTunes...
<< Full Report >>

*Saturday, March 10, 2012*

After some grass roots hype, The O.C. Supertones announced last night that they would be returning with a brand new studio album this year thanks to the help from friends and fans. They launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds, a goal of $30,000, and have also decided to give away a brand new song called "The Downbeat" to whet fans' appetites. Check out the free download now on Noisetrade and then please visit the band's Kickstarter campaign to consider supporting the guys...
<< Full Report >>

*Friday, March 9, 2012*

Atlanta based indie hip-hop label Reach Records is excited to announce their first official showcase at the 2012 South by Southwest Music Conferenceand Festival (SXSW) in Austin, TX, where thousands will converge for music, film and technology. The Reach Records showcase will be taking place on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at La Zona Rosa (612 West 4th Street Austin, TX 78701) at 9pm and will feature performances from their incredible roster of artists includingLecrae, Trip Lee, KB, PRO and Andy Mineo. "The Reach Records showcase is one you do not want to miss...
<< Full Report >>

*Thursday, March 8, 2012*

JFH News Shorts for Peter Furler, O.C. Supertones, The Classic Crime, Third Day, Jars of Clay, Christy Nockels, The Burial, Leaders... Check out the new Peter Furler "Matter of Faith" video at: iTunes or streaming on DailyMotion! Peter is playing "Matter of Faith" on the current, record-breaking Winter Jam tour as the song is gaining spins at radio. Here's more from Peter regarding the song: "We all know and believe there's more than what we see, eternity is deep inside our hearts. This song is really about belief. What we believe..."
<< Full Report >>

Slospeak Records just announced that Bleach will be reuniting to play JoshuaFest in Plymouth, CA this summer. The label's A&R and General Manager, Davy Baysinger, fronted the rock'n roll band and has revived the six-piece for one more performance. In addition, Slospeak is sponsoring a stage at both JoshuaFest and AgapeFest where its four artists will perform...
<< Full Report >>

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) today announced the first talent line-up of leading music artists that will appear and perform at the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards: Lecrae, Natalie Grant, Donnie McClurkin, Jason Crabb, Jamie-Grace, Kim Burrell, Kari Jobe, Danny Gokey, Ruben Studdard, Mandisa, Jason Castro and The Isaacs will electrify the audience with live inspirational performances. This announcement marks the first round of musical performers for the awards ceremony, with additional performers to be revealed as the show date approaches...
<< Full Report >>

Highly acclaimed, Dove Award-winning pop/rock band Building 429 is not the same artist fans have followed for more than a decade. With its current track record at radio, retail, and on tour, the former up-and-comer has cemented its status among contemporary Christian music's very best. The band's Christian radio presence is at an all-time high, with Building 429 scoring back-to-back No. 1 songs from its latest project, Listen to the Sound (May 2011)...
<< Full Report >>

Pillar frontman Rob Beckley recently addressed the mystery around the status of the rock band after news of a solo album was released. Beckley writes... "There have been a lot of questions about what is going on with Pillar. So I thought I would address them and fill everyone in. Technically we didn't break up. We went through a lot of things in the band with memeber changes and such. We did our best to keep things going, but the road does start to wear on you. For me I dealt with some things that I felt I needed to be home more. My wife was held up at gun point and car jacked and the thought of something...
<< Full Report >>

Israel Theme Tours is proud to announce that actress, radio personality and award-winning recording artist Jaci Velasquez and her husband Nic Gonzales, frontman for the award-winning band Salvador, will be taking fans to Israel October 21-30, 2012. The 10-day, VIP style tour of the Holy Land will offer fans a vacation experience unlike any other. Travelers will follow in the footsteps of Jesus, cruise the Sea of Galilee, explore the ruins of the ancient port...
<< Full Report >>

*Wednesday, March 7, 2012*

BEC Recordings' is thrilled to announce the release of the LP, The Rescue, from freshman artist Adam Cappa. Cappa will release this full-length label debut on March 13th following the release of his EP in 2011. This budding artist can be seen touring with his label-mate, mentor and co-producer Jeremy Camp on the "We Cry Out" tour currently on the road...
<< Full Report >>

in:cast events brings new and compelling events to people across the country and around the world with a groundbreaking 2012 lineup of simulcasts with Lee Strobel, Joel C. Rosenberg, Max Lucado, Francis Chan, and more. "We are excited to be facilitating these church and small group...
<< Full Report >>

*Tuesday, March 6, 2012*

Today marks the release date for singer/songwriter Sarah Macintosh's Integrity Music label debut Current, which was produced by her husband, Jonny Macintosh, and J.T. Daly of Nashville's famed indie rock outfit, Paper Route. Current is available to Christian retail stores within the U.S. through Provident Music Distribution and to mainstream retailers through Sony Music Distribution...
<< Full Report >>

Kickstarter campaigns certainly are all the rage these days. The latest artist to use the service to fund their next project is Starflyer 59. The new recording will be Starflyer's first digital-only release as well--that is, no CD's will be produced for it--with the only exception being a limited run of vinyl. Check out the announcement below and visit their Kickstarter page to support the band...
<< Full Report >>

Clear Sight Music released FLAME's sixth full-length album today, appropriately titled The 6th, via Central South and Infinity Music Distribution. The highly anticipated follow-up to the 2010 release, Captured, shot straight to #1 on iTunes' Hip-Hop Chart, and debuted at #9 on the Top Albums Chart, sharing the Top 10 with albums from such chart-topping artists as Adele, Big Time Rush and Bruce Springsteen...
<< Full Report >>

Seth Mosley, Me In Motion's front man, has rapidly become one of Nashville's most notable songwriters, and 2012 is bringing him well-deserved accolades from his peers. At the SESAC Christian Music Awards recently, Mosley won in each of five categories in which he was nominated. Mosley is a staff writer at Centricity Music Publishing, which is also home to Me In Motion's record label, Centricity Music. He was a producer on newsboys' Born Again...
<< Full Report >>

Owl City is teaming up with ConAgra Foods as it kicks off the third year of its nationally-recognized Child Hunger Ends Here campaign with an original song and exclusive video content. In addition to Owl City, both Jewel and Jay Sean will be contributing their own versions of the song and the campaign will also include a social media influencer campaign comprised of leading bloggers from throughout the nation. With these efforts, ConAgra Foods will work to meet its overall...
<< Full Report >>

The Great Transparency (Razzbarry) recently traveled to Nashville to join some of the industry's top artists and songwriters at the SESAC Christian Music Awards. Tommy, Jameson and Zack went to receive awards for their performances as SESAC writers and for their #1 Christian Billboard hit, "Rebuild Your Love." Christian songwriter/producer, Jason Ingram, was named SESAC's Christian Songwriter of the Year due to the his ingenious work with such hits as "I Will Follow" by Chris Tomlin...
<< Full Report >>

Ring The Bell, the first feature film from Beach Street Records founder and Casting Crowns' producer Mark A. Miller, begins production on Monday, March 5 in Deland, FL. Miller is the lead singer and founder of the country music group Sawyer Brown, and is taking a break from the band's 30th anniversary tour to produce the film...
<< Full Report >>

Never Forsaken, the anticipated brand new project from Charles Billingsley, releases today. To celebrate this very special project, tonight at 7pm EST/6pm CST Billingsley is sharing his first-ever online concert with his fans across the world! Be sure to tune in to CharlesBillingsley.com/live to get your front row seat, where you will hear him perform songs from his new project as well as some past favorites...
<< Full Report >>

Just days after Sparrow Records' standout newcomers Samestate released their debut LP, they are receiving praise from critics and fans for their musical efforts on The Alignment, available now. The four who make up Samestate (lead vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Dalton Diehl, guitarist Darren Harms...
<< Full Report >>

*Monday, March 5, 2012*

Today, Family Force 5 announced their upcoming acoustic tour, along with a tease about their forthcoming III.V EP...
"For those of you that haven't heard yet, we just released dates for the Rise Up Tour, and the five of us are SUPER stoked to be on the road again. We're also proud to introduce our special guests: Isaac "Tub-O" Deitz will be premiering his powerful documentary, Vital Sign, which tells the story of Fatty's near-fatal battle with kidney failure during the 2009 Christmas Pageant Tour. In addition, Samestate will be opening the evening! We're doing things a bit differently by stripping our sound down...
<< Full Report >>

Just in time for Mother's Day, multi-platinum selling trio, Point of Grace (Shelley Breen, Leigh Cappillino, Denise Jones) will release their twelfth studio album, A Thousand Little Things on May 1, 2012. "A Thousand Little Things" is the title track and first single off the new album. The album comes right off the heels of Point of Grace's recently announced lifestyle and music radio show, "Graceful Living." "Graceful Living" focuses on living well through faith, family, friends and more and will be featured through syndicated radio, blogs and online content...
<< Full Report >>

*Saturday, March 3, 2012*

JFH News Shorts - News on Anberlin, Slick Shoes, Close Your Eyes, Search The City, Remedy Drive, The River Empires, Trip Lee...
Rock act Anberlin is hard at work in the studio right now working on their next full-length album. The guys have teamed with producer Aaron Sprinkle once again, who produced the band's first three albums, including the fan favorite, Cities. The band's two most recent records--New Surrender and Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place--were not helmed by Sprinkle. There's no official release date for the new album, but more details should be announced as everything continues to come together...
<< Full Report >>

*Friday, March 2, 2012*

After selling out numerous stops on her nationwide "Girl's Night Out" tour last spring, three time GRAMMY ® nominee Mandisa has already sold out shows in major cities including multiple markets selling out in less than an hour. In response, additional dates are being added to her "Girl's Night Live" tour, which launched only last weekend. The tour will visit nearly 40 markets and will wrap in May. A full list of tour dates and other tour information is available at http://girlsnightlive.com...
<< Full Report >>

Facedown Records is very excited to announce the title and release date for the new War of Ages album, Return To Life. Return To Life was recorded with Zeuss at Planet Z Studios (Shadows Fall, Chimaira, Hatebreed), and is the band's finest accomplishment to date. Releasing on April 24, Return To Life features some of War of Ages' most personal material, and continues with their unique brand of Warrior Metal for which the band has become infamous...
<< Full Report >>

*Thursday, March 1, 2012*

With the most-added Billboard Christian AC single this week as well as the No. 2 Christian song on iTunes, the buzz for MercyMe's May 22nd release, The Hurt and The Healer, is rapidly escalating. With an uninterrupted string of 23 #1 career singles, the award-winning and multi-platinum selling band sure seems to have another hit on their hands with the title track garnering a whopping 61 adds from AC, CHR and Inspo formats combined...
<< Full Report >>

hen it comes to finding harmony, singing's often the easy part! As the popular three-time Grammy® award-winning gospel duo Mary Mary, Erica and Tina Campbell are busy career women touring the country, promoting their sixth album Something Big, and walking Hollywood red carpets. But offstage and away from the bright lights, they're sisters, moms and wives striving to balance their superstar lifestyles with raising a family. From diaper changes and awards ceremonies, to recording studios and school recitals, Erica and Tina's dual lives pull them in many directions, as they go from "mommy mommy-ing to Mary Mary-ing...
<< Full Report >>

Centricity Music's Aaron Shust has ended an incredible run at #1 on five charts with his hit single, "My Hope Is In You". This marks the first week since September 19, 2011 that the song has not been #1 on a Christian music chart. Besides being a mega-hit for Shust, the single marks the first #1 at AC Radio for Centricity Music. Here are the overall stats for "My Hope Is In You". "We are so proud of Aaron and what he has accomplished with his debut project for Centricity, This Is What We Believe...
<< Full Report >>

Jesus Culture South Africa kicks off this week after adding a second date in Johannesburg, South Africa due to overwhelming demand for tickets to their highly anticipated conference and worship experience. The first conference is set for Friday, March 2, 2012, at Rhema Bible Church, and includes a daytime conference and evening session. After kicking off Jesus Culture South Africa in Randburg, Johannesburg with back-to-back conference dates, Jesus Culture makes stops in Hillcrest, Durban, Mangold Park, Port Elizabeth, and N1 City, Cape Town for an evening of ministry and worship...
<< Full Report >>