May 2003
Some of the Relient K guys are in the studio right now recording brand new music for a
vinyl 7¹ called The Vinyl Countdown. Plans are set to release the limited
edition 7¹ (only 1,500 will be made) this summer online through the indie label
Mono Vs Stereo website sometime in July. It will also be available at the RK
merch table. We are told it will include 4 brand new songs, one of which is
a Five Iron Frenzy tribute, and another is written about an RK Fan club member¹s thoughts
on vinyl and how kids don¹t know what it is. The other 2 songs are titled
³We¹re Nothing Without You² and ³More Than Useless². Check out http://www.monovsstereo.com for more info.
Rebecca St. James credits a large ingredient of "divine inspiration"
as being at the heart of the success of her current hit single, "I Thank You." A phone call this week from
Iraq contained a very real thread of that truth.
With the single now scaling the upper Top 10 of the charts, a special re-mix of "I Thank You," was engineered by ForeFront Records-and dedicated as a tribute to America's military. The re-mix features Americans-from President Bush to people from everyday walks of life -offering their gratitude and prayers for the troops. The re-mix has gained national airplay rivaling the success of the original single.
The new video captures Rebecca's moving visit to the home of the 101st Airborne for a patriotic rally near their Fort Campbell homebase. The images are interwoven with military footage, sad farewells, and tearful welcome homes.
But most miraculous in the midst of "I Thank You" is its' positioning near the heart of a miracle. The opening prayer in the special re-mix was given by Chaplain Kenneth Stone, serving at McDill Air Force Base in Florida when President Bush came to address the troops in March. He was shortly thereafter deployed to Iraq.
Chaplain Stone, who had never met Rebecca St. James, called this week from Quatar in the Middle East to thank her for her support of the troops and his pleasure at being included in "I Thank You." Further, he recounted a miracle:
Said Chaplain Stone: "When we first arrived in Iraq, we were greeted by horrific sand storms that engulfed the country just as we started the long journey to Baghdad. Everything was grounded. The storm lasted more than three days and was the worst in 100 years of Iraq's history. When the storms stopped and we could finally see for the first time in days, what we saw was a miracle. It was as if God's breath had blown through Iraq, exposing countless hundreds of landmines planted in our path to Baghdad-mines that if they had remained covered had capability to kill untold thousands of our troops. It's something I don't think the media fully grasped, and something I'd like for those that prayed back home to know."
While Jim Carrey's latest flick Bruce Almighty has created quite a stir and even topped this past
weekend's box office, those who have seen it may have recognized a familiar female vocalist singing a tune. Yup! Those
of you who have seen the film have heard Plumb's song "God Shaped Hole" from their 2000 album Candycoatedwaterdrops!
The song is not only in the film but also on the motion picture soundtrack. For a ChristianAnswers.net interview
with Bruce Almighty director Tom Shadyac, visit this link!
Paul Colman Trio releases its second Essential Records project,
One, Sept. 9. Following the stellar success of its American debut, One challenges listeners
to be reconciled to God and to each other.
Production on One began last fall in the band's native Australia, wrapping at the home studio of
Nashville-based musician, engineer and producer Brent Milligan (The Elms, David Crowder Band).
Primarily penned by frontman Paul Colman with co-writing credits going to bassist Grant Norsworthy
and drummer Phil Gaudion on four of the record's tracks, One combines strong drumbeats, melodic bass,
subtle piano and distinct guitar sounds to produce an artistic backdrop for its message of love and
reconciliation.
"We wanted a record that truly captures the band," comments Colman. "We love big melodies and big
songs about big topics. As we began to track the music, we really discovered that all the songs
are about reconciliation."
P.O.D. has announced that they will release their 3rd major label record
for Atlantic Records, boldly titled Payable On Death.
In the words of Sonny, "Payable On Death is a fresh
new start, a going back to roots, a re-connecting with
our people."
Currently, the boys are working through 17 songs honing
their heaviest and most revolutionary record yet.
Long time Producer, Howard Benson had this to say about
what he's experiencing with P.O.D. in the studio:
"There's a certain quiet confidence in this band right now.
They really know who they are. It's a magical moment... The
whole team here can feel it. This record is going to touch their
listeners souls like only great career artists can do."
"We feel like we are giving birth to a whole new race," said
guitarist Jason Truby, a recent addition to the band (formerly
of the late Living Sacrifice).
ForeFront Records is pleased to announce the recent Gold certification of
Rebecca St. James's, God. According to the Recording
Industry Association of America (RIAA),
sales of God have reached in excess of 500,000 units. St. James will be honored with her
first Gold Record by the industry on June 12 during a celebration held at the Nashville, TN offices of BMI.
That evening will also spotlight Rebecca’s 10-year career milestone.
“We are very proud of Rebecca’s accomplishments,” said ForeFront Records President Greg Ham.
“Throughout her career, she has never lost her passion for her ministry. Its very inspiring to
work with someone who has the vision and energy that Rebecca puts into everything she does.”
Her 1996 release was responsible for career classics such as “God,” “Speak To Me,” and “Go and Sin No More.”
“God was a pivotal release for Rebecca,” said Co-President of Chordant Distribution, Rich Peluso.
“This was the album that took Rebecca to another level as a Christian artist. Since the release
of God, Rebecca has been one of our most consistent selling artists, with a fan base
that has grown with each release.”
Hey! Anyone remember the Hands And Feet book Audio Adrenaline planned to release? We do, and we couldn't
help but wonder whatever happened to it. Through investigation online it was discovered that certain online stores,
including Amazon.com, have information including an ISBN number and book cover for the novel but with no availability
for it. Some sites cited its publishing for January 2003 with others saying "out of print". We emailed bassist
Will McGinniss in hopes for some insight. Here's what Will had to say, "We're looking at releasing the book
this Fall, but the name of it might be changed to Worldwide. The publisher will probably be NavPress... that's all I know."
Hopefully Fall it is!
Bebo Norman recently wrapped his second tour through Europe,
visiting venues in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Altogether, Norman played for an estimated 24,000
fans, packing out shows in 10 cities.
Less than a week after his performance at the 34th Annual Dove Awards, Norman ventured oversees to
entertain audiences abroad. Kicking off in Milton Keynes, England with a day of national Christian
and secular media interviews, the tour traveled west to Minehead for the first of three shows at
Spring Harvest, a three week bible conference.
As guitartist Tyler Burkum would say, "Dude! This is extreme!" Audio Adrenaline's title track from their current release Worldwide was
used during the X Games Global Championship as well as during ESPN's broadcast
of the Championship. Here's a quote from a producer of the show, "What a great and
appropriate song for the X Games Global Championship! There guys are terrific. Definitely one
of the hottest Christian bands going," ESPN producer, Steve Bradley. Hey, we agree.
In other AA news, Forefront Records made this interesting announcement on Friday:
"Although we can't go into too much detail, be looking for Audio Adrenaline to make a big splash at
festivals this summer. In typical AudioA fashion, the guys are planning on leaving fans awed with
a show that will blow their minds. All I can really tell you is that it involves a 1976 Morris Mini Coop...
stay tuned for more details or check out www.audioa.com now!" AudioA.com adds, "The Mini is just another way Audio Adrenaline is always looking for fun and creative ways to entertain while sharing the message characterized by their new album, Worldwide. "We feel called to use our shows to share the Gospel," states bassist Will McGinniss. Lead singer Mark Stuart adds, "We want to continue to motivate people to put their faith into action and do something incredible for God."
Deja vu! Didn't something like this recently happen with P.O.D.? Anyway, sadly enough, the exodus
of Petra's drummer Louie Weaver is a little more involved than the candy-coated message on Petraband.com
may lead one to believe.
Those behind LouieWeaver.com announced recently,
"Twenty-two year veteran time keeper of the Christian rock band Petra, Louie Weaver, is announcing today
that he was dismissed from service to the band on February 8th, 2003.
Weaver, the person to have performed with this group for the most number of years consecutively,
says he was “shocked” and “surprised” that such a decision was made by current band leader
John Schlitt and Schlitt’s personal manager, Wayne Seboa.
Weaver says, “Although I am saddened by this decision, I know the Lord is already opening doors that
I had never dreamed of.” Louie sites 2nd Timothy chapter 2 verse 15: “Do your best to present yourself
to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word
of truth.” Weaver continues, “For a long time I’ve felt God has given me a vision for ministry,
especially ministry in music and praise to Him. Petra was part of my life for 22 years.
It was a wonderful blessing to me and my family, but sometimes the Lord brings circumstances into
your life where choices will be made for you, so you go forward with a new calling that He brings
into your life.”
For the rest of story, visit http://www.louieweaver.com/statement.htm
Rock legends Petra are going through a bit of transition as they are working
on a new record and adjusting to the recent exodus of a member who has spent 21 years in Petra. Wayne Seboa
recently posted this announcement on the band's official site Petraband.com:
"We would like to thank you, our fans, which have stayed faithful for all these years.
We are in the process of making many positive changes concerning Petra and many of these changes
will be announced to you as they unfold. Louie Weaver has been a faithful
member of Petra for many years, and unfortunately the band and Louie have come
to an impasse and he will not be performing with us any longer. We have all sought
the Lord for a long time in prayer and council and feel this is the Lord's will for this situation.
We hold no ill feelings toward Louie and wish him and his family all the best in whatever
God's called him to next. Please continue to hold us in your prayers and thank you for your
patience regarding this matter. Secondly, we are hard at work in the studio
with Peter Furler making a classic Petra rock record. The record should be on
sale sometime around August..."
Delirious? is currently in training for the release of their debut DVD.
Out on May 31st and known as Archive:d, the digital treat brings together a bewildering array
of Delirious visuals from over the years. As well as the live tour video from 1997
(‘A View From The Terraces’) and the promo/documentary ‘Promod:e’, the DVD also features the previously
unreleased videos for ‘I Could Sing’, ‘Take Me Away’ and ‘Waiting For The Summer’. As if that wasn’t enough,
the techies have also squeezed on the title sequence from the Fire Tour as well the background videos
from five of the tour’s top tracks.
What makes Archive:d extra special is the fact that its new NTSC format means that it will play on
any DVD machine, regardless of region. It’s also available worldwide direct from Furious? Records
[try www.delirious.co.uk] and comes in conjunction with a very special sweatshirt offer.
The Tait guys headed to the West Coast a little early last week
to get in a photo shoot before their performance on the Billy Graham Crusade. The photo shoot is in
preparation for their highly anticipated November 2003 release, tentatively titled Jealous Lover,
and is being shot by famed rock photographer Danny Clinch (who has worked with the likes of dc talk, Audioslave, Thom Yorke
of Radiohead, and Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins/Zwan). Just before heading out of town for the
shoot, Lonnie Chapin celebrated his birthday, which was last Tuesday, May 6!
As we reported last week, Rebecca St. James filmed the video for her latest hit single, "I Thank You" (remix) this past Thursday.
Rebecca was filmed in a "field" of satellite dishes that surrounded a local broadcast facility.
The concept of the video is Rebecca broadcasting a message of thanks to God and the troops.
Be looking for the video to premiere on www.forefrontrecords.com soon, but until then, check out
this photo of Rebecca on the set... http://www.forefrontrecords.com/images/news/rebecca_video.jpg
Just in time for Mother's Day, Geoff Moore and his family
recently welcomed the newest addition to their home, a little girl adopted from an orphanage in China,
Ashley Rose. Two weeks ago, Geoff's wife, Jan went to China to finalize the adoption process and brought
Ashley back to the United States that Thursday. Jan and baby arrived back to the States safely and
are doing great. According to Geoff, big sister, Anna Grace, adopted from the same orphanage more than
a year ago, is very excited to have a little sister in the family!
Audio Adrenaline and MercyMe have
just wrapped up one of this spring’s biggest tours, “The Go Show,” featuring special guests Kutless and The Swift.
The tour played 50 cities in front of nearly 140,000 people in key markets such as Dallas, Los Angeles (Irvine), Houston,
Phoenix, Seattle and Birmingham, and sold out an amazing 25 shows.
Even though 50% of the dates were sell outs, the biggest success from the tour came as Audio Adrenaline
and MercyMe reached beyond their ability to entertain audiences and joined forces to launch
“The Go Foundation.” At the close of the tour, over 5,000 people had signed up at tour stops to go on
mission’s trips through the foundation in the next 18 months, surpassing the tour’s goal.
However, without taking too much of a break following the end of the tour,
the guys from Audio A jetted off to Europe for the weekend
to play a show at the Alton Towers theme park in England. Don't worry, though, they are going to take a
couple of days off while they are there to relax.
Congratulations to Stacie Orrico as her "Stuck" video can no longer be seen during MTV's viewer-voted
countdown show, Total Request Live (TRL), because MTV officially added "Stuck" in regular rotation recently!
And as Stacie Orrico continues to reach new audiences, she has been featured in RollingStone.com's weekly newsletter.
Last week's newsletter featured Stacie's "Stuck" video and was seen by about 1.5 million subscribers!
In other Stacie news from the other end of the globe, her hit single is currently wedged in the number
eight spot on Australia radio!
As most of you are probably aware, tobyMac's
Re:Mix Momentum project is hitting the streets on June 24, 2003. What you may not be aware of,
however, is that the rules have changed! Just erase everything you think you know about this release.
Contrary to earlier reports, there are no longer seven remixed tracks from tobyMac's solo debut
Momentum on Re:Mix, instead the track list doubled to 14! The disc is packed with over
50 minutes of music, including favorites such as "J-Train," "Somebody's Watching Me," "Irene," and the first
single impacting radio now, an all-new version of "Love Is In The House."
The Re:Mix Momentum project also includes an exclusive original mix performed by tobyMac's
4-year old son, Truett, also known as "Tru-Dog."
The creation process of this project also took an unexpected turn. "In efforts to keep tobyMac focused
on his Fall 2003 studio project, ForeFront tried to keep him out of the remix process, but he couldn't
stay away from the project," said ForeFront Vice President of A&R Brent Milligan. "When tobyMac is
in the studio, he puts 100% of himself into every project he works on. We actually asked him to
slow down because suddenly this $10, seven-track disc was turning into a $10, 14-track album!"
Click on the link below to hear the first single from Re:Mix Momentum, "Love Is In The House."
http://media.emicmg.com/FFD83182R/audio/wma/full/56/liith_4.asx
Fresh off the success of her award-winning album Woven & Spun, Nichole Nordeman will release
Live At The Door, on May 20th. Serving as the perfect introduction to her artistry from all
three of her recordings, including the award winning Woven & Spun, Live At The Door
features live acoustic performances of some of Nordeman’s most popular songs as well as a cover of Cyndi
Lauper’s classic “Time After Time.”
More than a quarter million people heard Nordeman perform on the Steven Curtis Chapman Live Out Loud Tour.
Now fans and those who have yet to see her live can experience Nordeman at her finest.
Recorded at “The Door” in Dallas, TX, Live At The Door is a must have collector’s item
and for those that have never experienced her music.
On June 3, Rocketown Records will release a compilation album titled Hallelujahs—A Rocketown Worship Collection,
which includes 11 previously recorded tracks and three new songs. Two new songs— “My Jesus I Love Thee”
and “You Are My All in All”— were arranged and produced by Rocketown Records founder and Chairman
Michael W. Smith during a live recording session at a Gospel Music Week 2003 showcase at Nashville’s
Rocketown teen club. All of the artists on the Rocketown roster participated in the live recording,
and each artist wrote liner notes for their songs on the album.
“Worship music is what Christian music always has been and always will be,” said Smith. “What I love
about our artists at Rocketown is that they write songs that represent what worship is about in its
fullest sense, living all our lives for God. From the strains of nature heard in Chris Rice’s
‘Hallelujahs’ to the reminder that the greatest commandment is to love in Ginny Owens’
‘I Am Nothing,’ I’ve found that this collection is music that draws my heart closer to the
Father and challenges all of us to impact our world.”
Less than a month since the release of FFH's Ready to Fly,
its debut radio single, "You Found Me," hits No. 1 on both the Radio & Records and Christian Radio Weekly
Adult Contemporary charts. FFH's "Ready to Fly" tour also fuels the project's success, boasting five
sold-out concerts to date.
With five No. 1 songs already to its credit, FFH continues to find favor at radio. "Radio has always been
extremely supportive of FFH," notes Phil Conner, radio promotions for Essential Records.
"However, we hope that the songs on Ready to Fly will help to carry FFH to the next level.
If 'You Found Me' is any indication of how radio will receive this album, we are definitely looking
forward to what lies ahead."
Have you heard Rebecca St. James's special "I Thank You" remix yet? For a limited time,
TowerRecords.com is offering an Internet exclusive digital download of the "salute to the troops" remix for only
$1.11. You can check it out now at www.rsjames.com. Before the end of the month, you will be able to see the
new video from Rebecca for her current hit single, "I Thank You." The crew braved threatening weather and
filmed the video last week at a local broadcast facility, where Rebecca was filmed in a "field" of satellite
dishes that surrounded the facility. The concept of the video is Rebecca broadcasting a message of thanks
to God and the troops. Be looking for the video to premiere on www.forefrontrecords.com soon. In other
RSJ news, this Friday Rebecca and her mother, Helen, will be featured on TBN's PTL Club as part of
a Mother's Day special. Also, this week Rebecca will be making an appearance on the Fox News Channel in
New York. The station has asked Rebecca to read an inspirational letter from a service man stationed
overseas as a part of a new series highlighting the Fox Network's post war coverage.
Tonight, Monday, May 5 marks the finale of Audio Adrenaline's
highly successful "Go Show" Tour with MercyMe. This past weekend
the guys will be hit Atlanta and Birmingham and will be wrapping the tour in Louisville, KY.
The 49-city tour sold out in half of its markets and has received more than 4,000 commitments through
the "Go Foundation" from individuals to go on a mission trip within the next 18 months.
For photos and journals from the tour, check out the new and improved Audio A website at www.audioa.com.
As the June 24th release date of tobyMac's latest remix project,
Re:MIX Momentum quickly approaches, ForeFront Records has been working fast and furious to get
everything ready. As a matter of fact, tobyMac was in the ForeFront offices until 3:00 a.m. with
their production coordinator Shawn Andrews getting the final tracks ready to send to the manufacturer
AND he showed up again Friday morning around 8:30 to check the artwork for the album packaging!
No sleep, and he was still all smiles!
Fall tours are starting to be announced! Keep an eye open for the following tours hitting your area!
From Sept. 17th - Nov. 17th, catch John Reuben with Mars Ill complete with a break-dancing team and DJ's.
Jeremy Camp, Sanctus Real, and The Sway will be rocking houses from Sept. 3rd - Oct. 19th
while the worshipful sounds of Shane Barnard & Shane Everett (The Shanes), Robbie Seay Band, and Trent Monk
will fill venues from August 21st - November 23rd.
The third annual Festival Con Dios tour will run from Sept. 12th - Oct. 26th with only Kutless, Seven Places, and Thousand Foot Krutch currently
announced as part of the roster. More info on that tour soon!
Finally, Five Iron Frenzy's "Winners Never Quit" Farewell Tour
will run from Sept. 14th - Nov. 22nd and feature Pax217 and Bleach!
MTV will premier P.O.D.'s much talked about new video for "Sleeping
Awake" for The Matrix Reloaded on Tuesday, May 13th on TRL.
The boys will be flying to New York for this special
appearance & interview. Watch the video now at Launch.com!
P.O.D. have also been invited to attend the very exclusive
The Matrix Reloaded premier in New York!
Only 300 guests have been invited
to attend this illustrious event!
 Jamie MacDonald Announces Debut Self-Titled Album Due January 23rd via Capitol CMGFri, 24 Oct 2025 17:45:00 EST |
| Troubadour Dan Bremnes Writes Second Chapter to Musical Trilogy With "The Villain" Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:40:00 EST |
| VaShawn Mitchell Marks 30 Years in Gospel Music with New Album "SOUNDCHECK" Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:30:00 EST |
| Journey Member Jonathan Cain Releases Charlie Kirk Tribute Song, "No One Else" Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:20:00 EST |
| John Allan Releases Debut Centricity Music EP, "Resurrection Power" Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:10:00 EST |
| Joe L. Barnes Releases New Single About His Late Father, "Grief, Joy, and Gratitude" Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:05:00 EST |
| Capitol CMG / Worship Together Signs Worship Leader Canaan Baca Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:55:00 EST |
Click here All News Headlines | 
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Phil Wickham Fear Has No Power - Single [Fair Trade]
