It saddens us to report the following devastating news from Fono as they have suffered a major loss due to
the recent firestorm that may have cancelled the band's pending sophomore release...
"Some of you may have seen the fires that have swept through southern California and San Diego on the news. During those fires our studio was burned to the ground. We visited the studio yesterday after fires subsided in that area and we have lost everything, the whole studio was ash. We have lost all our band equipment, all our recording equipment and most unfortunately all the masters for the new Fono record. We are all devastated, but glad that our families and friends are all safe and well.
In light of this we will be disappearing for a while to regroup. Our hearts go out to all the people who have lost their homes and loved ones to this tragic fire. We appreciate all your support. -Fono"
Please keep the guys in your special prayers...
Here's the latest from Delirious? on their brand new release
World Service...
"With more grunt, drive and shove than the England scrum, the very latest studio album from Delirious is looking
good. In fact, it's sounding wonderful, and I'm not just writing that because there's money involved.
The truth, whole truth and nothing but is that World Service captures the heart and sound of a band
in the middle of something inspirational. Plug into World Service and you'll connect to 12 tracks
that will do your heart good. Plug in and you'll see that when life is tough but God is good the soul finds a
stronger melody to sing.
So, how to get your hands on the album? Well, you can wait for the December 15th release date or you can save
some pennies and more than a little anxiety by pre-ordering right now. Not only do you guarantee your copy gets
to you first, you also get it for a staggeringly good price. For just £10 you can order the regular-packaged
version, but chuck us another couple of quid and we'll ship you the limited edition special packaging version
(that'll be £12 if your math is dodgy)."
World Service releases to the UK fans on December 15 and the U.S. on February 10th, 2004.
Audio Adrenaline is releasing their first live DVD next month entitled Alive. The project will be attached
to copies of their 2003 record Worldwide starting November 18th. The guys' official site, AudioA.com recently interviewed the band
about the DVD. One question asked "Of all the festivals you played during the summer why did you choose the ALIVE festival to film the DVD?"
Drummer Ben Cissell replied, “ALIVE is one of the festivals that we truly feel at home. We play it every summer
and we always feel extremely welcome. We’ve been friends with Bill and Kathy, who run ALIVE, for years.
The set-up is great…how the audience is able to come right up to the stage. Plus, Will is from Ohio and
it’s always nice to be able to play near our hometowns.” When asked about if the band is planning a Spring tour,
the site replied "Audio Adrenaline will not be on a tour. There will be concerts on the weekends, but during the week the band will be IN THE STUDIO…"
Well that's music to our ears!
We reported last week that Smalltown Poets have finally resurfaced. Well, BEC Recordings have released this official
statement.....
Change and progression takes time. In the case of Smalltown Poets, the exact time has lapsed six years from their
self-titled debut release in 1997 to their upcoming BEC Recordings debut coming early this 2004. In those six
years the Georgia natives, whose original members met in high school, have completed three albums, scanning over
250,000 copies, received nominations for two Grammy Awards, seven Dove Awards, and created ten Top 10 singles.
In the time since, Smalltown Poets has taken on new members with Alex Peterson taking on bass and Troy Stains at
guitar joining already existing members Michael Johnston and Matt Goldman. But the newest change is in their
label home. In the summer of 2003, Smalltown inked a deal with BEC Recordings joining new labelmates like
Jeremy Camp, Seven Places, and Telecast.
“I don’t see anyone else that thinks outside the box and allows for artistic freedom like Brandon Ebel has
with BEC Recordings and Tooth & Nail,” explains Michael Johnston of the band’s decision. “As we get to share
our musical vision more in the coming days, we anticipate BEC Recordings to be the perfect place to be the
interface between our songs and music lovers. We sense an excitement at our new label home, about the band
and getting the word out about our new music. Our goal is to connect with more people and feed the souls of
music lovers with good songs. We love the fact that BEC has the ability to broaden the potential of our music
in many ways throughout the marketplace. We look forward to our songs going places they have never been before.”
Rachael Lampa is gearing up for her third studio album to street Spring
2004. Lampa, who is once again trying her hand at songwriting for the project, joins producer Tommy Sims for a
more sophisticated, coming-of-age musical statement. According to Word A&R guy Chris Rodriguez, "Tommy takes
his great understanding of song craft and blends the R&B Urban that Rachael feels with pop, rock, blues, and
gospel. This album has a more live and earthy feel overall from the first two records."
Can't wait till Tuesday to hear the newest album from P.O.D., Payable On Death?
Well, you don't have to! MTV has leaked the album online and you can hear the ENTIRE thing today!
Surf over to http://www.mtv.com/music/the_leak/p_o_d/payable_on_death/ now!
Tuesday was the official release date for the self-titled debut CD from the San Diego based Motivo.
However, they are sad to announce that the scheduled promotional activities for the week have been postponed due
to the deadly fires raging throughout Southern California.
Jorge and Lily Valdez, both vocalists for the group, have finally been able to return to their home since their
shows in Mexico this weekend, due to evacuations and fire lines.
“It was really amazing to come across the border and see all of the destruction from the fires. We have been
blessed to have friends that we can stay with, but many in our community have not been as lucky,” states Jorge.
Instead of the scheduled press interviews and promotional concerts around the area, Motivo has been donating
their time at one of the evacuations centers in their community. Jorge continues. “This is a time to pull
together. The scope of this tragedy is huge – I think everyone in the area knows at least one person who has
lost everything in these fires. We can promote records all day long, but if we don’t help our neighbor, than
it’s worth nothing. Right now we get to spread hope and love through our actions as well as our songs.”
Alabama may have been central in the news in recent weeks as controversy raged over the public display of
the Ten Commandments in the State Capitol of Montgomery, but sell-outs posted on
Rebecca St. James' current "Let My Words Be Few Tour" are, she
believes, sending a message. Even in a state divided by religious opinions, the support of her current tour
offers proof that Christian based concerts continue to bring God's word to growing crowds of both new and
established believers. Her concerts this past week in both Huntsville and Montgomery, Alabama were sell-outs.
"Rebecca's tickets quickly sold-out in Montgomery (Wednesday, 22nd) and actually 300 or so people showed up at the doors that night hoping we could accommodate additional seating," noted Charlie Redmond, who booked the event. "The concert was heavily supported by local churches and the Christian base came out in full force."
Musically supporting Rebecca's billing on her current tour are fellow artists Down Here, Casting Crowns, and Charmaine .
Sparrow Records will release
In The Name Of Love: Artists United for Africa, a benefit
album that features the Christian artist community recording hits made popular by the world-renowned rock group
U2. This album is the answer to a call for action made by Bono, frontman and lead singer
of U2, to awaken the church to the crisis in Africa. The artists include Sixpence None The Richer,
Jars of Clay, Nichole Nordeman, Delirious, Audio Adrenaline, tobyMac, Tait, Chris Tomlin, Pillar, Grits,
Sanctus Real and more. A complete artist and song listing is available here.
In December of 2002, Bono met with several Christian artists and industry leaders in Nashville to share his heart and ask for their help in bringing awareness to the emergency in Africa. His call to the Christian music community was to help "awaken the church" to the crisis in Africa. In The Name of Love is an answer to that call and stands as a heartfelt tribute and a practical means to channel prayer and resources to fight against AIDS in Africa.
"The goal of this album is to inform the Christian community about the crisis in Africa," states Peter York,
Sparrow Records President. "Bono has been a powerful voice in raising awareness with this issue and it’s
important for the Christian community to come alongside and help support this cause."
In addition, the cover and packaging for In The Name Of Love was designed under the creative direction of
Steve Averill of Four 5 One Design, who has created the artwork for virtually all of U2 albums.
Multi-award winning artist Nicole C. Mullen is hitting the road to
promote Live From Cincinnati, Bringin' It Home CD and DVD, which release today. In select cities,
Mullen will also conduct Dance Workshops.
The promo tour kicked off Sunday in Cincinnati, OH, where the live DVD was filmed, and made a stop in Greenville
SC yesterday. From there, the tour will head to Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Jacksonville, FL; Atlanta, GA;
Charlotte, NC and Gray, TN. Each city will feature a mini-concert event at a local shopping mall or church,
where Mullen will perform selections from Live From Cincinnati.
As an added bonus, the events in Cincinnati, Greenville, Dallas and Atlanta will feature a Dance Workshop,
where Mullen and several of her dancers will teach the choreography to songs featured on the live DVD.
Fans who purchase a Live From Cincinnati, Bringin' It Home DVD or CD from their local Christian
Bookstore will receive a ticket, which will get them into this special event.
While he has been capturing the hearts of listeners for
18 months, Gospel Music's newest sensation, Smokie Norful, has once again
captured the #1 position on Billboard's Top Selling Gospel Chart as his
latest release, Limited Edition, debuts at #1.
At the same time, Norful's best-selling debut, I Need You Now, lands in the
#4 position on the same chart. An impressive feat for a relative newcomer,
Norful now finds himself in the company of Gospel stars Kirk Franklin and
Yolanda Adams as the only Gospel artists to have two projects in the Top 5
on Billboard's Top Selling Gospel Chart simultaneously. More significantly,
this marks the first time ever that a Gospel artist has occupied two of the
Billboard Gospel Top 5 positions with non-holiday releases.
Amy Grant recently made a guest appearance with Peter Cetera
on WWTW11's critically acclaimed music series, "Soundstage," on PBS. Check out www.amygrant.com for upcoming
Christmas tour dates with husband Vince Gill...
5,000 screaming teenaged girls were in attendance at this past weekend's Girls Of Grace event in Louisville,
KY. This recent event is just one of many sold-out conferences being held nationwide by platinum-selling group
Point Of Grace since last year. Oklahoma City and Atlanta will be
the host of the upcoming November Girls of Grace conferences, both of which are already sold-out! Look for
Point of Grace to be special guests on the Michael W. Smith Christmas Tour, which starts mid-November and
travels to 14 cities nationwide.
*Friday, October 24th, 2003*
The Smalltown Poets are back! Yup, it's absolutely true. The boys have resurfaced on the web with
a new website at SmalltownPoets.com and even have a few tour dates coming up before the end of the year.
Apparently the guys have undergone a few member changes and have found a new home label at Tooth & Nail spin-off
BEC Recordings. An August update date made this announcement, "The band is in the final stages of recording new music at Glow In The Dark Studio in Atlanta, GA. There is no word yet on a realease date but we can tell you that the new project will be released on BEC Recordings. There will be more information regarding the new album, tour dates, and general band stuff posted soon so check back often."
Surf on over now to SmalltownPoets.com and sign up for the band's official newsletter to keep tabs on the guys...
Sixpence None the Richer's frontwoman Leigh Nash has given an update on the band on their official
website Sixpence-NTR.com. Here's what Leigh has to say on her recent pregnancy with her and her husband
Mark's (formerly of PFR) first child and a forthcoming new release...
"It's hard to say exactly why I have'nt done another entry in all this time. I'm retarded? No, that would be
a good reason, but it's not true. But I do apologize for not keeping posts up there to update those who are
interested in my goings on. For a while we were out promoting the record pretty hard, that turned into a few
tours and we did some summer shows and now here we are...just about ready to start a new record.
I love Divine Discontent so much and feel so proud of it and glad we endured to get past those
rough years to see that it was heard. Thanks so much to those long time supporters that waited and waited
and waited with us.
Well I have some pretty big news. I am entering my seventh month of pregnancy this week. If you've
seen any of our recent shows you probably already know about the baby whom I've dubbed (for now)
"Mr. Baby". I'm so very much in love with him already, I've already warned him that I may have to bite
him :) It's driving me nuts that he's so close and I can't see him. Well, we actually got to see
him once during the ultrasound. Mark (my husband), and I are so thrilled that he's coming.
I can wake him or put him to sleep with certain songs I sing to him. Mark picked up a cd that
Jason Faulkner did of instrumantal versions of Beatles songs. It's for children and Mr. Baby seems
to atleast be intersted, because his movements become pretty ferocious when we play it for him.
I hope we're not scaring him. He is due around January 10th, but it sure would be nice to get him a
little early. I guess we have to wait and see on that one. My dogs (Tom and Gus) are throwing a
fit over something and I should go investigate... I thank you for being interseted enough in the
band to read this. Hope it's not too boring. I'll write more soon...Promise!"
The songs "Go" by Andy Hunter and "Play it Loud" by MxPx,
will both be featured in the anticipated new game, SSX3, for PS2, Gamecube, and Xbox, along with
songs by many other bands, including Jane's Addiction, Chemical Brothers, Fat Boy Slim, and Black-Eyed Peas.
The game is now available as it hit stores this week on Monday, Oct. 20.
For more information, you can visit the official site for the game at ssx3.com
New Gotee Records artist Sarah Kelly joined Nashville’s Christian
radio station WAY-FM and tour mates Paul Colman Trio on Saturday (Oct. 18) for an outdoor
concert to benefit Nashville’s Hope Clinic for Women, an organization that helps women dealing with unplanned
pregnancies. The event was part of the clinic’s 2003 Run for Life, which took place at Nashville’s Bicentennial
Mall, near the state’s historic capitol building. Kelly performed songs from her upcoming Gotee Records debut
album, Take Me Away, which is slated to release Feb. 24. Kelly is currently on the road with the Paul Colman
Trio traveling to 20 cities nationwide on “The One Tour.”
Paul Colman, frontman for pc3 commented on performing for the benefit, "We were happy to support the 'Run
for Life;' God made life sacred and desires us to honor His creation. As the father of a 2-year-old daughter,
I'm continually amazed at the mystery and miracle of life itself."
Mizzie, formerly one-fourth of the pop/dance act Raze, is now on her own performing on dates for this Fall's
Festival Con Dios tour. Mizzie is working on recording her first solo project for InPop records this Fall
for a March 9th, 2004 release. She recently made this announcement on her official website, Mizzieonline.com
"After the (Festival Con Dios) tour is over it is straight into the studio for me. I have to finish the album so
we can get it out to all you wonderful people. Nathan from Plus One and I are working on a new song. A very
pretty love song. Most of the songs I have are upbeat and fun so I wanted to slow it down with a sweet,
beautiful song about the amazing thing we call 'being in love'."
Michael W. Smith kicked off his 19-date “Celebration Tour,” with special guest MercyMe, Thurs. Oct. 16
in Milwaukee, Wis. to a capacity crowd at the US Cellular Arena.
“Michael has been a mainstay in Christian music for 20 years and ‘The Celebration Tour’ clearly shows why,”
comments Cliff Reiser of Rush Concerts, who promoted the event. “What a way to celebrate 20 years. He inspired,
moved and shared with the audience in a way only he can do. The combination of Michael W. Smith and MercyMe
offered an evening of music and ministry that the audience was totally into. Rush Concerts is proud to
have played a small role in this success.”
John Huie of Creative Artists Agency concurs. “In a depressed business environment it is wonderful to see Michael
W. Smith selling out venues. Michael with MercyMe is the package of the year and I wish we could do another
run!”
In addition to seeing stellar tour numbers, Smith’s 17th audio recording, The Second Decade 1993-2003,
released earlier this month to claim the No. 1 position on Nielsen SoundScan’s Christian and
Christian/Mainstream Combined music sales charts. Michael was also the only artist to hold strong with
three albums in the Top 50 on the same charts.
Tait's hot new album Lose This Life drops on November 4th,
but the album won't be the only other new songs the guys have to offer. The band also recently recorded a U2
cover, the song "One", for the In The Name of Love tribute album releasing in January.
In The Name of Love will also feature songs
from Audio Adrenaline, P.O.D., Sixpence None the Richer, tobyMac, Nichole Nordeman, Pillar, and more!
The Tait band also have done a cover for the VeggieTales silly song "Cheeseburger". Now there's an interesting
cover tune...
The Insyderz, Floodgate Reocords' resident purveyors of
punk/ska/rock are gearing up for their album release by doing shows and spreading the word about
their new music. The Insyderz will be out with Number One Gun and Dogwood, and their album release show
will be at the Royal Oak Theatre on November 16 – with the Relient K tour! Soundtrack to a Revolution
releases November 11. For the new JfH PReview of Sountrack, click
here! And make sure you check out the new Insyderz e-card that is up on www.floodgaterecords.com
The Cool Hand Luke guys are writing and demoing up songs every
chance they get for their second Floodgate Records project. The band is slated to hit the studio on December 8,
co-produced by Steve Hindalong and Marc Byrd (of City On A Hill production fame).
Denison Marrs is home in Florida, playing local shows, and preparing to record their second Floodgate album as well. This week, they are demoing new music. Their new album will be coming out in the spring!
Switchfoot continues to make a massive impact with their latest release The Beautiful Letdown,
having already shipped over 330,000 units to date. Being hailed as “...a masterpiece” by critics,
it’s no wonder that Switchfoot continues to gain national attention. The band was recently honored with
two awards from their hometown, which include “Best Pop Album,” and “Artist of the Year” at the San Diego
Music Awards. You can also check out their brand new video for "Meant To Live" online at here!
(lo) (high)
Word Label Group President, Barry Landis announced Wednesday the signing of a label deal with
Tedd T, the GRAMMY® and Dove award winning producer of Stacie Orrico,
Rebecca St. James, Jump5 and Avalon. Tedd will develop an
as-yet-to-be-named imprint for Word and head up all aspects of the label, including signing and developing
talent and assisting in the marketing of all releases.
"We're tremendously excited to launch this relationship," said Landis. "Tedd is one of the most creative
and in-demand musical forces anywhere, and we are delighted to be working with him. He is that rare combination
of talent and commitment that makes for great music and great good."
Tedd's resume as a producer, arranger, programmer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter also includes
genre-defying work with ZOEgirl, Prince, Jewel, SheDaisy and The Newsboys, among many others.
Rita Springer just put the finishing touches on Rise Up,
her latest project. Recorded during 5 worship sessions at “A Fragrant Oil” conference in New Mexico earlier
this year, Rise Up is a double-disc set of spontaneous, unhindered worship. This is the album Rita’s
wanted to release for a long time, so she even got to produce it! Rise Up is available on the Floodgate
website, and select retailers November 4.
Shaun Groves, Ginny Owens
and Christine Dente are out on the road for the Night in Rocketown
tour. George Rowe, who was originally on the tour, will be joining them on the final two dates in St. Paul,
MN and Mequon, WI. George Rowe will be appearing on the Celebration tour with Michael W. Smith and MercyMe.
SoulJahz was recently nominated for a Stellar Award in the category
of "Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD Of The Year" for The Fault Is History. The 19th Annual Stellar Award show
will be held in Houston, TX this coming January 10th. The group is currently in the studio working on
their sophomore album, set to street in 2004.
The Violet Burning has just returned from a wonderful tour
that included shows in New York City, Columbus, Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Nashville, Sioux Falls,
Charlotte, and everywhere in between. To read the band's road journal check out www.thevioletburning.com.
Never willing to just sit around and enjoy the Southern California sun, the band is ready to take off on a
tour on the West Coast in October, as well as their return to Netherlands, Germany, and England during
this upcoming Christmas season.
Mel Gibson's passion-stirring Biblical epic The Passion
of Christ will open in the United States on Feb. 25 - Ash Wednesday on the
Christian calendar.
The Oscar-winning "Braveheart" director and Newmarket Films announced a deal
Thursday to distribute Gibson's embattled film about the last hours of Jesus
Christ's life.
The film has drawn complaints from some Jewish leaders, who say it suggests
Jews were responsible for Christ's death. Conservative Catholics who have
seen the film have called it a powerful rendering Christ's crucifixion.
Gibson spent a reported $30 million to produce the movie, which he has
defended as faithful to the Gospels. In response to worries by Jewish
groups, he has said the film is intended "to inspire, not offend."
The Passion of Christ stars Jim Caviezel as Christ and Monica Bellucci as
Mary Magdalene. The dialogue is in Latin, Hebrew and Aramaic with English
subtitles.
*Friday, October 17th, 2003*
Multi-platinum, multi-Grammy and Dove Award-winning band, Jars of Clay
is readying for the Nov. 4 release of its sixth studio album, Who We Are Instead. The self-produced,
13-song project is its first disc of all new material since the acclaimed The Eleventh Hour, which released
March, 2002.
Who We Are Instead marks a return to the acoustic, soulful sound that launched Jars of Clay’s musical
journey nearly 10 years ago. “We were excited to just sit in a room and re-embrace the simple acoustic process
that got us started,” noted Dan Haseltine, Jars’ lead singer. “What has emerged, we hope, is an album that
is organic and soulful and an honest expression of the things we believe.”
Recorded at Jars’ Sputnik Studio, the project enlisted the talents of a few close and very gifted friends. Ashley
Cleveland added her trademark vocals to the album’s anchor song, “Amazing Grace,” as well as to the
blues-injected, “Jealous Kind.” Drummers Ben Mize (Counting Crows, Ryan Adams) and Ken Coomer (Wilco) played
on various tracks while Jacquire King (No Doubt, Third Eye Blind, Smash Mouth) mixed.
Who We Are Instead delivers 12 new songs written entirely by members Haseltine; Matt Odmark,
acoustic guitar; Stephen Mason, pedal steel/acoustic guitar; and keyboardist Charlie Lowell, plus offers a
remake of the 1970s hit song by super-group America, “Lonely People.” Producer Ron Aniello, who recently
worked on Guster’s latest record, Keep It Together, contributed on four songs, “Sunny Days,” “Faith Enough,”
“Show You Love,” and “Sing.”
Gotee Records' recording artist Relient K is gearing up for the
release of its very first Christmas CD, Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand, slated to hit store shelves
Nov. 4. The Christmas CD will be packaged along with the band's current top-selling album,
Two Lefts Don't Make a Right, But Three Do. The special Christmas combination package will feature
the fifth and final limited-edition cover of Two Lefts Don't Make a Right, making it a valuable
collector's item.
Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand features seven Christmas favorites performed with the inimitable
Relient K twist, including "Deck the Halls," "Handel's Messiah," "Twelve Days of Christmas," "Away in a Manger"
and more. The project also includes three original holiday offerings: "I Celebrate the Day, "Santa Clause
is Thumbing to Town" and "I Hate Christmas Parties."
"This August we ate a couple thousand sno-cones to get us in the Christmassy state of mind necessary to
record a bunch of holiday favorites (and originals) for our Deck The Halls, Bruise Your Hand album,"
says Relient K's Matt Thiessen. "We're all more than jolly about the way that this recording turned out,
and we really HO-HO-HOpe everyone who hears it enjoys it as well."
Relient K's Two Lefts Don't Make a Right, But Three Do sold more than 30,000 copies its first week
out of the box, and has gone on to sell more than 200,000 units so far in just six months. The album was
originally released with four innovative limited-edition covers, and the new Christmas edition will complete
the set. With three albums released to date, Relient K has reached combined sales of more than half a
million albums worldwide. The band's smash hit "Chap Stick, Chapped Lips, and Things Like Chemistry"
landed in the upper half of the college radio charts for more than two months before crossing over to
commercial alternative radio, and the song's video has aired on music television networks like MTV2,
Much Music and FUSE.
Relient K is currently headlining the Everybody Wants to Rule the World Tour with Anberlin and Don't Look Down.
The 35-city tour runs through the end of November. For more information, go to www.relientk.com.
You've heard the Superchick song, but do you know these girls?
Three sisters who rock will be the newest artist on growing boutique label Fervent Records, announced
Susan Riley, CEO. BarlowGirl – musicians and sisters Rebecca, Alyssa
and Lauren Barlow – have signed an exclusive label and songwriting deal with Fervent. Their Fervent debut
album will release February 24, 2004 through Provident Music Distribution.
“Fervent Records has purposely looked for a girl band to sign. Our label staff is made up predominantly of
females and each of us were tremendously affected by Christian music when we were young girls. As a label,
we wanted to find female artists that could provide that same inspiration to young women today. We were so
blessed to find that in BarlowGirl. They are incredible young ladies who will be great models for girls, but
will also find fans among guys as well as all ages,” said Riley.
“BarlowGirl has a passion to write songs about the journey that God has taken us on in our lives, and to share
with kids of our generation the power of trusting God in everything rather than just accepting and going along
with what the world has to offer. We are excited that Fervent Records believes in us and our music and has
chosen to be a part of our band’s future,” said Alyssa Barlow.
BarlowGirl (www.barlowgirl.com) was formed four years ago by Rebecca (23 – guitar, background vocals), Alyssa
(21 - bass, keyboard, vocals) and Lauren (18 – drums, vocals) who grew up in the Chicago suburb of Elgin, IL.
After playing for several years as a back-up band for their father Vince Barlow, who was a children’s music
minister for Promiseland, the children's ministry of Willow Creek Community Church, the girls began
experimenting with songwriting and playing together as a band. One year ago, desiring for deeper training
in their craft, BarlowGirl went to the Gospel Music Association’s “Seminar in the Rockies,” an annual event
in Estes Park, Colorado that brings together Christian music industry artists and executives together with
aspiring artists and songwriters for a week of training and talent competitions. It was there that they
first caught the attention of Christian music label executives, leading ultimately to their signing with
Fervent.
Do you remember how you became a fan of your favorite artists? Do you remember the moment when the power of
music somehow changed you, and the music took on a new meaning from that point forward?
The 8 Great Hits Series takes a closer look at 12 of
Christian music's most-beloved artists and the music that touched so many lives along the way.
Pick-up a copy today and re-discover your favorite artists and songs all over again. The series includes
Audio Adrenaline, dc Talk, Steven Curtis Chapman, Newsboys, Sonicflood, Steve Green, BeBe & CeCe, Gaither Vocal Band,
Phillips Craig & Dean, Twila Paris, & Michael Card.
Dove nominated recording artist Joy Williams will again be part
of the highly attended Point of Grace “Girls of Grace” conferences.
Williams, who has been a part of the conference since its launch in fall 2002, is slated for upcoming
Minneapolis (Oct. 17 & 18), Louisville, Ky. (Oct. 24 & 25) and Oklahoma City (Nov. 7 & 8) dates. “I’m thrilled
to have been asked to participate in ‘Girls of Grace’ again,” noted Williams.
“I’m really looking forward to spending time with Terry, Shelley, Denise, and Heather of Point of Grace,
as well as with the girls coming to the event. I’ve been on the last two and love that the weekends are
set up to encourage relationship. I’ve been able to share in the lives of the some of the girls at these
events and that’s especially meaningful.”
Point of Grace started the conferences in fall 2002 to encourage teenaged girls to be Godly in every aspect
of their lives. Williams has been involved with “Girls of Grace” as a musical guest since its launch.
Eight-time 2003 Dove Award nominee Bebo Norman catches the spotlight again, this time for his song
"Tip of My Heart," recently re-recorded by popular country singer and television actor Billy Ray Cyrus.
Featured on Cyrus' upcoming release, The Other Side, "Tip of My Heart" is the album's debut Christian radio single,
going for adds Oct. 17.
"This is a song that was written by Bebo Norman, one of my favorite artists, just a great singer/songwriter,
and a guy that I have the utmost respect for," commented Cyrus during a recent interview with Salem
Communications affiliate WFFH in Nashville, Tenn. "I've wanted to cut this song for my past two albums that
I've done."
"This song is about the wanting I think we all have to go deeper in our lives ... spiritually, emotionally,
and relationally," Norman comments. "It's also about the fear of the unknown that seems to always stop us
short ... the fear that our faith is not enough; the fear that we are not enough. But more than those things,
this song is about grace ... the grace that thankfully is enough; the grace that can only come from God.
I am so pleased that Billy Ray has embraced 'Tip of My Heart' the way he has, and I hope its message is
able to affect many more lives."
The Washington Times recently did an impressive write-up on the success of MercyMe's hit single
"I Can Only Imagine". Check out the entire article "Heaven Minds" online now at:
http://www.washtimes.com/culture/20031015-093046-3832r.htm
On October 21st, look for the 4th instalment in the This Is Solid State series, this time it’s a
double disc set! The first disc has music from the likes of Norma Jean, Stretch Arm Strong, The Agony Scene
and more. The second disc is a DVD with EVERY Solid State video ever filmed along with live footage from ZAO,
Living Sacrifice, Underoath, Eso-Charis, Norma Jean and Stretch Arm Strong. That’s 12+ songs and nearly 20
videos all for under $10!
For those lucky enough to catch it, the video for The Agony Scene's
“We Bury Our Dead at Dawn” officially aired on MTV’s “Extreme Rock” show this week! Head over to
http://www.mtv.com/onair/mtv2/rock_countdown/vote and vote for the Agony Scene video along with all
your favorite Solid State artists. All the video outlets including Fuse, Much Music, Uranium and more
have been serviced the video, hit them up and ask them to play the new video!
Illect Recordings is a new up and coming independent hip-hop label
based out of Seattle, WA. It was started by three good friends and longtime hip-hop fans that shared a common
vision for a record label that would genuinely advocate the interests of both artists and fans.
This new label is all about pursuing quality artistry with integrity, with an unwavering dedication to
excellence. Illect is here to offer a reliable outlet for emerging new artists, by providing a trustworthy
support platform, and effective promotional and marketing strategies.
For more info on Illect Recordings (pronounced "ill-ekt"), please visit www.illect.com
*Wednesday, October 15th, 2003*
Panheads unite! Skillet is urging fans to hold "Panhead Parties" in celebration of the band's forthcoming November 18th release,
Collide. Cooper made the following announcement in this week's Skillet
newsletter, "Get some friends together who like to rock. The cost is $25. What you get is: 1 CD, 2 skillet
T-shirts, autographed photo, stickers, instructions for party and how to have fun... and more!
More details later, but if you are interested and think you can get more than 3 people together,
send an e-mail to: ardent@ardentrecords.com with the subject "panhead parties". The deadline for all
e-mails concerning the parties is November 3rd."
John Reuben's gearing up for his December 2nd street date of his third Gotee release Professional Rapper.
With a lot of the new material featuring live instrumentation as well as programming, Reuben has plans to take a live
band out on tour with him for the first time in December. The self-produced Professional Rapper is agruably Reuben's tighest
work to date and offers two songs featuring The Benjamin Gate's frontwoman Adrienne Liesching with a another song offering a discreet guest
appearance from label owner and industry veteran tobyMac.
Sparrow Records and Universal South will release the debut project from singer/songwriter Matthew West
entitled Happy on December 26th. Already an established and award wining songwriter, Matthew West
wins audiences of all ages with his contagious stage presence, rich, gutsy vocals and undeniably relevant
songs.
Produced by Kenny Greenberg and Jason Hauser, Happy features a blend of guitar-based modern pop and
rock sounds. Devoted to reaching listeners with a positive and real message about life, love and faith,
the collection of songs that make Happy radiate that passion.
"I'm so excited to have Matthew West as our first artist in the Contemporary Christian format,” said
Tony Brown, Senior Partner, Universal South. "Matthew is a world class singer/songwriter and both
Universal South and EMI/CMG are both lucky to have him in our families.”
Crowne Music Group is pleased to announce a partnership with Matt McGee and Visionering, Inc.
Under this joint venture, Matt’s national debut project
Worship Through the Valley will release through Crowne Music
and Word Distribution January 27th, 2004.
“We are very excited about this partnership,” states Michael Turner, General Manager of Crowne Music.
“We have been so impressed with Matt’s commitment to his ministry. I hope that we are able to help facilitate
getting his music out to a much greater audience.”
“The team at Crowne really understands our motivation and focus in ministry. Their enthusiasm for the
project has been a huge blessing. We see great things ahead in the future for Crowne and Visionering,” explains Seth Jackson, President of Visionering, Inc.
Worship Through the Valley contains praise and worship tracts that reflect Matt’s own experiences
through the difficult valleys of life. As the album’s title suggests, the project’s underlying theme is
worship in the most difficult times of life, and knowing that God is leading you through. “In some of the
deepest valleys of life,” Matt shares, “God has taught me lessons about faith, hurting, fulfillment,
betrayal, and keeping joy in Him through it all.”
Squint Entertainment recording artist Souljahz has been invited
to join "I Have A Dream...the Tour" with Kirk Franklin and tobyMac.
"We are honored and even flabbergasted to be on a tour of this magnitude with two musical geniuses such as
Kirk Franklin and tobyMac," says Je'kob Washington, on behalf of the group. "We are looking forward to learning
from two of the industry's finest!"
Gospo Centric artist Kirk Franklin and Forefront artist tobyMac are teaming up with the E.R.A.C.E.
Foundation (Eliminating Racism and Creating Equality) to break down the walls of discrimination and
racism. "I Have a Dream...the Tour" will hit 15+ markets beginning October 16th, including Philadelphia,
Boston, Washington DC, Detroit and Minneapolis.
Michael W. Smith recently asked new Rocketown artist George Rowe
to join his fall tour with Mercy Me as a background vocalist and piano player.
Rowe's first single, "Everlasting," went for adds just two weeks ago and is already getting airplay on
1/4 of the nation's Christian AC stations and 1/3 of the Inspirational stations. Rowe's debut CD, Think
About That, releases Dec. 2.
Alathea's Mandee Radford completed her third marathon Sunday
when she ran the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in 5 hours, 11 minutes. Radford was running this marathon to
raise money to aid Compassion International in the building of a pedestrian bridge in a small community in
Ecuador. The bridge is desperately needed to provide safe passage over a busy highway that has claimed
numerous childrens' lives. For more information on the bridge build, visit www.alathea.com.
Casting Crowns, flagship artist on Reunion Records’ imprint,
Beach Street Records, garnered the highest first-week sales of any debut artist according this week’s Nielsen
SoundScan Christian market sales chart.
“Mardel has had our best first-week sales of any new artist this year with Casting Crowns,” remarked Mike
Snowdon, music buyer for Mardel Christian Stores. “Our staff and customers have found their lyrical content
and focused message to be extremely refreshing and something we all have been telling others about.
We believe this band is on the brink of something big!”
“We are thrilled at the first-week scans for Casting Crowns,” commented Don Noes, sr. vp of Provident
Music Distribution. “Since our first introduction to the band’s music and ministry, the Provident team
has eagerly awaited the consumer response to their refreshing message. And, the fact that this has
become the year’s highest scanning first-week of any debut artist, we’re equally excited to see what
the future holds.”
The much talked about new Mel Gibson-directed film about the last eight hours of Jesus's life entitled
The Passion has found a new name.
The official title of the movie has changed to The Passion of Christ.
And Although the film is still struggling for a distributor, the goal is to release the film in US theaters
on February 25, 2004. The movie stars Jim Caviezel as Jesus and is rumored to be the most emotional and graphic
representation of Christ's death ever filmed. For more info, visit www.passion-movie.com
*Wednesday, October 8th, 2003*
The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced yesterday that the 35th Annual Dove Awards
will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2004, said John W. Styll, president of the GMA.
The Dove Awards will be held at The Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville for the second straight year.
The GMA will offer tickets for sale to the public, including new, more affordable ticket prices for fans.
Tickets will go on sale in December to Gospel Music Association members and to the public in January.
More details will be available at www.doveawards.com.
The show’s hosts, performances, broadcast outlet and sponsors will be announced at a later date.
The Dove Awards is the culmination of the annual GMA Week convention, which will be held at various
locations in downtown Nashville from April 24 -28, 2004.
Essential Records’ Third Day and Creative Trust Workshop’s
Warren Barfield, were invited to participate with best-selling
author Max Lucado for a live, nationally broadcast satellite event that took on Sunday, October 5,
hosted by Church Communication Network (CCN).
Originating live from Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where Lucado serves as senior minister,
Lucado spoke to thousands of viewers on the topic of his new book, Next Door Savior: Near Enough to Touch,
Strong Enough to Trust (W Publishing Group,). Third Day and Barfield performed songs from the Creative Trust
Workshop Next Door Savior CD during this special event. Lucado’s daughter, Jenna, made a guest solo
appearance. A surprise guest, San Antonio Spurs David Robinson, provided his testimony during the two hour
broadcast.
Next Door Savior, the theme of Lucado’s two-hour broadcast, was written to address the questions and
longings of longtime believers as well as those of curious onlookers. Says Lucado: “To the seeker,
Next Door Savior offers reasons to believe. To the believer, Next Door Savior offers fiber
for faith. But more than an apologetic treatise on Jesus, this book is designed to platform the
"God-manness" of Christ, acquainting the reader with Jesus’ one-of-a-kind claims.” Next Door Savior
debuts at the #5 spot on the CBA’s top 50 books bestseller list in October 2003.
Last Tuesday, Sept. 30, Steven Curtis Chapman performed at the
Annual Congressional Angels In Adoption Awards Banquet, put on by CCAI, The Congressional Coalition on
Adoption Institute. The gala was held at the International Trade Center/Ronald Reagan Building in
Washington, D.C.
In 2001, Steven and Mary Beth Chapman received the National Angel in Adoption Award along with the late Dave Thomas (Wendy’s). This year, the award was given to Muhammad and Lonnie Ali as well as Bruce Willis for
their advocacies towards adoption and foster care.
Also on hand for the evening were over 50 members of Congress and 165 Angel recipients, recognized for
their adoption advocacy in their hometowns all across the nation. Families and children all came together
to share this one very special evening together!!
Chapman entertained the crowd with his song written for his first adopted daughter, “When Love Takes You In.”
He also shared a new song written especially for the evening.
Here’s a fun tidbit – earlier in the day on Tuesday, Chapman was in a taxi. Guess who left his guitar
and case (AND lyrics to his new song!) in the trunk of the taxi? Yep. As soon as he realized it,
and with no luck getting the guitar back (yet!), he spent the entire afternoon rewriting the song.
Alas, he won the crowd over debuting the new tune and did an amazing job! And while at the gala,
Chapman was photographed rubbing elbows with none other than Bruce Willis and Muhammad Ali!
After only five weeks at radio, Michael W. Smith’s current
radio single, “Signs” made a record-setting jump on the Christian Radio Weekly Adult Contemporary Chart
last week. Co-written with son Ryan, the single is receiving airplay on 43 CRW reporting stations that
collectively impact five-million listeners across the nation.
Jim Veldhuis, managing editor, Christian Radio Weekly commented, “The fact that the latest Smitty single
set a record for chart-positions-gained isn't a surprise when you realize that K-LOVE/Dallas; Salem’s
Today’s Christian Music Network; KSBJ/Houston; and KFSH/Los Angeles were among the reporters that added
the song out of the box.”
ForeFront Records’ band, TAIT, prepares to powerfully connect,
both musically and lyrically, with its rapidly expanding fan base through the release of its highly
anticipated sophomore album, Lose This Life, Nov. 4.
Co-produced by lead singer, Michael Tait, and industry veteran, Mark Heimermann
(dc talk, Garth Brooks, tobyMac, Rebecca St. James), Lose This Life marks the first record with which
Michael has been this significantly involved. A follow up to its applauded, hit-filled 2001 debut,
Empty, TAIT’s upcoming album features more power, sincerity and maturity as the artistry and
camaraderie grows for members Michael, bassist Lonnie Chapin, drummer Chad Chapin and guitarist Justin York.
“The chemistry of this band has become something like a freight train over the last year,” says Lonnie
Chapin. “We feel like we’re breaking through to the next level musically and we’re gaining hardcore fans
who really get what we’re doing as a band. This new record will be an explosion of who we are.”
Michael continues, “There’s a believable passion that courses through Lose This Life. Even the slow
songs have this tremendous energy. This project exudes life and is really a statement from the heart.
We’re intense about saying things that matter. The older I get the more I realize how short my time on
earth is. As a band, we don’t feel like we have time to sit back and tickle people’s ears.”
Along with 10 original cuts and a cover of Eddy Grant’s 1982 hit, “Electric Avenue,” the project will
feature a bonus track, “The Christmas Song,” reminiscent of Nat King Cole’s musical style. Produced by
Brown Bannister (Steven Curtis Chapman, Avalon, Warren Barfield), the holiday single was recorded live
to 2-track format with players from the London Symphony Orchastra and the London Philharmonic.
Lose This Life will be enhanced with special features, including a tool to unlock behind-the-scene
“webisodes” available at the redesigned www.TAITband.com, launching Oct. 13. We've been blessed with a listen
guys, and it's fantastic!
With its unprecedented success in the mainstream market this year, it is no surprise that
"I Can Only Imagine" was chosen to lay the foundation for the upcoming M2.O Communications/Sony Wonder
release, I Can Only Imagine: Lullabies For A Peaceful Rest,
slated for release on November 11th. Many know this hit song in its original form, and for the first time
ever, it can be heard in a newly recorded acoustic version on the release, also performed by
MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard. Produced and arranged by Grammy nominee Brian Green,
this 45 minute tranquil collection includes fifteen familiar and new lullabies geared to soothe the child
and to worship the Creator. Other tracks especially recorded for this project are the timeless classics
"Jesus Loves Me," "Lullaby and Goodnight (Brahms Lullaby)," and "Hush Little Baby," as well as the
instrumental tracks "Rock A Bye Baby" and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
Featured vocals include Millard and fellow MercyMe member Nathan Cochran, along with voices of other
accomplished singers. Cochran contributes to this album with the timeless melody "Keeper Of My Heart."
Whereas Millard lends his vocals on the title track, he also sings with his wife, Shannon on
"Baby Sleep Tonight," which they penned especially for this project. During the song, the two parents
express their promise to their son, Samuel, to always be by his side. The words ring parallel to the
promises Christ gives His children, "When you close your eyes, know that I¹ll be there for you,
I¹ll never let you go for you¹re my heart and soul."
Also due to the mainstream success of their song,
"I Can Only Imagine", MercyMe recently taped an interview
with CNN Entertainment reporter Brooke Anderson this week in Atlanta.
The interview is set to air 6 to 12 times this weekend, so keep an eye out for it! If we hear more specific times,
we'll let you know!
Casting Crowns, flagship artist on Beach Street Records,
an imprint of Reunion Records, celebrated the release of its self-titled debut this week.
In support of the launch, the band traveled to Dallas, Oklahoma City and Orlando, Fla.
visiting media, retail and radio stations. Casting Crowns wraps the busy week on Sun. in
its hometown of Atlanta with multiple performances for local fans.
“It is hard to believe we actually have a CD out in stores,” noted Mark Hall, lead singer.
“This whole process has been surreal - just amazing. We are so grateful for this ministry
opportunity and the impact we can make for the Kingdom.”
In support of the album, the band hit the road on a promotional tour with visits to the Jon and
Sherry Rivers Show and KLTY/Dallas after which they traveled to Oklahoma City for a performance
at the Mardel Bookstore Manager’s luncheon. Finally, WPOZ/Orlando welcomed the group for an on-air
interview and performance.
When you’re hot, you’re hot, and conservative comedian
Brad Stine is sizzling! With recent features from Associated Press,
Knight-Ridder, and Gannett, Stine’s story has been seen in about 250
newspapers with a readership of over 8.3 million people. And with Stine’s
enthusiastic response garnering standing ovations from every Promise Keepers
event, he has already been confirmed to appear on the 2004 18-city tour that
will begin next June.
Stine’s extremely popular new DVD, Put A Helmet On! has led to bookings on
The Big Show with John Boy & Billy, which is a syndicated classic rock
morning show heard on 100 radio stations in twenty-two states on Thursday,
October 30th. The show is broadcast locally in Nashville on WNRQ, “The
Rock,” at 105.9 FM. Stine is also scheduled for an appearance on WLAC, a
Nashville mainstream talk radio station.
Multiple Gold-selling comedienne Chonda Pierce and Platinum-selling, GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning Word
recording artist Sandi Patty join forces for one of the biggest-selling tours of the season.
Their 30-plus-city The Girls Are Back in Town tour is causing tens of thousands to flock to the box office, selling out arenas across the country.
As Chonda tours in support of her latest best-selling video, Have I Got A Story For You!, and
Sandi Patty continues to support her critically acclaimed CD, Take Hold of Christ, the duo’s The Girls
Are Back in Town tour launched Sept. 18 with more than 4,000 people attending a sold-out performance at
the Civic Center in Asheville, NC.
Alathea’s Mandee Radford will run the Chicago Marathon with
the hope of raising more than $13,000 for a small community in a country more than 2,500 miles from her
cabin in East Tennessee.
To tell more about the story, Radford shares an excerpt from a journal she kept during Alathea’s May 2003
Compassion International trip to Ecuador: “We had the gift to visit homes of many of the sponsored children
in Ecuador, and one day while walking home with a little boy from the Otavalo project, we came to a busy,
paved highway. It took about five minutes for us to get safe passage across the road. Once we finally
made it, the interpreter told us that the little boy we were with had recently lost his brothers at this
crossing—they were hit by cars. Our hearts dropped, and we walked in silence through the community to his
home. When we arrived, we weren’t struck by the one-room, dirt-floor house with chickens inside or the
plywood mattress that slept six people at night. We were struck by the sorrow that hung over us. We
politely conversed with the little boy’s mom through the interpreter, and then she broke down and
began to sob. She was weeping for her sons. We no longer needed an interpreter to translate her
Quichen language. Sorrow is a language we all speak. We stood around her, hugged her, wept with her,
and prayed for her. We left feeling helpless, helpless because we realized that if one home had lost
two children trying to cross the road, chances were that more mothers were in the same pain. That
night I prayed, not for a solution but hope.”
Radford was struck with the idea of building a pedestrian bridge over the busy highway, but was discouraged by how many obstacles were in the way. Then, in a providential meeting later in the week, Alathea met Compassion’s Ecuador Country Director Fernando Puga. His prior career? As a civil engineer who specialized in the building of bridges. If Alathea could raise the finances, he committed to oversee the construction of the bridge.
As Radford explains, the first effort to raise money for the project involves securing sponsors for her upcoming participation in the Chicago Marathon Oct. 12. Radford ran the Chicago Marathon once before in 2002 and completed the Nashville Marathon earlier this year. Radford’s goal is to raise $500 per mile for each mile she runs for a grand total of more than $13,000 for the bridge build when she successfully finishes the race.
“Jesus has called us to seek out the oppressed, the widows, the orphans, the hurting,” Radford says. “I don’t have much to give, but I do have my passion and my time. This project seemed like an impossibility from the start, and I know not one person is going to make this happen, but all of us putting our drops together to fill the bucket. It is a privilege to serve. It is a gift to use our small influences to become contributors to something bigger than ourselves, to a need that is bigger than our abilities to fix that need. That’s where Jesus steps in.”
Greg Fradey, Compassion’s development director, said, “It's a joy to our hearts to see Alathea's enthusiasm, energy and passion being poured into this project. They have been long time partners in ministry with Compassion and have given their lives to reaching out to others... like Jesus would.”
Kids In The Way is coming December 26th, 2003. The band is on tour now with Festival con Dios and opening
for Pillar this fall on The Underground Uprising tour. First single "Hallelujah" coming
to CHR and Rock radio October 17th. Nathan, Dave, Eric, Austin and Nate plan to crash your December with
intellectual lyrics birthed by passionate vocals, anxious guitars, severe drums, and lashing bass tones.
Rumor has it your New Year will never be the same...
*Thursday, October 2nd, 2003*
Atlantic Records, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., and Atlantic recording group P.O.D.
announced yesterday a groundbreaking collaboration to create the entertainment industry's first-ever
combined music CD/PlayStation®2 videogame release. The first one million copies of P.O.D.'s eagerly
awaited new album, Payable On Death, will include an exclusive bonus PlayStation®2 DVD
containing a custom videogame track from the critically acclaimed PlayStation 2 music game title,
Amplitude, featuring a newly recorded, non-album P.O.D. track, "Space." Playable only on the
PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, this disc will also feature a 50-minute behind-the-scenes \
documentary, "Inside P.O.D. Culture," and a special feature on Daniel Martin Diaz, the artist who created
the paintings and sketches for the Payable On Death package.
Due in stores nationwide on November 4, this unparalleled two-disc package will carry a suggested list price
of only $19.98, providing tremendous added value for P.O.D. and PlayStation 2 fans. The album will be
stickered with the PlayStation 2 logo, quickly calling the retail consumer's attention to the unique
multimedia elements of Payable On Death.
"This is a breakthrough in the way we market music," stated Atlantic Co-President Ron Shapiro.
"As the lines between media are increasingly blurred, and the competition for the consumer's attention
is ever more fierce, the new P.O.D. release is a remarkable response to the challenges before us.
With an extremely low price point, the added value is exceptional and the sales potential enormous.
This is only the first in what we hope will be a series of truly innovative, consumer-driven projects
designed first and foremost with the fans' interests and desires in mind."
"P.O.D. is the ideal group to spearhead this groundbreaking, cross-media approach to new releases," added Atlantic Co-President Craig Kallman. "There is a striking correlation between their core audience and the most avid game players, and this fantastic package gives P.O.D. fans something truly unique and compelling that they can get nowhere else. By combining music, videogame, and DVD elements, we are able to cover all the bases and offer a complete, intimate, multimedia immersion in the world of P.O.D."
"We pride ourselves on delivering first-rate content for both a unique and memorable interactive experience," said Sharon Shapiro, Director, Promotions, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Through our promotion with Atlantic Records, PlayStation 2 and P.O.D. fans will experience for the first time, a one-of-a-kind medium that fully delivers innovative entertainment for the consumer to listen and re-create what they hear."
P.O.D. lead vocalist Sonny commented: "This idea came out of us wanting to do everything possible to give back to our fans. With all the talk about downloading and CD prices, all we've ever cared about is giving our fans the best. We've been working for most of the year to release a fully playable video game with our record. We were very fortunate that Atlantic and Sony were willing to take this risk with us, especially keeping all of this below $20.
Payable On Death is our best record ever and with the PlayStation 2 game, the art cards and all the other things we're doing, our fans will get something big... something never done before in music."
Skillet mastermind John Cooper offered this update on the band earlier this week
in regards to their new album Collide releasing next month...
"About a year ago, we were discussing when we were going to record,
and with whom. We knew that after all the extra time off, a new
album needed to be in sight, along with the need to tour our booties
off! We prayed and prayed and felt like God was leading us to record
with producer, Paul Ebersold. Paul co-produced our first album in
1996. Since then, however, he's produced bands such as, Three Doors
Down, Sister Hazel and Spacehog! Point being, we don't make
enough money to have him work with us. God, of course, works in awesome
ways! Through a lot of prayer, stress, and scheduling, Paul said that
he wanted to do the album for less than half his normal cost because
he liked the songs.
I should explain the reason that I was so stressed. I've known that
it's been time to redefine Skillet's sound for quite a while, and
that I needed a producer that I trusted could tell me which of my
songs were good and which weren't. I also knew that I couldn't be
that producer. By the time we really started recording in April, I had
about twenty songs written, with a goal of recording only ten that we
all thought were good. Ten good ones. No bad ones. (That's always the
idea.) After that first week of recording, something fell into place
and the outcome was surprising! We knew that we were steering away
from our industrial sound, and that this album needed to be
smack-your-mama heavy. I also knew that on this album I couldn't be
ashamed of my raspy voice and that I needed to scream louder! While
we were finishing that week, something clicked in my song-writing and
I felt I'd found a missing key. It's hard to explain, but I told our
producer, Paul, that I was going into the other room for a little while.
About ten minutes later, I told Paul I’d written something that I
thought was pretty cool. I played him the chorus for a song called
"Savior". Paul said, "That's the best thing you've written yet!" I
found his response to be a little bit annoying because I usually spend
about five hours writing a chorus. But, it worked and I proceeded
to write another five songs, all of which are on the new album.
These songs were better and had more direction and passion than my
original twenty songs.
The album is called Collide. Our last album, AlienYouth, had
the word “collide” in it twice. It appeared in the song, "Earth
Invasion", but I want to focus on the song, “Will You Be There”,
where it says: "as my brokenness and your strength collide..."
The idea behind the album title is that when faith and fear collide,
God will be your anchor. We are living in a world that is so full of
hate and fear that we are suffocating. Our brokenness must collide
with God's strength in order for us to be made strong."
For clips of "Savior" and two other brand new
tracks, click here.
While it was kept hush-hush up until the big day and after, the news on Jaci Velasquez's
recent marriage is finally out! Jaci had asked for privacy about her August 16th date. We found out
about it that day at Purple Door 2003 but were asked to keep it on the DL. So, without further ado,
here's CCM Magazine's write-up from their new October issue...
"The 23-year-old Latin singer/actress tied the knot with musician Darren Potuck on Aug. 16 just
outside of Nashville. And only a month after the wedding, she hit the road for her current spot
as headliner for "Unspoken-- The Tour" with Salvador. Congratulations Jaci and Darren!
Creation Festival wants to know which artists you would like
to see at Creation 2004. Your input really counts and definitely will have an impact.
By completing the survey, your name will be automatically entered in a drawing to win a pair
of Creation 2004 tickets! Well how do you sign up? Just enter your information in all of the
required fields in the form in the link below, then hit submit.
Winners will be selected and notified by Jan. 1st.
Click here to go to Creation Festival Survey Page: http://www.itickets.com/contest/creation
The City on a Hill community teams up with global
outreach organization Convoy of Hope to provide monetary aid for compassion ministries in cities nationwide.
Consumers who purchase City on a Hill - The Gathering, released Sept. 23, will have the option of
donating $10 or more to Convoy of Hope. In return, buyers will receive a free copy of the 2002 Essential
Records release Our God of Wonders: Volume One. Proceeds have been earmarked to support missions
in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Ft. Worth, Texas.
Jeff Nene, director of media and communication for Convoy of Hope, comments, "We are so excited to
be partnering with Essential Records and City on a Hill. Both communities have a passion for seeing
people worship God, not only with their voices but also with their lives. By providing funds to Convoy
of Hope, listeners will be initiating 'compassion evangelism' in urban areas across our country. What
better way to worship God than to introduce people to Him."
Stacie Orrico will be on the Emmy-winning Wayne Brady Show TODAY, Thursday October 3rd!
Check local listings for a time in your area. Also, a new Stacie DVD will be ready by November
18th and will include 2 videos ad behind the scenes footage! Finally, Stacie Mania continues
as she has surpassed 1.1 million in worldwide sales! "More To Life" is currently in the Top 20 on the
Mainstream charts, and continues to climb up the CHR and AC Christian charts, with an add at
New York's Star 99.1 and on the Salem Radio!
With their duet single perched at #1 for airplay in Australia and currently climbing the U.S. AC charts,
Rebecca St. James and
Chris Tomlin merged their creative talents in Nashville
this month for filming of the "Expressions" video, targeted to debut in November.
"It's always an amazing process to see a song come to life on video," noted Rachel Beavers,
Rebecca's Artist Brand Manager at Forefront Records. "In the case of 'Expressions,' the artistic
content and visual energy Rebecca and Chris bring to the song is something that I think will have
a profound impact with viewers." The video was directed by Eric Welch, who has previously directed
several successful RSJ projects on video-including "Wait For Me," and "Reborn."
September virtually closes out the last "free time" Rebecca will enjoy this year.
October 10th will see the launch of her "Let My Words Be Few" Tour, which will find her
being joined in concert by fellow artists Downhere, Casting Crowns, and Charmaine. For
a complete concert schedule resource: www.rsjames.com.
Here's the latest from Paul from Earthsuit...
"I have a fragment of unfortunate news... Due to a hold up in the process of aquiring licenses,
we will have to push the release date back another month. So now we are looking at November 8th.
The CD is done... we are just waiting to go to print, and we will as soon as possible."
Switchfoot's "Meant To Live" video will air over end credits of
this weekend's show on Extra. Show airs in LA at 7:00
p.m. on Saturday and repeats on Sunday night at
midnight on Channel 4 (NBC). Please check local
listings for other states. Also, check out this week's copy of Rolling Stone
for an interview with the band. To see the online version, click here.
Flicker/Geffen Record’s award-winning, best-selling rock group Pillar is set to release
Broken Down: The EP on November 18. The project contains newly recorded versions of five
Pillar favorites including “Further From Myself” featuring guest vocals from Tyler Burkum and
“Bring Me Down,” a brand new song available exclusively on Broken Down: The EP. In addition,
the record will include bonus multimedia content including the video for “Further From Myself,” band
interviews and an extensive photo gallery. Broken Down: The EP will be distributed through Chordant
Distribution Group and has a suggested retail price of $7.99.
Pillar has also announced that the band will headline this fall’s “The Underground Uprising”
Tour, which will hit over 25 major markets across the country beginning on October 30. The group
will be joined by Disciple, Spoken and Flicker Records’ newest signing, Kids In The Way.
Although it was reported recently that Out of Eden would release their new record love peace and happiness
on November 18th, the release date has been pushed back as far as February, 2004. No reason is known yet. We'll keep
you posted!
Currently, Side Walk Slam's video for their song, "Carmi Times"
is #3 on www.tvulive.com. You can go there and vote for them and
maybe it'll still be in the Ten Most Wanted next week!
The Five-time Grammy Award winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
brings forth a provoking project with their November 11th release, Live: This Is Your House.
In addition to the nearly 300-voice choir, Brooklyn Tabernacle Church Pastor Jim Cymbala and members of
the church testify to compelling truths of redemption, protection and grace throughout the project.
For three decades the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir has featured uplifting choruses and shared testimonies
with listeners worldwide. Their new project Live: This Is Your House, to be released on
M2.0 Communications, comes as possibly the most personal album to date for the 8,000 member church.
The royalties from Live: This Is Your House will go directly to the church’s outreach center assisting
underprivileged children.
“Out of any record the church has ever been a part of, this is by far the one we’re most excited about,”
shares Pastor Cymbala. “It meets so many different needs of listeners and has such a contagious energy
about it that truly replicates what you’d experience at a Sunday service at our church.”
When something hits home, it leads people to action. Vocalist Janine Stange
lost her Aunt to breast cancer one year ago this month, so it's bittersweet that with this October (October being breast
cancer awareness month), we celebrate the release of Janine Stange's fundraising CD/EP Rhythm of My Heart.
Janine wrote the song "Rhythm of my Heart" in honor of her Aunt and performed it for the first time at
the 1 in 9 (LIBCAC) annual Mother's Day walk. When people were moved to tears and encouraged, Janine
realized the importance of making the song available as a fundraising CD to benefit the breast cancer.
The CD also includes three bonus tracks, one exclusive to the CD/EP and two of which will appear
on her soon to be released debut CD "Lifetime Guarantee."
For more information on Janine, visit www.janinestange.com
This Friday, October 11, 2024
ALBUMS
Decayed Existence The Beginning Of Sorrows [Rottweiler]
Down East Boys Something To Shout About [Sonlite]
homage homage [Integrity]
lydi lynn Desert Dream - EP [Gotee]
Tamela Mann Live Breathe Fight [TillyMann]
Maverick City Music, Songhouse MAVHOUSE - EP [Tribl]
Ashtyn Michael Live At The Garden - EP [Integrity]
Shout Praises Kids Creo En Ti - EP [Integrity]
Ian Yates Kingdom [7 Core]
Darlene Zschech Testament [Integrity]
SINGLES
adamariz PROMO (ft. NOT KLYDE & Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
Jeremiah Bligen Remains - Single [Syntax]
Sam Bowman El Dorado - Single [DREAM]
Good Weather Forecast One More Time (Kings and Queens) - Single [DREAM]
SNT. VINCENT MUERTOS (ft. Giovani & Arias) - Single [Syntax]
Next Friday, October 18, 2024
ALBUMS
Futures Altars - EP [DREAM]
Brandon Hixson Room with a View (independent)
Aodhan King Beyond Us [Capitol CMG]
Newsboys Worldwide Revival - Part II [Capitol CMG]
SINGLES
City Students Worship Outside Your Love - Single (independent)
Dreamers Adoration - Single [DREAM]
LO CLOUD Sleepwalker - Single (independent)
Jim "Soni" Sonefeld Light of Joy (Gloria) - Single [Vere]