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JFH Music News Archive

September, 2004



*Thursday, September 30th, 2004*


Jeremy Camp As many of you know, Jeremy Camp and his wife Adrienne were expecting their first child this month. Their baby girl decided to meet & greet the world... this past weekend! Isabella Rose Camp was born Saturday evening, September 25th! She was 6lbs 1oz and 18 in. long. The Camps are doing great! Congrats guys! In other Jeremy Camp news, our friends at MusiChristian.com are doing a pre-order promotion for Jeremy’s new album, Restored. If you purchase the album Restored from their website, in addition to the new CD, you’ll also get a copy of Jeremy’s live DVD, In 24, all for just $11.97! Check out the website here: www.musichristian.com...

**CORRECTION** We reported yesterday about the tragedy with Blindside's van being robbed. Earlier today, we reported that we found out that the band lost about $12,000, not including passports and other equipment. We heard later today that the total loss, including laptops, iPods, gear, profits, merch, etc, was well around $50,000. This is a tremendous loss, so please, please keep the band in your prayers through this tough and trying time!

*Wednesday, September 29th, 2004*


Relient K Artist Jimmy A. was recently commissioned by Gotee Records to paint his rendition of the much-anticipated Relient K album mmhmm, which releases on November 2nd. The canvas artwork will be auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds going to DATA, an organization focused on the crisis situation in Africa. The 7x7 feet painting is Jimmy A's artistic re-interpretation of the existing mmhmm album cover design. The canvas piece will be auctioned off on E-Bay which began yesterday, September 28th. The link to the E-Bay online bidding can be found at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3751459703&ssPageName=ADME:B:LC:US:1. A one-minute feature documenting the creation of the painting is available to view at http://www.mmhmm.com/painting/RelientKPainting.mov. "I always love seeing a great idea come to fruition and having this painting created for charity was an idea I loved the second it came my way," said Gotee president Joey Elwood. "I'm excited to see how the core Relient K fans respond to this piece once it is posted for bids. In addition, I couldn't think of a more appropriate organization to donate the proceeds." DATA aims to raise awareness about the crisis swamping Africa including unpayable debts, uncontrolled spread of AIDS, and unfair trade rules which keep Africa poor. At the core of the DATA mission is a view that these issues are not about charity but equality and justice.

Blindside Last night's final "Internal Storm Tour" show featuring Blindside had to be cancelled as another hard rock band was pilfered! "Tonight the final show of the Internal Storm tour at The Wherehouse in Bartlesville has been cancelled," announced the band earlier Tuesday evening. "Since 3AM last night the band have been trying to find a way to make this benefit show for PR Ministries happen. It is just not possible. Last night as the band and crew left the show in Dallas they stopped to get something to eat. They were only away from the van for about 30 minutes but it was long enough for someone to take everything left inside the van. The band lost all their personal effects including their passports which need to be replaced before they can go home. This has caused the show to be cancelled as the band will spend today trying to replace the passports and make their flights. This is a very sad way to end what has been a great tour. This morning Simon said “Well I guess we end as we began. A bus crash to start it and a robbery to end it...” The guys have lost a great deal and I know they would value your prayers as we try to sort through this difficult time." In more positive Blindside news, with the final tour of 2004 being over, what’s next?" Their most recent official newsletter ponders the question... "Christian will be visiting Africa with World Vision. The band has certainly been filming a lot recently? And the band will celebrate their 10th anniversary just after this tour ends... surely an event that can’t pass us by without some kind of celebration? And the band is packing up a lot of their recording gear and shipping to Sweden... hmmm makes you wonder doesn’t it...?" Please keep the band in your prayers this week.

Make sure to catch Switchfoot's performance of "Dare You to Move" on The Late Show with David Letterman TONIGHT, 9/29. The show will air at 11:30pm (check your local listings). Click here to visit The Late Show's web site. http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/show_info/index.shtml

Project 86 As if Blindside getting robbed wasn't enough, on this past Friday, September 24th, tragedy struck the guys in Project 86. "We woke up today, excited. Then we walked out to the van and trailer to find... the lock had been clipped," the band announced on Project86.com. "The thieves got away with over $7,000.00 dollars in gear and merch. We were devastated. We then went to Guitar Center, replaced everything, and limped to the show. Broken, but not finished, we played our lives out onstage. I felt exhausted afterward, but the kind words of undying support from fans lifted spirits. Period. Tough day. We will be posting information on how you can donate, if you feel led, on the main page of this site very soon." A post later that day offered information on how fans could help... "Regarding the $7,000.00 in stolen band gear in Phoenix... Project 86 was not insured for their equipment that was stolen because it is very hard to find an insurance policy that will cover a heavy rock band that tours the way Project does. If you would like to help the band by donating to an equipment replacement fund, please make checks payable to Project 86 and make a note on the memo line for equipment. All help is greatly appreciated. Send checks to:
Project 86
2525 Perimeter Place Dr. Suite 112-A
Nashville TN 37214.
Despite what some may think about how much money a band like Project makes, it is a very hard way to make a living if you don't have hit songs on the radio. And losing $7000 is a lot, no matter who you may be." Project 86 is currently on tour with Pillar, Subseven, and Falling Up.

Rock N Roll Worship Circus The Rock 'N' Roll Worship Circus will be embarking on its first tour of the U.K. this October supporting Delirious on the "World Service Tour", their largest tour of the U.K. to date. The 14 city tour launches on October 5th in Portsmouth and travels throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, hitting such major cities as Belfast, Liverpool, London, and Kent. "Touring with Delirious is a huge dream come true as it is," says Gabriel Wilson, lead singer for the Worship Circus, "but touring with them in the U.K.? That's just crazy!! We learned how to lead worship by playing their songs in our church. It's an honor to support them on this tour." "The Rock and roll Worship Circus are more than a band," says Martin Smith, lead singer and songwriter for Delirious. "They are an amazing bunch of guys who have heart to see people impacted with the love of God. They also have 'secular' looking haircuts which really appeals to us and fits right in to the next Delirious? British tour. Whether you have a full beard or a 'comb-over' you will love this band and we are proud to have them on the road!" "Worship Circus are totally in the pocket with us," continues Stu G., guitarist for Delirious. "We're both in the same place in terms of what we're trying to do, pushing the boat out and playing great music." Fierce! Distribution will be releasing the Listening EP, the latest project from the Worship Circus, throughout Europe and other worldwide territories this fall. Originally set to be a "fans only" project, the Listening EP was released through the band's website, www.worshipcircus.com, and was met with high praise from both fans and critics alike! "The Listening EP captures the band's live sound and persona better than any of their earlier releases. With incredible, intimate songs like "I Love The Rain" and "Like I Do", this is quite easily one of the top projects of the year." --Jesus Freak Hideout.com If you live outside of the U.S. or Canada, then look for The Listening E.P. this fall, available only through Furious? Records/Fierce Distribution!

Amy Grant Word Records is set to release Amy Grant’s Greatest Hits 1986-2004 on October 12. The CD features 17 of Grant’s digitally re-mastered pop hits including “Baby Baby,” “The Next Time I Fall” and “Every Heartbeat,” along with two new recordings, “The Water,” produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Bebo Norman) and co-written by Grant, with her husband, Vince Gill, on electric guitar, and “Come Be With Me,” featuring Keb’ Mo’, co-written by Beth Nielsen Chapman (Faith Hill’s “This Kiss”). Featuring Grant as executive producer, Greatest Hits 1986-2004 picks up where her platinum-selling 1987 retrospective, The Collection, left off. The project represents 15 of Grant’s Top 40 AC (Adult Contemporary) hits, nine of which were also pop Top 40 hits as well. Signed as a 15-year-old, Grant released a series of albums in the late 70’s and early 80’s that helped invent the Contemporary Christian genre. Innumerable “first-for-a-Christian-artist” landmarks followed, as did Grant’s crossover pop stardom, beginning with her 1986 duet with Peter Cetera, “The Next Time I Fall” (#1 pop/#1 AC), from his Solitude/Solitaire album. “Saved By Love” (Top 40 AC) and “Lead Me On” are culled from Grant’s gold-selling 1988 album, Lead Me On, that won the fifth of her five GRAMMY Awards and was named the #1 record in the history of Christian music by CCM Magazine.

Salvador Word Records artist Salvador anticipates the launch of its third studio project, So Natural, November 9. Described as the band’s most compelling work to date, So Natural represents a collaborative effort and claims the hit song “Heaven” as its debut radio single. Salvador plans to support the release with tour dates in select cities this fall. The band’s first English-language studio album since Into Motion (2002), So Natural is consistent with Salvador’s trademark Latin-influenced pop sound displayed throughout 11 tracks ranging from high-energy praise anthems to reflective worship ballads. Recorded in both Franklin, Tenn. and Austin, Texas, So Natural features production by Salvador frontman Nic Gonzales, who also co-wrote nearly 40 songs for the record, in cooperation with Chris Rodriguez. Rodriguez, a music veteran, has worked in various capacities with top-notch artists including Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Kenny Loggins, Faith Hill and Amy Grant. Rodriguez comments, “Salvador remains one of the hardest working and best live acts out there right now....great blend of rock, salsa, blues and always funky. We had the best time recording and everything flowed beautifully. They are committed to their mission of sharing Christ with a dying world, and they do it with joy and a purpose. It’s a pleasure and honor to work with them.” “The process of writing a record has never been easy for me,” says Gonzales. “I like to think that So Natural was a labor of love. I wrote it during a time when God was really dealing with me in my own walk. However, choosing which songs I wanted on the project was not as difficult a task. I love them all, possibly because they each remind me of God picking me up and dusting me off.” Recording So Natural was a particularly collaborative effort this time around. Every sound on the album was made by a band member’s own hand, instrument or voice. No additional studio musicians contributed. Shawn McSpadden, sr. vp of A&R for Word Label Group, remarks “Salvador has always been a great live band. This release captures the best of Salvador’s passionate live performance with its variety of man-made and instrumental sounds.”

Big Idea Six-year-old Myles Pope, dubbed “Miracle Myles” for beating the odds of a life threatening disease, declares his favorite “cartoon” as VeggieTales® on TLC’s acclaimed While You Were Out reality show. The show featuring Myles and his family, titled "Nashville: Miracle Myles & The Big Beautiful Basement", runs Sept. 29 at 9:00 p.m. ET and re-runs Sept. 30 at 12:00 a.m. ET. Following Barry and Shawn Pope’s decision to sell their home to help pay for expensive hospital treatments for son Myles, the family of four moved into a basement living space. Prompted by Shawn’s sister, Beverly McManus, TLC’s While You Were Out was inspired to complete an ambitious remodeling of the Pope’s entire basement. Taped earlier this year, the remodeling included a brand new couch won for the Popes by McManus answering a question correctly. “When they asked me what was Myles’s favorite cartoon, I knew immediately it was VeggieTales,” said McMannus who spontaneously began singing the VeggieTales theme song on camera in a lighthearted moment with show host Evan Farmer. “We were completely taken off guard by this wonderful thing that has happened to us,” says Shawn Pope. “We have been not only blessed by Myles’ miraculous recovery, but also with a comfortable living space and even a brand new DVD player, courtesy of TLC’s While You Were Out, for us all to watch the new VeggieTales.” Big Idea recently invited the Pope’s to their corporate headquarters at The Factory in Franklin, TN to present Myles with the brand new VeggieTales: Sumo of the Opera DVD and other goodies from Big Idea, as well as introduce him to Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber. “We were all moved by his story,” says Mike Nawrocki, VeggieTales co-creator and voice of Larry the Cucumber, “It was such a delight to meet Myles and his family.” Having a spinal arteriovenous malformation (spinal AVM), which is a malformation of the arteries and veins in the spinal chord at the base of the brain stem, Myles had an aneurysm when he was three. Doctors told the Pope’s that Myles would die within a year and that the mass in the base of his spinal chord was inoperable. When he was first hospitalized, he had lost all function in his legs and arms. “Even then, while still in the hospital, Myles asked to pray for other kids who he heard crying, and did so on occasions,” remembers McManus. Myles' parents didn't give up on a cure, and through prayer and discovery, found a surgeon in Atlanta who was willing to operate. The surgeon in March 2001 warned that the surgery would most likely either kill Myles or leave him paralyzed from the neck down. Myles, now in the first grade at a Franklin, TN school, is indistinguishable from any other child, unless you look closely under his collar to see the scar where surgeons removed the offending tissue.

Eric Champion Luminous Art Media is a brand new media company started by Eric Champion, Jeremy Dean, Cory Callahan, K.P.Capehart and Andy Simonds. As a record label / media company, Luminous will be used to release their own album projects along with other musical artists that they feel deserve to be heard. In the future, the guys at Luminous plan on expanding their artist roster to include other forms of media besides music, thus the name Luminous Art Media, rather than just Luminous Records. Luminous Art Media released their official website today, sp check it out at http://luminousartmedia.com. You’ll be able to catch the latest updates and hear mp3’s of their artists. Look for upcoming releases in the spring and summer of 2005 from Rook, The K Parts, Andy Simonds and Eric Champion!

Matt Kearney “Undeniable,” the first single from Mat Kearney, Inpop Records’ critically acclaimed new artist, has broken the record for the largest number of out-of-the-box adds for a radio single on R&R’s (Radio and Records) Christian CHR chart. The previous record was held by Third Day, whose single “Come On Back To Me” received seventeen adds during its first week of release. Additionally, the song was delivered to all stations as a digital download. “I’m absolutely blown away by the effort from our radio department,” said Rob Poznanski, marketing director for Inpop. “They’ve put in a lot of work around a great song. The fact that all of these stations added this song via digital download marks a real milestone. We’re thrilled to see how radio has embraced our efforts to use digital downloads effectively.” He adds “We were able to go from mastering the song on a Wednesday to stations playing the single a little more than 24 hours later.”

INO Records has announced the signing of 12-year-old singer and actor Nicholas Jonas, partnering with Columbia Records to release Jonas’ self-titled debut project nationally on November 23rd. Buzz on Jonas’ self-titled debut is building with its first single, “Dear God,” a powerful prayer sung from a child’s heart concerning the many troubles happening in our world today with the hope that is found in bringing our concerns to God. The song, which will be released to Christian AC radio on October 1st and went to mainstream AC and CHR/Pop formats September 21st, has already received several spins on the popular syndicated radio show “Delilah.” There is early success on other AC stations as well. Jonas will perform on CBS’ Early Show on November 13th singing multiple songs as well as on the highly rated WB’s morning show in New York City on October 11th. He was recently asked to perform the song before 600 United Nations delegates during a symposium on world healing in the age of terrorism. According to Jeff Moseley, President, INO Records, “I entered into the idea of working with a 12-year old with fear and in trepidation. My fears have quickly resolved after realizing just how purposeful he is about what God has called him to do. He has an amazing sense of acuity when it comes to goals and dreams.” A passionate and talented singer, songwriter, actor, dancer and performer, Jonas has already starred in four Broadway shows, including the last person to play role of Gavroche in Les Miserables, as Chip in Beauty and the Beast, Little Jake in Annie Get Your Gun with Reba McEntire and Crystal Bernard, and Tiny Tim and the Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol – the Musical at Madison Square Garden. He has also appeared in numerous commercials. Jonas’ vocal and performing abilities have also been highlighted in Broadway showcases, a special Broadway Christmas recording which included a song he wrote with his father, and starring in the Papermill Playhouse version of The Sound of Music.

Rocketown recording artist Taylor Sorensen recently landed on two buzz-worthy rock tours this fall in addition to his role on his label’s much anticipated Gloria Christmas tour in December. In October, Sorensen joins Furious artist Delirious on a month-long tour of their home country, the United Kingdom. November finds Sorensen and his band, The Free Doves, opening for Interscope artist Sleeping at Last and Floodgate Records’ Cool Hand Luke on a 20+-date college and club tour. Delirious’ Martin Smith, who also duets with Sorensen on his song “Sing (Or the Rocks Will Get To)” for the re-release of Rocketown’s critically acclaimed modern worship album Exodus (Nov. 23), says, “Every now and again, someone comes along who makes a record that you want to listen to from start to finish. Taylor has something to say, and these songs go beneath the surface of popular Christianity to help tackle the 'thinking man’s' questions.” Sorensen, who married his college sweetheart Aug. 28, says, “I’m excited about this tour because of its cultural reach, and I’m honored because of the musical integrity that comes with Delirious. I’m also a little anxious because it’s the first time I’m doing something at this scale, and you never know what to expect the first time.”

*Friday, September 24th, 2004*


Pillar Best-selling and award-winning Flicker Recordsrock group Pillar has launched the 35-city Where Do We Go from Here Tour. Sponsored by Best Buy, the tour features special guests Project 86, subseven and Falling Up, and will hit major markets across the country in support of Pillar's new project, Where Do We Go from Here. Where Do We Go from Here has seen sales of nearly 100,000 copies in its first three months of release. The first radio single and video from the project, "Bring Me Down," has gained massive exposure at mainstream radio and video. The song has already hit #1 at Christian Rock radio and is currently #22 and rising on the mainstream Active Rock radio chart. The video for the song was recently named Fuse TV's Next Big Thing and has received regular airplay on the networks Rockzilla show. Additionally, the video has also received significant exposure on MTV's Headbangers Ball, and Pillar recently taped an interview segment for the show in New York. "I;ve never been more excited about a tour," said Rob Beckley, lead singer for Pillar. "We're ready to take our new set of songs to our fans. Playing live adds a whole new dimension to the music. It's a solid lineup of great bands, and we can't wait to get started." Eight years into what has been a whirlwind career, Orange County natives Project 86 are returning to their roots, releasing their fourth studio album Songs to Burn Your Bridges, which released in June on Tooth & Nail Records. Begun in early 1996 as young musicians bonding in their common musical interests and personal beliefs, the band was almost immediately a hit, garnering label interest not only in California, but also as far north as Seattle, WA, where Tooth & Nail owner Brandon Ebel recognized and signed the group in 1998. Since their indie beginnings in 1999 through signing to EMI-distributed Flicker for their 2004 debut, subseven: the EP, the guys of subseven have been driven by a passion to relate to their fans on more than a surface level. The group's debut has been met with critical praise from fans and peers alike. subseven is currently wrapping up recording their full-length debut for Flicker, set to release in early 2005. Combining the intensity of modern rock with all the emotion involved in traditional praise and worship, BEC Recordings' Falling Up is here to prove their radical style is not a fleeting attempt at sticking to a trend, but a true declaration of the passion they hold for their ministry. Check www.PillarMusic.com for tour dates!

Lifehouse Lifehouse has surfaced! After many months in limbo after half of the band members exited, Lifehouse has updated their website with some news of what's to come from the band. "We're out here in Easton Maryland at an awesome studio/House on the Chesapeake Bay," Jason and Rick announced in a recent news posting. "It's nice to be recording in a studio where you can actually see the daylight, instead of being stuck in the dark L.A. studios. We record all day, then take the boat out at about 6 to take a break. We cruise the boat to the local crab shack, which is apparently what Easton is famous for. The record is about halfway finished, and we've recently been doing vocals and guitars. We're very excited about the new songs, and one in particular we wanted you guys to hear. It's called 'Come Back Down.' We thought we would give everyone a sneak peakat the new record by playing a very rough take. The vocals are the rough live takes, and the mix is right off the board. It will sound much different when we finish it, but we wanted you guys to be involved in the process of making this record." Stay tuned to LifehouseMusic.com for more info!

toby From multi-million-selling authors and platinum recording artists Toby Mac and Michael Tait comes Under God, a new book that offers a portrait of America's spiritual legacy and urges readers to take a stand for America's future. As urgent and compelling as Jesus Freaks, the authors' previous acclaimed book series, Under God will be available in stores on October 1. Using unforgettable accounts of both famous and little-known Americans, Under God examines the stories of men and women whose faith forged our nation. Chapters include the story of a British soldier fighting in the French And Indian War in 1755, who amazingly could not be wounded in battle despite dozens and dozens of ammunition rounds being fired at him by sharpshooters. With two horses shot out from under him and four bullet holes in his coat, the enemy stopped firing at this man, George Washington, convinced that he was under God's divine protection. The authors point out, interestingly, that this story appeared in "many school textbooks until 1934. Now few Americans have read it." Other chapters tell of notables including William Penn and Patrick Henry, as well as lesser-known individuals like Abraham Clark, who was forced to decide between independence of his country or the lives of his two sons, whom the British had captured. Other pertinent stories include how Congress, in 1880, sanctioned using the U.S. Capitol and other government buildings as houses of worship, as well as how, at the urging of Ben Franklin, Congress implemented the appointment of two chaplains of different denominations, who to this day offer prayers at the beginning of every session of Congress ("Thus, throughout the years Congress has honored the historic separation of church and state, but not God and state," the authors write). Against these, the authors pair the dark side of Americas legacy - racism, slavery, injustice - in order that a new generation might seek faith and avoid repeating the sins of the past. Chapters here include Rosa Park's refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus, Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the story of Ruby Bridges, the little girl who defied segregation in the New Orleans school system. A chapter on Woodrow Wilson points out that despite his being honored with a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in ending WWI, Wilson caused a national firestorm by endorsing a racist movie entitled The Birth of a Nation, which went on to become the country's highest grossing film for the following two decades and glorified the KKK. Under God includes sixty such profiles and forty additional sidebars, as well as an essay exploring "What Is Freedom For," which ends with the authors stating, "These Americans took their place and proved, over and over, that 'One person acting with God can make a difference.' Can we do less?" Visit www.UnderGodtheBook.com for more info

JoC Multi-platinum, multi-Grammy and Dove Award-winning band, Jars of Clay recently announced the initial phase of their Fall 2004 tour, titled “Where We Are Instead,” in support of their sixth studio album Who We Are Instead. The tour will hit selected markets throughout the United States in October and November, and welcomes special guests Trevor Morgan and Sarah Kelly. The fall tour extends an active 2004 for the veteran band, highlighted by a spring tour with labelmates Caedmon’s Call and international dates in South Africa, Sweden and Holland, including the headlining slot at The Netherlands’ Flevo Festival, the longest running Christian music festival in Europe. In between fall tour dates, Jars of Clay will continue work on their upcoming studio album, scheduled for a Spring 2005 release. “Where We Are Instead” Special Guests: Trevor Morgan’s 2004 debut, Wonderlight, was the debut release from BHT Entertainment, and features the current radio single, “Fall Down.” Besides having songs recorded by artists such as Ginny Owens, Geoff Moore and Phillips Craig & Dean, Trevor also gained exposure as a bassist for the mainstream act Owsley, where he co-wrote the single “I’m Alright.” Additionally playing guitar and bass for Owens’ national tour performances for more than two years, Morgan’s talents further led him to open concerts for her and other established artists including Third Day, MercyMe, Jennifer Knapp, Mark Schultz and Geoff Moore. Gotee recording artist Sarah Kelly unveiled her debut album Take Me Away this past February, grabbing the number 12 spot on the “Top Christian Albums” SoundScan chart first week out by selling more than 4,100 units. This feat secured Kelly as the highest new artist debut in the 10-year history of Gotee Records.

After recently releasing a new EP entitled Between The Fence and The Universe, Kevin Max is back to writing, completing a new collection of poetry due to release October 31st. The 44-page book of what Max is describing as "intimate romance poetry" is controversially titled Divine Erotica. For more information, visit www.KevinMax.com

Rocketown recording artist Shaun Groves recently launched a solo, headlining Fall 2004 tour based around the song “Blank Page” from his current album, Twilight. The “Blank Stage Tour” is expected to hit 25-30 college markets in the South and Midwest before wrapping up in late November. Groves explains the concept behind the song and the tour is to take his music back to a simpler time, before it was a full-time career. “It's a tour about what drew me to music and this business in the first place: the songs. I know who I am. I’m the guy with a guitar and a song— I’m no rock star,” says Groves. “It’s just a blank stage with only a microphone and a piano cluttering it up. No lights or screens or band. We're focusing on the heart of what God made me to do: play music and be with people.” On this tour Groves will be introducing his new partnership with Campus Crusade for Christ as a means to further reach out to the many college students who attend his concerts. “For years now I've been asking young adults to worship God by doing more than singing. I've explained every night that worship never means music when used in the Bible—it often means work and service. Hundreds of people have written me and talked with me after shows about how motivated and moved to action they were by that message. The problem has been that many of these people had no church to serve or serve others with. They had no campus ministers or access to a local database of service opportunities. So I've asked Campus Crusade to connect young people without a church to discipleship training, local service opportunities, global missions projects and hopefully to a local church that can care for them in ways that Campus Crusade cannot. The dream is that young adults at every show are sent out from the shows as worshippers who work and serve around the world and at home."

Big Idea The first project to be launched from Big Idea’s new Tennessee headquarters, VeggieTales: Sumo of the Opera, has already scanned more than 63,000 units in just 15 days in the CBA market alone and tops the SoundScan Top Children’s Videos chart for the third consecutive week. Released Aug. 28 and 31 in the CBA and general markets respectively, the critically acclaimed project is described as Rocky meets the Mikado and the WWE when the Italian Scallion takes on Apollo Gourd for the World Veggie-Weight title. Following the successful launch of VeggieTales: Sumo of the Opera, Larry the Cucumber, starring as the Italian Scallion, takes center ring again in the compelling new VeggieTales Special Edition: Sumo Of The Opera Magazine. Releasing this week through Word Distribution, 375,000 copies of the full-color, 24-page magazine have already been ordered by retailers. Featuring a coupon for Sumo, the magazine is also available through 1,200 churches nationwide and through 1,300 Big Idea Ambassadors. With one million copies in print, the FREE magazine includes tons of fun activities for kids, including the Mystery of the Sumo, School House Polka and Perseverance games, as well as coloring pages, Word Search, How to Draw instruction, Collector Character Cards and an Autographed Sumo Poster. “We have done newsletters, but never anything at this level before,” says Leslie Ferrell, Big Idea vice president of sales. “This is a real magazine! It’s designed to not only be entertaining for kids, but for retailers to use as a marketing tool from their store. Retailers are encouraged to drop them off at their local schools, daycares, churches, etc., with the coupon in the magazine driving customers back to retail.”

Provident Distribution and Integrity Music Group, a division of Integrity Media, Inc., announced yesterday that they have entered into an agreement to jointly serve the Christian retail market through Provident’s distribution organization which will be renamed Provident-Integrity Distribution. The newly named entity will begin distributing releases to the Christian retail market beginning January 1, 2005. Integrity-owned and associated labels participating in the agreement include Integrity Music, INO Records, Hosanna! Music, Integrity Gospel, Vertical Music, Integrity Just For Kids and Hillsong Music Australia. In addition, Provident-Integrity Distribution will distribute Provident-owned labels Essential Records, Reunion Records, Beach Street Records, Praise Hymn Soundtracks, Brentwood Music and Benson Records as well as non-owned labels and groups currently distributed by agreement with Provident Distribution. Concurrent with the announcement of this agreement, Integrity Music Group and Sony-BMG’s Epic Records have extended a worldwide arrangement first established in 1997 through which Epic markets and distributes releases from a wide array of Integrity-owned and associated labels to mainstream retail outlets while Integrity markets and distributes Epic’s Christian releases to the Christian marketplace. “We are delighted to be forming this new relationship with Integrity in an effort to better serve the needs of Christian retail,” commented Terry Hemmings, President and CEO of Provident Music Group. “This is a giant step forward for our company and positions Provident-Integrity Distribution to offer more sales representation, better service and combined marketing synergies to the Christian marketplace. Integrity and INO bring valuable ideas as well as terrific artists and products that will be a great compliment to our current roster of owned and distributed labels.”

*Tuesday, September 21st, 2004*


Third Day On the heels of its second consecutive American Music Award nomination and a media blitz that included recent high-profile performances at the Republican National Convention and on NBC's The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, GRAMMY and Dove Award winning rock band Third Day is preparing for the upcoming release of Live Wire, a special two-disc live DVD/CD set on Nov. 23. Sure to be a collector's item for Third Day fans everywhere, Live Wire hits store shelves Thanksgiving week, traditionally the biggest retail week of the year. Recorded at The Palace Theater in Louisville, Ky., Live Wire captures the high-energy live performance that keeps Third Day fans coming back again and again to sold-out venues across the country. The special two-disc set pairs a 64-minute DVD with a live audio CD. The spectacular footage, shot by renowned production company Jupiter Project, includes Third Day hits like "Consuming Fire," "Sing a Song," "Offering," and "My Hope Is You," along with new favorites "Til the Day I Die," "Come On Back to Me," "I Believe," "RockStar" and more from the bands critically-acclaimed CD Wire. "We are excited about Live Wire," says Third Day's Tai Anderson. "It's all the energy of our live show captured at Louisvilles Palace Theater. The venue is just great and we cant wait to see up on the screen the Gomers who traveled to Louisville for this event!" Live Wire's special DVD features include a brand new behind-the-scenes rockumentary featuring backstage footage and never-before-seen moments with the band. As a special tribute to Third Day fans, both the DVD and CD will include the special bonus track, "Thank You All." "It was great to get to do this in Louisville with Third Day again," says Carl Deibold of Jupiter Project. "It's our third project with them and we look forward to this release." Live Wire will release in the midst of Third Day's anticipated 44-city Live Wire Tour, providing a great piece of concert memorabilia for fans who want to relive the Third Day live experience. Kicking off Sept. 30 in Champaign, Ill., the tour will hit arenas and coliseums across the country, wrapping up on Dec. 11. The Live Wire Tour features special guest tobyMac and openers Day of Fire and Hyper Static Union.

Derek Webb Former Caedmon's Call member Derek Webb is preparing for the release of his second solo studio effor, I See Things Upside Down. Unlike his debut She Must And Shall Go Free, I See Things Upside Down is not a concept record, but it has a very predominant theme. It's a record about value. "What are the things that we American Christians value in our culture and how is that different, and often 'upside down' from true Kingdom values? I've found that often success looks more like failure, riches more like poverty, and have found that real life often feels more like death, as the Christian life is very literally the process by which we are killed." Derek Webb's I See Things Upside Down explores the topic of value and what it looks like in different aspects of faith and culture, but not always from the most obvious angle. The record is a marriage of songs that sound as though they could be taking up where She Must And Shall Go Free left off a year ago, and songs that pick up where Long Line Of Leavers by Caedmon's Call left off almost 5 years ago. The theme of value is traced not only through issues of the Church and culture but more personally through stories and relationships. From a production standpoint, you could say this new record was even made 'upside down.' The unique sound of the record comes from an uncommon recording style. The arrangements were built around intimate acoustic guitar and vocal performances recorded in the back bedroom of Derek's house (from 'the house show' to the 'house' record. Derek's live record was recorded in someone else's living room, this one was recorded in his). Those simple and honest performances were then perfected and realized by the gifts of Kenny Meeks on guitar (whose influence can be heard predominantly on She Must And Shall Go Free), along with Paul Moak and Will Sayles respectively on guitar and drums (Over The Rhine, Griffin House), Cason Cooley on piano and organs (The Normals), and veteran Matt Pierson on bass (who can also be heard on She Must...). The final product is an artistically ambitious record that challenges our ideas on what has and gives us value, and how our answer might find us having more in common with people on the other side of our planet whose languages we can't speak (but with whom we share a great Savior) than we do with our own families and neighbors, and might have us considering something that before was our greatest frustration and failure to be God's greatest blessing and favor on us as He is faithful to show us where our affections are misplaced and our continued need for Him. I See Things Upside Down release November 9th! Visit www.derekwebb.com for more information...

Bethany Dillon Commercially and critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Bethany Dillon was recently named one of three celebrity judges for the first-ever Salvation Army and Dallas Cowboys National Youth Service Award. Bethany will be in Washington, D.C., on September 21 to honor the winner, Misty DeMichael of Ohio. Joining Dillon in the judging process were sports reporter and actress Lisa Guerrero and Miss Teen USA 2002, Tami Farrell. The award- a $10,000 college scholarship donated by the Dallas Cowboys -draws attention to the important role that young people play in serving the community. Only 16 years-old herself, Bethany displays many of the same qualities for which the award was designed. "We are honored Bethany Dillon agreed to participate in The Salvation Army and Dallas Cowboys National Youth Service Award," said Major George Hood of The Salvation Army. "Bethany is a positive role model for today's teens, and her involvement in our program will help us spread our message to this very important younger audience." Now through November, Bethany Dillon is on tour throughout the United States with Bebo Norman. For a complete list of concert dates, visit BethanyDillon.com.

*Monday, September 20th, 2004*


Can't wait for Relient K's new record? The band has released two brand new cuts from their forthcoming record Mmhmm on November 2nd! Head on over to http://www.purevolume.com/relientk to hear their new songs "The One I’m Waiting For" and "I So Hate Consequences".

T-Bone A recent journal on T-Bone's official website has revealed that the skilled rapper may need to undergo surgery on his vocal chords in November... Here's his story, "Hey everybody... For those of you that have not heard, I was recently diagnosed with nodes or nodules on my vocal chords. Most of you don't know what that is, so let me explain. Nodules are calluses that form on your vocal chords after misuse of your chords! This requires surgery and is very serious! I may be getting surgery in Nov. and it is a risky thing. I know God is going to heal my voice! Please keep me in your prayers and pray for God to give me strength! Thank you all for your support and words of encouragment. I have written most of the new record and look forward to putting it out as soon as my voice is 100%. I will keep all of you posted! Your Boy, T-Bone"
Please keep him in prayer through this trying time!

Fono Last October, we reported that Fono had lost their studio and much of their new music in the fires that swept through southern California last Fall. Well it looks like the band has gotten back has bounced back and is emerging from the rubble, poised for a new release! "Things are getting very busy in the Fono camp working on the release stuff for our new CD It's the way that you use it. Tour dates will be announced soon for the fall in support of the release and we'll be kicking off on the West Coast. Over the next couple of weeks we'll be putting up more information on the CD and keeping you posted on all the exciting stuff we've got going on....so keep checking back!! Cheers, Fono" It's the way that you use it looks to be a 7-song EP consisting of a few songs they had left over (all else were lost in the fire), plus four brand new tracks! For more information, visit www.fono.net

Skillet Skillet recently came off the road with secular rock band Saliva and is already making preparations for headlining a tour at the start of 2005. Here's the latest from frontman John Cooper... "Skillet is taking it pretty easy this month, but we are still busy planning the next few months for the band. First of all, we are very excited to announce our tour partners for January's "Collide" tour. We are going to be touring with Seventh Day Slumber and Kids in the Way. We met Seventh Day a few years ago during Teen Mania's "Acquire the Fire". We got along very well, and noticed right away that they have a heart to make a difference in this world. That is unusual with rock bands, so it made an impression. We just played with Kids in the Way for the first time this summer at Lifest in Wisconsin... I was impressed with the "Kids" set and asked them to tour with us. The tour will start in Jan., and even though it will be snowing up north, we are going to be spending a lot of time up there! We have not done our own tour for the record, so the band is as excited as ever. We are working on the set list right now, trying to get all the favorites in there as well as some songs that we don't normally play. After six albums there is a lot to choose from! Second big thing right now is that "Open Wounds" has just been released to radio. It has been out on Christian rock radio for about two weeks and it is doing well. There have been some questions about the meaning of the song, and it has been a great chance to share how even though I grew up with a terrible relationship with my father, that relationship has been restored. There has been a great deal of healing brought to me, and I hope that people will relate to the song and perhaps take a step towards healing themselves. "Open Wounds" also just released this week to mainstream rock radio and was the #2 most added song. Once again we are asking for your help! If you are the kind of music listener who likes to e-mail or call radio stations and request songs, then you are who we are looking for!"

David Crowder Band Passion Conferences presents Passion ‘05, a four-day indoor gathering for college students from around the nation and world, to be held in “Music City USA,” a.k.a. Nashville, Tenn. January 2-5. Leading the gathering will be world-renowned speakers Louie Giglio, John Piper and Beth Moore, among others, as well as such acclaimed artist worshippers as Charlie Hall, David Crowder Band, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman and Shane and Shane. Unlike Passion Conferences’ OneDay (2000) and OneDay03 (2003) outdoor gatherings that drew 60,000-plus college students, Passion ‘05 will be held indoors at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in the heart of Downtown Nashville. Passion ‘05 is also providing smaller breakout sessions called Community Groups, Family Groups and Late Nights in various venues throughout the downtown area within walking distance from the arena. The Community and Family groups are designed to allow students to unpack what they learn throughout the week in small group environments and the Late Nights give students a chance to “hang out” after the evening session ends each night. Speakers and artist worshippers will join each Late Night session. “The heartbeat of Passion is the glory of God—specifically, a generation of students living radically for His name and campuses across the nation awakening to His fame,” says Louie Giglio, Passion Conferences founder/director. “But, if we're honest, phrases like ‘living for His glory’ can easily lose their meaning, a concept that on any given day is detached from the reality of our lives. Words are cheap. Life is hard. Making our lives count for what matters most is a worthy goal, but a serious proposition and a concept that must be thoroughly absorbed if our lives are going to be shaped by and for His renown.” Chris Tomlin adds, “The beauty of Passion 05 is that not only will students worship together in an arena packed with thousands of faces representing campuses from every corner of the nation, they will have the chance to sit and process what God is doing in their lives with a small group of students they connect with through the smaller community groups that make up the fabric of the conference.” Specifically designed for college students, those between the ages of 18 and 26 years of age, Passion ’05 will also have special Community Group for a limited number of High school seniors. Detailed schedule and registration information can be found at www.268generation.com, with discounts for early registration ending today. Registration fee includes conference materials and lunch on January 3 and 4.

delirious On August 30th, delirious.org.uk offered this shocking report... "A terrible accident occured at the UK's Grapevine Festival in Lincolnshire last night (29th August) as a section of grandstand seating collapsed during Delirious' performance at the festival. Four people were taken to hospital with serious injuries and a dozen others suffered minor injuries when the section of seating in the nearly-full 5000 capacity marquee gave way. Miraculously, police confirmed that "there is nobody with life-threatening injuries as far as we can tell". The incident was reported by the BBC, who quoted an eyewitness as saying: "We were waving our arms and jumping around to a Christian rock group called Delirious, then you could feel the seats vibrating. All of a sudden the seats vanished. After it happened people were very calm and left in an orderly way". Grapevine spokesman Brian Keel said: "We don't know what caused it to collapse, it just gave way". Inspector Dick Holmes of Lincolnshire Police praised the organisers for the way the event was handled: "All credit to the organisers who had a contingency plan for something like this. There was no panic, and it looks like it could have been a lot worse". Delirious.org.uk offers it's thoughts and prayers to those injuired in this terrible accident, and to Delirious? who must have been extremely shocked and saddened by the events."

Fusebox Elevate Records/Inpop Records group Fusebox taped an episode of Bridges last Thursday at the CTN studios in Nashville. The group performed their hit single "Once Again," and lead singer Billy Buchanan sat for a lengthy 20 minute interview about growing up an in abusive home, his music career, and the dramatic conversion that changed his life. With such an inspiring story, producers decided to dedicate an entire episode to Fusebox. The 30-minute episode will air September 24th on CTN (Christian Television Network) and via satellite on Sky Angel. Check local listings for air times.

Tooth & Nail Records has made a second brand new mp3 available to mewithoutYou fans from their upcoming album, Catch For Us The Foxes. You can now download the song "Paper Hanger" and then mark your calendars for October 5th, the day when Catch For Us The Foxes arrives in stores! http://www.purevolume.com/mewithoutyou

Daniel’s Window has reteamed with producer Billy Smiley for their new CD Strangely Looking Forward, which is scheduled to be released November 2nd from Cross Driven Records. The Chicago-based group performs over 100 concerts each year, including regular appearances at Youth Encounter, Aquire the Fire and Planet Wisdom youth conferences. They have also received numerous accolades including being named one of 2002’s “Top 10 New Artists You Should Know About” by Christianity Today following the release of Illuminate (Cul De Sac Records), and taking 1st place in the band competition at Seminar in the Rockies.

RSJ Rebecca St. James, who earlier this year co-hosted a two hour Night Of Joy" television special for the Hallmark Channel, enjoyed a reunion with Mickey and Minnie earlier this month at Disney's "Night of Joy 2004," where Rebecca again performed in concert to a capacity crowd on September 10th. The September 9th-11th schedule at the Magic Kingdom, considered a premiere annual event in Christian music, went on as scheduled dispute the fact that Disneyworld was closed earlier in the week in the wake of storm damage in Orlando. During her time onstage, Rebecca stopped the music to lead concert goers in a prayer for wind and flood ravaged Florida which only days before had suffered the wrath of hurricane Frances.

Underoath has just posted the new song "I Got 10 Friends and a Crowbar That Says You Ain't Gonna Do Jack" on purevolume.com! You can also find the song on the Smartpunk Warped Tour sampler, Music On The Brain, Volume 1 and the upcoming vinyl release of the band's new record, They're Only Chasing Safety. You can get it now at: http://www.purevolume.com/underoath

The new Tooth & Nail/Solid State compilation, A Near Fatal Fall, is now available exclusively at Hot Topic stores nationwide for only $4.99! The CD features 20 tracks and includes a previously unreleased song from Emery! Check out the track listing and then head to your local Hot Topic and pick up A Near Fatal Fall today! For more info, check out http://www.toothandnail.com/artist_releaseinfo.php?id=116

*Friday, September 17th, 2004*


SCC Four-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman just announced that on Tuesday, September 21st, he will perform a special concert for the troops from the Fort Campbell 101st Airborne Air Assault and their families before the troops are deployed to Iraq. Chapman will also be visiting with the troops before the show and signing at two Lifeway Christian Stores, as well as celebrating his 14th studio project, All Things New, which releases that same day. Sponsored by the local radio station WAY-FM and Lifeway Christian Bookstores, the event is taking place to honor the men and women of the 101st Airborne. Several thousand are expected to attend from Fort Campbell and its surrounding cities. “I’m so excited about the chance to be with the troops at Fort Campbell,” comments Chapman. “I hope this day and concert encourages them and can in some small way express my sincere thanks for all they are doing and the sacrifices they are making in the service of our country. It's going to be my honor to be with the Screaming Eagles.” The troops are being deployed back into Iraq later this fall, winter, as well as into next spring in support of the ongoing efforts of Iraqi Freedom. The 101st Airborne is located in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, approximately 60 miles north of Nashville. That morning, before arriving in Fort Campbell, Chapman will appear from 7-9am at the Lifeway store, Cool Springs, located in Franklin, Tennessee to sign copies of All Things New. Before the concert that evening, he plans to visit with many of the wounded soldiers housed at the base as well as have lunch with the troops and their families. Parachutists from the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles will fly in to kick off Chapman’s performance, then immediately following the concert, Chapman will make a special appearance at the Lifeway Store in Fort Campbell to sign more copies of his new CD. According to Clarksville/Fort Campbell’s WAY-FM Operations Manager Matt Hahn, “We are passionate about supporting our men and women in the service, and this concert with Steven Curtis Chapman is a great way to give back to them. Starting the station in the area just a year ago, our station is a unique mission field for the Fort Campbell military and their families, especially while so many of them are gone. We are thrilled to be a part of this very special event.” With the CD purchase of All Things New at regular price at all Lifeway Nashville locations, for an extra $3.00, a copy will be given to the troops in Iraq. This special offer is only available on September 21st at the Nashville/downtown, Cool Springs, Clarksville and Murfreesboro stores. The 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles are members of the only air assault division in the world. Fort Campbell supports the 3rd largest military population in the Army and the 7th largest in the Department of Defense. Check out our preview of All Things New.

Relient K Relient K, the #1 ranked alternative rock band in the CBA marketplace, will unveil their fourth studio album titled Mmhmm on November 2nd. A special deluxe CD version of the band's Christmas album Deck The Halls, Bruise Your Hand will also be released to retail simultaneously. Relient K's Mmhmm album, produced by Mark Townsend, features 14 songs that are noticeably more piano-driven ranging from the introspective "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been" to the lighter sounds of "Life After Death And Taxes." "We're not trying to hide anything with the songs on this record, just to get what we feel out there," commented lead man Matt Thiessen. "We definitely have our own way of singing about spirituality. We hope between that and the music, it connects with someone out there." Deck The Halls, Bruise Your Hand, Relient K's Christmas album will hit store shelves on November 2nd along with the new album Mmhmm. The holiday offering, originally released last year, will be a limited edition piece that is packaged with previous studio album Two Lefts Don't Make A Right... But Three Do. The Christmas album highlights ten songs with the infamous Relient K sound ranging from "Angels We Have Heard On High," and "Deck The Halls," to "I Hate Christmas Parties," and "Santa Clause Is Thumbing To Town." Relient K's most recent recognition came in the form of a 2004 Dove Award for "Modern Rock Album Of The Year" with their previous Two Lefts Don't Make A Right... But Three Do release. The band has heralded other accolades with the Two Lefts Don't Make A Right album including a 2004 Vibe Award for "Best Rock/Alternative Album", as well as 2003 GRAMMY nomination. The album debuted at the #38 spot on The Billboard 200 and currently Relient K is approaching the one million mark on total albums sold. The band, who is on the road an average of 150-200 dates a year, has confirmed a street week club tour in 10 markets in support of Mmhmm.

Bleach Bleach has updated their official site for the first time since before they played their final show on August 29th. Guitarist Milam Byers offered a brief update on the happenings of the band... "Sorry for the lack of update. I'm still trying to figure out what to do with myself. It takes a while to adjust to actually being at home, on top of the pressure of paying bills and writing a record for all to enjoy. We are still trying to work out the details of this final record. We are not in the studio at the moment like we had originally hoped. It won't be long though. We hope to have some songs to sample for you ASAP. We will leave for Guam this Friday. The whole band is going over to do some mission work with mine and Jared's parents. We thought it would be a cool way to end this thing; serving others. We look forward to learning more about the natives and of course we will have some fun. Pray for us as we travel and also that God would use us in some way to make an impact while we are there. It also looks like the HBO special about Josh [Byers]'s letters home will indeed make a premier on November 11. I hope everyone can see this very special tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I will let you know if it will be available to everyone, not just HBO subscribers, as they had hinted to earlier. Talk to you soon, Milam"
For more info on Bleach, visit www.bleached.com. Click here for our coverage of their final performance...

Michael W. Smith Healing Rain is the first pop-oriented studio record from Michael W. Smith since 1999's This Is Your Time, but the veteran artist has been far from idle in the meantime. Smith exercised his passion for instrumental music with 2000's Freedom, and showed his heart for music for the church with the dual live albums, the platinum selling Worship and Grammy award-winning Worship Again. Healing Rain returns Smith to his early pop songwriting roots, first shown on tracks for artists such as Amy Grant and Sandi Patty. His own voluminous body of solo work has garnered him 13 gold and five platinum records. Smith's career sales exceed twelve million units. But Smith has never been an artist willing to rest on his laurels, this time expanding his creative partners to include co-producers Matt Bronleewe (Natalie Imbruglia, Kimberley Locke) and Sam Ashworth, and co-writers including Dan Hill and Martin Smith, as well as longtime collaborator Wayne Kirkpatrick. Smith commented, "This album has been a labor of love for me. I have been stretched and inspired by the people Ive worked on this project with, and I feel that the songs on this album capture exactly who I am right now, and what I have to say." The songs on Healing Rain reflect and amplify the music found on his best-selling projects Worship and Worship Again. The common thread running through tracks on the album of surrender stems from Smith's desire to see people reconciled to their Creator. Songs such as "Human Spark" and "All I Want" show a man whose motivation is to illuminate the need of the human heart for God. Healing Rain captures elements more than a year and a half in the making, with Smith and his partners writing nearly three dozen songs that were whittled down to the albums final 11. Smith began writing and recording at Dark Horse Studios Franklin, TN, and continued work at George Lucas' inspirational Skywalker Ranch in California and during Smith's headlining tours with INO Records artists MercyMe, and a Christmas tour with Point of Grace and The Katinas.

Starflyer 59 After about 2 and 1/2 months in the process, Starflyer 59 have just finished reording their new full length record. The album is set to be mixed by Ken Andrews starting on the 4th of October. When it is mixed and with an ok from the label, the band's official site, sf59.com, will post a song on the site for those of you who would like to give a listen. A release date has not been set yet. In the meantime, Starflyer will be releasing a limited edition ep of some songs that for some reason or another didn't end up making it on the new record. This will be available at the beginning of November. It will be available through sf59.com, or at upcoming live shows.

The Kry is back! The Canadian-based pop/rock band has been making great music since the early nineties and after laying relatively low for awhile towards the end of the decade, re-emerged in 2000 with their record Let Me Say. They followed that record up in 2002 with Undone and now have recently released a brand new project of thirteen songs entitled God of Infinite Worth. For more information about The Kry and how to order their new release, please visit thekry.com.

Multiple Dove Award-winning vocalist and songwriter Fernando Ortega will release his second career concert video, titled Fernando Ortega Live in St. Paul, on Oct. 12 for Curb Records. The DVD project is produced by award-winning Jupiter Productions and will feature fifteen songs, including many cuts from Ortegas critically-acclaimed self-titled album for Curb that released to rave reviews on August 10. The DVD will also contain other favorite songs from across Ortegas fifteen-year career, as well as four bonus tracks and behind-the-scenes footage. Filmed at Northwestern University's Maranatha Hall, Live will feature several of Ortega's ten career #1 radio singles, including the #1 Inspirational Song of 2000, "This Good Day", 1999's #4 Inspo Song of the Year, "Creation Song," and "Lord of Eternity," as well as the bonus cuts "Light of Heaven" and "Sing to Jesus," both from Ortega's Dove Award-winning album Storm (2002). Among the projects other songs are the Dove Award-winning "Children of the Living God;" Ortega's most recent Top 10 CRR Hit, "Sleepless Night," and his current single, "Take Heart My Friend." "Fernando Ortega is known and respected worldwide by fans, other musicians and industry leaders alike," said John Butler, Curb Records senior director of promotions and marketing. "It's hard to find anyone who hasn't been touched, comforted and inspired in some way by his music and ministry. The craft and artistry on his new CD and DVD truly sets forth a new template for the modern singer-songwriter musician." The release of Fernando Ortega Live in St. Paul will be supported by national radio, press and retail campaigns, in conjunction with ongoing marketing efforts for this summers launch of Ortega's self-titled album. While "Take Heart My Friend" continues to climb radio charts, Ortega is preparing for the start of his headline tour this fall, as well as making several other national event appearances. In the months surrounding the release of Live, Ortega is performing for a combined conference audience of over 130,000, including four Family Life "Rekindling the Romance" marriage conferences in Anaheim (Arrowhead Pond), Indianapolis (Conseco Field House), Minneapolis (Xcel Energy Center) and Tampa (St. Pete Times Forum). Ortega is also the featured artist at all three 2004 Anne Graham Lotz "Just Give Me Jesus" conferences, held in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Seattle, and Chicago, along with Lotz' three-day "A Passionate Pursuit" event in Dallas this fall. At the recent "Harvest Crusade Night of Worship in Anaheim", he played for an additional crowd of over 45,000.

ANGEL WARS Guardian Force, an epic, animated, supernatural action-adventure story of angels battling fallen spirits, featuring the music of dc talk, Newsboys and Sanctus Real, will be available November 2. Series creator Christopher Waters crafted ANGEL WARS following September 11, 2001, after hearing the story of a boy who asked his mother with all sincerity, "Where was Superman?" on that tragic day of terrorism. "And so it was, just after 9-11 and the question, I concluded that if kids were looking to the heavens already, hoping to spot Superman, I could show them God instead," Waters says. "From this revelation, ANGEL WARS was born." ANGEL WARS Guardian Force (the first in this 3-part DVD series) introduces Eli and Kira, two junior members of the Guardian Force who must grow up in a hurry when their first mission takes a detour, pitting them against a deadly but long forgotten foe. In a race against time, they must discover the source of the enemy’s power, defeat his conspiring minions, save a mortal life, and perhaps most difficult of all, learn to work together. Through their actions and interactions with humans, Waters wants these superheroes to not just provide escape, but give hope to the young viewers. "We want kids to know that they matter, that they can make a difference, that there is a spiritual battle going on every day, and that they are a part of the army of God," Waters explains. In addition to the 33-minute movie, special features include animated character profiles, an extensive step-by-step drawing lesson to create your own angels, music videos from Sanctus Real, Kutless and Falling Up and a sneak peek at Guardian Force 2, set to release in May ‘05.

*Wednesday, September 15th, 2004*


Third Day Nominees for the 32nd annual American Music Awards were disclosed yesterday. Congratulations are in order for Steven Curtis Chapman, MercyMe, and Third Day who were all nominated for Favorite Artist in the Contemporary Inspirational category! The 19 awards will be presented during a three-hour special on the ABC Television Network, Sunday, November 14, 2004, 8-11 PM (Eastern and Pacific Time). The special will emanate from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California and be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. Nominations for the American Music Awardsare in eight categories -- Pop/Rock, Country, Soul/Rhythm & Blues, Rap/Hip-Hop, Adult Contemporary, Latin Music, Contemporary Inspirational and Alternative Music. Ironically, SCC, 3D and MM teamed recently for a song on The Passion Of The Christ: Songs project and are now pitted against each other for an AMA!

Pillar CBS will be using the Pillar song "Rewind" from their newest record Where Do We Go From Here during the season premier of Joan of Arcadia, which airs September 24. This weekend, Pillar will be co-hosting MTV2's "Head Banger's Ball" on September 18 at 10pm. Also, keep your eyes open for Pillar "Where Do We Go From Here" commercials on MTV between 9/13-9/26. Check www.mtv2.com for a complete listing of "Head Banger's Ball" air times. With Pillar joining the ranks of Blindside, Switchfoot, Skillet, and P.O.D., it's nice to see some good music finally infiltrating MTV! Finally, Pillar is getting ready to kick off the "Where Do We Go From Here Tour" with Project 86, Falling Up, and Subseven. Keep an eye on Pillarmusic.com for details!

DJ magazine is putting together its annual list of the Top 100 DJs in the world, and you can cast a vote for Andy Hunter today. Hunter, a British DJ whose tracks have been used on television’s Alias and in The Matrix movie trailers, is indeed among the most talented, innovative beat-makers working today. He even finds ways to incorporate his Christian faith into the often-wordless dance music genre. Want proof? Visit DJ Andy Hunter’s web site AndyHunter.com today, where you can hear clips from his supersonic Sparrow Records debut, Exodus, and watch several videos of the young man in action. Then, cast your vote for Andy Hunter and take him to the top of the DJ magazine Top 100 DJs list at DJMag.com. The Top 100 DJs list will be posted online October 29.

*Tuesday, September 14th, 2004*


Hawk Nelson Flashing back to 1965, Tooth and Nail Records’ band Hawk Nelson recently returned from the taping of their national television debut for the NBC hit show, American Dreams, set to air October 10, 2004. The members of the band emulated legendary rock band, The Who, singing “My Generation.” In addition to portraying The Who, Hawk Nelson also recorded their version of “My Generation,” which will be available on the show’s soundtrack. “Just when you think you couldn’t be happier living a simple life, playing shows, trying to make a living for yourself, someone calls and asks you to re-enact a rock legend on American Dreams,” states lead vocalist Jason Dunn. “When we arrived on the set, it was so cool! Everyone was walking around like it was 1965.” The two-time Emmy winning drama features contemporary musicians as guest stars portraying 1960s icons on “American Bandstand.” Last season’s guest stars included Kelly Clarkson (as Brenda Lee), Nick Lachey (as Tom Jones), Alicia Keys (as Fontella Bass), and Hilary and Haylie Duff (as The Shangri-Las). Since their debut release, Letters to the President, hit the streets July 13, Hawk Nelson has had much radio success and media acclaim. Currently, their single “Every Little Thing” is at #2 on the Christian Rock chart and at #20 with a bullet on CHR.

Switchfoot On November 2, Sparrow Records will re-issue the first three albums from breakthrough rock act Switchfoot ("Meant To Live") as one 3-CD set, giving millions of the band's new MTV and mainstream radio fans quick, affordable access to a hit-filled catalog that dates back to 1997. The set compiles all Switchfoot full-length recordings made prior to the current platinum selling smash, The Beautiful Letdown. They include The Legend Of Chin (1997), New Way To Be Human (1999), and Learning To Breathe (2000). Balancing surfer coolness, timeless melody, spiritual depth, and rock intuition, each CD was universally acclaimed upon initial release. Among the early energetic, unconventional hits featured here are "Chem 6A," "Might Have Ben Hur," "New Way To Be Human," "You Already Take Me There," and the first recording of "I Dare You To Move" which was later re-done for The Beautiful Letdown. In all, the Switchfoot 3-CD set, in stores everywhere November 2, gathers three full-length recordings, original artwork, 32 songs, and nearly two hours of music. For complete information about Switchfoot – past, present, and future – go to Switchfoot.com or the JfH Switchfoot page. With its breakthrough hit “Meant To Live” finding an even wider audience as a featured cut on the international version of the Spiderman 2 soundtrack, Switchfoot heads to Europe and Australia for a series of concerts September 10 – 22. Among the tour dates are three shows with Alter Bridge, featuring three original members of Creed, to be held in Berlin, Amsterdam, and London. Back in the United States, Switchfoot will begin another major tour in October, just following the release of a new single from The Beautiful Letdown. “This Is Your Life” goes out to Christian radio stations September 17 and to Mainstream Alternative Rock radio September 21, even as previous single, “Dare You To Move,” continues to climb various playlists in both sectors.

Newsboys Those anxious to learn more about the upcoming Newsboys album, devotion, in stores November 2, can now watch lead singer Peter Furler giving details of the inspiration for the project at the band’s web site. The footage was recorded onstage at a recent Newsboys concert. devotion is the hugely anticipated follow-up to Newsboys’ award-winning, gold-selling Adoration: The Worship Album, which featured the #1 single “He Reigns” and spawned the sold-out Adoration Worship Tour earlier this year. In fact, Newsboys recently announced plans to extend the Adoration Worship Tour into 16 more cities this fall; a new set of shows, also featuring Rebecca St. James and Todd Agnew, begins the same week devotion is released. The first single from devotion, “Presence (My Heart’s Desire),” is at radio stations now and was the most added song to Christian adult contemporary playlists the past two weeks. Watch Furler’s onstage clip, pre-order devotion, and check the complete list of fall Adoration Worship Tour dates, at: http://www.newsboys.com/prerelease.

PFR Tracking has completed for the new PFR project and is in mix-down! With 3 new songs, this recording is shaping up to be an amazing album. Steve Mason of Jars Of Clay lent his background vocals to a couple of tracks on the album. Be watching for more news and (possibly) some clips from the new recording at PatrickAndrew.com! In the meantime, be sure to check out bassist Patrick Andrew's solo record There And Then It's Gone and lead vocalist Joel Hanson's record Broken.

Third Day Altanta-based rockers Third Day have had the misfortune of experiencing one of the most detestable things that can be done to website on the internet... hacking! ThirdDay.com is currently down as it tries to recover from a recent hacking job. The splash page for the site reads "Welcome to Thirdday.com. Unfortunately our site was compromised by a hacker and we are working hard to get it back up. Stay tuned!" No details on what exactly happened have been released. Please keep the band and their web team in your prayers.

Fusebox Elevate Records/Inpop Records group Fusebox was in Florida last week for a 5-night/5-city Way-FM mini-tour. In front of capacity crowds, the group performed songs from their current CD, including the hit title track "Once Again". "As a station, we love being able to shine a light in a dark place," said Mike West, Station Manager for 88.1 WAY-FM (West Palm Beach/Ft. Lauderdale), where over 2000 people braved 100 degree heat for an outdoor show. Our concert with Fusebox at the beach in Deerfield did that. The band did a great job of mixing personal testimony with awesome worship music. Over 300 people were turned away in Fort Myers, 200 were turned away in Tallahassee, and shows in Jupiter and Naples were at capacity. The shows were promoted as a time of "Hope and Healing" because of Hurricane Charley. "We just feel really honored that the Lord would use us to encourage the people of Florida during this time," said lead singer Billy Buchanan. A lot of these people have lost their homes, and their livelihood. They weren't coming out to see us - they were seeking the hope that only Jesus Christ can bring. It was an amazing week."

Best-selling, Dove-nominated singer/songwriter duo Shane Barnard and Shane Everett, collectively known as Shane & Shane, are preparing for the release of their third full-length studio project, Clean. Bowing October 19, Clean features seven new songs written by Shane & Shane, as well as a remake of the timeless classic "He Is Exalted", a new version of the Shanesfan-favorite "Yearn" and Shane & Shanes take on the popular "There Is None Like You". Produced by Shane & Shane and Will Hunt, with additional production on three tracks by Paul Moak, Clean fuses pop, worship and folk-rock stylings with lyrical detail and irresistible melodies. The first radio single from the project, "He Is Exalted," is currently climbing the radio charts in multiple formats. Many industry-leading stations have immediately added the song to their playlists, including KXOJ, KSBJ, WFHM, WFZH, KFSH, Salem Networks, WAFJ and KVMV. "Here's a rare chance to play an instantly familiar classic that sounds like today," said KSBJ Houstons Jim Beeler. It's great! It fits." "If there's a theme in the new record, it's simply to say that as Christians, we can rest in Gods indescribable grace. He sees us as clean because of what Christ did on the cross," said Barnard. Everett adds, "So many times we try to add to Gods grace. We feel like if we do more, pray more, read more, that God will love us more. I don't think it's necessarily a conscious thought, but often our lives reflect that flawed way of thinking. The bottom line is that God accomplished everything through Christ and we are free in that grace." "I truly believe that Shane & Shane have delivered a career record with Clean," said Inpop Records general manager, Steve Ford. "The amazing success weve seen with Carry Away and Upstairs has set the stage for the release of this project, and the early response has been overwhelming."

SCC There's a concert tour on the horizon, starting October 21, but that's not soon enough for Steven Curtis Chapman. Anxious to see his friends/fans, Steven has a dizzying schedule of promotional appearances set for September 13 - 24 in support of the release of his new album All Things New (September 21) and children's book Shaoey And Dot (September) and hopes to see you! Heads up to SCC fans in the Carolinas, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, Minnesota, and Texas! He's coming your way. Steven will be signing the new children's book Shaoey And Dot as well as pre-release inserts for the All Things New album that will insure you'll be first to receive the album less than a week later. Check out our preview of All Things New.

NIKE.com is currently featuring a song from the Illect Recordings release, In Like Flynn, by LA Symphony member Flynn on their website. "Superstar" was selected to be part of a special 30-minute workout mix of various artists featured on the Nikewomen.Nike.com section seen by millions of website visitors. Flynn's album In Like Flynn continues to draw strong reviews and media coverage. It recently was charting at #26 on the CMJ college radio Hip-Hop charts, gaining airplay across a panel of hundreds of stations across North America. In addition, MTV and MTV2 will be airing all 16 songs from the album during various programming throughout the rest of the year. The album continues to excel at hundreds of Christian radio outlets and a song is featured on the Hip Hope 2005 compilation that is in stores now. He recently returned from a 4 week tour in Europe with his group LA Symphony and are hitting the road with a solid slate of tour stops for the rest of 2004 and into 2005. To view and download the Superstar workout mix, visit the following link and click "Get Music": http://nikewomen.nike.com/nikewomen/us/index.jhtml

5 Minute Walk and Reese Roper's new act Roper put out a call this week for your help! Read on... "One of the big wigs there (at EMI) told me that all the reps loved Roper, but they had already used their favors to get retail excited about the more established bands (Steven Curtis Chapman, WOW, Toby Mac and so on). He told me that "The Ball was In Our Court" to get retail on board with this album... Our idea is to have as many of you get a ball from your house, preferably a tennis, golf or baseball, and to have you write the words "ROPER 10/19/04" on the ball with a Sharpie. Then we would like you to take the ball to the music retailer where you will be buying the cd from and simply hand "The Ball" to the retailer and politely tell them that you will be back on Oct 19th to get the ball and the new Roper cd, then just walk away.... Now, for this plan to work you will need to have hundreds of you do it and it needs to be done in a fun and kind way. We definitely don't want anyone to throw the ball at the sales person or to make a big scene, we are simply giving the ball to the retailers. I know this is a big favor to ask, but it would really help us a lot and will blow the EMI sales reps away. We would like to ask as many of you that can to take "The Ball" to your local music store starting tomorrow, which is the first day the EMI reps will be taking orders for the Roper cd. We would love to know how many of you guys are willing to help us with this, so if you are going to do it would you mind dropping us an email and telling us what city and state you are in. The address for this is THEBALL@ROPERISDUMB.COM. Please include your mailing address in the email and we will reward you with some brand new stickers. Remember to write ROPER 10/19/04 on the ball and to be nice."

ASU In a statement made late last week to anyone who would listen, Ian Eskelin officially ended his Presidential campaign. The official announcement came as no surprise to the Eskelin '04 staff, which consists only of Stan, Eskelin's campaign manager. "Well, he had some good ideas, but you can only go so far with a budget of $700.00," commented Stan. Eskelin is expected to quickly return to his primary responsibilities as a successful singer and songwriter for Franklin, Tennessee-based Inpop Records. "Well, I may not be the President when November comes around, but did I mention that my new record Save The Humans releases this month?" said Eskelin. Check out our preview of Save The Humans.

Stephen Baldwin is putting his extreme influence as a national celebrity to work this week in New York City. The youngest of the Baldwin brothers acting quartet, Baldwin is backlighting the RNC activities in New York with his own high profile media campaign in support of the Christian agenda in today's politically charged climate. Baldwin will bring that same passion to Nashville on Thursday, September 23rd, as the centerpiece of the x-treme sport themed event "Livin It Live" to be staged jointly at the Sixth Avenue Skate Park and adjacent Rocketown. The free event is being presented as an outreach of Father's House Covenant Church in Franklin. It will present a live skate exhibition featuring the professional skate team from the film, Livin' It--a cutting edge documentary spotlighting the world of Christian extreme sports athletes, which Baldwin directed. "Livin It Live", to be hosted and narrated by Baldwin, will kick-off with a live music concert presented by Christian music artists still to be announced. A "skating demo" will follow from the professional x-treme athletes that appeared in the film. Nationally known pro skaters scheduled to appear include Luke Braddock, Elijah Moore, Jared Lee, and Zach Archaletta. Noted Darren Tyler, event co-ordinator: "At Father's House, we’ve seen first hand the effectiveness of x-treme sports, especially skating as a tool to reach out to students. When the folks at Luis Palau Evangelistic Asssociation approached me about hosting Stephen and the skate team it was a natural fit. It’s our hope to not only share the gospel, but to also demonstrate to other student ministries in the community how effective this form of outreach can be." The event is free and will run from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Rocketown is located at 401 6th Avenue South in Nashville-- with the Sixth Avenue Skate Park in close proximity. Sponsors include Father's House Covenant Church, Nelson Mazda, CCM-BIZ.COM, and Redeem The Vote.

Subseven have been working hard on their follow up album due out in March '05. Everyday they post a new pic or video clip from the studio, so check out their news on www.subsevenmusic.com. They head out this fall on the Pillar "Where Do We Go From Here" tour, so catch a show and grab their EP which is available now.

Audio A Audio Adrenaline and special guests get set to ROCK on October 28th, a benefit concert for the Hands & Feet Project and Rocketown Skatepark. Event takes place at Rocketown in Nashville, TN at 7PM Central. If you or anyone you know can travel to Nashville for this event, HELP us spread the word! Visit AudioA.COM for details and maps. Tickets are only $12 in advance, call (615) 843-4006. Hope to see you there! Your church and youth group can team up with Audio Adrenaline and be responsible for building homes for orphans in Haiti. The land has been cleared off and blue prints have been drawn. After the charity auction, AudioA will be organizing teams to travel to Haiti and START BUILDING. Tell everyone you know and your church pastors to sign-up for information about building a team at www.handsandfeetproject.org.

Jeremy Camp has been asked to join a tour with MercyMe in Spring 2005 which will run from Feb-May over 50 cities throughout the USA. Watch JeremyCamp.com for upcoming details! His brand new record Restored releases November 16!

As being reported all across CCM-related sites on the web, Kendall Payne is back in the spotlight again. She released her debut on Capitol Records to the mainstream market in 1999, entitled Jordan's Sister and then again in 2000 to the Christian market through Sparrow. Payne has laid low for the past few years but a recent independent project entitled Grown is now available online! Check out our artist database page for Kendall to familarize yourself with this incredible young talent!

Elms And here's the latest on The Elms, from TheElms.net... "As many of you know (and some may not), The Elms are currently at work on two new releases, diligently preparing their first-ever live concert DVD, and a brand-new album slated for release in early 2005. News has surfaced that the DVD is on track for completion next month! Originally, the band had planned on releasing the DVD this summer, but because of quality control and added bonus features, the release of the DVD had to be pushed into the fall. Fret not, it has become an experience well worth waiting for! The band's new album is nearing the final stages of the recording process, and more information regarding the album's release will be divulged soon." They also have revealed that the record will be self-produced by The Elms! A bold move, but an exciting one nonetheless...

The rumor mill is producing some solid facts these days as it has been confirmed that Brian Pittman, the bassist for Relient K has left the band (so full-time replacement has been secured yet), playing his final show with them on August 29th in TN at the final Bleach performance. In related news, Michael Tait's band Tait is experiencing several member changes as well. Longtime guitar player Justin York has left the band to play for Steven Curtis Chapman's live band while newly married bassist Lonnie Chapin has also decided to leave the band so he can spend more time with his family. Finally, Watashi Wa announced late this summer that they have decided to call it quits after almost eight years. They played their final show as a band last week.

Riley Armstrong is gearing up for some Fall touring. He and band members Sam Hills (drummer), and Mark Lukey (a.k.a Lukey), a new bass player from Cincinnati will be teaming up with Real Ministries for another high flying, motorcross action and music ministry as well as some colleges and more exciting events! Check out the schedule at RileyArmstrong.com for visits near you.

MxPx This September, MXPX recently played a three night stand at Seattle's Graceland that had MXPX working day and night on making the shows nothing short of their best; dusting off favorites from every record they've ever recorded. Amidst the chaos, they played an acoustic set each night to get everyone pumped for their forthcoming acoustic ep, the AC/EP. The AC/EP will be released inside the packaging of MXPX's upcoming B Movie. Their very first DVD that goes straight to the heart of what MXPX has been doing these last few years. B Movie is due out sometime this fall and will include footage from all 3 shows!

Performing artist and worship leader Kristina has signed a production/recording contract with Billy Smiley and his Scottsdale-based Devotion Music label. Kristina is based out of Arizona when performing in the United States, and Winnipeg, Manitoba when touring in Canada. Her debut album Bare My Soul has just been released through Ministry Partners International Distribution and CMC Canada, and is slated for a Sept 14, 2004 U.S. release through New Day Distribution. The first radio single, "You Alone," will ship to AC and Inspirational radio stations in October. Kristina and Smiley have also completed work on a follow up album called Hymns - The Old Made New, the first artist release in the Worship Hymn series coming to stores nationwide in Nov/Dec 2004.

*Friday, September 10th, 2004*


Seven Day Jesus Well, it looks as though Seven Day Jesus may not be as gone for good. The band recently reunited after hanging up their guitars five years ago for the final Bleach show on August 29th. Lead vocalist Brian McSweeney described the show's performance as a "blast" and wasn't sure where the band would be going from here but admitted to considering taking the show back on the road. Guitarist Chris Beatty, who is a recent addition to The O.C. Supertones (filling Tony Terusa's gap), sent a newsletter out to all who preorder a rare new live record at the final show, with some incredible news... Seven Day Jesus may be back on the road coming January, 2005 for a few dates. Nothing is set in stone, but the possibility alone is music to our ears. We'll keep you posted...

Third Day Multi-million selling, Grammy and Dove Award winning rock band Third Day spent last week jetting from New York to Los Angeles on a media blitz that included two major performances and multiple interviews with national print, radio and television outlets. In New York City, Third Day opened for Vice President Cheney at the Republican National Convention with “I Got A Feeling,” a performance that brought the convention crowd to its feet. The band spent the day, between sound check and print interviews, talking to such national radio outlets as G. Gordon Liddy, Janet Parschal and the Associated Press, and visited with FOX News hosts, Sean Hannity and Tony Snow. “What an incredible honor the play for the Vice President of The United States and be a part of encouraging people to get out there and vote,” commented Third Day lead vocalist Mac Powell. Tai Anderson, bass player for the band, added, “As we’ve been walking on this ‘wire’ we saw a great opportunity to share our hearts on the matter of the HIV/AIDS crisis, and support the strong leadership of President Bush.” Immediately following the RNC appearance, the group boarded a jet for Los Angeles to sound check for a Thursday evening performance on NBC’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The band performed “I See Love” with friends Steven Curtis Chapman and Bart Millard. The next morning, the band hosted radio interviews with 47 outlets nationwide to debut their latest single, “You Are Mine.” Reflecting on the Tonight Show performance, guitarist Mark Lee, commented, “What an incredible place to be able to represent our industry with friends Steven Curtis Chapman and Bart Millard regarding the impact of the The Passion of Christ movie, and the overwhelming impact that Christ has had in all of our lives.” He added, “We appreciate our friends at radio and really wanted to share with them what has been happening. It was unbelievable to speak to the nation Friday morning via 47 live interviews -time zone to time zone - and premiere ‘You Are Mine.’ We look forward to seeing all the listeners on the road this fall.”

Plumb Plumb announced some exciting news on her site plumbinfo.com a couple weeks ago that is truly praiseworthy... she's going to be a mom! "I’m on my way to London right now to play one of my last shows for this fall because… Guess what? I’m pregnant!!!!!!! I’m going to be finishing the record this entire fall and early spring, making it the best record I’ve ever made and maybe doing a show here and there. But basically I’ll be staying in town so I can get big and fat and have a healthy baby. So keep us in your prayers as we grow this little one. I am due April 1 and the record will come out shortly after its birth to celebrate. I’m excited to share in this new chapter of my life with all of you, my fans." Congratulations Tiffany!

Some sad news just in from a faithful JfH reader... "Nate Cole, the lead singer of Plus One, has said through his Xanga (http://www.xanga.com/castledoor) that Plus One may be breaking up.  He had said in an earlier entry that Plus One would be taking a break for an unknown amount of time.  Nathan Walters is pursuing a solo career, while Nate Cole and Gabe Combs are still writing music together in hopes of starting another band together.  He then said later that Plus One will most likely not come off of this break." (thanks Taylor!)

Newsboys EMI CMG /Sparrow Records’ internationally renowned band, newsboys, and acclaimed artist, Rebecca St. James, announce the fall extension of its critically acclaimed “Adoration: The Tour.” Featuring special guest Todd Agnew, the tour supports newsboys’ RIAA certified Gold release and fastest selling album to date, Adoration: The Worship Album. The tour begins Nov. 4 in Fairfax, VA (Washington D.C.) and visits 16 key cities across the nation. Target, one of the country’s leading retailers, has signed on to sponsor Adoration: The Tour, providing significant exposure on both a local and national level. Selling out 29 of 34 markets during the spring, responses from numerous fans that have experienced the concerts nationwide is building anticipation for this fall’s tour. From renewed commitments to church and family to overall life changes, here are just a few comments posted at www.newsboys.com by concert attendees: Trish writes, “God was so powerful there. Especially, I felt [Him] when Peter spoke the Word. I know faith isn't always about feelings, but this was a time where God made His presence known in a mighty way.” “What was amazing was watching the kids,” Kim says. “It occurred to me how awesome God is and how He knows how to touch the lives of young people today through powerful worship. Their generation is a generation of music lovers and I was overwhelmed by the joy I saw on the faces of so many of them.” Sarah adds, “I know that it was meant for me to be there that night… I have been struggling for a long time with faith, and letting go and letting God deal with things His way, in my marriage, in my relationships, and in my personal walk with the Lord, feeling lost and not knowing which way to turn. I can't explain what happened that night, but there was definitely a change inside!” Prior to the launch of Adoration: The Tour, newsboys will release on Nov. 2 its highly anticipated studio album, devotion.

Word Entertainment has seen international success with the newest project in the WOW Worship compilation series, WOW Worship Red. The project, which released in March, has seen extensive sales and promotion in Europe, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. The WOW Worship Red project has amassed numerous sales achievements, including becoming the best-selling Christian compilation CD and DVD of 2004 in Europe, as well as the continent's fourth best-selling Christian CD and third best-selling DVD overall for the year. The project has been the focus of an intense marketing and promotion campaign across Europe. Beyond Europe, the project's success has included becoming a Top 10 mainstream hit for South Africa. WOW Worship Red was also the #1 selling title in South Africa's Christian market for both June and July. In Singapore, the WOW Worship Red CD surpassed gold-selling status in July, achieving the #1 spot on the sales charts for the Recording Industry Association Singapore (RIAS) and outselling projects from artists like Avril Lavigne and several other well-known mainstream pop compilations. The project was also the first Christian album ever to be featured on national television in Singapore. WOW Worship Red has also seen significant sales in Australia and New Zealand, making it one of the best-selling Christian music projects in both countries. "The success we've seen with this project is unprecedented," said Eric Nordhoff, director of international sales and marketing for Word Distribution. "WOW Worship Red is an international hit and we're thrilled to be the distributor for projects like this that impact the world."

Pirates recently hit at a Kinkos store, where Daniel from Denison Marrs was Fed Ex-ing the recently finished Marrs CD to Ken Andrews (who we mixed the album). This music pirate was disguised as an employee who was helping send the package – only he didn’t seal the package.  So after Daniel left the store, the Pirate made copies of the files, the contact info on the airbill, and then decided to brag about it… on the internet! What this silly little pirate didn’t realize is that it’s probably not a good idea to post details of music piracy… especially when the people you work for make you sign confidentiality agreements! By the way, the self-titled Denison Marrs CD releases Oct 26!

Cool Hand Luke has a new piano player for the fall!  Make sure you go and say hello to Chip when they come through your town!  Brett – who many of you met this summer – is off to the real world of working on a math degree.  Good luck with school Brett… and welcome Chip!

East West is back out on the road with their friends Disciple! For the next few weeks, the guys are crisscrossing the east coast – and I bet you’ll get to hear some new songs, because when they get back to LA, the guys head back in the studio with Dennis MacKay to start recording their next album!

Elevate Records/Inpop Records group Fusebox recently taped an episode of The Jim Bakker Show at Studio City in Branson, MO. The group performed two songs from their sophomore release Once Again, including the hit title track. Jim Bakker also interviewed lead singer Billy Buchanan. The Jim Bakker Show airs weekdays on CTN (Christian Television Network) and via satellite on Sky Angel. Check local listings for air times.

Inpop Records’ pop singer/songwriter Ian Eskelin is offering consumers the opportunity to download two free songs from his upcoming project, Save The Humans, by visiting www.IanEskelin.com. The songs, “Taboo” and “Shout,” are the first two radio singles from the CD which releases on September 21. “I’ve worked hard over the last few months to make this record, and I’m anxious for people to hear the news songs,” said Eskelin. “I want to give my fans the chance to be the first to hear them, and this is an opportunity to say thanks for all of their support.” For more information about Ian Eskelin and Save The Humans, visit www.IanEskelin.com.

Low end emcee, Sharlok Poems from LA Symphony has signed a licensing deal with Gotee Records. Gotee is releasing his newest solo project The Movement on October 19, 2004. LA Symphony is currently in the studio working on their next studio album, available Spring of 2005.

*Wednesday, September 1st, 2004*


The Passion Of The Christ Award-winning and multi-million selling artists, Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman and MercyMe recently collaborated on “I See Love,” the first track on The Passion of the Christ: Songs released on Lost Keyword Records and in partnership with Provident Label Group for marketing to Christian retail. The three artists will perform the song Thursday, Sept. 2 on NBC’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Artists inspired by Mel Gibson's epic film The Passion of the Christ have banded together for The Passion of the Christ: Songs. The album features newly recorded original songs sparked by the experience of seeing the film, and features the diverse lineup which includes tracks by former Creed singer Scott Stapp; Lauryn Hill; P.O.D.; Kirk Franklin featuring Yolanda Adams; Brad Paisley & Sara Evans; Third Day/Steven Curtis Chapman/Mercy Me; MxPx featuring Mark Hoppus; Charlotte Church and others. The collection will also serve as the inaugural release for Lost Keyword Records, an imprint which will be marketed and promoted by Wind-up Records. Provident will handle marketing and distribution in the CBA marketplace and BMG through the secular market. The album was released on August 31st (yesterday), the same day the film’s much anticipated DVD arrived at retail.

Sixpence NTR Word Label Group is set to release The Best of Sixpence None The Richer, an eighteen-song compilation from the best-selling and award-winning band, on its Squint Entertainment label imprint. Releasing Oct. 26, the project will encompass the group's remarkable ten-year career, featuring all of the band's hit singles, several out-of-print songs from the band's early years, three previously unreleased songs, and six of the band's contributions to well-known compilation projects and film soundtracks. In addition, the retrospective includes a Japanese single version of "Kiss Me," which has not been available in the U.S., along with packaging containing career retrospective liner notes. Retailing for $18.98, The Best of Sixpence None The Richer will be supported by national advertising and retail campaigns. The first single from the project, "Us," which along with "Loser Like Me" and "Too Far Gone" make up Sixpence's fresh creative offerings on the album, will be serviced to multiple radio formats next month. "This project chronicles the extraordinary career of a groundbreaking band who refused to be defined by culture, but rather sought to make a lasting impact on it," said Mark Lusk, senior vice president of marketing for Word Records. "Over the last ten years, Sixpence None the Richer has made an outstanding contribution to both art and faith, and this collection provides a complete portrait for fans of the band, both old and new." Over the past ten years, Sixpence None The Richer has left its indelible mark not only on music, but also on culture at large. The platinum-selling group achieved multiple Dove Awards, Grammy nominations and Top 10 radio singles, culminating in the #1 worldwide smash hit "Kiss Me," which reached the top of radio charts in the U.S. and ten other countries, including Canada, the U.K., Australia, Japan, and Israel.

David Crowder Band Lauded, award winning David Crowder Band kicks off its second headline tour Oct. 12 in Grand Rapids, MI. The fall leg of the band’s The Illuminate Tour traverses the country into 17 states, 20 cities nationally and features critically acclaimed Sparrow Records’ artists Something Like Silas and Shawn McDonald. Capturing the attention of such significant media as the New York Times, CNN and more, David Crowder Band is becoming well-known for its engaging live performance, playing over 200 concerts a year. The band will offer fan favorites on The Illuminate Tour, including its Top 10 multi-format hit single, “Open Skies,” from its No. 1 selling and current sophomore album, Illuminate.

"Here I Am To Worship," written by Tim Hughes, has impacted the church worldwide. It now carries the distinction of being EMI CMG Publishing and Thankyou Music’s first-ever North American number one Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) song. It is estimated that 45 million people have sung the song in North American churches, as well as at conferences and other congregational meetings. "Here I Am To Worship" was first introduced by Worship Together in the United States at the NationWide San Diego Conference in March 2001 and offered as a "Free Song" download to more than 25,000 churches shortly after its debut on WorshipTogether.com, which now has over 250,000 registered members. CCLI, an organization that monitors the music sung in more than 140,000 churches across the US and various countries around the world, reported “Here I Am To Worship” entering its chart in the Spring of 2001 at number 1,642. The song quickly ascended the CCLI chart, becoming one of the fastest rising songs in its history, reaching the top position within three years. "Here I Am To Worship" is also No. 1 on the UK, Australia and New Zealand CCL Music Reproduction License Chart. Eddie DeGarmo, President EMI CMG Publishing says, “Literally tens of millions of people have been impacted through 'Here I Am To Worship'. Only once in a great while does a song come along that marries our innermost feelings with such a passionate anthem statement of our faith. We are extremely proud to be a part of this with Tim.”

Mark Schultz Last Wednesday, Word Records artist Mark Schultz played a concert in the courtyard of the Pentagon at our nation's capital. Soldiers lined up early to hear Schultz perform a number of songs including his anthem "Letters From War," adopted by the U.S. Army Safety Center as part of its "Be Safe-Make It Home" campaign. The receptive crowd was on its feet the entire show after which Schultz signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans. Prior to the Pentagon performance, Mark Schultz made his way over to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he entertained injured troops. Walter Reed Army Medical Center provides the nation's most effective population-based primary and specialty military health care for soldiers, other service members, families and retirees in the National Capital area.

Michael W. Smith Close to 250,000 fans in 31 cities experienced this summer’s “One Nation Tour,” featuring Christian music stalwarts Michael W. Smith, Mercy Me and special guest David Crowder Band. “One Nation” achieved several sell-outs during its run, including an Aug. 20 date at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. Passion of the Christ film star Jim Caviezel visited the troupe for several West Coast dates, enjoying with the other artists the special camaraderie that developed during the tour. “This event showed fans are still willing to break away from busy summer activities to enjoy a family night of music,” said Chaz Corzine of Blanton Harrell Cooke and Corzine. “It’s been a difficult season for tours, but promoters were successful at getting the word out; media recognized the special combination of people “One Nation” included; and the artists sealed the deal by delivering a great show night after night.” “’One Nation’ wasn’t a collection of individuals,” explained multi-platinum, Grammy and American Music Award-winner Michael W. Smith. “The music represented a lot of collaboration among an amazing group of people. There was an incredible energy among us, one that for me was tremendously inspiring.” Smith co-headlined the tour with Mercy Me, the million-plus selling, Gospel Music Association Group and Artist of the Year responsible for the hit “I Can Only Imagine.” “After we finished our set at Radio City, some of the guys in MercyMe decided to make our way to the very top row to see the view,” recounts MercyMe’s Bart Millard. “We were blown away to see the whole balcony, and everyone in the jam-packed building worshipping with everything they had. I think that was the first time it really hit me how God was using us: to know Christ and to make Him known. To tour with such Godly men like Smitty and The David Crowder Band was a dream come true. In case you didn't know, I have the greatest job on the planet!” Michael W. Smith recently placed the final touches on his Oct. 26 release Healing Rain (Reunion). This studio album returns the veteran singer, songwriter and producer to his pop songwriting roots. The title track released recently to radio and is being added steadily.

Joy Williams Joy Williams, multiple Dove Award nominee and Reunion recording artist, closed the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center dedication ceremony Monday night with a soulful rendition of “The Impossible Dream.” With the Freedom Center as her backdrop, Joy brought the crowd to its feet. “I was both humbled and honored to be invited to help commemorate the center’s opening,” noted Williams prior to her performance. “This museum is a tribute to the human spirit and a reminder of where humanity must continue to battle.” During the 1800s, more than one hundred thousand enslaved fugitives sought freedom through the Underground Railroad. Many of the fugitive slaves fled across the Ohio River – the symbolic gateway to freedom. Situated in Cincinnati, on the banks of the Ohio, the Freedom Center will celebrate the legacy of courage and multicultural cooperation embodied in the story of the Underground Railroad, as well as educate the public about the historic and continuing struggle to establish universal freedom in both the United States, and around the world. Bill Hemmer, co-host of CNN’s “American Mornings” served as master of ceremonies, and actress Angela Bassett (Waiting to Exhale) was also on hand to show support of the center’s dedication.

On Tuesday, August 31st, multi-platinum and award winning group Point of Grace performed at a Rally with President Bush during a Bush-Cheney 2004 Campaign Stop in Iowa. "We are truly humbled to be a small part of the campaign to reelect George W. Bush," commented Point of Grace member Heather Payne. "He has our complete support and it will be an honor to meet him in person."

Independent artist Sandra McCracken released her third record, Best Laid Plans, in Europe and the United Kingdom August 9. The album will be available to American consumers on McCracken’s Web site as well as through Paste Music. With its combination of earthy authenticity and exquisite vocal dynamics, Best Laid Plans is McCracken’s most ambitious release to date. “…I’m really swinging hard for this,” says McCracken. “My past albums were more therapeutic and personal…On this album I am trying to communicate with people, to reflect on what is unique about what I have to say. I want humanity and hope to come across in every song.” Fans of McCracken’s music look forward to more of the same. “Sandra’s voice and songwriting are so pure and real,” says Emily Robison of the Dixie Chicks, “I love listening to music like hers that doesn’t feel tampered with.” Shell Records is responsible for distributing Best Laid Plans to retail outlets in Europe and the UK, while U.S. consumers can purchase it online at www.sandramccracken.com or www.pastemusic.com. McCracken’s two previous releases, Gypsy Flat Road and The Crucible, can be ordered online as well.


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This Friday, March 22, 2024
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