September 2004
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...
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.
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.
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:
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!
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.
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.”
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.
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!
“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.”
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 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!
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
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.
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.”
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.
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...
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.
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"
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 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!"
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.
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."
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.
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.
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, 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 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"
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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...
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!
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...
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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Bethel Music We Must Respond (Deluxe) [Bethel]
