September, 2005
Switchfoot joins Clear Channel's online music series, appearing on the company's “stripped raw
and real” web cast. Starting last week, more than 200 Clear Channel Radio station web sites will
release performances of the band playing songs from Nothing is Sound, including their first hit
single “Stars.” Switchfoot is Clear Channel's first alternative band to join the series.
Check out strippedmusic.com
Switchfoot reflects on the band’s recent Katrina benefit concert on their website:
“Saturday’s show [9/10] at the Santa Monica Pier was surreal to say the least, right down to the
prop-plane flying by dragging a Switchfoot banner…The over-capacity crowd, including the crowd of
people outside the fence, gave us and our new album a very warm greeting. We truly have the best
fans in the world, and we are more excited than ever before to begin the fall tour.” See the
pictures at Switchfoot Santa Monica Pier Photos
(from Hoganson Media)
Beginning this week, you can download BarlowGirl's new song "Let Go" for free in the
"Single of the Week" area, which is accessible under the "free downloads" area.
Also, if you purchase the entire new BarlowGirl album Another Journal Entry through iTunes,
you'll receive an exclusive bonus track of the remix of "Never Alone."
This special is available only from September 27 to October 26.
(from BarlowGirl.com; thanks to those who wrote in to tell us about the feature)
“Held,” the recent multi-format Christian radio #1 hit from Curb recording artist
Natalie Grant, continues to climb mainstream AC radio
charts, while her latest album, Awaken, is the top-selling project by a female Christian
artist to date this year. “Held” is #21 on R&R’s AC National Airplay mainstream radio chart, for the week ending September
30 (today), and is also #25 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart, according to the publication’s
October 1 issue. Written by Christa Wells, the song follows Grant’s previous Top 25 mainstream
single “No Sign of It” and Top 20 duet with NewSong, “When God Made You.”
Grant’s 2005 watershed release, Awaken, is #4 on Nielsen SoundScan’s Christian Retail
chart for the week ending September 25. The album also appears at #3 on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers
chart in the October 1 issue. Awaken has remained on the Top Heatseekers Chart for 26 weeks to
date. "Natalie is the top-selling female Christian artist of the year and the breakout artist of
2005,” said Benson Curb, VP Sales, Curb Records. “Each week the sales continue to prove what an
amazing career song ‘Held’ is and what a great album Awaken is."
Grant is currently featured at “Women of Faith” conferences around the country, and she was recently
tapped to help launch "The Revolve Tour," the organization’s first nationwide conferences designed
for girls in the 7th-12th grades. In addition to performing at the conferences, which kick-off this
month, Grant delivers a message on self-esteem.
Grant’s first book, “The Real Me: Being The Girl God Sees,” released earlier this month from W
Publishing. Drawing from her own past struggles with an eating disorder, the book addresses
self-esteem issues from a spiritual perspective and has been touted as a “must read” by CCM magazine.
Also this month, Grant performed at several events benefiting relief efforts for hurricane victims,
including the “Music City Night of Hope" concert in Nashville, KSBJ Radio’s “Concert For Katrina”
in Houston, and “Gospel Angels: A Concert to Restore Hope,” which was held in Atlanta and broadcast
on the Gospel Music Channel, Paxson Communications Corporation’s i (formerly PAX TV), and the
Worship Network and XM Radio.
(from Turning Point PR)
S/R/E Recordings announces the CD release from Texas rock band Flyleaf.
The self-titled debut releases in conjunction with a distribution partnership with Octone Records
(Maroon 5). Flyleaf will debut in both Christian and mainstream markets next Tuesday, October 4.
Flyleaf is composed of female leader Lacey Mosley and band members Sameer Bhattacharya (guitar),
Jared Harmann (guitar), Pat Seals (bass) and James Culpepper (drums). The rock quintet hails from
the small Texas town of Belton, and was discovered in 2003 during the legendary Austin, Texas music
convention South by Southwest.
"On behalf of all Octone Records, we are very excited to partner with S/R/E Records to bring Flyleaf's amazing music and live show to Christian Music fans everywhere,” states David Boxenbaum, General Manager, Octone Records. “We believe they are going to be one of the best bands to debut this year."
Flyleaf’s music evokes raw emotion with songs about abuse, neglect, addiction and dysfunction confronted with a positive message that overcomes despair. It is clear that Flyleaf’s strong lyrics stem from personal experience as Mosley grew up in a home with a single mother of six moving from location to location to make ends meet.
“Our music is passionate and on purpose. It’s angry and sad and urgent and loving,” states Mosley. “It’s about our experiences and passions and how we have overcome. Our message is to encourage the hopeless people to have hope, and the apathetic people to stand up in their destinies and purposes and believe in something good and world changing.”
Following the successful self-titled debut EP that released early 2005 on Octone Records, Flyleaf was produced by acclaimed producer Howard Benson (POD, All American Rejects, Hoobastank) and features twelve hard rock style tracks.
“A Flyleaf is the blank page at the front of a book,” explains Mosley of the band’s moniker. “It’s the dedication page, the place you write a message to someone you’re giving a book to, and that’s kind of what our songs are—personal messages that provide a few moments of clarity before the story begins.”
Flyleaf songs include EP tracks “Breathe Today,” “Cassie” and “I’m Sorry.” The first single “I’m So Sick,” features Mosley’s emotionally revealing vocals along with strong guitar riffs. It is currently charting at no. 13 on Christian Rock charts.
(from The M Collective)
Word Entertainment, in partnership with EMI-CMG and Provident Label Group, announces the Oct. 4
release of WOW Christmas Green, the second
Christmas project under Christian music’s best selling series.
Marketed and distributed by Word Entertainment, WOW Christmas Green features 30 holiday
songs from Christian music’s top artists in a double-CD package. Unique for the WOW brand, the
holiday project includes 15 new recordings from such acclaimed artists as Stephen Curtis Chapman,
Big Daddy Weave, Building 429, Chris Tomlin, Natalie Grant and Casting Crowns, just to name a few.
The WOW brand is further teaming with Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse for the 2006 Operation
Christmas Child campaign to deliver gift-filled shoeboxes to children in desperate situations
around the world. During the “WOW Your World” promotion, every WOW Christmas Green purchaser
will receive an official Operation Christmas Child shoebox to pack with various items such as toys,
clothing, school supplies and other gifs. The customer can send the filled shoebox directly to
Operation Christmas Child or drop off at participating locations. Shoebox directions will be
available at all retail outlets selling Wow Christmas Green.
Multi-platinum, Grammy nominated and multiple Dove award winning artist Point Of Grace is a s
pokesperson for the WOW Your World campaign.
“For the last five years, my family has made Operation Christmas Child one of our yearly traditions,”
says Point Of Grace member Denise Jones. “Our children are so blessed here in America and to share
with them how important it is to live generously by sharing with those less fortunate is a priority
for both me and my husband. By investing in such a wonderful project as Wow Christmas Green, you are
able to bring hope to children all over the world and you get to hear great, uplifting music as well.”
For more information on WOW Christmas Green please visit www.wordrecords.com. For more information
on Operation Christmas Child, visit www.samaritanspurse.org.
(from Word Records)
Casting Crowns, Atlanta’s seven-piece youth ministry
band, continues to impress critics and win hearts of millions of fans, as this week its Lifesong
album again has the No.1 position on Soundscan’s Top Christian album chart. The project’s
“Lifesong” radio single remains the No.1 song on both Billboard and R&R’s Christian AC charts.
In addition to receiving a nod from the “American Music Awards,” Rolling Stone highlights the
band’s chart position and career in its Top 40 Albums list this week, Sept. 26 issue.
(from Provident Label Group)
With their 8th studio album getting ready for its release among November's fireworks,
Delirious?, now, more than ever, are aware of just how
important times like these have become. "We're not merely talking about album releases here,
but the importance of moments, when it all becomes clear, when the people start to follow as God
moves on." Time has been kind to Delirious? There the split seconds that made the difference
between life and death back on August 30th, 1995. As Martin, his wife Anna and Jon left the car
wreck they stepped towards a new, unknown future as a full time band. Then there were the times
that followed as the band toured sports halls and school gyms up and down the country, bringing
them face to face with an army of historymakers all ready to make a difference and there have been
times in front of colossal crowds, but now it's time for something else.
The Mission Bell signals their intent. It's a call to prayer, a cry out to God, a warning
that nothing can ever be the same again. With The Mission Bell, it's all about finding
yourself ready to move on with God, seizing the day and taking the time. "Now Is The Time" gets to
the heart of the matter: "now is the time for us to shine, shine with the light of Christ divine.
No compromise, for all heaven cries 'now is the time'."
For more details about The Mission Bell,
visit delirious.org.uk.
(from delirious.org.uk)
Tooth & Nail Records band Kutless raised over $50,000
Sunday night, September 25th for Convoy of Hope - benefiting the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The guys and opener Aaron Sprinkle, put on a sold out concert at Rolling Hills Community Church in
Tualatin, OR. Over 2,500 people attended the show.
Jeff Swaim, the World Hope Project Director of Convoy of Hope, enthusiastically states, “We will
have sent 7 semi trucks of supplies to the Katrina victims. That’s 20 tons of relief supplies. We
have already distributed 450 trucks in 4 weeks. We usually contribute 200 trucks in a year.” He was
also impressed with Kutless and adds, “These young men are amazing. They are real, loving and
compassionate about helping people. They just blew us away. The students and parents were so moved
as well. One of the mothers was moved to tears to see her son give up some of his own money. They
scored BIG!” Jon Micah Sumrall, the lead singer of Kutless, was amazed by the show. “Last night's
show was amazing. It was one of the most emotional shows we have ever played. It was
good to be there with many of the people that have helped and supported us over the years and all the people from our home town. The energy in the crowd was great. Not only were we able to touch the lives of the victims and the people directly affected by the hurricane but I think we were able to touch the lives of the people that were there. It was a very successful evening.”
For more information on where you can help go to www.convoyofhope.org
and for more information on Kutless visit www.kutless.com.
(from Big Machine Media)
The Joy to the World Christmas Celebration tour is donating free concert tickets
and compact discs to hurricane evacuees in cities across America this Christmas. Tour producers also
are asking corporations to donate items for Christmas gift baskets for evacuee families.
"Christmas could be a very hard time for hurricane evacuees who have lost everything and may also
be separated from family and friends," says tour producer Christopher Redner, of Make It Timeless
Inc. "We're challenging corporations to join us in providing some Christmas cheer to people who
really need it. Attending Joy to the World Christmas Celebrations will lift survivors' spirits and
they'll receive Christian music and other gifts which will provide comfort and encouragement for
months to come." The Joy to the World Christmas Celebration showcases some of Gospel music's finest
voices, including the Kurt Carr Singers, Martha Munizzi, Rachael Lampa and Bryan Duncan performing
together with special guest Heather Powers and the Joy to the World Band and Singers.
This multicultural event will feature all the artists performing in a thematic presentation, rather
than in typical individual artist sets. Visit www.JoyToTheWorldTour.com
for more information about the Joy to the World Celebrations.
(from Big Machine Media)
While it may not be too uncommon to occasionally see TobyMac and Michael Tait join each other on stage
for a classic DC Talk song or two, the original three members made history last night by sharing the same
stage as solo acts in Washington State. JfH reader Trevor Hansen wrote in his account of the momentous
occasion... "I live in the Seattle area and... last night (Saturday the 24th) Overlake Christian Church
in Redmond, Washington hosted Kevin Max, TAIT, and tobyMac in concert together. According to Toby, it was
the first time they've all been on the same stage -- even as solo artists -- in three years. After Kevin Max's
set (which was only about five songs long and mostly drawn from his upcoming release The Imposter),
and TAIT's set (probably the best of the night), Toby performed for almost an hour and then left.
Everyone immediately started chanting "DC TALK" and (of course) DC Talk came out and played "In The Light"
and "Jesus Freak." Not a big set, but definitely a kind of "historic moment" for Christian rock --
maybe the last time they play on-stage together ever again? (I'm hoping not, but you never know.)"
There has been no new news on whether or not the trio will officially reunite but as time passes, the chance
of this happening only looks slimmer and slimmer. This November marks the ten-year anniversary of the release
of the band's history-altering album Jesus Freak.
(from Jesusfreakhideout.com, thanks to Trevor Hansen)
Before his latest project The Imposter has even hit shelves
yet, Kevin Max has teamed up with former Prayer Chain guitarist Andy Prickett for another project. Work on
Max's first Christmas album is coming to a close. Almost all the tracks are completed and a release date
will be posted soon. The title is not yet named, but the project will feature Kevin singing Christmas
classics such as "Greensleaves," "I saw Three Ships," "O Holy Night" and many more...
(from KevinMax.com)
Tooth & Nail Recording artist Project 86 has debuted this week at #8 on R&R’s Rock Chart with their
new single “All Of Me.” This is the first single in R&R tracking history to debut above #15.
Kevin Peterson, Christian Editor at R&R states, "It's almost unheard of for a song to come out of the box
and shoot straight into the Top 10 on any chart. Starting at #8 is an amazing debut for Project 86's ‘All
of Me.’" “All Of Me” is on Project 86’s upcoming album titled …And The Rest Will Follow. This
album is being released nationwide Tuesday, September 27th. Project 86 has sold over 265,000 copies of
their previous releases to date, but this latest work serves as a defining point for the band.
See Project 86 on tour starting this Friday on the ...And the Rest Will Follow/ Album Release Tour, with
labelmates Spoken and Number one Gun. For tour dates and more information on Project 86 visit
www.project86.com. Keep your eyes peeled to this
link for our own review of …And The Rest Will Follow coming tomorrow!
(from Big Machine Media)
David Crowder Band, one of the most sought after bands on
college campuses and beyond, has been honored once again by premiere guitar maker, Tom Anderson, who
fashioned his latest guitar offering for the band’s Jason Solley. Featuring guitars played by such music
icons as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards (Rolling Stones), Don Felder (Eagles), Steve Miller (Steve Miller
Band) and a host of others, Anderson’s newest addition to his instrument line is called the “Atom.”
“The idea behind ‘Atom’ was rooted in a desire to combine the positive qualities of Les Paul’s and
Telecaster’s,” said Anderson. “My thoughts for the design of this guitar had evolved over the years, but
I needed some outside influence to get me motivated. Having worked with the band before, and knowing that
Jason mostly played his Les Paul, he had inspired me to finally bring this idea to full creation.”
Los Angeles-based Anderson Guitars were first brought to the band’s attention by DCB guitarist, Jack Parker,
when he received an Anderson Hollow Drop Top Classic Player electric guitar as a Baylor University graduation
present. As David Crowder wrestled with the sound of his guitars before the 250-plus concerts he does each
year, he decided to email Tom Anderson for help, which resulted in Anderson creating the Crowdster Acoustic.
David Crowder Band has now added “Atom” to their unique sound while they continue to explore the science
behind music and worship. The new guitar made quite the impact while the band recorded its first new
full-length studio album in two years, A Collision, releasing Sept. 27.
“The Tom Anderson ‘Atom’ has been the driving force for this record,” stated Parker, who also now plays an
Atom. “It has been used on 75% of the songs, and that's a conservative estimate.”
(from Hoganson Media)
Recording artist and philanthropist Ginny Owens has been tapped
to champion “Operation Home Delivery,” sponsored by Habitat for Humanity International in Jackson, Miss.
The program, which will pre-assemble homes in multiple remote locations and ship them to hard-hit areas of
the Gulf Coast, kicks off Monday. NBC’s “Today” show has offered to help spread word of the event. Monday
it will spotlight builds in New York, Los Angeles and Owens’ hometown, Jackson, Miss. Owens will be
featured live from Jackson in an effort to encourage volunteers and donors to participate in this program.
Owens has been a longtime supporter of Habitat for Humanity. Earlier this year she announced a partnership
with the organization as an extension of her own non-profit, Fingerprint Initiative, which launched in
January. “It’s both humbling and rewarding to participate not only in the physical reconstruction of homes
built in partnership with families affected by Hurricane Katrina but also to be a part of helping these
people rebuild their lives,” said Owens. “Operation Home Delivery” is Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to
help provide more permanent housing as quickly as possible to victims of Hurricane Katrina. The project
will assemble materials needed to build a house—either purchased or donated—and gather volunteers who will
“pre-build” the frame in a few days. The frame will then be taken apart and shipped to areas along the Gulf
Coast, including New Orleans, where families, volunteers and builders will rebuild the home. For more
information on “Operation Home Delivery,” go online to: www.habitat.org.
Owens will also be hosting a concert series throughout the month of October to help raise funds for
Fingerprint Initiative. A portion of its proceeds will go to help build a Habitat for Humanity
neighborhood, “Hope Village,” in Covington, La. Additional details are forthcoming. To find out more about
the Fingerprint Initiative, visit: www.fingerprintinitiative.org.
(from Savvy Media Solutions)
Canadian alternative pop artist Riley Armstrong made an exciting announcement on Friday... "This is the
second biggest news I have ever had (first place going to my "marrying Shannon news" of last year, not to
be confused with the "new website finally up" news that I'm sure Mr. Smiley would say is FOX news worthy)...
Shannon and I are proud to announce that we are going to have a baby! Due November 15th!! This is very
exciting for us and also a tad freaky, but I trust the Lord will help us and equip us to raise this little
one as best as we can! We don't know if its a boy or girl and are planning on waiting for the surprise."
Congratulations Riley! Be sure to check out Riley's latest album La Loop which can be found on
his website at RileyArmstrong.com.
(from Riley Armstrong)
Lifehouse held a live performance exclusively for iTunes that is now available for download as an EP
entitled, Live Sessions. The disc features four songs off of No Name Face, and the band's
recent self-titled release. Live Sessions EP's track list includes (in the following order):
"All in All," "You and Me," "Breathing," and "Hanging By A Moment." Also, be on the look out for the band's
latest music video for "Blind," which features Tina Majorino, the actress who played "Deb" in Napoleon Dynamite.
(from Lifehouse)
“American Music Awards” nominee Casting Crowns secured its
fourth consecutive radio No.1 last week with “Lifesong,” the first single and title track from its
top-selling sophomore album release (8/30). The hit song takes top honors across multiple formats,
including Billboard’s Hot Christian Adult Contemporary, R&R’s Christian AC Monitored and both CRW’s AC and
Inspirational charts, while maintaining its second week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Singles and
Tracks chart and R&R’s Inspirational chart.
“Lifesong” marks the band’s fourth consecutive career No.1 following mega hits “If We Are the Body,”
“Who Am I,” and “Voice of Truth,” all from the band’s platinum-selling debut record.
Lifesong released Aug. 30 to record-setting debut sales of 71,472, enough to lift the project into the No. 9
spot on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart, marking the highest first-week sales for a Christian act since
Nov. 2003. This week, the album holds the No.2 position on both Soundscan’s Top Christian and Combined
album charts with sales of more than 134,000 in only three weeks of release.
Also this past week, Casting Crowns was announced as a nominee for the annual “American Music Awards” in the
Favorite Artist in the Contemporary Inspirational category. The awards will be presented during a
three-hour special on the ABC Television Network, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005, 8-11 PM (Eastern and Pacific Time).
(from Reunion Records)
One Christian rock band is doing what it does best in its efforts to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Seventh Day Slumber has cleared their touring schedule for the next couple of months to visit areas in the
Southwest where hurricane evacuee camps and shelters have been set up. The Nashville-based four piece
band is performing for free for the relocated Gulf Coast residents with the public admitted to the concerts for
donations of food, water, relief supplies or cash contributions.
One such area with hundreds of sites is in northeast Louisiana, where thousands of Katrina evacuees have
lived in make-shift shelters and campgrounds since fleeing last month from the path of the devastating storm.
In the midst of the flourishing cotton fields in the northeastern corner of the state, frontman and founder Joseph
Rojas and his Dove Award-nominated band will visit several evacuee sites and also headline a benefit concert
billed as, “Three Bands for Three Cans or Three Bucks.” Admission to the concert is three canned goods (or
non-perishable food items) or $3.00, with all food and cash donations going directly to the Food Bank of
Northeast Louisiana for emergency food assistance for displaced hurricane evacuees in their area. Local
contemporary Christian bands “Waiting For Isaac” and “Bliss” are opening acts for the concert that is
scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, October 10th, at First Assembly of God Church, 715 Cypress Street, in
West Monroe. Also during their stopover in northern Louisiana, Rojas, bassist Joshua Schwartz, guitarist
Jeremy Holderfield and drummer Ray Fryoux will visit several hundred Katrina evacuees, including about 80
mentally challenged adults from the New Orleans area, who are still camped out in a state park in Morehouse
Parish. The band will treat these temporarily relocated families and individuals to a private concert, followed by
a time of fellowship and prayer. For more information on the benefit concert, call 318-680-2609 or visit www.glory2gloryproductions.com. Also
if you would like defray some of the costs of the Hurricane Relief Tour, mail checks to: Seventh Day Slumber,
P.O. Box 1710, Topanga, CA 90290 or go to www.seventhdayslumber.com to make a donation by credit card.
(from glory2glory productions)
Grammy Award-nominated Integrity recording artist NewSong was
inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame at ceremonies held Saturday, September 17 at the Georgia World
Congress Center in Atlanta. In addition to NewSong, who was inducted in the Group category, the 27th Annual
Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards also honored country artist Patty Loveless; producer/songwriter/music
executive Doug Johnson; and foundational spiritual/gospel group The Sunshine Boys. In addition, the Bill
Lowery Horizon Award was presented to “American Idol” finalist Diana DeGarmo.
Previous Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductees include music legends Ray Charles, Chet Atkins, James Brown,
Gladys Knight, Kenny Rogers, Lena Horne, “Little Richard” Penniman and the Allman Brothers Band, along with
such contemporary hit-makers as Trisha Yearwood and Alan Jackson, and producer/songwriter/music executive
Antonio “L.A.” Reid. “We are so grateful that God has used NewSong for 25 years to spread His message of
love and hope through music,” said Eddie Carswell, NewSong founding member. “To be honored among such great
musical giants is humbling. All of the credit belongs to God.”
The Hall of Fame induction follows the success of NewSong’s 18th #1 single, “Rescue.” Written by Jared
Anderson, “Rescue” recently reached the #1 position on multiple national Inspirational singles charts,
including R&R, CRW and The PDAdviser. “Rescue” is the first single from NewSong’s latest recording, Rescue
– Live Worship, which released May 24 on Integrity Records.
NewSong was also recently recognized at the Second Annual Soul2Soul Honors, held in Louisville, Kentucky.
The group was one of seven artists honored for their “enduring ministries and their artistic endowments to
Christian music.” Highlights from the Second Annual Soul2Soul Honors will be broadcast on Christian
television in early 2006, as well as internationally on the Soul2Soul Radio Network.
Television audiences across the country will have a chance to watch NewSong perform during “Gospel Angels,
A Concert To Restore Hope,” airing September 22 from 7 – 9 p.m. ET/6 – 8 p.m. CT on the Gospel Music Channel,
Paxson Communications Corporation’s i (formerly PAX TV), the Worship Network and XM Radio (8 – 10 p.m. ET/7
– 9 p.m. CT). The televised benefit for victims of Hurricane Katrina will originate from Atlanta’s
Centennial Olympic Park.
(from Turning Point PR)
The San Diego-based rock band Switchfoot has just debuted
at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 bestselling albums chart with true first week's sales of 131,000 of Nothing
Is Sound, marking the band's best week's sales and highest charting album position to-date. The group's
previous album, the double-platinum smash The Beautiful Letdown, peaked at #16 on the Billboard 200.
Nothing Is Sound, the band's fifth studio album, features the radio hit, “Stars,” a #1 Most Added
record at Modern Rock radio and a #1 Bubbling Under - Hot 100 Singles record. “Stars,” the first single
from Nothing Is Sound, is currently climbing a variety of charts including Adult Top 40 (#26),
Rock Airplay (#39), and Modern Rock Tracks (#16). "Stars" is currently #4 on Blender's "Most Popular
Songs In America" chart. Nothing Is Sound is available as both a traditional CD and as a DualDisc
featuring the entire album in 5.1 Surround Sound plus exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the band
on-the road and in the studio. Switchfoot will celebrate the release and success of Nothing Is Sound
with a special appearance on the CBS "Early Show" on October 1.
The new Switchfoot album arrives two years after the release of the group's major label debut, the RIAA
double-platinum The Beautiful Letdown, which yielded two Top 5 hit singles, "Meant to Live" and
"Dare You to Move," and has SoundScanned more than 2 million units in the US.
(from Hoganson Media)
Christian music’s hottest new act, BarlowGirl, is gearing up
for street week with their highly anticipated CD, Another Journal Entry. The album’s songs focus
on entries from the personal daily journals of Rebecca, Alyssa, and Lauren that reflect the growth of the
Barlow sisters, professionally and personally. There are eight original new songs on Another Journal
Entry, two worship covers, and an acoustic version of their breakout hit, “Never Alone.” The album
was produced by Otto Price (GRITS, dcTalk) and according to early reaction is delivering with raw power
the anticipated follow-up to their self-titled debut on Fervent Records.
The first single from the new project, “Let Go,” is already at #6 (CHR) and #14 (Rock) on the Radio and
Records charts. “Let Go” also won iTunes single for the week starting September 26 and in addition will
be featured in iTunes email blast next Tuesday, along with features on the homepage, Single of the Week
page, and Pop and Inspirational page coverage. BarlowGirl will also have eleven special events and
concerts starting street week and going through the first week of October. Some of these events will be
hosted by regional radio stations. The events kick-off in Battle Creek, MI and include stops in the
Chicago, IL area (BarlowGirl’s hometown) and Nashville, TN area. In St. Louis, MO, they will take part in
the opening ceremonies of a new Mercy Ministries shelter that will provide six-month free housing for
females, 18-28, who have such problems as self-esteem, eating disorders, depression, etc. BarlowGirl’s
message of “don’t conform, be transformed” will be a message of hope for the center.
BarlowGirl will be taking their new music to the fans with upcoming tour dates through January 2006 and
some of these dates include tours with newsboys in November and tobyMac in December. For more information
on the group please visit www.barlowgirl.com or www.ferventrecords.com.
Keep an eye out for our interview with the Barlow sisters and review of Another Journal Entry
in the next couple of days...
(from Bozeman Media)
Award-winning singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp is set to
release Live Unplugged: Jeremy Camp on November 8th, 2005. The project, available from BEC
Recordings on both DVD and CD, features some of his No. 1 hits and fan favorites from his three previous
releases: Stay, Carried Me: The Worship Project and his current CD, Restored.
This is Camp’s second DVD, following In24, which released last year. Live Unplugged was filmed in
Franklin, Tennessee this past July. Currently on the road, Camp is in the middle of the first leg of
“The Restored Tour,” his third time to headline a tour in his career. Hitting the road just two weeks ago,
the tour will run through November 21st. The most recent tour dates are also listed below.
He has also recently resigned with BEC Recordings, his label home since his first record in 2002.
Brandon Ebel, President of Tooth & Nail Records/BEC Recordings, comments about the resigning, “Besides
being a two-time Dove Award winner and a compelling solo artist whose music has impacted the lives of so
many listeners, Jeremy Camp has been great to work with, both as an artist and as a friend. We are honored
that he would choose to resign with us, and we look forward to developing our relationship even further in
the coming years.”
Camp also has gone interactive. He is the host to The History Channel® Presents The Bible DVD Game from b
EQUAL Company of Palo Alto, CA. Bringing family values to the gaming market, The Bible DVD Game features
over 1,600 changing trivia questions from both the Old and the New Testaments and showcases geographic
and historical video footage as well as music from Camp. Releasing this month, it also features exclusive
Dynamic Leveling,™ which allows the whole family to play together and choose their own difficulty level,
while offering a refreshing alternative to engaging people of all ages. The Bible DVD Game requires only
a DVD player, DVD remote control and a TV with a rating of “E for Everyone.”
“I’m really honored to partner up with b EQUAL to deliver families The Bible DVD Game,” said Camp.
“Christian values are the foundation of my family’s life, and I’m glad that I, along with b EQUAL,
can help families use this game to teach their children about the Bible.”
(from The M Collective)
Rocketown recording artist Ginny Owens plans to launch her Oct. 11 studio release, Long Way Home,
with a packed Fall schedule of tour dates, benefit concerts and promotional appearances. Long known as
the hardest working woman in Christian music, Owens is balancing her time between radio and retail visits,
listen-first concerts to debut her new CD, and her ongoing work with Habitat for Humanity via her
non-profit organization, Fingerprint Initiative.
Rocketown Records President Don Donahue said, “’The Today Show’ has ‘Where in the world is Matt Lauer?’ At
Rocketown Records, our staff has our very own version of that theme. We call it, ‘Where in the world is
Ginny Owens!’ I don't know I've ever been around an artist with Ginny’s drive and determination. It truly
is a gift for a label to have an artist who doesn't seem to know the meaning of the word, 'no.’ If you
are in the United States between now and the end of the year, there’s a pretty great chance that you'll be
within 25 miles of a Ginny Owens tour stop.”
Owens’ extraordinary fourth quarter is driven by her desire to serve her neighbor, wherever they may be.
In partnership with Fingerprint Initiative, Owens’ Long Way Home Street Week (Oct. 8-12) was originally
slated to culminate with the build of a Habitat for Humanity house in New Orleans for a family in which
both parents are disabled. The devastation of Hurricane Katrina temporarily put those plans on hold as
Habitat re-evaluates needs in the area. Owens, who grew up two hours north of New Orleans and who released
Live from New Orleans (CD and DVD) earlier this year, is working with Habitat on a daily basis to establish
a new plan for the area and the home she is sponsoring. Look for more news in the coming days as new plans
are announced.
(from Rocketown Records)
NBC’s new series “Three Wishes,” starring five-time GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist
Amy Grant, is receiving extensive media exposure. Publications
featuring or reviewing the show include The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, TV Guide, The Dallas
Morning News, The Tennessean and Rocky Mountain News, as well as The Seattle Times which stated, “There’s
a new Oprah in town, and her name is Amy Grant.” Grant will promote the series premiere, which airs
Friday at 9pm EST/8pm CST, with appearances this Thursday on ABC’s “The View” and NBC’s “Today Show.”
The hour-long, unscripted series features Grant as she leads a team of experts to "grant" wishes to help
make the hopes and unbelievable dreams of deserving people come true. Viewers will follow the deeply
personal and heartwarming stories as Grant and her team transform these hopes into a life-changing reality.
The full spectrum of wishes ranges from paying tribute to an unsung hero to helping a despairing family in the grip of a loved one's life-threatening medical crisis. Additional "wish" examples include: tearful reunions with long-lost relatives; living out a mind-blowing sports fantasy, and helping to save a dedicated teacher's job.
(from The WM Group)
Rebecca St. James recently shared the studio with her good
friends, BarlowGirl, as they lay down vocals for the new song, "Forgive Me." Bringing
their talented harmonies and awesome hearts to this song, Alyssa, and Lauren, Rebecca, join Rebecca and
sing about the power of God’s forgiveness and grace. BarlowGirl will team up with Rebecca for a spring
tour from February 2 to April 1, 2006.
(from Rebecca St. James)
Superchic[k] is prominently featured in the new video game
from Konami Digital Entertainment, Steel Lancer Arena International (S.L.A.I.) scheduled for
release this week. This "T" (for "Teen") rated futuristic robot shooter is built on the Playstation 2 platform and
online enabled to maximize game play. Winners are able to spend their earnings on upgrading equipment and
building their own customized game soundtrack. The NYC arena features Superchic[k] songs and icons, as
well as partner logos from Gibson Guitars and Inpop Records. The game trailer, which features
Superchic[k]’s "Anthem," is streaming on several sites, including
http://www.inpop.com/_v6/trailer/index.php
or check out www.inpop.com for more!
(from Inpop Records)
Pillar will join Audio Adrenaline, Superchick, Sanctus Real,
and Kids in the Way on the "Until My Heart Caves In Tour" which starts this Friday. The band has totally
redesigned their show for this tour- new intro, new opening song, a possibility of them playing a
brand new song, and will also be performing a song from Where Do We Go From Here that hasn't been
played live yet, plus a few other surprises. Pillar will be performing right before Audio Adrenaline
and looks to have a good set length. "We are doing two special things on this tour that involve you- the fan,"
announced the band in a recent newsletter. "One: We will be donating 10% of all Pillar merchandise gross
sales to a Hurricane Katrina relief organization such as the Red Cross. This is something Pillar is doing
personally. The other bands and tour as a whole is not participating. Please help us raise a large amount
to donate. Two: Everyone who buys a copy of the Where Do We Go From Here Limited Edition will be
entered into a drawing to win both a bass of Kalel's and a snare of Lester's. The bass in question was used
to record the song "Frontline" on the WDWGFH album. The bass and snare will be on display at the
Pillar merchandise table. Each purchase of the Limited Edition increases your chances of winning."
(from Pillar)
Relient K is keeping their album rerelease tradition alive. On November 8th, select repackages of
their latest hit album Mmhmm will come with a copy of their brand new Apathetic EP. The
EP contains four brand new songs by the band, including "The Truth," "Apathetic Way To Be," "In Like A Lion (Always Winter),"
and "The Thief." In addition to the new cuts, three acoustic versions of previous Relient K songs "Which To Bury, Us Or The Hatchet," "Over Thinking," "Be My Escape,"
will also be included. To preorder the combo from our music store, click here!
(from The JfH Music Store)
More than 190 Congressional Angels in Adoption™, selected by their United States Representatives and
Senators, and four National Angels in Adoption™, were recognized at the Congressional Coalition for
Adoption Institute's Annual Angels in Adoption™ Gala in Washington, D.C. held Tuesday, Sept. 13.
The Angels in Adoption™, honored for their outstanding contributions toward the welfare of children in the
United States foster care system and orphans around the globe, have worked to raise Congressional and
public awareness about the tens of thousands of foster children in the United States and the millions of
orphans worldwide in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes. Chosen from all 50 states and the
District of Columbia, the Angels in Adoption™ were awarded for their exceptional work as adoption
champions resulting in many of these children realizing their basic need of a family.
The National Angels, recognized for their adoption and foster care work on a broader scale, were First
Lady Laura Bush; Victoria Rowell, award winning actress and founder of The Rowell Foster Children's
Positive Plan; Jars of Clay, the multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning recording artists and founders
of Blood:Water Mission; and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind award-winning
programs like Sesame Street and Dragon Tales.
President George W. Bush served as Honorary Chair of the Angels in Adoption™ Gala. Tom Jarriel,
award winning journalist for ABC, served as Master of Ceremonies and Jars of Clay provided this year’s
entertainment. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan
organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of foster children in this country
and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes; and to
eliminating the barriers that hinder these children from realizing their basic need of a family.
CCAI was created in 2001 by the active co-chairs of the bicameral, bipartisan Congressional Coalition
on Adoption (CCA) to more effectively raise Congressional and public awareness about the issue of adoption. Senator Larry Craig, Senator Mary Landrieu, Congressmen Dave Camp, and Congressmen Jim Oberstar currently serve as both Congressional directors of CCAI and the co-chairs of the CCA.
The Angels in Adoption program is CCAI's signature public awareness program, which provides an opportunity for all members of the U.S. Congress to honor the good work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans. Established in 1999, the program began as a Congressional press conference to honor outstanding individuals. Since then, the program has developed into a yearlong public awareness campaign culminating in an extraordinary awards Gala and celebration in Washington, D.C.
Multi-Platinum and three time GRAMMY Award winning band Jars of Clay launched its career with its hit, “Flood,” in 1995. Since then, it’s amassed more than five million in career sales along with several RIAA certifications (5 Gold, 2 Platinum and 1 Double Platinum) an American Music Award nod, 17 No.1 radio hits, and numerous film credits and BMI honors for songwriting and performing. Most recently, Jars of Clay was invited to participate in the world’s most impactful concert event, Live 8, where they performed before a live audience in Philadelphia of more than 1 million people while the event was broadcast to an estimated 3 billion worldwide.
While celebrated for its music and writing, Jars of Clay is most concerned with the needs in Africa. Compelled to make a difference, members Dan Haseltine, Stephen Mason, Matt Odmark and Charlie Lowell founded the Blood:Water Mission in early 2002. The first effort of this non-profit was the “1000 Wells Project” with a goal of raising funds to build, rebuild and repair 1000 wells in urban and rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. To date, 42 wells have been constructed bringing clean water to more than 34,000 people. For more, visit www.bloodwatermission.com.
For a phot of the band taken at the event, click here!
(from Provident Music Group)
Andrew Patton, President of the newly formed talent management firm, Patton House Entertainment, has
announced the Nashville based company's first artist acquistion. Former American Idol contender, 19-year-old
Christian pop artist, Joanna Martino, has signed for career
direction with Patton House Entertainment. Martino's first single, "Right Where You Want Me" from her debut
album My World, will be released to radio via Promo Only MPE and targeted to the AC and CHR
formats. The add date at radio is October 14th.
Described by her producer, Drew Cline, as "an artist with an unmistakeable fresh fire," the Michigan born teenager was, at 16, one of the youngest artists to move through multiple rounds
of judging in Los Angeles on Fox's hit series American Idol. Her professionalism and remarkable vocals
won her a staging among the final 80 contestants in the program's second season. One of five children in a close knit Italian family, Joanna relocated to Nashville shortly after high school. She noted in a recent interview: "My family has always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. They have supported me and prayed for me through this entire journey."
Patton describes her music as "edgy, uniquely recognizable, and very relevant to today's market." Commenting on her signing for management he noted: "Over the past two years leading up the launch of this new record I've personally had the pleasure of seeing Joanna's platform develop. She's a unique artist--not only vocally and in her songwriting--but in her passion to reach people with the Gospel through the hope and encouragement her music offers. I'm excited not only to work with Joanna on this next exciting stage of her career, but to present a new young artist with this heart and of this caliber to radio and consumers."
Joanna Martino's first live performance in Nashville will be on Friday,
September 23rd, at the Benefit Concert For Hurricane Relief to be staged at
Ecclesia Church, located at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee.
She will join fellow artists Jump 5, Everlife, and Rachael Lampa
for the event which begins at 6:30 P.M. Further details on career plans in place for Joanna Martino
will be forthcoming immediately from Patton House. Copies of Joanna Martino's debut album My World are availabe on her website. Resource:
www.joannamartino.com
(from Morning Star PR)
To celebrate 33 years of music and ministry from the pioneering Christian rock band, Petra,
Inpop Records will release Petra Farewell on Nov. 22. Petra Farewell, a CD/DVD combo
filmed before a live audience, will feature Petra classics, emerging worship favorites, and guest
appearances by former band members [including former vocalist Greg X Volz].
The band, which has impacted generations of musicians and fans alike over the years with over seven
million CDs sold, four Grammy Awards, 10 Dove Awards and an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame,
will tour extensively this fall before disbanding at the year's end.
Petra, initially formed in 1972 by Bob Hartman on vocals and guitars, paved the way for the rock genre perhaps
more than any other in the Christian music industry. The band is closing 2005 strong with over 20 albums
to its credit, the latest being the 2003 Grammy-nominated Jekyll & Hyde.
For more on Petra, visit www.petraband.com.
(from Inpop.com)
There's lots of Tree63 news to report! The biggest news is
that the band is gearing up to release a new studio album on November 22, 2005. Titled
Worship Volume 1: I Stand For You, the new CD will contain several new, original worship songs,
some CCLI worship tunes, and a few brand-new versions of Tree63 hits from previous records. The band is
in the studio with famed producer Tedd T., who has worked with artists like Rebecca St. James, Delirious?,
MuteMath and more. Tree63 has been kept busy this year, consistently logging more miles as they tour
throughout the country. This past spring, the band co-headlined the All God's Children Tour with labelmate
Paul Colman and Word Records' Building 429 before hitting the summer festival circuit. In August, Tree63
headed to England. While there, lead singer John Ellis took part in a historic event at the world-famous
Abbey Road Studios in London. John was asked to play guitar with worship leader Matt Redman for Matt's
appearance on the venerable BBC TV program, "Songs of Praise." The results, filmed at the end of August
in Abbey Road's Studio 2, will be broadcast on BBC 1 on Sunday, September 18 at 5:10 pm.
This month, Tree63 is on tour once more, this time with Jeremy Camp on his Restored Tour. Supported by
Bethany Dillon, the tour will spend September in the eastern U.S. before heading west in October
(Tree63 will only be appearing on the September leg).
(from Inpop.com)
Day of Fire is currently in the studios writing there
second album as well as playing spot date shows all
around the country. Jesusfreakhideout.com chatted with frontman Josh Brown this past weekend
at FallOut festival in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he discussed the direction of the new record.
The band hopes to be impacting the mainstream with their ministry with their sophomore effort.
In the meantime, you can hear the band playing some new material live so be sure to catch them on the
See Spot Rock tour with Pillar and Falling Up in November and December!
(from DayOfFire.com)
The Grammy nominated rock band, newsboys, constructed 20
tents for the temporary housing of relief workers in the Hurricane Katrina-ravaged city of Gulfport,
Mississippi, on Monday. The 20 x 20 ft. tents, formerly used as a portable music venue on the traveling
Festival Con Dios tours, will serve as temporary shelters for the next few months. Volunteers from the
relief agency PRC Compassion will manage the compound. PRC Compassion has been on the ground in several
large cities in Mississippi and Louisiana providing supplies and support to those in need.
"After reviewing all the options for how we could provide aide to the region, we decided an appropriate
first response would be to utilize the portable tents from our Festival Con Dios tours," said newsboys
Band Manager/Inpop Records President Wes Campbell. On Monday, a team of newsboys crew members, management
staff and band members, including keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein and drummer Duncan Phillips, landed at the
Gulfport International Airport and spent the day setting up a village that will house over 100 relief
workers from various hurricane aide organizations. "To see the devastation first hand was a real eye
opener for us," said keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein, "and we felt called to help out in whatever way
possible." Additionally, newsboys are working on benefit opportunities in conjunction with its fall
touring schedule. More details will be announced soon.
(from InPop Records)
"Gospel Angels, A Concert to Restore Hope,” the gospel/Christian music industry's united effort to benefit
the victims of Hurricane Katrina, is set for Sept. 22 at Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park. This televised
benefit concert, a joint effort of the GMA's Project Restore and the Gospel Music Channel, in association
with veteran producer Peter Conlon, will be broadcast from 7- 9 p.m. ET/6-8 p.m. CT on the Gospel Music
Channel, Paxson Communications Corporation’s i (formerly PAX TV), the Worship Network and XM Radio
(8-10 p.m. ET/7-9 p.m. CT). Hosted by CeCe Winans, the concert will feature live
performances from Atlanta by BarlowGirl, Blind Boys of Alabama,
Natalie Grant, George Huff, Israel & New Breed,
Nicole C. Mullen, NewSong and Aaron Shust. The concert
also will include special messages and performances from other artists in other parts of the country,
including Third Day (Houston) and Kirk Franklin from Dallas, where he will be joined by Fred Hammond,
Kelly Price, Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams and Micah Stampley. "Through this concert we are raising our voices
collectively to offer a unified message of hope and a helping hand to people overwhelmed by the loss and
sorrow caused by Katrina," Winans said. Tickets are $10 at the door and additional donations will be
accepted. All concert proceeds will be divided between World Vision and Feed the Children, to assist each
organization in their respective relief efforts. “With the financial donations received from this concert,
World Vision will continue to use its resources to come alongside the local churches in the hardest hit
areas to bring, not only needed funds and supplies, but also spiritual counseling and support,” said Marty
Lonsdale, vice president of World Vision. Added Larry Jones, president of Feed The Children, “How
appropriate that this event is named Gospel Angels: A Concert to Restore Hope because those who are
participating—on stage and in the park and televised audiences—will definitely be angels of hope to those
that have lost everything.”
(from GMA)
Audio Adrenaline member Mark Stuart's "Hands & Feet Across
America" benefit motorcycle ride that began in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Aug. 15 and ended in Sacramento
on Aug. 26 raised more than $59,000 for the Hands & Feet project, a children's village in Haiti. The
charity ride was combined with the band's charity auction on eBay. Two of the auction items were Stuart's
Victory motorcycle, which he rode during the benefit ride, and a live Audio Adrenaline performance. The
band's latest project, Until My Heart Caves In (ForeFront Records), released on Aug. 30 and comes
in at No. 3 on this week's "Christian Retail" chart and No. 6 on the "Billboard Top Christian Albums"
chart!
(from GMA)
From NBC’s American Dreams portraying The Who to the silver screen with their cameo appearance in the
upcoming Nickelodeon film Yours, Mine, & Ours, Hawk Nelson
hit Hollywood big when they performed at the ROXY Theatre last Thursday. In addition to their concert,
Hawk Nelson taped a special for the Nickelodeon Channel on the movie and their song penned specifically
for their scene (“Bring Em Out”). In the film, Hawk sings their song along with Drake Bell just as they
did last week at the Roxy. Co-star in the film Rene Russo, who became friends with the band during the
film's production, also showed up to cheer them on. The remake of this 1968 film features Dennis Quaid
portraying Frank Beardsley, Henry Fonda's role in the original film, and Rene Russo co-staring in the
role played by Lucille Ball. The story follows two single parents, one with 10 children and the other with
eight, who fall in love and elope left to deal with the kids' attempts to sabotage their union. Directed
by Raja Gosnell (Scooby Doo, Scooby Doo 2, Never Been Kissed). The film also features Nickelodeon star,
Drake Bell (“The Drake and Josh Show”), Jerry O’Connell (“Crossing Jordan”), Katija Pevec (“Listen Up”),
and Miranda Cosgrove (School of Rock). Yours, Mine, & Ours opens in theatres nationwide November 23, 2005.
Hawk Nelson enters the film when the disgruntled kids throw a massive party. During the party, the
band performs their song, “Bring Em Out,” with Drake Bell joining them in their “live” performance.
Hawk Nelson’s songs have also been featured on the WB’s shows Smallville (“California”) and Summerland
(“Like a Racecar”) as well in 2004 NBC Summer Olympic commercials (“Right Here”). For a photo of the Hawk
boys with Russo, Gosnell, and Bell, click here.
(from The M Collective)
BEC/Tooth and Nail Recordings group Falling Up is set to
release their second album on October 25th. The album entitled Dawn Escapes displays the
intensity of progressive rock and proves Falling Up’s radical style is not a fleeting attempt at sticking
to a trend, but a true declaration of the passion they hold for their music and ministry.
Based out of Albany, OR, Falling Up originated nearly five years ago while the guys were still in high
school. This was the dream of lead vocalist Jessy Ribordy, Jeremy Miller (bass player), Josh Shroy
(drummer) and Joe Kisselburgh (guitar). Falling Up was signed to the BEC label the summer of 2003 and in
the time to follow they recorded their debut album Crashings (produced by Aaron Sprinkle –Kutless, Jeremy
Camp) which was released February 2004. A huge hit at radio, Crashings garnered three #1 back to back rock
singles including “Broken Heart” which was R&R’s rock song of the year for 2004 and the song of the year
for the Air1 network. All three songs, “Broken Heart,” “Bittersweet” and “Escalates” were also breakthrough
hits on R&R’s CHR format. The videos for “Broken Heart” and “Bittersweet”also went #1 on the widely
popular TVU Network. Falling Up has sold nearly 100,000 copies of their debut album.
The bands latest hit “In My Dreams-Exit Calypsan” off the X 2005 album is currently at radio and still
climbing the charts. The single is also featured on Dawn Escapes and is #6 this week on the R&R rock
chart. Expect a brand new single called “Moonlit” to hit the rock/CHR airwaves in mid October.
They have been on 6 U.S. tours playing 400 plus shows in 2004 and 2005. They were the Headliner band for the Little Green Tour as well as the X2005 Tour and are currently, Co-Headlining on the Falling Up and John Reuben Tour Playing 30 Markets (Sept 14th –October 30th).
Jessy Ribordy, lead singer of Falling Up, elaborates, “This record is more true musically and lyrically to Falling Up than pasts efforts. Our creative partnership with Michael “Elvis” Baskette (Chevelle, Cold) really defined where we wanted to be musically and where we wanted to go with this record. We are really excited about sharing it with the fans live.”
This album builds upon the musical foundations they established on their debut release and shows an incredible musical growth and maturity in the band’s evolvement. Dawn Escapes is the birth of an exciting new musical horizon for Falling Up.
(from Big Machine Media)
Although the band has been signed to Gotee for many months now, an official announcement was
made this week...
Family Force 5 has signed an exclusive artist deal with
Maverick Records, with Gotee Records/EMI CMG holding exclusive distribution rights in the Christian retail
marketplace. The debut album, tentatively titled Business Up Front, Party In The Back, will
release simultaneously in both mainstream and CBA markets in early 2006.
Led by front man and guitarist Solomon Olds (aka Soul Glow Activator), Family Force 5 includes
Solomon’s two brothers Jacob Olds (aka Crouton) on drums/vocal, and his twin Joshua Olds (aka Phatty) on
bass and vocals. The force of five is rounded out by Nathan Currin (aka Nadaddy) on keyboard and Brad
Allen (aka 20 Cent) on guitar. Family Force 5, who has dubbed their brand of music as “crunk rock”, likes
to focus on feel-good, party music. The majority of songs are written by the three brothers, with
additional songwriting by Nathan Currin, Kenny Greenberg, and Butch Walker. Producer credits for the
upcoming 12-song debut go to lead-man Solomon Olds, Jim Barber (Courtney Love, Ryan Adams), Butch Walker
(Bowling For Soup, Avril Lavigne), and Joe Baldridge (TobyMac, Newsboys).
The band currently has four nominations for their hometown’s 2005 Atlanta Music Awards. They’ve received
nods in the categories of “Best Buzzworthy Band”, “Best Live Show”, “Best Front Man”, and “Best Overall
Band”. The award show will take place on September 17th at the Loft in Atlanta. Voting can be done here.
Having recently signed to Creative Artists Agency, Family Force 5 has performed extensively throughout
2005, including all the major Christian music festivals. They’ve also shared the stage with TobyMac.
Touring plans for 2006 are currently underway.
For more information on Family Force 5, check out their official artist website at www.familyforce5.com
or go to www.myspace.com/familyforce5.
(from LB PR)
Renowned Fervent Records band Big Daddy Weave will begin
its Fall “What I Was Made For” headline tour Oct. 12 in the Houston market.
Touring in support of its critically acclaimed third release, What I Was Made For, Big Daddy
Weave will visit select cities throughout the US through mid Nov. Joining the band will be applauded
Rocketown artist Ginny Owens and heralded newcomer Michael Olson.
(from Word Records)
PAX217 has announced their final show date. "Hey everyone, the time has come for us to take the
stage one more time to give it all we have and connect with as many of you as possible. On October 14th,
we're playing Rock The Park in Chino, CA. Don't miss out, we would love to see all of you. Visit our
Tour Page for more information and buy your ticket NOW!!! It;s been a good run, we love you guys
(and gals)." For more information, visit http://www.pax217.com/tour.php
(from PAX217.com; thanks to H. Nielsen)
Just in time for holiday cheer and fun family get-togethers, The Incredible Singing Christmas Tree
releases on CD Sept. 27 from Big Idea's VeggieTales.
Join all the fun as Bob and Larry and the entire Veggie crew audition for everyone's favorite part on the Singing Christmas Tree - the star at the top of the tree! Pa Grape, Archibald Asparagus and Madame Blueberry act as judges for the auditions. Hilarity and fun erupt in this adorable and original new VeggieTales Christmas CD release that has both traditional carols and brand new holiday songs for the whole family. Included is a special bonus song "It's about Love," the theme to the new VeggieTales: Lord of the Beans home video releasing Oct. 29 and sung by Wynonna Judd. The CD is being distributed by EMI CMG Distribution and is priced at $10.99 SRP.
Interspersed between songs are VeggieTales' hilarious trademark comic bits as the cast banter and audition for the biggest part on the tree. Songs on the CD include "O Christmas Tree," "Puppy Love," "The Friendly Beasts," "Jingle Ka-Ching," "Battling Kings," "Silent Night," "The Christmas Sizzle," "Candy Line Blues," "Was He a Boy Like Me?," "What My Father Did on Christmas Eve," "Caroling Medley - Here We Come a Caroling & Ding Dong Merrily On High," "What Child is This? / The First Noel," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing / Angels We Have Heard on High," 'Joy to the World," and "For Unto Us a Child is Born."
"Nothing brings home the holiday spirit like the wonderful Christmas carols we all love to sing," said Terry Pefanis, COO
of Big Idea, Inc. "With The Incredible Singing Christmas Tree, we've added a big dash of fun and fresh
new songs to this, our second Christmas audio release."
(from Hoganson Media)
Bryan Duncan and his "NehoSoul Band" spent the summer of
2005 recording Christmas songs. The resulting CD project A NehoSoul Christmas! is due October 25th from
Red Road Records. While Duncan introduced the NehoSoul band with 2004's Music City Live, this will be
Bryan's first studio recording since Joyride (2000) and his first Christmas album since the
best-selling Christmas is Jesus (1995). “I’ve always wanted to do more of a soul-blues Christmas
project,” says Duncan, who considered a disc of holiday favorites and originals a great way to introduce
his band to the world at large. "While the last Christmas project soared with the choir and orchestra,
this one intentionally steers away from trendy sounds and towards a more classic, timeless core."
The songs on A NehoSoul Christmas! range from deeply sacred ("O Holy Night," "Silent Night") to
traditional ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Winter Wonderland"), and includes a soon-to-be
classic by Michael McDonald ("Peace") and a Duncan original called "This Christmas."
Band member Phil Curry produced the new project, which was mixed by Randy Thomas and includes additional
recording by fellow singer/songwriter Bob Carlisle. Curry is a veteran musician who has played with such
artists as Denise Williams, BeBe Winans, Hezekiah Walker, Marvin Sapp, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Yolanda
Adams and many more.
"I’ve never experienced such a high level of anticipation for a seasonal album than for A NehoSoul Christmas!,"
says Dan Huisinga, president of the CD's distributor TAG Artist Group. "After hearing it, I believe it
could be the best selling Christmas album of the year by a Christian band."
After 30 years in Christian music, 21 albums and over 1 million units sold, Bryan has never been more
optomistic about his future. "A NehoSoul Christmas will go down in my book as the best record I’ve ever made," says Duncan. "And definitely the most enjoyable listening experience!"
(from Nashville Publicity)
The cat is finally out of the bag. Although it's been a longtime coming, the Rock N Roll
Worship Circus has announced big changes ahead for the band this Fall. On November 15th, the band
will release their latest album along with a new identity. The Rock N Roll Worship Circus is officially
changing their name to The Listening.
"You see, in May 2004, we stumbled onto something special," wrote lead vocalist Gabriel Wilson
on the band's site WorshipCircus.com. "We called it the Listening EP.
It was a collection of songs written from the heart of God to you, and to us, to people. It wasn't a
'congregational' worship album per se, but an 'experiential' recording where we, the 'Listeners' listen to
what He has to say. It was a bold step for us. A step away from the familiar. A step into the unknown.
Then we toured, playing the songs from the EP throughout the world, to several different countries and
cultures. Instead of bantering with the crowd, trying to get them involved--or "Into" the music--, we
would simply play. If anything was said at all, it was just a prayer. Another bold move. Most worship
leaders try and lead by prodding, or giving instructions. That's what we used to do, too. Not anymore.
We noticed that we were stepping out of the role of worship leaders, and more into the role of mouthpieces
for something much greater than ourselves.
We jumped back into the studio this January, and began recording the songs that would solidify this
direction. There was a dramatic shift from Welcome to and A Beautiful Glow to now. We
knew there was no going back. The Lord was inspiring us in a greater capacity than ever before. The music
became more brilliant, much deeper. And the lyrics were something that blew our minds.
No longer could we call this "The Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus". It was obvious that the Circus tent had
broken at the seams, expanding far beyond what it could hold. This wasn't about the people's heart towards
God, this was about His heart towards them. This was about all of us "Listening" to what He had to say.
Throughout the Bible, the Lord calls people to a new path, and changes their name. Abram and Sarai became
"Abraham" and "Sarah". Saul became "Paul". Cephas became "Peter". Everything in their lives led up to that
point, and then one day, the Lord said, "Go". The same goes for us. Everything that we've walked through
as the Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus has led us to this point. Now, He's opening a new chapter in our
lives. This chapter is called, 'The Listening.'
This fall, the Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus will step into this new chapter. On November 15th, we're
releasing our newest record. It is the last record from the Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus. It is also the
first record from The Listening. It's called? the Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus becomes 'the Listening'.
It will be available through our website, and possibly even retail outlets worldwide.
In the meantime, the band is hitting the road this fall, having one last hurrah as the Circus. This is the best way for all of us to connect one last time under the tent, experiencing both the Circus and the Listening at the same time, Keep your eyes peeled on our tour dates page for all of the shows in your area!
We're more than excited about this step in our lives. We're excited to share this with all of you!
May the things which are hidden from our eyes continue to be revealed to our souls,
Peace, Gabriel"
(from WorshipCircus.com; gathered by JfH)
Casting Crowns, the Atlanta based band led by youth pastor
Mark Hall, continues to hold the top spot this week on both Soundscan’s Top Christian and Combined album
charts with sales of 33,717 for its second week of release of their new album Lifesong.
In addition to top sales, the album’s title track and first radio single “Lifesong” is the No.1 song on
Billboard’s Hot Christian Singles and Tracks chart and R&R’s Inspirational chart this week.
The band’s sophomore project set records last week with debut sales of 71,472, enough to lift the project
into the No. 9 spot on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart, marking the highest first-week sales for a
Christian act since Nov. 2003.
(from Provident Label Group)
Bishop T.D. Jakes and Kirk Franklin’s
Fo Yo Soul Entertainment have announced a FREE benefit concert to help the survivors of Hurricane Katrina
to be held Saturday, September 17 at 7pm (doors open at 6pm) at The Potter’s House, 6777 West Kiest
Boulevard in Dallas. World-renowned pastor, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Grammy Award winning artist Kirk
Franklin have asked other gospel music artists who share their concern and care for the Hurricane victims
to join together to raise funds for all those who have been affected by the horrific hurricane that
ravaged the Gulf Coast states. The evening will include performances by Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams,
Kelly Price, Mary Mary, Fred Hammond, Micah Stampley, Myron Butler and Bishop Jakes’ Potter’s House Mass Choir.
All proceeds from the evening will go directly to Tom Joyner’s BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund. The fund is a Section 501(C) (3) non-profit organization formed to operate as a charitable service to benefit individuals and families affected by publicly declared disasters. Proceeds collected by the Relief Fund will go to individual families who have opened their homes to families displaced by Hurricane Katrina to supplement their personal households as the recovery efforts continue. BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund is partnering with churches through states neighboring the affected areas to identify families in need. For more information on how to contribute go to www.blackamericaweb.com.
(from Fo Yo Soul Entertainment)
Island Def Jam’s L.A. Reid and head of A&R Paul Pontius have signed The
Rocket Summer. According to HITS Daily Double, "L.A. and Paul P. flew down to a show in
Dallas, were totally impressed, and signed Bryce Avery up before anyone else was on it."
The Rocket Summer (aka Bryce Avery), recently released his latest critically-acclaimed project,
Hello Good Friend, to the CBA market on S/R/E recordings,
which will continue to be available through the active rock label.
(from The M Collective)
After a 16-year career defining Christian music with their signature harmonies and inspirational songs,
4HIM has announced the release of their final studio recording
on INO Records November 22, 2005.
Composed of Andy Chrisman, Kirk Sullivan, Mark Harris and Marty Magehee, this landmark group began their
4HIM career in 1990, after becoming acquainted with one another during their time in the vocal group
Truth. Throughout their time together, 4HIM has received much acclaim for their 11 hit albums including
an RIAA Gold certified album (The Basics of Life), 24 No. 1 radio singles, eight Dove Awards
including three “Group of the Year,” and a Grammy Award nomination as well as Alabama’s Music Hall of Fame
for The Governor’s Achievement Award. In addition to their numerous tours across the nation, the group
has also been featured performers with the Billy Graham and Louis Palau crusades.
Of their career Mark Harris comments, “I feel amazed that 15 years have passed. The fact that we are the
same four guys together is evidence of God’s sovereignty and His calling.”
Andy Chrisman adds, “I was 24 years-old when 4HIM started. It seems as though I’ve grown up with the
other guys. We’ve been in each others’ weddings, been present when babies were born and so much more.”
Just as their fans have recognized 4HIM’s ability to touch hearts, in regard to their impact on the
industry, Gospel Music Association President John Styll states, “4HIM’s longevity as a group is a
testimony to the fact that great voices, combined with great material, never really go out of style.”
Taking a walk down memory lane, 4HIM has begun recording new versions of their biggest hits on the
farewell project, appropriately titled Encore…For Future Generations. Once again their longtime producer
Michael Omartian will produce the project, which will feature nine favorite 4HIM songs, in addition to a
medley and one new track. The first radio single, “Unity (We Stand),” which will go for adds in October.
Four bonus solo songs from each band member will also be included. To support the release, 4HIM will
begin a 40-city ENCORE tour this fall thru Spring 2006.
“This project will hopefully capture the spirit of the songs and where we are now in 2005 musically,
spiritually and thematically it will be a trip down memory lane with a new twist,” Harris explains.
“We wanted to do this last project as a gift to our loyal fans—to commemorate all the years of faithful
support we have received from them.”
Thinking forward to the ENCORE tour, Kirk Sullivan states, “As I sit here and think about the farewell
tour and about 4HIM's final performance, I can still vividly remember the very first day we were on the
road. Although I am extremely sentimental about doing a final tour, I know that this is God opening the
door to the next season of my life.”
Marty Magehee adds, “I always have to ask myself - has it really been more than 15 years! I feel a sense
of fulfillment in that we each did what God called us to do. And if this was our race to run that we ran
it and we ran it well. This was a collective agreement that it was time for us to explore each other's
individual ministries. It seemed like the natural next step.”
(from The M Collective)
After watching another infant dehydrate in the arms of a desperate Louisiana mother, INO Records
singer/songwriter Sara Groves was compelled to make a last
minute drive to provide baby supplies to Gulf Coast victims. Three days later with the help of local
radio station KTIS and her home church, Cedar Valley, Groves’ tour bus and trailer packed to the rafters
with diapers, wipes and baby formula made the 1,200 mile trek to Slidell, LA, an eastern suburb of New
Orleans on Lake Pontchartrain. Joining her on the trip were her husband, father-in law, a neighbor and a
Minneapolis ER doctor.
“There is a lot of finger pointing going on, but from what I could tell, FEMA, the Red Cross, The
Salvation Army, and other organizations could work around the clock for a year and just scratch the
surface,” Groves comments. “There is no one organization that could respond enough, or fast enough.
There is a tremendous need for lay people, like the group at these churches where we worked that just
sprung into action, to respond over the next two years.” Sara Groves encourages people to help in anyway
they can by suggesting the two avenues for aid:
Sparrow Records' artist Bethany Dillon recently traveled to
Los Angeles to film a music video for her upcoming single, "Dreamer," which will be the end credit song
in the October 21 DreamWorks motion picture, Dreamer: Inspired By A True Story. Dillon is
pictured during the video shoot with director Brandon Dickerson, whose directorial credits include music
videos for Switchfoot and Sixpence None The Richer. The “Dreamer” video will be serviced later this week
to VH-1, CMT and MTV, among other major mainstream and Christian outlets.
Dreamer: Inspired By A True Story stars Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, Kris Kristofferson and
Elisabeth Shue in a heartwarming tale of a horse trainer (Russell) and his daughter (Fanning) who nurse
an injured horse back to health and, together, strive to achieve a dream against all odds
(www.dreamworks.com/dreamer). As the end
credit song, the Dillon and Ed Cash-penned "Dreamer" is inspired by a story Fanning's character writes of
a king who gave up everything for his kingdom.
"Dreamer," which is also featured on Dillon's recent sophomore release, Imagination, is being serviced to
mainstream Hot AC and Triple-A radio formats. In support of Imagination, Dillon is part of Jeremy
Camp's 40-city "Restored Tour" (www.restoredtour.com)
which kicked-off last week in Minneapolis. The Tour will hit Las Vegas; Phoenix; Sacramento, California;
Albuquerque, New Mexico; Birmingham, Alabama; Hampton, Virginia; and Colorado Springs, Colorado, among
other markets, before concluding in November.
In addition, Dillon is a featured artist on Music Inspired By: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The
Witch and The Wardrobe (EMI CMG), which releases later this month in conjunction with the December
Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
(www.narnia.com). Selections by Dillon will also be
included on the upcoming WOW Christmas {Green} and WOW Hits 2006 releases.
(from Turning Point PR)
New Rocketown Records signing and Hillsong Australia Music Pastor Reuben Morgan
returns to the U.S this month to begin a three-week tour through North America with plans to lead more
than 20 worship events, primarily in Canada. Morgan’s debut U.S. CD, World Through Your Eyes, releases
today. In July and early August, Morgan and his band traversed the United States, offering more than a
dozen worship events to churches from Hawaii to Texas. The impact of Morgan’s last visit through North
America is still being felt as attendees from this summer’s worship events offer their thoughts online of
nights of praise and worship led by Morgan and his band:
A member of Eagle’s Nest Church in San Antonio, TX, said, “It was a true joy to have you and your band
play at our church. What an awesome time of worshiping the Lord with our praises. Your ministry and the
entire music ministry of Hillsong is a great encouragement to the world and to me personally. I pray for
the Lord’s continual blessing upon the work of your hand.”
A concert attendee from West Covina, CA, added, “I was one of the thousands who came to worship Jesus.
I give Him all the glory for what happened and how God uses worship leaders to experience His awesome
presence and power. Reuben, you are awesome! You have become an anointed bridge for both old and young
generations. May your ministry always prevail and may the passion that God has planted in your hearts
always set other hearts on fire for Jesus!”
(from Rocketown Records)
Just in time for the holidays, Big Idea, Inc. delivers VeggieTales: Lord of the Beans,
a story that kids and parents can enjoy together about gifts and how to use what we have to help others.
Starring Junior Asparagus as Toto Baggypants, the title is served up on DVD and VHS Oct. 29 and Nov. 1 in
the CBA and general markets respectively. The release, which celebrates family, friendship, forgiveness
and thankfulness, features popular recording artist Wynonna Judd singing the theme song, "It's About Love."
Jam-packed with loads of family friendly bonus features, and a brand new "Silly Songs with Elves," the
title has a pre-order date of Oct. 4, with a $14.99 SRP for DVD and $12.99 for VHS.
“It was a blast to work with Big Idea on an all-new show, and I'm excited to share with kids a lesson
about how God wants us to use our gifts,” says Lord of the Beans writer Phil Vischer, co-creator/founder
of Big Idea/VeggieTales and voice of Bob the Tomato. “The world tells us if we have a really special gift,
we should 'live large,' that we deserve the best of everything. Lord of the Beans helps kids understand
that God gives us our gifts so we can enrich others, not ourselves.”
(from Hoganson Media)
ZOEgirl recently returned from their fourth mission trip to
South America, this year as hosting partners with Big World Ventures and joined by more than 70 listeners
from KJIL, ShineFM, WMSJ, HisRadio and WPOZ. Returning with remarkable stories and testimonials, ZOEgirl
and their more than 80 fellow missionaries worked to serve the people of Quito by offering meals to
families living in the streets, shoveling, painting, restoring and repairing roofs and buildings and
performing concerts and evangelistic dramas all over the city. Teams had the opportunity to care for the
young and the old; those rarely visited or touched at retirement homes and orphanages, by washing and
smoothing lotion to feet and hands. The mission also ministered to the families living at the dump by
feeding, washing, cutting and combing their hair and applying bandages to their scrapes and cuts.
“I have been on three short-term trips in the last 18 months, but this was the first artist/listener trip
I have undertaken. One of the most impressive things I witnessed was the commitment of everyone involved
to ‘love at all costs’. Alisa, Kristin, and Chrissy of ZOEgirl, along with Michael Passons, were in the
‘trenches’ of mission work with everyone. This was no vacation to the Andes’, explains Bill Lurwick,
Afternoon Guy at KJIL in Meade, Kansas.
Caleb David of Big World Ventures offers, “This past summer the people of Ecuador were once again touched
by the love of God.” He adds, “ZOEgirl Missions goes beyond just outreach. We believe that those who
participate on these trips are forever changed and we have seen God do amazing things in and through us.
This trip is not about hype, it’s not about “being cool”, it’s not about us… it’s about Jesus. And we want
to challenge each person to not only get their feet wet, but to jump right in!”
ZOEgirl also performed for those who gathered at an outreach concert in a local park, seeing hundreds
dedicate their lives to Jesus through performance and drama.
ZOEgirl will be on the road this fall, speaking and performing in five cities with The Revolve Tour,
directly addressing serious issues for today’s teens like sexual purity, self esteem, nurturing faith and
friendship and family issues. On the day after Christmas, the three-member group will release With All Of
My Heart, a compilation of some of their greatest hits and 2 new songs. A spring tour is being
planned and ZOEgirl Missions will return to Quito, Ecuador this summer.
(from ZOEgirlonline.com; gathered by JfH)
Platinum-selling, Grammy and Dove Award winning rock band
Third Day will release its eighth studio project
Wherever You Are on Nov. 1. The 12 song CD will offer fans three differently themed album
covers (two as limited editions; see JfH release dates page for a glimpse at all
three) plus a free-with-purchase bonus CD. The first single, “Cry Out To Jesus” was added to most major
radio station play lists in heavy rotation on 8/31, after radio promoters heard early clips, and is now
being used as the anchor to many Katrina relief effort campaigns due to its very fitting message of hope.
Third Day has offered “Cry Out To Jesus” as a free download on its website,
www.thirdday.com.
The band has taken time over the last six months to record this album in Atlanta’s Southern Tracks Studio,
emerging for spot dates and to accept its second Grammy Award for its Gold certified Wire in Los
Angeles in February. Band members wrote all of the songs and produced half of the album; the other half
was produced by respected innovator and industry veteran, Brown Bannister.
Third Day frontman, Mac Powell, recalls the writing and recording process, “It was an incredible experience
in the studio this time around. The end result is a collection of songs that reflects what we want to
communicate to anyone who listens to this record. We want to convey, as the title track states, that
wherever you are, whoever you are, whatever you are going through, God is ready to meet you right there.
No matter where, no matter why, no matter when, there is hope.’”
Wherever You Are accomplishes that mission through songs delivered in the band’s trademark
Southern-influenced, American rock style. “Tunnel,” “Eagles,” “Cry Out To Jesus,” “I Can Feel It,” “Keep
On Shinin’,” “Communion,” “Carry My Cross,” “How Do You Know,” “Mountain of God,” (with special guest
Ashley Cleveland), “Love Heals Your Heart,” “The Sun Is Shining” and “Rise Up” all carry this central
theme. Bass player Tai Anderson adds, “These songs speak of God meeting you in times of struggle, of
overcoming pain, guilt, challenging circumstances, and being set free. They offer hope.”
“Throughout our career, we’ve tried to give people songs of encouragement and hope,” Powell continues.
“These songs are songs of encouragement, hope and empathy. They do not represent ‘Give your life to Jesus
and everything will work out great’ songs. They represent the reality that life is hard. You will have pain.
But, Christ is there! So, these songs are for everyone and anyone who has struggled in life, or knows someone
who has.”
(from Provident Music Group)
On September 27th Tooth & Nail Recording artist Project 86
will be releasing their groundbreaking new album ...And The Rest Will Follow, which marks a
poignant return to spiritual and sonic form for the band. Project reunited with producer Gggarth
Ricahrdson (Rage Against the Machine, Chevelle, From Autumn to Ashes) for this release, who also
participated in the bands' best selling album to date, Drawing Black Lines. The new album is more diverse
than anything previous, with a brand new take on their sound. Purevolume.com is currently featuring
three new tracks from the album, and one song will be added each week until the album's release.
As a companion piece to their new album, the band has also released their first DVD. This film
(Titled Subject to Change: The Making of ...And the Rest Will Follow) takes you deeper into their
world than ever before, showing you the process of how the record came to be.
Project 86 has sold over 265,000 copies of their previous releases to date, but this latest work serves
as a defining point for the band. The album displays the creativity and honesty which few in heavy music
today have the courage to delve into. Project 86 promises to go deeper into the hearts of listeners than
ever before, with a sound like nothing you have heard from them before. ...And The Rest Will Follow hits
stores September 27, 2005!
In support of their new record, the band is launching a 32-date national headlining tour with lablelmates
Spoken and Number one Gun on September 23.
For more information on Project 86 visit www.project86.com.
(from Big Machine Media)
Casting Crowns, the Atlanta based band led by youth pastor
Mark Hall, celebrates the launch of its sophomore project, Lifesong with first-week sales
numbers of 71,472, enough to lift the project into the No. 9 spot on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart.
This marks the highest first-week sales for a Christian act since Nov. 2003.
Lifesong also claims No.1 on both Soundscan’s Top Christian and Combined album charts.
Additionally finding the top spot on Soundscan’s Christian/Gospel Digital Album chart and with a record
breaking 1,824 full album downloads, Casting Crowns has set a new first-week record for Christian album
downloads on services like iTunes, Sony Connect, Napster, etc. On the mainstream Digital Album chart,
Lifesong claims No.12 this week.
(from Provident Label Group)
Word Records’ renowned song storyteller Mark Schultz
will release the two-disc project Mark Schultz Live – A Night Of Stories & Songs on September 27.
His fourth national release, the CD and DVD package features Schultz’ six No. 1 hits and other favorite
songs along with a personal look at his rise to the spotlight from Colby, KS to Nashville.
Filmed live before a sold-out crowd at the Marion Civic Center (Marion, IL) earlier this Spring,
Mark Schultz Live – A Night Of Stories & Songs includes six favorites, two brand new songs and
other timeless classics from Mark’s past three studio albums. The project also includes the brand new
studio cut, “I Am,” which currently continues to climb AC and INSP radio charts.
Mark Schultz Live – A Night Of Stories & Songs also features a Schultz-hosted documentary
detailing his hope-filled journey from Colby, KS to Nashville, making his dreams a reality with the
help of friends along the way. The biography introduces viewers to some of his closest friends and
family, the inspirations behind his music.
The project further includes the two music videos, “I Have Been There,” and his most recent hit,
the poignant “Letters from War,” the centerpiece of the U.S. Army’s 2004 award winning “Be safe! –
Make It Home” awareness safety program.
(from Word Records)
The Second Annual Soul2Soul Honors were presented Friday,
August 26th at Louisville, Kentucky’s Okolona Christian Church, in front of a capacity audience.
Honorees Petra, Jaci Velasquez, Out of Eden, NewSong, Bryan Duncan, Larnelle Harris, and Randy Stonehill
were each recognized for their enduring ministries and their artistic endowments to Christian music.
The event was highlighted by performances from honorees, a video montage and recorded interviews from
each artist's career, and award presentations, culminating with all honorees performing the Petra classic
"We Need Jesus" as a finale. Highlights from The Second Annual Soul2Soul Honors will be broadcast on
Christian television in early 2006, as well as internationally on the Soul2Soul Radio Network.
Based in Franklin, Tennessee, Soul2Soul Radio was founded in 1994 and broadcasts weekly programming on
over 650 radio outlets in 30 countries. The non-profit ministry has published three books featuring
Soul2Soul interviews, including "God's Calling" (J. Countryman, 2004). For more information, visit
www.s2sradio.com.
(from Turning Point)
Scott Stapp, former frontman for mainstream hit act Creed, is offering a brand new song on his official
site. Since proclaiming his faith in Christ last year and contributing a song to one of the Passion
Of The Christ soundtracks, Stapp has been garnering some attention from the Christian community.
His latest song, and the title track from his debut solo record releasing November 22,
"The Great Divide" can now be heard on ScottStapp.com.
(from ScottStapp.com; gathered by JfH)
Former Sixpence None The Richer frontwoman Leigh Nash is currently in Canada recording her debut solo record
scheduled for a 2006 release. "I am leaving tomorrow for Canada to start the record," Nash announced
Sunday on her MySpace page. "So I guess it's really going to happen. I'm actually doing this. I'm
bringing my computer so I can keep you posted on the goings on. I'm terrified, and I will use the
kind, encouraging words that you've sent me as fuel and extra courage. Thank you. I'll be up there
until October with Mark and Mr. Baby. Pierre Marchand is producing it. We wrote a few songs together
and get along fairly well, so it should be a good match. We'll see, huh? I've got over 30 songs to
choose from in the recording process. We've narrowed them down to 12. That was tough -I've grown quite
fond of songs over time as they represent peices of my heart. My heart's big though, and hopefully
will stay full of stories to sing about. Well goodnight, again I apprecitae all of your thoughts and
encouraging words."
(from MySpace.com/leighnash; gathered by JfH)
MuteMath has thankfully escaped the atrocities in their hometown of New Orleans during the wake
of Hurricane Katrina. "Well to say the least, this past week has been extremely emotional for all of us,
but thankfully we’re all fine," lead singer and keyboardist Paul Meany said in a band newsletter
yesterday. "If you’ve been watching the news, I can tell you we’re definitely some of the fortunate
ones. We’ve had a place to reside with our immediate families until it’s safe to return home. We’re
hoping to be able to get in sometime this week to at least assess any damage to our homes, which we’re
still unsure about. To all of you who have been emailing or calling us to find out how we’re doing,
thank you for caring. The reaction and response of so many people on the outside of this disaster has been amazing. Thanks to all of you who have opened up your homes or businesses to the evacuees and those of you who are putting any of your resources into a relief effort.
New Orleans has essentially, through the course of one hurricane, been transformed into a small third world country. Almost everyone who lives in the city has lost everything… with no insurance and no money in the bank. It will take more than a government program to rebuild. Anything anyone of us can do to directly help the victims, I think, is what’s going to make the difference.
As we all pull through this, I’ll try to keep you updated." Please continue to keep all those affected
by this horrible disaster in your prayers!
(from MuteMath; gathered by JfH)
Supporting his sophomore album, History, singer/songwriter
Matthew West (“More,” “Next Thing You Know”) will headline
the History 101 Tour this fall with special guests Shawn McDonald and Paul Wright. The 30+ city run,
beginning September 14 in Montana, will be West’s first headlining tour.
For a sneak preview of West performing live, check out the footage from his recent “Live From Studio B”
television appearance at LiveFromStudioB.com. For a complete list of History 101 Tour dates and
cities, visit MatthewWest.com
(from SparrowRecords.com; gathered by JfH)
This Friday, September 9th, Rebecca St. James makes a return to the music charts. Her latest
single “Alive” will hit radio this week—the opening volley from what is expected to be one of the
most in-demand new albums set for fall release—the Australian born singer’s much anticipated new
studio album If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something, which will arrive in stores
November 22nd. It’s the first new self-written studio music for St. James since “three books ago.”
In the face of becoming a best-selling author, selling millions of records, and consistently touring
the globe she’s passionate about the new music and the return to her “rock roots” the new music
ffords her. As she noted in an interview that comes out this week in CRW, one of the music industry’s
leading trade magazines: “It feels like a new day, a real exciting, fresh time in my life where I'm on
a new journey .... and I'm probably more excited about making music than ever before.”
As music fans across the U.S. will hear--and book store retailers will note this week --Rebecca St.
James is very much “Alive.”
(from Morningstar PR)
Tooth and Nail artist Thousand Foot Krutch will be
hitting the road on September 20th kicking off their first headlining tour in two years. They will
be promoting their current album The Art of Breaking. The Art of Breaking has sold
over 42,000 units since release on July 19th, and the current single, “Move,” debuted at #41 on Active
Rock this week after going for adds at Active Rock, Alternative, and Modern Rock radio just last week.
The previous two weeks the single was in the top 5 most added and was the #1 New and Active single at
Active Rock, according to Radio & Records.
TFK previous two albums, Set It Off and Phenomenon, have sold in excess of 200,000
copies. Combined, they’ve had 4 #1 and 3 additional top 5 radio singles. During their extensive
concert touring, they have been able to share the stage with acts such as Jimmy Eat World, The Donnas,
Three Days Grace, Chevelle, and Switchfoot. This tour will give them their first platform to do the
show they’ve wanted to do for years.
The exciting, high-energy line-up on The Art of Breaking tour will feature label mate Hawk Nelson,
and special guests Credential Recording artist Dizmas and Gotee Records group 4th Avenue Jones.
(from Big Machine Media)
Third Day released the following message Saturday morning along with a free download of their brand
new song and single, "Cry Out To Jesus..."
"Three weeks ago we all decided our first single from Wherever You Are would be a new song
called Cry Out To Jesus." Little did we know at that time there would be a larger purpose.
Originally scheduled to go to radio September 16, we want to let everyone know that the single,
"Cry Out To Jesus," was rushed to radio stations earlier this week in the wake of the tragedy
throughout the Gulf states. The band, the label, management and everyone involved have been shaken
by the devastation that has occurred to our brothers and sisters in the south. Our hope is that this
song will be like salve on the wounds of those who are hurting. 'We can't turn on the news without
our hearts breaking for the people suffering through the devastation left by Katrina. Our sincere
desire for this record and "Cry Out To Jesus" is to offer hope to hurting people. We know people's
lives will be forever changed by the storm that hit this week. Our prayers and thoughts are with our
brothers and sisters and their families in the Gulf States. We hope this song can bring even a small
amount of hope and light to this dark hour.' - Mac Powell.
Third Day and Essential Records are happy to allow you to download the song 'Cry Out to Jesus.'
free of charge. If you are at all inspired by this song, we hope and pray that you would translate
those feelings into acts of compassion for those that are suffering on the Gulf Coast. Please consider
making a donation to an organization such as World Vision or the American Red Cross that is already on
the ground responding to this crisis. None of us will ever look back and wish we had done less to help
those suffering at this horrible crossroads."
Surf on over to http://www.thirdday.com for the download and a message from the band.
(from Third Day; gathered by JfH)
Falling Up has been undergoing some changes. The band recently announced the departure of guitarist
Joe Kisselburgh. "...We regret to inform all of you that Joe K. has decided to leave the band and
pursue some of his other interests in life," Falling Up stated on their official site FallingUpOnline.com.
"We are very sad about his leaving but wish him the best in whatever he does. He will be playing his
last shows with us in the next few weeks, so everyone please come out and say goodbye with us, thanks."
The band's sophomore release Dawn Escapes releases October 25 from BEC Recordings.
(from FallingUpOnline.com; gathered by JfH)
The Supertones have confirmed one of the opening bands
for their final show next month on October 7th! "Our great friends in Bleach will
be getting together to play a set at the last show at Biola!" the band said on Supertones.com earlier this week.
"Although they have been broken up for over a year now, we begged them to play and they have agreed.
We in the Supertones have grown extremely close to these guys over the years and have made long
lasting friendships with them. We hope you all are looking as forward to this as we are!
One more band TBA..." Tickets for the last show will go on sale today at 10:00 am Pacific Time!
Get them while they last. This show will be likely to sell out. Go to www.ticketmaster.com to
purchase tickets. The last show will be held at Biola University in La Mirada, CA!
(from Supertones.com; gathered by JfH)
Billboard Radio Monitor's website has posted a story on how the devastation caused by Hurricane
Katrina has effected the guys in Big Daddy Weave.
Author Debra Atkins writes, "In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which ravaged parts of Louisiana,
Mississippi and Alabama Monday and Tuesday, individuals and organizations around the nation are
beginning to organize relief efforts for the tens of thousands of people who have been displaced from
their homes. “Members of Fervent Records band Big Daddy Weave went through major damage to their
homes and the Big Daddy Weave offices in Mobile during Hurricane Ivan in September of 2004.
Jeff Jones is one of three band members still based in Mobile. “Our spirits are high and we are doing
well,” he told Billboard Radio Monitor. “We’ve been without power now for almost 48 hours, but our
houses sustained little damage compared to others. It was quite frightening to hear the power of the
wind outside – there are no words to describe it.” Jones called for Christian groups to work together
to help in the relief efforts. “Prayer is definitely needed, but I also think it would be amazing if
churches got together to send groups to help in the areas that were hit very hard. Realize that there
are people who don’t have anything now – they’re homeless.”
For the full article, please visit http://billboardradiomonitor.com/radiomonitor/news/format/talk/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001052130
Please continue to keep all who was affected by the disaster in your prayers!
(from BillboardRadioMonitor.com; thanks to S. Johnson)
Yesterday, the GMA announced the mobilization of
Project Restore, the gospel music industry’s official
crisis response vehicle, to engage in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in the Gulf Coast states of
Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
The GMA, through Project Restore, will partner with Atlanta-based Gospel Music Channel (GMC) for a
multi-network (including confirmed PAX TV), nationally televised benefit concert on Thursday,
Sept. 22. The live event will be held at the Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. It will
air live on GMC from 7-10 p.m. ET/6-9 p.m. CT and live on PAX TV from 8-10 p.m. ET and CT (repeat
for PT). More details about this event will be announced next week.
Additionally, Project Restore’s Web site, www.ProjectRestore.org,
will serve as the industry's unified communication channel for raising awareness of how the gospel
music community and its fans are and can be involved in hurricane relief, including encouraging
financial donations to Project Restore’s partner World Vision (www.worldvision.org) and other
agencies which are directly providing disaster relief for the affected areas (www.fema.gov).
“The scope of the tragedy in the Gulf Coast is unimaginable and grows more desperate every day. To see
this sort of tragedy happening in our own country is especially difficult, but we must view this as an
opportunity to rally the GMA community to offer our prayers and resources as a reflection of the grace
and goodness of the Gospel,” said GMA President John W. Styll. “As citizens of this country and as
followers of Christ, we must help to bring restoration to the people whose lives have been devastated
by Hurricane Katrina.”
As plans for the Atlanta benefit concert are underway, World Vision and several individual artists
have already responded. World Vision has begun shipping emergency supplies and other essential items
to children and families devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Truckloads of supplies from World Vision
sites in Dallas, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, and Denver are being sent to stricken areas. The goods
will be distributed through a network of local churches, faith-based organizations and other partners
such as the American Red Cross.
Many in the gospel music community themselves are doing what they can to offer immediate help to the
Gulf Coast region. Included among those are artists who reside in the affected areas and have been
personally impacted by Hurricane Katrina. The information about individual efforts that has been
reported to the GMA is included in the left column here in GMAil. That information will be updated
regularly at ProjectRestore.org.
Also, GMA and Project Restore will provide regular updates on industry and artist response. Anyone
with additional information may send an email to projectrestore@gospelmusic.org.
(from the GMA)
New Gotee Records crunk artists Family Force 5 are making four brand news songs free to download
from the band's MySpace page for a week. Head over to MySpace.com/FamilyForce5 for your chance to
download the songs. "We know some of you can't wait till the record comes out so I am going to let u
guys download these things for a week, then I gotta pull em back," wrote frontman Solomon yesterday
on the site's blog. "So have fun and burn copies for your friends to let them know about the
Family Force 5. This is a batch of awesome party songs that will sure nuff get your toes a tappin
and get your body rockin' and pop lock like a breaker from Korea!!! Woop Woop!! God bless and share!!"
The band's debut album releases in February.
(from MySpace.com/FamilyForce5; thanks to R.D. Barbee)
Singer/songwriter Mark Harris will be providing a free
concert on Wednesday, September 7th at 7 p.m. solely for evacuees from Hurricane Katrina who are
currently living in the First Baptist Church of Robertsdale in Robertsdale, AL. Harris wanted to
give this concert for the victims to provide encouragement and reprieve from the week's tragic
events. Currently, 250 evacuees are living at the church.
“It is a very sad situation for anyone who had coastal property on Mobile bay, Dauphin Island, and
anything further west,” Mark said. “The wind damage was not that bad but the water damage was the
worst it has ever been. I have lived here all my life and been through all the major hurricanes,
Camille, Frederick, Ivan, etc., but this is by far the worst because of the size and the overall
scope of damage. Please keep us all in your prayers as we on the Gulf Coast clean up and pick up
the pieces.”
Mark Harris resides in Mobile, AL with his family and received minor damage from the storm.
He encourages others to donate monetarily to the First Baptist Church (address and details below).
The church is daily sending trucks to the damaged communities providing the most necessary needs
of food and water. All funds that are received will be used to purchase food and water.
Universal South recording artist Matthew West recently
hosted winners of “The History of Matthew West Contest” in his hometown of Chicago for an event-filled
weekend. Winners from New York City’s Star 99.1; Pittsburgh’s WAY-FM; Indianapolis’ 93.9 The Song;
Milwaukee’s FISH; and Seattle’s Spirit 105.3 were treated to a tour of suburban Chicago in Matthew’s
bus which included stops at his high school, his parents’ home, and Hobson Road Community Church in
Downer’s Grove, where his father serves as pastor. Matthew closed out the day with an intimate
acoustic performance at the church. While Matthew played his song, “The Day Before You,” one of the
winners from New York, Richie Delaney, serenaded Christa Bachman—and then pulled out a ring and
proposed! The following day, all the winners were special guests at a “real” Matthew West concert
held in Mt. Prospect. “The History of Matthew West Contest” proved to be a weekend that the
winners—and Matthew—won’t soon forget. (from Turning Point PR)
Third Day's song new "Cry Out to Jesus," is being picked
up by multiple radio stations as the theme of hope for recovery efforts in Katrina's wake. The band,
who also is one of World Vision's partner artists, has recorded a PSA to accompany the single
directing people to World Vision's Web site (www.worldvision.org) for donations to the relief
efforts. The band's newest album, Wherever You Are, streets November 1st. For a look at the
three album covers for the album, visit our Album Release Dates page.
(from the GMA)
Multi-platinum, Grammy nominated, and multiple Dove award winning artist,
Point Of Grace, will release a new Christmas CD,
Winter Wonderland, on Word Records, October 4, 2005. The album was produced by Brown
Bannister (Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith) and features such seasonal classics as “O Little Town Of
Bethlehem,” “Jingle Bells,” and a special “Santa Medley” among others. Michael W. Smith plays the
accompanying piano on the stunning “All Is Well,” and fellow Christian artist, John David Webster,
lends his vocals to “Let There Be Light.” Winter Wonderland features the exceptional harmonies of
Point Of Grace (Shelley Breen, Heather Payne, Denise Jones, and Leigh Cappillino) that gives new
life to these treasured holiday songs.
“We are so excited about this project!” proclaims Leigh Cappillino, “The instrumental and vocal
arrangements are inspired and amazing!”
Point Of Grace decided to record their second Christmas project after the tremendous response they
received to “A Christmas Story,” that was released in 1999, with current album sales in excess
of 800,000. In conjunction with the release of Winter Wonderland, Point Of Grace will kick-off
a special 19-city Christmas tour that will begin in Chicago at Moody Church and will wrap-up at
Grace Brethren Church in Westerville, OH. There is also a Nashville date on December 14 at Christ Church.
Point Of Grace is also honored to be selected as the spokesperson this year for Operation Christmas
Child, which is a unique ministry of Samaritan's Purse which brings Christmas joy, packed in
gift-filled shoeboxes, to children around the world. Point Of Grace will help to bring awareness to
Franklin Graham’s charity with requests for money and shoebox donations through their Christmas tour,
retail outlets, media, and radio interviews.
(from Bozeman Media)
Plumb's latest record Chaotic Resolve is seeing more delays. While a release date was
originally project for sometime around Valentine's Day 2005, it looks like fans may have to continue
to wait to get their hands on a new album... "Well as you may have noticed the record isn't out yet,"
Plumb stated in a recent newsletter. "It was originally scheduled for an August 2nd release, which
didn't happen and then it got pushed to September 13th, well the latest and final move has happened.
The official date is February of 2006. Yes, I know that is a long time to wait, but the label has
informed me that it's going to be 'for the best and allow us to set the record up properly.'
In spite of that, there will be some exclusive iTunes tracks, maybe even half the record, available
this fall. So now that I have finished the bad news, the good news is I am going to be out playing
about 15 to 20 dates this fall, so hopefully you will come out and see me play. I will have some
samplers available on the road as well. The website should also be up soon, they tell me a couple
of weeks at the latest. I also just put an acoustic version of "I Can't Do This" up on my Myspace for
you guys to take a listen. I will try and switch some songs out so you guys can hear the record in
pieces this fall. I have to say this is my favorite record to date, so please be patient as we take
a few more months, but as I have said before I definitely think it will be worth the wait."
(from Plumb list; gathered by JfH)
Gotee recording artist Jeff Anderson and his wife
Carrianne recently welcomed their first child, daughter Caiden Finn, into the world. Little Caiden
was born on August 13th at 11:57am and topped the scales at 7 pounds, 7 ounces and 21 inches long!
Anderson debuted his album Seamless earlier this year, and is set to open up for Toby Mac on an
upcoming September 16th show in Anderson's home state of Ohio. Seamless features the
"I Don't Belong Here," which Anderson had written out of a dark time in his life when
he'd lost his first child through a miscarriage. Caiden is indeed a gift from above. Congrats guys! For an image of the happy trio,
click here!
(from LB PR / Jesusfreakhideout.com)
Truth is indeed stranger than fiction. Rumors have floated around the net that have proven true.
Some fans who picked up Audio Adrenaline's brand new record Until My Heart Caves In on Tuesday
this week got a shocking surprise instead -- Switchfoot's new record Nothing Is Sound! Just
a few copies of Until My Heart Caves In contained the Nothing Is Sound CD and if you
were one of the few perplexed buyers, EMI CMG has issued the following statement to amend the strange
error, "Our manufacturer made this error on a very small number of CD's that we learned of late last
week. With the quantity found today in Baltimore we believe we could have every "defective" CD identified.
However there could be a few - as in less than 20 - more out there. If you're a Switchfoot fan and you
get one of these please realize that this is not a cool thing for them... or us. If you purchase one
of these defective AA cd's and return it to us (before you rip it please) postmarked prior to 9/13, we
will send you a free Audio A cd in addition to a free Switchfoot CD when that album streets two weeks
from today. If you have one to return please send to Mendy c/o EMI CMG, PO Box 5010, Brentwood, TN
37024-5010. Thanks!"
(from EMI CMG / Jesusfreakhideout.com)
And here's the latest from Caedmon's Call on their
next project... "The release of our next album In The Company of Angels - The World Will Sing
has been moved to this spring and the official street date is March 14, 2006. Mark your calendars!
Our hope for this album is the same as it was with the first In The Company of Angels
project... that churches will incorporate these new songs into their worship services and sing them
for years to come. This September through early October, we'll be embarking on our fall tour and will
be previewing some of the new songs from the forthcoming album. Check out our complete schedule
online. We'd love to see you out there!"
(from Caedmon's Call list; gathered by JfH)
Day of Fire, Essential Records hard rockers gained
another No. 1 radio single this week with “Fade Away” taking the top spot on R&R’s ROCK chart.
Frontman Josh Brown describes “Fade Away” as “a call to God for salvation and deliverance from our
former ways of life.” The theme of salvation is carried throughout Day of Fire’s self-titled album
from the experiences of Brown and his personal recovery from drug addition. The Oct. 26, 2004 debut
was honored as Rock Album of the Year at this year’s GMA Music Awards.
Day of Fire was featured on this summer’s “Day of Rock Tour” with headliner Seventh Day Slumber
and label mate Krystal Meyers. The band spent part of Aug. touring overseas in Sweden, Denmark and
The Netherlands. This fall Day of Fire heads out on “The Revolution Tour,” and in Nov. will join the
“See Spot Rock Tour” with Pillar, Falling Up, Stellar Kart and The Wedding.
(from Provident Music Group)
On her fourth recording with INO Records, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter
Sara Groves
has once again delivered a prolific, creative expression of faith and relationships set to a
piano-filled musical landscape with her upcoming October 4th release, Add to the Beauty. Groves will
tour in support of the project beginning October 6th when she hits the road with Jars of Clay and
Chris Rice. Candidly truthful and compassionately hopeful, Add to the Beauty echoes Sara’s first
release in its’ intimate and honest lyrical journey. “When we started Add to the Beauty, we set out
to take beautiful pictures of the songs, to recapture the straight forward feel of Conversations,
and couldn’t have found a better song photographer than Brown Bannister,” recalls Sara. “It has been
a surreal and wonderful experience to work with the man who helped bring Age to Age to my living room
over 20 years ago.” Song-writing has traditionally been a solo process for Sara, but this album found
her co-writing with songwriters like Joel Hanson who provided the great drive-with-the-windows-down
music for “Just Showed Up”, and Ed Cash who took “When It Was Over” to a new level. Additionally,
Gordon Kennedy put the melody to “Loving a Person”, and “It’s Going to Be Alright”, and Matt
Bronlewee topped the album off at the eleventh hour with the album’s title track Add to the Beauty,
and also helped complete “You are the Sun.” “You Are The Sun" will also be the project’s first radio
single, which will be serviced to AC and INSPO radio on August 26.
Dedicated to Sara's Granddad and Grammie who "lived as such brilliant examples of what it means
to add to the beauty," Sara comments on the theme of the project, stating, " The kingdom of God
doesn't just come in the rally or worship event. It comes when we speak respectfully to our spouses,
and refrain from letting our anger spill over onto our kids or friends, when we have an opportunity
to gossip and refrain, when we open up our homes, when we mess up royally, and have the stuff to go
apologize, when we refuse to blame everyone else for our own problems. In the everydayness of the
kingdom, we are invited to be brilliantly beautiful, all of us moons with no light of our own,
invited to shine.”
(from Sara Groves list; gathered by JfH)
We reported last week about Christianity Today's report on the recent end of Jaci Velasquez's
marriage. Jaci posted an official statement to her fans on her website two days after the Christianity
Today article released and we thought it only fair to Jaci to post it here for all of you. Please
continue to keep Jaci in your prayers during this trying time for her. Thank you...
"For many of you the revelation that my marriage has ended may come as a surprise. Though I have been
going through this sad period in my life for some time now, it has been with the guidance of family,
intense counseling, and the gracious mercy of God that I find myself rising to the surface.
I wish to bring awareness to the healing and grace that can come through believing that God can
work through any circumstance and as believers we can prove to the world that when one of us is
in need it is the church that becomes the hand that is there to lift us up.
In many ways it is through this situation that I have grown considerably and now view the world
with more compassionate eyes. Knowledge comes through learning but it is wisdom that comes
through experience. In this experience I find myself beginning a new chapter in my life. A song
called "Lay It Down" came into my life as I was working on my last record and although the writers
never knew what I was going through this song was like an answer to prayer. "Lay It Down" is a message
of hope and surrender when all of your dreams are slipping through your hands. Messages like this
are the reason I sing. Although there is plenty of healing to be done, I feel like you are all part
of my extended family and that's why I am sharing this with you, I know I can count on your prayers,
respect and support on this difficult times. May God Bless you all.
Sincerely, Jaci Velasquez"
(from JaciVelasquez.com; gathered by JfH)
When Kirk Franklin and his special guests took the
stage at Trinity Christian Church last night, one program agenda was down on paper but there was
another higher agenda that literally took over the place. A radical spirit of revolution was evident
in the house as each guest spoke to the ugency of relevant youth ministry and outreach in today's
culture bling-bling and booty-shaking videos.
Kirk Franklin was joined on the program by special guests Dr. Tony Evans (pastor, Oak Cliff Bible
Fellowship), Ron Luce (founder of Teen Mania), Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant (Pastor, Empowerment
Temple), Pastor Anthony Myers (Youth Pastor, The Potter's House), Pastor Daven Baptiste (Youth Pastor,
Faithful Central Bible Church), Von Minor (Youth Pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship), and Fatima Hall
(founder and publisher, IMAGE Magazine) as well as fellow artists Mary Mary, Kierra "Kiki" Sheard,
Tye Tribbett, Fred Hammond and The Potter's House Fire House Youth Choir.
The evening was a literal Youth Explosion in every sense of the word! As each artist and special
guest took the stage, the message of the youth "taking over" their culture for Christ was delivered
in a variety of riveting ways. Establishing Christ in the culture was the topic on everyone's lips
as each minister issued a worldwide clarion call to action to pastors, youth ministers and youth
workers across the globe to raise the bar and become more aggressive in their efforts in reaching this generation.
The program went higher and higher until at one point, hundreds of young people rushed the altar,
layed out on the floor and cried out to God for a youth revolution in their culture as Fred Hammond led the massive crowd in a powerful declaration to the powers that be in secular culture that "we will not bow to your idols!"
Call your friends, family and neighbors and tell them "You do not want to miss this show!"
Airtimes for "Kirk Franklin presents The Takeover" on TBN:
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