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newworldson
Track List
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Newworldson plays “speakeasy gospel.”
Much like everything else you’ll encounter about this four-piece band, the previous statement takes some explaining.
During the Prohibition, underground bars called “speakeasies” popped... |
 Newworldson plays “speakeasy gospel.”
Much like everything else you’ll encounter about this four-piece band, the previous statement takes some explaining.
During the Prohibition, underground bars called “speakeasies” popped up in cities around the country. These gathering places were the primary breeding ground for what we now know as popular music and can best be used to associate the fusion of sounds that make up Newworldson.
It’s part gospel, a little soul, and all kinds of North American roots music. It’s garbed in a unique blend of guitar, bass, keys and drums, bolstered by universal truths that can live anywhere…a church, barroom, arena stage, or corner club.
But you also have to take a look at the root words of “speakeasy” to understand what Newworldson (guitarist Josh Toal, bassist Rich Moore, keyboardist/vocalist Joel Parisien and drummer Mark Rogers) is trying to accomplish.
The band is speaking easily of the Spirit that each member has welcomed to filter through their lives and music. They want their creative output to reflect the diverse ways and places in which they’ve experienced that Spirit. And they’re determined to share that Spirit with anyone and everyone.
Most discussions about brand new bands on the national scene quickly turn to name origins. But rather than sending writers diving through dictionaries, asking about Newworldson’s moniker points to maps instead.
“Sometimes when I start answering this question, it becomes a geography lesson as well as a musical one,” Parisien says of the band. “North America’s known as the new world, and we feel like the musical traditions we’re tapping into are very uniquely North American.
“This project is like a child of the new world,” he continues. “It really couldn’t have come from anywhere else, because the mix of styles, the whole history of gospel and blues becoming jazz, rock and hip-hop, that cultural experience happened here in the new world.”
That’s not to say Newworldson’s music is mired in a single era, though. The hallmark of each player, and therefore the music as a whole, is a sense of influences and experience functioning collectively.
Josh Toal has clearly immersed himself in the work of twangmasters like Dick Dale, as well as reggae rhythms galore. Rich Moore must have picked apart the bass stylings of jazz masters such as Jaco Pastorius in addition to a lot of rockabilly. Mark Rogers’ versatility has its roots in listening to great rock drummers à la Keith Moon and a blue ton of jam bands. And while Joel Parisien doubtless spent time contemplating Stevie Wonder’s inventiveness, he surely also dug into the music world’s great piano and Hammond B3 players alike.
So meshing all these influence into a signature sound that doesn’t end up a sonic mess can only happen via two key factors: experience and divine intervention.
“It was very unplanned,” Rogers says. “Rich and I had a jazz gig on Tuesday nights, playing in an acoustic trio with a guitar player. The guitar player left and the venue’s owner wanted to keep the night going.
“Long story short, Joel, whom I knew from a worship conference we once played, came to the club one night with Josh. Both sat in, doing gospel music. It got a fantastic response! And that’s where we all came together.”
It’s the one aspect of the Newworldson story that’s simple: they met, they played, and they knew it was something special.
That something special has resulted in Salvation Station, the band’s full-length debut on Inpop Records. The 11-song set runs the gamut Newworldson has been honing on stages large and small for three years. It folds together pop, soul and jazz elements into a sound completely unlike anything currently on the pop music landscape.
And because Salvation Station is infused with those transparently spiritual messages, the band knows it’s facing an uphill battle getting the public to understand who and what it is musically.
“It’s difficult to classify our sound because we draw from different genres, but really, our foundation is soul music,” Parisien says. “And soul music definitely has sacred roots; it started in the church. So we want to return this familiar music to its sacred roots, all the while leading people to a place of praise, release, revival and worship.”
That kinetic atmosphere is felt all over Salvation Station. The steady pulse of “Working Man” echoes the title track’s driving beat, giving way to the greasy stomp of “Empty Heart.” But the album still has room for loping, introspective songs like “Sweet Holy Spirit” and the joyous yearning on “Waitin’ Till The Rapture Come.”
All of the emotion, style, movement, and energy that fills both Salvation Station as well as Newworldson’s finely crafted live performances reflects hard work and a willingness to be free in who they are as men and musicians. It’s that rare combination of both style and substance, married to a higher calling.
“I think the anointing is clear to anybody, Christian or not. To see that there’s something extra there, and we surrender to that when we play,” Parisien says. “We don’t want to take credit for what’s happening on stage, just like we can’t take any credit for how this band was put together. All we’ve done is show up with a positive attitude and put in the work. Anything that happens on stage, any hearts that are touched, really has very little to do with us.”
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2/6/2009 - Newworldson and Article One Nominated for 2009 Juno Awards
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Feb. 5, 2009—Inpop Records artists Article One and Newworldson both received 2009 Juno Award nominations, as announced by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) during a media conference held at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal Oak Hotel on Tuesday. The label mates were recognized in the same category, Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year, Newworldson for Salvation Station and Article One for Colors and Sounds.
The Juno nod marks Newworldson’s second nomination in this category, its first for independent release Roots Revolution (2007). “It’s such an honor to be acknowledged by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences,” said Mark Rogers of Newworldson. “To be nominated two years in a row is really fantastic! Congratulations to all the nominees in this category!”
Article One’s Matthew Piche also commented, “We all grew up watching and following the Juno Awards, so to be a part of such a prestigious Canadian event is truly incredible. Colors and Sounds is our best album yet, and we are very proud to be nominated alongside such great artists as Starfield, Downhere, Newworldson and Life Support.”
The Juno Awards, Canada’s top music honors, are presented annually to Canadian musical artists and bands to acknowledge their artistic and technical achievements in all aspects of music. Winners are currently chosen by members of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences or a panel of experts. This year’s winners will be declared at the JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards on Saturday, March 28, and The 2009 JUNO Awards broadcast on CTV on Sunday, March 29 at General Motors Place in Vancouver, BC. To view a complete list of 2009 JUNO Awards nominees, go to www.junoawards.ca or www.junos.ctv.ca.
Featuring an energetic blend of pop, soul, and gospel, Newworldson, comprising singer-songwriter Joel Parisien, drummer Mark Rogers, bassist Rich Moore and guitarist/vocalist Josh Toal, released its national label debut, Salvation Station, on Feb. 12, 2008. The album received high marks from critics, including ChristianityToday.com who gave the record its first five-star review of 2008. In addition to rave reviews, the band earned a spot on newsboys fall 2007/spring 2008 “GO” tour, and made appearances at summer festivals including Cornerstone, Spirit West Coast and Kingdom Bound, among others. Most recently, the group received two 2008 Covenant Award nominations for “Song of the Year” and “Group of the Year.” For more information, visit http://www.newworldson.com/ or www.myspace.com/newworldson.
Founded by brothers Nathan and Matthew Piché, Article One formed five years ago in Ontario, Canada. Winner of the 2005 Kingdom Bound International Talent Search, Article One was additionally honored in 2006 with a Covenant Award nomination for New Artist of the Year. Having appeared on the 2007 SHOUTfest tour, newsboys’ spring 2008 “GO” tour, and Superchick’s fall 2008 “Rock What You Got” tour, the band performs an average of 150 dates annually. Article One released its sophomore project, Colors & Sounds, last May. Produced by Tedd T. (Mute Math, newsboys), Colors and Sounds is a departure from Article One’s conventional style, stretching the band artistically. For more information, visit: http://www.articleonemusic.com/ or www.myspace.com/articleonemusic
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10/8/2008 - Newworldson Earns Seven GMA Canada Covenant Award Nominations
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Oct. 8, 2008—Inpop Records band Newworldson was recently honored by the Gospel Music Association Canada with multiple 2008 Covenant Award nominations. The pop-gospel artist was among this year’s top nominees, with seven nods including both “Group of the Year” and “Artist of the Year.”
This year Newworldson garnered nominations for “Group of the Year,” alongside fellow Canadians Hawk Nelson, Starfield, Thousand Foot Krutch and High Valley, “Artist of the Year,” “Recorded Song of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” and “Album of the Year” as well as repeat nominations for “Folk/Roots Song of the Year” and “Folk/Roots Album of the Year.” Last year the band won for “New Artist of the Year” and “Folk/Roots Album of the Year.”
“It’s such an honor to be nominees once again,” says Newworldson frontman Joel Parisien. “We feel double blessed this year not only to be recognized in this way by GMA Canada but also to be given so many opportunities to spread our music and further our ministry. God is continuing to exceed our expectations and we give Him all the glory.”
Produced by the Gospel Music Association Canada, the Covenant Awards is the pinnacle event in what is known as GMA Canada Week. Running from October 21-25, activities include a national music conference, artist showcases, talent search competition, worship night and industry awards banquet. The 30th Annual Covenant Awards will take place at First Alliance Church in Calgary Alberta Canada on Friday, October 24. For more information and a complete list of nominees, visit www.gmacanada.ca.
Featuring an energetic blend of pop, soul, and gospel, Newworldson, comprising singer-songwriter Joel Parisien, drummer Mark Rogers, bassist Rich Moore and guitarist/vocalist Josh Toal, released its national label debut, Salvation Station, on Feb. 12, 2008. The album received high marks from Christian music critics, including industry trade publication Christian Retailing which wrote “If this album isn’t at least nominated for a GRAMMY next year, it will be a shocking omission—it’s just that good” and ChristianityToday.com who gave the record its first five-star review of 2008. In addition to rave reviews, the band earned a spot on newsboys fall 2007/spring 2008 “GO” tour, and made appearances this past summer at Cornerstone, Spirit West Coast and Kingdom Bound, among other festivals. For more information, visit www.newworldson.com or www.myspace.com/newworldson.
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6/5/2008 - Newworldson's "Working Man" No. 1 Video on Gospel Music Channel For Second Straight Week
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) June 4, 2008 –Newworldson’s debut music video “Working Man” is currently No. 1 on the Gospel Music Channel Top 30 video chart for a second consecutive week. Newworldson is also the network’s current LISTEN UP! artist, receiving extensive promotion both on-air and online.
The Top 30 chart ranks Gospel Music Channel’s most played videos across all formats, including rock, pop, country, and soul. Newworldson’s versatile sound has made “Working Man” a multi-format hit, receiving the most overall airplay. The complete chart can be viewed online at www.gospelmusicchannel.com/artists/charts.
Jerry Williams, director of programming, scheduling and acquisitions for Gospel Music Channel, comments, “I haven’t been this excited about a new act in more than 10 years. Newworldson wears you out live, and they have captured that energy in the video ‘Working Man.’ We’re thrilled that the video has reached No. 1 and look for more great things from them in the months to come.”
Newworldson was additionally chosen by Gospel Music Channel as its current LISTEN UP! artist, an aggressive promotional campaign that features the best in new and emerging talent. Newworldson’s music is being highlighted through a heavy mix of on-air and online content, including graphics and tags; dedicated on-line destinations and information; VOD features; and other strategic exposure. Most recently, the band was a featured musical guest on the network’s hour-long, weekly variety program “The Kitchen Sink,” which aired May 17 @ 8:00 pm EST.
Featuring an energetic blend of pop, soul, and gospel, Newworldson, comprising singer-songwriter Joel Parisien, drummer Mark Rogers, bassist Rich Moore and guitarist/vocalist Josh Toal, released its national label debut, Salvation Station, on Feb. 12, 2008. The album received high marks from Christian music critics, including industry trade publication Christian Retailing which wrote “If this album isn’t at least nominated for a GRAMMY next year, it will be a shocking omission—it’s just that good” and ChristianityToday.com who gave the record its first five-star review of 2008.
In addition to rave reviews, the band earned a spot on newsboys fall 2007/spring 2008 “GO” tour, and Newworldson has been invited to perform at countless high-profile events such as Munce Marketing’s eastern regional sales conference, Compassion International’s leadership summit, and the CBA International Christian Retail Show’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony in July. This summer Newworldson will also make appearances at Cornerstone, Spirit West Coast and Kingdom Bound, among other festivals. For more information, visit www.newworldson.com or www.myspace.com/newworldson.
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3/10/2008 - Newworldson plays at Way-FM Corporate Headquarters
Inpop buzz band Newworldson meets Lloyd Parker, chief operating officer of WAY-FM Media Group, Inc. at the corporate offices in Colorado Springs, Colo. on Monday, March 3. The group spent its day off from newsboys spring "GO" Tour to greet and play for local media at WAY-FM, Focus on the Family, KTPL-FM, and others. Pictured left to right are Mark Rogers, Josh Toal, Lloyd Parker, Joel Parisien and Rich Moore.
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12/6/2007 - Newworldson's Salvation Station Debuts Feb. 12, 2008
Newworldson will showcase its kinetic fusion of North American roots music on the band’s Inpop Records debut, Salvation Station, in stores Feb. 12, 2008. Produced by Newworldson alongside Justin Koop (Billy Talent, Silverstein), Salvation Station features an 11-song blend of energetic pop, soul and gospel.
“It’s difficult to classify our sound because we draw from different genres, but really, our foundation is soul music,” says keyboardist/vocalist Joel Parisien. “And soul music definitely has sacred roots. So, we want to return this familiar music to its sacred roots, all the while leading people to a place of praise, release, revival and worship.”
And revival permeates Salvation Station, beginning with the title track’s driving beat which then gives way to the steady pulse of “Working Man.” The album also makes room for introspective songs like “Sweet Holy Spirit” and “Waitin’ Till the Rapture Comes.”
“This project is like a child of the new world,” notes Parisien. “It really couldn’t have come from anywhere else, because the mix of styles, the whole history of gospel and blues becoming jazz, rock and hip-hop, that cultural experience happened here in the New World.”
Newworldson won fans this fall opening on labelmate newsboys’ highly successful “GO” tour. The band will again join newsboys for a spring leg, kicking off in February. Additional details are forthcoming.
Newworldson comprises Parisien, drummer Mark Rogers, bassist Rich Moore and guitarist/vocalist Josh Toal, four musicians who came together at a jazz club playing gospel music. The debut radio single “Salvation Station” is currently being played at Christian Adult Contemporary and Christian Hit Radio. For more information on Newworldson, visit www.newworldson.com or www.myspace.com/newworldson.
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