As he unveils his new album, The Upside of Down, today, the across-the-board praise from critics proclaims that award-winning singer-songwriter Chris August has skillfully assembled a sophomore record that cements him as a celebrated, exceptionally talented mainstay in Christian music.

The 14-track project, released via Fervent Records, was co-produced by August alongside Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Sidewalk Prophets) and was mixed by GRAMMY®-nominated engineer/producer Neal Avron (Sara Bareilles, Fall Out Boy). The release of the appropriately dubbed The Upside of Down comes just four months after August sustained a brain injury from a skateboarding accident. The album’s title parallels the healing process, during which he embraced the ‘upside of down’ and was humbled by the past few months’ events. The experience and, in turn, the message of the album have planted high hopes within August to encourage people to live for something greater than themselves.

August’s street week schedule includes numerous media and radio appearances to promote The Upside of Down. This week sees him with appearances on FOX News’ FOX411, which can be viewed live at 2:50 p.m. EDT on Thurs., Aug. 23. August will also appear on The 700 Club on Mon., Aug. 27, in addition to an upcoming appearance on GBTV’s Liberty Treehouse. Upcoming radio station visits include K-LOVE, WQME (Indianapolis, IN), WBFJ (Greensboro, NC), WRCM (Charlotte, NC), WRBS (Baltimore, MD) and WAWZ Star (New York).

In addition to being featured on the cover of the August issue of CCM magazine, August’s brand of relatable singer-songwriter pop and meaningful lyrics has the media raving about The Upside of Down, as well. Here’s just a small slice of the praise being heaped on the album:

“The self-taught pianist, guitarist and producer continues his winning streak with The Upside of Down, showing off his amazing pop sensibilities. Don’t miss “Center of It,” a worthy follow up to “Starry Night.” – Rhapsody

“…With The Upside of Down, the singer-songwriter proves he’s not a one hit wonder. There’s not even a hint of a sophomore slump. In fact, [the album] shows greater depth and maturity across all 14 tracks. August has produced a collection of songs focused squarely on the hard-hitting truth of the gospel, but he does so in a way that’s kind and generous. If The Upside of Down is any indication, August has a long career ahead of him. He’s discovered his sound, his niche and a growing audience begging for more.” – WatchGMCTV.com

“Newcomer Chris August has become a beloved part of the CCM world…and it's no wonder why. He's endeared himself with his unassuming talent, his surprisingly powerful vocal and his impeccable songwriting. This album showcases all three.” – CCM

"The Upside of Down is one of the most compelling and lyrically transparent albums of the year. Chris has vaulted himself amongst the industry’s top singer-songwriters... If you want to be challenged, moved, and get deeper with Chris August, don’t miss out on this practically perfect album. Several of these songs are instant classics." –New Release Tuesday

"…Chris August’s The Upside of Down creates a musical freshness…one of the most poetically poignant collection of songs released in 2012!" – Indie Vision Music

“Musically, it's warm, casual, and occasionally soulful, on par with many of today's top 40 troubadours. …August hits several toe-tapping strides as he expresses spiritual certainty.” – Christianity Today

The album’s infectious lead single, “Center of It,” co-written by August and songwriter Ben Glover, has blazed up the charts at radio this summer, landing at No. 5 on Christian AC Monitored this week, No. 7 on the National Audience Chart (with 6.375 million impressions), No. 6 on AC Indicator and No. 10 on CHR.

The singer-songwriter and multiple GMA Dove Award-winner will embark on his first headlining tour, “The Upside of Down Tour,” starting Sept. 14 in Franklin, IN (Indianapolis), and wrapping on Sept. 30 after 14 dates, in Gilbert, AZ (Phoenix). Then, he will join the "Eye On It Tour" with TobyMac and Jamie Grace, and later, the TobyMac "HITS Deep Tour" alongside Brandon Heath, Mandisa, Britt Nicole, Jamie Grace and Group 1 Crew. To view his tour schedule, visit chrisaugustmusic.com.

Chris August reveals his aptly new album title “The Upside of Down,” which will be available in August.  The album’s title parallels his recent skateboarding accident in which he embraced the upside of down and was humbled by the healing process over the last month’s events.   Chris explains the symbolism of his new album title, “Even in the ‘down’ part of life, I’ve had such intimate moments with friends being at my house and lifting me in prayer- I’m really connecting with Christ on a new level. I couldn’t ask for anything else through all this!” Chris’ new single “Center of It” will also hit the radio on June 8th  and will be available on iTunes June 12th.  Upon his release from the hospital, Chris re-listened to the single and was deeply moved by the meaning of the song in light of his recent accident.

Chris was fortunate enough to be cleared to play shows and, after missing several tour dates due to his injuries, was able to finish out the last weekend with MercyMe, playing to record crowds. Chris will continue his summer touring with his first of many festivals beginning in Del Mar, CA on May 27th.  

For more information on Chris August and his upcoming tour dates, please visit: www.chrisaugustmusic.com <http://www.chrisaugustmusic.com> .

Fervent Records’ Chris August quickly became a favorite in the CCM genre. With an impressive sweep at the 42nd Annual Dove Awards, he earned awards for “New Artist of the Year” and “Male Vocalist of the Year,” adding him to an elite group of only three artists in the history of the show who have received both awards. He also claimed the nod for “Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year” for his debut album No Far Away. The album delivered August’s debut single “Starry Night,” which stayed No. 1 for six consecutive weeks on Billboard’s Christian/AC chart. Chris August will release his much anticipated sophomore record The Upside of Down in August of 2012, which was painstakingly crafted and co-produced with award-winning producer Ian Eskelin. August is a self-taught pianist, guitarist, and producer who has previously toured as the keyboard player and opening act for pop sensation Ashlee Simpson and has worked with artists such as Ryan Cabrera, Brian McKnight and Jessica Simpson before shifting his focus to a solo career.