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Aaron Gillespie
Track List
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| In 2008, Aaron Gillespie memorably appeared on the cover of the last printed issue of CCM standing next to TobyMac, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and other top names as the sole representative of what the magazine called “a new generation of... |
 In 2008, Aaron Gillespie memorably appeared on the cover of the last printed issue of CCM standing next to TobyMac, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and other top names as the sole representative of what the magazine called “a new generation of artists.” It’s a statement whose time has come with the release of his first solo album, Anthem Song, an honestly ragged, often rocking praise and worship set aiming to “get to the people who think church is a country club.” Indeed, whether or not you know him by name yet, Gillespie is already one of the most dynamic, outspoken, and visible artists in Christian music today. It’s just that the redheaded 27-year-old isn’t always where one might expect to find a faith-based performer, a fact that defines his sense of ministry and what Anthem Song is all about. Aaron’s story is full of unexpected twists in its own right. A standout drummer by age 14, Gillespie was invited in 1997 to join Underoath, a Christian metalcore band that would chart the gold-selling records They’re Only Chasing Safety (2004) and Define the Great Line (2006).
The group’s aggressive sound—often tempered by Aaron’s comparatively softer additional vocals—and steady mainstream success has led to a passionate fan base and provided many unique outreach opportunities on tours that have included controversial hard music acts like Slipknot. Despite the public outcry, Aaron left Underoath on good terms in 2010, pursuing a cleaner alternative rock sound as lead singer of The Almost, a band that has registered 21 million plays on MySpace, gained MTV2 airplay, and recently toured with Switchfoot. Even as The Almost continues its rise, Gillespie makes another sudden turn, doing Anthem Song alone. Why? “I’ve always wanted to make a straight-up worship record like this. The Almost is a rock band, and we didn’t want to mix the two styles. Of course, it’s all worship; your shift at Starbucks should be worship. But this just seemed to be the way to do it right now,” Aaron begins to explain. “I have this desire to see our generation worshipping God. But a lot of the people I get to meet through music—kids with tattoos and swoop over haircuts—don’t think of worship as ‘cool.’ I want them to find a home and a vocabulary to experience this kind of music.” Gillespie, who lives in central Florida, recorded Anthem Song in Seattle with versatile producer Aaron Sprinkle (Jeremy Camp, Kutless). Both multi-instrumentalists, they played everything on the album themselves except for several piano parts added by worship leader Shane Anderson. Co-writers Paul Baloche, Sarah Hart, and Phillip LaRue also helped pen what is largely a very personal record about adoring God, worshiping Him “because He is and because you are; just because you woke up today.” Much of that outlook is informed by a mission trip Aaron took to Africa, especially on the epic “All Things” (humbly described by Gillespie as “a U2 rip-off”) and the charging title track that declares we sing to you, oh God, for you are good / the whole universe is echoing your song. “The people in Africa are so happy, so joyful. They have nothing, but they worship so wholeheartedly,” recalls Aaron. “I went there as a rich American expecting to fix something in their world. But we are the ones who need fixing. I’ve learned that God’s goodness is an anthem that will play forever. Our job is to grab a piece of that song while we are here.”
With Chris Tomlin melodies and Billy Corgan vocal inflections, you can hear Gillespie reaching out for a piece of that song on “Earnestly I Seek Thee”—a gentle acoustic worship tune until it erupts with raw force into a distinctly hard-edged arrangement. “I Am Your Cup” is another stripped back selection—practically a live home recording—that never amps up but just as effectively speaks the real language of disaffected youth: Here I am, looking for a place to hide / here’s my soul, broken and needing a home. “You can’t find any level ground with people without being real,” says Aaron. “My goal is to open my arms as big as I can and say, ‘I’ve got faults, I’ve got issues, but Jesus loves you, and your life matters.’ Before Christ was anything he was relational; the Bible shows that over and over. So if we’re called to be Christians, then we’re literally called to be relational with others.” Anthem Song’s first single, “We Were Made for You,” highlights the relationship between God and man. Composed with Paul Baloche—best known for adult contemporary praise favorites like “Open the Eyes of My Heart” and “Above All”—it’s also a perfect example of the bridge that’s being built here between two types of audiences both made for worship; traditionally written lyrics retracing the gospel story are met by a Euro-flavored arrangement with fuzzed out bass, gritty guitars, and danceable drums. A similar spirit of expanding and uniting adventure follows on the exuberantly played “You Are My Everything.” The project’s deep thesis is restated on the closing number, “Your Song Goes on Forever,” a sing-along for the church that cuts through life’s clutter with insightful praise and a call to action:
Back before the sea, before the skies were blue, there was this melody no one could hear but you. The noise has finally disappeared; I can hear your anthem loud and clear. Your song goes on forever. I will sing my part with my whole heart. Your song goes on forever. I will bless your name and sing your praise forever.
“I love that God wants us to know him, that we were put here as missional people to serve God and point others to him,” concludes Gillespie. Aaron, who is on the volunteer staff at his local church, has a vision for when he tours in support of Anthem Song to help other places of worship welcome those who wouldn’t normally feel comfortable being there. He says when people don’t feel good enough to join God’s family because of whatever sin is in their lives, that’s when they should be running to the church. Indeed, we should all be there. Come, be a part of the anthem.
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2/28/2012 - Aaron Gillespie Releases Live EP Today, Echo Your Song
It has been nearly a year since Aaron Gillespie released his solo worship project Anthem Song to rave reviews and sales success. Today he follows up to this well received project with the release of an EP Echo Your Song (Live) on BEC Recordings. This six-song EP features songs from Anthem Song, two Hillsong covers as well as worship favorites from his tour.
Echo Your Song is already in the Top 10 on the iTunes Christian chart just hours after releasing. This project is available at all digital outlets including iTunes and Amazon and physically at the BEC Recordings' store as well as at Aaron's live shows. Click here to purchase: iTunes Amazon, BEC Recordings' store.
This project was recorded last April at Nine O Five (C4 Church in Ajax, ON). Beginning this week, he will be on a cross Canadian tour along with Parachute Band (dates below). This tour is sponsored by Nine O Five church and aptly called the “Nine O Five” tour. Aaron will be performing with AJ Cheek.
"This past year we have seen God move in so many ways, and I really feel like this recording captured this,” shares Gillespie. “Everything is for His glory, listen to this and be blessed not by the music, but by what He has done for you."
About Anthem Song and Aaron Gillespie:
In 2011, Aaron Gillespie released his solo venture, Anthem Song, on BEC Recordings to what he hoped will be a new generation of worshippers. On release day, Anthem Song, immediately charted on iTunes debuting at No. 17 on overall iTunes Albums chart, No. 2 on the Christian iTunes Albums chart and No. 1 on Canada’s iTunes Christian Chart. Anthem Song also charted in the Top 10 at No. 8 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart last year during its street week.
This album also garnered rave reviews from the press with Alternative Press’ 4-star review calling Anthem Song’s “greatest quality is its unapologetic fearlessness,” Christianity Today saying “Anthem Song is devoid of any preoccupation with ‘self,’ consistently pointing to God's goodness and glory,” and AbsolutePunk calling it “a true worship record at its finest.”
Anthem Song was sparked by a trip to Uganda with Compassion International. Following this trip, Gillespie retired his role as drummer for the popular metalcore band Underoath and began writing and recording for Anthem Song. He remains the frontman of the indie-rock band he founded,
The Almost.
Follow Aaron on Twitter @ AaronRGillespie as well as on his Facebook
Spring 2012 Tour Dates (all dates subject to change)
Feb. 29 Winnipeg MB
March 1 Saskatoon SK
March 2 Edmonton AB
March 4 Medicine Hat AB
March 5 Calgary AB
March 6 Lethbridge AB
March 7 Kelowna BC
March 9 Langley Twp BC
March 11 Victoria BC
March 15 Chicago IL
March 16 Sarnia ON
March 17 Kitchener ON
March 18 Ajax ON
April 12 Albuquerque NM
April 13 Albuquerque NM
April 14 Albuquerque NM
April 15 Albuquerque NM
April 28 Smithfield RI
May 18 Oshawa ON
May 26 New York NY
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7/25/2011 - Introducing the HelloSomebody Tour featuring Aaron Gillespie and The City Harmonic
Announcing the HELLOSOMEBODY tour featuring the next generation of worship leaders Aaron Gillespie and The City Harmonic along with special guests Jake Hamilton (Jesus Culture), AJ Cheek and HELLOSOMEBODY founder Ben Pirtle. The tour begins on September 21 and will continue through October. Tour dates listed below.
"This is a different night, it isn't a concert, it isn't a popularity contest. This night is about Jesus and worshipping Him out loud and for real," shares Aaron Gillespie. "Bring everyone you know, we are being sponsored by HELLOSOMEBODY, and we are gonna be feeding needy kids through their incredible merchandise. Come hang!"
The tour’s namesake and sponsor, HELLOSOMEBODY’s mission will be the foundation for this evening of worship. This non-profit brand exists to impact and change the world through love, passion and creativity. Their purpose is simple: feed the hungry around the globe, which is what this tour will do – a global outreach through these creative and passionate artists.
“We want this tour to help people see their stories lining up with God’s story for them and the world. Worship ought to feel like that – some unveiling of something bigger than ourselves,” says The City Harmonic’s frontman Elias Dummer. “If we can somehow spark in people a dream, something they just can’t shake, then that will inspire them to sing like every word matters, to live like every day matters, and having tasted heaven they’ll get on with helping this world feel more like home. This tour promises to be a creative night of worship, and all for a great cause.”
For more information on the HELLOSOMEBODY tour, click here for the official Facebook page. Also follow each of the artists and their online community to learn more.
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3/24/2011 - Aaron Gillespie Premieres Music Video for "We Were Made For You"
Aaron Gillespie is launching his debut single’s music video, “We Were Made For You,” produced by Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, today exclusively at GodTube.com. Click here to view the video.
Last month musician Aaron Gillespie traveled to Haiti with Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse to see first-hand the work of the organizations, as well as to tape a documentary that will debut this summer. Gillespie hopes that this music video and the upcoming documentary will bring back an awareness to Haiti since the 2010 earthquake as well as the work of BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse.
“God's heart is humanity, and you really find it in Haiti. We are so convinced that we have it all figured out here, with our prosperity and all of our stuff, but we don't. Gods heart is waiting, go find it,” shares Aaron Gillespie upon returning from his trip.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team and Samaritan’s Purse deployed within 24 hours of the tragic earthquake and has maintained a strong presence in the country since. The two groups are meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the families that have been affected by the earthquake. Samaritan’s Purse has provided shelter for more than 10,000 families and over 50,000 Haitians.
Gillespie and his wife, Jamie, visited various areas and worked with these organizations to learn more about the country and the current situation. Areas that Gillespie visited include the small villages of Titanyen and Simonette, Jesus’ Name orphanage as well as the Samaritan’s Purse Cite Soleil Cholera Treatment Center.
While visiting the Jesus’ Name orphanage, the director Jean Louis Esaie and the children personally touched Gillespie and his wife. While they were visiting, they saw the urgent need for a new latrine at the orphanage. The funds raised will go to this and other immediate needs at Jesus' Name. A portion of the music video includes Aaron playing with the kids from Jesus' Name. Also launching today is a micro-site, which includes a trailer for the documentary, exclusive photos from Aaron’s visit to Haiti, plus links to how you can join Aaron in helping the people of Haiti. You can visit www.ransom.tv/AaronG
For more information on Aaron Gillespie, follow him on Twitter @AaronRGillespie as well as on his Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AaronRGillespie. His solo debut, Anthem Song, is available now in stores and digital outlets. He is also touring nationwide - check his website for dates near you. http://www.aarongillespie.com
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3/16/2011 - Aaron Gillespie Featured as iTunes Discovery Download
BEC Recordings’ Aaron Gillespie’s solo debut, Anthem Song, has received widespread attention. After releasing strong last week, Gillespie’s single, “We Were Made For You,” has been selected as the featured iTunes Discovery Download this week. Fans can snag this track for FREE as well as the entire album for $7.99 at iTunes now.
Anthem Song resounded loudly with fans as it charted in the Top 10 at No. 6 on the Billboard Contemporary Christian Albums chart - the second highest selling new release last week. The album also debuted in the Top 20 of the overall iTunes Top Albums, No 2 on the Christian iTunes Albums and No. 1 on Canada’s iTunes Christian charts. The single, “We Were Made For You,” remains in the Top 15 at CHR radio as well.
As an album that was both very personal as well as a long-time coming for Gillespie, Anthem Song continues to receive acclaim from media. GMCtv notes Aaron as “one of the most familiar faces in both hardcore and alternative rock circles (and) amidst the most prolific and varied.” Hollywood Jesus states that this album has “everything from great melodies to musical diversity to solid lyrics, these songs are very well done.” Likewise, Christian Music Zine praises the debut single as “a song that deserves to be played from town to town.” Fans can also hear an in-depth interview with Aaron this week on the NewReleaseTuesday podcast.
Here are some comments from fans who are loving Anthem Song:
“Aaron Gillespie has never sung with more emotion or passion, and it carries the album from start to finish.”
“His musical diversity is so awesome and inspiring.”
“Aaron lives, sings, and worships at full throttle.”
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3/8/2011 - Aaron Gillespie Releases Anthem Song to Rave Reviews
Today, Aaron Gillespie is thrilled to release his album, Anthem Song, to what he hopes is a new generation of worshippers. Upon releasing today, Anthem Song, immediately charted on iTunes debuting at No. 17 on the overall iTunes Top Albums chart, No. 2 on the Christian iTunes Albums chart and No. 1 on Canada’s iTunes Christian chart.
This album has already been making waves among the media of various musical outlets - from a 4-star review in the March issue of Alternative Press to multiple features sharing the heart behind this album. Anthem Song has also seen success at radio - as the single “We Were Made For You” climbed three spots to No. 13 at CHR this week.
Media outlets on Anthem Song:
“Anthem Song reaches deeper in Gillespie’s heart than any other project, because it both hearkens to his personal calling as well as his innocent beginnings as a musician.”
- CCM Magazine
“Anthem Song solidifies Gillespie's position as a gifted artist who continues to craft music that is surprising and refreshing.”
- Crosswalk
"Anthem Song's greatest quality its unapologetic fearlessness."
- Alternative Press 4-star review
“Despite the ironic danger of the genre, Anthem Song is devoid of any preoccupation with ‘self,’ consistently pointing to God's goodness and glory.”
- Christianity Today
“With Gillespie's talent and passion, this is an album you are going to want to hear.”
- JesusFreakHideout
“Anthem Song, a true worship record at its finest.”
- AbsolutePunk. net
Fans can also catch Gillespie on tour supporting this new project with dates across the country. He will also be supporting Jeremy Camp on two dates later this month as well as performing at festivals this summer (also listed below). Tour dates are below as well as at http://www.aarongillespie.com.
About Aaron Gillespie & Anthem Song:
Anthem Song was sparked by a trip in 2010 to Uganda with Compassion International. Following this trip, Gillespie retired his role as drummer for the popular metalcore band Underoath and began writing and recording for Anthem Song. He remains the frontman of the indie-rock band he founded, The Almost. Follow Aaron on Twitter @AaronRGillespie as well as on his Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AaronRGillespie
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 | Aaron Gillespie talks about how he knew it was time for a worship album |  | Aaron Gillespie on how a mission trip impacted him |  | Aaron Gillespie performs his song, "We Are Made For You" |  | Aaron Gillespie performs his song, "I Will Worship You" |  | Watch Scenes Aaron Gillespie's trip to Haiti |  | Aaron Gillespie plays "Nothing But The Blood" |
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Aaron Gillespie talks about how he knew that this was the time to make a solo worship album Aaron Gillespie talks about what impacted him most during his trip to Africa and how that experience affected the direction of his new album
Aaron Gillespie performs his song, "We Are Made For You" Aaron Gillespie performs his song, "I Will Worship You" Watch Scenes Aaron Gillespie's trip to Haiti with Samaritan's Purse and hear his new song "We Were Made For You."
Aaron Gillespie plays "Nothing But The Blood"
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