It’s been quite a year for five-time GRAMMY® Award winner TobyMac with his new album EYE ON IT hitting No. 1 on the overall Billboard Top 200, multiple national television appearances including Fox & Friends, Good Morning America and The View and featured media spotlights in Billboard Magazine, Los Angeles Times, People Magazine and Time.com, among others. Now, to add to his whirlwind year, TobyMac has garnered his first career American Music Award. The multi-platinum selling artist received the award for Favorite Artist in the Contemporary/Inspirational category last night at the 40th annual American Music Awards. The annual award show was broadcasted live from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. and for the sixth year, fans determined the winners by voting online.
When learning he had won the award before his Winter Jam set in Fresno, TobyMac said, “This is my first AMA! I still can't believe it. It is so meaningful to me because the people I'm thinking about when I'm writing these songs are the ones who vote. Thank YOU guys from the bottom of my heart!
TobyMac just wrapped-up headlining the Winter Jam West Coast Tour and will kick-off his “HITS DEEP” tour the last week of November. Joining him on the tour are Chris August, Jamie Grace, Group 1 Crew, Brandon Heath, Mandisa and Britt Nicole who will perform some of their hit songs in an exciting night of music. TobyMac will headline the Winter Jam East Coast Tour beginning in January 2013. For more information on his upcoming schedule, visit http://www.tobymac.com/tour/.
When learning he had won the award before his Winter Jam set in Fresno, TobyMac said, “This is my first AMA! I still can't believe it. It is so meaningful to me because the people I'm thinking about when I'm writing these songs are the ones who vote. Thank YOU guys from the bottom of my heart!
TobyMac just wrapped-up headlining the Winter Jam West Coast Tour and will kick-off his “HITS DEEP” tour the last week of November. Joining him on the tour are Chris August, Jamie Grace, Group 1 Crew, Brandon Heath, Mandisa and Britt Nicole who will perform some of their hit songs in an exciting night of music. TobyMac will headline the Winter Jam East Coast Tour beginning in January 2013. For more information on his upcoming schedule, visit http://www.tobymac.com/tour/.
The groundbreaking Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, the #1 tour in the world (first quarter) for two consecutive years, revealed its blockbuster 2013 artist and city line-up during a special launch event held earlier this week at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Founded and hosted by GRAMMY®-nominated Christian music mainstay NewSong and presented by World Vision, the Winter Jam 2013 Tour Spectacular will be headlined by GRAMMY®-winning, multi-platinum recording artist TobyMac. The 44-city tour will also feature RED, Matthew West, Jamie Grace, Sidewalk Prophets and Royal Tailor, with a message from national speaker Nick Hall. In addition, the Youth Music Vault Pre-Jam Party will include performances from Jason Castro, OBB and Capital Kings.
Kicking off its 18th year January 4 at the Charleston Civic Center in Charleston, West Virginia, the tour is slated to stop at Chicago’s Sears Centre Arena; Philips Arena in Atlanta; Cincinnati’s U.S. Bank Arena; Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena; the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee; The Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri; and Charlotte, North Carolina’s Time Warner Cable Arena, among other leading venues, before concluding March 30 at San Antonio’s AT&T Center. Winter Jam admission is $10 at the door, with no ticket required.
“As we prepare for Winter Jam’s 18th year, we are more passionate than ever about the ministry that drives the tour,” said Eddie Carswell, creator of Winter Jam and founding member of NewSong. “Led by TobyMac, this year’s line-up represents the diversity—and future—of Christian music. And we are thrilled that Nick Hall will be back with us to share the Gospel message, as that has always been the heart of Winter Jam.”
Promoted by Premier Productions, Winter Jam 2013 Tour Spectacular partners include the University of Mobile, Teen Missions International, Premier Christian Cruises, Xtreme Conferences, Camp Electric, Wayne E. Bailey Produce, and Texas TransEastern. At each show, World Vision will host the Hoops of Hope Youth Leader Reception, a free backstage event open to all youth pastors and leaders in attendance.
Earlier this year Winter Jam shattered its own record to become the #1 tour in the world (first quarter) for the second consecutive year, according to Pollstar’s 2012 Worldwide First Quarter Ticket Sales Charts - Top 100 Tours. Headlined by GRAMMY®-nominated alternative rockers Skillet, the 47-city tour saw 32 sold-out concerts and surpassed last year’s record attendance by more than 10,000, playing to a total of nearly 535,000 people.
The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, created by NewSong in 1995, has featured the genre’s biggest names—including Skillet, Newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day, Francesca Battistelli, Tenth Avenue North and Fireflight—and has introduced Christian music to new audiences across the country, while providing a powerful platform for the Gospel message.
Founded and hosted by GRAMMY®-nominated Christian music mainstay NewSong and presented by World Vision, the Winter Jam 2013 Tour Spectacular will be headlined by GRAMMY®-winning, multi-platinum recording artist TobyMac. The 44-city tour will also feature RED, Matthew West, Jamie Grace, Sidewalk Prophets and Royal Tailor, with a message from national speaker Nick Hall. In addition, the Youth Music Vault Pre-Jam Party will include performances from Jason Castro, OBB and Capital Kings.
Kicking off its 18th year January 4 at the Charleston Civic Center in Charleston, West Virginia, the tour is slated to stop at Chicago’s Sears Centre Arena; Philips Arena in Atlanta; Cincinnati’s U.S. Bank Arena; Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena; the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee; The Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri; and Charlotte, North Carolina’s Time Warner Cable Arena, among other leading venues, before concluding March 30 at San Antonio’s AT&T Center. Winter Jam admission is $10 at the door, with no ticket required.
“As we prepare for Winter Jam’s 18th year, we are more passionate than ever about the ministry that drives the tour,” said Eddie Carswell, creator of Winter Jam and founding member of NewSong. “Led by TobyMac, this year’s line-up represents the diversity—and future—of Christian music. And we are thrilled that Nick Hall will be back with us to share the Gospel message, as that has always been the heart of Winter Jam.”
Promoted by Premier Productions, Winter Jam 2013 Tour Spectacular partners include the University of Mobile, Teen Missions International, Premier Christian Cruises, Xtreme Conferences, Camp Electric, Wayne E. Bailey Produce, and Texas TransEastern. At each show, World Vision will host the Hoops of Hope Youth Leader Reception, a free backstage event open to all youth pastors and leaders in attendance.
Earlier this year Winter Jam shattered its own record to become the #1 tour in the world (first quarter) for the second consecutive year, according to Pollstar’s 2012 Worldwide First Quarter Ticket Sales Charts - Top 100 Tours. Headlined by GRAMMY®-nominated alternative rockers Skillet, the 47-city tour saw 32 sold-out concerts and surpassed last year’s record attendance by more than 10,000, playing to a total of nearly 535,000 people.
The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, created by NewSong in 1995, has featured the genre’s biggest names—including Skillet, Newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day, Francesca Battistelli, Tenth Avenue North and Fireflight—and has introduced Christian music to new audiences across the country, while providing a powerful platform for the Gospel message.
Five-time Grammy® Award winner and multi-platinum selling artist TobyMac has made career history with his latest project, EYE ON IT, entering the Billboard top 200 at No. 1, selling nearly 70,000 units and marking the first time in 15 years an artist in the CCM genre has accomplished such. EYE ON IT released August 28 to an overwhelming response, with the album topping the Overall iTunes® Chart just hours after its release, and continuing to reign there throughout the week. This amazing debut comes as his single, “Me Without You,” continues to hold onto No. 1 on the CHR and AC Indicator charts.
"We have been so honored to see Toby achieve number one songs at AC and CHR radio formats on his new album, and now for him to achieve number one status on Billboard's Top 200 chart is absolutely amazing and well deserved,” remarked Peter York, President, EMI CMG Label Group. “This project is filled with great songs that are well produced and that clearly resonate with Toby's consumers. The launch plan at radio & retail was meticulously designed and executed by his marketing, sales and management teams. I'm very pleased to see this collaborative effort work so effectively for Toby."
“It's my honor to write songs and even a further privilege that people choose to listen and make them part of their lives,” TobyMac reflected upon hearing the news of the debut. “My hope has always been that these songs would somehow remind people that though we are all flawed God offers us love, hope and refuge. If this week or these numbers is any indication of that, I am thankful.”
The 12 tracks comprising EYE ON IT pull from TobyMac’s personal influences (“Made For You” and “Family”), as well as a nod to his ascension into music (“Thankful For You”). EYE ON IT features musical guests including reigning GMA Dove Awards New Artist of the Year, Jamie Grace (“Favorite Song”), Group1Crew’s Blanca Reyes (“UnStoppable”) and Christian rap heavyweight Lecrae (“Forgiveness”). Along with TobyMac’s first three solo projects, his 2009 release, TONIGHT, was recently certified Gold by the R.I.A.A. Written by TobyMac and David Garcia, “Me Without You” was the first track from EYE ON IT to be released to radio, where it claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Christian Songs, CHR and Christian AC Indicator charts. It’s currently at No. 2 on the National Audience Chart and No. 3 on the Christian AC-Monitored chart.
About TobyMac:With over 11 million units in career sales, TobyMac's first four solo projects are RIAA certified gold. His live DVD, Alive & Transported, is certified platinum by the RIAA and also received a GRAMMY® award. In 2012 the much-celebrated and acclaimed artist celebrated his eighth consecutive GRAMMY® nomination, this time for his songwriting contribution to rising star (and recording artist on his label, Gotee Records) Jamie Grace’s No. 1 hit “Hold Me.” His album Tonight received GRAMMY nods for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album" and "Best Contemporary Christian Song" with “City On Our Knees” the RIAA Gold-certified track that topped the sales and radio charts faster than any of his previous singles, spending 8 weeks at No. 1 on the Christian Audience Chart. Tonight also garnered him the highest sales debut of his solo career with over 78,000 units and a No. 6 Billboard Top 200 debut. The album was also named as iTunes® Best Christian Album of 2010 and recently took home the Dove Award for “Best Rock Contemporary Album of the Year.”
Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits and being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 “Artist of the Year,” he was also nominated for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist” at the 2010 American Music Awards and was up for three Billboard Music Awards in 2011 including “Top Christian Artist.” The hit song “Tonight” was also chosen as the theme song for MLB’s 30 Clubs in 30 Days Spring Training Series and featured on the Golf Channel. Additionally, his music has been heard in major motion pictures such as “Hancock,” “TRANSPORTER 2,” while also being featured on Fox sports, The NFL network, being selected as the theme song for Fox College Football and WWE’s Fatal 4-Way Pay-Per-View. “Showstopper,” from the chart-topping album Tonight, was featured in ESPN’s ESPY Award Show and used to launch the last season of CBS hit television show CSI: NY.
"We have been so honored to see Toby achieve number one songs at AC and CHR radio formats on his new album, and now for him to achieve number one status on Billboard's Top 200 chart is absolutely amazing and well deserved,” remarked Peter York, President, EMI CMG Label Group. “This project is filled with great songs that are well produced and that clearly resonate with Toby's consumers. The launch plan at radio & retail was meticulously designed and executed by his marketing, sales and management teams. I'm very pleased to see this collaborative effort work so effectively for Toby."
“It's my honor to write songs and even a further privilege that people choose to listen and make them part of their lives,” TobyMac reflected upon hearing the news of the debut. “My hope has always been that these songs would somehow remind people that though we are all flawed God offers us love, hope and refuge. If this week or these numbers is any indication of that, I am thankful.”
The 12 tracks comprising EYE ON IT pull from TobyMac’s personal influences (“Made For You” and “Family”), as well as a nod to his ascension into music (“Thankful For You”). EYE ON IT features musical guests including reigning GMA Dove Awards New Artist of the Year, Jamie Grace (“Favorite Song”), Group1Crew’s Blanca Reyes (“UnStoppable”) and Christian rap heavyweight Lecrae (“Forgiveness”). Along with TobyMac’s first three solo projects, his 2009 release, TONIGHT, was recently certified Gold by the R.I.A.A. Written by TobyMac and David Garcia, “Me Without You” was the first track from EYE ON IT to be released to radio, where it claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Christian Songs, CHR and Christian AC Indicator charts. It’s currently at No. 2 on the National Audience Chart and No. 3 on the Christian AC-Monitored chart.
About TobyMac:With over 11 million units in career sales, TobyMac's first four solo projects are RIAA certified gold. His live DVD, Alive & Transported, is certified platinum by the RIAA and also received a GRAMMY® award. In 2012 the much-celebrated and acclaimed artist celebrated his eighth consecutive GRAMMY® nomination, this time for his songwriting contribution to rising star (and recording artist on his label, Gotee Records) Jamie Grace’s No. 1 hit “Hold Me.” His album Tonight received GRAMMY nods for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album" and "Best Contemporary Christian Song" with “City On Our Knees” the RIAA Gold-certified track that topped the sales and radio charts faster than any of his previous singles, spending 8 weeks at No. 1 on the Christian Audience Chart. Tonight also garnered him the highest sales debut of his solo career with over 78,000 units and a No. 6 Billboard Top 200 debut. The album was also named as iTunes® Best Christian Album of 2010 and recently took home the Dove Award for “Best Rock Contemporary Album of the Year.”
Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits and being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 “Artist of the Year,” he was also nominated for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist” at the 2010 American Music Awards and was up for three Billboard Music Awards in 2011 including “Top Christian Artist.” The hit song “Tonight” was also chosen as the theme song for MLB’s 30 Clubs in 30 Days Spring Training Series and featured on the Golf Channel. Additionally, his music has been heard in major motion pictures such as “Hancock,” “TRANSPORTER 2,” while also being featured on Fox sports, The NFL network, being selected as the theme song for Fox College Football and WWE’s Fatal 4-Way Pay-Per-View. “Showstopper,” from the chart-topping album Tonight, was featured in ESPN’s ESPY Award Show and used to launch the last season of CBS hit television show CSI: NY.
Five-time Grammy® Award winner and multi-platinum selling artist TobyMac released his highly anticipated album, EYE ON IT, yesterday, August 28 to an overwhelming response, with the album topping the Overall iTunes® Chart just hours after its release. EYE ON IT continues to reign in at the top of the album chart as the amazing debut comes hot on the heels of his single, “Me Without You,” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs and CHR charts and the AC Indicator chart.
TobyMac’s street week schedule includes radio visits across the country, and last week he visited the Big Apple for media appearances on FOX & FRIENDS and FOX & FRIENDS’ After the Show Show, Fox 411, FOX News Edge, and Glenn Beck TV’s Liberty Treehouse. In celebration of “Me Without You” reaching No. 1 on this week’s chart, he stopped by the Billboard offices to perform the song for the outlet’s Chart Beat section. On Monday, August 27, Toby made a special guest appearance with Grammy®-nominated artist Mandisa on ABC’s “Good Morning America” to perform her song "Good Morning."
Already a hit with fans, the album is also receiving raves reviews and high praise from critics and peers, too. Here’s just a sampling of what people are saying about EYE ON IT:
"A pulsating, relentlessly positive set of tunes that toggle between the dance floor, the bedroom window, and the open road, the 12-track Eye on It represents TobyMac’s most accessible collection of songs to date."- All Music
"Eye on It also features some of TobyMac's most boldly beautiful moments of his lengthy career … the message and beats come out loud and clear, speaking to both body and soul."- Christianity Today
"Me Without You," is the perfect summer pop song and a multi-format smash hit straight out of the box -Houston Chronicle
"Eye On It carries on tobyMac's longstanding record of producing uplifting, catchy songs that strike a nice balance between high-energy and heartfelt emotion."- Examiner
“…Eye On It once again proves why he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. This is without a doubt one of my top albums of the year and one of the “cant miss” CCM projects of 2012…Eye On It has taken shape not only as one of Toby’s most musically whimsical projects, but one of his most passionate." - New Release Tuesday
"With Eye On It, TobyMac continues to raise the bar of artistry…. Eye On It is as cool as anything Toby’s ever done."- GMCtv
"…Toby continues to hold his own with Eye On It, and those continually enamored with his work won't be disappointed with his latest tinkerings; Eye On It maintains the fun and Jesus-centered atmosphere that his fans have come to know and love."- Jesus Freak Hideout
"…this is a top notch production that should prove to be one of the more favorable albums of the year. After all these years, he’s still cooler than you or me." - Christian Music Zine
The 12 tracks comprising EYE ON IT pull from TobyMac’s personal influences (“Made For You” and “Family”), as well as a nod to his ascension into music (“Thankful For You”). EYE ON ITfeatures musical guests including reigning GMA Dove Awards New Artist of the Year, Jamie Grace (“Favorite Song”), Group1Crew’s Blanca Reyes (“UnStoppable”) and Christian rap heavyweight Lecrae (“Forgiveness”). Along with TobyMac’s first three solo projects, his 2009 release, TONIGHT, was recently certified Gold by the R.I.A.A. Written by TobyMac and David Garcia, “Me Without You” was the first track from EYE ON IT to be released to radio, where it claimed the No. 1 spot this week on the Billboard Christian Songs, CHR and Christian AC Indicator charts. It’s currently at No. 2 on the National Audience Chart and Christian AC-Monitored chart.
TobyMac’s street week schedule includes radio visits across the country, and last week he visited the Big Apple for media appearances on FOX & FRIENDS and FOX & FRIENDS’ After the Show Show, Fox 411, FOX News Edge, and Glenn Beck TV’s Liberty Treehouse. In celebration of “Me Without You” reaching No. 1 on this week’s chart, he stopped by the Billboard offices to perform the song for the outlet’s Chart Beat section. On Monday, August 27, Toby made a special guest appearance with Grammy®-nominated artist Mandisa on ABC’s “Good Morning America” to perform her song "Good Morning."
Already a hit with fans, the album is also receiving raves reviews and high praise from critics and peers, too. Here’s just a sampling of what people are saying about EYE ON IT:
"A pulsating, relentlessly positive set of tunes that toggle between the dance floor, the bedroom window, and the open road, the 12-track Eye on It represents TobyMac’s most accessible collection of songs to date."- All Music
"Eye on It also features some of TobyMac's most boldly beautiful moments of his lengthy career … the message and beats come out loud and clear, speaking to both body and soul."- Christianity Today
"Me Without You," is the perfect summer pop song and a multi-format smash hit straight out of the box -Houston Chronicle
"Eye On It carries on tobyMac's longstanding record of producing uplifting, catchy songs that strike a nice balance between high-energy and heartfelt emotion."- Examiner
“…Eye On It once again proves why he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. This is without a doubt one of my top albums of the year and one of the “cant miss” CCM projects of 2012…Eye On It has taken shape not only as one of Toby’s most musically whimsical projects, but one of his most passionate." - New Release Tuesday
"With Eye On It, TobyMac continues to raise the bar of artistry…. Eye On It is as cool as anything Toby’s ever done."- GMCtv
"…Toby continues to hold his own with Eye On It, and those continually enamored with his work won't be disappointed with his latest tinkerings; Eye On It maintains the fun and Jesus-centered atmosphere that his fans have come to know and love."- Jesus Freak Hideout
"…this is a top notch production that should prove to be one of the more favorable albums of the year. After all these years, he’s still cooler than you or me." - Christian Music Zine
The 12 tracks comprising EYE ON IT pull from TobyMac’s personal influences (“Made For You” and “Family”), as well as a nod to his ascension into music (“Thankful For You”). EYE ON ITfeatures musical guests including reigning GMA Dove Awards New Artist of the Year, Jamie Grace (“Favorite Song”), Group1Crew’s Blanca Reyes (“UnStoppable”) and Christian rap heavyweight Lecrae (“Forgiveness”). Along with TobyMac’s first three solo projects, his 2009 release, TONIGHT, was recently certified Gold by the R.I.A.A. Written by TobyMac and David Garcia, “Me Without You” was the first track from EYE ON IT to be released to radio, where it claimed the No. 1 spot this week on the Billboard Christian Songs, CHR and Christian AC Indicator charts. It’s currently at No. 2 on the National Audience Chart and Christian AC-Monitored chart.
Five-Time Grammy-Award winner and multi-platinum selling artist TobyMac will release his fifth solo studio project, EYE ON IT on August 28. To kick-off the release, TobyMac will make his national television debut of the project’s latest single, “Me Without You” on the hit cable morning show, FOX & FRIENDS live on Saturday, August 25. The pre-sale for EYE ON IT is now live at multiple music retailers including iTunes, Family Christian Stores, Lifeway Christian Stores and Amazon. In support of EYE ON IT, TobyMac will be hosting promotional events in conjunction with key radio stations in select markets.
Along with TobyMac’s first three solo projects, his 2009 release, TONIGHT, was recently certified Gold by the R.I.A.A. Written by TobyMac and David Garcia, “Me Without You” is the first track to be released from the five-time Grammy award winner’s upcoming album. The 12-track project, EYE ON IT, pulls from TobyMac’s personal influences with songs “Made For You” and “Family” as well as a nod to his ascension into music with “Thankful For You.” EYE ON IT features musical guests from reigning New Artist of the Year Jamie Grace (“Favorite Song”), Blanca from Group1Crew (“UnStoppable”) and Lecrae (“Forgiveness”).
“I want my music to depict what I’m going through. I want to write about the things that upset me, move me, hurt me and haunt me. The things that are real,” says TobyMac. “With TONIGHT, I was determined to live more passionately with God. I was laying down the gauntlet. EYE ON IT is a continuation of that. It’s saying, ‘This is the person I want to be and I’m going to keep my eye on it, God willing!’”
This fall, TobyMac is set to headline the Winter Jam West Coast Tour and his own “EYE ON IT” tour with Jamie Grace and Chris August and the “HITS DEEP” tour. The “HITS DEEP” tour features TobyMac and friends Chris August, Jamie Grace, Group1Crew, Brandon Heath, Mandisa and Britt Nicole as they perform some of their hit songs in an exciting night of music. For more information on his upcoming schedule, visit http://www.tobymac.com/tour/.
Track Listing for EYE ON IT:
1 Me Without You
2 Steal My Show
3 Eye On It
4 Forgiveness (feat. Lecrae)
5 Speak Life
6 UnStoppable (feat. Blanca of Group1Crew)
7 Lose Myself
8 Family
9 Thankful For You
10 Made For Me
11 Mac Daddy (Tru’s Reality)
12 Favorite Song (feat. Jamie Grace)
Deluxe Bonus:
13. Me Without You (Capital Kings Remix)
14. Steal My Show (Jack Shocklee Remix)
15. Lose Myself (Capital Kings Remix)
16. Family (Jamie Moore Remix)
17. LoudNClear Tru (Telemitry Remix)
18. Me Without You (Telemitry Remix)
*Tracks 13-18 are only available on the Deluxe Edition of the album
Along with TobyMac’s first three solo projects, his 2009 release, TONIGHT, was recently certified Gold by the R.I.A.A. Written by TobyMac and David Garcia, “Me Without You” is the first track to be released from the five-time Grammy award winner’s upcoming album. The 12-track project, EYE ON IT, pulls from TobyMac’s personal influences with songs “Made For You” and “Family” as well as a nod to his ascension into music with “Thankful For You.” EYE ON IT features musical guests from reigning New Artist of the Year Jamie Grace (“Favorite Song”), Blanca from Group1Crew (“UnStoppable”) and Lecrae (“Forgiveness”).
“I want my music to depict what I’m going through. I want to write about the things that upset me, move me, hurt me and haunt me. The things that are real,” says TobyMac. “With TONIGHT, I was determined to live more passionately with God. I was laying down the gauntlet. EYE ON IT is a continuation of that. It’s saying, ‘This is the person I want to be and I’m going to keep my eye on it, God willing!’”
This fall, TobyMac is set to headline the Winter Jam West Coast Tour and his own “EYE ON IT” tour with Jamie Grace and Chris August and the “HITS DEEP” tour. The “HITS DEEP” tour features TobyMac and friends Chris August, Jamie Grace, Group1Crew, Brandon Heath, Mandisa and Britt Nicole as they perform some of their hit songs in an exciting night of music. For more information on his upcoming schedule, visit http://www.tobymac.com/tour/.
Track Listing for EYE ON IT:
1 Me Without You
2 Steal My Show
3 Eye On It
4 Forgiveness (feat. Lecrae)
5 Speak Life
6 UnStoppable (feat. Blanca of Group1Crew)
7 Lose Myself
8 Family
9 Thankful For You
10 Made For Me
11 Mac Daddy (Tru’s Reality)
12 Favorite Song (feat. Jamie Grace)
Deluxe Bonus:
13. Me Without You (Capital Kings Remix)
14. Steal My Show (Jack Shocklee Remix)
15. Lose Myself (Capital Kings Remix)
16. Family (Jamie Moore Remix)
17. LoudNClear Tru (Telemitry Remix)
18. Me Without You (Telemitry Remix)
*Tracks 13-18 are only available on the Deluxe Edition of the album
The Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular, the #1 tour in the world for the first quarter, is slated to head West this fall, headlined by GRAMMY® winning multi-platinum recording artist TobyMac. Hitting seven major U.S. cities and boasting a line-up of some of the top names in Christian music, Winter Jam West Coast will kick-off November 9 in Ontario, California.
Created and hosted by GRAMMY®-nominated Christian music mainstay NewSong, the tour’s Western dates will also feature RED, Sidewalk Prophets, Jamie Grace, Chris August, Group 1 Crew, Jason Castro, Dara Maclean and Capital Kings, along with a message from evangelist Nick Hall. Following its Los Angeles-area launch, Winter Jam is set to rock Las Vegas’ Orleans Arena; the US Airways Center in Phoenix; Memorial Coliseum in Portland; Sacramento, California’s Power Balance Pavilion; and the Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho, before concluding November 18 at Fresno, California's Save Mart Center (Fresno headliner to be announced).
“We’re thrilled to welcome TobyMac back to the Winter Jam stage,” said Eddie Carswell, Winter Jam creator and NewSong founding member. “One of Christian music’s biggest artists of all time, Toby is a showstopper and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this incredible night of music and ministry. Not only has God paved the way for Winter Jam to hit the West Coast again this year, but we’re more exited than ever to bring such a top-notch, diverse line-up along. We look forward to witnessing what God’s going to do in November!”
Earlier this year the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular shattered its own record to become the #1 tour in the world (first quarter) for the second consecutive year, according to Pollstar’s 2012 Worldwide First Quarter Ticket Sales Charts - Top 100 Tours. Headlined by GRAMMY®-nominated alternative rockers Skillet, the 47-city tour saw 32 sold-out concerts and surpassed last year’s record attendance by more than 10,000, playing to a total of nearly 535,000 people.
Promoted by Premier Productions and presented by World Vision, Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular partners include the University of Mobile, Teen Missions International, Premier Christian Cruises, Xtreme Conferences, Camp Electric, The Creation Museum, Wayne E. Bailey Produce, and Texas TransEastern.
With over 11 million units in career sales, sold out tour dates and back to back radio hits, TobyMac celebrated his eighth GRAMMY® nomination this year following his fourth consecutive RIAA Gold certification for Tonight, which also received 2011 GRAMMY® nods for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album" and "Best Contemporary Christian Song," an American Music Award nomination for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist," three Billboard Music Award nominations including “Top Christian Artist,” and a Dove Award for “Best Rock Contemporary Album of the Year.” Tonight was iTunes® Best Christian Album of 2010 and also garnered him the highest sales debut of his solo career with over 78,000 units and a No. 6 Billboard Top 200 debut. TobyMac's music has been heard universally in major motion pictures such as “Hancock,” and “TRANSPORTER 2,” on ESPN's ESPY Awards and CBS' CSI: NY, while also being featured on Fox sports, The NFL network, WWE, the Golf Channel and on MLB’s 30 Clubs in 30 Days Spring Training Series. TobyMac will release EYE ON IT on August 28th.
Christian music mainstay NewSong has recorded 17 albums, garnering 20 #1 Christian radio singles and a GRAMMY® Award nomination, in addition to being inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, among numerous other achievements. The band’s unparalleled 30-year ministry has been highlighted by such defining songs as “The Christmas Shoes” and “Arise, My Love,” as well as the group’s recent hit single, “The Same God.” The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, created by NewSong in 1995, has become not only Christian music’s largest annual tour, but the top outing in all of music for the first quarter each year. Featuring the genre’s biggest names—including Skillet, Newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day, Francesca Battistelli, Tenth Avenue North and Fireflight—Winter Jam has introduced Christian music to new audiences across the country, while providing a powerful platform for the Gospel message.
"Me Without You," the brand-new single from Grammy-Award winning and multi-platinum selling artist TobyMac was the most-added single at Christian AC and CHR radio last week, receiving a whopping 53 total adds—40 at AC and 13 at CHR. The song received an additional 10 adds in its second week. Produced by TobyMac and David Garcia, "Me Without You" will be available via iTunes on June 12.
"Me Without You" is the first track to be released from the five-time Grammy winner's upcoming album, Eye On It, set to release on August 28. Along with TobyMac's first three solo projects, his latest, Tonight, was recently certified Gold by the RIAA.
TobyMac has confirmed appearances at high-profile festivals this summer including Spirit West Coast, Creation East and AtlantaFest, in addition to many more.
"Me Without You" is the first track to be released from the five-time Grammy winner's upcoming album, Eye On It, set to release on August 28. Along with TobyMac's first three solo projects, his latest, Tonight, was recently certified Gold by the RIAA.
TobyMac has confirmed appearances at high-profile festivals this summer including Spirit West Coast, Creation East and AtlantaFest, in addition to many more.
This Friday five-time Grammy® Award winning and multi platinum selling artist TobyMac will perform on ABC's hit daytime talk show The View. At the personal request of co-host Sherri Shepherd, TobyMac and his band Diverse City will perform "Get Back Up" during the episode celebrating Shepherd's birthday. The View airs weekdays on ABC at 11a/10a pt/c, and more information on the show can be found here.
Critics and fans alike bravoed TobyMac upon the recent release of Dubbed & Freq’d: A Remix Project, his first remix album in seven years. Fusing his signature rock-pop, hip-hop and urban styles with a treatment of today’s electronic music uprising, the album offers an outstanding new interpretation of 12 of Toby’s classics to an incredibly wide audience. Immediately upon release, the album made its debut at No. 2 on the iTunes® Christian & Gospel Albums chart.
In addition to the release of Dubbed & Freq’d, TobyMac is closing in on the finale of his unplugged “A Night of Stories and Songs” tour, which will wrap this Saturday, April 21in Ft. Wayne, IN. He has also confirmed appearances at high-profile festivals this summer including Spirit West Coast, Creation East and AtlantaFest, in additional to many more. See the cities and dates here.
Critics and fans alike bravoed TobyMac upon the recent release of Dubbed & Freq’d: A Remix Project, his first remix album in seven years. Fusing his signature rock-pop, hip-hop and urban styles with a treatment of today’s electronic music uprising, the album offers an outstanding new interpretation of 12 of Toby’s classics to an incredibly wide audience. Immediately upon release, the album made its debut at No. 2 on the iTunes® Christian & Gospel Albums chart.
In addition to the release of Dubbed & Freq’d, TobyMac is closing in on the finale of his unplugged “A Night of Stories and Songs” tour, which will wrap this Saturday, April 21in Ft. Wayne, IN. He has also confirmed appearances at high-profile festivals this summer including Spirit West Coast, Creation East and AtlantaFest, in additional to many more. See the cities and dates here.
After receiving five GRAMMY® awards, countless other accolades, and with album sales in excess of 10 million, it’s no surprise that critics and fans alike bravoed superstar TobyMac upon the release of Dubbed & Freq’d: A Remix Project, his first remix album in seven years. Fusing his signature rock-pop, hip-hop and urban styles with a treatment of today’s electronic music uprising, the album offers an outstanding new interpretation of 12 of Toby’s classics to an incredibly wide audience. Immediately upon release, the album made its debut at No. 2 on the iTunes® Christian & Gospel Albums chart.
To give fans a chance to build their own remixes, Toby has launched an interactive app on his Facebook page where visitors can create their own remix of his hit song “Showstopper”. After creating it, fans can share their unique remix via Facebook and Twitter. To check it out, please click here.
“For remix records, an artist can be very involved or back off, and for me it’s the latter,” Toby explains. “For all of my remix records, I choose the producers and remixers and let them do their thing. Then I either say ‘yes’ or push back with ‘what if you did this or that?’ The way I see it, I’ve already taken my shot at the songs and put the recipe together.”
Media have been eager to praise TobyMac for his adventurous new project, and here is just a sampling of what people are saying about Dubbed & Freq’d:
"...if you’re familiar with [TobyMac's] music and are interested in hearing it in a fresh new way, look no further… and prepare to be freaked." - New Release Tuesday
“Such a crisp creative project could only come from one of the industry’s best. TobyMac puts together another great release… no surprise there.” – CMAddict.com
"‘Lose My Soul’ and ‘Ignition’ are both simply amazing, with the former carrying hot piano (yes piano) keys while the latter has dramatic production throughout. McKeehan takes two already great songs and re-mixes them into pure creative awesomeness... this will be spinning in my player for a while." – Jesus Freak Hideout
“TobyMac not only makes great music with amazing production value, he makes essential music, and getting Dubbed & Freq’d is just a natural choice for any fan.” – Christian Music Zine
In addition to the release of Dubbed & Freq’d, TobyMac has concert plans as well, having announced the expansion of his unplugged “A Night of Stories and Songs” tour through April 21. He has also confirmed appearances at high-profile festivals including Spirit West Coast, Creation East and AtlantaFest, in additional to many more. See the cities and dates here.
To give fans a chance to build their own remixes, Toby has launched an interactive app on his Facebook page where visitors can create their own remix of his hit song “Showstopper”. After creating it, fans can share their unique remix via Facebook and Twitter. To check it out, please click here.
“For remix records, an artist can be very involved or back off, and for me it’s the latter,” Toby explains. “For all of my remix records, I choose the producers and remixers and let them do their thing. Then I either say ‘yes’ or push back with ‘what if you did this or that?’ The way I see it, I’ve already taken my shot at the songs and put the recipe together.”
Media have been eager to praise TobyMac for his adventurous new project, and here is just a sampling of what people are saying about Dubbed & Freq’d:
"...if you’re familiar with [TobyMac's] music and are interested in hearing it in a fresh new way, look no further… and prepare to be freaked." - New Release Tuesday
“Such a crisp creative project could only come from one of the industry’s best. TobyMac puts together another great release… no surprise there.” – CMAddict.com
"‘Lose My Soul’ and ‘Ignition’ are both simply amazing, with the former carrying hot piano (yes piano) keys while the latter has dramatic production throughout. McKeehan takes two already great songs and re-mixes them into pure creative awesomeness... this will be spinning in my player for a while." – Jesus Freak Hideout
“TobyMac not only makes great music with amazing production value, he makes essential music, and getting Dubbed & Freq’d is just a natural choice for any fan.” – Christian Music Zine
In addition to the release of Dubbed & Freq’d, TobyMac has concert plans as well, having announced the expansion of his unplugged “A Night of Stories and Songs” tour through April 21. He has also confirmed appearances at high-profile festivals including Spirit West Coast, Creation East and AtlantaFest, in additional to many more. See the cities and dates here.
Throughout the course of his extensive career, five-time GRAMMY ® award-winning artist TobyMac has yet to release a Christmas record. This week, that changed as the multi-platinum selling artist released Christmas in Diverse City (Forefront Records). Christmas in Diverse City is available wherever music is sold, including iTunes, Amazon MP3, Family Christian Stores, LifeWay, Parable, and Mardel.
The unique project showcases TobyMac at his best-mixing pop, rock, soul, hip-hop and urban flavors into irresistible songs with a distinctive Christmas spirit. Featuring memorable collaborations with the industry’s finest such as Owl City, Sixpence None the Richer’s Leigh Nash and rising star Jamie Grace, the album's track listing also spotlights performances and songs from TobyMac’s long-time touring band, Diverse City.
“I just tried to think outside the box,” commented TobyMac on the creative process behind the project. “It’s difficult at first to imagine some of these songs with a modern beat, but I think Christmas is about celebration and come on, on the inside everyone wants to dance. It has a bit of everything- six songs are my artistry: an eclectic blend of Christmas classics and originals. The other seven tracks are my amazing band’s (Diverse City) individual artistic efforts. I love it.”
Christmas in Diverse City also features the No. 1 radio hit "Christmas This Year," which was released as a single track last year and features the talents of Leigh Nash.
In addition to his holiday release, this fall TobyMac will embark on a tour unlike any he has done before. TobyMac will get personal with his fans and reveal a different side of his music on “UNPLUGGED A Night of Stories and Songs” tour. Joined by special guest Jamie Grace for this “storyteller’s night,” TobyMac will open up about the inspiration behind the songs of his 10 year solo career and more. See full list of tour dates below.
For more information on TobyMac, Christmas in Diverse City and “UNPLUGGED A Night of Stories and Songs” tour, please visit www.tobymac.com.
Christmas in Diverse City Track Listing:
1) Christmas This Year (Featuring Leigh Nash)-TobyMac
2) The First Noel (Featuring Owl City)-TobyMac
3) Mary’s Boy Child (Featuring Jamie Grace)-TobyMac
4) O Come All Ye Faithful-TobyMac
5) Little Drummer Boy-TobyMac
6) This Christmas (Father of the Fatherless)-TobyMac
7) Carol of the Kings (Featuring Gabe Real & Liquid) –Maj
8) Birthoflove-Superherose
9) What Child Is This? - Arch Nemesiz
10) It Snowed- Tim Rosenau
11) Angels We Have Heard on High- Nirva Ready
12) Santa’s Comin’ Back ‘Round- Toddie Funk
13) ChristmasTime- Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers
TobyMac “UNPLUGGED A Night of Stories and Songs” Tour Dates:
Nov. 3 – Huntsville, Alabama
Nov. 4 – Marietta, Georgia
Nov. 5 – Fayetteville, Georgia
Nov. 6 – Columbus, Indiana
Nov.10 – Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Nov.11 – Fayetteville, North Carolina
Nov.12 – Cincinnati, Ohio
Nov.13 – Evansville, Indiana
Nov.17 – Dothan, Alabama
Nov.18 – Tallahassee, Florida
Nov.19 – Aiken, South Carolina
Nov.20 – Mobile, AL
The unique project showcases TobyMac at his best-mixing pop, rock, soul, hip-hop and urban flavors into irresistible songs with a distinctive Christmas spirit. Featuring memorable collaborations with the industry’s finest such as Owl City, Sixpence None the Richer’s Leigh Nash and rising star Jamie Grace, the album's track listing also spotlights performances and songs from TobyMac’s long-time touring band, Diverse City.
“I just tried to think outside the box,” commented TobyMac on the creative process behind the project. “It’s difficult at first to imagine some of these songs with a modern beat, but I think Christmas is about celebration and come on, on the inside everyone wants to dance. It has a bit of everything- six songs are my artistry: an eclectic blend of Christmas classics and originals. The other seven tracks are my amazing band’s (Diverse City) individual artistic efforts. I love it.”
Christmas in Diverse City also features the No. 1 radio hit "Christmas This Year," which was released as a single track last year and features the talents of Leigh Nash.
In addition to his holiday release, this fall TobyMac will embark on a tour unlike any he has done before. TobyMac will get personal with his fans and reveal a different side of his music on “UNPLUGGED A Night of Stories and Songs” tour. Joined by special guest Jamie Grace for this “storyteller’s night,” TobyMac will open up about the inspiration behind the songs of his 10 year solo career and more. See full list of tour dates below.
For more information on TobyMac, Christmas in Diverse City and “UNPLUGGED A Night of Stories and Songs” tour, please visit www.tobymac.com.
Christmas in Diverse City Track Listing:
1) Christmas This Year (Featuring Leigh Nash)-TobyMac
2) The First Noel (Featuring Owl City)-TobyMac
3) Mary’s Boy Child (Featuring Jamie Grace)-TobyMac
4) O Come All Ye Faithful-TobyMac
5) Little Drummer Boy-TobyMac
6) This Christmas (Father of the Fatherless)-TobyMac
7) Carol of the Kings (Featuring Gabe Real & Liquid) –Maj
8) Birthoflove-Superherose
9) What Child Is This? - Arch Nemesiz
10) It Snowed- Tim Rosenau
11) Angels We Have Heard on High- Nirva Ready
12) Santa’s Comin’ Back ‘Round- Toddie Funk
13) ChristmasTime- Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers
TobyMac “UNPLUGGED A Night of Stories and Songs” Tour Dates:
Nov. 3 – Huntsville, Alabama
Nov. 4 – Marietta, Georgia
Nov. 5 – Fayetteville, Georgia
Nov. 6 – Columbus, Indiana
Nov.10 – Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Nov.11 – Fayetteville, North Carolina
Nov.12 – Cincinnati, Ohio
Nov.13 – Evansville, Indiana
Nov.17 – Dothan, Alabama
Nov.18 – Tallahassee, Florida
Nov.19 – Aiken, South Carolina
Nov.20 – Mobile, AL
When Shonlock’s full-length debut release NEVERODDOREVEN (Arrow Records/Universal Music Christian Group) was released on June 21, 2011, the artist, previously best known for his ongoing gig as part of TobyMac’s Diverse City, stepped up to a mic that was all his own. With the success of his first two radio singles and an increased demand for touring, Shonlock will depart from TobyMac’s touring outfit at the end of this month to devote his full attention to his own artistry.
Shonlock’s debut single, “Something In Your Eyes,” became one of this year’s biggest radio hits, holding the #1 spot on Billboard’s CHR Chart, where it remained for seven straight weeks. The follow-up single, “Hello,” is currently #5 and climbing, and a music video will be shot in the coming weeks.
With a lengthy tour schedule for the remainder of 2011, Shonlock will next hit the road on this fall’s “Outta Space Love Tour” with Group 1 Crew, Rachael Lampa and Rapture Ruckus. He spent the summer performing at major festivals, including Creation East, Creation West, Ignite Festival, Heaven Fest and Rock the Desert.
“My band and I have been invited to a lot of festivals, and the crowds have been amazing,” says Shonlock. “It feels good to be able to share what God has given me with such large and attentive audiences. It’s fun to see the reactions people have when they finally put the face with the songs. I love it!"
The excitement about one of Christian music’s most promising new artists extends to the media, where the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. “The acclaimed choreographer (Arrested Development, Aaliyah) turned member of TobyMac’s Diverse City Band is even more talented as a solo artist, dropping one of the rap/rock scene’s most compelling concoctions this year,” said Andy Argyrakis for television network GMC’s Web site.
“If one had to name the freshest urban Christian music album so far in 2011, this one’s a lock,” said mega-site Crosswalk.com. According to TheBlackGospelBlog.com, “Shonlock may well be the breakout Christian artist of the year," while JesusFreakHideout.com declared the songs to be “extremely creative and some of the best musical artistry that I've heard in a while.”
“At the end of the day, I just want to fulfill the plans that God has for my life,” says Shonlock. “I want to use everything He's put in me to point people to Him regardless of music genre or ethnicity, and remain focused on the things that bring us together rather than the things that keep us apart."
For more information, visit http://www.shonlock.com.
Shonlock’s debut single, “Something In Your Eyes,” became one of this year’s biggest radio hits, holding the #1 spot on Billboard’s CHR Chart, where it remained for seven straight weeks. The follow-up single, “Hello,” is currently #5 and climbing, and a music video will be shot in the coming weeks.
With a lengthy tour schedule for the remainder of 2011, Shonlock will next hit the road on this fall’s “Outta Space Love Tour” with Group 1 Crew, Rachael Lampa and Rapture Ruckus. He spent the summer performing at major festivals, including Creation East, Creation West, Ignite Festival, Heaven Fest and Rock the Desert.
“My band and I have been invited to a lot of festivals, and the crowds have been amazing,” says Shonlock. “It feels good to be able to share what God has given me with such large and attentive audiences. It’s fun to see the reactions people have when they finally put the face with the songs. I love it!"
The excitement about one of Christian music’s most promising new artists extends to the media, where the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. “The acclaimed choreographer (Arrested Development, Aaliyah) turned member of TobyMac’s Diverse City Band is even more talented as a solo artist, dropping one of the rap/rock scene’s most compelling concoctions this year,” said Andy Argyrakis for television network GMC’s Web site.
“If one had to name the freshest urban Christian music album so far in 2011, this one’s a lock,” said mega-site Crosswalk.com. According to TheBlackGospelBlog.com, “Shonlock may well be the breakout Christian artist of the year," while JesusFreakHideout.com declared the songs to be “extremely creative and some of the best musical artistry that I've heard in a while.”
“At the end of the day, I just want to fulfill the plans that God has for my life,” says Shonlock. “I want to use everything He's put in me to point people to Him regardless of music genre or ethnicity, and remain focused on the things that bring us together rather than the things that keep us apart."
For more information, visit http://www.shonlock.com.
Gotee newcomer Jamie Grace continues to receive unparalleled success with her debut, No. 1, hit single “Hold Me” featuring multi-platinum selling artist tobyMac. The track is raking in No. 1’s across the board with a No. 1 at Christian AC Monitored, Christian AC Mediabase, iTunes ® Christian & Gospel Songs and Billboard Christian Digital Tracks. Adding to the acclaim, Jamie Grace is one of very few artists to have their debut single go No. 1 on both radio charts.
Last week, Jamie Grace leaked her new song “You Lead” from her upcoming studio album One Song At A Time via Twitter. To hear the song, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFmSzL2ppvg.
Jamie Grace will debut her first, full-length record titled One Song At A Time on September 20. Aside from “Hold Me,” the 11 track album contains other notable songs “With You,” “Come To Me” and “God Girl” done in a hybrid sound of acoustic pop, hip hop, folk, reggae and even country, final track listing below. The majority of the songs were produced by Christopher Stevens (tobyMac, Carrie Underwood) with additional tracks produced by Arch Nemesiz (production duo of GabeReal and Dave Wyatt of DiverseCity) and David Garcia (Mandisa, Group 1 Crew).
In support of One Song At A Time, Jamie Grace will hit the road this fall with tobyMac in October while he tours Canada, and in November as a special guest on the “tobyMac Unplugged: A Night of Stories & Songs” tour hitting the U.S. Jamie Grace will also take part in “Newsong's Very Merry Christmas Tour” featuring NewSong, Kutless and Chris August. Dates for the tour will be announced soon and available here. Additionally, Jamie Grace has been announced as a performer on the Revolve 2012 tour.
Last week, Jamie Grace leaked her new song “You Lead” from her upcoming studio album One Song At A Time via Twitter. To hear the song, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFmSzL2ppvg.
Jamie Grace will debut her first, full-length record titled One Song At A Time on September 20. Aside from “Hold Me,” the 11 track album contains other notable songs “With You,” “Come To Me” and “God Girl” done in a hybrid sound of acoustic pop, hip hop, folk, reggae and even country, final track listing below. The majority of the songs were produced by Christopher Stevens (tobyMac, Carrie Underwood) with additional tracks produced by Arch Nemesiz (production duo of GabeReal and Dave Wyatt of DiverseCity) and David Garcia (Mandisa, Group 1 Crew).
In support of One Song At A Time, Jamie Grace will hit the road this fall with tobyMac in October while he tours Canada, and in November as a special guest on the “tobyMac Unplugged: A Night of Stories & Songs” tour hitting the U.S. Jamie Grace will also take part in “Newsong's Very Merry Christmas Tour” featuring NewSong, Kutless and Chris August. Dates for the tour will be announced soon and available here. Additionally, Jamie Grace has been announced as a performer on the Revolve 2012 tour.
On the heels of the chart-topping #1 radio hit “Something In Your Eyes,” Arrow Records recording artist Shonlock will release his debut album NEVERODDOREVEN (Universal Music Christian Group) on June 21, 2011.
Best known to Christian music fans as a member of TobyMac’s Diverse City, Shonlock has been busy preparing to step out into a spotlight of his own. He spent much of 2010 on tour with TobyMac and Skillet for their record-breaking Awake Tonight Tour. And later this year, Shonlock will hit the road with Group 1 Crew. But what may appear to be an overnight success story has been a long time coming.
Shonlock’s career began when he was plucked out of his Chicago high school by R. Kelly’s management team, to join R&B powerhouse Aaliyah and hip-hop pioneers Arrested Development on tour as a chorographer and dancer. From there, his name spread throughout the industry, resulting in a call from Christian hip-hop duo GRITS.
“At first, I was using a lot of my gifts and talents for the wrong reasons, but came to a whole new outlook on life after I met Verbs, who was supporting Grits at the time,” recalls Shonlock. “One day after going over some choreography he presented the Gospel to me, which was really refreshing because it was coming from somebody who understood my background and had similar interests in music. I had been going to church when I was younger, but never really grasped it, so to have it presented in a form that I could relate to and at an age when I could understand it became life changing.”
Alongside that spiritual renewal came a chance to work with like-minded stars such as Nicole C. Mullen and The Katinas, eventually catching the eyes and ears of multi-platinum artist TobyMac. Besides offering his chorography to TobyMac’s Diverse City, Shonlock became part of Diverse City as a guest vocalist/performer, a role that he maintains to this day.
While touring with TobyMac, Shonlock demonstrated that he was more than just a dancer and choreographer with a self-released CD that moved over 15,000 copies without the assistance of retail distribution. His ability to craft a song brought songwriting opportunities with touring partner TobyMac, as well as artists like Mandisa, Verbs and Kierra “Kiki” Sheard. His pop/rock/hip-hop stylings caught the attention of Arrow Records, resulting in a partnership that spawned the Where Never Begins EP in late 2010, followed by the new full-length album NEVERODDOREVEN.
“There’s a play on the title visually where it spells the same phrase forward or backwards,” says Shonlock. “The message is all about my relationship with God, and when you’re walking with Him, I never find it odd when amazing things happen. But on the flipside with the ultimate sacrifice of His son, I could never get even, which makes me forever indebted to Him.”
Much like his mentor TobyMac, Shonlock desires to create a bridge for all audiences while breaking down radio formats and spiritual stereotypes. “My goal is to be a blend for the pop, hip-hop and rock loving crowd without ever wanting to get boxed into a certain category,” he explains. “I’m not eyeing a particular marketplace, group or clique. I’m just going to do whatever I can to make sure the people that need to hear this message get a chance. If the message is truth and the music is good quality music, people will be drawn to it no matter what genre.”
For more information, visit http://www.shonlock.com.
Best known to Christian music fans as a member of TobyMac’s Diverse City, Shonlock has been busy preparing to step out into a spotlight of his own. He spent much of 2010 on tour with TobyMac and Skillet for their record-breaking Awake Tonight Tour. And later this year, Shonlock will hit the road with Group 1 Crew. But what may appear to be an overnight success story has been a long time coming.
Shonlock’s career began when he was plucked out of his Chicago high school by R. Kelly’s management team, to join R&B powerhouse Aaliyah and hip-hop pioneers Arrested Development on tour as a chorographer and dancer. From there, his name spread throughout the industry, resulting in a call from Christian hip-hop duo GRITS.
“At first, I was using a lot of my gifts and talents for the wrong reasons, but came to a whole new outlook on life after I met Verbs, who was supporting Grits at the time,” recalls Shonlock. “One day after going over some choreography he presented the Gospel to me, which was really refreshing because it was coming from somebody who understood my background and had similar interests in music. I had been going to church when I was younger, but never really grasped it, so to have it presented in a form that I could relate to and at an age when I could understand it became life changing.”
Alongside that spiritual renewal came a chance to work with like-minded stars such as Nicole C. Mullen and The Katinas, eventually catching the eyes and ears of multi-platinum artist TobyMac. Besides offering his chorography to TobyMac’s Diverse City, Shonlock became part of Diverse City as a guest vocalist/performer, a role that he maintains to this day.
While touring with TobyMac, Shonlock demonstrated that he was more than just a dancer and choreographer with a self-released CD that moved over 15,000 copies without the assistance of retail distribution. His ability to craft a song brought songwriting opportunities with touring partner TobyMac, as well as artists like Mandisa, Verbs and Kierra “Kiki” Sheard. His pop/rock/hip-hop stylings caught the attention of Arrow Records, resulting in a partnership that spawned the Where Never Begins EP in late 2010, followed by the new full-length album NEVERODDOREVEN.
“There’s a play on the title visually where it spells the same phrase forward or backwards,” says Shonlock. “The message is all about my relationship with God, and when you’re walking with Him, I never find it odd when amazing things happen. But on the flipside with the ultimate sacrifice of His son, I could never get even, which makes me forever indebted to Him.”
Much like his mentor TobyMac, Shonlock desires to create a bridge for all audiences while breaking down radio formats and spiritual stereotypes. “My goal is to be a blend for the pop, hip-hop and rock loving crowd without ever wanting to get boxed into a certain category,” he explains. “I’m not eyeing a particular marketplace, group or clique. I’m just going to do whatever I can to make sure the people that need to hear this message get a chance. If the message is truth and the music is good quality music, people will be drawn to it no matter what genre.”
For more information, visit http://www.shonlock.com.
Recent BMI “Songwriter of the Year” winner TobyMac lead “Team TobyMac” in the Country Music Half Marathon last week in Nashville, TN, part of the larger Powered by Hope half marathon team. Team TobyMac brought in more than $100,000 to help support the education provided at New Hope Academy in Franklin, TN. Powered by Hope team members were on a mission to turn racial division, class segregation and spiritual poverty into community, possibility and vision.
One may have also considered The View's Sherri Shepherd a member of “Team TobyMac” when she opened this year’s 42nd Annual Dove Awards quoting lyrics from the artist’s popular hit “Made to Love” from his award-winning album Portable Sounds. Later that evening, the multifaceted artist took home his 16th Dove Award as a solo artist when he won “Best Rock Contemporary Album of the Year” for his latest GRAMMY ® nominated record TONIGHT.
In addition to his recent Dove honor, TobyMac recently garnered three Billboard Music Award nominations including “Top Christian Artist,"and “Top Christian Album” while his hit single “Get Back Up” is up for “Top Christian Song.” The annual event will air on ABC live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 22.
To catch all the latest news on TobyMac please visit www.tobymac.com.
One may have also considered The View's Sherri Shepherd a member of “Team TobyMac” when she opened this year’s 42nd Annual Dove Awards quoting lyrics from the artist’s popular hit “Made to Love” from his award-winning album Portable Sounds. Later that evening, the multifaceted artist took home his 16th Dove Award as a solo artist when he won “Best Rock Contemporary Album of the Year” for his latest GRAMMY ® nominated record TONIGHT.
In addition to his recent Dove honor, TobyMac recently garnered three Billboard Music Award nominations including “Top Christian Artist,"and “Top Christian Album” while his hit single “Get Back Up” is up for “Top Christian Song.” The annual event will air on ABC live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 22.
To catch all the latest news on TobyMac please visit www.tobymac.com.
This week, BMI hosted their Annual Christian Awards ceremony at their offices in downtown Nashville and for the third year in a row Forefront’s multi-platinum selling artist TobyMac took home the award of the night “Songwriter of the Year,” making it his fourth win in this category. He shared the honor with Rodney Griffin and Bo Rinehart who also took home awards for the same title. Additionally, the award-winning artist’s hit songs “Get Back Up” and “City On Our Knees ” were recognized for being two of the Top 25 most performed songs on Christian radio over the past year.
In addition to being one of Nashville's top songwriters, TobyMac continues to mentor songwriters and artists such as Jamie Grace, through Gotee Records and is excited for what she is bringing to the music industry:
"Jamie Grace writes, sings and plays her own music. She has a style that can’t be put into a typical label box—a dash of reggae, a dash of folk, a dash of hip hop," says TobyMac. "I’ve said it a million times, ‘If we’re ever going to be a shining city on a hill, we have to be diverse city.’ Jamie Grace is part of that diverse city. She’s such a natural, beautiful next step for our industry.”
The new female vocalist’s latest single “Hold Me,” also featuring TobyMac, was recently given the spotlight at iTunes ® as the Discovery Download. Listeners welcomed Grace with open arms as over 188,000 downloads were received. For more information on Jamie Grace please go to www. Jamiegrace.com.
TobyMac is currently entertaining crowds in the thousands on the HipRockFunkandSoul Tour. Opening the show are the solo talents of ArchNemesiz, SHONLOCK, Nirva Ready, Toddiefunk, Tim Rosenau, SuperHeRose and Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers otherwise known as the Diverse City Band.
For more information on TobyMac, please visit www.tobymac.com.
In addition to being one of Nashville's top songwriters, TobyMac continues to mentor songwriters and artists such as Jamie Grace, through Gotee Records and is excited for what she is bringing to the music industry:
"Jamie Grace writes, sings and plays her own music. She has a style that can’t be put into a typical label box—a dash of reggae, a dash of folk, a dash of hip hop," says TobyMac. "I’ve said it a million times, ‘If we’re ever going to be a shining city on a hill, we have to be diverse city.’ Jamie Grace is part of that diverse city. She’s such a natural, beautiful next step for our industry.”
The new female vocalist’s latest single “Hold Me,” also featuring TobyMac, was recently given the spotlight at iTunes ® as the Discovery Download. Listeners welcomed Grace with open arms as over 188,000 downloads were received. For more information on Jamie Grace please go to www. Jamiegrace.com.
TobyMac is currently entertaining crowds in the thousands on the HipRockFunkandSoul Tour. Opening the show are the solo talents of ArchNemesiz, SHONLOCK, Nirva Ready, Toddiefunk, Tim Rosenau, SuperHeRose and Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers otherwise known as the Diverse City Band.
For more information on TobyMac, please visit www.tobymac.com.
“Hold Me,” the debut single from Gotee newcomer Jamie Grace featuring multiple GRAMMY ® award winner tobyMac, has been selected as this week’s iTunes ® Discovery Download. The song will be available for one week free of costs on iTunes ®. To download the song, visit http://bit.ly/jamiedd.
In only four weeks, “Hold Me” has hit the top 15 at CHR radio. The song is currently in the iTunes ® Top 20 Christian & Gospel Songs chart, peaking at No. 3.The entire EP has consecutively charted in the Billboard Heatseekers chart for the past four weeks.
The coveted iTunes ® spot comes just weeks after new artist Jamie Grace released her digital debut with Gotee Records. Below is a sampling of what the reviews have been are saying about Hold Me e.p….
“Has a memorable introduction that should help distinguish her from the pack of new artists hoping to stick around for a while.” – Crosswalk.com
“Legitimately strong vocals are at center stage, with both acoustic guitars and solid beats at the core.” – JesusFreakHideout.com
“Jamie Grace has grabbed me with this small set of standout performances that have me awaiting the turning of autumn leaves with expectancy.” - The-Trades.com
Additional artists in the industry are also chatting about Jamie Grace’s debut…
“Just heard the new Jamie Grace EP called Hold Me. Really cool stuff! For fans of singer/songwriter pop w. great melodies!”
- @macpowell, Mac Powell of Third Day
“I luv her. My nieces luv her. @therealtobymac luvs her. And u will 2!” - @mandisaofficial, Mandisa
“Hey friends, check out my friend Jamie Grace’s new EP! She’s so talented and super sweet. Girl power!”
- @francescamusic, Francesca Battistelli
“My man tobyMac has a new artist. Her name is Jamie Grace. See what you think!” - @kirkfranklin, Kirk Franklin
“If you want to hear an incredible voice, check out the new Jamie GraceEP.” - @matthammitt, Matt Hammitt of Sanctus Real
Hold Me e.p. was produced by Christopher Stevens (TobyMac, Sanctus Real, Mandisa). Jamie Grace is currently a part of the spring 2011 “Revolve: Dream ON!” tour, joining the likes of Britt Nicole, Hawk Nelson, Group 1 Crew and others. For more information on “The Revolve Tour,” visit http://revolvetour.com/.
In only four weeks, “Hold Me” has hit the top 15 at CHR radio. The song is currently in the iTunes ® Top 20 Christian & Gospel Songs chart, peaking at No. 3.The entire EP has consecutively charted in the Billboard Heatseekers chart for the past four weeks.
The coveted iTunes ® spot comes just weeks after new artist Jamie Grace released her digital debut with Gotee Records. Below is a sampling of what the reviews have been are saying about Hold Me e.p….
“Has a memorable introduction that should help distinguish her from the pack of new artists hoping to stick around for a while.” – Crosswalk.com
“Legitimately strong vocals are at center stage, with both acoustic guitars and solid beats at the core.” – JesusFreakHideout.com
“Jamie Grace has grabbed me with this small set of standout performances that have me awaiting the turning of autumn leaves with expectancy.” - The-Trades.com
Additional artists in the industry are also chatting about Jamie Grace’s debut…
“Just heard the new Jamie Grace EP called Hold Me. Really cool stuff! For fans of singer/songwriter pop w. great melodies!”
- @macpowell, Mac Powell of Third Day
“I luv her. My nieces luv her. @therealtobymac luvs her. And u will 2!” - @mandisaofficial, Mandisa
“Hey friends, check out my friend Jamie Grace’s new EP! She’s so talented and super sweet. Girl power!”
- @francescamusic, Francesca Battistelli
“My man tobyMac has a new artist. Her name is Jamie Grace. See what you think!” - @kirkfranklin, Kirk Franklin
“If you want to hear an incredible voice, check out the new Jamie GraceEP.” - @matthammitt, Matt Hammitt of Sanctus Real
Hold Me e.p. was produced by Christopher Stevens (TobyMac, Sanctus Real, Mandisa). Jamie Grace is currently a part of the spring 2011 “Revolve: Dream ON!” tour, joining the likes of Britt Nicole, Hawk Nelson, Group 1 Crew and others. For more information on “The Revolve Tour,” visit http://revolvetour.com/.
The celebrity field for the 2011 AT&T Pebble Beach National ProAm was joined by GRAMMY®-Award winning and multi-platinum selling artist TobyMac this week.
Leading PGA TOUR pros will be teamed with celebrity amateurs including TobyMac, as well as ESPN sportscaster Chris Berman, actor Kevin Costner, NCIS: Los Angeles star Chris O’Donnell and Josh Duhamel. Other celebrities include former San Francisco 49er Harris Barton, soccer star Brandi Chastain, and actors Don Cheadle and Ray Romano. The attached photo features TobyMac alongside Kenny G and Michael Bolton.
Played on Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course and Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Shore Course February 7th– 13th, this is TobyMac's first visit to the ProAm, and should he continue through the rounds on Sunday, may miss the GRAMMY® Awards and where he nominated for his latest album TONIGHT, which received a nod for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album," and marks TobyMac's seventh consecutive GRAMMY® nomination as a solo artist.
Net proceeds from the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am go to support a wide variety of charitable organizations. Since the tournament moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1947, Monterey Peninsula Foundation has made charitable donations totaling over $85,000,000.
Leading PGA TOUR pros will be teamed with celebrity amateurs including TobyMac, as well as ESPN sportscaster Chris Berman, actor Kevin Costner, NCIS: Los Angeles star Chris O’Donnell and Josh Duhamel. Other celebrities include former San Francisco 49er Harris Barton, soccer star Brandi Chastain, and actors Don Cheadle and Ray Romano. The attached photo features TobyMac alongside Kenny G and Michael Bolton.
Played on Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course and Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Shore Course February 7th– 13th, this is TobyMac's first visit to the ProAm, and should he continue through the rounds on Sunday, may miss the GRAMMY® Awards and where he nominated for his latest album TONIGHT, which received a nod for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album," and marks TobyMac's seventh consecutive GRAMMY® nomination as a solo artist.
Net proceeds from the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am go to support a wide variety of charitable organizations. Since the tournament moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1947, Monterey Peninsula Foundation has made charitable donations totaling over $85,000,000.
Each week iTunes ® picks a song from an artist or band to feature as their highlighted “Single of the Week.” This week they have chosen the new holiday hit "Christmas This Year," the latest single by multi-platinum selling recording artist TobyMac. Fans can download the song for free here until Monday, December 20th.
“Christmas This Year” recently impacted radio and is No. 1 this week at AC Monitored, with over 90 stations playing the single.
The song highlights the female vocals of Sixpence None The Richer’s Leigh Nash, and it is the recent GRAMMY ® Award nominee’s first Christmas recording in eight years.
iTunes® has also announced their “Best Of 2010” releases and among them is TobyMac’s GRAMMY ® nominated album Tonight taking the title for “Best Christian Album of 2010.” The album is currently available at a discounted price for $7.99 ($10.99 deluxe edition) exclusively at iTunes®.
For more information on TobyMac please visit www.tobymac.com.
“Christmas This Year” recently impacted radio and is No. 1 this week at AC Monitored, with over 90 stations playing the single.
The song highlights the female vocals of Sixpence None The Richer’s Leigh Nash, and it is the recent GRAMMY ® Award nominee’s first Christmas recording in eight years.
iTunes® has also announced their “Best Of 2010” releases and among them is TobyMac’s GRAMMY ® nominated album Tonight taking the title for “Best Christian Album of 2010.” The album is currently available at a discounted price for $7.99 ($10.99 deluxe edition) exclusively at iTunes®.
For more information on TobyMac please visit www.tobymac.com.
Multi-platinum selling and already five-time GRAMMY ® Award winning artist TobyMac, has been honored with his seventh solo GRAMMY ® Award nomination for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album.” The 53rd Annual GRAMMY ® Awards are slated for February 13, 2011 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. The ceremony will be broadcast LIVE on CBS at 8pm EST/PT.
"I Love what I do,” says TobyMac. “I love making records with my friends. Painstaking at times, but always passionate. A GRAMMY ® nom for Tonight is humbling, exciting and truly an honor. It really is!"
In addition to the GRAMMY ® nod, this week TobyMac released a brand new holiday single “Christmas This Year,” which also features the talents of Leigh Nash from Sixpence None The Richer. The Christmas song is available now exclusively at iTunes® and is impacting Christian AC and CHR radio this week.
Also available now is TobyMac’s latest project, TobyMac: Moving Pictures, a DVD that features his entire work of music videos including his biggest hits “Irene”, “Extreme Days”, “Gone”, “Boomin’”, “Lose My Soul” and more. Also included is a brand new video for “Tonight” and 2 bonus Director’s Videos that feature unique short films set to his music.
Currently the Forefront recording artist is performing in front of massive audiences on the Winter Wonder Slam presents the Awake Tonight tour with rock band Skillet. The tour is attracting enormous crowds in key markets such as Minneapolis, which sold out at 13k tickets while over 12k fans paid in Houston. Shortly after the holidays, TobyMac will head back on the road in early 2011 for his Winter Wonder Slam Tour accompanied by Dove Award winning artist Brandon Heath and Gotee Records’ House of Heroes.
For more information on TobyMac, please visit www.tobymac.com.
"I Love what I do,” says TobyMac. “I love making records with my friends. Painstaking at times, but always passionate. A GRAMMY ® nom for Tonight is humbling, exciting and truly an honor. It really is!"
In addition to the GRAMMY ® nod, this week TobyMac released a brand new holiday single “Christmas This Year,” which also features the talents of Leigh Nash from Sixpence None The Richer. The Christmas song is available now exclusively at iTunes® and is impacting Christian AC and CHR radio this week.
Also available now is TobyMac’s latest project, TobyMac: Moving Pictures, a DVD that features his entire work of music videos including his biggest hits “Irene”, “Extreme Days”, “Gone”, “Boomin’”, “Lose My Soul” and more. Also included is a brand new video for “Tonight” and 2 bonus Director’s Videos that feature unique short films set to his music.
Currently the Forefront recording artist is performing in front of massive audiences on the Winter Wonder Slam presents the Awake Tonight tour with rock band Skillet. The tour is attracting enormous crowds in key markets such as Minneapolis, which sold out at 13k tickets while over 12k fans paid in Houston. Shortly after the holidays, TobyMac will head back on the road in early 2011 for his Winter Wonder Slam Tour accompanied by Dove Award winning artist Brandon Heath and Gotee Records’ House of Heroes.
For more information on TobyMac, please visit www.tobymac.com.
Five-time Grammy ® Award winner and multi-platinum selling artist TobyMac is embracing the holiday season with his first Christmas song in 8 years in the brand new track “Christmas This Year.”
Available now and exclusively at iTunes®, “Christmas This Year” features one of TobyMac’s favorite vocalists, Sixpence None The Richer’s Leigh Nash, and hit Christian AC and CHR radio this week with a phenomenal response:
Carmen Brown of Tampa’s JoyFM remarked, "Already a listener favorite, you don't lose new Toby when you play ‘Christmas This Year!’ It is the best of all worlds; Toby and a Toby-esque Christmas song."
Talking about the season and what it was like making the song, TobyMac said, "Christmas is the most celebrated time of the year for my family. While we were recording the song , we had a week-long Christmas party at my house...in JULY!!! I wanted to write a song that captured that pure delight without missing the spirit of the season... when love came down to let us live.”
For more information on TobyMac please visit http://www.tobymac.com/.
Available now and exclusively at iTunes®, “Christmas This Year” features one of TobyMac’s favorite vocalists, Sixpence None The Richer’s Leigh Nash, and hit Christian AC and CHR radio this week with a phenomenal response:
Carmen Brown of Tampa’s JoyFM remarked, "Already a listener favorite, you don't lose new Toby when you play ‘Christmas This Year!’ It is the best of all worlds; Toby and a Toby-esque Christmas song."
Talking about the season and what it was like making the song, TobyMac said, "Christmas is the most celebrated time of the year for my family. While we were recording the song , we had a week-long Christmas party at my house...in JULY!!! I wanted to write a song that captured that pure delight without missing the spirit of the season... when love came down to let us live.”
For more information on TobyMac please visit http://www.tobymac.com/.
Five-time Grammy ® Award winning artist TobyMac receives another honorable nod by the American Music Awards garnering his second nomination for Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist. Produced by dick clark productions, the live broadcast will take place at the NOKIA Theater L.A. on Sunday, November 21 at 8pm (EST/PST) on ABC.
For the fourth consecutive year, winners will be determined by online voting at the official Coca-Cola voting location www.amavote.com as well as ama.abc.com. Artists will be honored in the categories of Pop/Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Latin, Soundtracks and Contemporary Inspirational. Fans can go to the official homepage of the "2010 American Music Awards," ama.abc.com, to find performer and presenter announcements, artist information, and more. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com or fans can call 1-877-AEG-TICKETS.
Nominated for his latest album Tonight (Forefront) that debuted at No. 6 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart, TobyMac is currently on the Making a Difference Tour entertaining massive crowds with his fast-paced energetic show that he is known for. Following the Making a Difference Tour, TobyMac will reunite with popular rock band Skillet for the second leg of the Awake Tonight Tour presented by TobyMac’s Winter Wonder Slam, which kicks off November 11 in Springfield, IL. For the latest tour dates and information please visit www.tobymac.com.
For the fourth consecutive year, winners will be determined by online voting at the official Coca-Cola voting location www.amavote.com as well as ama.abc.com. Artists will be honored in the categories of Pop/Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Latin, Soundtracks and Contemporary Inspirational. Fans can go to the official homepage of the "2010 American Music Awards," ama.abc.com, to find performer and presenter announcements, artist information, and more. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com or fans can call 1-877-AEG-TICKETS.
Nominated for his latest album Tonight (Forefront) that debuted at No. 6 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart, TobyMac is currently on the Making a Difference Tour entertaining massive crowds with his fast-paced energetic show that he is known for. Following the Making a Difference Tour, TobyMac will reunite with popular rock band Skillet for the second leg of the Awake Tonight Tour presented by TobyMac’s Winter Wonder Slam, which kicks off November 11 in Springfield, IL. For the latest tour dates and information please visit www.tobymac.com.
As ticket sales continue to climb for one of the most anticipated tours of the year, World Vision’s Make A Difference Tour 2010 featuring New York Times best-selling author Max Lucado and GRAMMY® Award winners Michael W. Smith, TobyMac and Third Day, critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Jason Gray has been added to the roster as the tour’s opener. Gray joins the tour in support of his sophomore Centricity Music release, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue, but will also play an important role for fans as the Make A Difference Tour’s “embedded video reporter,” charged with capturing exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews that will be part of his weekly video blog from the road, posted exclusively on HearItFirst.com.
“I feel so honored to be a part of such a monumental tour,” Gray says. “To share the stage with such an amazing lineup (has there ever been a tour of this magnitude in the history of Christian music?) would be more than enough, but to get to join them on a tour where we work together to serve the poorest of the poor makes it that much sweeter and is ultimately what makes this tour significant.”
“We are so excited to partner with Max Lucado, Michael W. Smith, Third Day, TobyMac and the Make a Difference Tour to bring exclusive behind-the-scenes video content to fans every week from the road,” says HearItFirst.com Director of Content Jamie Wilson. “HearItFirst.com is honored to help increase awareness of World Vision’s mission, and as a passionate ambassador for World Vision, Jason Gray is the perfect spokesman for our video blog series. His heart for changing the world is evident as soon as you meet him and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to introduce him to our audience each week. We believe these fun, candid videos featuring all of the artists will truly show the heart and soul behind the Make a Difference Tour.”
“World Vision has been working with Jason Gray for eight years,” adds Jenny Lockwald, Executive Director, Artist Associates and Sponsor Engagement for World Vision. “In that time Jason has impacted the lives of thousands of children around the world and has made World Vision a major part of his music ministry and career. It was our pleasure to find a place for Jason on this tour because we know his heart and music are directly in line with the concept of making a difference. For those who have not yet had the opportunity to hear Jason, get prepared to become a fan. Jason is an amazing singer/songwriter who hits the mark with his soulful insights on what it means to live out Christianity every day.”
One of the most respected singer/songwriters in the Christian music business, Jason Gray released his latest studio project, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue, in the fall of last year. Heralded by numerous media outlets, the project landed at No. 8 in CCM Magazine’s Top Ten best faith-based albums in 2009 and Worship Leader magazine says, “Gray’s songs don’t really work as background music, they demand to be listened to and considered.” Gray’s latest single, “More Like Falling In Love,” was his highest charting song that peaked at #4 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Gray has also been touring consistently in support of his current album, and with his soulful performances and heart-felt ministry (that is sometimes sprinkled with humorous anecdotes), he remains a fan favorite on the touring circuit. ( www.jasongraymusic.com)
Launching in Youngstown, Ohio on Sept. 30, and running through the end of October, tickets for the 20-city Make A Difference Tour 2010 are available now at all Ticketmaster outlets and other locations. Ticket options include a special VIP package featuring Gold Circle seats, a pre-show Q&A with all artists, a limited-edition Make A Difference Tour poster, a commemorative tour credential and a copy of the new book Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado. A complete list of tour dates, news, artist info, exclusive photos, videos and more resources are available online at www.MakeADifferenceTour.com. In addition, the tour’s official Facebook page is live at www.facebook.com/makeadifferencetour, and fans and supporters can follow the tour’s official Twitter feed at @MakeADiffTour to stay up to date on the latest news and exclusive content.
The “Make A Difference Tour 2010” will visit 20 U.S. cities during October, including:
09-30 Youngstown, OH Covelli Center
10-01 Corbin, KY Southeastern Kentucky Expo Center
10-02 Alpharetta, GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
10-03 Cape Girardeau, MO Show Me Center
10-07 Austin, TX The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center
10-08 Beaumont, TX Ford Park Arena
10-09 Lafayette, LA Cajundome
10-10 Columbus, GA Columbus Civic Center
10-14 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose
10-15 Bakersfield, CA Rabobank Arena
10-16 Ontario, CA Citizens Business Bank Arena
10-17 Glendale, AZ Jobing.com Arena
10-21 Colorado Springs, CO World Arena
10-22 Lubbock, TX United Spirit Arena
10-23 Wichita Falls, TX Kay Yeager Coliseum
10-24 Topeka, KS Kansas Expocentre
10-27 Cedar Rapids, IA US Cellular Center
10-28 Green Bay, WI Resch Center
10-29 Dayton, OH Nutter Center
10-30 Fayetteville, NC Crown Coliseum
* All dates are subject to change without notice.
“I feel so honored to be a part of such a monumental tour,” Gray says. “To share the stage with such an amazing lineup (has there ever been a tour of this magnitude in the history of Christian music?) would be more than enough, but to get to join them on a tour where we work together to serve the poorest of the poor makes it that much sweeter and is ultimately what makes this tour significant.”
“We are so excited to partner with Max Lucado, Michael W. Smith, Third Day, TobyMac and the Make a Difference Tour to bring exclusive behind-the-scenes video content to fans every week from the road,” says HearItFirst.com Director of Content Jamie Wilson. “HearItFirst.com is honored to help increase awareness of World Vision’s mission, and as a passionate ambassador for World Vision, Jason Gray is the perfect spokesman for our video blog series. His heart for changing the world is evident as soon as you meet him and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to introduce him to our audience each week. We believe these fun, candid videos featuring all of the artists will truly show the heart and soul behind the Make a Difference Tour.”
“World Vision has been working with Jason Gray for eight years,” adds Jenny Lockwald, Executive Director, Artist Associates and Sponsor Engagement for World Vision. “In that time Jason has impacted the lives of thousands of children around the world and has made World Vision a major part of his music ministry and career. It was our pleasure to find a place for Jason on this tour because we know his heart and music are directly in line with the concept of making a difference. For those who have not yet had the opportunity to hear Jason, get prepared to become a fan. Jason is an amazing singer/songwriter who hits the mark with his soulful insights on what it means to live out Christianity every day.”
One of the most respected singer/songwriters in the Christian music business, Jason Gray released his latest studio project, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue, in the fall of last year. Heralded by numerous media outlets, the project landed at No. 8 in CCM Magazine’s Top Ten best faith-based albums in 2009 and Worship Leader magazine says, “Gray’s songs don’t really work as background music, they demand to be listened to and considered.” Gray’s latest single, “More Like Falling In Love,” was his highest charting song that peaked at #4 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Gray has also been touring consistently in support of his current album, and with his soulful performances and heart-felt ministry (that is sometimes sprinkled with humorous anecdotes), he remains a fan favorite on the touring circuit. ( www.jasongraymusic.com)
Launching in Youngstown, Ohio on Sept. 30, and running through the end of October, tickets for the 20-city Make A Difference Tour 2010 are available now at all Ticketmaster outlets and other locations. Ticket options include a special VIP package featuring Gold Circle seats, a pre-show Q&A with all artists, a limited-edition Make A Difference Tour poster, a commemorative tour credential and a copy of the new book Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado. A complete list of tour dates, news, artist info, exclusive photos, videos and more resources are available online at www.MakeADifferenceTour.com. In addition, the tour’s official Facebook page is live at www.facebook.com/makeadifferencetour, and fans and supporters can follow the tour’s official Twitter feed at @MakeADiffTour to stay up to date on the latest news and exclusive content.
The “Make A Difference Tour 2010” will visit 20 U.S. cities during October, including:
09-30 Youngstown, OH Covelli Center
10-01 Corbin, KY Southeastern Kentucky Expo Center
10-02 Alpharetta, GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
10-03 Cape Girardeau, MO Show Me Center
10-07 Austin, TX The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center
10-08 Beaumont, TX Ford Park Arena
10-09 Lafayette, LA Cajundome
10-10 Columbus, GA Columbus Civic Center
10-14 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose
10-15 Bakersfield, CA Rabobank Arena
10-16 Ontario, CA Citizens Business Bank Arena
10-17 Glendale, AZ Jobing.com Arena
10-21 Colorado Springs, CO World Arena
10-22 Lubbock, TX United Spirit Arena
10-23 Wichita Falls, TX Kay Yeager Coliseum
10-24 Topeka, KS Kansas Expocentre
10-27 Cedar Rapids, IA US Cellular Center
10-28 Green Bay, WI Resch Center
10-29 Dayton, OH Nutter Center
10-30 Fayetteville, NC Crown Coliseum
* All dates are subject to change without notice.
Five-Time Grammy Award ® winning artist TobyMac garnered two more honors last night at the Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) Christian Music Awards for Song and Songwriter of the Year. The ceremony was held at BMI’s Music Row offices in Nashville.
Leading U.S. music rights organization BMI saluted the writers and publishers of the past year’s most-performed songs on Christian radio and television. By contributing two songs each to the most-performed list, genre-bender TobyMac, perennial favorite Steven Curtis Chapman, top-tier producer/songwriter Chris Stevens, and promising young singer/songwriter Jason Walker shared the Songwriter of the Year title, while “Lose My Soul,” recorded and co-written by TobyMac and Stevens, garnered Song of the Year honors.
To close the ceremony, the audience enjoyed an intimate live performance by TobyMac performing “Boomin” off of his third studio album Portable Sounds.
In addition to his appearance at the BMI Awards, TobyMac will be performing on the 41st Annual Dove Awards, where he is nominated for Artist of the Year. The Dove Awards are scheduled to air Sunday, April 25 at 8/7c on GMC.
For more information on TobyMac, please visit www.tobymac.com.
Leading U.S. music rights organization BMI saluted the writers and publishers of the past year’s most-performed songs on Christian radio and television. By contributing two songs each to the most-performed list, genre-bender TobyMac, perennial favorite Steven Curtis Chapman, top-tier producer/songwriter Chris Stevens, and promising young singer/songwriter Jason Walker shared the Songwriter of the Year title, while “Lose My Soul,” recorded and co-written by TobyMac and Stevens, garnered Song of the Year honors.
To close the ceremony, the audience enjoyed an intimate live performance by TobyMac performing “Boomin” off of his third studio album Portable Sounds.
In addition to his appearance at the BMI Awards, TobyMac will be performing on the 41st Annual Dove Awards, where he is nominated for Artist of the Year. The Dove Awards are scheduled to air Sunday, April 25 at 8/7c on GMC.
For more information on TobyMac, please visit www.tobymac.com.
This summer fans will get to experience a tour line none other when award-winning and platinum-selling artists Chris Tomlin and TobyMac team up to hit arenas and amphitheaters in seven select cities for the HELLO TONIGHT tour. Tickets for many shows are on sale now and can be purchased at the links next to each city below.
With six records, seven No. 1 radio singles, three GRAMMY nominations, 16 Dove Awards, a platinum and gold album to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Referred to by Time Magazine as “the most often sung artist anywhere,” Tomlin additionally has 14 Top 100 CCLI songs with 5 in the top 25. ASCAP’s 2007 Songwriter of the Year, Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God” was his first No. 1 on the CCLI Top 25. The award-winning song moved to No. 1 after becoming one of the fasting rising modern day hymns in CCLI chart history. Along with his role as worship leader at Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA, Tomlin continues touring and leading at Passion Conference gatherings in the US and worldwide. Tomlin’s latest single, “Our God” from the PASSION: AWAKENING project, is climbing the AC Indicator and Monitored charts quickly, currently at No. 17 and 27 respectively.
"I am so amped up for this summer tour with Toby,” remarked Tomlin. “We have talked about doing something like this for a few years now. I have such great respect and admiration for Toby and what he does. He is completely unique. I can't wait to see how the mix of our music finds its way to people this summer."
With over 10 million in career sales, his first three solo projects receiving RIAA Gold status and GRAMMY® nominations, and TobyMac’s live CD/DVD taking home a GRAMMY® award, the much-celebrated and acclaimed artist recently celebrated his fifth consecutive GRAMMY® nomination with his single “City On Our Knees” receiving a nod for Best Gospel song. The track topped the sales and radio charts faster than any of his previous singles, spending 8 weeks at #1 on the Christian Audience Chart. The single was the first release from TobyMac’s latest, “TONIGHT," which also garnered him the highest sales debut of his solo career with over 78.000 units and a No. 6 Billboard Top 200 debut. Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits and being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 Artist of the Year, TobyMac’s music has been featured in major motion pictures such as “hancock,” “TRANSPORTER 2,” on Fox sports, The NFL network, 2009 SUPERBOWL and more. TobyMac’s latest radio hit is his new single, “Get Back Up,” currently at No. 7 on CHR, No. 18 on the AC Monitored chart.
“My family plays Tomlin in our house, in our cars, in our music lessons, on our iPods, as we're cleaning the kitchen after meals, at our church, at our school, before we go to bed and backstage in my dressing room.....it's about time we toured together!,” commented TobyMac. “Authentically made to worship, Chris and his band are "the-bomb-dot com" and their vision matches their gifting, it's no wonder it works.”
For more information on the HELLO TONIGHT tour and each artist, please go to: http://www.ChrisTomlin.com and http://www.tobymac.com
With six records, seven No. 1 radio singles, three GRAMMY nominations, 16 Dove Awards, a platinum and gold album to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Referred to by Time Magazine as “the most often sung artist anywhere,” Tomlin additionally has 14 Top 100 CCLI songs with 5 in the top 25. ASCAP’s 2007 Songwriter of the Year, Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God” was his first No. 1 on the CCLI Top 25. The award-winning song moved to No. 1 after becoming one of the fasting rising modern day hymns in CCLI chart history. Along with his role as worship leader at Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA, Tomlin continues touring and leading at Passion Conference gatherings in the US and worldwide. Tomlin’s latest single, “Our God” from the PASSION: AWAKENING project, is climbing the AC Indicator and Monitored charts quickly, currently at No. 17 and 27 respectively.
"I am so amped up for this summer tour with Toby,” remarked Tomlin. “We have talked about doing something like this for a few years now. I have such great respect and admiration for Toby and what he does. He is completely unique. I can't wait to see how the mix of our music finds its way to people this summer."
With over 10 million in career sales, his first three solo projects receiving RIAA Gold status and GRAMMY® nominations, and TobyMac’s live CD/DVD taking home a GRAMMY® award, the much-celebrated and acclaimed artist recently celebrated his fifth consecutive GRAMMY® nomination with his single “City On Our Knees” receiving a nod for Best Gospel song. The track topped the sales and radio charts faster than any of his previous singles, spending 8 weeks at #1 on the Christian Audience Chart. The single was the first release from TobyMac’s latest, “TONIGHT," which also garnered him the highest sales debut of his solo career with over 78.000 units and a No. 6 Billboard Top 200 debut. Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits and being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 Artist of the Year, TobyMac’s music has been featured in major motion pictures such as “hancock,” “TRANSPORTER 2,” on Fox sports, The NFL network, 2009 SUPERBOWL and more. TobyMac’s latest radio hit is his new single, “Get Back Up,” currently at No. 7 on CHR, No. 18 on the AC Monitored chart.
“My family plays Tomlin in our house, in our cars, in our music lessons, on our iPods, as we're cleaning the kitchen after meals, at our church, at our school, before we go to bed and backstage in my dressing room.....it's about time we toured together!,” commented TobyMac. “Authentically made to worship, Chris and his band are "the-bomb-dot com" and their vision matches their gifting, it's no wonder it works.”
For more information on the HELLO TONIGHT tour and each artist, please go to: http://www.ChrisTomlin.com and http://www.tobymac.com
Following the highest sales debut of his solo career with his new CD TONIGHT (No. 6 on Billboard Top 200/No. 1 Christian SoundScan/No. 2 iTunes® overall), multi-platinum and GRAMMY® Award winning artist TobyMac is now celebrating the project’s title track being chosen as the theme song for Major League Baseball Network’s (MLB) 30 CLUBS IN 30 DAYS spring training series. The song will be featured throughout each episode.
With just 41 days until Opening Day, MLB Network recently announced it will once again televise the Spring Training series 30 Clubs in 30 Days, with hour-long features on each of the 30 Major League clubs previewing the 2010 season. The new season of 30 Clubs in 30 Days will provide extensive coverage of each team with field reports, interviews, predictions and inside access to every club’s training camp as Opening Day approaches. A preview of the new season can be viewed on MLB Network’s web site.
30 Clubs in 30 Days premieres on Wednesday, March 3 at 5:00 p.m. ET with the Detroit Tigers, followed by the New York Yankees on Thursday, March 4 at 5:00 p.m. ET (check www.mlbnetwork.com for updates).
Sold out and packed crowds helped TobyMac kick off the AWAKE TONIGHT tour with Skillet last week, which runs through April 11. For tour dates and more information on TobyMac, go to: http://www.tobymac.com
With just 41 days until Opening Day, MLB Network recently announced it will once again televise the Spring Training series 30 Clubs in 30 Days, with hour-long features on each of the 30 Major League clubs previewing the 2010 season. The new season of 30 Clubs in 30 Days will provide extensive coverage of each team with field reports, interviews, predictions and inside access to every club’s training camp as Opening Day approaches. A preview of the new season can be viewed on MLB Network’s web site.
30 Clubs in 30 Days premieres on Wednesday, March 3 at 5:00 p.m. ET with the Detroit Tigers, followed by the New York Yankees on Thursday, March 4 at 5:00 p.m. ET (check www.mlbnetwork.com for updates).
Sold out and packed crowds helped TobyMac kick off the AWAKE TONIGHT tour with Skillet last week, which runs through April 11. For tour dates and more information on TobyMac, go to: http://www.tobymac.com
With three consecutive RIAA Gold records, multiple GRAMMY® and Dove Award wins, sell out tours and non-stop radio hits, TobyMac has hit yet another career milestone with his fourth solo effort, TONIGHT, giving the Christian music industry icon his highest solo career debut ever. Selling over 78,000 units, TONIGHT took over the Christian SoundScan charts’ No. 1 position, and amongst acts like Lady GaGa and the Black Eyed Peas, entered the Billboard Top 200 at No. 6 as well as No.3 on overall Current Digital Albums chart.
“Every time I give birth to a new record, it is an intense labor of love,” said TobyMac. “From the creation of the music, to the production, and then to the promotion, it takes a great team and a huge amount of effort on everybody’s part. I’m truly thankful for the people around me, as well as my fans who seem to show up and represent every time. For these reasons, I’ll always give it all I’ve got.”
Already critically acclaimed and having garnered the GRAMMY® nominated No. 1 Billboard single “City On Our Knees,” (the fastest charting and selling track in his career with over 225,000 downloads), TobyMac’s digital sales were equally significant, with TONIGHT peaking at No. 2 on the iTunes® overall sales chart, and No. 1 its Christian/Gospel chart.
“We could not be more pleased with the excitement we are seeing surrounding TobyMac’s “Tonight” release,” remarked Peter York, Label Group President, EMI Christian Music Group. ”From radio to retail to the fans at street week events and on line, the enthusiasm for this project is overwhelming. Toby has cultivated a loyal fan base who look to him for current production values on songs that impact their lives. Once again he has delivered an extraordinary record filled with diverse styles, hooks, beats and messages. The sales numbers we are seeing on release week indicate he has truly given the consumers what they are looking for. We are very grateful to partner with such a gifted artist.”
TobyMac recently donated 100% of his artist royalties from iTunes® week long preview of “Get Back Up,” his new single debuting March 5th, to the devastation in Haiti. Proceeds will be divided up amongst the Hands and Feet Organization, Restore Haiti, and Compassion International. He will hit the road on March 4th with Skillet for the AWAKE TONIGHT tour.
For all things TobyMac, go to http://www.tobymac.com.
“Every time I give birth to a new record, it is an intense labor of love,” said TobyMac. “From the creation of the music, to the production, and then to the promotion, it takes a great team and a huge amount of effort on everybody’s part. I’m truly thankful for the people around me, as well as my fans who seem to show up and represent every time. For these reasons, I’ll always give it all I’ve got.”
Already critically acclaimed and having garnered the GRAMMY® nominated No. 1 Billboard single “City On Our Knees,” (the fastest charting and selling track in his career with over 225,000 downloads), TobyMac’s digital sales were equally significant, with TONIGHT peaking at No. 2 on the iTunes® overall sales chart, and No. 1 its Christian/Gospel chart.
“We could not be more pleased with the excitement we are seeing surrounding TobyMac’s “Tonight” release,” remarked Peter York, Label Group President, EMI Christian Music Group. ”From radio to retail to the fans at street week events and on line, the enthusiasm for this project is overwhelming. Toby has cultivated a loyal fan base who look to him for current production values on songs that impact their lives. Once again he has delivered an extraordinary record filled with diverse styles, hooks, beats and messages. The sales numbers we are seeing on release week indicate he has truly given the consumers what they are looking for. We are very grateful to partner with such a gifted artist.”
TobyMac recently donated 100% of his artist royalties from iTunes® week long preview of “Get Back Up,” his new single debuting March 5th, to the devastation in Haiti. Proceeds will be divided up amongst the Hands and Feet Organization, Restore Haiti, and Compassion International. He will hit the road on March 4th with Skillet for the AWAKE TONIGHT tour.
For all things TobyMac, go to http://www.tobymac.com.
*Forefront Record’s multi-platinum, five-time GRAMMY® Award winner and 2010 nominee TobyMac has just released his fourth studio album, TONIGHT, which has already raced to No. 2 on iTunes® overall sales chart.
*Just like its three predecessors TONIGHT is drawing the attention of music fans everywhere, with over 1000 people flocking to a local Lifeway Bookstore in Houston to meet the singer/songwriter this morning following a visit to KSBJ radio this morning.
*TONIGHT is also causing chatter from critics across the board including Billboard, Christianity Today, USA Today, The Washington Post and more:
“This five-time Grammy winner always delivers sonically inventive and lyrically substantive music that appeals to a wide fan base. TobyMac never fails to make music that stimulates the mind, nourishes the soul and makes you want to dance—all at the same time.”-Billboard Magazine
“From his days with dc Talk, TobyMac has used his music to proclaim a message of diversity to the entirely too segregated world of Christian music. On his fourth solo album, he lets his music do the talking, as guests ranging from Israel Houghton to Skillet’s John Cooper and Relient K's Matt Thiessen join him as he careens from R&B-infused rock to reggae to Auto-Tuned pop.”
-USA Today
“TobyMac is a gifted melodicist -- there may be no contemporary Christian rocker better at writing hooks.”-Washington Post
“The 13 tracks have much in common with previous records Momentum, Welcome to Diverse City, and Portable Sounds—they are designed to be performed live, boast universal appeal, and cleverly mesh hip-hop, rock, reggae, and funk—but a fresh sense of urgency pervades Tonight. there's no argument that Tonight is fastidiously created and executed.”-ChristianityToday.com
“Famed contemporary Christian artist continues to experiment with blending hip-hop, rock, pop and urban elements on his fourth solo outing.”- Dallas Morning News
“ Tonight stands as a declaration of refusal to settle ever, both in life and career. Just when you thought he couldn’t take music any farther, you look up, and he’s miles ahead of the pack once again.”-Underthegunreviews.net
"The first 'must have' album of 2010."-NewReleaseTuesday.com
“The astounding producing talents of Toby shine through like always, and his fourth album as a solo act should still be a widespread favorite by the year's end. All I can say is, TobyMac's still got it, and it's good to have him back and in good form as we've always known him.”-Jesusfreakhideout.com
“If you're already a TobyMac fan, your allegiance to his music will be further solidified after one listen to this new album. If you're new to TobyMac's music, hang on. You're in for a real treat. Tonight is going to make your day!”- Gospelmusicupdate.com
“Mac skillfully combines that veteran experience with youthful enthusiasm, channeled once again through his remarkably consistent rap/hip-hop/alternative rock aura, but with some extra juice and more attitude than ever before.”-CCM Magazine
* In follow-up to the No. 1 Billboard single “City On Our Knees,” the fastest charting and selling track in TobyMac’s career that hit No.1 on Christian AC Monitored and CHR, “Get Back Up” will be the second single released from the new record. The track goes for ads at AC and CHR on March 5.
*Recently the multiplatinum-selling artist caught up with KLOVE, Air 1 and Christianity Today’s Mark Moring (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/music/interviews/2010/tobymckeehan-feb10.html) among others. In addition, TobyMac will be prominently featured in upcoming issue of Billboard, YouthWalk magazine, ChristianMusicReview.org, NewReleaseTuesday.com as well as the covers of Christian Musician and On Course magazines hitting stands this summer.
*KLOVE.com is hosting the exclusive music video premiere of TONIGHT for this week only, while Yahoo! Music will debut the “ShowStopper” music video as well as featuring the Then & Now video. Tune in now to hearitfirst.com to catch exclusive interviews with TobyMac and an eye-catching skin of TONIGHT on tangle.com
*TobyMac recently took a trip to Los Angeles, CA for the 52nd Annual GRAMMY® Awards, in which he was nominated for Best Gospel Song for “City On Our Knees,” his debut single from TONIGHT that also topped Billboard’s singles chart. As he walked the red carpet he saw some friends along the way: American Idol finalists Mandisa and Matt Giraud.
*TobyMac is preparing to embark on the AWAKE TONIGHT tour co-headlining with popular rockers Skillet. The tour kicks off March 4 in Aurora, IL, and tickets are in hot demand for its 20+ tour markets. For more information on the AWAKE TONIGHT tour and for the latest news and information on TobyMac please go to www.tobymac.com.
*Just like its three predecessors TONIGHT is drawing the attention of music fans everywhere, with over 1000 people flocking to a local Lifeway Bookstore in Houston to meet the singer/songwriter this morning following a visit to KSBJ radio this morning.
*TONIGHT is also causing chatter from critics across the board including Billboard, Christianity Today, USA Today, The Washington Post and more:
“This five-time Grammy winner always delivers sonically inventive and lyrically substantive music that appeals to a wide fan base. TobyMac never fails to make music that stimulates the mind, nourishes the soul and makes you want to dance—all at the same time.”-Billboard Magazine
“From his days with dc Talk, TobyMac has used his music to proclaim a message of diversity to the entirely too segregated world of Christian music. On his fourth solo album, he lets his music do the talking, as guests ranging from Israel Houghton to Skillet’s John Cooper and Relient K's Matt Thiessen join him as he careens from R&B-infused rock to reggae to Auto-Tuned pop.”
-USA Today
“TobyMac is a gifted melodicist -- there may be no contemporary Christian rocker better at writing hooks.”-Washington Post
“The 13 tracks have much in common with previous records Momentum, Welcome to Diverse City, and Portable Sounds—they are designed to be performed live, boast universal appeal, and cleverly mesh hip-hop, rock, reggae, and funk—but a fresh sense of urgency pervades Tonight. there's no argument that Tonight is fastidiously created and executed.”-ChristianityToday.com
“Famed contemporary Christian artist continues to experiment with blending hip-hop, rock, pop and urban elements on his fourth solo outing.”- Dallas Morning News
“ Tonight stands as a declaration of refusal to settle ever, both in life and career. Just when you thought he couldn’t take music any farther, you look up, and he’s miles ahead of the pack once again.”-Underthegunreviews.net
"The first 'must have' album of 2010."-NewReleaseTuesday.com
“The astounding producing talents of Toby shine through like always, and his fourth album as a solo act should still be a widespread favorite by the year's end. All I can say is, TobyMac's still got it, and it's good to have him back and in good form as we've always known him.”-Jesusfreakhideout.com
“If you're already a TobyMac fan, your allegiance to his music will be further solidified after one listen to this new album. If you're new to TobyMac's music, hang on. You're in for a real treat. Tonight is going to make your day!”- Gospelmusicupdate.com
“Mac skillfully combines that veteran experience with youthful enthusiasm, channeled once again through his remarkably consistent rap/hip-hop/alternative rock aura, but with some extra juice and more attitude than ever before.”-CCM Magazine
* In follow-up to the No. 1 Billboard single “City On Our Knees,” the fastest charting and selling track in TobyMac’s career that hit No.1 on Christian AC Monitored and CHR, “Get Back Up” will be the second single released from the new record. The track goes for ads at AC and CHR on March 5.
*Recently the multiplatinum-selling artist caught up with KLOVE, Air 1 and Christianity Today’s Mark Moring (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/music/interviews/2010/tobymckeehan-feb10.html) among others. In addition, TobyMac will be prominently featured in upcoming issue of Billboard, YouthWalk magazine, ChristianMusicReview.org, NewReleaseTuesday.com as well as the covers of Christian Musician and On Course magazines hitting stands this summer.
*KLOVE.com is hosting the exclusive music video premiere of TONIGHT for this week only, while Yahoo! Music will debut the “ShowStopper” music video as well as featuring the Then & Now video. Tune in now to hearitfirst.com to catch exclusive interviews with TobyMac and an eye-catching skin of TONIGHT on tangle.com
*TobyMac recently took a trip to Los Angeles, CA for the 52nd Annual GRAMMY® Awards, in which he was nominated for Best Gospel Song for “City On Our Knees,” his debut single from TONIGHT that also topped Billboard’s singles chart. As he walked the red carpet he saw some friends along the way: American Idol finalists Mandisa and Matt Giraud.
*TobyMac is preparing to embark on the AWAKE TONIGHT tour co-headlining with popular rockers Skillet. The tour kicks off March 4 in Aurora, IL, and tickets are in hot demand for its 20+ tour markets. For more information on the AWAKE TONIGHT tour and for the latest news and information on TobyMac please go to www.tobymac.com.
NASHVILLE, TN... January 27, 2010...As we near the street date for TobyMac’s upcoming album TONIGHT, (Feb. 9/Forefront Records), iTunes® has teamed up with the GRAMMY Award ® winner and 2010 nominee, and is offering an exclusive opportunity to purchase and download a new single every week leading up to the release of TONIGHT.
This week the single is “Get Back Up,” and due to the devastation in Haiti, TobyMac has decided to donate 100% of his artist royalties from first week sales to relief efforts. Proceeds will be divided up amongst the Hands and Feet Organization, Restore Haiti, and Compassion International.
"The world is responding in a beautiful way to this tragedy haitians are experiencing,” he says. “If I am going to create art that speaks of compassion than I must live that out. I wanted my new release "Get Back Up" to benefit Haiti in their tragedy and I am blessed to use my music to help as your purchase becomes our gift. "
To purchase the single go to: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/get-back-up-single/id349759576
For information on the relief efforts and these organizations, visit:
http://www.compassion.com/contribution/giving/disasterrelief.htm?referer=105910
http://www.restorehaiti.com
http://www.handsandfeetproject.org
This week the single is “Get Back Up,” and due to the devastation in Haiti, TobyMac has decided to donate 100% of his artist royalties from first week sales to relief efforts. Proceeds will be divided up amongst the Hands and Feet Organization, Restore Haiti, and Compassion International.
"The world is responding in a beautiful way to this tragedy haitians are experiencing,” he says. “If I am going to create art that speaks of compassion than I must live that out. I wanted my new release "Get Back Up" to benefit Haiti in their tragedy and I am blessed to use my music to help as your purchase becomes our gift. "
To purchase the single go to: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/get-back-up-single/id349759576
For information on the relief efforts and these organizations, visit:
http://www.compassion.com/contribution/giving/disasterrelief.htm?referer=105910
http://www.restorehaiti.com
http://www.handsandfeetproject.org
The countdown has begun for TobyMac’s upcoming album TONIGHT, releasing on Feb. 9 (Forefront Records) and iTunes® has teamed up with the GRAMMY Award ® winner and 2010 nominee to help kick off the launch. Starting today, iTunes ® is offering an exclusive opportunity to purchase and download a new single every week leading up to the release of TONIGHT.
To jump-start the countdown “ShowStopper,” is available now, with “Get Back Up” available Jan. 26, while “Funky Jesus Music” drops on Feb. 2. Along with the new songs, a free podcast video is offered for each song every week and on Feb. 9, fans can “Complete My Album” for one special price based on purchases they’ve already made. To get in on this limited-time offer visit http://www.itunes.com/tobymaccountdown.
To jump-start the countdown “ShowStopper,” is available now, with “Get Back Up” available Jan. 26, while “Funky Jesus Music” drops on Feb. 2. Along with the new songs, a free podcast video is offered for each song every week and on Feb. 9, fans can “Complete My Album” for one special price based on purchases they’ve already made. To get in on this limited-time offer visit http://www.itunes.com/tobymaccountdown.
In what many are already calling one of the best line up’s in the history of Christian touring, two of the industry’s biggest acts, SKILLET & TOBYMAC, have joined forces for the AWAKE TONIGHT tour this spring (see dates below).
Sure to be an evening of pure adrenaline and energy, the tour will hit over 20 cities throughout March and April, kicking off on March 5th in Indiana (current tour routing below). Both John Cooper of Skillet and TobyMac recently spoke about the fun they’ll have out on the road together and their excitement about the tour in CCM Magazine’s new digital issue, featuring TobyMac on the cover, which can be seen at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/salem/ccm_201001/
“Every year people say this is the "must see" tour,” comments Awakening Events’ Dan Fife, who is promoting several shows on the AWAKE TONIGHT tour. “This Spring the TobyMac & Skillet pairing has created the ultimate concert EXPERIENCE. With two headliners on the same stage, that have this much energy to offer night after night, all I can say is go get a ticket. You don't want to be the unlucky person that spends the rest of their life wishing they were there.”
With all three of TobyMac’s solo projects receiving GRAMMY® nominations, and his live CD/DVD taking home a GRAMMY® award, the much-celebrated and acclaimed artist is now celebrating his fifth consecutive GRAMMY® nomination with his new single, “City On Our Knees” receiving a nod for Best Gospel song. The track will be included on TobyMac’s February 9th release, “TONIGHT," and has topped the sales and radio charts faster than any of his previous singles, spending 8 weeks at #1 on the Christian Audience Chart.
Each of TobyMac’s studio releases, "Momentum" (2001),"Welcome to Diverse City" (2004), and “Portable Sounds (2007),” were awarded RIAA Gold Certification, with "Portable Sounds” making his highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), and hitting No. 1 on SoundScan’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week with over 50k in sales. Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits, being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 Artist of the Year, and R&R’s Christian CHR Artist of the Year in 2007, TobyMac was nominated for a 2007 American Music Award as Favorite Inspirational Artist. His song “Ignition” was also chosen to play during the 2009 Superbowl as The Arizona Cardinals entered the stadium in Tampa, FL. For more information on TobyMac, go to: http://www.tobymac.com
Skillet’s latest, AWAKE, continues to propel the incredible momentum the rock outfit has going for them with a blockbuster debut at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200, selling over 67,000 units and peaking at No. 1 on iTune’s “Top Albums” chart and “Top Rock” chart. Already over 300k in scans in just 20 weeks (more than double that of the GOLD selling COMATOSE), AWAKE was Amazon.com’s best selling Christian CD of 2009, and boasts the No. 4 mainstream Active Rock single in the country with “Monster,” which was also AOL Music’s No. 4 mainstream rock song of last year, and the No. 1 Christian CHR & Rock single, “Hero,” which has been used all season long by the NFL in their, Sunday Night Football and NFL Weekend Kickoff promos.
Skillet has toured with the likes of mainstream megastars Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Seether and Flyleaf, and headlined a slew of major Christian festivals, all followed by solo tours that ranked within Pollstar’s Concert Pulse Top 50 Tours. Along the way, the two-time Grammy®-nominated alternative rockers also scored seven consecutive number one Christian radio singles, a 2008 GMA Dove Award for “Rock Song of the Year,” and a 2009 nomination for Artist of the Year. Along with a trio of singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock charts, a pair of BMI Songwriting Awards, and being chosen as Reader’s Poll favorites on several top ccm websites, they also released their first ever concert CD/DVD combo pack “Comatose Comes Alive.”
Sure to be an evening of pure adrenaline and energy, the tour will hit over 20 cities throughout March and April, kicking off on March 5th in Indiana (current tour routing below). Both John Cooper of Skillet and TobyMac recently spoke about the fun they’ll have out on the road together and their excitement about the tour in CCM Magazine’s new digital issue, featuring TobyMac on the cover, which can be seen at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/salem/ccm_201001/
“Every year people say this is the "must see" tour,” comments Awakening Events’ Dan Fife, who is promoting several shows on the AWAKE TONIGHT tour. “This Spring the TobyMac & Skillet pairing has created the ultimate concert EXPERIENCE. With two headliners on the same stage, that have this much energy to offer night after night, all I can say is go get a ticket. You don't want to be the unlucky person that spends the rest of their life wishing they were there.”
With all three of TobyMac’s solo projects receiving GRAMMY® nominations, and his live CD/DVD taking home a GRAMMY® award, the much-celebrated and acclaimed artist is now celebrating his fifth consecutive GRAMMY® nomination with his new single, “City On Our Knees” receiving a nod for Best Gospel song. The track will be included on TobyMac’s February 9th release, “TONIGHT," and has topped the sales and radio charts faster than any of his previous singles, spending 8 weeks at #1 on the Christian Audience Chart.
Each of TobyMac’s studio releases, "Momentum" (2001),"Welcome to Diverse City" (2004), and “Portable Sounds (2007),” were awarded RIAA Gold Certification, with "Portable Sounds” making his highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), and hitting No. 1 on SoundScan’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week with over 50k in sales. Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits, being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 Artist of the Year, and R&R’s Christian CHR Artist of the Year in 2007, TobyMac was nominated for a 2007 American Music Award as Favorite Inspirational Artist. His song “Ignition” was also chosen to play during the 2009 Superbowl as The Arizona Cardinals entered the stadium in Tampa, FL. For more information on TobyMac, go to: http://www.tobymac.com
Skillet’s latest, AWAKE, continues to propel the incredible momentum the rock outfit has going for them with a blockbuster debut at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200, selling over 67,000 units and peaking at No. 1 on iTune’s “Top Albums” chart and “Top Rock” chart. Already over 300k in scans in just 20 weeks (more than double that of the GOLD selling COMATOSE), AWAKE was Amazon.com’s best selling Christian CD of 2009, and boasts the No. 4 mainstream Active Rock single in the country with “Monster,” which was also AOL Music’s No. 4 mainstream rock song of last year, and the No. 1 Christian CHR & Rock single, “Hero,” which has been used all season long by the NFL in their, Sunday Night Football and NFL Weekend Kickoff promos.
Skillet has toured with the likes of mainstream megastars Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Seether and Flyleaf, and headlined a slew of major Christian festivals, all followed by solo tours that ranked within Pollstar’s Concert Pulse Top 50 Tours. Along the way, the two-time Grammy®-nominated alternative rockers also scored seven consecutive number one Christian radio singles, a 2008 GMA Dove Award for “Rock Song of the Year,” and a 2009 nomination for Artist of the Year. Along with a trio of singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock charts, a pair of BMI Songwriting Awards, and being chosen as Reader’s Poll favorites on several top ccm websites, they also released their first ever concert CD/DVD combo pack “Comatose Comes Alive.”
With three back-to-back RIAA Gold-certified records under his belt, five GRAMMY® Awards, and now his fourth solo GRAMMY® nomination as well, GMA’s 2008 Artist of the Year, TobyMac, will release his fourth studio project, “TONIGHT” on February 9th.
“TONIGHT” is getting a great head start this fall with TobyMac’s hit single, “City On Our Knees,” the fastest charting and selling track in his career. The single has already sold over 133,000 copies and has hit No. 1 on the top 100 Hot Digital Tracks chart as well as on the Billboard Top Singles chart. In addition, it held the No. 1 spot on both the National Christian Audience chart for 9 weeks as well as SoundScan’s Christian Digital Track chart for eleven weeks.
“City On Our Knees” was fervently embraced at radio with 96 stations adding it to their playlist in the first three weeks, and sped to No.1 on AC Monitored and at CHR, while currently No.3 at AC Indicator.
Produced by TobyMac along with Chris Stevens (Portable Sounds), Jamie Moore (Ayiesha Smith, Stephanie Woods) and Dave Wyatt (a.k.a. “D-dub) also his musical director, TobyMac has spent the last two and a half years creating “TONIGHT,” in a recording process that he doesn’t take lightly:
“The recording process means a lot to me, and I don’t approach what I do haphazardly” he says. “I have a lot of passion when it comes to my records. I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but there’s this range of emotions that come with making a record. Music is something that can actually open people’s minds to who God is. Music will never change the world, but God can choose to use music, and that’s what I count on. I want my songs to be said in a way that anyone can relate to them. I want them to move people’s lives forward; move people toward God, and if I’m accomplishing that, whether or not anyone loves this record, as long as I feel like that is what I’m doing, then I feel like my job is done.”
As with previous TobyMac projects, “TONIGHT” also features special guest collaborations and a diversity of musical styles. The title track brings in John Cooper of Skillet, while “Wonderin’” features Matthew Thiessen of Relient K, and Nirva Ready belts her vocals on “Changed Forever.” A true highlight, and one of the most anticipated moments is with TruDog, TobyMac’s 10 year old son Truett’s, full song debut with the track “LoudNClear.”
In an effort to offer only the best variety to TobyMac’s audience, “TONIGHT” will be available as a physical CD and in digital form, both of which will feature bonus remixes and behind the scenes video.
TobyMac is currently on the road on his annual Winter Wonder Slam tour and will announce exciting 2010 tour plans soon.
“TONIGHT” is getting a great head start this fall with TobyMac’s hit single, “City On Our Knees,” the fastest charting and selling track in his career. The single has already sold over 133,000 copies and has hit No. 1 on the top 100 Hot Digital Tracks chart as well as on the Billboard Top Singles chart. In addition, it held the No. 1 spot on both the National Christian Audience chart for 9 weeks as well as SoundScan’s Christian Digital Track chart for eleven weeks.
“City On Our Knees” was fervently embraced at radio with 96 stations adding it to their playlist in the first three weeks, and sped to No.1 on AC Monitored and at CHR, while currently No.3 at AC Indicator.
Produced by TobyMac along with Chris Stevens (Portable Sounds), Jamie Moore (Ayiesha Smith, Stephanie Woods) and Dave Wyatt (a.k.a. “D-dub) also his musical director, TobyMac has spent the last two and a half years creating “TONIGHT,” in a recording process that he doesn’t take lightly:
“The recording process means a lot to me, and I don’t approach what I do haphazardly” he says. “I have a lot of passion when it comes to my records. I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but there’s this range of emotions that come with making a record. Music is something that can actually open people’s minds to who God is. Music will never change the world, but God can choose to use music, and that’s what I count on. I want my songs to be said in a way that anyone can relate to them. I want them to move people’s lives forward; move people toward God, and if I’m accomplishing that, whether or not anyone loves this record, as long as I feel like that is what I’m doing, then I feel like my job is done.”
As with previous TobyMac projects, “TONIGHT” also features special guest collaborations and a diversity of musical styles. The title track brings in John Cooper of Skillet, while “Wonderin’” features Matthew Thiessen of Relient K, and Nirva Ready belts her vocals on “Changed Forever.” A true highlight, and one of the most anticipated moments is with TruDog, TobyMac’s 10 year old son Truett’s, full song debut with the track “LoudNClear.”
In an effort to offer only the best variety to TobyMac’s audience, “TONIGHT” will be available as a physical CD and in digital form, both of which will feature bonus remixes and behind the scenes video.
TobyMac is currently on the road on his annual Winter Wonder Slam tour and will announce exciting 2010 tour plans soon.
Nashville, TN…TobyMac’s single “City On Our Knees,” from his upcoming album (February 2010), has taken off at digital retailers including iTunes® Music Store and Amazon MP3, selling more than 17,000 digital units in its first week. The single has hit No. 2 on Christian/Digital Tracks Chart, while making the top 100 on the Hot Digital Tracks chart at No. 86.
**“City On Our Knees” has also been embraced at radio with 96 stations adding it to their playlist in the first three weeks. The song has already sped to No. 14 at AC Monitored, No. 13 at AC Indicator, and No. 5 at CHR.
**The Grammy ® Award winner made his mark in space over the weekend as his hit song “Made To Love” from his Portable Sounds album, was played to wake up the Space Shuttle crew Sunday as Discovery closed in on the international space station. The song was requested by Astronaut Nicole Stott’s 7-year-old son, Roman in which Stott’s responded by sending him her love and "big space hugs.”
“Made To Love” was the first Single from Portable Sounds (2007), and flew up the charts at #1 on CHR (R&R and CRW), and made the Top 15 on the AC Chart. It also debuted on Billboard’s Hot Singles at #2 and remained there for more than 4 weeks!
** In addition, TobyMac, along with Relient K, will continue to entertain audiences across the country on the fifth annual TobyMac Winter Wonder Slam 2009 Tour. Also scheduled to appear on the tour are B.Reith and Stephanie Smith. For the first time ever the tour will head to the West Coast as well as making its way to New York City, Fairfax, VA, Pittsburgh and numerous other cities across the states. Continuing the Winter Wonder Slam tradition of giving, the tour will be teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps to help with their Toys for Tots campaign. Music fanatics will be encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to the event as Marines will be on site to collect toys at every venue. To see if Winter Wonder Slam is coming to a city near you, please visit: www.winterwonderslam.com or www.tobymac.com.
“Alive and Transported” is TobyMac’s first live concert DVD/CD, which released May 2008. With over 10 million career scans, "Portable Sounds,” recently certified GOLD by the RIAA, is TobyMac's latest studio and highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), which hit No. 1 on SoundScan’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week as well. All three of TobyMac’s solo projects have received numerous GMA Dove Award nominations as well as GRAMMY nominations. In addition, "Momentum" (2001) and "Welcome to Diverse City" (2004), both were awarded RIAA Gold Certification. Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits, being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 Artist of the Year, and R&R’s Christian CHR Artist of the Year in 2007, TobyMac was also nominated for a 2007 American Music Award as Favorite Inspirational Artist. His song “Ignition” was also recently chosen to play during the 2009 Superbowl as The Arizona Cardinals entered the stadium in Tampa, FL.
**“City On Our Knees” has also been embraced at radio with 96 stations adding it to their playlist in the first three weeks. The song has already sped to No. 14 at AC Monitored, No. 13 at AC Indicator, and No. 5 at CHR.
**The Grammy ® Award winner made his mark in space over the weekend as his hit song “Made To Love” from his Portable Sounds album, was played to wake up the Space Shuttle crew Sunday as Discovery closed in on the international space station. The song was requested by Astronaut Nicole Stott’s 7-year-old son, Roman in which Stott’s responded by sending him her love and "big space hugs.”
“Made To Love” was the first Single from Portable Sounds (2007), and flew up the charts at #1 on CHR (R&R and CRW), and made the Top 15 on the AC Chart. It also debuted on Billboard’s Hot Singles at #2 and remained there for more than 4 weeks!
** In addition, TobyMac, along with Relient K, will continue to entertain audiences across the country on the fifth annual TobyMac Winter Wonder Slam 2009 Tour. Also scheduled to appear on the tour are B.Reith and Stephanie Smith. For the first time ever the tour will head to the West Coast as well as making its way to New York City, Fairfax, VA, Pittsburgh and numerous other cities across the states. Continuing the Winter Wonder Slam tradition of giving, the tour will be teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps to help with their Toys for Tots campaign. Music fanatics will be encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to the event as Marines will be on site to collect toys at every venue. To see if Winter Wonder Slam is coming to a city near you, please visit: www.winterwonderslam.com or www.tobymac.com.
“Alive and Transported” is TobyMac’s first live concert DVD/CD, which released May 2008. With over 10 million career scans, "Portable Sounds,” recently certified GOLD by the RIAA, is TobyMac's latest studio and highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), which hit No. 1 on SoundScan’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week as well. All three of TobyMac’s solo projects have received numerous GMA Dove Award nominations as well as GRAMMY nominations. In addition, "Momentum" (2001) and "Welcome to Diverse City" (2004), both were awarded RIAA Gold Certification. Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits, being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 Artist of the Year, and R&R’s Christian CHR Artist of the Year in 2007, TobyMac was also nominated for a 2007 American Music Award as Favorite Inspirational Artist. His song “Ignition” was also recently chosen to play during the 2009 Superbowl as The Arizona Cardinals entered the stadium in Tampa, FL.
GRAMMY ® Award winner, TobyMac slams into the holidays once again as he headlines his popular Winter Wonder Slam 2009 Tour, also featuring the talents of: Relient K, B.Reith and Stephanie Smith. For the first time ever the tour will head to the West Coast as well as making its way to New York City, Fairfax, VA, Pittsburgh and numerous other cities across the states.
The tour continues its tradition of giving, as Winter Wonder Slam teams up with the U.S. Marine Corps to help with their Toys for Tots campaign. Toys for Tots aims to provide tangible signs of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. Music fanatics will be encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to the event as Marines will be on site to collect toys at every venue. Each year, Winter Slam produces multiple sell-outs and sets records for the amount of gifts collected for Toys For Tots.
This will be the fifth year that TobyMac has brought his highly energetic show to the holiday season to crowds across the country. This family reunion show is one that keeps bringing people back for more each year sharing the true meaning of Christmas.
For further details on Winter Wonder Slam 2009, please visit www.winterwonderslam.com or www.tobymac.com.
With over 10 million career scans, GRAMMY ® Award winning album "Portable Sounds,” recently certified GOLD by the RIAA, is TobyMac's latest studio and highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), which hit No. 1 on SoundScan’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week as well. All three of TobyMac’s solo projects have received numerous GMA Dove Award nominations as well as GRAMMY nominations. In addition, "Momentum" (2001) and "Welcome to Diverse City" (2004), both were awarded RIAA Gold Certification. Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits, being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 Artist of the Year, and R&R’s Christian CHR Artist of the Year in 2007, TobyMac was also nominated for a 2007 American Music Award as Favorite Inspirational Artist. His song “Ignition” was also recently chosen to play during the 2009 Superbowl as The Arizona Cardinals entered the stadium in Tampa, FL.
The tour continues its tradition of giving, as Winter Wonder Slam teams up with the U.S. Marine Corps to help with their Toys for Tots campaign. Toys for Tots aims to provide tangible signs of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. Music fanatics will be encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to the event as Marines will be on site to collect toys at every venue. Each year, Winter Slam produces multiple sell-outs and sets records for the amount of gifts collected for Toys For Tots.
This will be the fifth year that TobyMac has brought his highly energetic show to the holiday season to crowds across the country. This family reunion show is one that keeps bringing people back for more each year sharing the true meaning of Christmas.
For further details on Winter Wonder Slam 2009, please visit www.winterwonderslam.com or www.tobymac.com.
With over 10 million career scans, GRAMMY ® Award winning album "Portable Sounds,” recently certified GOLD by the RIAA, is TobyMac's latest studio and highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), which hit No. 1 on SoundScan’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week as well. All three of TobyMac’s solo projects have received numerous GMA Dove Award nominations as well as GRAMMY nominations. In addition, "Momentum" (2001) and "Welcome to Diverse City" (2004), both were awarded RIAA Gold Certification. Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits, being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 Artist of the Year, and R&R’s Christian CHR Artist of the Year in 2007, TobyMac was also nominated for a 2007 American Music Award as Favorite Inspirational Artist. His song “Ignition” was also recently chosen to play during the 2009 Superbowl as The Arizona Cardinals entered the stadium in Tampa, FL.
• This summer TobyMac is offering a summer exclusive deal as he shares his 3rd studio album, Portable Sounds with music lovers across the world and encourages his fans to do the same. Available now until late August, Portable Sounds is being sold for only $5 in Lifeway and Mardel Bookstores as well as musichristian.com. The album will become available for this discounted price in additional stores as the summer continues. To see which stores are participating in this sale, visit www.Tobymac.com and http://www.myspace.com/tobymac where you can also check out a personal video from TobyMac sharing all the details on this new summer deal.
• Only on July 22, Portable Sounds as an mp3 will be available for $2.99 on Amazon.com. This is a limited one-day offer at this low price!
• The diversely talented artist has sold an astounding two million albums since his days with four-time GRAMMY Award winning group DC TALK, giving a total of more than 10 million records sold in his music career.
• This past year TobyMac took home his first GRAMMY Award ® as a solo artist for Alive and Transported (Forefront Records) for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album as well as a Dove Award for Best Long Form Video for the same record.
• While the singer/songwriter continues to perform in front of thousands around the country with his Diverse City band, he has been working on his 4th record that is set to release in early 2010. Stay tuned for his first single from the new album as it will be debuting on radio stations soon!
• TobyMac will again be headlining his Winter Wonder Slam Tour as it hits the West Coast for the first time. Other acts also joining TobyMac are Relient K, B.Reith and Stephanie Smith. Before the tour hits the West Coast, it will make its mark in New York City, Fairfax, VA and Pittsburgh. Starting this week dance floor tickets for fan club members will be on sale at www.tobymac.com. For further tour details, please visit www.winterwonderslam.com.
• Only on July 22, Portable Sounds as an mp3 will be available for $2.99 on Amazon.com. This is a limited one-day offer at this low price!
• The diversely talented artist has sold an astounding two million albums since his days with four-time GRAMMY Award winning group DC TALK, giving a total of more than 10 million records sold in his music career.
• This past year TobyMac took home his first GRAMMY Award ® as a solo artist for Alive and Transported (Forefront Records) for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album as well as a Dove Award for Best Long Form Video for the same record.
• While the singer/songwriter continues to perform in front of thousands around the country with his Diverse City band, he has been working on his 4th record that is set to release in early 2010. Stay tuned for his first single from the new album as it will be debuting on radio stations soon!
• TobyMac will again be headlining his Winter Wonder Slam Tour as it hits the West Coast for the first time. Other acts also joining TobyMac are Relient K, B.Reith and Stephanie Smith. Before the tour hits the West Coast, it will make its mark in New York City, Fairfax, VA and Pittsburgh. Starting this week dance floor tickets for fan club members will be on sale at www.tobymac.com. For further tour details, please visit www.winterwonderslam.com.
** Fresh off his GRAMMY® win and recent GMA Dove Award nominations for “Alive & Transported” as well as Artist of the Year and the RIAA GOLD Certification for “Portable Sounds,” TOBYMAC’S brand new music video for his hit single “Lose My Soul” will make it’s online premiere tomorrow, February 24th, at AMAZON.com. The video will also appear on the front of the AOL Music Page and Video of the Day for AOL popeater on March 15th. AOL Music is currently the No. 1 music site with a monthly audience of more than 23 million.
As does the single, the video also features great performances from guest vocalists Kirk Franklin and Mandisa. The single has made major inroads on R&R’s Christian AC chart, and is currently No. 6 on AC Monitor and No. 12 on AC indicator.
** Future airings of the video include the Gospel Music Channel’s broadcast premier on March 6th (10p ET) as well as at iTunes and other video outlets including Yahoo!, YouTube and more as of March 17th.
**The video was directed by Endeavor Media Group, who has worked on over 40 music videos (Anberlin, Silverstein, Comeback Kid among them) and were recently awarded the Runner Up Music Video Director of the Year by Alternative Press Magazine. Their videos have been aired on virtually every music video outlet including Big 10 rotation on MTV, Elite 8 Rotation on MTV2, Heavy Rotation on Much Music, B Rotation on MTVu. They have also been featured on MTV’s Discover and Download, Fuses Top 10 Countdown, Target In-Store Video Reel, and many more. MTV Headbangers Ball has also nominated 4 of their videos for Video of the Year in 2007.
**TobyMac is currently working on his next studio recording as he headlines the Winter Jam Spectacular 2009 and gears up for a run of of major summer festivals.
As does the single, the video also features great performances from guest vocalists Kirk Franklin and Mandisa. The single has made major inroads on R&R’s Christian AC chart, and is currently No. 6 on AC Monitor and No. 12 on AC indicator.
** Future airings of the video include the Gospel Music Channel’s broadcast premier on March 6th (10p ET) as well as at iTunes and other video outlets including Yahoo!, YouTube and more as of March 17th.
**The video was directed by Endeavor Media Group, who has worked on over 40 music videos (Anberlin, Silverstein, Comeback Kid among them) and were recently awarded the Runner Up Music Video Director of the Year by Alternative Press Magazine. Their videos have been aired on virtually every music video outlet including Big 10 rotation on MTV, Elite 8 Rotation on MTV2, Heavy Rotation on Much Music, B Rotation on MTVu. They have also been featured on MTV’s Discover and Download, Fuses Top 10 Countdown, Target In-Store Video Reel, and many more. MTV Headbangers Ball has also nominated 4 of their videos for Video of the Year in 2007.
**TobyMac is currently working on his next studio recording as he headlines the Winter Jam Spectacular 2009 and gears up for a run of of major summer festivals.
Los Angeles, CA… Feb. 9, 2008… Last night at the 51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards, The Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album honor went to the Gospel Music Association’s 2007 Artist of the Year, Forefront Recording artist, TobyMac, just following the RIAA GOLD Certification of his 2007 studio project, PORTABLE SOUNDS. This marks his fifth consecutive GRAMMY® nomination and his first win as a solo act for his newest project, ALIVE & TRANSPORTED, his CD+DVD combo that released last summer. TobyMac won four GRAMMY® Awards as a member of dcTalk. The 51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards were broadcast live on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
"It's an honor to win my first Grammy as a solo artist,” TobyMac commented from the WinterJam tour. “I still can't believe it, truly humbling. My band and I worked hard on this project and it really is the culmination of diverse people collaborating."
The recording industry's most prestigious award, the GRAMMY® , is presented annually by the Recording Academy, NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences). A GRAMMY® is awarded by the Recording Academy's voting membership to honor excellence in the recording arts and sciences. It is a peer honor, awarded by and to artists and technical professionals for artistic or technical achievement, not sales or chart positions.
“Alive and Transported” is TobyMac’s first live concert DVD/CD, which released last May. With over 8 million career scans, "Portable Sounds,” recently certified GOLD by the RIAA, is TobyMac's latest studio and highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), which hit No. 1 on SoundScan’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week as well. All three of TobyMac’s solo projects have received numerous GMA Dove Award nominations as well as GRAMMY nominations. In addition, "Momentum" (2001) and "Welcome to Diverse City" (2004), both were awarded RIAA Gold Certification. Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits, being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 Artist of the Year, and R&R’s Christian CHR Artist of the Year in 2007, TobyMac was also nominated for a 2007 American Music Award as Favorite Inspirational Artist. His song “Ignition” was also recently chosen to play during the 2009 Superbowl as The Arizona Cardinals entered the stadium in Tampa, FL.
"It's an honor to win my first Grammy as a solo artist,” TobyMac commented from the WinterJam tour. “I still can't believe it, truly humbling. My band and I worked hard on this project and it really is the culmination of diverse people collaborating."
The recording industry's most prestigious award, the GRAMMY® , is presented annually by the Recording Academy, NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences). A GRAMMY® is awarded by the Recording Academy's voting membership to honor excellence in the recording arts and sciences. It is a peer honor, awarded by and to artists and technical professionals for artistic or technical achievement, not sales or chart positions.
“Alive and Transported” is TobyMac’s first live concert DVD/CD, which released last May. With over 8 million career scans, "Portable Sounds,” recently certified GOLD by the RIAA, is TobyMac's latest studio and highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), which hit No. 1 on SoundScan’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week as well. All three of TobyMac’s solo projects have received numerous GMA Dove Award nominations as well as GRAMMY nominations. In addition, "Momentum" (2001) and "Welcome to Diverse City" (2004), both were awarded RIAA Gold Certification. Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits, being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 Artist of the Year, and R&R’s Christian CHR Artist of the Year in 2007, TobyMac was also nominated for a 2007 American Music Award as Favorite Inspirational Artist. His song “Ignition” was also recently chosen to play during the 2009 Superbowl as The Arizona Cardinals entered the stadium in Tampa, FL.
TOBYMAC
Alive & Transported Television premiere
Gospel Music Channel
Friday, December 5th 9PM EST / 8pm CST / 6pm PST
Tune in to the Gospel Music Channel this Friday, December 5th at 9pm ET / 6pm PT to see Tobymac’s Alive and Transported concert video. Don’t miss this explosive live concert and hear all of Toby’s biggest hits including “Made to Love”, “Lose My Soul”, “Boomin” and many more!
More details:
http://gospelmusicchannel.com/shows/frontrowlive
Alive & Transported Television premiere
Gospel Music Channel
Friday, December 5th 9PM EST / 8pm CST / 6pm PST
Tune in to the Gospel Music Channel this Friday, December 5th at 9pm ET / 6pm PT to see Tobymac’s Alive and Transported concert video. Don’t miss this explosive live concert and hear all of Toby’s biggest hits including “Made to Love”, “Lose My Soul”, “Boomin” and many more!
More details:
http://gospelmusicchannel.com/shows/frontrowlive
NASHVILLE, TN.....12/01/08....From what has become his biggest solo project to-date, “PORTABLE SOUNDS,” GRAMMY and DOVE Award winning artist TOBYMAC recently announced that he will release brand new remixes of songs “Boomin’” and “Ignition” tomorrow, December 2nd, a month that is finding GMA’s Artist of the Year pretty busy:
-Available exclusively via all digital download sites, fans can also purchase PORTABLE SOUNDS re-bundled with the two new remixes added in for free, or for .99 each.
-TOBYMAC’s current radio hit, "Lose My Soul" (currently #2 on AC Monitored/#3 AC Indicator/#2 CHR Indicator), which features Kirk Franklin and Mandisa, will soon be made into a music video. Endeavor Media (Anberlin/UMG;Jet Black Stare/Island Def Jam; Bayside/Victory Records) will direct the shoot this December in Nashville.
-Speaking of video, The Gospel Music Channel will do a special premiere of TOBYMAC’S best-selling “ALIVE & TRANSPORTED” live DVD project on December 5th.
-TOBYMAC currently out on his Winter Wonder Slam Tour , and playing to some awesome crowds, including pre-selling over 8,000 tix in Nashville and over 10,000 in Houston. He won’t slow down too long over the holidays, as he’ll hit the road to headline the Winter Jam 2009 tour January through March.
With over 8 million career scans and sold out tours, "Portable Sounds" is TobyMac's latest and highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), and after hitting No. 1 on SoundScan’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week as well, the project is quickly approaching RIAA GOLD certification All three of TobyMac’s solo projects have received numerous GMA Dove Award nominations as well as GRAMMY nominations. In addition, "Momentum" (2001) and "Welcome to Diverse City" (2004), both were awarded RIAA Gold Certification.
www.tobymac.com
-Available exclusively via all digital download sites, fans can also purchase PORTABLE SOUNDS re-bundled with the two new remixes added in for free, or for .99 each.
-TOBYMAC’s current radio hit, "Lose My Soul" (currently #2 on AC Monitored/#3 AC Indicator/#2 CHR Indicator), which features Kirk Franklin and Mandisa, will soon be made into a music video. Endeavor Media (Anberlin/UMG;Jet Black Stare/Island Def Jam; Bayside/Victory Records) will direct the shoot this December in Nashville.
-Speaking of video, The Gospel Music Channel will do a special premiere of TOBYMAC’S best-selling “ALIVE & TRANSPORTED” live DVD project on December 5th.
-TOBYMAC currently out on his Winter Wonder Slam Tour , and playing to some awesome crowds, including pre-selling over 8,000 tix in Nashville and over 10,000 in Houston. He won’t slow down too long over the holidays, as he’ll hit the road to headline the Winter Jam 2009 tour January through March.
With over 8 million career scans and sold out tours, "Portable Sounds" is TobyMac's latest and highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), and after hitting No. 1 on SoundScan’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week as well, the project is quickly approaching RIAA GOLD certification All three of TobyMac’s solo projects have received numerous GMA Dove Award nominations as well as GRAMMY nominations. In addition, "Momentum" (2001) and "Welcome to Diverse City" (2004), both were awarded RIAA Gold Certification.
www.tobymac.com
(Nashville, TN) November 4, 2008– Multi Grammy and Dove winner and GMA's Artist of the Year, tobyMac whose critically acclaimed album Portable Sounds is his best-selling solo project to-date, will once again live up to the definition of "diversity" as the Winter Wonder Slam Tour announces details of his highly anticipated 2008 line-up of artists and markets. Talent set to perform this year includes a litany of hot artists including Relient K, Family Force 5 and new Gotee Records act B. Reith.
Total Axxess Radio is once again this year joining forces with TobyMac for the November 11th to December 14th run of Winter Wonder Slam shows. The tour is scheduled to hit 17 markets, and has already pre-sold a whopping 5,200 ticket in one day for the upcoming Houston show.
As in past years, Winter Wonder Slam will benefit the work of the U.S. Marine Corps in its' annual Toys For Tots campaign. The mission of the Toys For Tots Foundation is to provide a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas and concert-goers will again this year be encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to the event. Each year, Winter Slam produces multiple sell-outs and sets records for the amount of gifts collected for Toys For Tots.
In bringing back this successful tour, tobyMac noted his pleasure at the artists assembled for the Winter Wonder Slam mission, commenting, "During the holidays, everyone needs a break from studying for exams and Christmas shopping. I wanted to put together a diverse tour that rocks in many musical directions but always points to Christ. The Winter Wonder Slam Tour does have a Christmas theme, but every band will be playing their hits and doing it the way they do!"
Winter Wonder Slam 2008 will be a welcome return of the concert series that's become a traditional holiday family reunion for tobyMac and national audiences. It's a reunion that's anticipated to again this year bring the real meaning of Christmas to concert-goers and needy children alike.
With over 8 million career scans and sold out tours, "Portable Sounds" is TobyMac's latest and highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), and after hitting No. 1 on SoundScan's Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week as well, the project is quickly approaching RIAA GOLD certification All three of TobyMac's solo projects have received numerous GMA Dove Award nominations as well as GRAMMY nominations. In addition, "Momentum" (2001) and "Welcome to Diverse City" (2004), both were awarded RIAA Gold Certification.
WINTERWONDERSLAM 2008 (all dates subject to change)
11/13/08 7:00PM Greenville, SC Bi-LO Center
11/14/08 7:00PM Jacksonville, FL Veterans Memorial Arena
11/15/08 1:00PM West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amp
11/16/08 3:00PM Ft Myers, FL Germain Arena
11/20/08 7:00PM Lincoln, NE Pershing Auditorium
11/21/08 7:00PM Denver, CO World Arena
11/22/08 6:00PM Kansas City, MO Municipal Auditorium
11/23/08 6:00PM Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center
11/29/08 7:00PM Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
11/30/08 7:00PM Knoxville, TN Knoxville Coliseum
12/5/08 7:00PM Nashville, TN Sommet Center
12/6/08 7:00PM Huntsville, AL VBC
12/7/08 7:00PM Mobile, AL Mobile Civic Center
12/11/08 7:00PM Bossier City, LA Century Tel
12/12/08 7:30PM Houston, TX Toyota Center
12/13/08 7:00PM Tulsa, OK MaBee Center
12/14/08 Dallas, TX Nokia Theater
Total Axxess Radio is once again this year joining forces with TobyMac for the November 11th to December 14th run of Winter Wonder Slam shows. The tour is scheduled to hit 17 markets, and has already pre-sold a whopping 5,200 ticket in one day for the upcoming Houston show.
As in past years, Winter Wonder Slam will benefit the work of the U.S. Marine Corps in its' annual Toys For Tots campaign. The mission of the Toys For Tots Foundation is to provide a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas and concert-goers will again this year be encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to the event. Each year, Winter Slam produces multiple sell-outs and sets records for the amount of gifts collected for Toys For Tots.
In bringing back this successful tour, tobyMac noted his pleasure at the artists assembled for the Winter Wonder Slam mission, commenting, "During the holidays, everyone needs a break from studying for exams and Christmas shopping. I wanted to put together a diverse tour that rocks in many musical directions but always points to Christ. The Winter Wonder Slam Tour does have a Christmas theme, but every band will be playing their hits and doing it the way they do!"
Winter Wonder Slam 2008 will be a welcome return of the concert series that's become a traditional holiday family reunion for tobyMac and national audiences. It's a reunion that's anticipated to again this year bring the real meaning of Christmas to concert-goers and needy children alike.
With over 8 million career scans and sold out tours, "Portable Sounds" is TobyMac's latest and highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), and after hitting No. 1 on SoundScan's Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week as well, the project is quickly approaching RIAA GOLD certification All three of TobyMac's solo projects have received numerous GMA Dove Award nominations as well as GRAMMY nominations. In addition, "Momentum" (2001) and "Welcome to Diverse City" (2004), both were awarded RIAA Gold Certification.
WINTERWONDERSLAM 2008 (all dates subject to change)
11/13/08 7:00PM Greenville, SC Bi-LO Center
11/14/08 7:00PM Jacksonville, FL Veterans Memorial Arena
11/15/08 1:00PM West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amp
11/16/08 3:00PM Ft Myers, FL Germain Arena
11/20/08 7:00PM Lincoln, NE Pershing Auditorium
11/21/08 7:00PM Denver, CO World Arena
11/22/08 6:00PM Kansas City, MO Municipal Auditorium
11/23/08 6:00PM Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center
11/29/08 7:00PM Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
11/30/08 7:00PM Knoxville, TN Knoxville Coliseum
12/5/08 7:00PM Nashville, TN Sommet Center
12/6/08 7:00PM Huntsville, AL VBC
12/7/08 7:00PM Mobile, AL Mobile Civic Center
12/11/08 7:00PM Bossier City, LA Century Tel
12/12/08 7:30PM Houston, TX Toyota Center
12/13/08 7:00PM Tulsa, OK MaBee Center
12/14/08 Dallas, TX Nokia Theater
HEARITFIRST.COM EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT
TOBYMAC CONFIRMED TO HEADLINE
WINTER JAM 2009
NEWSONG TO HOST SPECIAL GUEST ARTISTS HAWK NELSON,
BRANDON HEATH, AND THE AFTERS
WINTER JAM TO MAINTAIN POPULAR “NO
TICKETS” POLICY
NASHVILLE, TN—October 22, 2008—In an
exclusive announcement, HearItFirst.com has confirmed the artist line-up for
The Winter Jam 2009 Tour Spectacular, Christian music’s largest annual musical
tour. tobyMac, the “GMA Artist Of The Year” for 2008, will headline the tour
with special guests Hawk Nelson, 2008 “GMA New Artist Of The Year” Brandon
Heath, “GMA New Artist Of The Year” 2006 The Afters, and new Gotee Recording
artist, Stephanie Smith.
The 10-week tour launches January 8, 2009 in Roanoke, VA. Grammy-nominated and
Dove Award-winning, NewSong will host the high-energy event for the 14th
consecutive year, which will feature special guest speaker Tony Nolan.
Additional Winter Jam artists will be announced over the next few weeks.
Winter Jam is Christian music’s largest annual tour. Last year’s total paid
attendance was 311,836 with an average nightly attendance of 9,172. As a
result, Winter Jam was the fourth ranked tour on Pollstar’s 2008 First Quarter
Ticket Sales Chart topping Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, The Police and Foo
Fighters.
In spite of escalating prices due to a challenging economy, Winter Jam will
maintain their popular “no tickets” policy that allows consumers to simply pay
$10 at the door for admission.
“Year after year we’ve seen God’s hand on Winter Jam,” said Eddie Carswell,
founding member of NewSong and Winter Jam originator. “Over 311,000 people
attended Winter Jam 2008 and out of those over 53,000 made a decision or
rededication to follow Christ. As if that wasn’t amazing enough, over 4,300 orphaned
children around the world were sponsored through Holt International. Our prayer
is that God would continue to use this tour for His glory and to impact tens of
thousands more in 2009.”
Corporate sponsors for Winter Jam 2009 include Holt International,
a world leader in international adoption and child welfare, MegaVoice, an
international Biblical literacy organization, and HearItFirst.com, the leading
Christian music online site. HearItFirst.com will be hosting the official
Winter Jam site, which will launch on November 4, 2008 at
HearItFirst.com/WinterJam or by going to jamtour.com.
Here are the dates, markets, and venues for Winter Jam 2009:
1/8/09 Roanoke, VA Roanoke Civic Center
1/9/09 Chattanooga, TN UTC McKenzie Arena
1/10/09 Fayetteville, NC Crown Coliseum
1/11/09 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena
1/15/09 Augusta, GA James Brown Arena
1/16/09 TBA
1/17/09 TBA
1/18/09 Macon, GA Macon Coliseum
1/23/09 Peoria, IL Peoria Civic Center
1/24/09 Des Moines, IA Veterans Memorial Auditorium
1/25/09 St. Charles, MO Family Arena
1/29/09 Cincinnati, OH Cincinnati Gardens
1/30/09 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center
1/31/09 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
2/5/09 TBA
2/6/09 Little Rock, AR ALLTEL Arena
2/7/09 Birmingham, AL BJCC Arena
2/8/09 Duluth, GA Arena at Gwinnett Center
2/13/09 Greensville, SC BI-LO Center
2/14/09 Jacksonville, FL Veterans Memorial Arena
2/15/09 Mobile, AL USA Mitchell Center
2/20/09 Columbia, SC Colonial Life Arena
2/21/09 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
2/22/09 Norfolk, VA Norfolk Scope Arena
2/26/09 Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center
2/27/09 Tulsa, OK Mabee Center
2/28/09 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
3/1/09 Council Bluffs, IA Mid-America Center
3/6/09 Knoxville, TN Thompson-Boling Arena
3/7/09 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena
3/8/09 Tupelo, MS BancorpSouth Arena
3/12/09 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
3/13/09 Ft. Wayne, IN Allen County War Memorial
Coliseum
3/14/09 Ypsilanti, MI EMU Convocation Center
3/15/09 TBA
About HearItFirst.com
Now boasting more than 182,000 members, HearItFirst.com has become the definitive online community for fans wanting exclusive in-depth access to artists. Among member benefits are free daily updates, music downloads, weekly newsletters, early viewing of upcoming music videos, artist interviews updated daily, and behind-the-scenes footage from live events. The site also maintains an entire channel devoted solely to the latest in indie music. Versatile, fresh and timely content has come to define the site, which receives more than 500,000 visits a month and in excess of 1.2million monthly page views. For more information, visit www.HearItFirst.com
COMPASSIONART SONGWRITERS RECORD IN NASHVILLE, JOINED BY GUEST VOCALISTS TOBYMAC, LEELAND MOORING
Record Labels Discuss Jointly Releasing Upcoming Album To Benefit The World’s Poorest Of The Poor
(Nashville, TN) March 19, 2008 – Compassionart songwriters, Paul Baloche, Steven Curtis Chapman, Andy Park, Martin Smith and Michael W. Smith continued to record songs last week that were written during a retreat in January. Meeting at Pentavarit Studio in Nashville, the studio hummed with activity as the songwriters were joined by guest vocalists tobyMac and Leeland Mooring (of the band Leeland), each putting down their signature vocals on tracks that were started at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London. Friends like Charlie Peacock and Eddie DeGarmo dropped by to spend time with the songwriters, as well as listen to the progression of the Compassionart songs. Guiding the tracks at the production helm for this recording session was Matt Bronleewe (Natalie Imbruglia, “Evan Almighty” [Soundtrack], dc Talk, “Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere) and Paul Moak (Mat Kearney, Shane & Shane, Derek Webb), and engineering was Andy Hunt (Jars of Clay, Good Charlotte, Buddy Guy).
Nashville’s top daily paper, The Tennessean, broke the news Wednesday about the recording session and a meeting that Compassionart founder and Delirious? frontman Martin Smith was to have with record labels about jointly releasing the upcoming Compassionart album. Martin was quoted as saying, “This is a challenge for the industry, as I am talking to the labels now about how to put this album out together.” Following the meeting that included EMI CMG President and CEO Bill Hearn, Provident Music Group President and CEO Terry Hemmings and Integrity Media Chief Marketing Officer Daniel McGuffey, Martin was encouraged, saying, “There was a real spirit of wanting to work together.” The resulting Compassionart studio album is being planned for a late fall release.
Compassionart, a charity based in Littlehampton, England and dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the poor, hosted a songwriter’s retreat in Scotland, UK. Working together toward a common goal involving no personal gain, the songwriters set out to write 10-12 songs and, by the end of the retreat, had completed 22 new songs. In addition to those recording this week, Compassionart songwriters include Stu Garrard (Delirious?), Israel Houghton, Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, and Darlene Zschech. Together the songwriters account for at least 42 million albums sold, 82 No. 1 songs, 10 GRAMMY Awards, 110 Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards, two American Music Awards, and 98 current CCLI Top 500 songs sung by millions in churches around the world.
The first Compassionart song that will be released is “So Great,” recorded by Michael W. Smith, Christy Nockels and Israel Houghton and to be featured on the WOW Hits 1 release in April.
In addition to the songwriters, the publishers, managers, copyright institutes and agents involved have all waived their rights and are donating their efforts on this project to Compassionart. The songs are to be given through Compassionart to the world not just to sing, but also to raise money for the relief of suffering around the planet. One half of the monies received over the songs’ lifetimes will go to the songwriters’ charity of choice, and the other 50% will go to a charitable project agreed upon by all the songwriters involved.
For more information on Compassionart, go to http://compassionart.co.uk/.
Record Labels Discuss Jointly Releasing Upcoming Album To Benefit The World’s Poorest Of The Poor
(Nashville, TN) March 19, 2008 – Compassionart songwriters, Paul Baloche, Steven Curtis Chapman, Andy Park, Martin Smith and Michael W. Smith continued to record songs last week that were written during a retreat in January. Meeting at Pentavarit Studio in Nashville, the studio hummed with activity as the songwriters were joined by guest vocalists tobyMac and Leeland Mooring (of the band Leeland), each putting down their signature vocals on tracks that were started at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London. Friends like Charlie Peacock and Eddie DeGarmo dropped by to spend time with the songwriters, as well as listen to the progression of the Compassionart songs. Guiding the tracks at the production helm for this recording session was Matt Bronleewe (Natalie Imbruglia, “Evan Almighty” [Soundtrack], dc Talk, “Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere) and Paul Moak (Mat Kearney, Shane & Shane, Derek Webb), and engineering was Andy Hunt (Jars of Clay, Good Charlotte, Buddy Guy).
Nashville’s top daily paper, The Tennessean, broke the news Wednesday about the recording session and a meeting that Compassionart founder and Delirious? frontman Martin Smith was to have with record labels about jointly releasing the upcoming Compassionart album. Martin was quoted as saying, “This is a challenge for the industry, as I am talking to the labels now about how to put this album out together.” Following the meeting that included EMI CMG President and CEO Bill Hearn, Provident Music Group President and CEO Terry Hemmings and Integrity Media Chief Marketing Officer Daniel McGuffey, Martin was encouraged, saying, “There was a real spirit of wanting to work together.” The resulting Compassionart studio album is being planned for a late fall release.
Compassionart, a charity based in Littlehampton, England and dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the poor, hosted a songwriter’s retreat in Scotland, UK. Working together toward a common goal involving no personal gain, the songwriters set out to write 10-12 songs and, by the end of the retreat, had completed 22 new songs. In addition to those recording this week, Compassionart songwriters include Stu Garrard (Delirious?), Israel Houghton, Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, and Darlene Zschech. Together the songwriters account for at least 42 million albums sold, 82 No. 1 songs, 10 GRAMMY Awards, 110 Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards, two American Music Awards, and 98 current CCLI Top 500 songs sung by millions in churches around the world.
The first Compassionart song that will be released is “So Great,” recorded by Michael W. Smith, Christy Nockels and Israel Houghton and to be featured on the WOW Hits 1 release in April.
In addition to the songwriters, the publishers, managers, copyright institutes and agents involved have all waived their rights and are donating their efforts on this project to Compassionart. The songs are to be given through Compassionart to the world not just to sing, but also to raise money for the relief of suffering around the planet. One half of the monies received over the songs’ lifetimes will go to the songwriters’ charity of choice, and the other 50% will go to a charitable project agreed upon by all the songwriters involved.
For more information on Compassionart, go to http://compassionart.co.uk/.
The headline says it all! tobyMac's song "Slam" is featured in the movie "Never Back Down."
Toby Mac's “Boomin' ” from his latest album Portable Sounds (ForeFront Records/EMI CMG) won Video of the Year for 2007, while videos by Mary Mary, Relient K, Chris Tomlin, Da T.R.U.T.H. featuring Tye Tribbett, Face 2 Face and Rodney Atkins were also winners in the inaugural Gospel Music Channel Video Awards, announced last weekend. Gospel Music Channel created the awards to honor the top videos in six categories and overall Video of the Year with winners determined by viewers and fans through online voting at www.gospelmusicchannel.com.
Besides Toby Mac, other winners included Atkins' "Watching You" for Best Country Video; Relient K's "Must Have Done Something Right" for Best Rock Video; Mary Mary's "Yesterday" for Best Soul Video; Da T.R.U.T.H.'s "Who Am I" for Best Hip Hop Video; Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace" for Best Contemporary Video and Latin sensation Face 2 Face was awarded Best Latin Video of 2007 for Que Puedo Darte.
Besides Toby Mac, other winners included Atkins' "Watching You" for Best Country Video; Relient K's "Must Have Done Something Right" for Best Rock Video; Mary Mary's "Yesterday" for Best Soul Video; Da T.R.U.T.H.'s "Who Am I" for Best Hip Hop Video; Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace" for Best Contemporary Video and Latin sensation Face 2 Face was awarded Best Latin Video of 2007 for Que Puedo Darte.
Coming Easter 2008 ... the much-anticipated LIVE CD and DVD! Recorded during two shows in Houston, Texas on the Portable Sounds Fall Tour, the live disc and concert DVD promise to capture all of the onstage excitement of tobyMac and Diverse City. Want to get a sneak peak at the action? Check out the photo blog by webGirl Jess on myspace.
The third single off Portable Sounds, "One World," goes out to radio next week ... so feel free to hit up your local Christian radio with requests. What a great message, especially during this Christmas season, that we are all God's children living in one world.
The third single off Portable Sounds, "One World," goes out to radio next week ... so feel free to hit up your local Christian radio with requests. What a great message, especially during this Christmas season, that we are all God's children living in one world.
Deluxe CD/DVD editions of two current top-selling Christian music releases—Chris Tomlin’s SEE THE MORNING and tobyMac’s PORTABLE SOUNDS—will hit stores nationwide beginning October 23 each with a remarkably low list price of just $14.99.
SEE THE MORNING follows Tomlin’s gold-certified ARRIVING project and features the hits “Made to Worship,” “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone),” and “How Can I Keep from Singing?” The deluxe edition adds a DVD featuring four live performances from the spring 2007 How Great Is Our God Tour (“How Great Is Our God,” “Let God Arise,” “Amazing Grace,” “How Can I Keep from Singing?”) plus an inspiring talk from Passion worship conference founder Louie Giglio.
Upon its original release in September of last year, Amazon.com wrote, “So how does Chris Tomlin follow up his 2006 Artist and Male Vocalist of the Year Dove Awards? Easy . . . he goes out and releases his best work to date with SEE THE MORNING, a superb collection of worship-flavored tracks.”
Tomlin resumes the How Great Is Our God Tour next month. See concert dates here.
PORTABLE SOUNDS follows tobyMac’s gold-certified albums MOMENTUM and WELCOME TO DIVERSE CITY and features the hits “Made to Love,” “Lose My Soul” (featuring Mandisa and Kirk Franklin), “I’m For You,” and “Boomin’.” The deluxe edition adds an hour-long DVD featuring the “Boomin’” music video, live studio performances, and much more.
Upon its original release in February of this year, Amazon.com called tobyMac’s PORTABLE SOUNDS “his most impressive solo effort to date. The musician-producer sounds more confident and comfortable than ever before, deftly mixing elements of rap, rock, pop, R&B, funk, and even a little reggae into a deliciously creative entrée.”
tobyMac kicks off his Portable Sounds Tour on September 20 with special guests BarlowGirl and Thousand Foot Krutch. See and share the concert e-card at tobyMac.com.
SEE THE MORNING follows Tomlin’s gold-certified ARRIVING project and features the hits “Made to Worship,” “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone),” and “How Can I Keep from Singing?” The deluxe edition adds a DVD featuring four live performances from the spring 2007 How Great Is Our God Tour (“How Great Is Our God,” “Let God Arise,” “Amazing Grace,” “How Can I Keep from Singing?”) plus an inspiring talk from Passion worship conference founder Louie Giglio.
Upon its original release in September of last year, Amazon.com wrote, “So how does Chris Tomlin follow up his 2006 Artist and Male Vocalist of the Year Dove Awards? Easy . . . he goes out and releases his best work to date with SEE THE MORNING, a superb collection of worship-flavored tracks.”
Tomlin resumes the How Great Is Our God Tour next month. See concert dates here.
PORTABLE SOUNDS follows tobyMac’s gold-certified albums MOMENTUM and WELCOME TO DIVERSE CITY and features the hits “Made to Love,” “Lose My Soul” (featuring Mandisa and Kirk Franklin), “I’m For You,” and “Boomin’.” The deluxe edition adds an hour-long DVD featuring the “Boomin’” music video, live studio performances, and much more.
Upon its original release in February of this year, Amazon.com called tobyMac’s PORTABLE SOUNDS “his most impressive solo effort to date. The musician-producer sounds more confident and comfortable than ever before, deftly mixing elements of rap, rock, pop, R&B, funk, and even a little reggae into a deliciously creative entrée.”
tobyMac kicks off his Portable Sounds Tour on September 20 with special guests BarlowGirl and Thousand Foot Krutch. See and share the concert e-card at tobyMac.com.
The world premiere of tobyMac's video for "Boomin'" is happening tomorrow, July 3rd at Yahoo! All day tomorrow, you can see the video at music.Yahoo.com.
The Portable Sounds fall tour with special guests Barlow Girl and Thousand Foot Krutch is set to kick off September 20th in Mobile, Alabama and stop in about 28 cities through November 11th.
07.06.07 Doswell, VA @ Kings Fest
07.07.07 Cincinnati, OH @ King's Island
07.10.07 St. Louis, MO @ America's Center
07.11.07 Appleton, WI @ Lifest
07.12.07 Willmar, MN @ Sonshine Festival
07.14.07 Omaha, NE @ Qwest Center Grounds
07.26.07 The Woodlands, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
07.28.07 George, WA @ Creation West
08.02.07 Gilford, NH @ Soulfest
08.04.07 Monterey, CA @ Spirit West Coast
08.05.07 Anaheim, CA @ Harvest Crusade
08.07.07 Darien Lake, NY @ Kingdom Bound
09.01.07 Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theater
09.08.07 Orlando, FL @ Rock the Universe
09.10.07 Allegan, MI @ Allegan County Fair
09.20.07 Mobile, AL @ Cottage Hill Baptist Church
09.21.07 Columbia, SC @ Township Auditorium
09.22.07 Marion, SC @ Carolina Entertainment Complex
09.27.07 Knoxville, TN @ Coliseum
09.28.07 St. Louis, MO @ Church on the Rock
09.29.07 Huntsville, AL @ Big Spring Jam
09.30.07 Frisco, TX @ Pizza Hut Park
10.03.07 Cullman, AL @ Fairgrounds
10.05.07 Chattanooga, TN @ Chattanooga Memorial Auditorium
10.06.07 Cincinnati, OH @ Landmark Church
10.07.07 Columbus, OH @ Grove City Church of the Nazarene
10.11.07 Worcester, MA @ Palladium
10.12.07 Portland, ME @ Portland Expo Center
10.13.07 E. Rutherford, NJ @ Continental Airlines Arena
10.18.07 Ft. Wayne, IN @ Grand Wayne Convention Center
10.19.07 E. Lansing, MI @ MSU Auditorium
10.21.07 Des Moines, IA @ Val-Air Ballroom
10.25.07 Milwaukee, WI @ Oak Creek Assembly
11.01.07 Little Rock, AR @ Church at Rock Creek
11.02.07 Wichita, KS @ Central Christian Church
11.03.07 Dodge City, KS @ Dodge City Civic Center
11.04.07 Oklahoma City, OK Bethany First Church of the Nazarene
11.09.07 Tulsa, OK @ Victory Christian Center
11.10.07 Houston, TX @ Berry Center
11.11.07 Hattiesburg, MS @ Forrest County Multi Purpose Center
07.06.07 Doswell, VA @ Kings Fest
07.07.07 Cincinnati, OH @ King's Island
07.10.07 St. Louis, MO @ America's Center
07.11.07 Appleton, WI @ Lifest
07.12.07 Willmar, MN @ Sonshine Festival
07.14.07 Omaha, NE @ Qwest Center Grounds
07.26.07 The Woodlands, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
07.28.07 George, WA @ Creation West
08.02.07 Gilford, NH @ Soulfest
08.04.07 Monterey, CA @ Spirit West Coast
08.05.07 Anaheim, CA @ Harvest Crusade
08.07.07 Darien Lake, NY @ Kingdom Bound
09.01.07 Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theater
09.08.07 Orlando, FL @ Rock the Universe
09.10.07 Allegan, MI @ Allegan County Fair
09.20.07 Mobile, AL @ Cottage Hill Baptist Church
09.21.07 Columbia, SC @ Township Auditorium
09.22.07 Marion, SC @ Carolina Entertainment Complex
09.27.07 Knoxville, TN @ Coliseum
09.28.07 St. Louis, MO @ Church on the Rock
09.29.07 Huntsville, AL @ Big Spring Jam
09.30.07 Frisco, TX @ Pizza Hut Park
10.03.07 Cullman, AL @ Fairgrounds
10.05.07 Chattanooga, TN @ Chattanooga Memorial Auditorium
10.06.07 Cincinnati, OH @ Landmark Church
10.07.07 Columbus, OH @ Grove City Church of the Nazarene
10.11.07 Worcester, MA @ Palladium
10.12.07 Portland, ME @ Portland Expo Center
10.13.07 E. Rutherford, NJ @ Continental Airlines Arena
10.18.07 Ft. Wayne, IN @ Grand Wayne Convention Center
10.19.07 E. Lansing, MI @ MSU Auditorium
10.21.07 Des Moines, IA @ Val-Air Ballroom
10.25.07 Milwaukee, WI @ Oak Creek Assembly
11.01.07 Little Rock, AR @ Church at Rock Creek
11.02.07 Wichita, KS @ Central Christian Church
11.03.07 Dodge City, KS @ Dodge City Civic Center
11.04.07 Oklahoma City, OK Bethany First Church of the Nazarene
11.09.07 Tulsa, OK @ Victory Christian Center
11.10.07 Houston, TX @ Berry Center
11.11.07 Hattiesburg, MS @ Forrest County Multi Purpose Center
Alright everyone, Toby needs your help! A HUGE round of applause to everyone who climbed into the director’s chair to create their own tobyMac video! We received tons of great submissions, but have narrowed it down to the final 9. We now need you to vote for your favorite video! Just go to www.hearitfirst.com/tobyvideocontest, check them out and pick your favorite. Voting closes June 25th, so log on NOW to submit your vote!
Nashville, TN....April 19, 2007.....As pioneering artist TobyMac’s new hit record “Portable Sounds” continues its incredible sales trek with 70% ahead of his 2004 Gold-certified, Dove Award winning and GRAMMY ® nominated project, “Welcome To Diverse City,” TobyMac is also seeing unprecedented support from radio and fans across the country on his “Portable Sounds” tour. In addition, his retail single for “Made to Love” continues to land in the top 15 of the Billboard Top 100 Singles Sales chart, this week in at No. 11 after 15 weeks on the chart.
After holding strong for 9 straight weeks at No. 1 on R&R’s Christian CHR chart, TobyMac is also feeling the love from Christian AC radio for the first time in his solo career with “Made to Love,” which this week hits No. 2 on R&R’s Christian AC Monitored radio chart.
Capacity crowds in Kansas City, Rockford, Toledo and the largest group of the tour so far in Lynchburg, VA, have been getting a live taste of the February 20th release from TobyMac as the “Portable Sounds” tour kicked off March 15th featuring the hot line-up of Thousand Foot Krutch, Building 429, and Family Force 5. With all three acts releasing new music in 2007, the “Portable Sounds” tour is bringing a fresh new sound to 19 cities across the U.S..
To keep the momentum going strong, Forefront Records is orchestrating a tobyMac fan video contest in which fans will create a video for a song from “Portable Sounds.” The winning video will be premiered on the JumboTron before Toby’s set at Creation Festival Northwest on July 28. The winner will receive a trip for two to Creation NW to meet Toby and see the video premiere and other prizes (detailed on the next page). Three honorable mentions will receive a 30GB iPod and an autographed copy of “Portable Sounds.”
Sponsored by Forefront, Creation Festival, MonsterPod and Hearitfirst.com, contestants can enter starting April 25th through June 6th at Hearitfirst.com and can use one of three TobyMac “Portable Sounds” songs: “I’m for You,” “Boomin’” or “Ignition.” The top 10 finalists will have their videos put up at Hearitfirst.com where fans will be able to vote to choose a final winner, which will be announced in late July when the video premieres before Toby’s set at Creation Northwest as well as on HearItFirst.com. For contest details go to: http://www.hearitfirst.com/tobymac.
“Portable Sounds” debuted on the Billboard Top 200 chart at No. 10 and No. 1 on SoundScan Contemporary Christian Overall chart, marking this his highest solo career debut selling 50,645 units. Ringing true to the title and TobyMac’s intent on making this project “portable” for the masses, 14 % of street week numbers were from digital sales landing at No. 4 on the Billboard Digital Sales chart. Also during street week, “Portable Sounds” broke into the Top 10 overall albums on iTunes. Prior to street week, TobyMac’s retail single “Made to Love” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Singles chart and remains in the Top 5. This single also topped the SoundScan Christian Digital Track chart.
TobyMac released his solo debut (Momentum 2001) followed by the critically acclaimed Welcome to Diverse City (2004), which both releases received GRAMMY nominations, and most recently both were awarded RIAA Gold Certification last month. TobyMac is a founding member of the GRAMMY Award winning and best-selling group (over 8 million albums sold) in Christian music, dc talk. He is the founder of Gotee Records and co-founder of the E.R.A.C.E. Foundation (Eliminating Racism and Creating Equality) in Franklin, TN. Recently TobyMac was honored with the “Artist of the Year” nomination for the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards, which will be held on April 25, 2007.
Talk about a hookup for Cellular South/Realtone Jukebox users! tobyMac is a featured artist in the Realtone Jukebox BREW application, which means you can buy new Ring tones from the new album Portable Sounds! Get ringers for the hit single “Made to Love”, the funk-rock joint “Boomin’” and an EXCLUSIVE version of “I’m For You” only at Cellular South, PLUS a bunch of other cuts from the record and other Toby favs. Just go to BREW via your cell phone handset and download Realtone Jukebox from the Ring tones section. You’ll see him on the Realtone Jukebox main menu – the 5th folder down. Enjoy!
You can also check out his Cellular South homepage feature as well here: www.cellularsouth.com.
TobyMac’s PORTABLE SOUNDS at #10 on Billboard Top 200
TobyMac registered the highest single artist, non-compilation album debut in the United States this week with PORTABLE SOUNDS, entering the Billboard Top 200 chart at #10 up in the mix near Justin Timberlake and Corinne Bailey Rae among others. The set also bowed at #1 on the Christian album chart.
USA Today noted the "ecclesiastical eclecticism" of PORTABLE SOUNDS, encouraging readers to "download the soulful, prayerful 'Lose My Soul' featuring Kirk Franklin and Mandisa." Campus Circle wrote, "Like the deeply religious Matisyahu, TobyMac infuses his spirituality into popular music very smoothly... he can cook in many genres." Grand Rapids Press declares "listenable is the operative word for this artist who has shown a compelling creativity that continues to find new fans."
In all, PORTABLE SOUNDS sold 50,645 copies its first week out, the best debut yet among TobyMac's solo efforts that include the gold certified MOMENTUM and WELCOME TO DIVERSE CITY. The hip-hop, pop, rock, and reggae flavored project is led by first single "Made to Love" which is currently at #1 on the Christian contemporary hit radio chart and in the Top 5 on the all-genre Billboard Hot Singles chart.
Responding to the strong reception, TobyMac said, "For me, PORTABLE SOUNDS was a labor of love, the rest is a great plan and a passionate team coming together and rockin' it. It's always an honor to know that people connect with your music."
Fans can keep the connection strong by catching the 19-city Portable Sounds Tour that begins March 15. Check out all the new album and concert details at tobymac.com and www.myspace.com/tobymac.
NASHVILLE, TN...February 28, 2007... Responding to TobyMac’s most personal album to date, fans get the party started by coming out in droves and making TobyMac’s third studio release, “Portable Sounds” a phenomenal hit.
Coming off of his two RIAA Gold Certified studio projects, “Portable Sounds” debuted on the Billboard Top 200 chart at No. 10 and No. 1 on SoundScan Contemporary Christian Overall chart, marking this his highest solo career debut selling 50,645 units. Ringing true to the title and TobyMac’s intent on making this project “portable” for the masses, 14 % of street week numbers were from digital sales landing at No. 4 on the Billboard Digital Sales chart.
During street week, “Portable Sounds” broke into the Top 10 overall albums on iTunes and holds strong this week in the Top 15, as well as the No. 1 Christian Album. Prior to street week, TobyMac’s retail single “Made to Love” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Singles chart and remains in the Top 5. This single also topped the SoundScan Christian Digital Track chart.
"For me Portable Sounds was a labor of love, the rest is a great plan and a passionate team coming together and rockin’ it,” states TobyMac. “It's always an honor to know that people connect with your music.”
“We could not be happier with the setup, delivery and debut of Portable Sounds,” comments Peter York, President of EMI CMG Label Group. “Toby has earned the reputation of being the hardest working artist in the industry and that passion and drive flows out from him and into everyone he comes in contact with, whether it’s a fan at a show or the team of people that work on his records. Working with an artist whose heart is in the right place and whose personal standard is as high as Toby’s, is truly inspiring.”
The media are also attending this party with rave reviews for this award winning artist. Being reviewed and/or featured by the likes of USA Today, Campus Circle, Stars & Stripes Military Paper, CCM Magazine and many more, is only a small indication of the buzz around Toby’s release. Here is what the media are saying about “Portable Sounds:”
“His populist-pop-meets-social-conscience formula works, and he’s clearly enjoying the musical freedom his iconic status affords him.” ---Christian Music Planet
“Listenable is the operative word for this artist who, over three CDs now, has shown a compelling creativity that continues to find new fans.” ---The Grand Rapids Press
“TobyMac’s latest may be greatest. ‘Diversity in music’ easily sums up TobyMac's music. With his new CD, "Portable Sounds," he's already making history.” ---Huntsville Times
“TobyMac still leads the pack...musically diverse artist has always been accessible to radio.” ---R&R Magazine
“When Toby is in the house, party is a verb. Portable Sounds, don’t leave home without it.” ---CCM Magazine
In addition to the sales and media acclaim, radio continues to rally around TobyMac’s smash hit single “Made to Love.” This single has remained at No. 1 on both CRW and R&R Christian CHR charts for more than six weeks as well as charting in the Top 10 on AC format (R&R...No. 7). In a recent feature in R&R magazine, WAYG and WAYK/Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo, Mich., program director Mike Couchman stated, “Our listeners eat up his music. He’s easily our most requested these days, and when you bring dcTalk into the picture, Toby could win the most-requested and best-testing award of all time.”
Fans will get a live taste of the February 20th release from TobyMac on the upcoming “Portable Sounds” tour starting March 15, 2007. The upcoming tour will also be featuring the hot line-up of Thousand Foot Krutch, Building 429, and Family Force 5. With all three acts releasing new music in 2007, the “Portable Sounds” tour will bring a fresh new sound to the 19-city tour. Check out http://www.tobymac.com or http://www.myspace.com/tobymac for an updated schedule.
TobyMac released his solo debut (Momentum 2001) followed by the critically acclaimed Welcome to Diverse City (2004), which both releases received GRAMMY nominations, and most recently both were awarded RIAA Gold Certification last month. TobyMac is a founding member of the GRAMMY Award winning and best-selling group (over 8 million albums sold) in Christian music, dc talk. He is the founder of Gotee Records and co-founder of the E.R.A.C.E. Foundation (Eliminating Racism and Creating Equality) in Franklin, TN. Recently TobyMac was honored with the “Artist of the Year” nomination for the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards, which will be held on April 25, 2007.
Check out 2 reviews of tobyMac's new album Portable Sounds (click link to check it out in the hearitfirst.com store) here.
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ARTIST LINE-UP FEATURES THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH,
BUILDING 429, & FAMILY FORCE 5
TobyMac’s Debut Single Continues to Impact Charts at No. 1
Fans will get a live taste of the February 20th release from TobyMac on the upcoming “Portable Sounds” tour starting March 15, 2007. The upcoming tour will also be featuring the hot line-up of Thousand Foot Krutch, Building 429, and Family Force 5. With all three acts releasing new music in 2007, the “Portable Sounds” tour will bring a fresh new sound to the 19-city tour (dates below).
"The “Portable Sounds” tour is coming to your town with a diverse set-up of hip-hop, rock and funk,” shares TobyMac. “My hope for this tour is that we ignite a party that causes people to think."
Part of the multi-musical set list will include TobyMac’s chart-topping new single “Made to Love,” which continues to rock charts at radio (No. 1 CHR (R&R and CRW), No. 14 AC (R&R), and No. 16 AC Indicator (R&R)) and retail (at No. 2 on the Soundscan Retail Chart for the third week). Fans can get this hit song with an exclusive iTunes pre-order for $9.99 and receive the single immediately followed by the full album on street date with a bonus acoustic song, behind-the-scenes video of the making of the album and more extras.
TobyMac released his solo debut (Momentum 2001) followed by the critically acclaimed Welcome to Diverse City (2004), which both releases received GRAMMY nominations and most recently both were awarded RIAA Gold Certification last month. TobyMac is a founding member of the GRAMMY Award winning and best-selling group (over 8 million albums sold) in Christian music, dc talk. He is the founder of Gotee Records and co-founder of the E.R.A.C.E. Foundation (Eliminating Racism and Creating Equality) in Franklin, TN.
Thousand Foot Krutch (Tooth & Nail) is currently recording their next album, tentatively titled The Flame in All of Us, set to release Fall 2007. The Toronto, Canada natives have sold over 400,000 copies to date of their albums Set It Off, Phenomenon, and The Art Of Breaking. Thousand Foot Krutch broke out with their 2003 Phenomenon album, which landed them an impressive five songs on rock radio and even a step into the mainstream with song “Rawkfist.” It was that song that became the first great sports anthem of the 21st century being heard everywhere from sports stadiums to commercials (NHL, NFL and major league baseball, ESPN) to the WB’s Smallville.
Building 429 (Word Records) debuted in 2004 with “Glory Defined,” a song that hit No. 1 on eight different charts and became BMI’s 2005 Song of the Year for Christian music. The band received four Dove Award nominations and was named the GMA’s 2005 New Artist of the Year. Recently completing a tour in Germany where they ministered to American soldiers at European military installations and played several shows throughout the country, Building 429 returned home to put finishing touches on its third studio project, Iris to Iris. The album is being produced by renowned veteran, Brown Bannister, and is set to release May 1, 2007.
Family Force 5’s Diamond Edition releases March 20th and will feature four brand new songs added to the original 2005 Maverick/Gotee debut Business Up Front, Party In The Back. The band performed on last year’s Journeys Backyard BBQ Tour and Van’s Warped Tour, and is slated to go on the road with Disciple this February. Family Force 5 has seen an onslaught of media exposure including performances on CBS TV’s The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson, and 2 performances on DIRECTV’s CD USA, as well as music video exposure on mtvU.com. Family Force 5 nabbed a #1 spot on both R&R’s Christian Rock chart, and the Christian Radio Weekly Rock chart with their radio single “Replace Me.”
PORTABLE SOUNDS TOUR: *Dates Subject to Change
Date City
Thur. March 15 Tipp City, Oh
Fri. March 16 Detroit, MI
Sat. March 17 Saginaw, MI
Sun. March 18 Toledo, OH
Thur. March 22 Omaha, NE
Fri. March 23 Kansas City, MO
Sat. March 24 Waterloo, IA
Sun. March 25 Rockford, IL
Thurs March 29 Greenville, SC
Fri, March 30 Orlando, FL
Sun. April 1 Montgomery, AL
Fri, April 6 Austell, GA
Thur. April 12 Athens, GA
Fri. April 13 Evansville, IN
Sat. April 14 Lynchburg, VA
Sun. April 15 Anderson, IN
Thur. April 26 Lancaster, PA
Fri. April 27 Norfolk, VA
Sat. April 28 Williamsport, PA
If you preorder tobyMac's Portable Sounds right now on iTunes you get a bonus song & behind the scenes video for only 9.99! Plus you get the Hit single Made To Love immediately!
NASHVILLE, TN - As he prepares to launch his third solo
project, "Portable Sounds," on February 20, 2007, one of the most
successful artists in Christian music history, TobyMac celebrated the
RIAA Gold certification of his first two solo endeavors, "Momentum"
(2001) and "Welcome to Diverse City" (2004) at BMI in Nashville Wednesday
night.
Thanking the team around him including management, record company personnel, his band and more, he left his biggest salute to his wife of 14 years, Amanda, commenting, "all of this is impossible without you."
With solid radio success, sales power and critical acclaim ever present over his career with DC Talk as well as a solo artist, TobyMac is also universally recognized as a creative force, artistic maverick, prophetic voice for racial reconciliation, social justice and a fierce devotion to faith and family. His rampant eclecticism and consistent excellence have set the bar very high, and on "Portable Sounds", he delivers an increased commitment to melody and soulful singing, while his now trademarked rock/funk/hip-hop side hits deeper grooves and catchier hooks than ever before.
"Working with TobyMac is always an incredible pleasure for all of us at Forefront Records/EMI CMG," remarked Peter York, President of EMI CMG Label Group. "He consistently delivers culturally relevant songs that challenge us with compelling lyrics and haunt us with contagious musical hooks. Like his previous gold selling records, TobyMac's new project "Portable Sounds" has all of those same elements only I believe it is destined for even greater success. We look forward to introducing this record to the public and feel honored to work with an artist of Toby's caliber."
The man Christianity Today called "one of the fifty most influential evangelical leaders in America" sets a new standard with the release of "Portable Sounds." His solo career took off from the first notes, with two GOLD albums, six number one singles, two Grammy(r) nominations and widespread critical acclaim, but to hear TobyMac talk about the passion and drive he has for "Portable Sounds", he has nothing left to prove, and a lot more to say. "As I approached this project," he offers, "the main pressure I put on myself was a commitment to make a record that was true to what God is breathing through my life. What's going on? Am I struggling with my human relationships? Are my friends struggling with me? What's going on socially? Where are the conflicts? Where are the struggles? Where are we overcoming? Where are we getting the victories? That's what I like my writing to be about."
As a result, a new lyrical flavor developed on a few of Portable's tracks. "I wanted to write a few songs that would be like prayers," he adds. "There have been a few prayers that I have been very consistent with over the years; like 'Help me to remember what this is all about.' I really believe that this record can touch peoples lives....not because of me, but because God is breathing through me on this project - that was my prayer every day in the studio."
The resulting album is the most dynamically diverse collection of TobyMac songs yet. "Made to Love" opens the set up with its inspirational lyric and irresistible melody and then there's "Boomin'", a huge rock / funk spectacle in the tradition of his best jams. The diversity continues with generous helpings of edgy funk-rock driven tracks, ("Suddenly," "I'm For You," "Fly,") groovy disco / reggae pop ("One World," "No Ordinary Love,") and richly textured pop "All In," "Face of the Earth," and "Soul."
With the holidays approaching as he finishes up his second WinterWonderSlam tour, TobyMac is taking time off to spend time with his family before into full album promo mode, which includes a headline tour beginning March 8th featuring Thousand Foot Krutch, Building 429 and Family Force 5.
Listen to tobyMac's new single "Made To Love" and read the lyrics here:
Made To Love
The dream is fading now I am staring at the door
I know it’s over ‘cause my feet have hit the cold floor
Check my reflection, I ain’t feeling what I see
Its no mystery
Whatever happened to a passion I could live for?
What became of the flame that made me feel more?
And when did I forget …
That I was made to love You
I was made to find You
I was made just for You
Made to adore You
I was made to love and be loved by You
You were here before me
You were waiting on me
And you said You’d keep me never would You leave me
I was made to love
And be loved by You
The dreams alive with my eyes open wide
Back in the ring You got me swingin’ for the grand prize
I feel the haters spittin’ vapors on my dreams
But I still believe …
I’m reaching out, reachin’ up, reachin’ over
I feel a breeze cover me called Jehovah
And Daddy I’m on my way …
Anything I would give up for You
Everything I give it all away
Written by Toby McKeehan, Cary Barlowe, Jamie Moore and Aaron Rice
(C) 2006 Achtober Songs (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing) / Up In The Mix Music (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing) (BMI) / Emack Music (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing) / Lowe Bar Music (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing) / Jamnu Music (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing) / Rizzle Music (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing) (ASCAP)
We have big news about tobyMac's new single... check out jamie's latest Christian music blog to find out more!
