On November 18, Sparrow Records’ artist Josh Wilson will embrace the true spirit of Christmas as he releases “Jesus Is Alive,” available on iTunes ®.
Wilson will be performing “Jesus Is Alive” on his Christmas tour this winter titled “Josh Wilson Presents Noel: A Unique Christmas Experience.” This 18-city tour will be unlike any he has done before, as he will showcase his diverse musical talents by operating over 20 different instruments throughout the evening. Inspired by the recording process of See You, where Wilson played over 15 various instruments one at a time, he will use computers and pedals to record all of the sounds from each tool in front of the audience. This allows every sound to be recorded as the night goes on. The end result is an extraordinary and magical holiday experience for the whole family. Watch and listen to Wilson as he demonstrates what fans can witness live this Christmas here.
“This is one of my favorite tours I've ever been on,” explains Wilson. “It's fun and unique because we're essentially bringing a recording studio to the stage. Throughout the night, we'll use over 20 instruments to record Christmas carols in front of the audience. I'm so excited to share these songs that remind us, as C.S. Lewis said, ‘The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.’”
While “Jesus Is Alive” will impact radio this holiday season, Wilson’s current single “Fall Apart” is continuing to climb the radio charts, presently at No. 12 at AC Indicator, No. 16 on the National Audience Chart and No. 18 on AC monitored.
For more information on Josh Wilson and the Christmas tour, please visit www.joshwilsonmusic.com.
Artists and songwriters including The Beatles, David Bowie, as well as EMI CMG label group's own Chris Tomlin, David Crowder*Band, Audrey Assad and Josh Wilson have donated exclusive personal items and memorabilia to the EMI family’s charity auction to raise funds to help the Red Cross support people affected by last month’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The first phase of the charity auction is in progress and ends on April 15th, with the second phase ending on April 21st.
The latest round of the charity auction, which is one of the biggest in eBay’s history, includes sixstepsrecords' artists Chris Tomlin, who has donated handwritten and autographed lyrics, as well as the David Crowder * Band autographing a Keytar. There are still four days to go until the end of the first phase of the auction, which features a personalized video of Josh Wilson performing one of his songs, and handwritten lyrics on doilies from Audrey Assad. Fellow artists in the first phase and writers include Coldplay, Beastie Boys, Jane Birkin, Depeche Mode, 30 Seconds To Mars, Simple Minds, Alice In Chains, and The Chemical Brothers.
Other items added to the auction today include access to private concert rehearsal by Sting, a limited edition ‘Yellow Submarine’ bicycle issued to mark the re-release of The Beatles’ famous movie, three framed and signed prints of David Gilmour taken in Gdansk, and more than 30 albums individually signed by David Bowie.
Also included in the auction is the MacBook used by David Guetta to create the demos for his hit album ‘One Love’, the hand written lyrics to ‘God Only Knows’ from the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, and one of the four original handmade "Zero" shirts worn by the Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan for the release and tour of ‘Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness’.
All funds raised from the charity auction will be used towards the Japanese Red Cross disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Funds will be used for the on-going provision of immediate relief to support the affected population during their recovery. EMI Group has committed to match all funds raised from the auction up to a maximum of one million euros.
All the items can be viewed at ebay.com/EMIfamily4Japan.
Sparrow Records’ critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Josh Wilson, who brought you the powerful hit “Before the Morning” and “Savior Please,” is receiving praise from critics and fans for his vast musical efforts on his latest release See You, available now.
Produced by Matt Bronleewe (Natalie Imbruglia, Jars of Clay, Selena Gomez), the 12-track album is proving to be another hit record, as demonstrated by the quotes below:
“Josh Wilson builds on the momentum of his prior efforts on See You, offering enough upbeat, inspirational, contemporary pop to fully deserve that mythical label of "crossover appeal." Wilson has the charm of Bruno Mars, the lyrical exploration of Brandon Heath, and the humble confidence of Chris Tomlin.”- All Music Guide.com
“Singer-songwriter Wilson may remind you of Jason Mraz and John Mayer, but that’s not an entirely fair comparison, because he’s better than those guys. This is a solid album by a rising star.”-Group Magazine
“With a unique ability to take ordinary life experiences and turn them into soul-stirring lyrics, Josh Wilson is a songwriter's songwriter. Wilson's latest album, See You, is a brilliant collection of songs that will take listeners on a musical journey of reflection and God's redemption. This album draws you in from the first note and never lets you go.”-Baptist Standard
“Josh writes catchy folk-pop style melodies and story-songs and if you
like Bebo Norman, Matthew West and Jason Gray, then you should really enjoy Josh Wilson. I can’t get enough of this album, sure to be one of my top albums of 2011. Josh invites you into his life in such an authentic and relatable way, you’ll feel like you are a lifelong friend after you hear this album.”-ChristianMusicReview.org
In addition to the rave reviews, Wilson’s single “I Refuse” is continuing to fly up the radio charts, currently in the Top 20 at AC Monitored, AC Indicator, CHR and Top 15 on the National Audience Chart. The hit track is supported by some of the largest stations in the U.S. including KTLY in Dallas, KSBJ in Houston, WRBS in Baltimore and KTIS in Minneapolis just to name a few, with more networks coming on board each week. The music video for “I Refuse” recently premiered on Yahoo! Music and entertained thousands of viewers. To watch the full-length video, please click here.
In the midst of promoting See You, Wilson is also getting ready to for the second leg of the “Story of My Life Tour” with GRAMMY ® nominated singer/songwriter Matthew West.
For more information on Josh Wilson and his newest project, See You, and a full list of tour dates, please visit www.joshwilsonmusic.com.
Sparrow Records’ critically acclaimed singer/songwriter, Josh Wilson will unveil his third album titled See You, slated to release February 8, 2011. This is the follow-up album to his acclaimed sophomore release Life Is Not A Snapshot that garnered year end awards with the hit track “Before the Morning,” taking the No. 4 spot on Billboard’s Year-End Christian Songs chart and established Wilson as Billboard’s 8th most played artist on Christian Radio.
Bringing all his musical influences to bear—pop, folk, rock, classical, hymns, and more, See You paints a refreshingly relevant musical palate that frames its message beautifully. With a probing spiritual curiosity and imaginative, self-examining lyrics, the album solidifies Wilson’s place among the finest song crafters of his day.
Wilson stretched himself musically throughout the entire recording process, mastering over 20 instruments outside of the typical grand piano, keyboard, classical, acoustic and electric guitar. Such distinctive instruments consisted of the ukulele, hammered dulcimer and glockenspiel, just to name a few. It was this unique process added to the entire experience of making this record—from days of seclusion writing new songs, to fine tuning every melodic component in studio, that pushed Wilson to a new level of authenticity and creativity in his life’s work.
For this project, Wilson teamed up with sought-after producer Matt Bronleewe (Natalie Imbruglia, Jars of Clay, Selena Gomez) and after months in the studio, the end result is what many are calling a 12-track masterpiece. In its entirety, See You is a vivid collection of songs that focus on the evidence of God at work in people’s lives.
“Something I’ve been learning over the past decade is that when we want to see God, we have to depend less on our physical eyes and more on the Holy Spirit,” says Wilson. “It’s the subtle, still small voice of God.”
“I Refuse,” the first single from the project impacting radio now, evolved as Wilson was reading David Platt’s perspective-shattering book, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. Simultaneously, the 1000-year flood hit Nashville, devastating entire communities on May 1, 2010, giving Wilson a very personal and real situation from which to draw from as he completed the track.
“Once the flood hit, the temptation was to simply pray and ask God to rally the community and bring other people to help,” Wilson explains. “I was using prayer as an excuse to not do anything myself. But as a Christian that’s not enough. We’re the hands and feet of Jesus; we’re supposed to do something. So that phrase came back to me... I refuse to do nothing.”
Wilson recently wrapped the first leg of the “Story of Your Life Tour” supporting GRAMMY ® nominated singer/songwriter Matthew West, and will reunite with West for the spring continuation of that tour.
For more information on Josh Wilson and his newest project, See You, visit www.joshwilsonmusic.com.
Sparrow Records’ critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Josh Wilson garnered his first No. 1 hit as his current single “Before the Morning” topped the Inspo charts at No.1 and has been in the Top 5 for nearly two months on the AC Monitored and AC Indicator charts.
Grant Hubbard, Vice President of National Promotion at EMI CMG comments, “Josh is a gifted artist with a knack for writing songs that not only can get played on radio, but have a significant emotional connection with the listener. His song “Before The Morning” is just that. We’ve heard stories across the U.S. of this song touching the hearts and lives of listeners. We are extremely excited about this song being Josh’s first #1 hit and appreciate radio’s support.”
This hit track is included on Wilson’s new self-titled compilation project available nationwide this week. The new album features a collection of his 10 biggest hits from his first two records, Trying to Fit the Ocean In A Cup and Life Is Not A Snapshot which includes the chart-topper “Savior, Please” and No. 1 single “Before The Morning.”
“Before the Morning,” was inspired by some of Wilson’s close friends Tim and Paula Beal, whose son Jayken was born with a life-threatening medical condition. As the family trusted God fully with their son’s life, Wilson felt compelled to share their testimony of perseverance. Using this emotional and inspiring story, he wrote “Before The Morning” to reflect a story of joy and hope amidst a time of suffering and pain. Watch a powerful in-depth behind the song documentary here: http://www.facebook.com/joshwilson.
"I wrote 'Before The Morning' because I was so moved and encouraged by the Beal's story,” says Wilson. “I never anticipated the way people would respond to the song, and I'm thankful that so many have found hope in its lyrics - which, of course, are simply God's promises to be with us in times of trouble."
This summer, Wilson will spend some time in the recording studio working on new material for his next album with critically acclaimed producer Matt Bronleewe (Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns). Following this recording session, he will head out on the road in the fall accompanying award-wining artist, Matthew West and new artist Johnny Diaz on “The Story Of Your Life Tour”. To see Wilson perform live on this 35-city tour, please visit his website at http://joshwilson.sparrowrecords.com/ .
For more information on Josh Wilson, please visit www. http://joshwilson.sparrowrecords.com/.
Sparrow Records singer-songwriter Josh Wilson found himself entertaining passengers at Newark International Airport yesterday evening. Wilson and his wife were on the way to India for a missions trip when their terminal was shut down for security reasons, delaying all flights. Wilson picked up his guitar and led a sing-a-long, lifting the spirits of inconvenienced passengers. Click this link link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQeG1kaddsw to watch him lead the group in a "Hey Jude" chorus.
Watch Josh Wilson perform Tuesday, September 15 live from his living room! Tune in at 8pm central (9pm eastern / 6pm pacific) to
hearitfirst.com/live to watch an acoustic concert from Josh's own living room!
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Sept. 8, 2009--Sparrow Records singer/songwriter Josh Wilson releases his highly anticipated sophomore label release, Life Is Not A Snapshot, today. Wilson will debut music from his latest project on labelmate Matthew West’s “The Motions” tour beginning next month.
The follow up to his critically acclaimed Sparrow Records debut Trying to Fit the Ocean In A Cup, Life Is Not A Snapshot, co-produced by Wilson, is a seven-song collection of contemporary theological musings that reflect Josh’s remarkable penchant for framing cold and calculated questions of faith into wild, unbridled musical expressions of trust.
“I feel like I am called to challenge and encourage the Church,” Wilson explains. “I want to make people think, particularly about why they believe what they believe. As soon as your faith is challenged, that is when you’ll realize that Sunday school answers are not enough. Hopefully I can encourage people to dig deeper into their faith.”
Drawing on musical influences as diverse as pop, folk, and good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll, Life Is Not A Snapshot creates a rollicking atmosphere of electrically charged sonic satisfaction. From the jangling guitars on “Sing,” to the thought-provoking cadence of “Before The Morning” and the Beatle-esque strains of “Do You Want To Know,” Josh creates melodic flights of fancy that take you on a journey beyond what is to what should be.
Fans will be compelled to sing along with his little-bit-rock ‘n’ roll treatment of “Listen,” tap their toes to “How To Fall,” and ponder along with the intimate ballad, “Right in Front of Me.” On his richly textured, gently nuanced performance of the world’s most famous hymn, “Amazing Grace,” Wilson directs listeners beyond the performance and toward the Giver of all good gifts.
“We may live in snapshot moments,” he says, “but those moments are not Life. Life is not one point in time but all of the points in time between drawing our first and last breaths. Because we have experienced the faithfulness of God in the past we can be secure in the present and trust in the One who holds the future.”
The debut single from Life Is Not A Snapshot, “Sing,” is currently vying for adds at both the AC and CHR radio formats, debuting today at No. 30 on the Radio & Records Christian Adult Contemporary Monitored chart. Wilson will be performing “Sing” and other selections from his latest offering on tour with award-winning artist Matthew West this fall. The tour, additionally featuring speaker Lance McAfee, whose late brother was impacted by West’s song “The Motions,” kicks off Oct. 15 and will visit select cities through early November. For an updated tour itinerary as well as venue and ticket info, visit: www. http://www.matthewwest.com/.
Singer/songwriter Josh Wilson grew up the son of a preacher in Lubbock, Texas. Learning to play both guitar and piano at a young age, he began leading worship for his church’s youth group. After high school, Wilson attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., where he won the Christian Music Showcase his junior year. He signed to Sparrow Records in 2006 and released his major label debut, Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup, April 29, 2008. The album was met with critical acclaim, hailed by Christian Retailing as “the future of Christian pop” and named among the Top Ten Best Albums of 2008 by GospelMusicChannel.com. Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup additionally spawned the Top 10 radio hit “Savior Please,” and earned Wilson tour positioning alongside such high profile artists as Big Daddy Weave and Matthew West. For more information on Josh Wilson, visit www.myspace.com/joshwilson.
Celebrate the countdown to Christmas with Sparrow Records Singer/Songwriter Josh Wilson. Visit www.joshwilsonline.com for an advent calendar filled with video messages, free downloads, fun photos, and special savings on Josh Wilson music!
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Nov. 25,
2008—New Sparrow recording artist Josh Wilson received high praise from
GospelMusicChannel.com, who named his April 2008 debut, Trying to Fit the
Ocean in a Cup, as its pop genre winner for 2008. The announcement, made
Thurs., Nov. 20, at 3:00 pm EST, comes as Wilson releases Sing • A Christmas
EP via digital music outlets this month.
GospelMusicChannel.com, the
fastest-growing site and leader among all gospel/Christian music web sites,
additionally honored Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup as one of the Top
Ten Best Albums of 2008. The list, determined by the senior music editors and
staff at GospelMusicChannel.com along with input from the network, can be
viewed in its entirety at www.gospelmusicchannel.com/topten/albums2008.
“Every once in awhile, a pop
record comes along that really transcends what traditionally defines the
genre,” says Jenny Bennett, digital content coordinator for
GospelMusicChannel.com. “Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup is a perfect
example. With an upbeat sound that’s listenable but sophisticated, it’s one
that makes you say, ‘Oh! I want to hear more!’ Clever instrumentation really
makes it stand out from the rest, and that’s a big reason why we chose it as
the best in its genre this year.”
Also notable is the digital
release of Wilson’s first Christmas project. Currently available at iTunes and
other digital music outlets, Sing • A Christmas EP contains three songs,
including an original track “Sing,” and the classic hymns “Angels We Have Heard
On High” and “The First Noel,” an instrumental version. Wilson comments,
“There’s quite a bit of variety on my new Christmas EP, so I’m hoping there’s
something that everyone will enjoy. I can guarantee you’ll at least like it
better than the fruit cake your great aunt gave you last Christmas.”
Wilson’s single, “Savior
Please,” is currently poised to make waves on the Christian AC chart after
breaking the Top 20 this week with upward momentum, according to Radio &
Records. For more information about Josh and his music, visit www.myspace.com/joshwilson.
Singer/songwriter Josh Wilson
grew up a preacher’s kid in Lubbock, Texas. Learning to play both guitar and
piano at a young age, he began leading worship for his church’s youth group.
After high school, Wilson attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.,
where he won the Christian Music Showcase his junior year. He signed to Sparrow
Records in 2006 and released his major label debut, Trying to Fit the Ocean
in a Cup, April 29, 2008. The album was met with critical acclaim,
hailed by Christian Retailing as “the future of Christian pop.” Wilson’s
current radio single, “Savior Please,” is vying for adds at Christian AC and
CHR radio.
