Whatever you thought you knew about Essential Records rock band Red, think again. In fact, that’s exactly what the four-man alternative rock band wants you to do with every track on its fourth project Release The Panic...think again.
Think past your first blush take on Red’s lyrical ideas, think beyond the signature aggressive
paint-peeling riffs and new-found evocative grooves, and think through the universality of struggle, pain and ultimately hope living in these new songs. Teaming with legendary producer Howard Benson (P.O.D., My Chemical Romance, Daughtry, Skillet and many more) and mixed by both Howard Benson and Mike Plotnikoff, Red has uncovered a potent set of standout songs -- including “Perfect Life,” “Die For You,” “Same Disease” and the title track -- sure to get fans talking, rocking and yes, thinking.
The band -- vocalist Michael Barnes, guitarist Anthony Armstrong, bassist Randy Armstrong and drummer Joe Rickard -- took the unusual step (for them, at least) of clearing the calendar and coming off the road in the first quarter of 2012. While previous Red projects had coalesced amidst the band’s hectic touring schedule, for Release The Panic the band decamped to Los Angeles and Benson’s brand-new West Valley Studios. While in L.A., the band lived, breathed, ate, slept and worked, constantly crafting these new tracks, an experience new and invigorating for all members.
“One of the things Howard stressed was that if he had heard it before, he didn’t want to hear it on this record,” says Rickard, “so that’s why we were really striving to make this as original as we could.”
At the same time, the band refused to stray away from its pull-no-punches brand of storytelling, with emotive lyrics dealing with mortality, abandonment, paths to redemption and the demands of a pop culture-obsessed society, as found on the initial single, “Perfect Life.”
“As we recorded in Los Angeles, the inspiration for that song was all around us, all the time,” Anthony Armstrong says. “So many people have themselves convinced they’re living the sweet life, the good life, and some have worked really hard to get there, but it’s the people who are trying, clawing their way to live this kind of life that’s troubling.”
Still, that quest for sonic originality led to some expansion of what Red has become known for: heavy, dark, driving and expansive, with Barnes’ gravelly, guttural, from-a-croon-to-a-scream approach solidifying his stand among rock’s top vocalists. Release The Panic keeps all that, but meshes in beats, loops, layered vocals and -- dare we say it? -- pop elements. The result is instantly identifiable as Red, but with a freshness that could help define the state of rock ‘n’ roll today.
“The thing I like about this record is that they’re very forward-thinking songs for a rock band,” Benson says. “These guys are sitting on a powder keg, frankly, and I just can’t wait for the rest of the world to hear it.”
Fans will get a chance to hear songs from Release The Panic when the band jumps on the Winter Jam tour starting in January, followed by a spring headlining tour and select festival dates to be announced.
Release The Panic will be available in both Deluxe and Standard editions on February 5. The Deluxe edition includes five additional songs; two brand new and three remixes of “Death of Me,” “Hymn for the Missing” and “Breathe Into Me.” Fans will be able to preorder either version through iTunes on December 11.
Release The Panic Track Listing
1. Release The Panic
2. Perfect Life
3. Die For You
4. Damage
5. Same Disease
6. Hold Me Now
7. If We Only
8. So Far Away
9. Glass House
10. The Moment We Come Alive
Release The Panic Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks
11. Love Will Leave A Mark
12. As You Go
13. Hymn For The Missing (Guillotine remix)
14. Death of Me (Guillotine remix)
15. Breathe Into Me (Remix Acústica)
Warren Barfield, one of Christian music’s most acclaimed singer/songwriters and in-demand touring artists, returns with Redbird, his first studio recording in four years. Produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning songwriter/producer Wayne Kirkpatrick; Platinum-selling recording artist Bryan White; Bo Rinehart, Bear Rinehart and Seth Bolt of NEEDTOBREATHE; and Barfield, Redbird features 10 songs written or co-written by the artist.
“It was a privilege to tap into the expertise of producers I’ve been such a big fan of through the years,” Barfield says. “I have so much respect for Wayne, and admire his ability to make the right choices with a lyric and a melody. Bryan and I have written together in the past, and this project provided an opportunity for us to collaborate on a higher level. And what was initially planned as a songwriting endeavor with NEEDTOBREATHE turned out to be an amazing studio session where we played and sang together as these songs came to life.”
Redbird is highlighted by “The Time Is Now,” written by Barfield and Kirkpatrick as a plea for honest dialogue and communication on each side of the political spectrum, while encouraging listeners to give voice to their beliefs and convictions. In addition, “Just Let Go” and “Last Try,” collaborations with members of NEEDTOBREATHE, showcase a musical spontaneity and authenticity rarely found in studio recordings. And “For Now,” “Redbird” and “Once You Find Love,” the latter a poignant duet with Barfield’s wife Megan, pay tribute to the importance of family.
Concert-goers across the country will be able to hear music from Redbird at numerous Barfield tour stops this fall. In addition to his own solo dates, Barfield will join David Crowder for a series of concerts in November. Also in November, he will join Kirk Cameron for “Love Worth Fighting For” Marriage Events in Virginia Beach, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; and High Point, North Carolina.
Matt Redman has impacted millions in the church throughout the years through his long list of worship songs that have given voice and implored people to sing like never before. The GRAMMY nominated and award-winning songwriter brings many of his favorite classics together in the release of his newest project, Sing Like Never Before: The Essential Collection available on November 20. In addition to Redman’s familiar hits, the album also includes new recordings of his biggest songs as well as an exclusive feature of the radio version of his No. 1 single, “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord).” The song reached No. 1 for nine weeks on the National Christian Audience Chart and seven weeks at AC Indicator. It continues to top the AC Monitored chart for the 12th week while connecting with the church and individuals around the world.
Sing Like Never Before: The Essential Collection features 15 of Redman’s most popular worship songs, including all-new recordings of his songs “Our God” and “Better Is One Day,” along with the new song “Love So High.” Additionally, the album features the worship favorites “You Never Let Go,” “The Heart Of Worship,” “You Alone Can Rescue” and more, with six of the selections appearing in the CCLI Top 50 and 10 in the Top 200. Next week, Redman will join his friends, Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin and Christy Nockels on the Durban, South Africa and Cape Town, South Africa stops on the Passion World Tour. For more information on the tour, visit: www.268generation.com/WT2012/.
Track Listing for Sing Like Never Before: The Essential Collection:
*New Recording
**First time available on CD
1. 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) - Radio Version**
2. Our God*
3. Better is One Day*
4. You Never Let Go
5. Never Once
6. Love So High*
7. You Along Can Rescue
8. The Heart of Worship
9. Blessed Be Your Name
10. Lord Let Your Glory Fall
11. Nothing But The Blood
12. The Fathers Song
13. Once Again
14. Dancing Generation
15. Twenty Seven Million**
Show Hope was established to help provide orphans with forever families by reducing the financial barriers to adoption. Now almost ten years later, that commitment still rings true. With the high cost of adoption discouraging many families, Show Hope is doing everything they can to help those in need and providing orphans with forever homes.
The Adoption Tax Credit
One of the ways Show Hope is helping is by working on the frontlines to help extend The Adoption Tax Credit (ATC). The ATC, a United States Federal policy, currently stands at $13,000 and will expire this year unless policymakers pass the pending legislation. To significantly impact these adopting families in financial need, Show Hope is one of the 12 leading national adoption organizations that have bonded together to help save the tax credit.
To date, there are an additional 127 agencies and advocates who have signed on to be part of the working group. Additionally, a bi-partisan group of 18 congressmen and congresswomen have joined in to help.
What Can You Do To Help?
Did you know that the average cost of an adoption is $25,000? While Show Hope has awarded grants to families for more than 3,000 adopted children, only half of the qualified grant applicants are offered a grant due to limited monetary resources at Show Hope. What can we do as a community to help Show Hope and the ATC and alleviate the financial burdens of adoption for willing families?
Call your House Representative and voice your support of the bi-partisan Making Adoption Affordable Act (HR 4373) to save the adoption tax credit. Click http://blog.showhope.org for further information
Become a Show Hope sponsor! Each month, your sponsorship will help an orphan come into a forever family. Find out more information at showhope.org/sponsor
Are you already a sponsor? Consider giving a one-time gift to Adoption Aid
Become a Show Hope Advocate and raise awareness, funds, and hope for orphans through creative fundraising efforts by visiting showhope.org/advocates
“We have seen that the Adoption Tax Credit has helped many climb the steep financial mountain often associated with the journey of adoption,” shares Scott Hasenbalg, Executive Director, Show Hope. “We truly believe we have been called to communicate with our policymakers and lend our voice and influence in this area of advocacy work, but ultimately the government can only do so much. Nothing excites us more than seeing how people across the country are stepping up to make a difference and be a part of the miracle of adoption through their giving, actions, and advocacy!”
For more information on what you can do to help, please visit ShowHope.org or for more on the ATC, visit adoptiontaxcredit.org.
GRAMMY-nominated artist Francesca Battistelli will kick off her first headlining tour, the “Hundred More Years Tour," September 20th. Sponsored by World Vision, the tour will kick off in Jackson, KY and will showcase Dove Award-winning Artist Of The Year Battistelli, as well as feature Sidewalk Prophets and special guests Andy Cherry and City Harbor. The “Hundred More Years Tour" will run through October 28th.
Concertgoers will be able to hear songs from Battistelli’s hit albums, My Paper Heart and her sophomore release Hundred More Years, which debuted at No. 1 on the Christian Album chart and No. 16 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart. That project's first single, "This Is The Stuff," debuted in the Top 20 on Billboard's Christian chart and Top 10 on iTunes' Christian and Gospel chart.
"I am thrilled to be announce my first headlining tour!" exclaims Francesca Battistelli. "It's been a dream for so long, and I pray that it will be a night where everyone feels the presence of God and has a great time. I'm honored to be sharing the stage with Sidewalk Prophets, Andy Cherry, and City Harbor, and I hope to see you all there!"
Celebrated modern worship singer/songwriter Jared Anderson will take listeners on a new journey with his first “solo” album in over three years, The Narrow Road, releasing Sept. 4 on Integrity Music. Known for his Top CCLI songs “Rescue,” “Amazed,” “Great I Am,” “Glorified” and others sung in church services around the world, this New Life Church (Colorado Springs, CO) worship leader and former founding member of Desperation Band, was partly inspired for the new 13-track album by John Bunyan’s allegorical masterpiece.
“Like The Pilgrim’s Progress, this album tells the stories of trials and how they shouldn’t define us,” explains Anderson. “Instead, they prepare us for the destination.”
“The enemy is the distracter,” continues Anderson. “He wants to kill our focus. He wants to destroy the unity between us and God. So walking ‘the narrow road’ isn’t an option for followers of Jesus. Matthew 7:13-14 tells us plainly that it’s a necessity.”
In addition to the new songs inspired by Anderson’s own pilgrimage, such as “According to His Word” and “Impossible Possible,” The Narrow Road also includes two favorites, the worship anthem “Great I Am” and the Desperation classic “I Am Free,” which features his former bandmates Glenn Packiam and Jon Egan.
“It was fun to work on a recording with Jon and Glenn again, even if it was just for one song. And this version of ‘I Am Free’ was a chance to celebrate a song that’s been meaningful to us personally and to church congregations for years.”
Produced by Michael Rossback (Gungor, Paul Baloche), the full The Narrow Road track listing follows:
1) Bless The Lord
2) Impossible Possible
3) The King Is Coming
4) Great I Am
5) According To His Word
6) Behold Your God
7) Pouring It Out For You
8) Call On The Name Of The Lord
9) When The King Comes
10) The Narrow Road
11) 35 Lines
12) Go Ye
13) I Am Free
In addition to recording The Narrow Road and leading worship at New Life Church, Jared, along with his wife Megan, are actively involved in missions, and are in the process of adopting two orphans, John Diego and Christine, from Haiti. Amidst the pulls of ministry and creative pursuits, it is the love of his family that grounds Jared. He and his wife, along with their four children (Everett, Beckett, Francie, and Lyla), are taking this step of faith after much prayer.
“We can’t wait until they’re home with us in Colorado,” says Jared. “God is doing something in our home and our family. We’re just trying to be obedient to him.”
Jared and Megan were featured last week on CBN’s The 700 Club (www.cbn.com) sharing their adoption story. Jared also sang “Rescue,” as well as “Great I Am” and “Impossible Possible” from The Narrow Road, the latter song to air on a future The 700 Club program to be announced.
All of these experiences add to Jared’s understanding that life is much larger than what happens in the church pews on a Sunday. “Sunday is the rehearsal,” Jared says. “It’s during the rest of the week that we walk out our faith.”
Along with his role as dad, his former work with Desperation Band, his appearances on New Life’s worship albums and leading worship at churches and conferences around the country, Jared previously recorded three critically acclaimed “solo” projects for Integrity Music: Where To Begin, Where Faith Comes From and Jared Anderson: Live From My Church. Jared is also involved with New Life Church’s annual Desperation youth conferences and with citywide prayer and ministry events held across the country. He further continues to work on a series of inspirational albums that feature piano driven, folk-rock songs centering on everything from love to literature to life’s big questions.
For more information on Jared’s ministry and music, visit http://jaredanderson.com or follow him on Twitter at @jaredanderson. You can also follow the Andersons’ adoption journey through their blog, http://www.theandersonsadoption.blogspot.com.
Popular producer and songwriter Freddy Washington, who has earned Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award nominations with the likes of hip hop luminary Da' T.R.U.T.H. and Gospel Dream winner Melinda Watts, has stepped in front of the microphone to record his debut, double-disc project, The Jesus Record. Washington will release the CD independently on October 2.
"Freddy Washington has found an amazingly authentic way to fuse genres while producing a distinct sound that masterfully declares the name of Jesus to the nations," says Gerard Bonner of Bonnerfield Radio. "He is one of the industry's best kept secrets and is ready to be unleashed to the world."
Skirting the edges of Gospel, Hip Hop and R&B and pop, with hints of Washington's early influences Phil Collins, Andrae Crouch, Michael W. Smith and Kirk Franklin, the songs on The Jesus Record feel right at home on both contemporary Christian and Gospel radio formats. While the music will move your feet, Washington's rich, compelling vocals will lift your spirit.
Although both of Washington's parents were heavily involved in the music ministry — his father, who guests on the CD, is the famous Gospel pianist Freddy Washington, Sr. — he says he felt no compulsion to get involved with either music or the ministry.
"I've seen kids who had parents in ministry who either embraced the ministry out of a sense of obligation, or who turned their back on ministry out of a sense of frustration or rebellion. That wasn't my experience." Washington explains. "Both of my parents were really great examples of serving in ministry. They didn't force me into it. I was involved in sports and all the other things that teenage boys are interested in, and they were very supportive of that. I started playing piano just because I wanted to learn music. I wasn't ministry minded at the time. But at a certain point during my teenage years, the Lord used the music to draw me into a closer relationship with Him. As a result, I developed a deep passion to serve God in the ministry and it's been going strong ever since."
Lyrically, The Jesus Record underscores Washington's desire for leading believers in worship. Every song on the project is designed to point listeners back to the Gospel."It's about the perfect love, peace and hope that is the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," Washington says of his unwaveringly intentional approach. "It's the greatest story of redemption and salvation that the world will ever know."
With his Gospel music pedigree and production experience in both the Hip Hop and Gospel genres, one might have a preconceived notion about what a Freddy Washington solo project will sound like. Any preconceived notion would likely be wrong.
"I begged my father to teach me to play, and every once and a while he would show me a few things on the piano, but he wanted me to develop my own style," Washington recalls. "I started out playing by ear, then I went to the University of the Arts and studied classical and jazz piano. Of course I picked up some of my father's technique just because I watched him all the time. I grew up listening to a combination of modern Gospel, like the Hawkins Family and Kirk Franklin, and 80s pop, like Phil Collins and Michael W. Smith. The result is that I make the music that inspires me. My music has become something of a hybrid, a melding, if you will, of both the Gospel and CCM genres, two categories of music that continue to greatly influence me and my songwriting."
The Jesus Record gives Washington the opportunity to fully express his passion for worship and exhortation, while exploring a plethora of upbeat, alt-pop rhythms to accentuate his encouraging, Christ-focused lyrics. He launches the project with swaying Latin cadences to accentuate his joyful declaration hymn, "Traded," then exponentially cranks up the joy factor on the happy urban-pop anthem, "Just Wanna." Lush synths, peace-evoking piano and meditative strings accompany Washington's encouraging exhortation ballad, "316," which draws on the classic verse from the Gospel of John for inspiration.
Washington displays remarkable stylistic range on the soaring, orchestral, multi-layered radio single, "Jesus." It is impossible to not get happy on the bouncy pop anthem, "He Understands." Washington gets a little funky on the jazzy "Because of You," then gets downright militant on the declaratory battle hymn, "We Are The City."
Although Washington wrote all 17 songs and produced The Jesus Record himself, he has never considered himself a one-man show. He shares the studio with his father, Bishop Freddy Washington, Sr., on the Gospel barnburner, "I Love You." Melinda Watts lends her stellar vocals to the peaceful ballad, "The Master's Hand," and Chrystal Rucker joins Washington on lovely and encouraging, "There is a Place." Bryon "Mr. Talkbox" Chambers is featured on Washington's "I Need You."
For more information about Washington or The Jesus Record, visit freddywashington.com.
Word Worship’s passionate and powerful vocalist, Meredith Andrews’ newly released tune, “Not For A Moment (After All),” is available for purchase today at online retailers (iTunes link: http://smarturl.it/meredithandrews ). The single, which is the most added song on AC radio this week, is the lead track off her upcoming album, Worth It All, due out January 22, 2013. Andrews, also a worship leader at Harvest Bible Chapel just outside of Chicago, is gearing up to join their “Vertical Church Tour” which kicks off in Minneapolis on August 8.
"When Jacob and I wrote ‘Not For A Moment’ with our friend Mia, we had no idea that God would use the lyrics of this song to minister to us months after we had written it,” said Andrews. “The truth that He loves us and will never forsake us, even in our weakest, darkest moments, is a truth that never changes. It is always true. He is constant, good, and in control even when it's difficult to believe. I've seen first-hand the influence that truth set to music has on people's lives. I'm humbled and thankful for the opportunity to work with our friends in Christian radio who will be the catalyst for this song touching hearts and lives in ways above and beyond what it's already done in our family."
The first release from her 11-track album due out in January, “Not For A Moment (After All),” is written by Andrews, Jacob Sooter and Mia Fieldes and produced by Paul Maybury. Through this piece and the upcoming album, Worth It All, Andrews seeks to remind people of the meaning and value of “worth” and what is of greatest “worth” to them. As Andrews recently noted, “Only Jesus is worthy of it all. My life, my heart, my every breath, my authentic love, my worship. He is everything. He is Worth It All.”
The “Vertical Church Tour” featuring Andrews and pastor James MacDonald, is part of the newly launched Harvest Bible Chapel platform which also comprises book, music and film projects. Throughout the tour, the accompanying album, Live Worship From Vertical Church, and book, “Vertical Church,” will be co-promoted. The album features a live version of Andrews singing “Not For A Moment.” For an updated list of tour dates, visit: www.verticalchurchtour.com .
With her Word Worship’s debut release in 2008, Meredith Andrews’ insightful songs and engaging voice awarded her recognition as Billboard Magazine’s “Most Promising New Artist.” In 2011, she picked up two Dove Awards for “Worship Song of the Year” and “Praise and Worship Album of the Year,” quickly distinguishing her as one of the preeminent worship leaders and songwriters in the Christian music community. With the success of her debut album and her sophomore release in 2010, As Long As It Takes, she was afforded the opportunity to tour with acclaimed CCM artists Natalie Grant, Brandon Heath, Bebo Norman and Michael W. Smith. Her much-anticipated third studio album, Worth It All, is due out in January 2013. A native of Wilson, NC, Meredith began singing in church when she was only six, and by the time she was in high school, she was writing songs and leading worship. For more information on Meredith Andrews please visit www.meredithandrews.com .
Four-time GRAMMY Award winner Israel Houghton appeared on ABC’s “The View” live yesterday as part of a The King’s Men tour group interview and performance. In a television first, Israel, along with friends Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin and Marvin Sapp, performed a medley of their best-known songs on the same stage for the “The View” audience. The appearance was in support of the national The King's Men tour launching Sept. 16 and produced by Live Nation Entertainment (see full tour itinerary below). The tour marks the first time these four GRAMMY, Dove and Stellar award-winning artists have toured together.
During the show, co-host Sherri Shepherd asks, “Israel, you have released 11 Christian music albums over 15 years - we sing a lot of your worship songs in church - and for the very first time you got a chance to record with your daughter Mariah. How was that?”
Israel affirms that it was a special moment, recalling the recording of the song for his first live recording in five years with New Breed, Jesus At The Center, releasing Aug. 14. “One of the songs we did was an old Bob Dylan song, ‘To Make You Feel My Love,’” says Israel. “My daughter sang it with this purity – she’s 15-years-old, almost 16 – and it was amazing to look out and see 16,000 people all crying.”
To watch the whole interview and performances of ABC’s “The View” featuring “The King’s Men” and Jamie Grace, go to http://abc.go.com/watch/the-view/SH559080/VD55221610/the-view-724.
Israel & New Breed’s Jesus At The Center follows two back-to-back Billboard Top 200-selling, GRAMMY Award-winning solo studio albums for Houghton. Recorded live over four days in front of more than 29,000 worshippers at Houston’s Lakewood Church, the Jesus At The Center double-CD, 18 song album with three additional studio singles features Israel & New Breed returning to their roots, delivering new anthems for the modern day church. More information is available at www.newbreedmusic.com.
The King’s Men Tour itinerary follows (tickets for the tour are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com):
DATE CITY VENUE
Sun, Sep 16 Phoenix, AZ Comerica Theatre
Wed, Sep 19 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheatre
Sat, Sep 22 Concord, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Tue, Sep 25 Dallas, TX Verizon Theatre At Grand Prairie
Wed, Sep 26 Houston, TX Reliant Arena
Fri, Sep 28 Atlanta, GA Chastain Amphitheatre
Sun, Sep 30 Miami, FL AmericanAirlines Arena
Tue, Oct 02 Tampa, FL USF Sun Dome
Thu, Oct 04 Norfolk, VA Constant Convocation Center
Sat, Oct 06 Washington DC Verizon Center
Sun, Oct 07 Philadelphia, PA Liacouras Center
Tue, Oct 09 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center
Wed, Oct 10 Chicago, IL United Center
Fri, Oct 12 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
Sun, Oct 14 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center
Four-time GRAMMY, multiple Stellar and Dove, and Soul Train Award winner Israel Houghton will share the stage for the very first time with peers Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp and Donnie McClurkin on The King’s Men tour. The 15-city major market US tour begins Sept. 16 at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix and travels coast-to-coast through Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Washington, DC and more before culminating in Brooklyn, NY at Barclays Center Oct. 14. Tickets for the tour are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
Having individually headlined sold out concerts internationally, the four music celebrities join forces in what Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment and ecommerce company, is banking to be a hit for the fall touring season.
“In the Gospel world, this is like Springsteen, McCartney, Prince and Elton hitting the road together,” said Kevin Morrow, Senior Vice President of Touring at Live Nation, in a recent news release. “It’s going to be a once in a lifetime event for music fans.”
For Houghton, the tour follows two back-to-back Billboard Top 200-selling, GRAMMY Award-winning solo studio albums, as well as his first live recording in five years with New Breed, Jesus At The Center, which releases Aug. 14 on Integrity Music. Recorded live over four days in front of more than 29,000 worshippers at Houston’s Lakewood Church, this double-CD, 18 song album with three additional studio singles features Israel & New Breed returning to their roots, delivering new anthems for the modern day church.
“We purposely wanted to emphasize being a resource to the church worldwide,” says Houghton. “As we embark on the second decade as a cross-cultural worship movement, we pray these songs speak life, love, hope and favor over you… and most importantly place Jesus at the center of His global church.”
Joining Israel & New Breed on the studio version of the Gospel single from Jesus At The Center, “It’s Not Over (When God Is In It),” are acclaimed vocalists Jason Nelson and James Fortune. The single, which is available on iTunes® July 3, has already garnered the No. 1 Most Added status at radio, and debuted at No. 22 last week on the Billboard Gospel Songs chart. The Christian AC single produced by hit maker Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Britt Nicole), “Your Presence Is Heaven,” is available on iTunes July 17.
Other guest vocalists featured on the live recordings are Aaron W. Lindsey, Michael Gungor, T-Bone, Bishop Michael Pitts, Jeremiah Woods, Daniel Johnson, Charlin Moore, Adam Ranney, Tina Baker, Onaje Jefferson, Krystle Harper and Israel’s daughter, Mariah Houghton.
In addition to the Jesus At The Center two-disc album, a companion DVD was recorded live in high-definition and features all 18 songs along with behind the scenes footage, story-behind-the-song vignettes and other bonus material.
In 1995, Israel and Meleasa Houghton founded New Breed Ministries, an organization they continue to run and that is comprised of noted musicians and singers who serve within their respective churches and together serve the Church at large. Since then, Israel & New Breed has amassed a legion of followers that crosses generational and African American, Latin and Caucasian listener lines. While blasting down barriers, Israel has been fittingly graced with 2 Gold-selling albums, 4 GRAMMY Awards, 12 Dove Awards, 2 Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Award.
Active as worship leader in his local church, Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church (Houston), Israel has served as worship leader at Hillsong conferences and Franklin Graham crusades. He has written or co-written 11 CCLI Top 500 favorites, been featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, accompanied Alicia Keys at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards for a performance of George Michael's “Freedom '90,” and performed at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards. He uses his own multi-cultural upbringing as a reference point with a desire to draw people of all races, ages and cultures together. More information on Israel & New Breed is available at www.newbreedmusic.com.
On the heels of wrapping up its highly attended “Come To The Well” tour, best-selling Christian music artist Casting Crowns received two 2012 Billboard Music Awards during last night's live broadcast on ABC. The band was named this year’s Top Christian Artist and also received the honor of Top Christian Album for its 2011 project, Come To The Well.
Casting Crowns was nominated for four awards in categories including Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Album (where it received two nominations for: Until The Whole World Hears and Come To The Well) and Top Christian Song, “Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me).”
“What we do is inspired by our faith in Jesus, our home churches and the incredible people we get to interact with on the road. We feel honored that our music would be recognized in this way,” states lead singer Mark Hall.
The awards reflect Billboard’s chart rankings based on key fan interactions with music, including album sales and downloads, track downloads, radio airplay and touring as well as streaming and social interactions on Facebook, Twitter, Vevo, YouTube, Spotify and other
popular online destinations for music.
These measurements are tracked year-round by Billboard and its data partners, including
Nielsen Entertainment and Next Big Sound. The awards were based on the reporting period of March 1, 2011 through February 29, 2012. Top artists were recognized in a variety of genres, including R&B, Rap, Pop, Country, Rock, Latin and Alternative.
The “2012 Billboard Music Awards” were broadcasted live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 20 on the ABC Television Network.
A full list of winners can be found at: http://www.billboard.com/bbma/winners?page=4
Fresh off her crowning win as New Artist of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards and a recent Billboard Music Awards nomination for Christian Song of the Year, Gotee Records recording artist Jamie Grace’s success continues as her chart-topping song “Hold Me” is featured in Belk's “Make Mom’s Day This Mother’s Day” TV ad campaign.
A re-recording of the 20-year-old's GRAMMY® nominated, No. 1 hit “Hold Me,” which she penned alongside her mentor, TobyMac, and producer-writer Christopher Stevens, can currently be heard nationwide in the Mother’s Day commercial advertisement for the leading department store. In addition, the ever-building momentum behind Jamie Grace includes a GRAMMY® nomination, two chart-topping singles and No. 1 status on three different charts (National Audience, AC and CHR), and recent nods to Grace from celebrities including country superstar Reba McEntire and The View co-host Sherri Shepherd. The break-out success of “Hold Me” also assisted in propelling Grace to win her first GMA Dove Award--for New Artist of the Year--at last month's ceremony, in addition to the recent Billboard Music Award nomination.
“Jamie is a true songwriter, blossoming before my very eyes. She’s such a natural, beautiful next step for our industry,” TobyMac explains, after signing the newcomer to Gotee only one year ago.
Additionally, Jamie Grace recently released her new CHR single, “Come To Me,” to radio. This track follows her previous singles “Hold Me” and “You Lead.” “Hold Me” raked in No. 1’s across the board with a No. 1 at Christian AC Monitored, Christian AC Mediabase, iTunes ® Christian & Gospel Songs, Billboard Christian Digital Tracks and Christian CHR. Jamie Grace is one of very few artists to have their debut single go No. 1 on both AC radio charts and CHR. Her second single, “You Lead,” also the No.1 spot on the CHR chart. Jamie Grace released her Gotee debut, One Song At A Time, in September 2011. The project features many tracks that been spotlighted via TV and online placements, including VH1’s Baseball Wives and Basketball Wives LA and online ads for Microsoft's Dell Inspiron 15R laptop computer.
Coinciding with major press opportunities on the GRAMMY® red carpet with Access Hollywood, EXTRA and Grammy.com, The Associated Press and CNN both recently ran in depth profiles on Jamie Grace. She is currently touring across the country throughout the summer.
The CW Network will be welcoming a new voice to their Hart of Dixie TV show this Monday evening. While Southern Gospel audiences and Gaither fans will find it familiar, many new fans will be pleasantly surprised by the sounds of this terrific singer and his fresh music. The voice of Daywind Records' artist, Marshall Hall (formerly of the Gaither Vocal Band), with his brand new single, "Brighter One," will be featured as a part of the April 30th episode of Hart Of Dixie, which airs at 8 pm EST.
Based in a small town in Alabama, the show centers on Zoe Hart (played by Rachel Bilson), a native New Yorker and recent medical school graduate, trying to adjust to life in the South. The show also stars Jaime King, Scott Porter, and Tim Matheson.
“I’m excited!” shares Marshall Hall. “I’ll admit it – I watch teen TV shows a lot. I can’t help it; maybe I haven’t quite grown up yet. To think that there will be a bunch of teenagers hearing a message from my project is pretty amazing. I’d also like to thank my dear friends, Sam and Becca (Mizell), for writing such a great song!”
“Brighter One” is the title track from Marshall Hall’s 2012 GMA Dove Award nominated project, Brighter One. The single released to Southern Gospel radio this month is already receiving a positive response from DJs across the country.
Brighter One is available at Christian retail stores across the country and digitally at iTunes and other outlets. Bulk purchasing for gift and ministry purposes is available by calling 1-800-635-9581.
Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distributors. In addition to Marshall Hall, Daywind is home to many other great artists such as the Perrys and Jessica King, among others. For more information on Marshall Hall, visit marshallhallmusic.com. For more information on Daywind Records, visit daywindrecords.com.
Taking home four trophies—the most Dove Awards of any artist at last Thursday's ceremony—GRAMMY®-winning songwriter and worship leader Laura Story embellished her acclaimed career as she nabbed the award for Song of the Year for her celebrated, multi-week No. 1, “Blessings.” The song and album of the same name also won awards for Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. In addition, Story earned the Dove for Songwriter of the Year, a fan-voted award. The Gospel Music Association (GMA)’s 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards were held on Thursday night, April 19, at the FOX Theatre in Atlanta.
“I am so grateful for the kindness of the GMA last night, as well as the listeners, fans, radio and retail who have so graciously supported us this past year,” says Story. “I’m even more thankful that God uses broken thing and broken people to shine His glory through. All praise and honor to Him.”
Fresh off her Dove wins, Story was also nominated for three Billboard Music Awards Thursday night: Top Christian Song for "Blessings," Top Christian Album (Blessings), and Top Christian Artist. The Billboard Music Awards will take place at Las Vegas' MGM Grand and be broadcast live Sunday May 20, 8/7c on ABC.
Story’s 2008 national debut, Great God Who Saves, won a Dove Award for Inspirational Album and earned her two consecutive nominations for Female Vocalist of the Year. In February of this year, Story picked up her first GRAMMY®, winning the award for Best Contemporary Christian Song for “Blessings.” In addition to this GRAMMY® win, her four Dove wins and three Billboard Music Award nods crown an immensely successful period for the decorated worship leader.
“Blessings,” which was released last year, was in rotation at over 100 Billboard Christian format reporting stations going No. 1 at Christian AC, Inspo and the National Audience charts for multiple weeks. Additionally, the song also held the No. 1 spot on the iTunes® Christian/Gospel Top Songs chart for 28 consecutive weeks. The critically acclaimed album Blessings debuted at No. 4 on Soundscan’s Overall chart and has remained one of Christian music’s best sellers to date.
Currently on the road with Mandisa for the “Girls Night Live” tour, Story took time out from the 30-city trek to attend the Dove Awards at which she and husband, Martin, revealed that the baby they're expecting later this year is a girl. Story wraps the “Girls Night Live” tour on May 4 in Savannah, Ga., and the remaining dates also feature special guests Anita Renfroe and Jamie Grace in select cities. For more information visit www.girlsnightlive.com. Starting November 29, Story will join Steven Curtis Chapman and many others on the “12 Gifts of Christmas” tour. www.12giftstour.com
Story’s first book, What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops?, released last month by Freeman-Smith, a division of Worthy Publishing (EMI CMG Distribution), and is already in its third printing. Inspired by her Grammy and Dove Award-winning hit song, “Blessings,” the book is comprised of 30 daily devotions designed to draw readers into a deeper understanding of God’s sometimes mysterious gifts. For further information on the book, visit www.worthypublishing.com or www.turningpointpr.com.
The GMA Dove Awards ceremony will be nationally televised on GMC TV on April 24 at 8PM and 10PM EDT.
HarvestBloom’s Music Video for THE NARCISSIST was just accepted to the 3rd Annual NEW MEDIA FILM FESTIVAL which will be held June 12th and 13th in Los Angeles, CA. As part of the festival, the video will be included in the festival’s competition, which Linkin Park won last year. The band will walk the Red Carpet on Tuesday, June 12th and THE NARCISSIST Music Video will debut in the Landmark Theatre in L.A. on Wednesday, June 13th.
The Music Video for THE NARCISSIST was shot with the RED EPIC® in Baltimore, MD and was directed by Charlie Anderson and Justin Beckenheimer of StrataTek Studios. THE NARCISSIST is a song of warning to one who is prideful and a plea to turn one’s life around by choosing Jesus. The Music Video for "The Narcissist" tells a story about a person who is masquerading as someone else, deceiving herself and then dealing with the consequences of her choices.
While HarvestBloom is in L.A., they will also be filming a couple of upcoming episodes of G Rock, which airs on JCTV on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. PST.
HarvestBloom is scheduled to perform at The Edge of Christian Life Center in Bensalem, PA May 18th and with Brian “Head” Welch’s new band LOVE and DEATH in Fredericksburg, VA on June 26th.
About HarvestBloom:
HarvestBloom has released 4 EPs and 2 music videos. ?Their current radio single, THE NARCISSIST was recorded and produced by Tony Correlli of Deep End Recording Studios. THE NARCISSIST is currently spinning on both Christian Rock Radio and College Radio. Their band’s last radio single, LET IT GO, peaked on the New & Active list on Christian Rock Radio Chart – Billboard Magazine, on September 2, 2011. HarvestBloom’s LET IT GO EP was recently licensed by The Discovery Communications Network, various sport networks including FOX, NFL Network, ESPN and NASCAR, and several MTV programs including 10 on Top and Rob Drydek’s Fantasy Factory.
About The New Media Film Festival:
“The New Media Film Festival intersects the interactivity of new technologies & formats for Media & Cinema with global consciousness, honoring stories worth telling in all media that are innovative, imaginative and inspirational. Stories that make you laugh, cry, think & go beyond the ordinary.”
HarvestBloom in Upcoming Concerts
HARVESTBLOOM in Concert in Bensalem, PA
Date: Friday Night May 18, 2012
Time: 7:30 PM - Doors Open at 7:00 PM
Place: ”The Edge” of Christian Life Center
3100 Galloway Road, Bensalem, PA 19020
Reserve Tickets Here: https://www.facebook.com/events/325839214126475/
HARVESTBLOOM in Concert - Special Guests of Headliner - Brian "Head" Welch (formerly of Ko?n)
& "Head"'s new band LOVE & DEATH
DATE: Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Time: 6:30 PM
Place: Salem Fields
11120 Gordon Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Purchase Tickets Here: http://event.attendstar.com/event/show/brian-head-welch/
Faith, Hope & Lullabies: Sing Me To Sleep, the latest offering in Sparrow Records’ popular Faith, Hope & Lullabies series, brings together some of the top names in Christian music, including Steven Curtis Chapman, Nichole Nordeman and Matthew West. The project also features contributions from Christy Nockels, Sanctus Real's Matt Hammitt, Twila Paris, Michael Card, Janna Long, Erin O’Donnell and Betsy Hernandez.
A collection of original and classic lullabies and worship songs designed to help provide memorable bedtime moments with little ones, highlights of Faith, Hope & Lullabies: Sing Me To Sleep include Steven Curtis Chapman’s “When Love Takes You In”; “Safe And Sound” by Matthew West; “How Deep The Father’s Love For Us,” performed by Nichole Nordeman; and Christy Nockels’ rendition of “Jesus Loves Me,” among other selections.
Faith, Hope & Lullabies: Sing Me To Sleep also features Michael Card’s “Sleep Sound In Jesus,” from his Gold-certified recording of the same name, as well as Twila Paris’ “Your Whole Life Long,” from her best-selling classic recording, Bedtime Prayers: Lullabies & Peaceful Worship.
The highly anticipated third installment in the Faith, Hope & Lullabies series and the collection’s first artist-driven compilation, Faith, Hope & Lullabies: Sing Me To Sleep offers music to sing your child to sleep or to calm your soul while spending quiet time with little ones. Serving as a perfect gift for expectant parents, grandparents or caregivers, the project also provides a soothing environment for any family seeking to make bedtime a peaceful experience. The album follows 2009’s Faith, Hope & Lullabies and Faith, Hope & Lullabies: Songs of Worship instrumental recordings.
Faith, Hope & Lullabies: Sing Me To Sleep Song Listing:
1. Safe And Sound - Matthew West
2. I Couldn't Love You More - Matt Hammitt
3. How Deep The Father's Love For Us - Nichole Nordeman
4. When Love Takes You In - Steven Curtis Chapman
5. Your Whole Life Long - Twila Paris
6. Sleep Sound In Jesus - Michael Card
7. Hold On To Jesus - Erin O'Donnell with Janna Long
8. Lord, You Have My Heart - Janna Long with Christy Nockels
9. The Lord Will Keep You - Betsy Hernandez
10. Jesus Loves Me - Christy Nockels
Award-winning songwriter and renowned leader Matt Redman, along with LZ7, will release his powerful new single, “ Twenty Seven Million,”on February 28. Available for purchase on iTunes ® and all major digital retailers, “Twenty Seven Million” was written by Matt and Beth Redman with Lindz and Lucy West (LZ7) to raise awareness against human trafficking and in proud support of the A21 campaign, a partner organization at Passion 2012 this year.
" Twenty Seven Million" started as a conversation between Beth Redman (You Never Let Go and Blessed Be Your Name co-writer) and Christine Caine (founder of the A21 Campaign). Beth was shocked to discover that an estimated 27 million people are trapped as modern day slaves, and of those millions it is estimated that only 1% - 2% are rescued. By way of response Beth collaborated with her husband Matt, as well as husband and wife Lindz and Lucy West (LZ7), Willie Weeks and Jorge Mhondera to write ‘Twenty Seven Million’ - a song which tells the true story of a girl trafficked from Eastern Europe into London’s sex trade.
"If public attention and opinion is focused on something, then those in positions of influence soon follow,” explains Matt Redman. “Music has always had a great way of communicating, and we really hope this song will shine a light on this outrageous issue. How can it be that right now there are 27 million slaves on the earth? It's horrific.”
“It should be intolerable that any form of slavery still exists in the twenty-first century,” says Steve Chalke, United Nations GIFT Special Advisor on Community Action Against Human Trafficking. “Our indifference to the crime of human trafficking diminishes us all. Those who have no voice of their own wait on us to raise our voices and fight for their liberation. 'Twenty Seven Million' is a call to respond. Buy the single, raise the cry and stop the traffic.”
A21, which stands for Abolishing Injustice in the 21st Century, is a non-profit organization established in 2007. With its primary focus in Europe, A21 works closely with police officials, hospitals and government officials to seek justice for victims of human trafficking and provides shelter, medical care, psychological assessment, educational assistance, counseling and access to legal assistance to those who have been rescued.
“Twenty Seven Million” was first promoted when Redman debuted it live at Passion 2012 in front of an audience of nearly 45,000 students at The Georgia Dome. Upon its official release, the single will also be promoted through Passion, Redman and Sparrow social networking sites, which have nearly 385,000 followers combined. Redman has also launched “The 27 Million Tour,” which began in Manchester, England, on February 14 and will end in Peterborough, England, on March 2.
"We couldn't be more honored to lend our voices, along with 45,000 others at Passion 2012, to ‘Twenty Seven Million,’ a soundtrack for freedom for those trapped in slavery throughout the world,” state Passion co-founders Louie and Shelly Giglio. “It's absolutely shocking and totally unacceptable that more slaves exist today than at any other time in history. ‘Twenty Seven Million’ is a massive wake up call, sounding the hope of a generation that will rise up and speak up until light crushes the darkness and liberty comes for all."
Passion 2012 was a four-day gathering for college students and was led by renowned teachers Louie Giglio, John Piper, Francis Chan, and Beth Moore, among others, as well as worship leaders Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Charlie Hall, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, and more. Throughout the four day gathering, nearly 45,000 students representing 31 countries and over 1,700 campuses learned about the horrific realities faced by the 27 million people worldwide who are enslaved as forced laborers, child laborers or trapped within the all- too prevalent sex trade.
Recent GRAMMY ® nominated female vocalist and dove award forerunner Natalie Grant was honored with five nominations for this year’s 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards, including the prestigious “Female Vocalist of the Year,” a title Grant has been honored with four consecutive years in a row. Her husband, Bernie Herms, named “Producer of the Year” in 2009, garnered four nods and is again nominated for the same title.
Herms and Grant were also honored for their efforts on The Story, an album that Herms produced and co-wrote and was nominated “Special Event Album of the Year.” “Alive,” featured on the record and performed by Grant was also recognized for “Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year” and “Song of the Year.” Additionally, Grant was honored with two nods for her hit single “Your Great Name,” for “Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year” and “Worship Song of the Year.” “Your Great Name” can be heard on her latest chart-topping album, Love Revolution.
These honors were unveiled on Wednesday, Feb. 22nd at a press conference held at The Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta, GA, which was streamed live at HearItFirst. Nominees were announced by GRAMMY nominated R&B artist Montell Jordan, known for his iconic hit “This is How We Do It,” BET “Lift Every Voice” host CoCo Brother, Daytime EMMY nominated comedian Chonda Pierce, and World Heavyweight Champion wrestler AJ Styles.
Dove Award winners will be revealed during the biggest night in Christian music on April 19, 2012 at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA.
For more information on the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards and full list of nominees, please visit www.gospelmusic.org <http://www.gospelmusic.org/> .
Two-time GRAMMY nominated, Essential Records rock act RED kicks off its second headlining tour in five months, the “REDvolution Tour,” on Feb. 10. Visiting 20+ cities domestically, with special guests Thousand Foot Krutch, Manafest, Nine Lashes, and KIROS, the tour will also include a run of “RED only” dates throughout Europe
in April.
A year since releasing its acclaimed third studio project, Until We Have Faces, RED continues to make massive career strides, venturing out on back-to-back headlining tours. Following its popular fall “Kill The Machine Tour,” RED sets the stage for an all-new endeavor, the “REDvolution Tour.” Kicking off two weeks from Friday, the tour will visit more than 20 cities across the U.S., including major markets Washington, D.C., Dallas, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, among others, through late March.
And for the first time, RED will headline its own European tour, taking the show abroad to cities in The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Russia and Ukraine. Please refer to the tour itinerary following this release for additional information, or visit www.redmusiconline.com for an updated list of tour dates. For more information on the “REDvolution Tour” artist
line-up, go to: www.redmusiconline.com
In addition to headlining its own tour, RED will be headlining select festival dates this summer as well, including Sonshine Festival in Minnesota. Also, look for the band to make appearances at Alive Festival, Ichthus Festival, Creation East, SpiritSong, KingsFest, and Creation West, to name a few. Listen for the RED’s latest radio single “Who We Are,” now vying for adds at Christian CHR and Rock too.
For a complete tour schedule and the latest news on RED, please visit: www.redmusiconline.com, www.facebook.com/redmusiconline and www.twitter.com/redmusiconline.
For information on supporting artists on the “REDvolution Tour,” please visit their respective websites: www.thousandfootkrutch.com, www.manafest.ca, www.facebook.com/ninelashes and www.kiros.com.
Intent on bringing a raw, authentic worship experience in a stadium filled with thousands of people set on worshipping Jesus Christ, UNITED’s Live In Miami was recorded during the band’s sold out worship night Aug. 6, 2011 at American Airlines Arena in Miami. The event was part of the 2011“Welcome To The Aftermath” tour that consisted of 32 events with 182,000 people filling venues to capacity in venues across the country - from New York to Miami to Los Angeles, where UNITED became the first Christian band to sell out Staples Center. While UNITED are certainly known for their live albums and DVDs, the release of Live In Miami marks the first time for the band that one night has been captured in its entirety – from the first song to the last encore. The purpose of the tour, as always for UNITED, was to passionately seek and worship God.
Having led worship in churches, stadiums and open fields around the world, UNITED’s Live In Miami is a return to the live album format and is the first live release from the band in four years. Releasing Feb. 14, the Live In Miami double-CD and DVD each feature 22 songs comprised of Hillsong favorites like “Mighty to Save,” “From The Inside Out” and “The Stand,” as well as newer songs from UNITED’s acclaimed Aftermath studio CD (2011), including “Search My Heart,” UNITED’s biggest radio hit to date. The DVD contains over 2 hours of inspiring anthems, “drum battles,” behind-the-scenes footage and more. A physical deluxe package is also available that combines the double-CD with the full length DVD.
Traversing the world’s continents, UNITED continues its cross-cultural journey of music and worship. Recently in Atlanta Jan. 2 for Passion 2012, UNITED returns to Miami Feb. 10 for the One conference. On March 9, the band will be at the Smoky Mountain Winterfest in Knoxville, TN. The latest tour dates and additional information on UNITED can be found at www.hillsongunited.com, www.youtube.com/hillsongunitedtv and www.facebook.com/hillsongunited, where the band has over 2.6 Million fans.
In studio and out of studio, on tour or home at Hillsong Church, UNITED is committed to sharing songs that speak truth, create a unique sound, connects with churches, individuals and ultimately connects people everywhere with God. Born out of the Youth Movement of Australia’s Hillsong Church, UNITED is fronted by worship leaders Joel Houston, Jad Gillies, Jonathon “JD” Douglass and backed by an evolving collaboration of pastors, worship leaders, musicians and songwriters - all intentional about giving voice to a generation passionate about God.
Atlantic recording group Skillet wrapped up an extraordinary year by being named among 2011’s biggest mainstream rock acts according to year-end charts published by Billboard and Mediabase.
The two-time Grammy-nominated band were among the highest ranking artists featured in Billboard’s annual “The Year In Music” issue, with their RIAA gold- certified album Awake approaching 900,000 in sales and included among the year’s Top 20 “Rock Albums,” Top 15 “Alternative Albums,” as well as the overall “Top Billboard 200.” The album’s chart-topping single, “Awake and Alive,” came in at No. 3 on the “Active Rock Songs” tally, with Skillet also named among the Top 10 “Active Rock Artists.” The band was also listed in the upper half of the total “Billboard 200 Artists” ranking, having spent 120 weeks on the Billboard Top 200 chart with only a handful of other acts. In addition, Awake claimed the No. 4 spot in the tally for “Billboard Christian Albums,” while Skillet was came in at No. 3 among “Billboard Christian Artists.” Mediabase, which monitors radio activity in the U.S. and Canada, declared Skillet to be the past year’s eighth “Most Played Artist” at Active Rock outlets nationwide, with “Awake and Alive” coming in as the format’s No. 3 biggest hit.
Awake has proven a true sensation, with digital single sales from the album now exceeding 2.4 million. Produced by Howard Benson (Three Days Grace, Daughtry, Flyleaf), the collection reached the No. 1 spot on the iTunes “Top Albums” chart within 24 hours of its August 2009 release, while simultaneously exploding into the No. 2 spot on the SoundScan/Billboard 200 chart. Fueled by three RIAA gold certified and four top 10 Active Rock hits in “Awake and Alive,” “It’s Not Me It’s You,” “Hero,” and “Monster,” Awake was among the top 10 on Billboard’s 2010 “Top Alternative Albums” chart, with Skillet coming in at the year’s No. 7 “Top Alternative Album Artist.” “Hero” has also been used by the NFL in their Sunday Night Football and NFL Weekend Kickoff promos, and a remix of the band’s No. 1 Active Rock hit “Awake & Alive," was featured on the TRANSFORMERS: Dark of the Moon soundtrack.
One of America’s hardest working live acts, Skillet has consistently been ranked among Pollstar’s Concert Pulse “Top 50 Tours.” The band spent much of the past two years on the road, touring alongside Atlantic labelmates Shinedown, as well as headlining their own sold-out “Alive & Awake Tour.” Having recently returned from a major European tour (including dates in Russia, Germany, Finland, Norway and the Ukraine), Skillet is now back on tour in the U.S.
In addition to cumulative album sales in excess of 2 million, Skillet has racked up a wide range of honors throughout their extraordinary career. Frontman John Cooper and producer Brian Howes received two BMI Music Awards for “The Last Night” and “The Older I Get,” both featured on 2006’s Grammy Award-nominated Comatose. That album proved Skillet’s popular breakthrough, achieving RIAA gold certification. Comatose followed the band’s 2003 label debut, Collide, which launched Skillet into the mainstream while also garnering their first Grammy Award nomination.
For up-to-the-minute news and information, visit www.skillet.com or www.myspace.com/skilletmusic.
Known for being a songwriter for the generations, Wednesday night The Recording Academy recognized Chris Tomlin with three GRAMMY ® nominations in the categories of “Best Contemporary Christian Music Album,” “Best Contemporary Christian Music Song” and “Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance.” The twice-nominated song “I Lift My Hands” was co-written by Louie Giglio and Matt Maher along with Tomlin is found on his latest, full-length studio album And If Our God Is For Us… which was also recognized with a nod. This marks six career nominations for the internationally acclaimed worship artist. The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
"Our small family at sixstepsrecords continues to be humbled by the ways God is using Chris and these songs all around the world,” says Shelley Giglio, Chief Strategist for sixstepsrecords / Passion Conferences. “Simply being recognized with these nominations is a huge honor and something for which we are incredibly grateful."
The news of the GRAMMY ® nominations follows the release of How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection on sixstepsrecords. Having recently celebrated his most recent RIAA Gold Certification for his 2009 Christmas recording, Glory In the Highest, bringing his total to one platinum and three gold albums, Tomlin entered the Billboard Top 200 at No. 40 with his latest record. Tomlin's first single from the project, “How Great Is Our God [World Edition]," features the international languages and voices of worship leaders from all over the globe.
Performing in front of sold out crowds everywhere, Tomlin recently finished the fall leg of his “And If Our God Is For Us...” tour in Birmingham, AL. Also featuring Passion visionary and pastor, Louie Giglio, and labelmate, Christy Nockels, this was the follow-up to the very successful spring leg earlier this year.
Eight-time GMA Dove Award nominee worship leader, singer and songwriter, Matt Maher, was recognized by The Recording Academy® with a GRAMMY Award® nomination, during last night’s hour-long special broadcast, "The GRAMMY® Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night®," which aired live on CBS from Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE.
Maher’s nomination was received in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Song category where he was recognized as a songwriter on “I Lift My Hands” recorded and co-written by
Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio.
The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® ceremony will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. on Sunday, February 12, 2012.
Matt’s most recent release The Love In Between (Sept. 20, 2011) debuted at No. 7 on the SoundScan Top Contemporary Christian Chart, and graced the Billboard 200 at No.
97. The project was also a notable success at iTunes breaking into the Top 5 on the Christian & Gospel Top Albums Chart.
In addition to promoting The Love In Between, Matt recently wrapped “The Love In Between” tour. The coast-to-coast headlining tour, which visited more than 25 cities through late October, saw attendance in the thousands with sold out shows in multiple cities. For an up-to-date tour itinerary, visit www.mattmahermusic.com/tour.
The dynamic, angelic-voiced lead singer of platinum-selling pop group Sixpence None the Richer, Leigh Nash, releases her first solo album in five years, Hymns & Sacred Songs, today amidst widespread acclaim. The first of three new albums from Nash on Kingsway, these songs are a combination of fresh, newly written hymns alongside songs that have reverberated across generations, giving a voice to the faithful around the world. The timeless lyrics of hymns by Charles Wesley, Fanny Crosby and other writers of old, have been given fresh life with Nash singing and writing newly inspired melodies.
Here is how the critics are responding to Hymns & Sacred Songs:
“Leigh Nash has taken 12 beloved hymns (both old and new) and modernized them for today…A variety of instruments, balanced perfectly with the pure sound of her voice…The end result is both compelling and magnificent…Leigh Nash truly celebrates Jesus on Hymns & Sacred Songs and graciously invites us, the listeners, to the party.” – About.com
“Plenty of indie pop reinstates her Sixpence senses…the charm of Nash’s wispy lilt set to this rich song catalog is undeniable.” – CCM
“Nash brings the songs to life…The songs come off as reverent but celebratory and I’m gonna go out on a limb and suggest that Nash has reminded the world that first and foremost these are great songs that stand the test of time… Nash’s voice is spot on, fluttering in all the right spots and offering ample evidence that she has evolved in one of music’s most unique voices.” – Colossal Pop
“These songs can only be described as vintage; they are nothing short of exquisite. Nash pays homage to her roots beautifully and ushers in a rare, reverential experience through these dozen songs in a potent way.” – Crosswalk.com
“Many a person has wondered what the music of Heaven will resemble…on this side of Heaven fans of Leigh Nash will no doubt agree that her unmistakable vocals have danced the celestial line of angelic. With that Heaven-focused mindset, Leigh Nash is offering a worship album of Hymns and Sacred Songs, featuring her own expression of admiration to the One who saved us…some of the greatest versions of the hymns to date.” – JesusFreakHideout.com
“Hymns & Sacred Songs offers an exceptional set of classic hymns, re-written with fresh new melodies and modern arrangements…If you have always enjoyed her vocals, then pick up this collection of worshipful songs immediately.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com
“It’s the simplicity of the creative music, which has a full tone and clever chords, that stirs something inside…adding on top of that the beautiful sounding voice of Leigh and you start to hear these songs sung with not just feeling, but purpose. This isn't just a singer going through the motions, Leigh pushes her voice from within to convey in a powerful way what the songs sing about, the Glory and Majesty of God.” – LouderThanTheMusic.com (5-star review)
“Nash gives some classic hymns new melodies – a creatively gutsy move that works, works, works…You don’t have to follow Christian music to be charmed by this record; its melodies are oh-so singable, and Nash is delightfully luminous.” – Music News Nashville
“Technically, the album is a masterpiece. The music itself is flawless…There is an undeniable sense of unity and harmony…Her voice is distinctive, instantly recognizable as the voice of the wildly successful Sixpence None the Richer. And in Hymns & Sacred Songs, you get the best of both worlds: fantastic vocals put to life-changing truths.” – The Christian Manifesto
“The timeless lyrics of hymns by Charles Wesley, Fanny Crosby, Dorothy A. Thrupp, Robert Robinson and Katherina A. von Schlegel have been given new life by Nash.” – CBA Retailers & Resources
“Avoiding the often maudlin trappings, bombast, and antiseptic lushness that so often hide the simple beauty of these classics, and scare away those looking for some substance, Hymns & Sacred Songs… is infused with sincerity and even a kind of sweetness. This one is good to have in your collection…One of the wonderful things about Nash’s approach to these songs is that she manages to be reverent without being sterile and lifeless.” – The Phantom Tollbooth
“Hymns & Sacred Songs is a solid collection of tunes that will help a new generation realize just how full of life and truth these older songs can sound like with a fresh twist on them.” – ChristianMusicZine.com
“The glorious hymns, Leigh’s angelic vocals, plus the serene music and melodies combine to form a beautiful and heavenly project!” – Jay’s Musik Blog
“Leigh Nash fans are in for a special treat!…Every song in this project makes a great addition to any worship music library and Sunday Setlists.” – TheWorshipCommunity.com
“…I like her versions of just about all of these songs more than the originals.” – ChristianMusicReviewBlog.com
Produced by John Hartley (Rebecca St. James, Matt Redman, Stuart Townend), Hymns & Sacred Songs was recorded and mixed by Derri Daugherty (Jeremy Camp, Leeland, The Choir) who also produced Sixpence None the Richer’s Dawn of Grace (2008). With additional recording by Stephen Leiweke (Rita Springer, Chris Sligh, MIKESCHAIR) and mixing by Shane Wilson (Switchfoot, Newsboys, Passion), the album also features Stu G (Delirious?, Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith) on guitar, Paul Mabury (Hillsong, Steven Curtis Chapman, Brandon Heath) on drums, Matt Stanfield (Mandisa, Britt Nicole, Plumb) on keys and Chris Donahue on bass.
“I am so very thankful for the opportunity to sing these words and even get to infuse some of them with new melodies,” says Leigh Nash. “It is a gift above any I can presently think of, to sing to my God! The musicians, producer and engineers are all so gifted and the songs so rich in word and melody that my feet were dancing and my heart was constantly lifted throughout the recording of this record! I pray you will have the same symptoms!”
Leigh Nash has been performing since her high school days growing up in New Braunfels, TX. It was there that she met guitarist Matt Slocum and Sixpence came to fruition. Following four album releases, multiple Dove Awards, a GRAMMY nomination and the great success of their hit singles “Kiss Me,” “There She Goes” and “Breathe Your Name,” the band took a hiatus in 2004. Leigh took this time to release a solo record entitled Blue on Blue and a Christmas album Wishing For This, both in 2006, as well as collaborated with members of Delerium for the album, Fauxliage (2007). In 2008, Nash and Slocum reunited as Sixpence None the Richer to record Dawn of Grace, a holiday album fans had long requested. Last year, Leigh lent her voice on projects by Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, Matthew West and others.
The Nashville community rallied last night for a special event to raise funds in support of local non-profit teen outreach, Rocketown. The “Redneck Rally for Rocketown,” presented by Rocketown founder and multi-platinum recording artist Michael W. Smith, renowned comedian Jeff Foxworthy as well as primary sponsor Journeys, brought together more than 500 attendees and grossed in excess of $350,000 for the organization.
Hosted at Rocketown in downtown Nashville, the casual evening consisted of a VIP reception prior to a catered dinner by Black-eyed Pea home style cooking, music by The Hummingbirds, featured entertainer Jeff Foxworthy, and both live and silent auctions. Great American Country television personality Storme Warren emceed the event.
Attendees included political notables such as Governor Bill Haslam, Mayor Karl Dean, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Congressman Jim Cooper, the Honorable Zach Wamp and a representative from Senator Corker’s office. Also present were Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood; Tennessee Titans players Rob Bironas, Jake Locker and Barrett Ruud; Dan Cathy, president of Chick-fil-A; and Dave Ramsey.
Among those auction items drawing top dollar were Michael W. Smith’s fully restored 1957 Ford T-Bird Convertible, which fetched $26,000; a Pro-Team 175 TXW Bass Tracker Boat going for more than $13,000; two tickets for the “Michael W. Smith & Friends” 2012 Canada/New England Cruise; and a guitar signed by Carrie Underwood. Together the live and silent auctions brought in more than $70,000.
Smith comments on the event, Rocketown’s most successful fundraiser to date, “I’m humbled by the support we’ve received this year. This city rallied as a community on Rocketown’s behalf and because of that, we get to keep serving kids and families. A special thanks to Jeff Foxworthy, who shared his special brand of comedy with us. I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed as hard!”
Foxworthy adds, “Rocketown gives people a feeling of significance, a feeling that somebody cares, somebody listens and somebody believes. That you got a gift and you can develop it. Boy, if as a community we can do that; if we can help more kids on the front end, it’d cut back on the number of people needing help on the back end.”
“Rocketown was created on Michael W. Smith’s vision and continues to grow through Nashville’s generous support,” shares ReGina Newkirk, Executive Director Rocketown. “The success of this year’s fundraiser will allow us to reach more at-risk kids through after school programming, fun and safe entertaining activities and free counseling and case management services. We’re so thankful for everyone who is committed to investing in the teens we serve.”
To donate, volunteer or find out more about how to support Rocketown, please visit: www.donate.rocketown.com
John Waller, the popular recording artist who touched the world with his song "While I'm Waiting" from the film Fireproof, is one of several musicians featured on the Courageous movie soundtrack, released today by Reunion Records and Provident Label Group.
"As For Me and My House," the title track from Waller's current City of Peace Media CD, is among the 12 songs on the music project accompanying the latest film from the makers of Fireproof and Facing the Giants. Sherwood Pictures' Courageous, released in theaters September 30, drew more than 1 million viewers during its opening weekend, earning it the No. 4 debut ranking and the No. 1 new movie at box offices nationwide, according to Christian Retailing. In its first 17 days, the film earned more than $21 million at the box office, according to The-numbers.com.
Waller's single focuses on Joshua 24:15 ("But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."), a central theme to the Courageous film. As the characters in the film make an allegiance to God by focusing on family values, Waller, too, challenges his fans to sign the Joshua 24:15 Declaration at the musician's website. All who sign the Declaration are offered a free download of the song "As For Me and My House." The music video version of "As For Me and My House" has almost 200,000 views on YouTube so far.
Waller joins other top Christian artists on the soundtrack, including Casting Crowns on the movie title track, Third Day, Brandon Heath, Tenth Avenue North, Mark Harris, Sanctus Real and Building 429.
To sign Waller's Joshua 24:15 Declaration and to view the video, visit johnwallermusic.com.
Leigh Nash, perhaps best known as the dynamic, angelic-voiced lead singer of platinum-selling pop group Sixpence None the Richer, now offers her favorite, newly recorded Hymns & Sacred Songs Nov. 15 from Kingsway with EMI CMG Distribution in the US. The first of three new albums from Nash on Kingsway, these songs are a combination of fresh, newly written hymns alongside songs that have reverberated across generations, giving a voice to the faithful around the world. The timeless lyrics of hymns by Charles Wesley, Fanny Crosby and other writers of old, have been given fresh life with Nash singing and writing newly inspired melodies.
Produced by John Hartley (Rebecca St. James, Matt Redman, Stuart Townend), Hymns & Sacred Songs was recorded and mixed by Derri Daugherty (Jeremy Camp, Leeland, The Choir) who also produced Sixpence None the Richer’s Dawn of Grace (2008). With additional recording by Stephen Leiweke (Rita Springer, Chris Sligh, MIKESCHAIR) and mixing by Shane Wilson (Switchfoot, Newsboys, Passion), the album also features Stu G (Delirious?, Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith) on guitar, Paul Mabury (Hillsong, Steven Curtis Chapman, Brandon Heath) on drums, Matt Stanfield (Mandisa, Britt Nicole, Plumb) on keys and Chris Donahue on bass.
“I am so very thankful for the opportunity to sing these words and even get to infuse some of them with new melodies,” says Leigh Nash. “It is a gift above any I can presently think of, to sing to my God! The musicians, producer and engineers are all so gifted and the songs so rich in word and melody that my feet were dancing and my heart was constantly lifted throughout the recording of this record! I pray you will have the same symptoms!
“I was really excited by the idea of making a record of hymns,” continues Nash. “I grew up loving singing in the congregation at my church, always wishing to have the courage to sing solos in the church choir. I finally got my solos in the form of this record!”
In addition to Wesley and Crosby, the album features hymns by Dorothy A. Thrupp, Robert Robinson and Katherina A. von Schlegel, as well as newly written songs by Nash, Graham Kendrick, Keith Getty, Stuart Townend, Aaron Keyes, Katie Gustafson and more.
“The songs were basically chosen because of their lyrics,” says Nash. “These words are so poetic and beautiful, the perfect inspiration to write new melodies.”
“Listening to Leigh’s unique vocal stylings over these hymns and sacred songs gives the listener a new appreciation for not only the hymns of old, but for the new hymns of the future,” says Steve Nicolle, Kingsway Music VP, North America. “We are blessed to be in a ministry partnership with Leigh, and we are looking forward to partnering with her in hymns and songs of worship for many years to come.”
The full Hymns & Sacred Songs track listing follows:
Savior Like A Shepherd (Blessed Jesus)
Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing
Isaiah 55
Oh Heart Bereaved and Lonely
The Power of the Cross
Give Myself To You
Come Ye Thankful People Come
Blessed Redeemer
Out of My Bondage
Song of Moses
Praise The Lord Who Reigns Above
Be Still My Soul
Leigh Nash has been performing since her high school days growing up in New Braunfels, TX. It was there that she met guitarist Matt Slocum and Sixpence came to fruition. Following four album releases, multiple Dove Awards, a GRAMMY nomination and the great success of their hit singles “Kiss Me,” “There She Goes” and “Breathe Your Name,” the band took a hiatus in 2004. Leigh took this time to release a solo record entitled Blue on Blue and a Christmas album Wishing For This, both in 2006, as well as collaborated with members of Delerium for the album, Fauxliage (2007). In 2008, Nash and Slocum reunited as Sixpence None the Richer to record Dawn of Grace, a holiday album fans had long requested. Last year, Leigh lent her voice on projects by Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, Matthew West and others.
With a ‘who’s who’ line-up, one might expect nothing less than five-star reviews for the monumental project (Music Inspired By) The Story available nationwide . Such is the case as it released this week debuting at No. 1 on iTunes® Christian & Gospel Album Chart with critics nationwide singing its praises:
“This is the most inspiring and emotionally stirring collection of songs I’ve ever heard. There’s something for everyone: Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, Mandisa, Francesca Battistelli, Lecrae and eighteen other artists all brilliantly bring us to the throne room by passionately performing these soul-piercing songs perfectly orchestrated by Nichole Nordeman and Bernie Herms. This is a five star compilation that needs to be heard and experienced.”--NewReleaseTuesday.com
“Nordeman's songwriting is top-notch, as she handles her storytelling delicately, expounding enough to give dimension without embellishing to fit an agenda. Human struggle with feelings of entitlement, questions of destiny, hope in God's promises, and the desire to be part of a meaningful framework make these characters accessible even to listeners unfamiliar with the stories.”-Christianitytoday.com.
“Featuring the most beautiful voices in music (Brandon Heath, Francesca Battistelli, Matthew West, Leigh Nash and many more), each and every track paints a sweeping picture of scripture from the perspective of its characters."-CCM Magazine
“Music Inspired By The Story is an extremely creative idea, …what Nordeman and Herms have created is truly remarkable. One of the better compilations of the year, The Story is well worth diving into.”-Jesusfreakhideout.com
Furthermore, in-depth interviews with the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Nichole Nordeman, who penned all 18 tracks on the musically diverse album, can be found at Yahoo.com , in CCM Magazine and Christianity Today.
This was an experience that Nordeman will never forget: “As a songwriter, being involved in The Story has been, without a doubt, the most fulfilled I've ever felt creatively,” says Nordeman. “To be charged with giving Biblical icons a modern voice and then to get a front row seat as those songs are brought to life by such gifted artists, was an honor I could never have imagined. As Bernie and I wrestled with these songs, I was reminded daily, sometimes hourly, that Scripture was meant to live and breathe in our lives. Not as mere history or cultural context, but as bold evidence that God really does long to be the Author of our own pages. This experience has deeply changed my own story, both as an artist and a Christian.”
(Music Inspired By) The Story is the first release from the revolutionary partnership between EMI CMG, Provident Label Group, Word Entertainment, Zondervan, World Vision, Proper Management and CAA. The 2-disc album was built on the foundation of Zondervan's best-selling Bible, The Story, Randy Frazee's book The Heart Of The Story and Max Lucado's Book God's Story Your Story, and features a top-notch cast Matthew West, Leigh Nash, Mark Hall & Megan Garrett (Casting Crowns), Brandon Heath, Bart Millard (MercyMe), Michael Tait (Newsboys), Blanca Callahan (Group 1 Crew), Lecrae, Nichole Nordeman, Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, Peter Furler, Mandisa, Todd Smith (Selah), Francesca Battistelli, Mac Powell (Third Day), Steven Curtis Chapman, Natalie Grant, Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay), Matt Hammitt (Sanctus Real), Jeremy Camp, Michael W. Smith and Darlene Zschech. See full track/artist listing below.
Produced by the esteemed Brown Bannister and acclaimed Bernie Herms, all of the 18 new songs Nordeman wrote from a first-person perspective based on principle biblical characters and accounts telling God's story from Creation to The Second Coming.
"When I first started working on The Story, I made a ‘dream list’ of 24 artists who I wanted to be part of this project,” says Executive Producer Norman Miller. “God showed us tremendous favor, because we ended up with 22 of these 24 artists singing on the record. I believe that Nichole wrote the best lyrics of her life and Bernie matched her every step of the way with wonderful melodies. Brown Bannister and Bernie Herms were the ultimate production team and this has resulted in The Story being my favorite record of all time".
In support of the album, a new website has launched, www.thestorycd.com where fans can access exclusive video content, the latest breaking news and more.
Additionally, fans can see The Story come to life this December as Lucado and Frazee join multi-platinum selling artist Steven Curtis Chapman, award-winning band Newsboys, Francesca Battistelli, Natalie Grant and other artists featured on the album will travel around the country on “The Story Tour." Sponsored by World Vision "The Story Tour" will be a fully produced multi-media experience with the artists performing the album in its entirety and will include stunning visuals to accompany every song projected on a massive screen encompassing the entire stage. See full list of tour dates below.
For more information on (Music Inspired By) The Story, please visit www.thestorycd.com.
(Music Inspired By) The Story Track Listing:
Disc 1
1) CREATION (“I Am”) - Overture
2) ADAM/EVE (“Good”) - Matthew West & Leigh Nash (Sixpence None The Richer)
3) ABRAHAM/SARAH (“Who But You”) - Mark Hall & Megan Garrett (Casting Crowns)
4) JOSEPH (“Bend”) - Brandon Heath
5) MOSES (“It Must Be You”) - Bart Millard (MercyMe)
6) JOSHUA (“Bring Us Home”) - Michael Tait, Blanca Callahan (Group1Crew), Lecrae
7) RUTH/NAOMI (“I'm With You”) - Nichole Nordeman & Amy Grant
8) DAVID (“Your Heart”) - Chris Tomlin
9) DANIEL (“No Compromise”) - Peter Furler
10) ESTHER (“Born For This”) - Mandisa
11) JOB (“Broken Praise”) - Todd Smith (Selah)
Disc 2
1) MARY (“Be Born In Me”) - Francesca Battistelli
2) JESUS (“When Love Sees You”) - Mac Powell (Third Day)
3) THIEF (“How Love Wins”) - Steven Curtis Chapman
4) MARY MAGDALENE (“Alive”) - Natalie Grant
5) DISCIPLES (“Empty”) - Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay) & Matt Hammitt (Sanctus Real)
6) PAUL (“Move In Me”) - Jeremy Camp
7) SECOND COMING (“The Great Day”) - Michael W. Smith & Darlene Zschech
"The Story Tour" Dates:
* all dates subject to change
December 1 – Wichita, KS
December 2 – Dallas, TX
December 3 – Tulsa, OK
December 7 – Orlando, FL
December 8 – Atlanta, GA
December 9 – Winston-Salem, NC
December 10 – Va Beach, VA
December 11 – Woodbridge, VA (Washington DC area)
December 15 – Grand Rapids, MI
December 16 – Chicago, IL
December 17 – Minneapolis, MN
December 18 – Kansas City, MO
In an unprecedented partnership between EMI CMG, Provident Label Group, Word Entertainment, Zondervan, World Vision, Proper Management and CAA, comes a new project entitled (Music Inspired By) THE STORY releasing September 27. Built on the foundation of Zondervan's best-selling Bible, The Story, Randy Frazee's book The Heart Of The Story and Max Lucado's Book God's Story Your Story, the new 2-CD set and DVD contains 18 new songs written by GMA Dove Award-Winners Nichole Nordeman and Bernie Herms based on principle biblical characters and stories telling God's story from Creation to The Second Coming. The complete artist-line up is nothing short of stellar featuring 24 artists altogether with Brown Bannister and Bernie Herms at the production helm. Serving as Executive Producer and visionary for the entire project is industry leader Norman Miller who developed similar productions such as The Young Messiah, Emmanuel, Child Of The Promise, and more. Miller comments, "When I was asked by Zondervan to put together a musical element to THE STORY project, I was very excited because I saw endless opportunities to create something very special. Nichole Nordeman is my favorite lyricist of all time and having watched Bernie Herms’ amazing talents develop over the years, I knew he was the perfect writing partner for Nichole. I was thrilled when they both accepted my invitation to write THE STORY. We then put together a list of artists we wanted to sing on the project and were thrilled when they agreed to be part of THE STORY.”
Lyrically, Nordeman wrote the songs from a first-person perspective using timeless biblical stories providing a completely new context into how God's story of love and redemption intersects with our story of brokenness and failures resulting in a new story of hope and rescue. "I think for me one of the goals was to be able to listen to these songs and feel more connected to these people that walked before us and learned lessons that we're still learning," explains Nordeman. "There's such a tendency to turn them into superheroes and have these big, takeaway, moral-of-the-story moments. For me it was all about the humanity. These were broken people who were desperate and needed God. They were just like us. I really believe that, and I think sometimes forget."
Musically, the album is quite diverse in style and song structure covering pop, epic and cinematic moments complete with London Strings, stunning ballads, hip-hop and even bluesy-rock. Herm's well-crafted songs take us on a journey of introspection, celebration and after writing 18 varying songs Herms confesses he wasn’t prepared for how all-consuming the project would become. “I think that there are unique moments that we’re afforded in life when you’re being offered something amazing. I felt like I couldn’t pass it up even though it would be such a mammoth task,” explains Herms. Adding to the uniqueness of the project, Herms and Nordeman wrote their songs collaborating via email, text, phone, never writing in the same location. “Most of the time, 90 percent of co-writing is being in the same room and playing off each other’s momentum but by the time Nichole sent me lyrics they were already pieces of literature," adds Herms.
To kick off the project, Nordeman, Herms, Miller, Frazee and Lucado all met in San Antonio to vision-cast and cull down the numerous stories into what would be the final 18 songs for the project. Upon hearing the songs Lucado said, “This is not an album, it is an event. Moving, powerful, unlike anything I’ve ever heard. Prepare yourself to be swept in the gulf-stream of God’s story.” Frazee was equally excited upon hearing the songs as they were developing. “There is a movement afoot to return people back to God’s Word, called THE STORY. The masterful writing of Nichole, the overwhelming composition and arranging by Bernie, and the stellar cast of artists performing the songs are the divine dream team. If folks are only half as moved as I have been listening to these songs, we will have a true revival on our hands” comments Frazee.
In addition to writing all of the lyrics, Nordeman joined Amy Grant in the studio to tell Ruth and Naomi’s story in the song “I’m With You,” the project’s first radio single. Other noteworthy pairings include Matthew West and Leigh Nash on “Good” (Adam & Eve), Casting Crowns’ Mark Hall and Megan Garrett covering “Who But You” (Abraham & Sarah), Michael W. Smith and Darlene Zschech tackling “The Great Day,” Dan Haseltine and Sanctus Real’s Matt Hammitt as the disciples with the track “Empty” and Newsboys’ Michael Tait, Group1Crew’s Blanca Callahan, and Lecrae telling the story of Joshua with “Bring Us Home.” Bart Millard, Chris Tomlin, Mandisa, Steven Curtis Chapman, Francesca Battistelli, Brandon Heath, Peter Furler, Todd Smith, Mac Powell, Natalie Grant and Jeremy Camp round out the compilation’s overflowing talent pool.
Alongside the music, the companion DVD will have all 18 songs set to new cinematic video footage shot all over Europe and Africa as well as stunning and innovative approaches from artisans all over the world. Each video is a work of art in itself and is specifically edited to visually communicate the story of each song and character on the album.
Additionally, "The Story Tour" will commence in December with Max Lucado and Randy Frazee along with a stellar musical cast including Steven Curtis Chapman, Newsboys, Francesca Battistelli, Natalie Grant, Selah, Anthem Lights and will visit 13 major markets. "The Story Tour" will be a fully produced multi-media experience with the artists performing the album in its entirety and will include stunning visuals to accompany every song projected on a massive screen encompassing the entire stage. World Vision will be a tour sponsor but also is a major partner in the production of THE STORY CD. “The Story of Jesus offers life in all its fullness to all who hear it. This one-of-a-kind project also reminds us that there are thousands of children around the world who long for this fullness. With this project, we have the opportunity to change their life story,” comments Jenny Lockwald (World Vision).
CD & DVD Track Listing
OLD TESTAMENT – CD Disc 1
1. I Am – Overture
2. Good (ADAM & EVE) – Matthew West/Leigh Nash (Sixpence None The Richer)
3. Who But You (ABRAHAM & SARAH) - Mark Hall & Megan Garrett (Casting Crowns)
4. Bend (JOSEPH) - Brandon Heath
5. It Must Be You (MOSES) Bart Millard (MercyMe)
6. Bring Us Home (JOSHUA) – Michael Tait (Newsboys), Blanca Callahan (Group1Crew), & Lecrae
7. I’m With You (RUTH & NAOMI) - Nichole Nordeman & Amy Grant
8. Your Heart (DAVID) – Chris Tomlin
9. No Compromise (DANIEL) – Peter Furler
10. Born For This (ESTHER) – Mandisa
11. Broken Praise (JOB) – Todd Smith (Selah)
NEW TESTAMENT – CD Disc 2
1. Be Born In Me (MARY) – Francesca Battistelli
2. When Love Sees You (JESUS) – Mac Powell (Third Day)
3. How Love Wins (THIEF) – Steven Curtis Chapman
4. Alive (MARY MAGDALENE) – Natalie Grant
5. Empty (DISCIPLES) – Dan Haseltine (Jars Of Clay) & Matt Hammitt (Sanctus Real)
6. Move In Me (APOSTLE PAUL) – Jeremy Camp
7. The Great Day (SECOND COMING) – Michael W. Smith & Darlene Zschech
"The Story Tour" Dates:
* all dates subject to change
December 1 – Wichita, KS
December 2 – Dallas, TX
December 3 – Tulsa, OK
December 7 – Orlando, FL
December 8 – Atlanta, GA
December 9 – Winston-Salem, NC
December 10 – Va Beach, VA
December 11 – Woodbridge, VA (Washington DC area)
December 15 – Grand Rapids, MI
December 16 – Chicago, IL
December 17 – Minneapolis, MN
December 18 – Kansas City, MO
GRAMMY® nominated worship artist Matt Redman’s newest project, 10,000 Reasons, available nationwide, is receiving praise from critics across the board. The album also made a strong debut upon its release, dominating the charts by taking the No. 1 spot on iTunes ® Christian Albums Chart and placing in the Top 15 on iTunes ® overall albums chart. 10,000 Reasons adds eleven new worship anthems to Redman’s catalogue that already includes favorites sung in churches worldwide such as “Blessed Be Your Name,” “Heart of Worship,” and “You Never Let Go.”
The new album, with songs co-written by Jonas Myrin (“Our God,” “You Alone Can Rescue”) and Jason Ingram (“Give Me Your Eyes,” “By Your Side”), is already proving to be a hit with an extensive online and print feature in Christianity Today, along with receiving critical acclaim from New Release Tuesday, About.com, Worship Leader Magazine and more as evidenced below:
“10,000 Reasons is one of the best worship albums of the year. Matt Redman enthusiastically sings Brit-rock style praise and worship and every single song could be added to your Sunday morning worship set.” -New Release Tuesday
“Sincere and honest lyrics, unquestionable passion, an authenticity that plugs you right into the Throne Room, exquisite musicianship ... and that is just touching the tip of the iceberg!” –About.com
“10,000 Reasons is a worship experience. Ultimately, Matt Redman realized his strongest sense of self on this project: the self only truly found in transparent, vulnerable cries of self-surrender.” –Worship Leader Magazine
In support the album’s first single, “Never Once,” which is making its mark at radio now, Redman recently visited radio stations KLOVE and KSBJ. Earlier this week, Redman also presented his new project to numerous radio personnel at a special event held in Atlanta.
While in Atlanta, he took some time to lead worship at his home church in the U.S., Passion City Church, pastored by Passion founder and director Louie Giglio.
For more information on Matt Redman, please visit www.mattredman.com.
Eddie Carswell and Billy Goodwin, founding members of Grammy-nominated NewSong, were named Musician of the Year at the inaugural The Champions of the Faith Awards & Benefit Concert, held this week at the International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta.
Presented by the Premier Foundation, in partnership with the Association For Christian Retail (CBA), the awards recognize businesses, organizations, entertainers, individuals and Christian retailers and vendors who are “champions” of the Christian faith by living lives dedicated to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.
In addition to Carswell and Goodwin, honorees included NASCAR’s Trevor Bayne (Athlete of the Year); Karen Kingsbury (Author of the Year); World Vision’s Richard Stearns (Charity of the Year); and AFFIRM Films/Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Rich Peluso (Business Person of the Year), among others. The event featured a concert by NewSong, along with GMA Artist of the Year Francesca Battistelli, as well as special guests Mike Donehey of Tenth Avenue North and visual artist Jared Emerson.
The Premier Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) public foundation committed to fulfilling the mission of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. With the cooperation of the Premier Group (Premier Productions, Premier Christian Cruises, Premier Festivals and Camp Electric), the Premier Foundation touches millions of people every year through Christian concerts, radio and other Christ-centered events.
Co-founded by Carswell and Goodwin in 1981, NewSong is celebrating an unprecedented 30th year in Christian music. One True God, the band’s 17th recording, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart in May, while NewSong’s Winter Jam 2011 Tour Spectacular was the #1 tour in the world for the first quarter, according to Pollstar. The group has amassed 20 #1 singles, a Grammy nomination, and a #1 mainstream adult contemporary single, among numerous other achievements.
Music fans nationwide will be discovering Fervent Records’ soulful new artist Dara Maclean on iTunes as she is named one of the select “New Artists To Watch” and her breakthrough single “Suitcases” is the Discovery Download of the week. The song is from her full-length debut You Got My Attention, available exclusively at iTunes beginning today, July 5 and will be available everywhere starting on July 12. A powerful vocalist and gifted songwriter, Maclean wrote or co-wrote all 12 of the tracks on the album, produced by Ian Eskelin.
Co-written by Maclean and Ian Eskelin, “Suitcases” is an up-beat tune about the daily “baggage” that can weigh you down and the freedom that can be found in release.
“While listening to my Dad speak one Sunday morning, I remember hearing him say, ‘You can’t run when you're holding suitcases’ and it immediately sparked,” shares Maclean. “I imagined trying to navigate through life, while holding suitcases that were bursting at the seams. One flies open and out comes a baby blanket, which is a metaphor of fears, doubts and insecurities. Then a picture of an ex-boyfriend falls out and we start to realize, what we've held onto from our past, is the very thing holding us back from our future. I hope this song is an anthemic reminder for us to set baggage aside daily and live free.”
Discover more about Maclean, as she shares her favorite things she just can’t go with out on her website – www.DaraMaclean.com. To top it all off, fans will have a chance to win a suitcase packed full of these home-inspired things. Maclean wants the winner of this giveaway to experience the sweetness of home, which is something near and dear to her heart.
Maclean grew up outside Fort Worth, Texas, in a family that encouraged her love for music and ministry from her earliest days. She began singing at age 8, then went on to lead worship and actively pursue youth ministry. Maclean continues to serve with her family in their local church. Heavily influenced by Lauryn Hill and everything from the Motown era as well by contemporaries like Adele, Natasha Bedingfield, Marc Broussard and Ray LaMontagne, she incorporates the funk and soul she grew up loving into her music. The combination makes for a sound that is pure celebration, that captures as few artists ever have the joy and exuberance of being swept up in love.
To watch the live video of “Suitcases,” click here: http://youtu.be/W4cFZcSivZI
Prolific worship leader and GRAMMY ® nominated singer/songwriter Matt Redman has been giving life to worship songs for over fifteen years. Penning church favorites such as “Blessed Be Your Name,” “Heart of Worship” and “You Never Let Go” to the more recent "Our God," and “You Alone Can Rescue” he has led worship for thousands at Passion conferences and events held around the globe. This summer Redman will continue unleashing inventive anthems for the church on his eighth album sixstepsrecords release 10,000 Reasons available July 12.
Though Redman moved back to the United Kingdom in August 2010, he returned to Atlanta earlier this year to record 10,000 Reasons with over 1,000 worship leaders from across the country during LIFT: A Worship Leader Collective, put on by Passion City Church and sixstepsrecords.
The live recording makes this album what it is: “There’s something that happens in the worshipping, singing church that you don’t find anywhere else on the face of the earth … I hope people end up hearing that on the album; it hopefully gives some life to the songs,” says Redman.
Redman co-wrote with many friends on this album including Jonas Myrin, Jason Ingram, Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher, Tim Wanstall and Jesse Reeves. Many of the songs were born in Brighton, England, a town where Redman and his family are serving as active parts of a congregation reaching out to those in that city.
Redman’s crossover experience with the American and British church has affected his songwriting, particularly now that he attends this Brighton church plant: “With a new church, you’re very mindful of the un-churched coming in,” explains the father of five. “You have to find ways to not water down your faith but to be lyrically as accessible as possible. That’s an endless challenge. It makes me always want to keep the cross front and center.”
Not all of the eleven songs on 10,000 Reasons were inspired in the Redmans’ new Brighton locale. “Never Once,” the first single from the new album, began in the Redmans’ Atlanta home, where he and his family lived for two years helping plant Passion City Church with friends Chris Tomlin and Louie and Shelley Giglio. Returning to Atlanta to see to their house still on the market, Redman found himself standing in his family’s now empty kitchen with guitar in hand. He was alone with no sound of children around, no furniture or wall-hangings, only the echo of guitar strings. Redman had time to think: “I looked over twenty plus years of being a Christian—so much battle and so much blessing. I just had a sense of the utter faithfulness of God.”
With as impressive a track record as one worship leader can have, writing songs that have earned numerous awards, publishing books, including his upcoming book Mirror Ball in stores July 1, and belonging to one of the most impacting worship movements this century, Redman has managed to keep himself out of it and place Christ in the center of it. After years of experience, the worship leader concluded, “You can have clever chord progressions. You can work hard at getting some sort of nice sounding lyrics, but at the end, I just want a song that connects people with God.”
For more information on Matt Redman, please visit www.mattredman.com.
Last night in Las Vegas, multi-platinum selling artist Chris Tomlin was named “Top Christian Artist” and his No. 1 hit “Our God” was honored for “Top Christian Song” at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards. The star-studded event was hosted by comedic actor Ken Jeong and broadcast LIVE on ABC.
“Our God,” written by label mate Matt Redman, Jonas Myrin, Chris Tomlin and Jesse Reeves, was first heard on Passion: Awakening and re-recorded for Tomlin’s latest album And If Our God Is For Us... Earlier this year, it was nominated for a GRAMMY ® for “Best Gospel Song” and took home the award for “Worship Song of the Year” and this year’s 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards.
Additionally, Chris Tomlin has partnered with iTunes® for an exclusive premiere of his brand new music video “I Lift My Hands,” the latest single from his seventh record, which is also being featured at a special discounted price of $7.99 for a limited time only.
For more information on Chris Tomlin please visit www.christomlin.com.
Following the high-impact release of RED’s third studio album UNTIL WE HAVE FACES (2/1) -- the nation’s highest debut its first week out and No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart -- the twice GRAMMY-nominated rock outfit RED claims the No. 1 position on Billboard’s Christian CHR radio chart this week with its single, “Faceless.” The multi-format No. 1 song, “Faceless” also topped Billboard’s Christian Rock radio chart and it received millions of impressions when the band performed the track live during its street week, on TBS’s CONAN (2/8).
This chart-topper is REDs first No. 1 on the Billboard Christian CHR radio chart, bringing the band’s career No. 1 single totals to an impressive 11 hits, 10 of those being consecutive.
RED can still be seen in various cities as part of the Winter Jam tour until Sunday, April 3. For a list of remaining dates, visit www.redmusiconline.com/tour for more tour information.
BEC Recordings’ Aaron Gillespie’s solo debut, Anthem Song, has received widespread attention. After releasing strong last week, Gillespie’s single, “We Were Made For You,” has been selected as the featured iTunes Discovery Download this week. Fans can snag this track for FREE as well as the entire album for $7.99 at iTunes now.
Anthem Song resounded loudly with fans as it charted in the Top 10 at No. 6 on the Billboard Contemporary Christian Albums chart - the second highest selling new release last week. The album also debuted in the Top 20 of the overall iTunes Top Albums, No 2 on the Christian iTunes Albums and No. 1 on Canada’s iTunes Christian charts. The single, “We Were Made For You,” remains in the Top 15 at CHR radio as well.
As an album that was both very personal as well as a long-time coming for Gillespie, Anthem Song continues to receive acclaim from media. GMCtv notes Aaron as “one of the most familiar faces in both hardcore and alternative rock circles (and) amidst the most prolific and varied.” Hollywood Jesus states that this album has “everything from great melodies to musical diversity to solid lyrics, these songs are very well done.” Likewise, Christian Music Zine praises the debut single as “a song that deserves to be played from town to town.” Fans can also hear an in-depth interview with Aaron this week on the NewReleaseTuesday podcast.
Here are some comments from fans who are loving Anthem Song:
“Aaron Gillespie has never sung with more emotion or passion, and it carries the album from start to finish.”
“His musical diversity is so awesome and inspiring.”
“Aaron lives, sings, and worships at full throttle.”
You have a chance to see your words in print! Have any of the Dove Award "Song of the Year" nominees inspired you? The Gospel Music Association would like to include your quote or story in the 42nd Annual Dove Awards Showbook!
This is a pretty great opportunity for anyone whose life has been impacted by one of these fantastic songs.
The nominees for "Song of the Year" are...
"Let The Waters Rise" by MIKESCHAIR
"Love Came Calling" by Triumphant Quartet
"Our God" by Chris Tomlin
"Sometimes I Cry" by Jason Crabb
"Starry Night" by Chris August
"All of Creation" by MercyMe
"Beautiful, Beautiful" by Francesca Battistelli
"Get Back Up" by Toby Mac
"Hold My Heart" by Tenth Avenue North
"Lead Me" by Sanctus Real
The Gospel Music Association is looking for your story. Keep it concise and collected... So that means no more than a paragraph. While we can't guarantee the entire paragraph will be used, we'd love to use your thoughts in the Dove Awards Showbook.
Submit your thoughts as a comment on our Facebook note. We will submit the comments to the marketing team at the Gospel Music Association and hopefully your quote will be used in the Dove Awards showbook! Good luck!
Fervent Records and reigning Dove Awards “Female Vocalist Of The Year” Francesca Battistelli, proves that she’s got the stuff with her sophomore album Hundred More Years landing in the No. 1 spot on the Christian SoundScan Album Chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Top 200 chart today, making it her highest charting album debut to date. The album features her current No. 2 single “This Is The Stuff.” Battistelli’s impressive debut is right on the heels of scoring four nominations including the prestigious Artist Of The Year for the upcoming 42nd annual Dove Awards, making her the most nominated Female Artist this year.
“I do what I do every day in the hopes that my music will inspire and bring light to my fans. And to know that you’re on the right path is an incredible feeling!” shares Battistelli. “I feel so blessed and can’t thank Christian radio, my fans and my team at Fervent Records, Paradigm Agency and Proper Management enough for all of their support in this release.”
USA Today calls the release “eloquent long-range views on family and love” rounding out their 3 ½ star review. And the Gospel Music Channel says Hundred More Years is “a gorgeous meditation on life’s fleeting moments and our desire to see them last forever.”
The leadoff single “This Is The Stuff” is already a smash hit at radio and “full of the witticism and appeal you’d hope for” (Soul-Audio). It is the perfect introduction to an album that takes the treasures of her debut My Paper Heart one-step further. Working with producer Ian Eskelin, she has crafted a CD that is every bit as hooky and infectious as its predecessor but whose subject matter, as befitting a young woman whose life has changed so dramatically, addresses a wider spectrum of the human experience.
Since her debut in 2008, Battistelli has earned a Grammy nomination (Best Gospel Song Performance), 2 Dove Awards and 15 Dove Award nominations. Her debut album delivered the smash No. 1 single “Free To Be Me” and hit singles “It’s Your Life,” “I’m Letting Go” and “Beautiful, Beautiful.” With over 400,000 copies sold and well over 840,000 downloads to date, Battistelli has become the best-selling new artist in the genre in the past eight years. Her music has also been featured on TLC's Jon & Kate Plus 8, ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, NBC’s The Biggest Loser, Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance, and several other television and movie outlets.
Fans can vote for this talented songstress for The Dove Awards’ Artist Of The Year by visiting http://www.watchgmctv.com/fanvote. Voting is now open and will close on April 19th at midnight (EST), with the winner being announced at the 42nd Annual Dove Awards show taped live at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA, on April 20th and broadcast on The Gospel Music Channel (GMC) on Sunday, April 24th at 8:00 p.m. EST.
For additional information on Francesca Battistelli and her upcoming album release, tour and media appearances, please visit www.FrancescaMusic.com.
CNN recently taped a “life on the road” feature with acclaimed Atlanta-based rock band Third Day as part of its "Road Warriors" series. The segment aired this morning on CNN (6:00 AM EST) and HLN (6:30 AM EST and 1:30 – 2:00 PM EST).
If you missed any of today's air times, please click the link below to watch the segment online:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2011/02/22/road.warriors.third.day.cnn
Nominations were announced today for the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards with Integrity Music’s signed and distributed artists and songwriters receiving 14 nominations, including three each for Israel Houghton and John Mark McMillan.
The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced the nominations today from the Grand Salon of the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Integrity’s own Carlos Whittaker was among the artists participating in the press conference.
Carlos Whittaker announced nominations at the Atlanta press conference.
Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage
Integrity Music’s nominations include:
Israel Houghton
Male Vocalist
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song for "You Hold My World"
Contemporary Gospel Album for Love God. Love People.
John Mark McMillan
New Artist
Worship Song for “How He Loves”
Rock/Contemporary Album for The Medicine
Don Poythress
Inspirational Recorded Song for writing “Joseph” (with Tony Wood)
Paul Baloche
Worship Song for writing "How Great Is The Love" (with Meredith Andrews, Jacob Sooter)
Shout Praises Kids - Today is the Day
Children’s Music Album
Cuan Gran Amor-En Vivo Miami, Ingrid Rosario
Spanish Language Album
Devocion, Danilo Montero
Spanish Language Album
Mi Declaracion, Hector Sotelo
Spanish Language Album
Annette Oden
Musical for “Just Run”
Jeff Sandstrom/Annette Oden
Youth/Children's Musical for “Get to the Manger”
Fresh from winning his fourth straight GRAMMY Award on Sunday, Israel Hougthon’s three Dove nominations include Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year and Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year, recognizing him for his critically and commercially successful Love God. Love People. Love God. Love People. released in August on Integrity Music/Columbia Records and has garnered praise from critics reaching out to a diverse variety of music fans nationally and beyond. The album features the musically masterful energy that has become synonymous with Houghton recordings, and includes special guest appearances by Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond and Take 6’s Claude V. McKnight, III, Mark Kibble and Joey Kibble, and was recorded and engineered at Abbey Road Studios.
The eight-time Dove Award winning Houghton now hits the road for the Love Revolution Tour, which will visit more than 20 cities in February and March. Tour dates can be found at www.israelhoughton.net.
John Mark McMillan is new to Dove Award nominations and is recognized as such with a New Artist of the Year nod as well as nominations for Worship Song of the Year and Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year on behalf of his Integrity debut The Medicine.
Heart-on-sleeves rock is what North Carolinian McMillan does best and it’s his bluesy voice and well-crafted lyrics that have brought him heightened popularity and universal critical acclaim with The Medicine, an intriguing, musically compelling and intensely in-depth project which expresses McMillan’s soul and personal life journey. Through his lyrics, McMillan takes listeners through a story of emotions. Poetic metaphors and vivid imagery thread themselves through the album binding together a universal theme of brokenness and love’s power over the weak and the wounded.
McMillan embarks on his national concert tour “A Mighty Raucous Evening” in March. Complete information about the dates and tickets can be found at www.thejohnmark.com or at www.facebook.com/therukusroom.
The 42nd EST Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre and will be t elevised nationwide on GMC( www.watchgmctv.com), on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 from 7-9p.m. ESTThe evening will be full of rare and exciting performances showcasing the genre’s hottest and most diverse artists.
The twice GRAMMY-nominated rock band RED delivers the highest debut in the country with its third studio project Until We Have Faces claiming the No. 2 spot on the coveted Billboard Top 200 chart today. Additionally, RED debuts at No. 1 on the following Nielsen SoundScan charts: Current Hard Music, Current Rock Music, Current Alternative, Christian Rock, Current Contemporary Christian Album and Record Label Independent charts. Until We Have Faces also remained in the Top 5 on both iTunes’ Overall Album and Rock Album charts its entire street week.
The positive momentum leading up to this debut included seeing No. 1 on iTunes’ Overall Album chart and extensive media coverage by outlets such as USA Today, Dallas Morning News, Billboard magazine, AOL Music, CBS Radio, MSN, Alternative Addiction and HM Magazine. RED’s street week was capped off with a riveting performance of its No. 1 radio single, “Faceless,” on TBS’s CONAN last night.
Click here to watch the band’s CONAN performance: http://redmusiconline.com/.
“We’re completely beside ourselves,” offered an emotionally charged Anthony Armstrong. “We attribute the success of ‘Faces’ to our fans. We are well aware that we only get to do this because we’re supported by a lot of incredible people coming to our shows and connecting with us online every day. To say that we’re humbled is an understatement.”
The band returns to Los Angeles next week for a performance on NBC’s “Tonight Show With Jay Leno” on Wednesday, February 16. (“The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” airs weeknights at 11:30/10:30 CT).
RED Will Be The Musical Guest On Conan Tuesday, February 8.
Tune in to CONAN on TBS at 11/10c .
Twice GRAMMY-nominated hard rock outfit Red got its street week underway with incredible momentum today as its third project, Until We Have Faces, saw No. 1 on the iTunes Overall Albums chart and simultaneously celebrated a fast rising No. 1 at Christian rock radio with the incendiary, “Faceless.”
With extensive online coverage also impacting today, fans can catch up with Red and even stream the album in full on AOL Music: http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/5.
Known as much for maintaining a rigorous touring schedule as it is for its incredible fan connection, Red members don’t miss a beat. With a day off from its place on the Winter Jam tour, Michael Barnes (lead vocals), Randy Armstrong (bass), Anthony Armstrong (guitar) and Joe Rickard (drums) hosted an exclusive fan-only event in its hometown of Nashville last night.
Red fans who participated in this event were contest winners traveling from all around the country, including Arizona, Wisconsin, Florida and Louisiana – some even crossed the border from Canada.
The event kicked off at 11 p.m. and ran until 2 a.m. during which the winning fans were offered tips to secret messages on the new album, treated to one-on-one hang-time with the band, cheered together at midnight to celebrate the official release date and experienced an acoustic performance.
“This was unlike anything we’ve ever done. It’s important that our fans know we value them. Red fans are the reason we get to do all of this,” shares bassist Randy Armstrong. “We love interfacing with each of them in person and online, and getting to hear their stories of struggle and success. We’re thankful for how they’ve supported us; it’s nothing we’ll ever take for granted.”
In addition to incredible sales and radio impact, the band is receiving acclaim from media:
"Red are really one of the last truly mainstream rock acts around. They’re heavy enough to bring in fans of more aggressive music, but friendly and catchy enough to cross over to contemporary rock fans. The sensational vocals of Barnes and the beautiful orchestral arrangements really help them separate from the competition." - Bullz-eye.com ( http://www.esdmusic.com/2011/02/01/red-until-we-have-faces/)
"UNTIL WE HAVE FACES is a layered album full of catchy hooks, industrial accents, and symphonic elements. Fans of bands ranging from STABBING WESTWARD and CHEVELLE to FLYLEAF and LINKIN PARK will be able to quench their thirst for something new..." - Kikaxemusic.com ( http://www.kikaxemusic.com/reviews/album-reviews/item/2890-red-until-we-have-faces-album-review)
"Every song has its place and purpose. Red has pulled together yet another fantastic release. Their methods have not changed, but have merely been tweaked and perfected. The use of orchestra instruments is perfectly incorporated. The message is bold and honestly placed. Until We Have Faces is heavy and beautiful..." -Thenewreview.net ( http://thenewreview.net/reviews/red-until-we-have-faces)
"Red continues to do what they do best, and that is to send out strong powerful albums, with excellent and positive themes and I have no doubt that Red will finally strike their fortune." - Sputnikmusic.com ( http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/41510/Red-Until-We-Have-Faces/)
http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/photos/archive__/2011/02/01/photo1101281152314379274.aspx?SortType=&ID=754496&SearchBy=&StartWith=False --POLLSTAR
http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2011/01/30/rock-band-red’s-righteous-anger-appeals-to-broad-audience/ Tennessean feature (1/31)
“Red knows how to throw down rock. Red hasn’t deviated from its core sound which is definitely working for them.” -- HM Magazine
“Until We Have Faces is Red’s most mature album to date. Not only will this album be pleasing to longtime fans, but is sure to expand their popularity in the mainstream arena- reaching people who need to hear Red’s message of hope the most.” --Christian Music Review
Additional online coverage includes:
-CBS Radio, “The Street Date”: http://streetdate.radio.com/
-MSN’s “New This Week” http://music.msn.com/music/newthisweek/
-Alternative Addiction: http:// www.alternativeaddiction.com
-The New Review: http://thenewreview.net/all-access/album-stream-red-until-we-have-faces
-Tunelab Music: http://tunelab.com/2011/02/01/red-until-we-have-faces/
For Red’s Behind-The-Scene’s video, click here: h ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm2elQizlGE.
Red, the Nashville-based hard rock outfit, has released a behind-the-scenes video for its fans ( watch here). Filmed during the recording process of its February 1 release, Until We Have Faces, the video gives you a window into the band's studio and practice space to see how the album was made.
Until We Have Faces' overarching theme is a search for true identity, inspired by a number of sources, including author C.S. Lewis' book of similar title, Till We Have Faces. Paired again with award-winning producer Rob Graves, Until We Have Faces features Red in its most musically intense place to date - "a combination of our first two records, but on steroids," lead vocalist Michael Barnes notes -- daring both Red and its fans to catapult into new rock territories.
Fans in Dallas, Tx. will have an opportunity to see the band perform a special acoustic set on Feb. 2. After the performance fans can meet the band and get CD's autographed. See below for time and
store location.
Where: Best Buy (LBJ Shopping Center)
4255 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy Midway
Farmers Branch, TX 75244
Time: 7-9 PM
For more information about RED, please visit: www.redmusiconline.com.
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.
Our primary piece of advice as you prepare to listen to the new album by RED: Check your levels.
Essential Records’ two time GRAMMY-nominated hard rock outfit RED packs a potent sonic punch on its third project, Until We Have Faces, a record that leaps out of the speakers with a ferocity and complexity reflecting the band’s growth and intensity. The new album releases February 1, 2011.
From the opening seconds of “Feed The Machine” through the final, contemplative moments of “Hymn For The Missing,” the four-man unit of vocalist Michael Barnes, guitarist Anthony Armstrong, bassist Randy Armstrong and drummer Joe Rickard shows both maturity and abandon can coexist within the various dimensions of rock RED inhabits.
The new album’s overarching theme is a search for true identity, inspired by a number of sources, including author C.S. Lewis’ book of similar title, Till We Have Faces. The band itself is working through its own new identity – as a four-piece with the addition of drummer Rickard.
Until We Have Faces takes listeners down the path of recognizing the hollowness of life until finding their true identity (revealed on “Faceless”), the idea of creative destruction unveiled in the midst of new life (found on “Let It Burn”), and simultaneously presenting the positive energy found even “in a world so cold” (explored on the infectious, melodic ballad “Not Alone”).
Paired again with award-winning producer Rob Graves, Until We Have Faces features RED in its most musically intense place to date – “a combination of our first two records, but on steroids,” Michael Barnes notes – daring both RED and its fans to catapult into new rock territories.
RED will push those boundaries, bringing its creative energy and high-octane live presence to next year’s Winter Jam tour, spanning nearly four dozen dates from January 7, 2011 in Chattanooga, Tenn. to the tour wrap-up April 3 in Peoria, Ill.
The band’s first single, “Faceless” goes for adds at CHR and Rock formats on Dec. 31, continuing RED’s powerful presence at radio, which has featured nine consecutive singles vaulting to No. 1 on the Christian Rock chart.
Grammy ® nominee Matthew West is continuing to give voices to the stories of thousands with his latest Christmas single “One Last Christmas” out now at digital retailers.
The song was inspired by the story of Dax Locke who passed away from Leukemia at the age of two just last year. However, his love of all things Christmas and desire to live to see the holiday, caused St. Jude’s Hospital, his hometown of Washington, Ill. and literally people all over the world to “decorate for Dax” earlier in the year so that he could enjoy an early Christmas. People put up their Christmas trees, hung Christmas lights and even made sign’s for Dax and then submitted the photos to www.decoratefordax.com. Dax did make it to see one last Christmas, he passed away on Dec. 30 2009. Just a few weeks ago, Dax’s parents gave birth to a baby girl. To purchase the song, visit http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=4/vCXFlBozU&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fone-last-christmas-single%252Fid402946269%253Fuo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30. “One Last Christmas” is also being released to Christian radio for Christmas airplay.
“We are so incredibly touched and honored by the song,” remarks the Locke family. “We both cried and hugged each other while watching the video. We miss Dax more than words can express. His memory will shine on thanks to Matthew! We feel so blessed!”
West is also releasing a viral video with information on how people can support the Locke family and their donations to fund St. Jude’s Hospital for one day. To view the video, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye39mgcHC3E.
Nashville, TN (November 17, 2010)- One of Christian music’s most acclaimed singer/songwriters and platinum-selling artist Mark Schultz is hitting the road this winter to headline a Christmas tour with featured artist DOWNHERE. The “How Many Kings” Christmas Tour is sponsored by World Vision and will also feature CCM artist Alli Rogers. The 16-city tour begins in Hastings, Nebraska on December 2, running through the 19th in Greenford, OH.
“I'm looking forward to spending my favorite season with Downhere and Alli Rogers, a group of talented musicians and artists, as we celebrate the incredible gift of Christ's birth with our favorite Christmas songs, original music and great stories,” says Schultz. “It should be a wonderful time!”
Schultz has been playing dates all across the country in support of his latest release Come Alive that delivered the back-to-back Top 10 hit singles “He Is” and “Love Has Come,” as reported on the R&R Christian AC Chart. His forthcoming single "What It Means To Be Loved" will be released to Christian radio this spring.
Lauded at No. 1 on Billboard’s “Hot Christian Adult Contemporary Songwriters” list and with nine No. 1 radio hits to date, Schultz’s celebrated career highlights include being named Christian Music Today’s Male Vocalist in 2003, his song “Back in His Arms Again” being recognized as BMI’s Christian Song of the Year in 2003, his 2005 release, Mark Schultz Live…A Night of Stories & Songs, selling RIAA certified Platinum and garnering him his first GMA Dove Award, and being featured on the national TV programs 48 Hours, CNN, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and more.
“How Many Kings” Christmas Tour Dates:
12/02 – Hastings, NB
12/03 – Madison, WI
12/04 – Zeeland, MI
12/05 – Waukesha, WI
12/07 – East Minot, ND
12/08 – Edgerton, MN
12/09 – Shawnee, KS
12/10 – Cedar Falls, IA
12/11 – Circleville, OH
12/12 – Pikeville, KY
12/14 – Elizabethtown, KY
12/15 – Greeneville, TN
12/16 – Kernersville, NC
12/17 – Evans, GA
12/18 – Accident, MD
12/19 – Greenford, OH
BEC Recordings’ artist Jeremy Camp was honored last week with the ASCAP Songwriter / Artist of the Year Award at the 32nd Annual ASCAP Christian Music Awards in Nashville, TN. This is the first year for the Songwriter / Artist of the Year Award category, which recognizes not only the songwriter, but the artist that performs his/her own songs.
"I am so incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award,” shares Jeremy Camp. “My sincere thanks to ASCAP for all the work they do for artists and songwriters, like myself. I'm thankful to the Lord and to my wonderful family. It's so crazy to get to continue to do what I am called to do, and that is making music for God and others!"
Camp previously was awarded Songwriter of the Year in 2005, 2006, and 2008. Camp added two more Most Performed awards to his collection for "There Will Be a Day" and "Healing Hand of God." He has also previously been awarded with an ASCAP Song of the Year award (2006 “Take You Back”).
In August, Camp released his sixth studio project, “We Cry Out: The Worship Project,” with his highest Billboard 200 debut at No. 15. He just finished his headline tour “The Worship Tour” with Carlos Whittaker and John Mark McMillan. Camp’s debut single from the worship album has also flourished at radio as it has touched listeners across the nation. “Jesus Saves” became Camp’s 21st No. 1 single topping the charts at AC Indicator and Inspo.
Additional information on Jeremy Camp available at http://www.jeremycamp.com or at Twitter http://www.twitter.com/jeremycamp.
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.
Matthew West’s latest album, The Story of Your Life, inspired by letters from all over the world is releasing today with momentum from his headlining tour, current radio single and the release of his music video for “My Own Little World.”
West is also releasing a deluxe edition of The Story of Your Life featuring four acoustic bonus songs, and bonus story behind the song videos for every track on the album. The deluxe version of the album is available at iTunes ® and Amazon.
“My Own Little World,” the first single from The Story of Your Life, is currently Top 5 at AC Indicator, and Top 10 at AC Monitor and National Audience Chart.
Twitter has also been lighting up with excitement for the album release as well. Below is an example of the chatter…
“… His new CD Story Of Your Life is AMAZING! I love it! It is so inspiring and his BEST yet!”
“Counting down the hours until I get home and can go by the new @ matthew_west cd!”
“What an amazing artist @ matthew_west. You've taken love to a whole other level. Thank you”
“Was so moved by @ Matthew_West's concert & album (releasing tomorrow) that I wanted to tell u more abt it. Check it out: http://bit.ly/abedEt” – @mandisaofficial
“friend @ MatthewWest's new album releases today. Go check out the stories, listen to the songs, and download the album: http://bit.ly/a3487L” - @michaelwsmith
“Matthew West new CD #TheStoryofYourLife comes out tom. Do yourself a favor & buy it. Best record this year http://ow.ly/2O7P0” - @Mardel_inc
Critics have commended West’s The Story of Your Life. Below is just a sample of their comments on the new album…
“West is a master of getting you to think about the eternal in the midst of the temporal…” – www.ChristianityToday.com
“a powerful new album …” – Billboard Magazine
“An ingenious idea made into an incredible testament to God's power in individual lives… Matthew West captures the heart and soul of his fans in The Story of Your Life as he belts out Christ-focused anthems he penned in answer to the stories they submitted by the thousands.” – www.cbn.com
“With over 10,000 stories pouring in, West’s strong melodic touch, transparent lyrics and crystal clear vocal work results in a deeply personal, moving album that’s ideal follow-up to 2008’s Something to Say.” – www.ccmmagazine.com
“This kind of album is powerful and life changing, especially for those who are new to the faith.” – www.HollywoodJesus.com
“The Story of Your Life is another solid addition to Matthew West's work and explores a wide variety of issues that are sure to relate to countless listeners.” – www.jesusfreakhideout.com
West’s own headlining jaunt, “The Story of Your Life Tour,” has also been well received by fans since embarking two weeks ago. “These are songs, this is a concert, that will forever impact the story of your life,” explains Martha Fry who attended the tour’s stop in Asheville, NC. The show will hit West’s hometown of Chicago, IL tonight with a sold out crowd. The tour, which features openers Jonny Diaz and Josh Wilson, will run through Nov. 7.
Dove award winning artists Big Daddy Weave and Aaron Shust, along with Andy Kirk, will be bringing their passionate and elevating live performances to 45 cities across the country while on the Hope Restored Tour from August 27th through November 14th. Sponsored by Wycliffe Bible Translators affiliate, The Seed Company, the tour will raise awareness for its innovative program OneVerse which provides Bible translations for all languages across the globe.
Tickets are currently on sale and special VIP tickets (admitting holders to a separate meet and greet time with the tour’s artists) are available in most markets and are already in demand.
With five number one singles under their belts, Big Daddy Weave’s reputation for recording songs dear to the hearts of thousands is eclipsed only by their reputation for bringing incredible heart and passion to each and every live performance. Big Daddy Weave’s live performances are one-of-a-kind experiences that join the artist and audience in a unique, singular voice and the Hope Restored tour expands that experience even further for the band. “We are so excited to be a part of this amazing season of evenings on the Hope Restored Tour!” says Big Daddy Weave lead singer Mike Weaver. “I’ve personally been a big fan of Aaron Shust's music for the past few years. I look forward to sharing the stage around the incredible and ever timely cause of translating the most important message of all time into every language on our planet. We also have shared some serious road time with our good friend and gifted worship leader Andy Kirk and are very glad to be reunited for the tour as well.”
Also appearing on the Hope Restored Tour is three time Dove Award winning artist Aaron Shust, who is best known for the song “My Savior, My God,” the second most played CCM song of the decade behind “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe. The simple tune he penned for his local church took radio by storm, topping six different charts at once. “My Savior, My God” helped earn Aaron a trio of Dove Awards for Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and New Artist of the Year. It also propelled the Georgia-based singer into the spotlight and onto the road in a whirlwind of concerts, sharing the stage with the likes of MercyMe, Casting Crowns and Michael W. Smith. While on the Hope Restored Tour Aaron will be performing songs from his latest release, Take Over, and sharing the album’s central message of submission and relinquishing control to God. Shust comments, “One of the common threads that shows up in a lot of these songs is that we can’t achieve anything from our own efforts – certainly not salvation. We can work out our salvation, but it’s only through what Christ has done on the cross that we have any hope.”
Rounding out the tour is 22 year old, Nashville-based singer, Andy Kirk whose first single “Love Is the Only Thing,” from his debut album, Wake Up My Soul , hit #1 on Christian Radio Weekly’s Global AC indie chart, August 1, 2010. Before being approached by 1CN Records/Provident to record Wake Up My Soul Kirk lead music for one of America’s largest churches, LifeChurch in Oklahoma City, singing in front of over 3,000 -10,000 people a weekend. Kirk now serves as an Artist in Residence at Hopepark Church in Nashville in addition to keeping up with his nation-wide touring schedule.
For more information please visit:
http://hoperestoredtour.com/
http://www.bigdaddyweave.com/
http://www.aaronshust.com/
http://www.andykirk.tv/
http://www.oneverse.org/
BEC Recordings’ artist Jeremy Camp was awarded his fourth RIAA Gold Certified album for Beyond Measure last week in Nashville, TN. The celebration was held at his booking agency, Paradigm, and he was awarded his Gold album by Tooth & Nail Records/BEC Recordings’ President Brandon Ebel. This certification follows his first GRAMMY nomination, his second American Music Award nomination and his 19th No. 1 Radio single. In addition to his Gold Record, BEC Recordings’ General Manager Tyson Paoletti presented Jeremy Camp with a commemorative plaque honoring over three million albums sold in his career.
"It is an overwhelming joy to see how the Lord has been faithful even though I am undeserving of it,” shared Camp on this career milestone. “I just want to continue to seek Him in all that I do, and want to always remember that it’s the Lord doing the work...not me! I'm so thankful for those who have stood by my side with much prayer and encouragement."
Celebrating with Camp was his wife Adrienne, manager Matt Balm, Bill Hearn CEO of EMI Christian Music Group and team members, Mike Snider and his team from Paradigm booking agency and Jeremy’s band.
This achievement precedes Camp’s upcoming studio release that is set for August 24, 2010, a worship-themed album titled We Cry Out - The Worship Project. Produced again with award-winning producer Brown Bannister, Camp co-wrote with notable worship artists such as Matt Maher, Reuben Morgan (Hillsong) and Brenton Brown. More information will be coming soon on this anticipated release.
Last night, modern rock band Red scored the trophy for Rock Album of the Year, for its acclaimed release Innocence & Instinct (2/10/2009). In addition, the band delivered a powerhouse performance, which included special guest Brian “Head” Welch, former lead guitarist of the multi platinum metal band Korn.
“It’s been an incredible night for us,” Red’s Randy Armstrong said backstage. “It’s an honor to be here among so many incredible artists and bands; plus we got to perform with our friend Brian Welch, which was amazing.”
The band’s sophomore album and relentless touring schedule has opened doors to significant mainstream market success. Innocence & Instinct debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and cracked the top 10 on mainstream rock charts with the single, “Death of Me.”
The Deluxe Edition of Innocence & Instinct – which includes four bonus tracks and a DVD featuring the “Death of Me” music video, a “making of” documentary and more – soared up iTunes charts, hitting No. 5 for top selling albums overall, No. 2 for top selling rock albums.
The Best Rock Album Dove award comes a year after Red landed a Best Rock Recorded Song Dove award for “Lost” and three years after winning the same award for its hit single, “Breathe Into Me.”
To date the band has earned nine consecutive No. 1 radio singles, the last four of which are off of
Innocence & Instinct.
Just weeks after releasing the critically acclaimed Somewhere Down the Road, Amy Grant will be seen on ABC’s Nightline tonight, April 23.
The celebrated singer will be featured in the show’s playlist segment which has also covered Jennifer Hudson, Keith Urban and more. Nightline airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m., ET on ABC. For more information on the show, visit http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/.
Somewhere Down the Road is a potent collection that takes the listener on a musical journey that reverberates with messages of resiliency, promise and hope. The 12-track set includes six new songs, two previously unreleased tracks from her musical vault, a newly recorded version of “Arms of Love,” and three songs from her catalog.
Amy Grant’s career spans over 25 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality, and philanthropist. Grant has sold more than 30 million albums and won six GRAMMY® Awards in multiple categories, beginning with the platinum selling Age to Age in 1982. She also has six #1 hits, including “Baby, Baby,” and “Every Heartbeat” and is one of only two Christian artists to be awarded a star on the legendary Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Grant released her first live recording in 25 years with Time Again...Amy Grant Live in September 2006, and then announced her first ever label shift to EMI Music Group where her entire music catalog was re-mastered and released via a GREATEST HITS CD and made available for the first time digitally. Last fall she released her first new Christmas music in 9 years, THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION, which in addition to four new songs, features tracks that were hand-picked by Grant to include the best songs from her previous albums that result in a classic Christmas album reminiscent of the Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, etc. albums of old.
Integrity Music artists Kari Jobe and Israel Houghton took home two Dove Awards and Jennie Lee Riddle, writer of “Revelation Song,” was named the Dove Award Songwriter of the Year last night in Nashville.
The 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards, Christian/Gospel music’s biggest night of the year, was held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville and will be seen on television nationwide on gmc (http://www.gmclife.com), Sunday, April 25, 2010 from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. EST. gmc can be seen on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.
Jobe, whose debut self-title project was the year’s biggest-selling CD by a new artist, received two Dove trophies for Spanish Language Album of the Year for the Spanish version of her debut record and Special Event Album of the Year for her participation on the Glory Revealed II: The Word of God In Worship.
The awards were just part of Jobe’s exciting first experience at the Dove Awards as she revealed her gifts as a worshipper and vocalist tonight joining Phillips, Craig & Dean onstage for a powerful collaboration of "Revelation Song," and judging from the audience’s thunderous reaction it was one of the most powerful performances of the night.
Jennie Lee Riddle and Kari Jobe celebrate their Dove Awards with their Integrity Music and Gateway Church families.
“Revelation Song” won the Dove Award for Worship Song of the Year for its writer Jennie Lee Riddle, a Gateway Create/Integrity Praise Music songwriter. “Revelation Song” is featured Jobe's debut album and was also a radio hit for Phillips, Craig & Dean. That song and its impact in churches and on the radio was one of the key reasons Riddle was given her additional Dove Award as Songwriter of the Year, a tremendous honor in a music genre that is defined by its lyrics.
Israel Houghton, after winning his third GRAMMY Award earlier this year, was honored with two Dove Awards last night. The title track “The Power of One” from his latest CD was named the Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year and “Just Wanna Say” from The Power of One won Urban Recorded Song of the Year (in a tie with BeBe and CeCe Winan’s “Close To You.”).
Earlier in the week, leading U.S. music rights organization Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) saluted the past year’s most-performed songs on Christian radio and television during its annual Christian Music Awards. Integrity Music Publishing and songwriter received two awards -- My Name is Victory” by BMI songwriter, Jonathan Nelson; and “Today is the Day” by BMI songwriter, Lincoln Brewster (co-written with ASCAP writer Paul Baloche).
Award-winning songwriter, recording artist Matt Redman has written 17 Top 500 CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) songs that are being sung by millions in church services every week around the world. A dozen of these songs are featured on Redman’s 14-song Ultimate Collection releasing April 20, 2010 from Kingsway with EMI CMG Distribution.
Named the 2009 “Christian Songwriter of the Year” ASCAP Award winner, called “one of the most prolific songwriters in the history of the church” by Chris Tomlin, and praised as “one of the most gifted contemporary worship songwriters” by Christianity Today, the songs of Matt Redman for this collection were selected with great care.
“For a singer, songwriter and worship leader like Matt Redman, choosing the ‘ultimate collection’ wasn’t easy,” says Steve Nicolle, Director of Kingsway in North America. “With a catalogue of songs that has brought in four Dove Awards and birthed ten solo full-length albums, there is plenty to choose from. The Ultimate Collection draws together elements that are intimate and inspiring, songs that that connect with Christians on the deepest levels and have helped change the sound of worship for an entire generation.”
From “Blessed Be Your Name” to “The Heart Of Worship” to “Better Is One Day,” the full Ultimate Collection track listing follows:
You Never Let Go
Blessed Be Your Name
Once Again
Nothing But The Blood
Dancing Generation
Shine
The Heart Of Worship
Facedown
Let Everything That Has Breath
Lord Let Your Glory Fall
I Will Offer Up My Life
Better Is One Day
The Father’s Song
Yes And Amen
Leading a generation of worshipers, Redman’s songs have been recorded by artists such as Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, Tree 63, Kutless and Passion, among others. Mark Hall of Casting Crowns says, “Matt Redman has always been one of my favorites because he writes amazing worship songs for the church.”
More Matt Redman information can be found at www.kingsway.co.uk/survivor.
Integrity Music worship leader, songwriter and recording artist Israel Houghton will be featured Easter Morning on the national broadcast of CBS NEWS SUNDAY MORNING. The segment will be on Sunday, April 4 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. ET.
In a segment called "AMEN!" Sunday Morning correspondents offer a sampling of Gospel music today talking with performers including Houghton and CeCe Winans.
Correspondents from CBS visited Houghton in his hometown of Houston, Texas at Lakewood Church where he also serves as a worship pastor. Lakewood pastor Joel Osteen was interviewed for the segment about Houghton.
In addition to his career as worship leader and recording artist, Houghton is a spokesman for international relief agency World Vision. He is the recipient of six Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award and three GRAMMY Awards. Additional information is available at www.israelhoughton.net and www.integritymusic.com.
Atlantic/Ardent/INO's Artist and Group of the Year Dove-nominated recording group Skillet has announced details of their upcoming headline tour. The “Awake & Alive Tour” begins April 15th at Scranton, Pennsylvania’s Scranton Cultural Center and then continues through late May (see itinerary below). Joining the Grammy-nominated rock outfit on the trek will be fellow nominees RED, whose most recent effort, “Innocence & Instinct,” climbed its way to the Top 5 on iTunes Top Albums chart. Also joining the tour will be hard rock outfit, The Letter Black.
One of America’s hardest working live acts, Skillet – who spent the first part of 2010 touring alongside Atlantic labelmates Shinedown – is currently co-headlining the “Awake Tonight” tour with TobyMac, which kicked off to several sold out shows last week, and will also be headlining a number of upcoming summer festivals.
The “Awake & Alive Tour” celebrates the continuing success of Skillet’s acclaimed new album, “AWAKE,” which reached the #1 spot on the iTunes Store’s “Top Albums” chart within 24 hours of its release last summer. The album also made a blockbuster debut on the SoundScan/Billboard 200, entering the chart at #2. The album continues to reign as a favorite, ascending the upper half of the Billboard 200.
Produced by Howard Benson (Three Days Grace, Daughtry, Flyleaf), “AWAKE” is highlighted by the electrifying single, “Monster.” The track is currently a top 5 smash at Active Rock outlets nationwide, while also scoring top 20 airplay at Mainstream Rock.
What’s more, “Hero” – the second mainstream single from “AWAKE” – has been featured in an array of high-profile promotional campaigns, including WWE’s annual Royal Rumble pay-per-view and is set to arrive at Active Rock outlets this week. Likewise, “Hero” has already hit the top spot on the Christian CHR and Rock charts, and now, after being the most-added it’s first week out, the second Christian radio single “Awake & Alive,” is already Top 10 at Christian rock and Top 15 at CHR.
Founded in 1996, Skillet has earned rapturous praise for their inspirational and intense approach to hard-edged alternative rock. Continually gaining praise in the Christian market, the mainstream is following suit, with Hit Parader celebrating Skillet for “(bringing) to mind the kind of slick, studio-savvy work that made vintage Aerosmith and Bon Jovi so much fun to listen to.” “Skillet…continually push their musical muscle with soaring guitar work interspersed with their take on 80’s hair-metal ballads,” declared Mix.
In addition to cumulative album sales in excess of 1.6 million, Skillet has racked up a wide range of honors throughout their extraordinary career. Frontman John Cooper and producer Brian Howes recently collected two BMI Music Awards for “The Last Night” and “The Older I Get,” both featured on 2006’s Grammy Award-nominated “COMATOSE.” That album proved Skillet’s most popular work to date, achieving RIAA gold certification. “COMATOSE” followed the band’s 2003 label debut, “COLLIDE,” which launched Skillet into the mainstream while also garnering their first Grammy Award nomination.
For up-to-the-minute news and information, visit
www.skillet.com or
www.myspace.com/skilletmusic.
SKILLET AWAKE & ALIVE TOUR w/ RED and The Letter Black
(all dates subject to change)
APRIL
15 Scranton, PA Scranton Cultural Center
18 Charlotte, NC Bojangles Coliseum
22 Raleigh, NC TBA
23 Savannah, GA TBA
24 Aiken, SC USC Aiken Convocation Center
25 Pensacola, FL Saenger Theater
29 Lafayette, LA Cajundome Convention Center
MAY
2 Jonesboro, AR ASU Convocation Center
4 Ft. Smith, AR Ft. Smith Convention Center
6 Park City, KS Hartman Arena
7 Dodge City, KS Dodge City Civic Center
9 Topeka, KS Kansas Expocentre
11 Bismarck, ND Bismarck Civic Center
13 Rapid City, SD Rushmore Plaza Civic Center
15 Fargo, ND Urban Plains Center
20 Saginaw, MI Dow Event Center (Theater)
21 East Lansing, MI Michigan State Univ. Concert Auditorium
Switchfoot drummer Chad Butler is featured in a 10-page cover spread in Drum! Magazine. Chad is pictured smiling as he opens up the current issue out now on magazine racks.
Grammy Award nominee and five-time GMA Dove Award nominee Francesca Battistelli will be releasing My Paper Heart: Deluxe Edition March 2 on Fervent Records. Featuring all the songs from the original release of My Paper Heart, this deluxe edition will also include two new songs (“Keeping Me Guessing” and “Lead Me To The Cross”) and four new recordings of the hits “Free To Be Me”, “It’s Your Life”, “I’m Letting Go”, and “Beautiful, Beautiful.”
The release of My Paper Heart: Deluxe Edition comes after Battistelli finished off an extraordinary year which resulted in the break out singles, "Free To Be Me", "I'm Letting Go", and "It's Your Life." She was the most added new female artist in Christian radio history and her record breaking "Free To Be Me" held the #1 slot on four radio charts simultaneously. Additionally, Battistelli had music featured on AOL Music's homepage, in ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," TLC's "Jon & Kate Plus 8," NBC's "Biggest Loser," Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance," and many other television shows and movies.
Francesca is offering fans the opportunity to pre-order My Paper Heart: Deluxe Edition in her official online store offering exclusive downloads and products. Visit http://www.francescamusic.com/store for more information.
For more information about Francesca Battistelli, visit http://www.francescamusic.com
Word Records recording artist Meredith Andrews is preparing for the March 2 release of her sophomore project As Long As It Takes. Produced by Jason Ingram and Rusty Varenkamp (Bebo Norman, Aaron Shust, Tenth Avenue North), the duo that also produced Andrews’ debut record The Invitation, As Long As It Takes is the result of a two year wait since the release that launched the hits “You Invite Me In”, “You’re Not Alone” and “New Song We Sing.”
“I am honored to share these pieces of my heart with anyone who will listen, simply because the more I live, the more my eyes are opened to God's relentless, consistent, loving pursuit of his children. I pray that my personal journey will in turn lead the listener into a deeper, more honest relationship with Jesus.” shares Meredith.
Featuring the single “Can Anybody Hear Me?”, which was added to over 50 radio stations the first week of release and has already climbed into the Top 20 in less than five weeks, As Long As It Takes includes eleven new tracks from the singer-songwriter. “How Great Is The Love”, co-written by well-known worship leader Paul Baloche, is one particular stand-out track as well as the moving “Come Home” written for Andrews’ younger brother. “What It Means To Love” was inspired by a life changing encounter with a young orphan boy diagnosed as HIV positive, McKinsley, that Andrews met on her first trip to Haiti.
On street date, Meredith will be performing a concert with Z88.3 radio and New Missions in Orlando to raise funds for Haiti. For each CD sold at this event, all proceeds will go to New Missions for Haiti. The following day, KLTY, one of the largest Christian radio stations in the United States, will host an event in which 100 winners will be treated to a private dinner and “story teller” styled concert with Andrews.
Additionally, Meredith is currently offering three pre-order packages in her online store (www.meredithandrews.com/store) which feature exclusive content including videos and songs as well as other product products fans can choose from.
For more information about Meredith Andrews, visit http://www.meredithandrews.com
Essential Records artist Red announced its presence with authority as one of the premier rock bands in Christian music with a total of three nominations for the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards.
The band’s second full-length album project, Innocence & Instinct, picked up a nod for Rock Album of the Year, while two different songs off the record – “Fight Inside” and “Mystery of You” – were included in the list of honorees for Rock Recorded Song of the Year.
The GMA Dove Award nominations come the same week Red is finishing its first big touring jaunt of 2010, headlining the “Nothing And Everything Tour,” which also includes fellow hard rock band (and labelmates) Pillar, along with special guests The Wedding and Me In Motion. The tour wraps Tuesday, February 23 in Dodge City, Kansas.
Nashville-based Red, made up of Michael Barnes (vocals), Anthony Armstrong (guitar) Randy Armstrong (bass), and Joe Rickard (drums), has logged an impressive 1,500+ live shows since releasing its debut album End Of Silence in 2006.
Red’s GRAMMY-nominated sophomore project, Innocence & Instinct (2/7/09) released with more than 40,000 in first week sales and climbed its way to the Top 5 on iTunes Top Albums chart. To date, the band has earned eight consecutive No. 1 radio singles, the last three of which are from Innocence & Instinct. The band simultaneously released a Deluxe Edition of Innocence & Instinct that includes four bonus tracks and a DVD featuring the “Death of Me” music video, a “making of” documentary and more.
Since the 2006 emergence of End Of Silence RED has maintained a near-constant presence on the road, touring alongside notable rock names such as Three Days Grace, Flyleaf, 3 Doors Down, Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Saving Abel, Sevendust, Staind, Kutless, Trapt, Third Day, Switchfoot and others, and rave reviews for the band’s live shows have poured in via both print and online outlets alike.
Creative Soul Records band Canopy Red has partnered with OneVerse, a ministry organization whose mission is to accelerate Bible translation for the millions of people throughout the world waiting for God's Word to be translated into their own language. Canopy Red will work with OneVerse to raise awareness and funds to help translate the Bible into the Arew language in Tanzania. With a population exceeding 500,000, the Arew people will receive God's Word in their own language for the very first time.
"We are excited about partnering with OneVerse ministries because of their commitment to reaching others with the Word as well as sharing our passion for inspiring the church to be confident and stand firm in God's word in their everyday lives," said Canopy Red frontman Forrest Krazit of the new partnership.
Though it's only been a few months since the November release of Canopy Red's self-titled debut EP, the Creative Soul Records band has been drawing attention from Christian music fans nationwide thanks to a flurry of activity and comparisons to such artists as Sanctus Real and The Afters. Canopy Red has been profiled on Focus on the Family's PLUGGED IN Podcast and Campus Crusade for Christ Radio, and they were featured at HearItFirst.com as part of their month-long ROCKTOBER promotion, alongside established rock acts like Stryper, Pillar and Manic Drive. Their debut music video "Falling Apart" has received significant airplay on major outlets like JCTV, Control Track and Steelroots, as well as online destinations like VideoRocket.com.
With the new year comes the launch of Canopy Red's new radio single "All Around Me," which is shipping to Christian radio stations nationwide this week. "I am really excited to introduce these guys to radio," says Nashville-based radio promoter Chris Chicago. "They have a perfect blend of rock, pop and worship that is perfect for Christian radio. During these times of uncertainty, it's great to be reminded that God is 'All Around Me.' This song will fit right in on playlists all over the country!"
Produced by Eric Copeland, Canopy Red is available exclusively at iTunes from Creative Soul Records.
For more information, visit www.canopyred.com.
Essential Records rock band RED kicks off a jam-packed January, which will include celebrating its second career GRAMMY nomination at the awards show at the end of the month, by launching its 2010 “Nothing And Everything” tour tonight in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
The tour also features fellow hard rock band (and labelmates) Pillar, along with special guests The Wedding and Me In Motion.
The “Nothing And Everything” tour is a meeting of two rock powerhouse bands: RED, which has established itself among the upper echelon of rock bands in just three short years, and Pillar, a band that has helped to pioneer the Christian hard music movement. Touring together for the first time, both bands will bring their signature brand of rock to one stage for a riveting concert event.
Randy Armstrong of RED comments, “At our shows, we always play off the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd. We know how enthusiastic our fans are and imagine Pillar’s fans are just as wild. The combination is going to be explosive. This will be the rock tour of all rock tours.”
“RED has a similar stage dynamic, which makes this a powerful ticket,” says Pillar frontman Rob Beckley. “We are excited they asked us to be a part of the tour and look forward to putting on a show our fans, and theirs, can be proud of.”
Fans attending a “Nothing And Everything” show can also pick up a free copy of Pillar’s “Confessions” book, produced by Pillar’s frontman, Rob Beckley and American Bible Society, aptly titled “Confessions.” The “Confessions” book emerges as a resource to address some of the most salient issues affecting youth today: spiritual doubts, sexuality, brokenness and self image. Each section includes thematic confessions, a short devotional, reflection questions and Scriptures references for digging deeper.
The book, an extension of Pillar’s hard-hitting Confessions album, was inspired by the band’s profound spring 2009 “Confessions Tour.” A confessional curriculum called “My Secret,” taught at the band’s local Tulsa, Ok. church, changed the way Pillar chose to engage with fans while on tour.
For the most up to date list of tour dates and to buy tickets for the “Nothing and Everything” tour, please visit: www.redmusiconline.com or www.pillarmusic.com
Nashville-based RED, made up of Michael Barnes (vocals), Anthony Armstrong (guitar) Randy Armstrong (bass), and Joe Rickard (drums), has logged an impressive 1,000+ live shows since releasing its debut album End Of Silence in 2006.
RED’s GRAMMY nominated sophomore project, Innocence & Instinct (2/7/09) released with more than 40,000 in first week sales and climbed its way to the Top 5 on iTunes Top Albums chart. To date, the band has earned eight consecutive No. 1 radio singles, the last three of which are from Innocence & Instinct. The band simultaneously released a Deluxe Edition of Innocence & Instinct that includes four bonus tracks and a DVD featuring the “Death of Me” music video, a “making of” documentary and more. For more information about RED, please visit: www.redmusiconline.com.
Since the 2006 emergence of End Of Silence RED has maintained a near-constant presence on the road, touring alongside notable rock names such as Three Days Grace, Flyleaf, 3 Doors Down, Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Saving Abel, Sevendust, Staind, Kutless, Trapt, Third Day, Switchfoot and others, and rave reviews for the band’s live shows have poured in via both print and online outlets alike.
Over its 10 year career, Pillar has reached nearly 1 million in album sales (including two albums with sales exceeding 300,000 copies each), performed for more than three million people and tallied 10 No. 1 radio singles, 13 Top 5 hits, a GRAMMY nomination, four Dove Awards, nine national headlining tours. Confessions, Pillar’s sixth studio album -- debuting the talents of new members, bassist Rich Gilliland, drummer Taylor Carroll and new producer, Rob Graves (Red, Wavorly) -- released Sept. 22, 2009. The album has inspired Pillar frontman Rob Beckley to co-author a book elaborating on important themes from the record. Co-produced with the American Bible Society, the book, aptly titled “Confessions,” will be available free of charge at tour dates beginning January 14, with book excerpts available at www.pillarmusic.com/confessions.
Pillar’s previous studio album, For the Love of the Game (02/26/08), debuted at No. 4 on SoundScan’s Christian (overall) album chart. Since Pillar’s Dove Award-winning label debut Above in 2001, the band has graced the cover of numerous Christian and mainstream magazines with features in Rolling Stone, Spin, Bass Player, and Hit Parader. The Tulsa, Oklahoma-based band also won Fuse TV’s “Next Big Thing” award and has seen its music played on numerous ESPN sports programs, including SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight (during montage highlights from the 2007 World Series) and College Gameday, as well as CBS and FOX Sports. Find more information please visit: www.pillarmusic.com.
“Nothing and Everything” Tour Itinerary
(Dates subject to change- check websites listed above for updated information)
January 27, 2010 Wednesday Monterey, California
January 29, 2010 Friday Las Vegas, Nevada
January 30, 2010 Saturday Phoenix, Arizona
February 2, 2010 Tuesday Albuquerque, New Mexico
February 4, 2010 Thursday Dodge City, Kansas (NEW!)
February 5, 2010 Friday Tulsa, Oklahoma (NEW!)
February 6, 2010 Saturday Little Rock, Arkansas (NEW!)
February 17, 2010 Wednesday Chattanooga, Tennessee (NEW!)
February 18, 2010 Thursday Cordova, Tennessee (NEW!)
February 19, 2010 Friday Louisville, Kentucky (NEW!)
February 20, 2010 Saturday Indianapolis, Indiana (NEW!)
February 21, 2010 Sunday Greenville, Ohio (NEW!)
Nashville, TN (January 8, 2010) ---- Centricity Music’s powerhouse band, Me In Motion, will join RED on its 2010 “Nothing And Everything” tour that launches January 14th in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. The tour will also feature Pillar and special guest, The Wedding. This marks the second major tour for the newcomer band, Me In Motion, as they were featured on the Newsboys fall tour in 2009. Me In Motion will perform songs from their upcoming self-titled debut on Centricity Music that releases March 23, 2010.
"We are super pumped to share the stage with bands, Red and Pillar, on the Nothing & Everything Tour,” says Seth Mosley, lead vocalist and guitarist for Me In Motion. “These guys have great hearts and a killer live show that doesn't hold anything back. It will be a super high-energy night where we are thrilled to introduce some of our new music to the crowds."
“Me In Motion brings energy and excitement to every performance, whether that’s in front of fifty kids at a youth group or before thousands at a concert hall,” says Steve Ford, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Centricity Music. “Either way Seth, Tim and Dexter give it all every time. The tour with Red & Pillar allows them to perform before numerous new fans and take my word for it, when you see them, you will become a fan.”
Before heading out on the RED tour, Me In Motion, has headed back into the studio to record two new songs for their upcoming CD, “The God I Know" and "Seek Justice, Love Mercy. "We thought the record was done months ago, but Seth came in and played us these two new songs so we had to have them on the project,” adds Ford. “We feel they are amazing songs that make the project even stronger."
The first single from the new album, “Losers,” is already at #28 and climbing on the CHR chart and the video debuted on the Air1 website and is being distributed to video outlets. “The song is a banner for anyone who has felt rejected by their peers,” says Mosley, “whether it’s because of how they look, something that’s different about them, or because they’re trying to follow Jesus in a world that looks at that as strange. But the song is also a callout for us to open our eyes and see the ‘least of these’ that Jesus talked about who are all around us.”
Me In Motion, which is comprised of Mosley, Tim Wilson (bass/background vocals) and Brian Dexter (drums/background vocals), was formed by Mosley after working two years in a recording studio following high school graduation. After realizing he didn’t want to “sit in one place all the time,” was when he brought Wilson and Dexter on board to begin the musical journey as Me In Motion. The talent of the group immediately brought them attention which led to 140 tour dates in 2008 and Me In Motion reached 165-dates in 2009. But more than playing Brit-influenced rock, it’s the message that Me In Motion wants to impact with their audiences.
“I always find myself going back to the theme of wanting to make a difference,” Seth explains, “to live out our faith, even when it might be the hardest thing in the world to do. My heart for myself, the band, the kids and families that hear Me In Motion’s music is that all of us will be inspired to break out of these little bubbles that we so often find ourselves retreating into and to show everybody a little bit of Jesus’ love every day.”
There's no question that 2009 was an exciting year for singer and songwriter Jonny Diaz. From his anthemic radio song "More Beautiful You" to its accompanying music video, this single has soared higher than Diaz ever thought possible.
"I've been blown away at how God has used this song," exclaims Diaz. "I really can't take any credit for its success, but I am thankful that He is using me as a vessel to share the song's extremely important message."
This summer "More Beautiful You" topped the radio charts for four consecutive weeks and even months later, it continues to be a staple song at stations nationwide. On the year-end charts, Diaz placed #9 as Billboard's Hot Christian Songs Artist and "More Beautiful You" claimed the #6 spot on Billboard's AC charts. It was also the 3rd best Christian Song of the year, according to AOL Radio.
To also top off the year, the music video for "More Beautiful You" won the "Contemporary Video" category in 2009's Gospel Music Channel Video Awards. In fact, the video received more votes than any other video in any of the categories. All winners can be found online at http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com/gmcva.
"Winning GMC's award for best contemporary video of the year was a great way to cap off an amazing year," Diaz shares. "My calling to write songs that impact the body of Christ hasn't changed. However, things that happened in 2009 like the radio and video success of 'More Beautiful You' and being part of some fantastic tours has allowed me to impact a broader audience... and I'm so appreciative!"
Can Diaz top 2009? There's no question he's already off to a great start. His second radio single, "Stand For You," is the #1 most added song this week, the first reporting week of the new year, according to Billboard's Christian AC chart. KXOJ/Tulsa, KBIQ/Colorado Springs, WCRJ/Jacksonville, and WBSN/New Orleans are just a few of the many stations that started 2010 off playing Diaz's new single.
He is touring with Chris + Conrad this month in California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico. Constantly on the road, check out the tour dates below to see if he's performing in a city near you. Be sure to visit www.JonnyDiaz.com for the most updated concert dates.
"The glorious grind of writing, recording, and traveling continues on in 2010," concludes Diaz. "I am so blessed that I get to call this my "job."
Baloche will be singing the title track to Glorious, his acclaimed new modern worship album released last month on Integrity Music, on the TBN Christmas Special. He will also sing his song “Offering” featured on Worship and Adore: A Christmas Offering, also from Integrity Music.
In addition to Baloche and McClurkin, the TBN special will feature FOX News anchor Kelly Wright, actress Sherri Sheppard and artists Ayiesha Woods and Sherri Jones Moffett. The special is scheduled to debut Dec. 19 at 5:00 pm ET / 2:00 pm PT. (Schedule subject to change, check your local listings.)
Baloche’s peers, including Michael W. Smith, Israel Houghton and Martin Smith (Delirious?/CompassionArt), as well as Worship Leader, Christianity Today, New Release Tuesday and others, continue to share their enthusiasm for Baloche and Glorious:
“Filled with songs of hope, praise and adoration, Glorious affirms Baloche's legacy as one of today's premiere worship artists and songwriters.” – Charisma
“…congregational worship in pop/rock form with direct lyrics of devotion to God that enrich the believer as they uplift the name of Christ.” – Worship Musician
“Paul Baloche is one of today’s most influential worship songwriters. He has written songs that are shaping worship services all over the world…Paul has crafted some of the most inspiring songs in church culture today.” – Amazon.com
“Glorious contains songs of faith, hope, commitment, trust, and praise that will encourage your church, be a joy to listen to, and stir up a love for the risen Savior who came to purchase our forgiveness and rescue us from our sins.” – WorshipMatters.com
“This songwriter, musician, and worship leader has helped define the sound that has come to represent the mainstream of worship music in recent years.” – Soul-Audio.com
For more information on Paul Baloche’s Glorious, check out the e-card at www.integritymusic.com/ecard/glorious.
Additional information can be found at www.paulbaloche.com, www.leadworship.com and www.integritymusic.com.
The popular nationally syndicated “Total Axxess” radio show premieres its first-ever “Acoustic Christmas” this week, featuring intimate, in-studio performances with a high-profile artist lineup, kicking off today, Dec. 14, with GMA’s “New Artist of the Year,” Tenth Avenue North. GRAMMY-winning, progressive band Jars of Clay performs Tuesday, followed by GRAMMY-nominated, modern rockers Red on Wednesday, and wrapping Thursday with GMA’s “Male Vocalist of the Year,” Brandon Heath.
*Check local listings for air times.
Essential Records GRAMMY Award nominated rock band RED announces the launch of its 2010 “Nothing And Everything” tour. The tour will additionally feature fellow hard rock band and labelmate, Pillar and special guests The Wedding and Me In Motion.
Kicking off Jan. 14 at Fort Smith Event Center, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, the tour is a meeting of two rock powerhouse bands: RED, who established itself among the upper echelon of rock bands in just three short years, and Pillar, who helped to pioneer the Christian hard music movement. Touring together for the first time, both bands will bring their signature brand of rock to one stage for a riveting concert event.
Randy Armstrong of RED, comments, “At our shows, we always play off the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd. We know how enthusiastic our fans are and imagine Pillar’s fans are just as wild. The combination is going to be explosive. This will be the rock tour of all rock tours.”
“RED has a similar stage dynamic, which makes this a powerful ticket,” says Pillar frontman Rob Beckley. “We are excited they asked us to be a part of the tour and look forward to putting on a show our fans, and theirs, can be proud of.”
A tentative tour itinerary follows this release. For the most up to date list of tour dates and to buy tickets for the “Nothing and Everything” tour, please visit: www.redmusiconline.com or www.pillarmusic.com
Nashville-based RED, made up of Michael Barnes (vocals), Anthony Armstrong (guitar) Randy Armstrong (bass), and Joe Rickard (drums), has logged an impressive 1,000+ live shows since releasing its debut album End Of Silence in 2006.
RED’s GRAMMY nominated sophomore project, Innocence & Instinct (2/7/09) released with more than 40,000 in first week sales and climbed its way to the Top 5 on iTunes Top Albums chart. To date, the band has earned eight consecutive No. 1 radio singles, the last three of which are from Innocence & Instinct. The band simultaneously released a Deluxe Edition of Innocence & Instinct that includes four bonus tracks and a DVD featuring the “Death of Me” music video, a “making of” documentary and more. For more information about RED, please visit: www.redmusiconline.com.
Since the 2006 emergence of End Of Silence RED has maintained a near-constant presence on the road, touring alongside notable rock names such as Three Days Grace, Flyleaf, 3 Doors Down, Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Saving Abel, Sevendust, Staind, Kutless, Trapt, Third Day, Switchfoot and others, and rave reviews for the band’s live shows have poured in via both print and online outlets alike.
Over its 10 year career, Pillar has reached nearly 1 million in album sales (including two albums with sales exceeding 300,000 copies each), performed for more than three million people and tallied 10 No. 1 radio singles, 13 Top 5 hits, a GRAMMY nomination, four Dove Awards, nine national headlining tours. Confessions, Pillar’s sixth studio album -- debuting the talents of new members, bassist Rich Gilliland, drummer Taylor Carroll and new producer, Rob Graves (Red, Wavorly) -- released Sept. 22, 2009. The album has inspired Pillar frontman Rob Beckley to write a book elaborating on important themes from the record. Co-produced with the American Bible Society, the book, aptly titled “Confessions,” will be available free of charge on January 14 at www.pillarmusic.com/confessions or at Pillar concerts.
Pillar’s previous studio album, For the Love of the Game (02/26/08), debuted at No. 4 on SoundScan’s Christian (overall) album chart. Since Pillar’s Dove Award-winning label debut Above in 2001, the band has graced the cover of numerous Christian and mainstream magazines with features in Rolling Stone, Spin, Bass Player, and Hit Parader. The Tulsa, Oklahoma-based band also won Fuse TV’s “Next Big Thing” award and has seen its music played on numerous ESPN sports programs, including SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight (during montage highlights from the 2007 World Series) and College Gameday, as well as CBS and FOX Sports. Find more information please visit: www.pillarmusic.com.
“Nothing and Everything” Tour Itinerary
(Dates subject to change- check websites listed above for updated information)
January 14, 2010 Thursday Fort Smith, Arkansas
January 15, 2010 Friday Dallas, Texas
January 16, 2010 Saturday Victoria, Texas
January 17, 2010 Sunday San Antonio, Texas
January 19, 2010 Tuesday San Angelo, Texas
January 22, 2010 Friday Monroe, Louisiana
January 23, 2010 Saturday Longview, Texas
January 24, 2010 Sunday Abilene, Texas
January 27, 2010 Wednesday Monterey, California
January 29, 2010 Friday Las Vegas, Nevada
January 30, 2009 Saturday Phoenix, Arizona
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Music from NewSong, one of Christian music's most popular bands, will be featured in the upcoming television movie, The Christmas Hope, based on Donna VanLiere’s New York Times best-selling book of the same name. A Lifetime Movie Network Original Movie Premiere, the film will debut on Sunday, December 13 at 8 pm ET (9 pm PT) and will include NewSong’s recording of the title-cut. The song, from NewSong’s 2006 album The Christmas Hope, was penned by group member Eddie Carswell and Matthew West.
Starring Madeleine Stowe (The Last of the Mohicans), James Remar (Ratatouille) and Ian Ziering ("Beverly Hills 90210"), The Christmas Hope follows Patricia (Stowe) and Mark Addison (Remar), a couple in a troubled marriage. When Patricia, a social worker, brings home a foster child who has no place to go on Christmas, they set aside their differences to give the young girl a special holiday.
Lifetime Movie Network will devote an entire block of programming on December 13 to three holiday films based on VanLiere’s best-selling books. The Christmas Shoes, which features NewSong’s #1 mainstream radio hit of the same name, will air at 4 pm ET, followed by The Christmas Blessing, which includes an onscreen performance by NewSong, at 6 pm ET, with the world premiere of The Christmas Hope afterwards.
NewSong can currently be seen on their “A Very Merry Christmas Tour,” along with Fervent recording artist Big Daddy Weave and special guest Fervent/Reprise singer/songwriter Francesca Battistelli. The Tour concludes December 18 in Albany, Georgia.
With a 28-year career that has yielded 17 albums; 20 #1 singles; and a GRAMMY Award nomination, among numerous other achievements, NewSong’s most definitive recording to date, Give Yourself Away, released last month on their new label, His Honor Music (EMI CMG Distribution). Marking the official return of acclaimed vocalist Russ Lee to the group, the project is also NewSong’s first collaboration with one of Christian music’s most renowned producers, Charlie Peacock.
In January NewSong will host Christian music’s largest annual tour, the Winter Jam 2010 Tour Spectacular, which will hit 44 cities and will feature some of the top artists in the genre.
(Nashville, Tenn.) December 3, 2009 -- Provident Label Group artists Third Day, Leeland, Red
and Jars of Clay were honored with nominations for the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards announced last night as part of “The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night.” The one-hour special was broadcast live on CBS from Club Nokia at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.
Atlanta-based rock band Third Day was recognized in the Best Gospel Performance and Best Gospel Song categories for “Born Again” from its Revelation project (7/29/08).
Its April 7 Live Revelations: On Stage, Off Stage, Backstage also received a nomination in the Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album category. Third Day has received eight prior nominations and has garnered GRAMMYs for both Wire (5/4/2004) and Come Together (10/17/2001).
Leeland garnered its third career nomination with its Aug. 25 release Love Is On The Move in
the Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album category. The band’s first two albums, Sound of Melodies (8/15/2006) and its sophomore Opposite Way (2/26/2008), were also previously recognized in this category.
Red secures its second career nomination in the Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album category with a nod for its sophomore Innocence & Instinct which released on Feb 10. Its first nomination was for its June 6, 2006 release End of Silence.
Multi-GRAMMY winners Jars of Clay received a nomination in the Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album category for its April 21 release, The Long Fall Back To Earth. Jars of Clay has claimed GRAMMYs for The Eleventh Hour (3/05/2002), If I Left The Zoo (11/09/1999) and Much Afraid (9/16/1997) from its prior seven nominations.
GRAMMY ballots for the final round of voting will be mailed on Dec. 16 to the voting members of The Recording Academy. They are due back to the accounting firm of Deloitte by Jan. 8, 2010, when they will be tabulated and the results kept secret until the telecast.
The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on “GRAMMY Sunday,” Jan. 31, 2010, at Staples Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
Essential Records rock band Red garnered a GRAMMY nod for the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards. Nominations were announced last night as part of “The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night.” The one-hour special was broadcast live on CBS from Club Nokia at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.
Nashville-based Red -- made up of Michael Barnes (vocals), Anthony Armstrong (guitar) Randy Armstrong (bass), and Joe Rickard (drums) -- received its second career nomination in the Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album category for its sophomore Innocence & Instinct which released Feb 10, 2009. Its first nomination was for the June 6, 2006 release End of Silence in the same category.
Innocence & Instinct, released with more than 40,000 in first week sales and climbed its way to the Top 5 on iTunes Top Albums chart. To date the band has earned eight consecutive No. 1 radio singles, the last three of which are off of Innocence & Instinct. The band simultaneously released a Deluxe Edition of Innocence & Instinct that includes four bonus tracks and a DVD featuring the “Death of Me” music video, a “making of” documentary and more. For more information about RED, please visit: www.redmusiconline.com.
Red has maintained a near-constant presence on the road (an impressive 1,000+ live shows since releasing End Of Silence) touring alongside notable rock names such as Three Days Grace, Flyleaf, 3 Doors Down, Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Saving Abel, Sevendust, Staind, Kutless, Trapt, Third Day, Switchfoot and others, and rave reviews for the band’s live shows have poured in via both print and online outlets alike.
GRAMMY ballots for the final round of voting will be mailed on Dec. 16 to the voting members of The Recording Academy. They are due back to the accounting firm of Deloitte by Jan. 8, 2010, when they will be tabulated and the results kept secret until the telecast.
The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on “GRAMMY Sunday,” Jan. 31, 2010, at Staples Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
For updates on Provident related artists, please visit www.providentpress.com or www.twitter.com/providentpress
Provident Label Group artists Third Day, Leeland, Red and Jars of Clay were honored with nominations for the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards as announced last night as part of “The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night.” The one-hour special was broadcast live on CBS from Club Nokia at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.
Atlanta-based rock band Third Day was recognized in the Best Gospel Performance and Best Gospel Song category for “Born Again” from its April 7 Live Revelations: On Stage, Off Stage, Backstage. The project also received a nomination in the Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album category. Third Day has received eight prior nominations and has garnered GRAMMYs for both Wire (5/4/2004) and Come Together (10/17/2001).
Leeland garnered its third career nomination with its Aug. 25 release Love Is On The Move in
the Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album category. The band’s first two albums, Sound of Melodies (8/15/2006) and its sophomore Opposite Way (2/26/2008), were also previously recognized in this category.
Red secures its second career nomination in the Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album category with a nod for its sophomore Innocence & Instinct which released on Feb 10. Its first nomination was for its June 6, 2006 release End of Silence.
Multi-GRAMMY winners Jars of Clay received a nomination in the Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album category for its April 21 release, The Long Fall Back To Earth. Jars of Clay has claimed GRAMMYs for The Eleventh Hour (3/05/2002), If I Left The Zoo (11/09/1999) and Much Afraid (9/16/1997) from its prior seven nominations.
GRAMMY ballots for the final round of voting will be mailed on Dec. 16 to the voting members of The Recording Academy. They are due back to the accounting firm of Deloitte by Jan. 8, 2010, when they will be tabulated and the results kept secret until the telecast.
The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on “GRAMMY Sunday,” Jan. 31, 2010, at Staples Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Nov. 19, 2009—Cincinnati pop-rock band Seabird’s “Joy to the World” will be featured on tonight’s episode of the ABC award-winning series, “Grey’s Anatomy.” The spotlight is timely for Seabird, who heads out next month on a national promotional tour in support of its Dec. 15 release, Rocks Into Rivers.
Helping to fuel the momentum of its forthcoming release, Seabird’s modern take on “Joy to the World” will be featured on an all-new “Grey’s Anatomy” tonight at 9:00 pm EST/8:00 CST. The song is included on Seabird’s The Silent Night EP, currently available at iTunes: http://bit.ly/Tqqw3. The EP will be available at all digital music outlets beginning Nov. 24.
Opening Dec. 2 in Columbus, Ohio, Seabird will celebrate the debut of its new record with live performances in 12 cities including major markets Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit. Special guest The Civil Wars (featuring Joy Williams and John Paul White) will join the band on select dates. Additionally, Seabird will make promotional stops at Fearless Radio (Chicago), RadioU (Columbus, Ohio) and YES FM (Toledo, Ohio) among other national media outlets. The band will host a CD release concert for fans in its hometown on Dec. 12, wrapping up the tour in Nashville Dec. 14. Tickets are on sale now, visit www.seabirdmusic.com for additional information. A complete tour itinerary follows this release.
A follow up to Seabird’s 2008 critically acclaimed label debut, ‘Til We See The Shore, Rocks Into Rivers features top-notch production by Paul Moak (Mat Kearney, Sixpence None The Richer) and Matt Hales from Aqualung. The band split its time between Ocean Studios in Los Angeles and The Smoakstack in Nashville, honing what brothers Aaron and Ryan Morgan are calling their most exciting project to date. The album’s first CHR/AC single, “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful,” is now available at iTunes and other digital music outlets. Currently, Seabird is wrapping a 30-city stint on David Crowder Band’s fall tour.
Cincinnati-based Seabird comprises brothers Aaron (vocals/keys) and Ryan (guitar) Morgan as well as Preston Lane (drums) and Brandon Weaver (bass). The band signed with Credential Recordings in late 2007 and released its debut label project,‘Til We See The Shore, June 24, 2008. A collaborative effort with producers Jacquire King (Modest Mouse, Kings Of Leon, Tom Waits, Switchfoot) and Allen Salmon (Mute Math, This Beautiful Republic), the album received phenomenal national publicity, featured on episodes of “Numb3rs,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and promos for ABC’s 12-time Emmy-nominated series, “Pushing Daisies.” The band was also recognized by its hometown as “Artist of the Year” at the 2008 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards and toured with artists including Barcelona, Meese, and Jars of Clay throughout the spring and summer of 2009. For more information on Seabird, visit: www.seabirdmusic.com or www.myspace.com/seabird.
Rock band RED enters the home stretch of 2009 busier than ever, thanks to the strength of the material off its sophomore record, Innocence & Instinct. The third single off the album, “Mystery of You” has made it all the way to No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Rock chart for the week of September 28th.
Innocence & Instinct’s two previous singles, “Death of Me” and “Fight Inside”, also hit No. 1 giving the band a total of eight consecutive career No. 1s including five singles from the band’s debut album End of Silence. In November 2008, the history making “Fight Inside” debuted at No. 1 on the R&R Christian Rock chart, as the first single in the history of the magazine and chart to accomplish this incredible feat.
RED has been impacting the country with headlining slots and festival appearances during the summer months, and will begin a tour titled “Class of 2009” alongside fellow rock practitioners Saving Abel, Pop Evil and Taddy Porter, starting October 27 in San Antonio, Texas. For updated tour cities and venues, please visit RED’s newly re-launched Web site at www.redmusiconline.com.
Additionally, RED has released an online video which includes behind-the-scenes footage of the band and recent on stage performances. To view the new video check out the band’s Web site at www.redmusiconline.com or visit http://bit.ly/1oITXn.
The Nashville-based group, made up of MICHAEL BARNES (vocals), ANTHONY ARMSTRONG (guitar) RANDY ARMSTRONG (bass), JASEN RAUCH (guitars), and JOE RICKARD (drums), has logged an impressive 500+ live shows since releasing the debut album End Of Silence in 2006, and has given fans a taste of new music on Innocence & Instinct while on the road in late 2008.
Since the 2006 emergence of the band’s debut, it has maintained a near-constant presence on the
road, touring alongside notable rock names such as Three Days Grace, Flyleaf, 3 Doors Down, Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Sevendust, Staind, Kutless, Third Day, Switchfoot and others, and rave reviews for the band’s live shows have poured in via both print and online outlets alike.
Much of the thematic material on Innocence & Instinct deals with the duality of mankind’s nature. The band also drew inspiration from the imagery of Dante’s Divine Comedy during the songwriting phase of the project. Included within the framework of Innocence & Instinct is a faithful, yet thoroughly reinvented, cover of the Duran Duran classic “Ordinary World.” The band simultaneously released a Deluxe Edition of Innocence & Instinct featuring four bonus tracks and a DVD featuring the “Death of Me” music video, a “making of” documentary and more.
(Nashville, Tenn) September 30, 2009 – Chynna Phillips, of the new Christian music duo Chynna & Vaughan, is featured today by People magazine in an exclusive interview on People.com, as the celebrated singer/songwriter shares about her faith and return to music. Chynna also sits down with anchor Chris Cuomo on Good Morning America for her first morning show interview, airing tomorrow, Oct. 1, on ABC, in addition to Chynna’s interview this week with the entertainment newsmagazine ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT, airing primetime tomorrow, 7:30pm (EST). Check local listings.
Released last week on Sept. 22, Chynna & Vaughan’s 11-song debut album titled One Reason conveys themes of redemption, forgiveness, and hope with a musical canvas of authentic, organic, and honest instrumentations and harmony-rich arrangements. The duo naturally formed a creative partnership based on their passion to share the hope of Christ with a hurting world.
This week’s media coverage follows Chynna’s Sept. 25 appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and her exclusive interview in the Oct. 5 issue of US Weekly.
The duo is currently performing on the road each week on NewSong’s 21- city “Give Yourself Away” tour. Visit www.chynnaandvaughan.com for an up-to-date list of tour markets and venues.
Phillips and Penn first met in 2007 and although their musical career paths were distinctive and unique, Chynna & Vaughan naturally formed a creative partnership based on their passion to share the hope of Christ with a hurting world.
Chynna Phillips achieved vast international fame and recognition as a member of the pop sensation, Wilson Phillips. With massive radio hits such as “Hold On”, “Release Me”, “You’re In Love”, and “Impulsive”, Wilson Phillips sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Yet despite this extraordinary success, Chynna did not experience true joy and peace until she gave her life to Jesus Christ six years ago. Phillips has been married to actor William Baldwin since 1995. The couple have three children: daughter Jameson (born 2000), son Vance (born 2002), and daughter Brooke (born 2004).
Vaughan Penn earned respect and credibility in the national independent music scene by receiving such accolades as “Top 40 Breakthrough Artist of the Year” (New Music Weekly Awards 2007.) Her songs have been prominently featured in over 100 films and television programs including Grey's Anatomy, Criminal Minds, Numb3rs, Boston Public, The Hills, Laguna Beach, Kicking & Screaming, and many others. She also toured with such renowned artists as Huey Lewis and The News, Emmylou Harris and Edwin McCain. However, during a life-threatening medical condition four years ago, Vaughan committed her music career to God and began to write songs to specifically encourage others to develop a relationship with Christ.
Nashville, TN (September 10, 2009) ----- Centricity Music’s, Jason Gray, took to the road in support of his new project, Everything Sad Is Coming UnTrue, for a radio and retail tour. The trip took him to seven states that started August 21 and included stops in Kentucky, Illinois, North Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, Indiana, and concluded September 3 in Gray’s home state of Minnesota.
While on the road, Gray paid visits to local radio stations and retail outlets while performing shows in the area that featured acoustic performances of songs from Everything Sad Is Coming UnTrue. The performances also spotlighted Gray’s new single, “For The First Time Again,” that went for adds at radio, July 24. Stations already on the song include: WPOZ. KXOJ, XM/Sirius, WDJC, WBHY, WAYR, WCVK, WGNZ, WPER, KYTT, WXHL, WJTL, WCTL, WGRC, KZKZ, WQME, KJIL, WCSG, WJQK, WMUZ, KCVO, KSLT and others. For Gray’s final performances in the Minneapolis area he invited Joel Hanson, formerly of the group PFR, onstage as his opening act.
Gray won’t have a chance to unpack his bags after the events of street week, as he has been invited to be the featured guest on Sanctus Real’s Something Heavenly Tour 2009. The tour launches September 10th in Canada and ends October 17th in Ohio. Gray will also join Phil Wickham and Addison Road on the tour.
Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue released September 1st and this week debuted in the Top 30 on Billboard’s Current Contemporary Christian chart. At the same time, media is once again giving Gray rave reviews for the project.
JesusFreakHideout.com - Everything Sad… is a gem.
ChristianMusicToday.com - Lyrically conjuring up memories of the late Rich Mullins, Jason Gray is a Ragamuffin with a pop veneer.
NewReleaseTuesday.com - I’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of the new album from Jason Gray, “Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue”, which hits stores September 1, 2009. Gray’s previous project, “All The Lovely Losers”, dealt with brokenness and now he takes the subject a step further, dealing with brokenness that begins with confession.
Soul-Audio.com - Jason Gray has crafted another album full of worthy, occasionally quirky tunes. It’s well worth a listen.
Gray was also featured with interviews on Examiner.com and AlphaOmegaNews.com. He will soon have features with JesusFreakHideout.com, CCM Magazine, Christian Radio Weekly and All Access.
Integrity Music recording artist Freddy Rodriguez returns to TBN's flagship "Praise The Lord" program this week for a guest appearance on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 9 pm CST. The show, which will be hosted by evangelist Steve Hill, also features guests Joe Oden, Al Roever and Sabrina Meek.
Rodriguez will continue to minister in song and share his inspiring testimony on Thursday, Sept. 10 at Israel and New Breed's A Deeper Level Conference in Houston, TX. He will join host Israel Houghton and guest speakers and artists including Kari Jobe, Peter Wilson of Hillsong London, Jentezen Franklin and Bishop Joseph Garlington. (http://www.adeeperlevel.com/)
On October 2 and 3, Rodriguez travels to New York for an appearance at the 7th Annual Brooklyn Tabernacle Music Conference in Brooklyn where he joins hosts Pastor Jim Cymbala and Carol Cymbala, director of the GRAMMY Award-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle choir. (http://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/)
October 9-11, Rodriguez will be at Youth Explosion 09 at Ark of Salvation Church in Oceanside, NY (Long Island) where he will lead worship for the 3-day event.
Freddy Rodriguez serves as worship leader at Destiny Church in Cedar Hills (Dallas), TX. His debut album is the critically-acclaimed, Light in the Darkness. Additional information is available at www.freddyrodriguezlive.com.
Nashville, TN (August 31, 2009) ----- The critically-acclaimed pop/rock band, Downhere, was honored with ELEVEN 2009 Covenant Award nominations from the Gospel Music Association Canada, which makes the group the highest ranking nominee of the year. The 31st Annual Covenant Awards will be handed out October 23, 2009 in Calgary Alberta, Canada, as the finale of GMA Canada Week. Downhere’s outstanding number of nominations are:
Album of the Year
Artist of the Year
Group of the Year
Recorded Song of the Year
Song of the Year
Seasonal Song of the Year – “How Many Kings”
Rock Song of the Year – “My Last Amen”
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year – “Ending Is Beginning”
Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year – “Here I Am”
Modern Worship Song of the Year – “Live For You”
Inspirational Song of the Year – “The Beggar Who Gives Alms”
(All songs nominated were written by Marc Martel and Jason Germaine)
"We're honored to be recognized in our home country, and excited that we're a part of the music that is coming out of Canada,” says Downhere. “We're looking forward to being a part of the CGMA week festivities. This is an album we feel the Lord has given us and it's a blessing to see it resonate with so many people."
Downhere’s recognition from GMA Canada’s membership comes on the heels of a very successful year with radio, retail and media. The nominated songs, “Here I Am” and “Hope Is Rising” peaked at #5 and #17 on the AC charts, “My Last Amen” peaked at #5 on the CHR charts and “How Many Kings” hit the top 5 on the AC charts in late 2008. Nominated CD, Ending Is Beginning, debuted on the Christian Contemporary Album Chart at #17 and was heralded as one of the Best Christian Albums of 2008 by ChristianMusicToday.com.
Downhere has also been a previous winner with the GMA Canada Covenant Awards in 2002 for Rock Album of the Year and Rock Song of the Year. In April 2009, Downhere won their third JUNO Award for Ending Is Beginning, in the Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year category and won a GMA Dove Award for Modern Rock Recorded Song of the Year in 2003.
Downhere is poised to release their first holiday project October 6, 2009, How Many Kings: Songs For Christmas, which features timeless classics of the season done in the popular Downhere style. And again this year, Downhere will be part of Centricity Music’s Bethlehem Skyline Tour that will also feature labelmates, Jason Gray and Lanae’ Hale.
Nashville, TN…August 28, 2009…sixstepsrecords’ recording artist Matt Redman is the face behind some of the most often sung songs in the church, with 17 of his songs listed in the top 100 songs on the CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) Chart, including “Blessed Be Your Name,” and “The Heart of Worship.” Earlier this week Redman released his seventh studio album We Shall Not Be Shaken and it is attracting attention from some recognizable faces:
"Matt Redman has always been one of my favorites because he writes amazing worship songs for the church. The passion and intimacy make this record his best yet!" - Mark Hall – Casting Crowns
"I have the highest respect and admiration for my friend Matt Redman. It is not a stretch to say that Matt is one of the most prolific songwriters in the history of the church. We have enjoyed many years together now of writing songs that would bless the church and have spent many days on the road traveling together. Now it is my high honor to be alongside Matt as we plant a new church together. With all of our past history, I believe the best is still yet to come! This definitely includes Matt's new recording, We Shall Not Be Shaken. Song for song, I believe it's Matt's strongest record yet. I look forward to seeing how these songs bring life and hope to our church locally and to the ends of the earth."
- Chris Tomlin
The album is proving to be another profound release from the celebrated singer/songwriter receiving praise from critics across the board:
“It is tailor-made for worship leaders in church, and it never feels like it is supposed to be a big performance or spectacle, but instead begs to be joined in on and sung along with in honest and reverent worship.”—HollywoodJesus.com
“It's this mindset that once again makes Redman stand out as one of the most gifted contemporary worship song writers. We Shall Not Be Shaken is a treasure chest of genuine, passionate worship songs that are still accessible to your church's worship team.”--ChristianityToday.com
“One of my top albums of 2009 and the best overall album by Matt Redman in my opinion”-Christianmusicreview.org
With the launch of a new website, Redman shares the stories behind some of the songs on the latest release, including the title track. To view the video blogs visit: http://www.mattredman.com.
Redman and his band will travel across the states with Casting Crowns on the 41-city “Until The Whole World Hears Tour.” To see if Redman is coming to a city near you, visit www.mattredman.com.
(Nashville, Tenn.) August 27, 2009 –Rock band RED continues to pick up career firsts with tracks from its sophomore album Innocence & Instinct, with the second single from the record finishing the week of August 18, 2009 as the No. 1 most added song at Active Rock radio.
Eight stations from around the country added “Forever” this past week – WRIF - Detroit; WWBN - Flint, Mich.; WCPR - Biloxi, Miss.; WRZK - Johnson City, Tenn.; KFRQ - McAllen, Texas; KRZR – Fresno, Calif.; KXFX - Santa Rosa, Calif.; and WXRX – Rockford, Ill. – marking the first time the band has notched the top spot on a “Most Added” list.
In other Red multimedia news, the band’s song “Pieces,” from its debut End of Silence (6/6/06), will be the featured song in the trailer for the new movie The Blind Side, starring Sandra Bullock, Kathy Bates and country crooner, Tim McGraw. The Blind Side is drawn from the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American teenager from a broken home, who is taken in by an adoptive family and through hard work and determination, rose to be a first round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Also, Red’s guitar player and primary songwriter, Jasen Rauch has contributed to the writing of Breaking Benjamin’s new song “I Will Not Bow,” the lead single off that band’s new
Dear Agony record (9/29). The song is featured within the trailer for the new Bruce Willis action thriller Surrogates.
Red has been impacting the country with headlining slots and festival appearances during the summer months, and will begin a fall tour alongside fellow aggro-rock practitioners Saving Abel in late October, starting in San Antonio, Texas. For updated tour cities and venues, please visit www.myspace.com/dropofred.
The Nashville-based group, made up of JASEN RAUCH (guitars), MICHAEL BARNES (vocals), ANTHONY ARMSTRONG (guitar) and RANDY ARMSTRONG (bass), has logged an impressive 500+ live shows since releasing the debut album End Of Silence in 2006, and has given fans a taste of new music on Innocence & Instinct while on the road in late 2008.
Since the 2006 emergence of the band’s debut, it has maintained a near-constant presence on the
road, touring alongside notable rock names such as Three Days Grace, Flyleaf, 3 Doors Down, Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Sevendust, Staind, Kutless, Third Day, Switchfoot and others, and rave reviews for the band’s live shows have poured in via both print and online outlets alike.
Much of the thematic material on Innocence & Instinct deals with the duality of mankind’s nature. The band also drew inspiration from the imagery of Dante’s Divine Comedy during the songwriting phase of the project. Included within the framework of Innocence & Instinct is a faithful, yet thoroughly reinvented, cover of the Duran Duran classic “Ordinary World.” The band simultaneously released a Deluxe Edition of Innocence & Instinct featuring four bonus tracks and a DVD featuring the “Death of Me” music video, a “making of” documentary and more.
Building 429 and singer/songwriter Todd Agnew will embark on the fall “Promise Remains Tour” sponsored by World Vision. In addition, new female trio Kimber Rising is slated to open the tour as they visit 40+ dates across the U.S. beginning September 17th.
Both Building 429 and Todd Agnew have been long-time partners with World Vision. In the past year, Building 429 and the organization paired up for the “Truth Hope and Love Tour” and the highly successful World Vision Summerfest tour.
“It's been over five years since Todd and Building have toured together,” explains Building 429 lead singer Jason Roy. “When we drew up a vision for the tour, the thought process was simple: God's promises remain true today, even with the economic hardships and the continuing wars that are being waged around the world. Our fans are sure to leave each night reminded of the fact that God is still in control and that all of His promises are guaranteed for those who know Him as King.”
Building 429 will be performing songs off their latest self-titled release including their current and powerful single “Always,” and upcoming single “Overcome” that will release to radio in October.
Preparing for his new studio release in October, Agnew will be playing fan favorites “Grace Like Rain” and “This Fragile Breath”, as well as giving audiences a preview of new songs off his upcoming record NEED releasing Oct. 6. Included in the set list is the first radio single, “Joy Unspeakable” which went for adds July 17.
“We are really excited about getting back on the road this fall,” states Agnew. “We look forward to sharing some songs from the new record and are really glad to be back with some dear friends, Building 429. We’re also happy to have Kimber Rising back with us after touring together last Christmas. It should be a great tour and we are excited to see what God will do this fall!”
Log on to www.thepromiseremainstour.com to see if the tour is coming to a city near you.
World Vision
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision provides hope and assistance to approximately 100 million people in nearly 100 countries. In communities around the world, we join with local people to find lasting ways to improve the lives of poor children and families. In 2007, 86 percent of World Vision's total revenue was designated for programs that benefit children, families, and communities in need.
Building 429
Building 429 has had a history of success with the release of three albums and now the rock band has joined forces with INO Records for their fourth studio record which became available in stores last fall. In 2005 “Glory Defined” was named BMI’s Christian Song of the Year, they were named the Gospel Music Association’s 2005 New Artist of the Year and nominated that same year for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year and Song of the Year. They have toured with artists such as TobyMac, Family Force 5, Casting Crowns and Thousand Foot Krutch. Jason, Michael and Jesse are excited for their fans to hear a record that reflects where they are as individuals and artists.
Todd Agnew
Todd Agnew is a five-time Dove Award nominee, garnering numerous top ranked radio singles including two No. 1 hits, “Grace Like Rain” and “This Fragile Breath (The Thunder Song).” Agnew continues to perform over 150 dates per year and has currently sold over 500,000 units. His most recent release Better Questions entered Billboard’s Christian Retail Chart at No. 1. Inspired by our need for grace and for God, Agnew is prepping to release his newest album NEED on Oct. 6.
TOUR SCHEDULE: (dates subject to change)
9/17/09 - St. Charles, MO – Church of The Shepherd
9/18/09 - TBA
9/19/09 - Elmhurst, IL – Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
9/20/09 - Mequon, WI – Crossroads Church
9/21/09 - N. Mankato, MN – Crossview Covenant Church
9/24/09 - Cleveland, GA – Truett McConnell College
9/25/09 - Columbus, GA – Calvary Baptist Church
9/26/09 - Myrtle Beach, SC – Ground Zero
9/27/09 - Spindale, NC – The Foundation
10/1/09 - Graceville, FL – The Baptist College of Florida
10/2/09 - Brandon, FL – St. Andrews UMC
10/3/09 - TBA
10/4/09 - Orlando, FL – The Plaza Theatre
10/8/09 - Raleigh, NC – Hope Community Church
10/9/09 - Cedarville, OH – Cedarville University – Dixon Ministry Center
10/10/09 - Bidwell, OH – Fellowship of Faith Church
10/11/09 - S. Portsmouth, KY – South Portsmouth Church of God
10/15/09 - Alexandria, KY – Main Street Baptist Church
10/16/09 - Mechanicsburg, PA – West Shore Evangelical Free Church
10/17/09 - Wilmington, NC – Myrtle Grove Baptist Church
10/18/09 - Anderson, SC – Concord Baptist Church
10/22/09 - Chillicothe, MO – Cornerstone Church
10/23/09 - Aurora, CO – Southeast Christian Center
10/24/09 – Cheyenne, WY – Destiny Church
10/25/09 - Layton, UT – Calvary Chapel Church
10/26/09 - Missoula, MT – South Hills Evangelical Church
10/27/09 - Kalispell, MT – Christian Center Church
10/29/09 - Spokane, WA – Faith Bible Church
10/30/09 - Kennewick, WA – Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities
10/31/09 - Twin Falls, ID – Lighthouse Christian Fellowship
11/1/09 - Bend, OR – Christian Life Center
11/3/09 - Redding, CA – Little Country Church
11/5/09 - Manteca, CA – Christian Worship Center
11/6/09 - Rocklin, CA – Sunset Christian Center
11/7/09 - Las Vegas, NV – Calvary Chapel Spring Valley
11/8/09 - Highland, CA – Immanuel Baptist Church
11/9/09 - Murrieta, CA – Calvary Chapel Murrieta
11/10/09 - Gilbert, AZ – Sun Valley Community Church
11/11/09 - Sierra Vista, AZ – Buena High School
11/12/09 - Lubbock, TX – First United Methodist Church
11/13/09 - Broken Arrow, OK – Cedar Ridge Christian Church
11/14/09 - Chandler, TX – Faith Baptist Church
11/20/09 - Roach, MO – Missouri State Youth Conference (private event)
11/21/09 - Cordova, TN – Hope Church
11/22/09 - Milan, TN – Chapel Hill Baptist Church
Tuesday, August 4th, the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) daily program, the "700 Club," will air a very special segment on the grand opening of Maria's Big House Of Hope.
A local Chinese film crew was on hand to capture the opening, held July 2nd in Luoyang, China.
The unique piece will feature Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman, their family and friends for the much-anticipated opening, named in honor of their daughter, Maria Sue. Funded by Show HOPE, this 60,000 square foot, six-story facility was created to care for special needs children in the Henan province, one of the poorest areas of China.
"The 700 Club" airs nationally on ABC Family as well as many other local broadcast stations.
Click here to find a station in your area.
Listen up for Superchick's "Rock What You Got" and "Anthem" on the new ABC Family Original Series "Make It or Break It." The band's music will be featured in the episode airing this Monday, July 19, at 9:00 pm EST/8:00 pm CST. Tune in!
Known for having penned popular worship songs sung in churches across the world including “Blessed Be Your Name,” “Better Is One Day,” "You Never Let Go" and “Heart of Worship,” recording artist, Matt Redman encourages everyone to turn to worship in times of struggle on his seventh studio album We Shall Not Be Shaken. The project will release nationwide Aug. 25 via sixstepsrecords.
We Shall Not Be Shaken is intentionally Psalm-like, using simple poetic lyrics to express unbreakable truth in an age of utter brokenness. Working with producer Robert Marvin (Mat Kearney) and writer Jonas Myrin (Steven Curtis Chapman, Natasha Bedingfield), Redman wrote several songs to center listeners on God’s unmatchable constancy.
“This album praises God’s steadiness,” says Redman. “We’re being reminded how shakable earthly things are—job losses, home foreclosures. When we traveled to Korea, there were high profile suicides due to the failing marketplace. So it feels appropriate now to address the economy in a worship song. Nothing in the Psalms was ever detached from its era.”
The goal of spiritual confidence points to the other key focus on We Shall Not Be Shaken, the centrality of Jesus and the cross. First single “This Is How We Know,” co-written with Redman’s wife, Beth, seamlessly blends the message of John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16.
Prior to the shaping of the album there was one extremely notable shakeup: in July of 2008, Matt and Beth Redman and their three young children at the time, moved from England to the United States, and in November they welcomed their fourth child. They had never envisioned themselves calling American “home,” but clearly God had another idea in mind. They recorded We Shall Not Be Shaken in Nashville, TN and now reside in Atlanta. He and his wife will help plant the Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA alongside Passion Conferences founder Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin and others.
"I believe there is an inextricable link between the songs of worship and the worshipping church, and am convinced the community of Believers gathered to reflect God's greatness is the soil from which authentic and fresh expressions of worship arise,” says Louie Giglio, the Visionary Architect/Director of Passion Conferences, sixstepsrecords and Passion City Church. “That is certainly the case with Matt's new album, arguably his strongest collection of corporate songs to date,” he continues. “We are thrilled to both champion the music and celebrate his new partnership with Passion City Church; a beautiful context from which we pray these songs will circle the globe."
Nashville, Tenn. May 22, 2009… It’s a good week to be Mandisa! After being featured on Entertainment Tonight on Wed., Mandisa landed a spot in US Weekly’s “Hot Bodies” issue out on newsstands now. The Freedom singer also attended the highly anticipated season eight finale of American Idol held on Wed. May 20 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.
Mandisa spoke with US Weekly while in New York in detail about her 85 pound weight loss. Entertainment Tonight also came to capture the Idol alum’s photo shoot and to find out more about her recent weight loss. For more information on US Weekly, visit www.usmagazine.com.
On Wed. May 20, Mandisa appeared on the American Idol finale red carpet speaking with E! News, TV Guide, Fox News, AmericanIdol.com and more. The season five finalist also appeared on Idol Tonight Tues. May 19. Mandisa also twittered about her Idol finale experience, to view her twitter page go to http://twitter.com/mandisaofficial.
Mandisa will also be appearing on the Trinity Broadcasting Network tomorrow evening, Sat. May 23 at 6pm CST speaking about her experience on the Women of Faith tour. For more information on TBN, visit http://www.tbn.org/.
MANDISA is speaking to women worldwide about the freedom she has experienced through her faith and incredible 80+lb weight loss in her sophomore album release, FREEDOM, which bowed Mar. 24. Mandisa has also been seen on Today, CNN online, E! News Live and more in promotion for her latest album.
FREEDOM is the follow-up to Mandisa’s 2007 debut, TRUE BEAUTY, an album that created history by becoming the highest chart entry and the best-selling debut artist in the life of her label, Sparrow Records. It also became the only female debut to hit No. 1 in the 27-year history of Billboard’s Christian Retail Chart. TRUE BEAUTY received a GRAMMY® nomination for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album, and her debut single “Only the World,” hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot Single Sales chart.
After seeing it’s sophomore album, Innocence & Instinct, debut at No. 15 on The Billboard 200 sales chart in February, GRAMMY-nominated modern rock band Red continues its drive at retail thanks to the multi-format hit single, “Death of Me,” a successful spring headlining tour and a strong response from both national and local media outlets.
“Death of Me,” the principal single from Innocence & Instinct, climbs to No. 7 (with a bullet) this week on the Active Rock chart with 921 total spins and an audience reach of 2.1 million listeners at that format alone, according to Radio & Records. The key markets supporting “Death of Me” with major airplay include Chicago, Salt Lake City, Denver, Spokane, Seattle, Las Vegas, Indianapolis and Syracuse. Meanwhile, the music video for the high-impact single was recently ranked in the No. 10 on FUSE TV’s “FUSE Rock Countdown.”
As ‘Death of Me’ gains momentum, Red’s reach at radio continues to grow beyond core rock radio stations. Last week (5/14), the Westwood One Radio Network, carried by more than 250 stations across the country, featured Red; with the on-air host even taking time to read a blog-posting by bassist, Randy Armstrong.
In addition, Red, like rock acts P.O.D. and Chevelle, benefits from significant airplay at Christian radio. “Death of Me” is currently No. 3 on R&R's Christian Rock chart while Christian CHR stations heavy on Red’s “Never Be the Same,” which recently peaked at No. 3. To meet demand, fans will be treated to another single from Innocence & Instinct as “Mystery of You” releases this week.
In addition to the radio success, Red’s Innocence & Instinct continues to benefit from a popular spring headlining tour. The coast-to-coast run displays Red’s increasing appeal as the band performed in venues ranging from 500-1000 seats. The response to Red has been so overwhelming, on several occasions the band sold out of its T-shirts and CDs, and had to advance replacements to the next show date. “We’re really blown away by the response to the new record. The songs we’re doing at our shows every night really seem to be connecting with people,” shares guitarist, Jasen Rauch.
Along the way, Red took time out to join Anberlin in opening for Korn last month during a show sponsored by Tuscon’s KFMA radio. Red, since January, will have performed 130 shows by the end of June supporting its growing reputation as one of the hardest touring bands on the road today. Red’s next tour, which will kick off in Atlanta on June 19, will welcome special guest Framing Hanley as the co-bill artist.
The Nashville-based band, made up of guitarist Jasen Rauch, singer Michael Barnes, guitarist Anthony Armstrong and his twin brother, bassist Randy Armstrong has maintained a near-constant presence on the road. Since its GRAMMY-nominated 2006 debut End of Silence released, the band has toured alongside other high profile rock acts such as Three Days Grace, Korn, Flyleaf, 3 Doors Down, Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Sevendust, Staind, Kutless, Third Day, Switchfoot and others, while rave reviews for the band’s live shows have poured in via both print and online outlets alike.
Innocence & Instinct (and its Deluxe Edition) released February 10 to rave reviews in major media outlets including USA Today and Billboard. With first-week sales of 40,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan, the album debuted as the No.15 best selling album on Billboard’s Top 200 chart. It also claimed the No. 5 spot on iTunes Overall Albums chart. To date, Innocence & Instinct has scanned more than 120,000 units since its Feb. 10 debut. The new album built on the momentum of Red’s 2006 debut, End of Silence, which has scanned more than 300,000 units and earned several awards and nominations including a GRAMMY nod in the album category.
The Global Resource Services (GRS) presented Mark and Melanie Hall with its annual “Beyond Charity” Award at a banquet recently for their global efforts and diplomacy in charity work. The award honors outstanding global public figures who demonstrate GRS’ three foundational strategic values-- Relationships, Respect, and Reconciliation. Mark and Melanie Hall have worked with GRS since 2005 in addition to the many other charities Casting Crowns works with every year. The band traveled with GRS to North Korea in April 2007, and Casting Crowns returns to the country this month to perform at the 2009 Spring Friendship Art Festival in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPK). The Annie Moses Band will also be on the trip to North Korean with GRS and performing at the Art Festival for the first time.
For more information about Global Resource Services, please visit: www.grsworld.org. For more information about Casting Crowns, please visit: www.castingcrowns.com.
Nashville, Tenn. Mar. 6, 2009… 33Miles’ member Collin Stoddard will make an inspirational appearance on The 700 Club this Monday, Mar. 9. Stoddard will be sharing the story of his restoration of hearing and how that led him to a music career at an early age on the CBN show. Hosted by Pat Robertson, Terry Meeuwsen and Gordon Robertson with news anchor Lee Webb, The 700 Club is a live television program that airs weekdays before a live studio audience and can be seen in more than 200 countries. For a list of The 700 Club viewing times, please visit http://www.cbn.com/700club/ShowInfo/Schedule/program_air_times.pdf.
After logging in over 120,000 miles (not including air travel), performing at over 200 churches, garnering radio hits and a 2008 Dove nomination for “New Artist of the Year,” 33Miles released their sophomore record One Life on Sept. 16 to much praise. Critically acclaimed One Life entered the Top Christian Soundscan Album Sales chart and the Christian Digital chart at No. 5, while debuting at No. 160 on the Billboard Top 200. Since their debut in 2007, 33Miles’ Jason Barton (lead vocals), Chris Lockwood (guitar) and Collin Stoddard (keys) celebrated one of the highest-selling freshman albums of 2007 with their GMA Dove nominated project 33Miles.
Dove and Grammy nominated rock band Pillar was honored today with two GMA Dove Awards nominations. The band, known for its riveting rock shows, was recognized in the Rock Album category for its 2/26/08 hit album, For the Love of the Game and in the Rock Recorded Song category for that album’s title track, “For the Love of the Game.”
Pillar will tour with Orlando-based rock band Fireflight from March 25 through the end of April and both Beckley and Henson have been working closely with Dove-nominated producer/songwriter Rob Graves (Red) and Skidd Mills (Saving Abel, Fireflight) for Pillar’s next release, slated for 2009.
Pillar’s fifth studio album, For the Love of the Game (02/26/08), debuted on the Billboard Top 200 album chart at No. 71, while coming in at No. 4 on the Christian (overall) album chart. Since Pillar’s Dove Award-winning debut Above in 2001, the band has tallied ten No. 1 radio singles, 12 top five hits, a GRAMMY nomination, three Dove Awards, nine national headlining tours, covers of numerous national magazines and album sales approaching one million.
** 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.
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.
Huntington Beach, CA – Undiscovered, and its community of independent, unsigned artists, is happy to release the debut project Undiscovered Sampler Vol. 1, at undiscoveredsampler.com. Download cards will also be available free of charge at all C28 Stores and at select college bookstores nationwide. Undiscovered Sampler Vol. 1 is a collection of diverse music genres including indie, electronica, folk, alternative and hip hop. As part of the Conversant Media Group family, which also includes ConversantLife.com, Conversant Media Group, and Conversant Life Books (Harvest House Publishers), Undiscovered has launched as an effective network for creative people growing their craft.
The songs on Undiscovered Sampler Vol. 1 were chosen by the ConversantLife.com online community and a panel of Undiscovered insiders. All these songs were submitted to the site, and were voted up the charts. Unlike most projects of this kind, artists on the sampler are being distributed free of charge, continuing Undiscovered’s belief in and support of independent artists, helping them thrive in a highly competitive industry.
Undiscovered is a place where independent musicians, filmmakers, and artists can showcase their work, network with other artists, and receive feedback. It also boasts original reviews, interviews, and blogs on everything pop-culture as well as targeted industry advice from pros like Nick Bogardus (Manager, Thrice, Cold War Kids, Matt Costa) and Craig Detweiler (Screenwriter, Producer, Director).
Stan Jantz, C.E.O. of ConversantLife explains, “Our platform is unique in our commitment to see quality independent artists thrive, not burn out. So many companies (especially online) exist at the end of the day to make a profit off of artists who have little money to begin with. Not Undiscovered. We’re seeking out the most innovative and unique talent out there, inviting them to think creatively with others in a web-driven environment, and rewarding them for their hard work.”
As an intricate part of the ConversantLife.com faith-based community, Undiscovered takes a look at all aspects of culture from the highest grossing films to the most underground music scenes. No matter if you are a patron of the arts or a serious independent artist, you’ll find a unique community at Undiscovered where your voice can be heard.
“Many sites discuss music and film strictly from a faith perspective,” continues CJ Casciotta, Manager of Undiscovered. “But we believe sometimes an album or movie is worth acknowledging simply because it’s a great piece of art. Whether it’s discovered or yet-to-be, our platform exists to foster, support, and recognize anything that communicates truth, beauty, and originality. ”
Undiscovered Sampler Vol. 1 is available free of charge at www.undiscoveredsampler.com or at C28 Stores and select Colleges and Universities nationwide. Undiscovered Samplers will be compiled and released quarterly.
The buzz continues to grow surrounding the return of RED, Essential Records’ GRAMMY-nominated modern rock band. The debut single from Innocence & Instinct, the epic “Fight Inside,” retook the top spot on the Radio & Records Christian Rock chart for the week of January 26, furthering anticipation for the February 10 full album and Deluxe Edition release.
“Fight Inside” made history last November when it became the first single ever to debut at No. 1 on any Christian radio chart.
The band has garnered notable press for Innocence & Instinct already, including coverage of the album mainstream single “Death of Me” in Billboard magazine (1/31), with a review headlined “Red has come out swinging in 2009.”
In addition, the “Death of Me” music video was featured this week on MySpace Music. The video, shot in Birmingham, Ala., and directed by The Erwin Brothers, will be featured on the Innocence & Instinct Deluxe Edition.
The Nashville-based group, made up of JASEN RAUCH (guitars), MICHAEL BARNES (vocals), ANTHONY ARMSTRONG (guitar) and RANDY ARMSTRONG (bass), has logged an impressive 500+ live shows since releasing the debut album End Of Silence in 2006, and has given fans a taste of new music on Innocence & Instinct while on the road in late 2008.
Since the 2006 emergence of the band’s debut, it has maintained a near-constant presence on the
road, touring alongside notable rock names such as Three Days Grace, Flyleaf, 3 Doors Down, Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Sevendust, Staind, Kutless, Third Day, Switchfoot and others, and rave reviews for the band’s live shows have poured in via both print and online outlets alike.
Much of the thematic material on Innocence & Instinct deals with the duality of mankind’s nature. The band also drew some inspiration from the imagery of Dante’s Divine Comedy during the songwriting phase of the project. Included within the framework of Innocence & Instinct is a faithful, yet thoroughly reinvented, cover of the Duran Duran classic “Ordinary World.” The band will simultaneously release a Deluxe Edition of Innocence & Instinct featuring four bonus tracks and a DVD featuring the “Death of Me” music video, a “making of” documentary and more.
note from hearitfirst.com: We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Ron McClelland but so grateful for eternal life. Please keep his family, friends, and the band in your prayers.
BAND MEMBER RON MCCLELLAND OF STORYSIDE: B
DIES SUDDENLY OF APPARENT HEART CONDITION
McClelland Remembered As A Guy Who
Walked Around With A ‘Huge Smile On His Face’
(Nashville, Tenn.) January 28th, 2009 -- Ron McClelland, bassist for the popular Christian recording band StorySide:B, collapsed and died suddenly from an apparent undiagnosed heart condition on January 18th while on a cruise with his wife as part of Jacksonville, Florida’s 88.1 The Promise radio listener appreciation trip.
McClelland, who was playing basketball when he lost consciousness, was not able to be revived. He was just 33 years old and is survived by his wife Rebecca.
Fellow band member and guitarist Preston Pohl commented on McClelland’s passing. "He's inspired me musically and in every way in life. He wasn't just my best friend; I could definitely consider him my brother. I continue to thank God for Heaven and I believe I’ll see him again, one day.”
"He just always walked around with a huge smile on his face and people just absolutely adored the ground that he walked on," said drummer Jordan Mohilowski.
"Ron was a man I admired greatly, and I was lucky to call him friend,” said Gotee president Joey Elwood. “Men like Ron always leave a little piece of themselves in the people they touch through their integrity, their honesty, their selflessness, and their joy. That’s where I think many of us will find out solace in the days to come. Ron left a lot of himself for us, made many deposits in our lives and so he'll be missed immensely, but his character will be with us, pushing us to be better, for the rest of our lives."
Gotee Records’ Brad Moist commented, “I will always remember Ron’s infectious laughter and big bear-like hugs. Also, something that will always stand out to was how he was a guy who always expressed his appreciation and gratitude for what, we as a label and me as their A&R, did for StorySide:B.”
A donation fund has been established help cover the funeral costs and can be made at any Bank of America in the name of Ron and Rebecca McClelland. Reference bank account number xxxxxxx8678.
(Nashville, Tenn.) Jan. 21, 2009—This week, Orlando-based rock band Fireflight will perform during the “Winter X Games 13” in Aspen, Colo., on Friday, January 23rd at 4:30 p.m. MT. The band will rock a 45-min set, packed with No.1 singles off its buzz-worthy, sophomore album Unbreakable, on the Taco Bell stage. Fireflight is the recent winner of Taco Bell’s inaugural “Best of the Beat” fan-voted contest. The Games are sponsored by ESPN and ABC Sports, with all the competition footage airing on the ABC and ESPN networks, check local listings for details.
Lead singer, Dawn Richardson says, “We are pumped for the opportunity to melt some frozen faces at the Winter X games this year!” She adds, “It’s a huge honor to be around these amazing athletes, and to be a part of Taco Bell’s Feed The Beat stage. We are so thankful to our fans for their continued support.”
The Winter X Games 13 are scheduled January 22-25, 2009 at Buttermilk Mountain, Aspen/Snowmass, Colo. The13th annual winter action sports competition will feature more than 160 men and women from across the globe competing for medals and prize money in the following sports: Skiing, Snowboard and Snowmobile. The event includes day and evening competitions and is free to the public. For more, visit: www.expn.com.
Flicker Records recording artist Fireflight was named winners of Taco Bell’s inaugural “Best of the Beat” contest, selected by fans who voted for their favorite band on Taco Bell’s Feed the Beat Virtual Music Festival Web site during October and November 2008. During the online contest, 100 bands showcased their music on the site, vying for the chance to become “Best of the Beat.” More than 180,000 votes were cast over the course of six weeks with Fireflight, Hit the Lights and Thousand Foot Krutch coming out the winners in the bracket-style contest.
The band’s breakout sophomore album Unbreakable released in March 2008, at No. 10 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart, following NBC’s launch of the title track in network TV promos for “Bionic Woman.” Along with stellar 5-star reviews, Unbreakable has garnered two No.1 rock singles with “The Hunger,” and the blockbuster title track, which held the top spot at Christian rock radio for 4 weeks. Fireflight was named Gospel Music Channel’s first “Listen Up” Artist of the Month in April 2008. Fireflight’s music has been featured on E! Entertainment’s “Style Network” and in music-video reels at both American Eagle and Journey’s stores across the country.
Fireflight debuted nationally with 2006’s The Healing of Harms, producing two No. 1 rock singles with “You Decide” and “Waiting.” For more than eight years, the band has remained tireless road warriors on the concert circuit averaging 140 shows a year. Fireflight is: Dawn Richardson, lead vocals; Justin Cox, guitar; Glenn Drennen, guitar; Wendy Drennen, bass; and Phee Shorb, drums.
NBC has tapped Superchick's song "Hey, Hey" for use in its series of promotional spots introducing the new network shows "Superstars of Dance," "Biggest Loser Couples," and "Howie Do It." "Hey, Hey" is from Superchick's 2009 Grammy nominated album, Rock What You Got.
View the spot here!
Nashville, TN -- (December 17, 2008) -- As recently reported, BarlowGirl has delivered the "must-have Christmas album" of the year with Home For Christmas (Fervent). With stellar reviews stating BarlowGirl's first holiday project as "timeless," "beautiful" and "classic," raving comments are continuing to pour in, most recently from USA Today as well as New York Times.
"...this Christian trio focuses on their harmonies with...delightful results."
- USA Today
"...the sisters Barlow are crisp, especially on the stunning "Carol of the Bells/Sing We Now of Christmas" and a sharp version of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."- New York Times
Home For Christmas' singles are hitting high marks as well. "Carol of the Bells" is quickly becoming the most popular digital song of the season, claiming over 24,840 downloads since the project released in September, with 7,340 downloads this week alone. "Carol of the Bells" reached #18 on the Holiday Songs Chart at iTunes and is currently #4 on the Christian/Gospel Digital Tracks charts.
BarlowGirl is also the featured artist for the special "Heroes Of Rock!" Christmas episode from Ignite Your Faith, Christianity Today International's magazine for teens. Be sure to check out the Barlow sisters - Becca, Alyssa and Lauren - animated (see below) as this month's Heroes Of Rock! in "BarlowGirl's Excellent Adventure" at: www.igniteyourfaith.com/go/cartoons.
