(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.
** 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Modern rock band Red was
featured in Billboard magazine where the band discussed the
Feb. 10 release of its sophomore album Innocence & Instinct. Red
was also on the cover of HM magazine’s January/February issue. In HM
the band talked about touring, recording and the inspiration behind Innocence
& Instinct. To learn more about Red please visit: www.myspace.com/dropofred.
Nashville, Tenn., December 8, 2008 -- Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek have joined forces on an exciting new collaboration called Fiction Family. Their self-titled debut album will be released on January 20 via ATO Records/Credential Recordings. Fiction Family will kick off a 21-date nationwide tour beginning January 13 in Ann Arbor, MI. (See below for details.)
Fiction Family is also offering a free download of the song "When She's Near" at www.fictionfamily.com when fans sign up for their newsletter.
Both Fiction Family artists have achieved immense success with their respective bands. Jon Foreman is the guitarist and lead singer of the GRAMMY-nominated rock band Switchfoot, which has sold over five million records worldwide. Foreman has had considerable success as a solo artist as well. He released two double-EPs in 2007 to critical acclaim with the Philadelphia Daily News applauding his “...brooding, sensitive folk-pop...from the likes of Damien Rice and David Gray.” Sean Watkins is the guitar player and founding member of the GRAMMY award-winning trio Nickel Creek. Watkins has a weekly residency at the Largo in Los Angeles known as “The Watkins Family Hour,” which regularly features guests such as his sister and fellow Nickel Creek bandmate Sara Watkins, as well as Fiona Apple, John C. Reilly, Greg Leisz and Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
The seemingly unlikely duo met a few years ago at a show featuring Wilco, R.E.M., Nickel Creek and Switchfoot. Over time, they began writing songs together, which quickly turned into a full-length album consisting of 12 original tracks written, arranged and recorded by Watkins and Foreman at their homes in San Diego. Since they are both vocalists and multi-instrumentalists, they often take turns singing lead vocals, and they both play several instruments on each song including guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion, baritone ukulele, piano, organ, mandolin, steel guitar, 12-string guitar and more. Nickel Creek fiddle player Sara Watkins is featured on a few songs as well.
“It’s almost the ideal artistic setup,” Foreman explains, “because you don’t really care about timing or any commercial aspect. We figured it’d probably never come out and we’d probably never finish it. But, hey, we’ve got these songs, so we’re just gonna work on them when we feel like it.”
FICTION FAMILY TOUR:
January 13 The Ark Ann Arbor, MI
January 14 Calvin College Grand Rapids, MI
January 15 Abbey Pub Chicago, IL
January 17 Ransburg Auditorium Indianapolis, IN
January 18 Mountain Stage Morgantown, WV
January 20 Bowery Ballroom New York, NY
January 21 Paradise Rock Club Boston, MA
January 22 World Café Live Philadelphia, PA
January 23 Crawford Auditorium Grove City, PA
January 24 Jammin Java Vienna, VA
January 25 Brubaker Auditorium Grantham, PA
January 27
