Sparrow Records recording artist Britt Nicole, newly dubbed as Christian music’s “Queen of Pop," struck Gold with both critics and fans alike as she unveiled her third studio album last week. The shimmering 11-song project, with tracks produced by Dan Muckala, David Garcia, Christopher Stevens and Josh Crosby, ranked in at No. 1 on the Christian Soundscan charts and No. 41 on the Billboard 200, giving Britt a 38 percent increase over her last album The Lost Get Found. Gold also consistently held the No. 1 spot on the iTunes ® Christian & Gospel Albums chart throughout its debut week.
Just last night, “Ready or Not” from Gold, was heard on NBC’s popular TV show “The Biggest Loser.” The collaboration, featuring hip-hop artist Lecrae, has become a quick fan favorite from the new album – second only to the album’s first single, “All This Time.”
In addition to gracing the cover of April’s issue of CCM magazine, Britt’s brand of accessible pop and meaningful lyrics has the media raving about Gold, as well. Here’s just a small slice of the praise being heaped on the album:
“Britt Nicole is the Queen of Pop for the Christian music market. No female comes close to her style and energy. This album is a keeper.” – Hollywood Jesus
“…with Gold [Britt Nicole] is poised to “Breakthrough” as the premier female artist in all of Christian music. She has an infectious and upbeat musical style, layering her strong and distinguished vocals over the top of one hooky melody after another. Britt Nicole has really emerged as one of the top female vocalists in any genre, and she is a great role model for girls struggling with identity issues. This album is loaded with positive grace-filled messages of hope. Don’t miss out on one of the most upbeat and fun albums of the year.” – New Release Tuesday
"It's a rare thing to find a CCM artist who appeals to top-40 fans, balancing Christian themes with a sound comparable to today's radio hits. Britt Nicole finds the sweet spot with Gold…" - Christianity Today
“…the album has a cohesive feel that truly defines Britt’s pop-centric sound. Whether a heartfelt ballad or a straight-up dance track, the songs are lyrically raw and musically relevant, telling real-life stories fans will instantly identify with. This album solidifies Britt’s stance as a top female vocalist and songwriter. It’s rare that pop this good contains this much substance. However, with Gold, Britt proves good pop music can be way more than a collection of flash-in-the-pan hits. Gold is evidence pop music can be thought-provoking.” – Crosswalk / TheFish.com
“With her latest release, Gold, Britt Nicole continues to stake out a place in the top echelon of today's talented young female Christian artists.” - Breathecast
In addition to the success of Gold, the album’s anthemic lead single, “All This Time,” has reigned in the No. 1 spot on the CHR chart for the third consecutive week, and the song is currently still climbing on the National Audience Chart (Top 5 at No. 5) and at AC (Top 5 at No. 3).
Preceding the release of her long-awaited third studio album, Gold, GMA Dove Award nominee Britt Nicole has unveiled her new single, “All This Time,” at radio, on iTunes ( www.smarturl.it/allthistime) and Amazon
( amzn.com/B006XDRLBY). Penned by Britt, along with fellow songwriters David Garcia and Ben Glover, the anthemic tune is Britt’s salvation story in song form and is already making a big splash on the airwaves and among listeners. Following her highly successful sophomore album, The Lost Get Found, Gold will be available March 27 via Sparrow Records and finds Britt collaborating with producers including Chris Stevens (TobyMac, Mandisa) and Dan Muckala (Brandon Heath, MercyMe).
“‘All This Time’ is the story of how I met Jesus,” says Britt. “It’s a reminder that whatever we face in life, we don’t have to face it alone, because Jesus promised to never leave us or forsake us.” The single has already rocketed to No. 10 on the CHR chart and No. 24 on the AC chart after only three weeks at radio.
Starting on February 16 in Anderson, Ind., Britt will join fellow Sparrow Records recording artist Mandisa on the road as part of her “Girls Night Live” tour. Sponsored by well-known philanthropic organization Food For the Hungry, GMA Dove Award nominee and “Blessings” songstress Laura Story will also join the show’s bill. The tour will visit nearly 40 markets, including Atlanta, Dallas and Minneapolis, and will wrap in May.
Britt Nicole burst onto the Christian music scene with her debut release, Say It, four years ago. The finely crafted pop collection produced three Top 10 radio singles, including “Set The World On Fire.” The pop-rock artist’s breakthrough sophomore release, The Lost Get Found, debuted at No.1 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums Charts and produced two No. 1 radio singles (“The Lost Get Found” and “Walk On The Water”) and a Top 5 hit (“Hanging On”). This past fall, she completed an extensive tour with Brandon Heath that visited more than 40 markets.
Sparrow Records’ Britt Nicole can be heard in the upcoming major motion picture SOUL SURFER, starring AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. Songs featured during the film include "Like a Star" from her sophomore album The Lost Get Found and "Set the World on Fire" from her freshman release Say It. TriStar Pictures releases SOUL SURFER in theaters nationwide on April 8th, 2011.
SOUL SURFER is the true story of competitive teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, inspiring millions worldwide through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. To watch the full-length trailer, click here.
"Britt has really fun contemporary music with great lyrics,” says Hamilton. “Her music fits the feel of the movie really well; I'm stoked to have it in SOUL SURFER!"
Britt also was recently nominated for “Female Vocalist of the Year” at this year’s 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards. The ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2010 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA. The event will be televised nationwide on GMC, Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 from 7-9p.m. EST.
“I am so honored and humbled to be nominated for ‘Female Vocalist of the Year,’ and with so many great artists,” expresses Britt. “Thank you so much to everyone who voted, God is so faithful.”
Currently, Britt is performing some fan favorites before thousands of teen girls on the Dream On Revolve Tour, alongside Group 1 Crew, Hawk Nelson, Jenna Lucado Bishop and more. For additional information please visit RevolveTour.com.
For more information on Britt Nicole, please go to www.brittnicole.com.
America has heard her on MTV’s The Hills and NBC’s The Biggest Loser, and this week Sparrow recording artist Britt Nicole is debuting her brand new music video, “Headphones” on iTunes ® http://is.gd/gS9B1. After just 24 hours of being release, it skyrocketed to No. 1 on the Christian & Gospel iTunes®“ video chart. Headphones” can be heard on her critically acclaimed sophomore album The Lost Get Found in addition to a new studio version on her latest project Acoustic, released this past summer.
Fans can also watch “Headphones,” directed by Wes Edwards and produced by Brittany Hailes with Ruckus Films, on Hearitfirst.com and CCM starting November 16, while Gospel Music Channel will host the television premiere of the video on November 19. In the song, Britt encourages boys and girls of all ages to not conform to what society tells them to be, but to be true to who they are. The song is a fun anthem for anyone who wants to escape reality for a few moments and be encouraged to know they are loved and in turn, share that love with others.
Britt’s “The Lost Get Found” video, directed by Steve Hoover and produced by Danny Yourd with Endeavor Media, has been nominated for Gospel Music Channel’s video of the year. Fans may vote for their favorite video once per day at http://www.gmclife.com/vote. The fans' votes will narrow down the list to the Top 10 Videos of 2010, which will be revealed in December on the Top Spin 10 Countdown special edition.
In other news, the singer/songwriter was recently honored with her first ASCAP award for the most played songs on The Lost Get Found. Produced by Robert Marvin (Mat Kearney, tobyMac) and Dan Muckala (Brandon Heath, Backstreet Boys), The Lost Get Found (2009) debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart, No. 62 on the Billboard 200, went straight to No. 1 on iTunes’ Christian/Gospel Top Albums chart, and peaked in the Top 10 on iTunes Top 100 albums chart. The album’s lead single, “The Lost Get Found,” rocketed to No. 1 on the Radio & Records CHR chart, spending eight consecutive weeks in the top position while climbing to No. 1 on iTunes’ Christian/Gospel Top Songs chart as well.
Britt is currently wrapping up the “Fly Me To The Show” tour with Hawk Nelson and will be and will be embarking on the 2011 Revolve tour entitled Dream On, accompanied by friends Group 1 Crew, Hawk Nelson, Jenna Lucado Bishop and more as they travel around the country performing for teens and encouraging them in their walk with Christ. For additional information please visit RevolveTour.com.
For more information on Britt Nicole and a full list of tour dates please go http://www.brittnicole.com .
Available now, and with much critical acclaim, is the latest project from Sparrow Records’ rising recording artist Britt Nicole, Acoustic. Unveiling a stripped down, more intimate side of Britt, Acoustic showcases her unique vocal style and powerful lyrics. The disc is making an impact on listeners as it has already placed in the Top 5 on iTunes ® Christian & Gospel album chart and is delivering enthusiastic reviews from critics all over, including Jesusfreakhideout, Gospel Music Channel and more.
“Her signature teen pop sound is transformed into a mature contemporary style. Each of these songs sounds almost entirely different from their original forms…is a must-have for all of Britt's fans.”-Jesusfreakhideout.com
“This is a solid collection from one of Christian pop's newest leading ladies, and we're getting to see her come into her own with each new project.”-GMCLife.com
“Hearing the songs stripped down allows for a deeper focus on her beautiful lyrics as well as a chance to hear her uplifting voice shine even brighter.”-HollywoodJesus.com
Produced by Ed Cash (Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, Sara Groves) and Christopher Stevens (Addison Road) the album includes five fan favorites that Britt wrote from her debut album Say It and her sophomore release The Lost Get Found, in addition to a brand new song she co-wrote with Award-Winning artist Brandon Heath.
Also featured on Acoustic is Britt’s brand new single “Hanging On,” a song that is proving to be another hit for the Salisbury native as it is climbing the radio charts currently in the top 20 at CHR and in the top 30 at AC Indicator and AC Monitored.
Fans can catch Britt on tour this fall with Hawk Nelson on the Fly Me To The Show tour and after the holidays she will dive into the Revolve Tour visiting over 20 cities across the U.S. For more information on the tour, visit http://www.flymetotheshow.com.
For more information on Britt Nicole, please visit www.brittnicole.com.
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Acoustic Track Listing:
1. Hanging On
2. Set the World on Fire
3. Headphones
4. Walk On The Water
5. The Lost Get Found
6. Found By You
Sparrow Records’ rising female artist Britt Nicole will embark on several tours throughout the year, the first of which is The Summerfest Tour with pop-rock bands Building 429 and MIKESCHAIR. Immediately following her summer endeavors, Britt will continue on the road through the fall alongside Dove Award winners Hawk Nelson starting in September. To catch Britt on the road, visit www.brittnicole.com for a list of dates and venues on both tours.
In addition to her cross-country stops, Britt will take time out in July for a few intimate Disney Night of Joy promotional performances for radio personnel performing new renditions of her hitsfrom her debut album Say It and sophomore release The Lost Get Found. These particular arrangements can be found on Britt’s new acoustic EP, scheduled to release August 24, which features five of her most popular tracks and a new, never before released song.
Also coming this fall will be the debut Britt’s 3rd single off The Lost Get Found album, “Hanging On” scheduled to go to radio this fall. “Hanging On” is the follow-up to her current single “Walk On The Water,” which peaked at No. 1 on CHR, placed in the Top 20 at AC and most recently was heard on NBC’s The Biggest Loser.
With so much devastation in Nashville due to the recent flood disaster, many artists are joining together to help restore their community. Britt also jumped on board and recently performed at Brandon Heath’s 3rd Annual “Love Your Neighbor Benefit” held at Fellowship Bible Church in Nashville, TN, alongside fellow artists Mike Donehey frontman of Tenth Avenue North, singer/songwriter Jason Ingram, Grammy winners Amy Grant and TobyMac and Grammy nominee Brandon Heath. With over 2,000 people in attendance and close to no standing room available, more than $61,000 was raised during this event in which all of the funds went towards rebuilding El Shaddai, a church that was demolished in the floods.
For more information on Britt Nicole, please visit www.brittnicole.com.
Pop rock vocalist Britt Nicole rides the momentum of her sophomore project The Lost Get Found, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart, into the new year. Having recently been named among the “Top 10 Ones to Watch in 2010” by GospelMusicChannel.com, Britt continues the busiest season of her career with a number of high profile opportunities, including a song on the upcoming Sony Pictures Home Entertainment DVD release, Ice Castles, and two major national tours.
Most recently Britt was tapped to re-record “Through the Eyes of Love,” the theme song from the 1978 Oscar® nominated romantic film, Ice Castles. The classic tale that inspired a generation of girls gets a modernized update when Sony Pictures Home Entertainment debuts the 2010 remake of Ice Castles on DVD February 9. Sony Pictures also hand-picked Britt’s songs “The Lost Get Found,” “Like A Star,” “Holiday,” and “Safe,” to be included in the timeless remake as well.
“Ice Castles is a fun, clean movie for all ages and I am excited for my music to be a part of it,” says Britt. “The song ‘Through the Eyes of Love,’ works beautifully with the film, so it was very cool to be asked to sing it. Go rent it, your family will enjoy it.”
Britt kicked off 2010 with a two-week missions trip to Uganda in January. She spent the first three days traveling to orphanages with Christian non-profit organization Visiting Orphans. She then teamed up with Exile International, and lived with the children in the Village of Hope for 4 days, working with former child soldiers and children abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army. She spent the last 3 days of her trip visiting orphans and families living in various displacement camps, one of which was in Gulu.
“I was so blessed to join Visiting Orphans and Exile International to minister to some of the most broken children in Uganda, “ Britt comments. “My heart breaks now thinking of them, but these children taught me what it means to have joy, in the middle of pain. They changed me , and I can't wait to go back. This is just the beginning of an amazing journey with the people of Africa.”
Britt returned to the U.S. mid-January to join INO recording artist Building 429 on its 2010 Winter Blast tour, also featuring artists MIKESCHAIR , Chris & Conrad, and Echoing Angels. The tour will hit 14 cities through late March. An updated list of tour dates is available at http://brittnicole.sparrowrecords.com/ontour/.
Currently Britt is ruling the video and radio charts with The Lost Get Found, whose namesake music video just wrapped a four-week run at No. 1 on the Gospel Music Channel ( http://www.gmclife.com/video/pop ) and claimed the No. 1 position on the iTunes Christian/Gospel video chart. Additionally her latest radio single, “Walk On The Water,” climbing the charts at multiple formats, has already landed in the Top 10 on the Radio & Records CHR chart in just a few short weeks.
This spring, Britt will continue to support the record by playing a direct supporting role on award-winning female vocalist Natalie Grant’s “Love Revolution Tour,” visiting 30 cities through May. The tour, which additionally features American Idol alumnus Phil Stacey, kicks off March 18 and wraps late spring on the West Coast.
“I have always looked up to Natalie,” Britt says. “My very first performance as an artist was with her when I was 17. She loves God and loves people, and I will stand with anyone who has a heart like this. I believe this tour is going to be powerful and I am thankful and excited to be a part of it.”
For a complete list of tour dates, visit http://brittnicole.sparrowrecords.com/ontour/.
CD REVIEW: Britt Nicole -The Lost Get Found
by Mark Warren
The landscape of pop music is constantly changing, even in the short time since Britt Nicole debuted with her power pop sound. Her second effort highlights her soulful vocals layered with textured beats, strings and piano.
The lead single, “The Lost Get Found,” contains a message that runs through the project, how we are to be a shining city on a hill. As a result, those who haven’t experienced first-hand the love of Christ will be found. This track features an undeniable hook, and the acoustic guitar punches in the verse pull the listener in immediately.
Expectedly, there are numerous high-energy songs featured here. From “Glow” to “Welcome to the Show,” these have mixed results. It’s easy to understand and hear how they would be suited for Britt’s live show and a younger audience, but I find myself skipping these after a few listens in favor of the more melodic tracks.
One of these tracks, “Safe,” begins with a mellow piano feel then opens up in the second verse with a rhythmic drum track that really drives the song through to its conclusion. It showcases a real depth of maturity in her sound when compared with her debut.
Mid-tempo tracks are wholly successful, and you’ll be hard pressed to get them out of your head. With “Hanging On,” the handclap beat running through the song, paired with the sunny lyrics feels radio ready.
Buoyed by top-level production and masterful pop songwriting, The Lost Get Found is a fun and introspective record from one of Christian music’s breakout females. It continues to prove why she is leading the way among the genre’s female vocalists.
Sparrow recording artist Britt Nicole stops by the WAY-FM studios in Franklin, Tenn. earlier this month as part of a 21-station radio tour to promote her new single, "The Lost Get Found." The song will be featured on her forthcoming sophomore release of the same title, in stores Aug. 11. Pictured (l-r) are Britt Nicole and Wally, host of CHRSN's "Total Axxess."
