Multiple Grammy and Dove Award-winning recording artist John Schlitt has hit the Billboard and Christian Music Weekly (CMW) music charts with "Hope That Saves The World," the lead single from The Greater Cause, the legendary vocalist's fourth solo CD.
The single, co-written by Schlitt and his producer, Dan Needham, landed in the No. 29 spot on Billboard's Christian Rock chart and No. 25 on CMW's Rock chart.
"With the new chart positions, it's clear that people all over the world are responding to the dynamic combination of the timeless message of 'Hope That Saves The World,' John Schlitt's amazing voice and the power of God!" says Jeff McLaughlin, president, A-Sides Radio Promotion.
"Hope That Saves The World" has received rave reviews from radio industry veterans.
"He's still got it!" says Chris Goodwin, music director at Dallas' KVRK, says of Schlitt. KVRK has "Hope That Saves The World" in heavy rotation.
Tim Hopkins, music director at KORB in Santa Rosa, Calif., says the station has put "Hope That Saves The World" into hot rotation because of listeners' response. "Our listeners appreciate hearing from some of the artists who have helped pave the way," Hopkins says. "They are enjoying the great music from John's The Greater Cause."
The Greater Cause, released May 8 by 4K Records, is distributed by New Day Christian Distributors. For more information about Schlitt and The Greater Cause, go to johnwschlitt.com or newdaychristian.com.
The Greater Cause, the new CD from multiple Grammy and Dove Award-winning recording artist John Schlitt, is being released today through 4K Records and New Day Christian Distributors. Even before its official release, The Greater Cause, the first full-length CD since Schlitt's 2008 critically-acclaimed release, The Grafting, has been garnering praise from the music industry and fans alike.
"…this is definitely the best of Schlitt's solo albums, meaning Christian rock fans have great cause to be excited," says Hardrock Haven.
"…undeniably a classic," says Jesusfreakhideout.com.??"This is what we've been waiting for from Schlitt…and can be ranked up there with some of his best Petra work," says The Front Row Report.
Just days before its official release, Schlitt previewed the new project at a CD Release Party in Indianapolis, which was held in conjunction with the Pethead Convention 3: Indy (PC3 Indy), a gathering of Petra fans. Schlitt's supporters came to the intimate event to chat with the singer and hear him perform. Highlights of the party included Schlitt inviting his wife, Dorla, onstage as he sang "The Gift," the tribute song written for her, and the audience singing along to "Hope That Saves The World," the new single from The Greater Cause.
For street week, Schlitt is being interviewed and featured by numerous Christian and mainstream media and radio outlets, including NewReleaseTuesday.com, HearItFirst.com, Jesusfreakhideout.com, Hard Rock Haven, KYLT-Static Radio, KORB-Broken FM and more, with some special surprises in store for fans as the week progresses.
Schlitt's signature vocals soar on the new CD, lauded as a return to the Gospel Music Hall of Famer's rock roots. Driving guitars and thundering drums create an explosive sonic atmosphere packed with drive and intensity. Lyrically, The Greater Cause focuses on the relevance of faith in an increasingly secular world.
"Every song on the album has a message that is pertinent to what is happening in our daily lives," Schlitt says. "How relevant are we, as Christians, in the world today? We need to use common sense and awaken to the fact that Jesus is Lord, no matter what those around us may say or do."
Schlitt, named the best rock singer in Christian music history by GospelMusicChannel.com, stepped from behind the microphone to co-write seven of this project's 11 tracks with such Christian music luminaries as Grammy, Emmy and Dove Award winner Andrew Ramsey (India.Arie, Jonny Lang and Mandisa) and Dan Needham, who has worked on more than 40 Dove and Grammy Award-winning projects with the likes of Michael McDonald, Amy Grant and Chris Tomlin; as well as Chris Rodriguez, Scott Faircloff and Gene Miller. Dove Award winner and 2008 BMI Songwriter of the Year Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant, David Crowder Band) and Dove Award winner Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Hawk Nelson, Point of Grace) also contributed songs to the project.
"When I began to reach out to some of the most successful writers and musicians in contemporary Christian music and ask if they were interested in being a part of John's project, there was a resounding 'Yes!'" says producer Dan Needham. "I believe that is a testimony to John's reputation among his peers and because of his legendary status in CCM history."
On The Greater Cause, Schlitt's vocals soar on the anthemic "Hope That Saves The World" and thunder on the blues-laden "Love Won't Leave Me Alone," but Schlitt also knows how to pull back to an intimate intensity on emotional ballads like "The Gift."
Schlitt recorded The Greater Cause with capital raised through the innovative Kickstarter "crowd-funding" business model. An army of fans, dubbed the TGC Crew (The Greater Cause Crew) in honor of the CD title, contributed financially to make the album possible. In return, the TGC Crew members are receiving pre-release copies of the CD and a limited number of unique donor gifts, such as handmade commemorative plaques, studio session visits, vocal coaching and concert performances. The TGC Crew also has continuing access to a restricted website that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the recording of The Greater Cause, including photos, videos and a blog.
For more information about Schlitt or The Greater Cause, go to johnwschlitt.com.
The public is invited to join multiple Grammy and Dove Award-winning recording artist John Schlitt for the CD release party of The Greater Cause on Saturday in Indianapolis. The event, at the Wingate by Wyndham at 5797 Rockville Road, is being held in conjunction with the Pethead Convention 3: Indy (PC3 Indy), a gathering of Petra fans. The Gospel Music Hall of Famer formerly was lead singer of Petra during the years when the band won 10 Dove Awards and four Grammy Awards.
Fans will have the opportunity to celebrate and interact with Schlitt during a listening party event beginning at 1 p.m. Those in attendance will get a preview of The Greater Cause and Schlitt will share his insights about the songs on the project. A Q&A time will also be held with Schlitt and members of GHF (which stands for God Has Forgiven) — John DeGroff, Bill Glover, Greg Hough — three of the four original Petra members. Schlitt will be in concert at 9 p.m., performing selections from The Greater Cause and Petra hits.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door and are available by calling 317-445-6115 or at iTickets.com.
The Greater Cause, Schlitt's first full-length CD since his critically-acclaimed 2008 release, The Grafting, officially will be released Tuesday. The Greater Cause CDs will be available for advance purchase at the release party.
The Pethead Convention, hosted by the Classic Christian Rock Preservation Society, is a regular gathering for Petra fans to swap stories and display items they have collected throughout the past 40 years since the band has been in existence. In addition to Schlitt's performance, the convention will feature music from GHF and singer/songwriter Sam Scales.
The Greater Cause is being released through 4K Records and New Day Christian Distributors. For more information about Schlitt or The Greater Cause, go to johnwschlitt.com.
4K Records has announced that "Where I Wanna Be" and "Hope That Saves The World," two singles from The Greater Cause, the upcoming CD from multiple Grammy and Dove Award-winning recording artist John Schlitt, have been released to Christian radio.
"Where I Wanna Be," written by Schlitt, Dan Needham and Scott Faircloff, has gone for adds to AC/CHR radio formats. "Hope That Saves The World," co-written by Schlitt and Needham, is being added to Christian CHR/Rock stations. Needham, in addition to being a songwriter on The Greater Cause, also produced the project.
Both singles are receiving significant airplay nationwide, including such markets as Dallas (KVRK), Flint, Mich. (WSNL), Greensboro-Winston Salem, N.C. (WBFJ) and Santa Rosa, Calif. (KORB). "Hope That Saves The World" has hit Christian Music Weekly (CMW)'s Rock Most Added chart for April 25.
"We're gaining strong momentum with John's first two singles," says Jeff McLaughlin of McLaughlin Music Group International, who is promoting Schlitt's singles. "The entire project is incredible and we're getting really positive feedback from the stations. I'm excited that the singles already are in medium to heavy rotation in a number of markets and each week brings more spins."
Tim Hopkins, music director at KORB in Santa Rosa, says the station has put "Hope That Saves The World" into hot rotation, with more spins coming up next week because of listeners' response.
The Greater Cause, Schlitt's first full-length CD since his critically-acclaimed 2008 release, The Grafting, is set for a May 8 release through 4K Records and New Day Christian Distributors.
Schlitt, named the best rock singer in Christian music history by GospelMusicChannel.com in 2011, stepped from behind the microphone to co-write seven of this project's 11 tracks with such Christian music luminaries as Grammy, Emmy and Dove Award winner Andrew Ramsey (India.Arie, Jonny Lang and Mandisa) and Dan Needham, who has worked on more than 40 Dove and Grammy Award-winning projects (Michael McDonald, Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin and more), as well as Chris Rodriguez, Scott Faircloff and Gene Miller. Dove Award winner and 2008 BMI Songwriter of the Year Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant, David Crowder Band) and Dove Award winner Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Hawk Nelson, Point of Grace) also contributed songs to the project.
Multiple Grammy and Dove Award-winning recording artist John Schlitt is set to unleash The Greater Cause, his first full-length CD since his critically-acclaimed 2008 release, The Grafting. The Gospel Music Hall of Fame member returns to his rock roots with the new project, set to release May 8 through 4K Records and New Day Christian Distributors.
Schlitt's signature vocals soar, with driving guitars and thundering drums creating an explosive sonic atmosphere packed with drive and intensity.
Lyrically, The Greater Cause focuses on the relevance of faith in an increasingly secular world. "Every song on the album has a message that is pertinent to what is happening in our daily lives," Schlitt says. "How relevant are we, as Christians, in the world today? We need to use common sense and awaken to the fact that Jesus is Lord, no matter what those around us may say or do."
Schlitt, named the best rock singer in Christian music history by GospelMusicChannel.com, stepped from behind the microphone to co-write seven of this project's 11 tracks with such Christian music luminaries as Grammy, Emmy and Dove Award winner Andrew Ramsey (India.Arie, Jonny Lang and Mandisa) and Dan Needham, who has worked on more than 40 Dove and Grammy Award-winning projects with the likes of Michael McDonald, Amy Grant and Chris Tomlin; as well as Chris Rodriguez, Scott Faircloff and Gene Miller. Dove Award winner and 2008 BMI Songwriter of the Year Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant, David Crowder Band) and Dove Award winner Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Hawk Nelson, Point of Grace) also contributed songs to the project.
"When I began to reach out to some of the most successful writers and musicians in contemporary Christian music and ask if they were interested in being a part of John's project, there was a resounding 'Yes!'" says producer Dan Needham. "I believe that is a testimony to John's reputation among his peers and because of his legendary status in CCM history."
On The Greater Cause, Schlitt's vocals soar on the anthemic "Hope That Saves The World," and thunder on the blues-laden, "Love Won't Leave Me Alone," but Schlitt also knows how to pull back to an intimate intensity on emotional ballads like "The Gift."
Schlitt recorded The Greater Cause with capital raised through the innovative Kickstarter "crowd-funding" business model. An army of fans, dubbed the TGC Crew (The Greater Cause Crew) in honor of the CD title, contributed financially to make the album possible. In return, the TGC Crew members are receiving pre-release copies of the CD, and a limited number of unique donor gifts, such as handmade commemorative plaques, joining the musician at a studio session, vocal lessons and concert performances. The TGC Crew also has continuing access to a restricted website that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the recording of The Greater Cause, including photos, videos and a blog.
For more information about Schlitt or The Greater Cause, go to johnwschlitt.com or newdaychristian.com.
Legendary recording artist John Schlitt—solo artist, lead singer for Grammy Award-winning Christian band Petra and former lead singer for mainstream rock band Head East—recently joined multi-platinum, Grammy and Dove Award winning artist Michael W. Smith, who gathered a who's-who list from the music community to record "Come Together Now" at Belmont University's Ocean Way Studios. The song, penned by Smith, David Mullen and Cindy Morgan—and produced by Bryan Lenox—was written to remind people of the need to help those in Haiti.
"The crisis in Haiti has left us all trying to figure out how we can help," shares Smith. "We wanted to create something that the community could support, for the greater good of those in Haiti. Everyone gave of their time: the studio was donated, the musicians donated their time and all proceeds from this song will go to designated charity/relief work through The American Red Cross and Samaritan's Purse. It's incredible to be part of something that is going to help so many people."
Schlitt adds, "It was a real joy to be able to share the talent that God has given me with so many others who have been given the same ability—all wrapped in a spirit that was truly straight from the Lord. It was a great evening."
In addition to lending their voices in song, Schlitt and several other artists also recorded PSAs for The American Red Cross and Samaritan's Purse for use in upcoming months.
Contributing artists include: Aaron Shust, Alathea, Amber Hezlep, Anthony Moreino, Anthony Skinner, Ashley Cleveland, Austins Bridge, B. Reith, Brady Toops, Brandon Heath, Britt Nicole, Byron Chambers, Calvin Nowell, Charmaine, Chris McClarney, Chris Sligh, Chuck Girard, Dana Jorgensen, Darwin Hobbs, David Mullen, Don Poythress, Donovan Tea, Dorothy Savage, Duane Allen, Echoing Angels, Everlife, Francesca Battistelli, Greg Jennings, Hillary McBride, Jaime Jamgochian, Jared Anderson, Jasmine Sagginario, Jason Baird, Jason Dunn, Jimmie Allen, Jody Davis, John Ford Coley, John Schlitt, Joseph Martino, Julia Ross, Justin Rivers, Kate Lazar, Kate Schettler, The Katinas, Kevin Max, Kirk Sullivan, Lara Landon, Lanae Hale, Lannie Anderson, Lee Greenwood, Mandisa, Manic Drive, Margaret Becker, Mark Hall and Megan Garrett of Casting Crowns, Matt Dowley, Matthew West, Matt Maher, Melinda Doolittle, Meredith Andrews, Michael Cavallo, Michael Olson, Michael Tait, Michael Tash, MIKESCHAIR, Mike Weaver, Natalie Grant, Nicole C. Mullen, The Oak Ridge Boys, Paige Armstrong, Phil Stacey, Point of Grace, PureNRG, Rachael Lampa, Rachel B. James, Reco Hight, Restless Heart, Ruben Mundo, Russ Mohr, Sarah Ross, Sarah Sadler, Selah, Shannon Cochran, Shawn Cavallo, Stephanie Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Terrence James, TobyMac, Tommy Coomes, Travis Cottrell, Trey Heffinger, Wynonna, Yellow Cavalier and a childrens choir of more than 250 elementary school students including 14 from Haiti.
The song will be made available for sale soon, with all proceeds going to benefit relief efforts to Haiti. More details on the song's release date are forthcoming.
With more than three decades worth of water under the musical bridge, John Schlitt has earned multiple Gold Records, Grammys and Dove Awards. He has toured all over the world and has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as a member of Petra, one of the most successful rock bands in Christian music history. Schlitt was recently named the best rock singer in Christian music history by GospelMusicChannel.com. According to the website, Schlitt "remains one of the most distinctive and impactful men to ever stand behind a microphone."
For Schlitt's latest solo album, The Grafting, he called on the multiple talents of son-in-law and rising star producer/songwriter/drummer Dan Needham (Amy Grant, Petra, Michael McDonald) to help craft his vision. The Grafting finds Schlitt exploring uncharted musical territory, while remaining anchored by his unmistakable voice. At once intimate and accessible, The Grafting is without a doubt Schlitt's most potent solo album to date.
The Grafting is available on 4K Records and is distributed by New Day Christian Distributors in the U.S. and internationally by Go Global Entertainment. For more information on John Schlitt and The Grafting, visit johnwschlitt.com.
